Wrap Them in Bubble Wrap

Today is huge. The Phillies Bunts 'Meet and Greet' will take place in the Holiday Inn parking lot prior to today's game. The Wriz, CJ Hood and myself will be there pounding adult beverages, playing Baggo and discussing all topics. There hasn't been a meeting this big since Stalin, Churchill and Truman met at Potsdam post WWII to divide up the world. Stop by if you are attending today's game.

The All Star break is upon us. The Phillies are in first place with the best record in baseball. 5 Phillies, count em', 5 made the All Star team. Back when the Phillies were bad the All Star game was a big deal. This was the one time all year a Phillies player could get National attention. My how things have changed. Now I hope our players don't even get in the game. The fact that Polly and Shane are nicked up could be a blessing in disguise. Neither one looks like they are going to play. Since Bruce Bochy decided to take 3 of his own pitchers let them pitch 3 innings each. 3 for Timmy, 3 for Cain and 3 for Ryan Vogelsong. Ryan Vogelsong? What a joke. I guess 1 inning for Halladay and Lee won't hurt but that's it. It would be Lee's day to throw on the side. Halladay has already said he doesn't want to throw 2 innings, hopefully Bochy respects that.
 

Some quick takes on the Mid Summer's Classic

- Fan Vote - Keep it! it gets peoples attention. Plus the Phillies have won it a few times. Hell, Victorino has won it twice. It's nice to win.

- Home Run Derby - Lose it! Bobby Abreu is here by crowned the Home Run Derby Champ every year. Nice job screwing up your swing for the rest of your Phillies career Bobby.
 

- Home Field Advantage - Lose it! Why should Joel Hanrahan have anything to do with home field advantage for the World Series? Him and his Pirate buddies will be watching the World Series on TV like the rest of us. Just plain stupid.

- DH for the game - Lose it! My feelings about the DH are well documented in this blog. With a full bench of players, pitchers rarely hit in this game but I want the DH abolished from every level of baseball.

- At least one player for every team - Keep it! We forget since it's been a while. When your team is bad this could be the highlight of your season.
 

Keep It Classy Philly!

DB29

View from the Left Coast by a Lefty: It's break time(almost)

What do I see from way out here you ask? Well, a little and a lot. By a little I mean: 1) we have the best record in baseball, which even the most average fan expected even though they might not admit it. 2) 3 All Star pitchers, not a stretch for anyone's imagination. 3) Charlie leaving Danny Ozark in the dust for number of wins as a Phillie, also expected. 4) Ruben saying(and meaning) he thought we were okay and didn't need to hunt down a RH big bat or relievers. At times, that was a stretch, but guess what, once again he's looking a lot like Pat Gillick used to.

By a lot... wowza where to start. Okay, so far this year I think Charlie is doing his best ever job of managing a shitload of bodies. At last count, at least 10 players off the opening day roster have had major stints on the DL. I mean shit, who knew Wilson Valdez was really a closer, or that Stutes and Bastardo were studs, or Juan Perez could throw a 9 pitch perfect inning? Hollywood looks like the 08 MVP, Doc is Doc(who should have at least 13 wins already if not more) and Clifton is Clifton. But Oswalt and Blanton have been down, thus we find The Vanimal and even Kendrick kicks in. Really, who knew? WTF else are they hiding up there in Iron Pig country?

More of a lot... what's up with the offense? Hot/cold, on/off, wishey/washey, kickass/forshit, WTF? We go back to Charlie mixing and matching healthy bodies and wondering when the real batting order is gonna step up. Is it just me, or does anyone else have the feeling that RAUUUUUULLL is going to end his Phillie's contract with a last half of a season the resembles the first half of a season he had here? My biggest worry is whether or not Howard will remember how to crush an outside fastball like he used to. My best friend was on a cruise last fall and met Bronson Arroyo on it. They talked baseball and Bronson told my bud he couldn't believe Howard can't catch up to the outside fastball. Granted right now he has more than his own share of problems(Arroyo) but that struck a nerve. Think about it. Cut down the swing, go to left, and kill the shift he always sees. Couldn't hurt the average or much else. He did it last night, it's not impossible.

What it boils down to is this, the second half is gonna be fucking special. I can smell it in the air even way out here. Even devoid of decent cheesesteaks and pizza, I can still smell it. Dubee and Cholly have my attention, utmost respect, and trust that the job will get done. I don't think we've yet dominated like we can and 100+ wins is still what we all expect and is NOT a stretch. Now the ONLY question that remains is... will I finally get to see my first World Series game?

Bill AKA/Netfather



Who knew Bill had friends like this?



Florida: The Bulldish State!

Hoodwink’d    by cj hood

Florida:  The Bulldish State!

 SMILE IF YOU KILLED SOMEONE!

-we (white people) won!

-Phils can’t seem to seal the deal.

-Yo Rauch!  You mad bro?

-Doc gets bigger props in Toronto than syrup.

-when Encarnacion hit that long ball the cock crowed 3X.

-Yo if Kemp falls over…he ain’t getting up.

-Should have kept Kendrick in!

-that black ump w/red mustache is terrible!

-Marlins series was filled with foul ups, bleeps & blunders as per usual.

-George Foster is the ugliest man to ever play MLB…come at me!

-Trade Baez for a bag of balls.

-Casey’s out looking for the real killers.

-those that think the Marlins deserve a new stadium also believe we’ll have to pay 

 for Facebook.

-guess who's dusting off the computer desk?

-Martinez must have naked pictures of RAJ.

- “Damn that white girl gotta way wit murder.” -OJ Simpson

YOU’RE SO UGLY YOU MAKE ONIONS CRY!

-Hey, look at that…Ibanez remembered to take his bat on this road trip!

-HUUUUGE event in Philly this weekend…I’m talking about the ‘Bunts Meet & Greet.

-Doc, Lee & Hamels got this!

-check Casey out on the “Porn & Celebrity Rehab 2011 Summer Tour!”

-Yo Buck!  You mad bro?

-trade Worley for a solid bat.

-DB loves Ryan Howard like Lynda Goodfriend loved Ron Howard.

-D*Brown can’t catch a break!

-every time T-Mac mentioned the word ‘birthday’ I did a shot…I was hammered by BP.

-I hope you voted for Shane.

-my wife finally wore her ‘Bunts shirt.

-I think Mayberry should stick around.

-I’ll watch more Fox News than I will the All Star game.

-Anyone catch Wheels bitchin’ about Ramirez?

-f’ the BoSox series…this weekend’s the real deal!

-Casey’s got 99 problems, but a kid ain’t one!

-I’m finally going to CBP on Sunday…..let’s get ‘bunted!!!

Yo ‘Buntamaniacs living in the Philly/NJ area:  Email Mike @ mdocproductions@aol.com and tell him to you want to see cj hood do stand-up at Currans in Palmyra.  Please be polite…he’s good peeps!  Thanks.

WDGR on the AM Dial

I am a technology and social media dork. There, I said it.

At any given time, you could probably find me playing on my blackberry, iTouch or laptop… if not all 3 at once. I have Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Tumblr accounts, and somewhere out there a Myspace page I haven’t logged in to for maybe 4 or so years.  My graduate-level courses are online, I write for a Phillies blog site (duh!) and I have become lazy enough in my ripe old age of 32 ¾ that I even prefer to shop via the interwebs.

For as much traveling as I do, I have to rely heavily on websites, radio and social media to keep me updated on the goings on of the world when I am not able to catch up via TV news. This proves to be especially hard in regards to following my beloved Phils.

Something as simple as catching the home TV broadcast of the Phillies isn’t anything I take for granted anymore. For me, gone are the days of getting home after a long day at the office and having my dinners with T Mac, Wheels and Sarge (at least for a few years anyway). Every once in a while the MLB network will allow me the pleasure of having our broadcast team to watch when I’m away from Philly. Even when I AM home I have to rely on some other form of broadcast since I am not there enough to justify paying an outrageous Comcast bill. Thankfully, my laptop and blackberry can allow me to stream the games as twitter and facebook give me the running commentary of my friends and fellow Fightin’s fans (or “Chris Wheeler” tweets) when I’m out of town.

But I will admit – there are times that I want to tune out from the TV, laptop and blackberry and just zone the hell, go for a walk or chill out in the yard or park. I mean, isn’t this what SUMMER is all about anyway??? Of course, following the Phillies is a big part of summer also. When I officially become technology and social media’d OUT, I tune in via one of the oldest communication methods – the radio. In my opinion, Phillies radio broadcasts are completely under rated.

When I was a kid, I remember my Pop taking me to the playground in the summertime with my brother. Since both my parents worked, my grandparents would us during those lazy summer afternoons and evenings. My grand mom would usher us out of the house after dinner so she could clean up and my Pop would bring a small radio and beach chair to tune in to the Phils radio broadcasts while my brother and I tired ourselves out. There was something so simple yet satisfying to me those evenings that are forever etched into my mind.

I started this article last night while sitting in my small yard in Fishtown. It was a beautiful Philadelphia summer evening and I refused to spend it locked up in the house. Armed with radio and laptop, I pulled out a camping chair and set up shop outside.

I was tuned in to Franzke and L.A. who were talking about the Phils potential sweep of the Marlins and whether or not T Mac actually owned a boat while enjoying a warm breeze and a cold beer. Its funny how much you have to use your own imagination when listening to a radio broadcast, and I will spare you the details of what Chase Utley was wearing when he came up to the plate. TV and online streams are awesome to watch games but sitting in front of a screen all day long just isn’t always mentally stimulating to me.

We know how the sweep situation turned out (ughhhhhhh) and no, I didn’t get to see the controversial call on Dom Brown and 2^nd  base.  I did, however, get to see my first lightning bug of the season which was pretty cool. Sometimes it’s good to shut down the TV’s, laptops and blackberry’s and let your imagination go wild. Trust me, the vision of Chase Utley I created…. Ohhhhhh, nevermind.

Have a great week!

-XO

DiamondGirl215

Want to join the Bunts? Send any one of us a sample of your writing and contact info!

Feel free to email me at DiamondGirl215@philliesbunts.com with any questions, comments or suggestions.



Fail!

The old saying goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But what about when it is broke, how long do you wait to fix it? The MLB All-Star game is probably the sports best and easiest way to attract new fans and win back some that have lost their way. There is no NFL, NBA, or even NHL to compete against and, year after year, they completely drop the ball.

Although I am not a huge proponent of fan voting, it does have its merits. It sparks fan interest and particularly with casual fans and younger fans who hopefully will become more avid fans. One change I’d like to see is to vote for pitchers. Each team can designate 2 pitchers from their team. They may choose a starter and a reliever or 2 starters or 2 relievers. 

I’m glad they recognized the HR Derby was wack and are trying to rectify it, but I’m not sure the “team concept” is the way to go. I watched Josh Hamilton put on the most dynamic display of power hitting I’ve ever seen in 2008. His 28 in the first round were more than any Derby competitor hit in the entire night. He lost.  In fact, it was more than any competitor in the event history hit in one night except one, the Phillies Bobby Abreu.

Next, the game starts too late. Last year, the first pitch was thrown after 9pm so the game won’t be over until midnight or later. That’s too late for me. It’s too late for my grandmother and I dunno, CJ Hood how late can you kids stay up in the summer?

The biggest problem is that the game is played for home field advantage in the World Series. So basically, a guy on a team that’s already 15 games out to start July could determine whether or not the Phillies have home field advantage in October. And more importantly determine if the DH will be used 3 or 4 times in a 7 game series. Which leads me to my next point, whether or not the DH is used the game it unfairly tilted to the AL. Why? The size of the rosters eliminates the need for pitchers to bat. Over the past 10 All Star games, pitchers have batted a combined 4 times. Two were in the 2002 game which started this ruckus because the game ended in a tie when the teams ran out of players and the other 2 instances were when the early runs sent the pitcher to the plate in the first or second inning. No need for double switches or sacrifices.  Trim the rosters to 25 same as any ML ball club. I would consider allowing players to re-enter the game once if the game were to go extra innings otherwise its business as usual. This would of course eliminate the requirement that each team be represented. It is the All Star game, not the Gaby Sanchez is our only decent player game.

The Final Vote is a good idea it keeps the interest going up until the All-Star break starts. It stays. Maybe to appease the teams with out a representative the Final Vote could put a player from each team without an all star in the mix. You want an All Star, Kansas City? You got one more chance to vote him in.

Finally, the Futures Game is one of the best ideas the MLB has come up with, but how many of you have ever seen it? I am a baseball junkie. I’ve never seen the game only highlights. It will be on Sunday at 6 pm, while games are still being played. Even if batting practice and the HR Derby takes precedence can’t the game be moved to Wednesday night in prime time?

See ya at the ballpark!

Jay Wrizight

jaywrizight@yahoo.com

The Big Piece Gets No Love

The Big Piece Gets No Love

Happy Independence Day Bunters!  I hope your BBQ's, Pool parties and beach days find you well.  Independence Day, when our founding fathers flipped England the bird and said "We got this".  In the spirit of this holiday I would like you all to help me fix a wrong.  Let's have an independent thought. Let's not agree with the Phillies fan base that bashes its greatest player.  You have all heard it, "Howard strikes out too much", "Howard isn't clutch", and “How could Howard take that called 3rd strike in the NLCS?”  He has been, by far, the best position player during this run.  Sorry, DiamondGirl, Howard is number 1. Chase is a distant 2nd.  Most, so called, fans fail to realize we have a stone cold Hall of Famer playing here. Here are the numbers to prove it.

Ryan Howard has played 6 full seasons now.  Remember, he came up in the middle of the 2005 season, played 88 games and won the Rookie of the Year.  He has averaged 45 Home Runs during that span.  45 Home Runs!  Mike Schmidt, the franchises all time best position player had 2 seasons of 45 Home Runs or more.  Ryan Howard has also averaged 136 RBI during his first 6 seasons.  Mike Schmidt's best RBI season was 1980, he had 121.  Michael Jack had 7 seasons of 100+ RBI. Howard already has 5 seasons of 100 or more, not counting this year.  I'm not here to bash Mike Schmidt; he was the best player the Phillies ever had, till Ryan Howard came along.  Like Howard, Schmidt wasn't appreciated while he was here.  He got slammed for striking out too much.  He also got knocked for hitting Home Runs that didn't matter.  The fan base did not embrace Mike Schmidt till he got close to 500 Home Runs.  Then everyone realized he was a great player.  Howard seems to be getting the same treatment.

How will Ryan Howard's numbers look when his career is over?  If he keeps this pace, he will end up with 630 Home Runs.  That's 45 Home Runs over 14 years.  That would put him tied for 5th with Ken Griffey Jr.  He would be ahead of Frank Robinson, Harmon Killebrew and Reggie Jackson.  His RBI total works out to 1,904 that would be good enough for 8th place all time, ahead of Willie Mays, Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski.  His slugging percentage is currently 14th best at .564.  He's ahead of Stan Musial, Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle.  Ryan Howard will end up ahead of some pretty good names in a lot of offensive categories.

Spread the word Bunters.  Ryan Howard is a Hall of Fame player.  He's our Hall of Fame player.  We don't get many in Philly.  Don't be the last to realize what we have here. The next time you hear someone say "Howard's a bum", you can hit them with cold hard stats.  Give the Big Piece the love he deserves.

Keep It Classy Philly!

DB29

FMLOLEE

Hoodwink’d    by cj hood

FMLOLEE

KING OF THE TOWN…YEAH I’VE BEEN THAT!

-51-31...’nuff said!

-You’re Welcome Yankees fans!

-UNBELEEVABLE maybe played out, but it doesn’t make it untrue!

-I never really put much faith in stats til the Ibanez-Lackey relationship.

-I could watch Adrian Gonzalez wince after missing Chase’s hit all f’in day.

-BoSox got their asses kicked all over the Keystone State!

-A’s wore the throwback uni’s & were giving away retro-needles in the parking lot.

-Oswalt’s season ended when that tornado hit…sad, but true!

-1 o’clock game and I have a dentist appt at 1:30.…FML!

-Cliff Lee is more beloved in Philly than the cheesesteak and drive-bys.

-NBA lockout? who cares Dave…

-LOL @ the guy or girl who responded to Diamond Girl’s tweet as Wheels.

-When is my wife going to wear her Bunts shirt in public?

-tv in dentist office doesn’t have cable…WTF?

-it was nice to see Michael Jack in the booth.

-D*Brown Redemption:  Get busy running or get busy hitting!

I BATHE IN OIL!

-I’m finally making it to CBP on July 10th…looking forward to a ‘Bunts meet & greet.

-NKOTB had more hits than the BoSox this week!

-Hamel’s is hurt?!!?  FMLAFBTATP (F*ck My Life And My Fantasy Baseball Team  

 And The Phils)

-Stutes & Bastardo got this!

-Fat Joe is like your ‘Aunt Frank’ that no one wants to talk about.

-WB Mason ads straight up suck!

-Dodgers organization is more screwed up than the (Casey) Anthonys!

-give Worley the starting job and go for the bat! (wrote this pre-Hamels injury)

-Chooch and (obviously) Polanco deserve the All Star nod.

-I love Phils injuries like Gov. Corbett loves education.

-Cherry Hill Nissan….your friendly Nissan giant!

-apparently something big happened with the Flyers and somebody’s crying like a b*tch!

-I was feeling bad about my moobs until I gotta look at Tom McCarthy’s set.

-debating whether to wear my ‘Bunts swag or my Chooch shirt on the 10th.

-Hamels to Herndon is like going to bed with Megan Fox and waking up with Meg 

 Griffin.

-we got the best record in baseball….let’s get ‘bunted!!!

SOMEBODY SAY “SEX?!?”