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Why the Phillies Lost to the Rockies

The Hardball Times takes a look at some of the reasons the Phillies didn't win a game against the Rockies this postseason. [Hardball Times]

Allen Iverson is a Smart Man

Allen Iverson now feels at home in Denver.  Good for the little man.  He's also not as stupid as LeBron James when it comes to baseball rooting interests.

In case you're wondering, he was rooting for the Rockies last night against the Phillies, in part because one of his neighbors in his condo is Colorado rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.

I can appreciate that.  Iverson is a Denver star now and it's only right that he supports the city he plays his heart out in.  A.I. was always good like that.  (Except for that one time he may have wanted the Michael Vick-led Falcons over the McNabb-led Birds in the NFC Championship)

For the record, 'Bron 'Bron can root for whoever he wants, just don't wear a stinkink Yankees cap at Jacobs Field.

Quotable: The Phillies Wanted to Win

"This team has the most desire to win of any team I've ever been on."

-Chase Utley after the Phils got swept by the Rockies.

Could Pat Have Caught That One?

It was probably out of his reach, but boy, did it look ugly.  Ahh the pain.

video removed.

Lights Out On Those Dreams of a Parade

They got there.  The place that has eluded them for 14 years was finally reached this season.  It was a remarkable achievement at the time -- making the playoffs -- given many of the circumstances.  Once they got there, they sure didn't act like they had been there before.

Getting swept against the Rockies is a huge disappointment.  There's no other way to look at it.  This team which was known for its incredible ability to light up the scoreboard at will with that potent lineup, the one that included 3 legit MVP caliber players, found themselves barely able to get their guys on base let alone across home plate against Colorado.

They got swept.  It wasn't pretty.

They showed such an ability to battle through every curveball thrown at them this season yet when it mattered the most, they came up empty.

It was a hell of a ride.  This team had that special something that captivated the entire city if even only for a short week.  There were many of us who enjoyed all 162 -- save a half dozen or so meltdowns.  This 2007 version of the Phillies proved that Philadelphia can be a baseball town and an amazing one at that.  Just give us a winner.  Is that too much to ask for?

While tonight's loss hurts tremendously, we remain optimistic for the future.  If there is a single positive to come out of getting swept against the Rockies, it's the fact that the poor post season showing pointed out some of the glaring holes in this team.  We all know what they are.  A sweep hopefully won't let management rest on their, "but we made the post season" laurels.  Maybe the decision makers will finally admit it.  A bullpen with complete Russian Roulette type players like Jose Mesa, Tom Gordon, and Clay Condrey is not the kind of staff to provide any sort of confidence in winning.  The brass will finally have to realize that while a stacked lineup actually may get you into the playoffs once every fourteen years, it won't ever trump the fact that you're picking off the trash heap to fill the pen.

I tip my cap to this squad.  They fought through adversity all season long and gave us one hell of a ride.  In the end they fell short.  There's no excuse for that.  The NL East was certainly enjoyable.  But Champions of the world, they were not.  Not even close.

Yo, Pat, work on that for next year, would ya?  We could use it.

Time to Put the Swagger on the Shelf and Win.

hiding the ball, originally uploaded by dannebrog.

Phillies fans entered this season with high hopes for their team, and with good reason. A decent team last year added  a proven starter and an improvement to the back of the rotation. The roster screamed contender, and we expected nothing less than the playoffs. When Jimmy Rollins called the Phillies the team to beat, we cheered his cocksure swagger, even if we had our doubts (when don't we?). Then the team responded by having one of the worst Aprils in the majors, and for most of the season, the Phils and their fans were ridiculed for being so certain, then falling so flat.

But little by little, the Phils inched into Wild Card contention, and toward the end of the season got hot at just the right time. The soul-less Mets started to freefall, and support continued to strengthen behind the come-from-behind, against-all-odds team. It was a great day in Phillies history when they won the division at home in front of a wild crowd. At the pep rally on Monday, we cheered as JRoll and the Phils once again crowned themselves the team to beat. Unfortunately, just like the last time that happened, they're getting their asses kicked.

I in no way intend this to bash Jimmy, who continues to man up and play like an MVP. JRoll is class, character, smarts, and talent personified. I just hope that being down 2 games in a best of 5 will remind the Phillies that they play better when the odds against them—that when everyone expects them to lose, they go on a tear. They did it in those sweeps of the Mets, and their push down the stretch this season erased what everyone considered an insurmountable deficit. Almost like the challenge they're facing now. No one expects the Phillies to win this series, and I hope they respond just like they have all season.

Jamie Moyer spots Ubaldo Jimenez 21 years tonight. I think Moyer, who always shows confidence but never swagger, is the perfect guy to lead the Phillies onto the field with the season on the line.

UPDATE: The Rain gods are showing their support for the Phillies, shutting the lights at Coors down for a while.

Win Or Go Golfing

What to read while seriously pondering getting cremated instead.

• Cole Hamels doesn't want to pitch in the pen.  Ever.  Kind of a whiny and a bit selfish. [Inqy]
• Cholly on how loose the team seems to be in the face of elimination, "But I expect our guys to come out tomorrow and be loose and have fun and take it to 'em.  I think that's how we've got to look at it . . . We might as well put forth the effort to win the game, as far as being relaxed and playing our kind of game. As long as we do that, it'll take care of itself."
• Beerleaguer says tonight's game is simple, "score more runs." [Beerleaguer]
• I think the "mile high challenge" bit and the Phillies face a "Rockies road" have been played out.
• I feel alright with Jamie Moyer on the mound.  Moyer on taking the ball,  "There's not a better place to be.  'That's why I'm here, and I would hope that's why all my teammates are here, too. From a pitcher's aspect, I would hope they want the ball.
  
  ''This is what you dream about, what you play for, and it's exciting. And you know, all the work that you do in the offseason, all the work that you do early in the day before the game starts, all the preparation as far as the mental side of things, the scouting reports that you get, this is what it's all about.''

"We Drank... and We Drank Some More"

This video from Philly.com is rather humorous to us.  Nothing beats putting a drunk fan in front of a camera with a microphone to their face right after their team got beat.

The best line, "I did not have sexual relations with Charlie Manuel."

We're rather hungover today ourselves.  We watched the game yeterday at a bar and the way things went, the drinks started coming more rapidly in the latter innings.  It was a long night.  Don't expect any brilliant analysis out of us any time soon.

It was a tough loss putting them in the unenviable situation of having to win three straight games to keep the dream alive.  It's still possible.  Stranger things have happened.

Somehow It Must Have Been His Fault

Maybe he wasn't cheering loud enough?  I don't know.  I particularly like this picture from yesterday.

Also, remember that body paint lady?  She's back with a Chase Utley version.  Check out the flickr group.

UPDATE: As Joe pointed out in the comments, McNabb was at the Arizona/Cubs game.  I totally missed this and thought he was at the Phils game because the photo was in a set of "Philadelphia" pictures.

Phils-Rockies, Game 2...

Well it looks like the Rockies got off to a good start, with back to back homers in the first, but JRoll has answered, with the score now 2-1. I'm unsure why Wes Helms and his warning track power are starting again, but I hope he proves my doubts wrong. I also hope the umps will be watching the balking, ball-doctoring bullpen of the Rockies a little closer than yesterday. Time's yours, Philadelphia. Hopefully this will help Chase Utley shake the Golden Sombrero Blues...

Stuck in Denver? Here's Where to Watch.

If you're one of the many Philly ex-pats living in the Denver area, this NLDS has to be especially great for you. When the schedules were announced, the StubHub tickets for the games at Coors were costing quite a bit less on average than those at CBP (though it's now gone up after the Game 1 win). Of course it's gotta be hard to miss the insanity of October baseball's return to Philly, seeing all the red shirts around, huddling around an office TV, talking baseball with people who haven't watched 3 games all season, but at least you get more coverage than usual, and you better get to see a game or two in person.

But if you want a taste of your hometown atmosphere for the remaining games in Philly or if somehow you don't have tickets for those games at Coors, you need to head to Pat's Philly Steaks and Subs in Denver. As AJ Daulerio pointed out in Philadelphia Mag's Daily Examiner, Woody Paige of the Denver Post stopped in to Pat's to talk some jive with the Philadelphians before penning yesterday's column. After seeing him for years on ESPN and reading this column, how he wasn't beaten with long rolls and tied to the dumpster is beyond me. There's also word that the local Philly news will broadcast from there later today.

Anyway, Pat's has 3 Denver locations (see his site for details), one of which is also a great bar scene with plasmas for the games. If you read my post about my trip to Lambeau for the Eagles season opener, you may also remember that Pat is my cousin, and he owns the shop with my uncle. Both were at the game with me, as well as my cousin Dan and Pat's fianceé Audrey. These are rabid Philly fans. You will feel at home.

There was a lot of talk about how lame the Rockies fans were in the play-in game. After the first round loss at home, the Phils will need to take at least one in Denver, so you ex-pats better get out there in force and let 'em hear you.

(Photo from the Denver Post)

Cole Was Too Hot

Only somebody like Mr. Weitzel would pick up on this, but the Inqy confirmed it.

Apparently Cole was wearing a long sleeve shirt during his rough inning yesterday which later came and helped him cruise.

Wearing a long sleeve shirt under another short sleeve is so 1998.  Come on Cole, you know better.

Live Game Chat: Rockies at Phillies

We'll likely be in and out here with spotty coverage cause we'd like to watch the game you know.

1st - Cole comes out gunning to shut down the Rockies in the first.  Cole gets the crowd into it early.

Jeff Francis made Jimmy, Shane and Chase look rather silly swinging at some nasty curves.  I don't like this Francis guy.

These announcers suck.  I never thought the day would come when I'd wish Wheels were calling a game.

2nd - Damn.  The ageless Todd Helton leads off the second with a bomb to dead center that took a nasty bounce off the wall for a three bagger.

Stuck at Work? Here's How to Watch.

Courtesy of our resident techie Gootman, here's an option for PC users who can't get away from their desks to watch the first game of the NLDS/TPS Report Series today. Goot's instructions:

•install SopCast.
•click the link on that page.
•watch Phillies win.
•don't get fired.

He'll be lurking it up here if you have any specific questions and want to put them in the comments. As a Mac user, I can't use the site nor answer the inevitable questions about it. Enjoy the pregame show, featuring Ray Romano.

(Note: As with any downloading of software, you should make sure your anti-virus security is up to date before proceeding.)

Unsponsored Keys to the Game

We know how important Sarge's Chrysler Jeep Eagle Saturn Lexus Not-At-All Obvious Keys to the Game are to all of you, so we've decided to come up with a few of our own to sate you early this afternoon. Feel free to chime in with your own.

•Get to Francis early (Sarge loves this one for its creativity). Their bullpen got used and abused in the play-in game, and it'd be great to get them involved early in Game 1.

•Run. Yorvit Torrealba has a girl's arm, and the Phils have been a terror on the basepaths against poor-throwing catchers (Lo Duca!). Unfortunately, it's also not too hard to steal on Chris Coste, who will catch for the ailing Carlos Ruiz today. Ruiz is starting! At least we have the faster team, and I bet we see Charlie try to mix in some "manufactured runs" today.

•Cole's change-up. If it's on, and the 3:00 shadows are out, the Rockies don't have a chance.

•The Phrenzy. A playoff atmosphere of starving fans on a warm day? It's going to be intense down there, defining the home-field advantage. The Phillies will win this game.

Fourteen Years Later, Phillies Return to Postseason

Human electric fans, originally uploaded by philliefan_99

Later today, Cole Hamels will take the mound for the Phillies in their first playoff appearance since 1993.  It's a day Cole has likely dreamed about his whole career.  It's a day Phillies fans have most certainly dreamed about for the better part of the last decade and a half.

The last time the Phillies played in the post season I was 12 years old.  A lot has changed since then and the Phillies have lost quite a few games along the way.  To say I have any idea what to expect today would be a lie.  Like Cole, this is new territory for most of us.

Most 'Experts' Pick Phillies Over Rockies

Head on over to Bugs and Cranks for their expert picks for the NLDS.

The Rain Gods Like Us Better

It's Trash Talk Tuesday here at the Level, Phillies Postseason Style... Our target? The Colorado Rockies, the Phillies' opening round opponent. You may remember the Rockies from such well-documented moments as the time they ran and hid while the Phillies played the hero's role at Colorado. We saw who the men were then, and we'll see it again. 14 wins in 15 games? Yeah they better hope it doesn't rain and melt their pretty purple uniforms.

The floor is yours, Philly fans... Possible topics:
•Holliday needed extra innings and an extra game to beat Howard's RBI total.
•He was out.
•The dirty Mets cheated and still lost (yes, they're still open game)

Holliday, Rockies Slide Into Series With Phils

Jesus that took forever. Just before midnight, the San Diego Padres' went ahead in the 13th inning of the NL Wild Card play-in game, with Scott Hairston taking one out against Colorado's 9th pitcher of the game. Most Phillies fans have been hoping the Padres would be the team they'd face in the first round, as Colorado has been on fire lately (including against the Phillies), and San Diego had to use Cy Young shoe-in Jake Peavy tonight, taking him out of the rotation until probably game 3.

Then Colorado came back, with MVP candidate Matt Holliday taking the RBI lead from Ryan Howard (needing an extra game to do it), and scoring the winning run—or did he? On the replay, Michael Barrett looked to block the plate, with Holliday missing the plate and doing a full-on face plant. (note: Sager is a loser) Holliday went 2-6 in the game, putting up 3 huge Ks before coming through with a huge liner that would have left CBP in a hurry.

Phillies Pep Rally Plus Harry Sings High Hopes

Anyone knows an ant can't move a rubber tree plant. Also, this Phillies team squad is certainly not the country bumpkin drunk bunch like that 1993 squad.  These dudes got some steez. [Philly.com]

MLB Postseason schedule reveals there is no interest in the Phillies

Today at 4 o'clock, Major League Baseball released their schedule for the 2007 Playoffs.  It's quite apparent the Phillies vs. Padres/Rockies is low on the national priority list:

If you'll notice, Games 1 & 2 are scheduled for a 3 o'clock start --  just perfect for fellas like myself with day jobs that have to cower into their bosses office tomorrow to request time off.  But I'm sure that shouldn't be a problem -- I mean, I imagine I'll be the only one in my entire department with that unoriginal idea.  So basically, I'm gonna hafta lie and say I scored some tickets for both games and pray that my boss will feel guilty enough to let me leave.  If that doesn't work - I swear to God - I'll just show up Wednesday morning and throw up on him.

A person should not have to go to these lengths to watch a fucking playoff game.

Game 3 is set to take place Saturday @ 9:30. Ya know, when everybody is huddled around their TV set like a fucking campfire waiting for Cheaters to start.  Seriously, there are only two games that day -- can't you let the stupid fucking Cubs & D-Bags play at 3:00 and bump us up to a more respectable 6:30?  So maybe my 6-year old son can stay up long enough to find out who won?  I'm gonna be forced to take him to Wawa around 8:30 to load up on Sour Patch Kids & FunDip hoping his sugar high will keep him up all night.  Eff it, I'll just blame the MLB for my bad parenting.

And that Game 4* start time is just flat-out irresponsible of baseball.  But I'm hoping there won't be no Game 4.

At least Comcast picked up TBS HD today.  That's the only good news to come out of this.

Your 2007 National League East Champion Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have a playoff game on Wednesday.  Wow.

The scene at Citizens Bank Park yesterday was without a doubt the most electric atmosphere I've ever witnessed, on par with the 2004 NFC Championship game.  The difference: everyone expected the Eagles to get to that Super Bowl whereas this Phillies team was all but dead two weeks ago.  As one commenter said, "If someone were to look at this crowd and not know the circumstances, they might think that the Phillies had just won the World Series."  It was that electric.

I want to see it get even crazier.

Sure, in March I correctly picked the Phillies to win 89 games and make the playoffs but that was long before the 4-11 start.  Long before even the most devout fans, ourselves included, had written these guys off a half dozen times.  The Phillies proved us all wrong and that fact makes yesterday that much more special.  It didn't hurt that in the Phillies' storybook run to the top of the East there was the epic crumbling of those hated New York Mets.  Boy was that a joy to watch.

Pregame.  CBP was BUMPING before the first pitch was even thrown.  It started with the fans sitting up in the scoreboard porch's Harry The K's where TVs were showing the Mets losing.  Cheers erupted throughout the entire park and there was an instant feeling of this being the Fightins day.  The Phillies were going to win this game.  There was no doubt.  When the out of town scoreboard posted the Marlins 7 Mets 0 in the first, it was pandemonium.

Jimmy.  Words and numbers don't do the man justice.  In the biggest game of his life, he started it off right.  Not only does he get a lead off hit, he steals two bases.  20+20+20+20=MVP.  I chanted as loud as I could.

Moyer.  Unlike Tom Glavine in New York, Jamie Moyer stepped up when his team needed him the most.  The crafty vet never let the game get too sticky and showed that a local boy can do good. (more on this later today)

Ryan Howard was on fire during the amazing run the Phils made in the last two weeks.  Sure he may hold the strikeout record, but 47 timely home runs more than make up for those outs.

The 2007 Phillies have turned Philadelphia back into a baseball town.  It's amazing what a little trip to the playoffs can do.  Not only that, but they're our kind of players.  Chase, Aaron, Shane, J.C., heck even once hated Pat and Uncle Charlie have become beloved.  After they won the biggest game of most of their lives, they didn't waste time in the locker room.  Instead, they came back out onto the field to share it with the fans.  (God, I wish I had stayed for that!@#!)

That's a team.  The thing about this squad is that on any given night, every single player wearing those pinstripes could step up and be the hero.  We've got a team that is capable of beating anyone on any given night.  I'd put Hamels and Kendrick up against any duo in the post season.

It's October.  The Phillies are still playing baseball.

Goosebumps.

>>20+20+20+20=MVP [The 700 Level]
>>Some amazing fan photos in The 700 Level flickr group [flickr]
>>Watch video of the final inning [The 700 Level]
>>Mr. Met gets some help from Phillie Phanatic [The 700 Level]

Here's my video from yesterday's amazing game.  It's your typical shaky fan video but you get a feel for the AMAZING vibe at the ball park.  (You may want to click play, pause it, then let it load fully.  **The quality also seems to be A LOT better when you watch it on the Blip.tv site here)

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