y-Philadelphia
Who would have thought that a day after the Eagles lost 16-3 to the Giants that everything would be so joyous? That’s what happens when baseball returns to Philadelphia in October. And, yesterday, in front of a pennant-starved sellout crowd, it happened.
You could sense something was brewing when you stepped into the stadium and the Florida Marlins were already up on the Mets 4-0. Even though the nerves of perennial losers were braced for the usual outcome, every single person who stepped foot into that stadium knew this was different. There was confidence. It was strange, really. Even more surprising, the confidence is still there.
So, there will be a playoff game in Philadelphia on Wednesday. And whoever it is — the San Diego Padres or the Colorado Rockies — it’s safe to say that either team will be at a distinct disadvantage once they step foot into Citizens Bank Park. It’s a different crowd this time around.
Tickets are already creeping up to take-out-a-second-mortgage levels. However, they actually might be worth more than that.
Your 2007 National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies [The 700 Level]
Cheers to Your 2007 NL East Champions [Beerleauger]
Letting it Sink In [Balls, Sticks, & Stuff]
PHOTO: Inquirer
October 1st, 2007 at 10:19 am
Wow. I have a number of thoughts. Just humor me for a minute.
1.) The Birds lost and, for the first time since I can remember, I don’t care all that much. I still went to bed with a smile on my face last night, and that smile remains in place today.
2.) After yesterday’s game, WIP had to convert its Birds pregame show into a Phils postgame show. You don’t know joy until you’ve heard Ike Reese talking about Jamie Moyer. Still, I want to know why they didn’t prepare and have a real baseball show on tap.
3.) I never, NEVER thought I’d say this, but I think Chaz has to be manager of the year. If not him, then Melvin because he managed to win the West with a bunch of kids. Still, I think it’s Manuel considering the terrible start, the injuries, the horrid pitching, and overcoming a 7-game deficit with 17 to play.
Not only that, but I think they have to bring him back next year.
4.) If Jimmy Rollins isn’t the NL MVP, then they should have a congressional investigation. That guy had one of the all-time great seasons for an NL shortstop. Not to mention that he carried them all season, started every single game, and had more to do with overcoming the 7-game deficit than anyone else on the team.
5.) This is where things get crazy. I like the Phils chances of getting out of the NL. I know the league is a crapshoot, but follow me here: I like my chances with Hamels, Lohse, Kenndrick and Moyers, and I REALLY love not having to see Eaton again. I like the back end of the bullpen, especially Romero and Myers. And I love the lineup. Beyond that, they just overcame the biggest deficit in MLB history, and SD has to throw Peavy today. Am I crazy, or is everything falling into place?
WIP had a Vegas odds maker on yesterday, and he said they were going to install the Phils as the favorite to win the NL. I hate to say it, but I agree.