Phillies Fire Manuel, Hire Ryno

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel knows that the game of baseball is all about “what have you done for me lately?”. A World Series champion in 2008 and National League pennant winner in 2009, Manuel reportedly has been fired. The Phillies have a called a 2:30 pm EDT press conference. Reports have third base coach Ryne Sandberg as Manuel's replacement.

Manuel was the skipper for the Cleveland Indians from 2000 through the first 86 games of 2002. He led the Tribe to a division crown in 2001, but was fired a year later when the team was eight games under .500.

After a two year hiatus, Manuel took over the Phillies for the 2005 season. After two straight NL East runner-up finishes, Manuel led the Fightin' Phils to five straight division crowns. The 2008 squad won the first World Series for the first time since the 1980 team defeated Kansas City. The team lost the 2009 series to the Yankees in six games.

The Phillies won 102 games in 2011, but age, injuries, and bad contracts caught up with them. They finished in third place last year with a .500 record and are currently 53-67 and in fourth place in the NL East. The team's performance had led to speculation that the 69-year old Manuel would be let go at the end of the season.

Sandberg coached in the Chicago Cubs organization from 2007-2010, but was passed over for the manager's job when Lou Piniella retired toward the end of the 2010 season. He left the organization to join the Phillies, who had selected Sandberg in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB amateur draft. After one year he was dealt with veteran Larry Bowa to the Cubs for Ivan DeJesus. It was there he built a Hall of Fame career (inducted in 2005) before looking to become a Major League manager.

The 53-year old Sandberg managed the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs for two years before joining the big club as third base coach.

General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. could be the next to go after some questionable free agent signings and contract extensions the last few years.

BD Spring Training Report: And Stretch That Money | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: And Stretch That Money | Baseball Digest

One of the things that clearly is not a favorite among players during spring training is the daily stretching. It’s a necessity, but it’s an incredible bore. And running, sprinting…all this getting in shape stuff. How many times have you heard a player say “I haven’t picked up a ball since (fill in some late date)”. Of course for hurlers nothing is worse than PFP (Pitchers Fielding Practice). Spring training is all about rote. Turning the double play. Who goes where on a sac bunt. Hitting the cut off man.(The MLB Network has videos demonstrating the pitcher’s workout) Spring training is also about answering questions from the media that you sometimes would rather not have to.

The New York Yankees CC Sabathia found himself in that situation on Monday. Sabathia, who came to camp 25 pounds lighter (290 lbs), has a clause in his contract that would allow him to opt out after the 2011 season. Reporters quickly brought it up when questioning Sabathia. From the CC Sabathia_drops_25_pounds_says_not_eating_capn_crunch_is_key_to_yankee_aces_we.html" target="_blank">New York Daily News, ”I’m here to try to help this team win,” Sabathia said. “I went through it with the free agency thing, so it’s not going to distract me at all.” Still, Sabathia seemed to back off a previous statement that he had no plan to exercise the opt-out clause. ”Yeah. I said that, but …” Sabathia said. “Like I said, I’m here to try to help the team win. I don’t want to talk about that all year. This will probably be the last time I address it. I’m here.” Hank Steinbrenner for one doesn’t think Sabathia will opt out.

The St. Louis Cardinals having plenty weighing on their minds and it has nothing to do with how many pounds a player has lost. According to Cardinals GM John Mozeliak the team has until Wednesday at Noon to reach a deal with slugger Albert Pujols or the team won’t have access to the three time MVP until after the season. Pujols’ manager, Tony LaRussa feels the union is putting immense pressure on his star ball player. “I know what he’s going through with the union, and to some extent, his representatives,” said La Russa this morning at the Cardinals’ camp. ”His representatives are getting beat up by the union. ‘Set the bar. Set the bar.’” You can read the rest of LaRussa comments in Rick Hummel’s column in St.Louis Today.

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has imposed a deadline of his own. Manuel is entering 2011 in the final season of a contract he signed after the 2007 season and is reportedly seeking a two year extension. Manuel told reporters he doesn’t want his negotiation to be a distraction to the team. “Hopefully something happens in spring training, and if not, my extension and contract, I definitely don’t want it to be a distraction for our team,” Manuel said. “I definitely put my team first. The players, and how we play, that’s how I get a contract. That’s the whole purpose of me doing what I do, and that’s how I look at it.”

No new word on a new contract for Boston Red Sox 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who isn’t scheduled to report to camp until Friday. But Adrian’s older brother Edgar has a new gig; the infielder signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants.

Jose Bautista knows that the likelihood of him hitting 54 home runs again isn’t great so he has to strike while the iron is hot. Bautista and the Toronto Blue Jays were set to go to arbitration, but have pushed back the hearing with the possibility of a long term deal on the horizon.

Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol avoid arbitration by agreeing Monday to a new three year, $20MM deal.

CC Sabathia wasn’t the only one who felt weight loss could help his performance. John Lackey, who had a decent first year with the Red Sox, dropped 11 pounds and feels great.

Meet the Phaukers

2009 World Series Preview

Time for some more head to head comparisons.

Manager - Charlie Manuel is at the helm of the defending World Champions. That alone gives him an edge over Joe Girardi.

Edge - Phillies

1B - Ryan Howard is a mashing machine. He's averagde 47 home runs and 143 RBI over the last four seasons. He's driven in 14 runs in eight post-season contests this year and had at least one RBI in eight straight games.

But the edge here goes to Mark Teixeira and the Yankees. Teixeira's defense is the difference between these two. Tex will need to step up at the plate though after hitting just .205 in his first nine post-season games. On the bright side, he's 5-14 (.357) with 4 RBI in the last three games.

Edge - Yankees


2B - Chase Utley is one of the most consistent players in all of baseball. But Utley was slowed by hip surgery this season and the discomfort may have returned in October. His inability to turn the double play was costly against the Dodgers, but could be even more so in the World Series. His all around play and ability to hit with men on base, gives the Phillies a slight advantage over Robinson Cano and the Yankees.

Edge - Phillies


SS - Jimmy Rollins and Derek Jeter are the respective captains of their teams. But while Jeter is relatively quiet and doesn't create message board fodder, Rollins loves to speak his mind. He also backs it up with his play. This season though Rollins struggled at the plate with a .250 average and is batting six points lower in the playoffs.

Edge - Yankees


3B - Pedro Feliz is a nice player. A good defender who drove in 82 runs this year. He's not Alex Rodriguez.

Edge - Yankees


LF - Raul Ibanez had a monster season in his first year in Philly. He hit a career high 34 HR and drove in 93. Though just an adequate fielder, he's still stronger right now than his counterpart, Johnny Damon. Ibanez, who is in a 3-23 slide, will probably DH at Yankee Stadium in favor of Ben Francisco.

Edge - Phillies


CF - Shane Victorino, along with Rollins, is an emotional spark plug. The Flying Hawaiian has also gotten better year by year. He set career highs this season in hits, walks, RBI, and OPS. Melky Cabrera had a fine season and a very good ALCS, but Victorino is the more consistent player.

Edge - Phillies


RF - Jayson Werth often gets overlooked due to the bigger name stars around him. But the stepson of former Yankee Dennis Werth is a force all his own. This was the first season Werth got the opportunity to play more than 150 games and he took full advantage with 36 HR and 99 RBI. His hitting has continued in the post-season where he has belted 5 home runs and driven in 10 runs. The Yankees need Nick Swisher to break out of his slump to help the bottom of the order, which will be one hitter short in the NL ball park.

Edge - Phillies


C - Carlos Ruiz is a solid player, especially with his glove and arm. But the .246 career hitter also steps up on the biggest stage- he's hitting .346 with 7 RBI thus far. Jorge Posada's offense will be critical in Philly. Joe Girardi cannot have Jose Molina catch A.J. Burnett when the right-hander takes the mound in Philadelphia.

Edge - Yankees


DH - The Phillies will use Ibanez in NY, which means Francisco is inserted in the lineup. Even though he's struggling of late, Hideki Matsui is still a much better hitter and could break out at any time.

Edge - Yankees


Bench - The Phillies bench has better hitters and will be relied upon more in the NL parks.

Edge - Phillies


Starting Rotation - Though Joe Girardi still has not fully committed to a 3-man rotation, the trio of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Andy Pettitte is better than Cliff Lee, Pedro Martinez, and Cole Hamels. Chad Gaudin could pitch a Game 4 and Charlie Manuel will probably use either J.A. Happ, Joe Blanton, or Jamie Moyer in that same game.

Edge - Yankees

Bullpen - Mariano Rivera clearly trumps Brad Lidge and Phil Hughes, despite recent struggles, is just as good, if not better, than Ryan Madson. Philly's pen has struggled all season.

Edge - Yankees


PREDICTION - YANKEES IN 6

Phillies Go High over Lowe

Dodgers starter Derek Lowe was breezing along last night, having shut down the Phillies for five innings. Manny Ramirez, playing in his first NLCS, had driven in a run and the Dodgers led 2-0. Rafael Furcal threw away Shane Victorino's lead off grounder and moments later Lowe was leaving the game down 3-2.

Chase Utley, who slumped in the division series win against the Brewers, tied the game up with a shot to right. Lowe retired Ryan Howard, but Pat Burrell went deep as well and the Phillies led for the first time Thursday night. Joe Torre wasted no time and went to Chan-Ho Park, who along with Greg Maddux and Hong-Chih Kuo shut down the Phils for the rest of the night. But the damage had been done.

Cole Hamels went back out and retired the Dodgers in the seventh to earn the win. After Ryan Madson threw a scoreless eighth, Brad Lidge pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for the save.

The Dodgers struck first in the second inning on back to back doubles by Andre Ethier and Ramirez. LA added to the lead in the fourth when Matt Kemp doubled to lead off the inning, moved to third base on Casey Blake's ground out and scored on Blake DeWitt's fly out to center field. Lowe had scattered four hits until his demise in the sixth.
Game 1 Box Score

Game 2

Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel will be managing with a heavy heart this afternoon (4:30 EDT start) after learning of his mother's passing. June Manuel, 87, had suffered a heart attack on Tuesday. Manuel, one of eleven children, had lost his father when he was just a teenager.

This afternoon's match up will see Chad Billingsley (16-10, 3.14) face off against Brett Myers (10-13, 4.55). Myers struggled early, but was huge down the stretch, especially in August, when he went 4-1, 1.65 in six starts.

Phillies Go High over Lowe

Dodgers starter Derek Lowe was breezing along last night, having shut down the Phillies for five innings. Manny Ramirez, playing in his first NLCS, had driven in a run and the Dodgers led 2-0. Rafael Furcal threw away Shane Victorino's lead off grounder and moments later Lowe was leaving the game down 3-2.

Chase Utley, who slumped in the division series win against the Brewers, tied the game up with a shot to right. Lowe retired Ryan Howard, but Pat Burrell went deep as well and the Phillies led for the first time Thursday night. Joe Torre wasted no time and went to Chan-Ho Park, who along with Greg Maddux and Hong-Chih Kuo shut down the Phils for the rest of the night. But the damage had been done.

Cole Hamels went back out and retired the Dodgers in the seventh to earn the win. After Ryan Madson threw a scoreless eighth, Brad Lidge pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for the save.

The Dodgers struck first in the second inning on back to back doubles by Andre Ethier and Ramirez. LA added to the lead in the fourth when Matt Kemp doubled to lead off the inning, moved to third base on Casey Blake's ground out and scored on Blake DeWitt's fly out to center field. Lowe had scattered four hits until his demise in the sixth.
Game 1 Box Score

Game 2

Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel will be managing with a heavy heart this afternoon (4:30 EDT start) after learning of his mother's passing. June Manuel, 87, had suffered a heart attack on Tuesday. Manuel, one of eleven children, had lost his father when he was just a teenager.

This afternoon's match up will see Chad Billingsley (16-10, 3.14) face off against Brett Myers (10-13, 4.55). Myers struggled early, but was huge down the stretch, especially in August, when he went 4-1, 1.65 in six starts.

The Pennant Race - 10/9

NLCS Preview

As we have previously mentioned, our picks went out the window when the Cubs and White Sox ruined our all Windy City World Series. Outside of the 2000 Subway series, the last time two intrastate rivals met was back in1989 when the A's and Giants battled each other and an earthquake.

So now we have a National League final that was all the rage in the late 1970s. The Dodgers topped the Phillies twice, in 1977 and 1978 (Dodgers coach Larry Bowa was the Phillies shortstop at the time), before losing to our boys in Pinstripes. (The Phillies also made it to the NLCS in 1976, losing to the Reds. We won't talk about that World Series.) Philadelphia exacted some revenge in 1983 when Pete Rose helped lead them to the Series with an NLCS win over LA.

The Phils last played in the World Series, when Mitch Williams was "Wild Thing" and that great teammate, Curt Schilling, wrapped his head in a towel so he didn't have to watch his closer throw away games. Jim Fregosi was at the helm of that team. The Phillies lone World Series title in their 125 year history came in 1980 when the Dallas Green led squad beat the Kansas City Royals in six games.

This team battled back from a slow start and a late season swoon to overtake the Mets for the second straight season. Though it wasn't as dramatic as last year, there were many pundits who felt the Phillies wouldn't be able to catch the Mets again, seemingly forgetting that the Phils have a bunch of winners on their team compared to those players that call Shea home. They also have an underrated manager in Charlie Manuel, who has done a great job of holding things together when it appeared the Phillies might not make the playoffs.

The Phillies were heavy favorites over the Brewers in the NLDS and they easily lived up to those expectations, even battering red hot CC Sabathia in game 2. But now they have their work cut out for them against a Joe Torre led squad that has one of the hottest hitters in baseball in Manny Ramirez.

We won't regurgitate the Joe Torre-Yankees post-2007 saga again, but we will say we're not surprised by the success. We also know that it took Manny Ramirez and also the much less heralded Casey Blake, to make this post-season a reality. That and a big collapse after a strong start by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Manny being Manny, he kicked it into full gear and then some, hitting .396 with 17 home runs and 53 RBI in 53 games since his trade from Boston. Oh, and he had a 1.272 OPS.

Obviously Torre is the story of this impending World Series. A grand, "take that" to the Steinbrenner boys. Dan Graziano has a very good piece in today's Star Ledger on Torre's influence on the Dodgers.

The Torre led team is back in the playoffs for the first time in two years, when the Mets swept them in the first round. The Dodgers also lost the first round in 1995, 1996, and 2004. The last time the Dodgers advanced further was when they won the whole thing back in 1988.

Pitching probables for the series:

Game 1 (10/9) - Derek Lowe vs. Cole Hamels
Game 2 (10/10) - Chad Billingsley vs. Brett Myers
Game 3 (10/12) - Jamie Moyer vs. Hiroki Kuroda
Game 4 (10/13) - Joe Blanton vs. TBD
Game 5 (10/15) - Cole Hamels vs. TBD
Game 6 (10/16) - TBD vs. Brett Myers
Game 7 (10/18) - TBD vs. Jamie Moyer

The Pennant Race - 10/9

NLCS Preview

As we have previously mentioned, our picks went out the window when the Cubs and White Sox ruined our all Windy City World Series. Outside of the 2000 Subway series, the last time two intrastate rivals met was back in1989 when the A's and Giants battled each other and an earthquake.

So now we have a National League final that was all the rage in the late 1970s. The Dodgers topped the Phillies twice, in 1977 and 1978 (Dodgers coach Larry Bowa was the Phillies shortstop at the time), before losing to our boys in Pinstripes. (The Phillies also made it to the NLCS in 1976, losing to the Reds. We won't talk about that World Series.) Philadelphia exacted some revenge in 1983 when Pete Rose helped lead them to the Series with an NLCS win over LA.

The Phils last played in the World Series, when Mitch Williams was "Wild Thing" and that great teammate, Curt Schilling, wrapped his head in a towel so he didn't have to watch his closer throw away games. Jim Fregosi was at the helm of that team. The Phillies lone World Series title in their 125 year history came in 1980 when the Dallas Green led squad beat the Kansas City Royals in six games.

This team battled back from a slow start and a late season swoon to overtake the Mets for the second straight season. Though it wasn't as dramatic as last year, there were many pundits who felt the Phillies wouldn't be able to catch the Mets again, seemingly forgetting that the Phils have a bunch of winners on their team compared to those players that call Shea home. They also have an underrated manager in Charlie Manuel, who has done a great job of holding things together when it appeared the Phillies might not make the playoffs.

The Phillies were heavy favorites over the Brewers in the NLDS and they easily lived up to those expectations, even battering red hot CC Sabathia in game 2. But now they have their work cut out for them against a Joe Torre led squad that has one of the hottest hitters in baseball in Manny Ramirez.

We won't regurgitate the Joe Torre-Yankees post-2007 saga again, but we will say we're not surprised by the success. We also know that it took Manny Ramirez and also the much less heralded Casey Blake, to make this post-season a reality. That and a big collapse after a strong start by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Manny being Manny, he kicked it into full gear and then some, hitting .396 with 17 home runs and 53 RBI in 53 games since his trade from Boston. Oh, and he had a 1.272 OPS.

Obviously Torre is the story of this impending World Series. A grand, "take that" to the Steinbrenner boys. Dan Graziano has a very good piece in today's Star Ledger on Torre's influence on the Dodgers.

The Torre led team is back in the playoffs for the first time in two years, when the Mets swept them in the first round. The Dodgers also lost the first round in 1995, 1996, and 2004. The last time the Dodgers advanced further was when they won the whole thing back in 1988.

Pitching probables for the series:

Game 1 (10/9) - Derek Lowe vs. Cole Hamels
Game 2 (10/10) - Chad Billingsley vs. Brett Myers
Game 3 (10/12) - Jamie Moyer vs. Hiroki Kuroda
Game 4 (10/13) - Joe Blanton vs. TBD
Game 5 (10/15) - Cole Hamels vs. TBD
Game 6 (10/16) - TBD vs. Brett Myers
Game 7 (10/18) - TBD vs. Jamie Moyer

Phillies Pull All-Time Prank

A great prank takes planning, timing, secrecy, and an easy mark. Apparently the Philadelphia Phillies, especially Brett Myers (guess he took a break from hitting his wife) came up with this prank for the ages.

2nd year pitcher Kyle Kendrick was told he was traded to Japan for Kobiyashi Iwamura. That's right; the hot dog eating champ, only Kendrick didn't know that. Here it is in all its glory.

Phillies Pull All-Time Prank

A great prank takes planning, timing, secrecy, and an easy mark. Apparently the Philadelphia Phillies, especially Brett Myers (guess he took a break from hitting his wife) came up with this prank for the ages.

2nd year pitcher Kyle Kendrick was told he was traded to Japan for Kobiyashi Iwamura. That's right; the hot dog eating champ, only Kendrick didn't know that. Here it is in all its glory.