Jovan Alford

KG is already in midseason form with the foul language. #Celtics

— Jovan Alford (@Jovan10) October 22, 2012

I thought it was interesting that the Yankees would even entice the chance of trading all star CF Curtis Granderson for Phillies LF prospect Darin Ruf. I see why the Yankees would do it but for the Phillies it would be a bad move because of the large contract. The Phillies do not need to take on a huge contract and lose talent in my opinion.

Eric Hartline–US PRESSWIRE

Justin Klugh

@yearinbaseball Did you really have to use the picture from that time Wigginton pooped on the field? Gross. — Justin Klugh (@TBOHblog) October 23, 2012

First of all, don’t forget to get all worked up over the Sixers’ salvation of Philadelphia sports over the The Sixer Sense, where our newest writer Jovan–who you may remember further up on the page a second ago–is in charge.

Now, there’s something I want to talk about.  People have been watching ex-Phillies succeed all postseason, and then turning to us and expecting some brand of horrid reaction.  Then, when they don’t get one, they just assume that it must be really really hard to watch all these castoffs perform so well.  

And in a way, it was.  I mean, during Raul Ibanez’s streak of heroism, all I could think was that like 35-game offensive drought that got so bad players on the opposing team were congratulating him when finally got on base again.  But mostly, it’s been nice to see guys like Thome and Ibanez take so well to the playoffs and, at least temporarily, get their shot.  Shane might have been a little tough to watch, but thankfully, he was quarantined in the broadcast booth for TBS.

Then there’s Hunter.  And with Hunter, I’ve got to wonder a few things.  Like for instance, where was this impromptu, inspired leadership role when the Phillies were in last place, in desperate need of some key role-player to step up and inspire his team as a leader?  The Giants didn’t really need one, per se–they’ve got Posey and a few others.  We had nobody that wasn’t full of holes.  And Hunter, just, what… sat there?  Watched it happen?  Maybe thought about plotting his next twitvid?

But I digress.   In these teams of shifting alliances, it’s always curious to see how one fanbase views a player in the context of their situation, and CSN Philly gave us that chance with Hunter. So, you know.  Yaaayyy.

Ethan Seidel

@tbohblog I think it accurately represented what he was for the #phillies this year haha — Ethan Seidel (@yearinbaseball) October 23, 2012

One of the hotly debated topics surrounding the Phils off season is who the team should target as their new center fielder. The one thing that is unanimous is that John Mayberry Jr. should not start, but who should? Jason Amareld has endorsed Michael Bourn as his candidate to take over the job. He has a solid record, but can this country afford four years of a Michael Bourn as their leadoff man? Politics aside, money will be the big issue. He’s due for a big raise, but Ruben has never been afraid at shelling out the dough.

The most important factor for Ruben Amaro to have a successful offseason is to judge this roster honestly. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley just aren’t the players they used to be. But don’t dismay, says Bill Baer, at least Utley is still a productive offensive player. Don’t believe me? Just read this.

John Stolnis

If anyone wants to grab Charlie Manuel from the Phils, we’re pretty much going to HAVE to have your worst AAA pitcher. #Farrell — John Stolnis (@FelskeFiles) October 21, 2012

Hey, have you guys heard that the Phillies have a bit of a hole at third base next year? Apparently, the Mets aren’t going to trade David Wright to us, and Chase Headley would require the Phils to give up 23 minor league players and a 50% stake in concession sales at Citizens Bank Park for the next 10 years. So, with those options off the table, the Phils are left turning over rocks and scouring the bargain bin for potential free agents to man the hot corner. Or, they can turn to in-house solutions like Kevin Frandsen or Arizona Fall League power hitter Freddy Galvis to take over. Either way, it’s not looking too promising.

Unless… there’s a guy in New York who makes a poop ton of money and had a bit of a rough postseason. It’s been in the papers. Alex Rodriguez is apparently on the trading block, and while every blog writer in America who writes for a Major League website has already speculated about whether their team should pursue the once-great third baseman (guilty!), an actual newspaper reporter for the Philadelphia Daily News is also asking the question. It’s at least a question worth asking.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves feature a couple of former Phillies in CF Michael Bourn and reliever Chad Durbin. Bourn is an interesting name to watch if the Braves can advance, as he will also be showcasing his talents for potential suitors (free agent to be). If Bourn is able to get on base consistently for the Braves they could be a very dangerous team.

Durbin is a bit of an afterthought on the Braves team, but he’s been a valuable middle innings guy for the Atlanta this year. With managers quick to give the hook in the post-season, guys like Durbin will play important roles for every team.

Baltimore Orioles

“Thome’s still got it!” Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Remember when the Phillies traded Jim Thome to the Orioles? Thome’s swan song ended abruptly in Philadelphia when Ruben Amaro realized he couldn’t play first. The Phils did the classy thing, and traded him to then-contender Baltimore. Finding a place for Thome to play everyday was the right move, but most fans and analysts never thought the Orioles would stay in the race for the long haul. Fast forward to October and Thome and O’s are battling the Rangers in the wild-card matchup. Former Phil Endy Chavez has been roaming the outfield for the O’s as well, putting his glove and fast feet to good use.

Cincinnati Reds

Everyones favorite utility infielder, Wilson Valdez, is still patrolling the infield for the Reds. While rookie Zach Cozart gets the starting nod at short stop, Valdez’s defense is a valuable asset for Dusty Baker late in games. Utility man Miguel Cairo, another former utility man for the Phils, keeps chugging along at the ripe old age of 38. His sub .200 batting average might keep him off the playoff roster, but Cairo’s veteran leadership and versatility will make it a tough decision for Dusty.

New York Yankees

The Yankees are back in the playoffs again, which is no major shocker. They had to hold off the Orioles in the last weekend, but still managed to add another division crown to their sparkly mantle. One of the big surprises of the Yankees season was the hitting of Raul Ibanez. The 40-year old outfielder/DH slugged 19 home runs in a part time role for the Yanks, and should find his way into Joe Girardi’s lineup. Could’ve used his bat after all Ruben.

“That swing still doesn’t look pretty.” 

San Francisco Giants

Hunter Pence has struggled to say the least since joining San Fran, but still finds himself back in the post-season. The Giants rely on their pitching and timely hitting, which fits well with the often low scoring nature of the playoffs, but Pence will have to come through if the G-men want to move on. I haven’t decided whether to root for or against Pence. He was asked to do to much this year for the Phils, but still put up good numbers in the red pinstripes. One player often lost in the shuffle of former Phillies is pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. The Kutztown native pitched a year in AAA for the Phillies, but was cut since Ruben didn’t think he had enough left in the tank (Woops!) Vogelsong makes the Giants rotation 4-deep, and could provide help in relief if needed in the Division series.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Red Birds square off with the Braves tonight in the much anticipated wild card playoff. Taking the mound for St. Louis will be none other than Kyle Lohse. Most Phils fans remember his dual in last years division series against the Phillies, but Lohse also had a post-season appearance for the Phillies back in 2007. Lohse served up a grand-slam in game 2 to the Rockies that year that sealed the Phillies fate. In true Philly sports fashion, Lohse has resurrected his career in St. Louis, and is having a stellar season. Despite his success, there is no way I can bring myself to root for the right-hander despite my hatred of the Braves. It’s Patriots vs. Giants all over again.

Texas Rangers

Once a part of the Phillies feared foursome, Roy Oswalt now finds himself as a long man on the Rangers playoff roster. The diminutive Texan could find his way into the rotation should the Rangers advance. Their starting pitching has been shaky at best, contributing to their collapse at the hand of the Athletics. Oswalt is good story heading into the playoffs, as he is hoping to win his first World Series. This may be it for Roy, so I wish him the best of luck.

What do you mean, “You just don’t feel like writing something new!” That’s not at all what’s happening here.

Its a little past 11. A little more than I thought, actually. (more…)