Dobb’s Shot: No Review

12 06 2009

by Michael DeLuca

With two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning, in the third consecutive extra innings game played by Phils, 150Greg Dobbs just hit a monster shot over the right field foul pole. 1st base umpire Jim Joyce took a long look at the blast and, after some consternation, ruled it foul. Phils skipper Charlie Manuel came out to argue the ruling and ask for it to go to replay. His request was refused.

The ball appeared to be fair, judging by the replay shown on Comcast. The camera angle for that replay certainly wasn’t ideal and, on it’s own, probably wouldn’t have provided conclusive evidence. Nonetheless, if you have the technology and are now allowed to do so, why not take a look at the replay? Perhaps baseball is going to have to follow the NFL’s lead and allow for a coach’s challange!


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Categories : Baseball, Phillies, Red Sox

Surprise…

17 10 2008

by Michael DeLuca

You may be surprised to find out that…the American League Championship Series is not over! With a 3-1 lead in the series and a commanding 7-0 lead in the seventh inning I’m sure many went to bed, tuned out, fired up some porn, or what you have you.  They will be surprised to learn that the Boston Red Sox completed the second largest come from behind victory in postseason history (largest since 1929).  The Sox scored four in the seventh, including a 3 run run round tripper by David Ortiz.  In the eighth, they tacked on three more to tie the game, including a two run shot from J.D. Drew.  Drew then broke the tie in the ninth with a single to right field that scored Kevin Youkilis.  The series will head back to Tampa on Saturday.  The Rays now have a 3-2 lead.


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2008 MLB All-Under-the-Radar Team

9 10 2008

by Kevin Collins

With the 2008 post season and Frank Caliendo spots in full swing, some of the premier players in the game take center stage.  Everyone knows the kinds of years the likes of Chase Utley, Manny Ramirez, CC Sabathia, and Dustin Pedroia had.  They are the stars of the game.  Even if their respective teams weren’t in the playoffs, the common baseball fan would be familiar with their stats.

Ugueth Urbina is tearing it up in the Venezuelan Penal League. Who Knew?

Ugueth Urbina is tearing it up in the Venezuelan Penal League. Who Knew?

But what about the other guys?  What about the players who had great years but no one really seemed to notice because they played on Baltimore or Kansas City?  Hell, even middle relievers on good teams don’t get noticed.  Living in Boston, I hear so many times, “Wow, I had no idea how good J.C. Romero has been for the Phillies.  He sucked on the Sox!”

Well my goal here is to point out some of those players who have flown under the radar in 2008.  Here it is, the 2008 MLB All-Under-the-Radar Team.

Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Athletics, Baseball, Marlins, Phillies, Red Sox

Fleecing Of The Red Sox

31 07 2008

Manny Ramirez was traded at the deadline in a three way trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers.  In the trade, Ramirez went to the Dodgers, Jason Bay to the Red Sox, and the Pirates received Andy Laroche, Brandon Moss, Craig Hansen, and Bryan Morris.  A three way trade had been rumored to the Florida Marlins, but fell through this morning and the Dodgers entered the equation.

This trade truly shows just how desperate the Red Sox were to rid themselves of Ramirez, as Moss and Hansen are both top prospects.  Bay does have one more year on his contract at just 7.5 million.  After weeks of rumors surrounding whether the Pirates would or would not trade Bay, this deadline deal has brought them a very nice haul of young players who are major league ready.


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Categories : Dodgers, Pirates, Red Sox

Manny Being Marlin

30 07 2008
This Way To Florida?

This Way To Florida?

The Boston Red Sox, Florida Marlins, and Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly closing in on a three way deal that would send Manny Ramirez and cash to the Florida Marlins, Jeremy Hermida to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Jason Bay and John Grabow to the Boston Red Sox. The Pirates would also receive several prospects from the Marlins including pitcher Ryan Tucker, ranked the #4 prospect in the Marlins organization.

The deal would instantly upgrade the Marlins offense while virtually doubling their payroll.  The Marlins, a notoriously financially frugal franchise (say that ten times fast) would not be expected to pick up Manny’s $20 million option for 2009.

This trade would be a coup for the Red Sox, who would rid themselves of all the headaches associated with Manny Ramirez and replace him with Bay, a comparable batter and superior defensive player.  Bay is signed through 2009 at just $7.5 million.  John Grabow is a left handed reliever, currently with a 3.19 ERA, that would round out the Red Sox bullpen which has seen it’s struggles recently.


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Categories : Marlins, Pirates, Red Sox

Manny Reuniting With Manuel

27 07 2008

Manny Ramirez

In a dialogue with Tim McCarver, Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein said that he would try to trade Manny Ramirez if he would be willing to waive his no-trade rights.  Joel Sherman and Mike Puma speculated today on a possible trade destination for Manny…the Philadelphia Phillies.  According to the article, Philadelphia is the most likely destination due to Manny’s strong relationship with Phil’s skipper Charlie Manuel.  In fact, they went on to say “he might not accept a trade to anywhere but Philadelphia.”

In my opinion…thanks but no thanks.  There are several scenarios for a Manny trade to the Phils, I’ll break them down:

  1. Shane Victorino for Manny Ramirez – The idea is ludicrous.  It’s also the most likely scenario if this trade were to occur, since every rumor involving the acquisition of an outfielder so far has involved the Phils shipping Victorino out of town.  What a disaster it would be to have Burrell in left, Werth in center, and Manny in right.
  2. Pat Burrell for Manny Ramirez – Doesn’t sound bad on paper, but when you break it down for the Phils..it just doesn’t make much sense.  Burrell’s having a better overall season…more home runs, better OPS, and is a better fielder.  Why take on the distraction along with additional salary.
  3. Geoff Jenkins + Prospects – Alright, I’ll cave on this one so long as we’re not giving up Carrasco, Marson, Golson, Donald, or Bastardo.  A couple mid-level prosepects and Jenkins would get it done for me…Boston wouldn’t go for it.

For the Phillies, this would be a one year rental.  They’d appease Manny by promising not to pick up his $20 million option.  There’s no shot they’d sign him to a long term deal.  In my opinion…let Manny be Manny somewhere else.


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Categories : Phillies, Red Sox