Philadelphia Phillies: Could This Be Our Year?

Joe — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:27:10 -0400

I hate to put the cart before the horse, but I have to ask, "Could this be our year?"

Going into tonight's game they were three games up in the division, the current corps of this Phillies team have never been in front by more than one game (THANKS METS!).

We always knew that this offense would hit (and Ryan has not had his obligatory three-week hot streak yet), but the pitching has been surprisingly good.

They seem to be getting good teams at the right time—i.e. going into Atlanta after they placed Smoltz and Glavine on the DL, the same thing with St. Louis and Pujols, and Boston without Ortiz.

It does not matter how they win, they just seem to win.

Manuel benches his reigning MVP and then they go on to sweep a division opponent.

I don't know what anyone else thinks, but this city could be having fun in October.

MLB Shortstops: Jimmy Rollins or Derek Jeter?

Joe — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:17:29 -0500

Jimmy Rollins and Derek Jeter are team leaders.

Both are shortstops.

Both are MVPs.

Which one would you rather have?

Jimmy Rollins Pros

Hits for average (about .280-.320)

Hits for power (about 30-40 homers a season)

Switch-hitter

Steals bases (35-50 a year)

Gold Glove-caliber shortstop

Very low contract

Jimmy Rollins Cons

Low OBP for leadoff hitter

Derek Jeter Pros

Hits for high average (.300-.320 a year)

Plays balls out every night

Works pitchers during every at-bat

Derek Jeter Cons

Very limited range for a shortstop

Hits for very little power

Does not steal bases often

Plays balls out every night

Huge contract

My choice: Jimmy Rollins

Feel free to discuss and debate, but make a choice between these two players.

Bleacher Report - Articles by Joe

Philadelphia Phillies: Could This Be Our Year?

MLB Shortstops: Jimmy Rollins or Derek Jeter?