Painting the World Series Logo at Citizens Bank Park

Today I was on hand as they began the process of painting the new WORLD SERIES LOGO!  It gets painted over the NLCS LOGO, which got painted over the NLDS logo.  The grounds crew  lays down the plastic guide first, and then sprays paint to make the guide.  (Second Photo.)  It was surreal to be in that stadium, virturally alone.  It was whisper quiet. 

When the outlines are done, the crew will paint the logo with the paint in the forefront.  We left early, because LITERALLY, it was like watching paint dry!   Go Phils…

There will be a million head to head comparisons of the World Series participants.  Just about all will be put together by an unbiased and semi-intelligent media member.  One will be written by a completely biased Phillies fan, who spends an inordinate amount of time “escaping reality.”  Guess which one this is?

Starting Pitching: Phils slight edge.

The aces are both top quality.  Its the Phils depth that give them the small advantage.  They have options.  Quality options, that is.  Yanks are probably 3 deep and, therefore, are counting on Sabathia to pitch games 1, 4 and 7.  Thats 2 straight games with 3 days rest for you clowns who suck at math.  Which is probably most of you since, if you’re reading this, it means you’re not busy at work, which means you dont have an important job, which means you dicked off in school instead of learning math and getting a real job.   On top of that, he’ll be facing a quality lineup, which leads to more of his pitches being the stressful kind.  I just can’t see how he’ll be the same guy on pitch #300 over eight days, especially because he’s fat (and nobody likes fat people).  Ergo, the Yanks “advantage” in throwing him 3 times isn’t really an advantage at all.

Bullpen: Yankees edge

Rivera is probably the most dominate player in postseason history.  You have that, you get the edge.  Doesn’t matter that the Yankee setup guys are suddenly shaky or the Lidge has found his groove.  Rivera neutralizes the Phils penchant for late inning heroics and makes the Yanks have to win only eight innings.

First Base: Phils edge

Probably would’ve been only a slight edge, if both players were performing as expected.  But, Howard is playing a different game then anyone not named Gay-Rod and Texiera is scuffling.

Second base: Phils edge

Again, would’ve been a huge advantage if Utley was playing like Utley.  But, a slightly below average Chase is always better than Cano, regardless of how he is playing.

Shortstop: Yankees slight edge

Both top of the lineup studs, offensively and defensively.  Rollins is only slumping early in games-he still hits when it matters most (see NLCS game 4).  But, Jeter has banged pretty much every top shelf piece of ass in NYC.  And that should be worth something, which gets him the nod.  Of course his baseball skills are overrated so, I’m not sure.

3rd base: Yankees substantial edge

Steroids are awesome.

Left field: Push

Ibanez and Damon are such different players, its hard to compare.  Damon throws like he has a vagina (and looks like he is second generation ape).  But, he has a well rounded offensive game.  Raul has been streaky.  If he’s hot, Phils have the advantage here.

Centerfield: Phils definitive edge

Cabrera is a bottom of the order guy who’s arm and range are not in Victorino’s class.  And his name is Melky which, we all know, rhymes with “sucks cock.”

Right Field: Phils substantial edge

Swisher is a good guy.  Werth is a tool.  But, this isnt high school and Werth is better at every facet of baseball.  Throw in the fact that Swisher is slumping and its not even close.

Catcher: Yanks slight edge

We all know Chooch is money in the postseason and his defensive prowess is well noted.  But, Posada hits alot higher and is more relied on to produce runs.  I recall a few clutch postseason performances from him too.

Designated Hitter: Yanks edge

Matsui has the advantage of being used to the job of hitting without being in defensively.  And he’s a pretty solid hitter.  Especially for an Asian who should be doing math or something less manly.  Phils not even sure who their DH is.  Regardless, whoever Chuck pulls out of his ass, will be hitting 7th and, therefore, will have trouble making the kind of impact Matsui can.

Intangibles: Phils edge

Yankees are about as tradition rich a franchise as there is in sports.  But, what have you done for me lately?  Phillies are defending Champions.  Enough said.  It also bears mentioning that the Yanks lose an important part of their lineup during their 3 games in Philly.  Its an often overlooked reason why, despite the AL being a better league overall, the NL produces more than their fair share of Series winners.  Its much easier for an NL team to adjust to having the DH than it is an AL team adjusting to losing that piece.

Manager: Phils edge

Cholly hasn’t mastered the English language but, he does know the right button to choose, seemingly every time he needs to push one.  Girardi?  He probably knows the right buttons to push too.  When he is massaging Torre’s loins, that is.  I mean the guy takes Posada out his lineup when Burnett pitches.  Genius.

I see the Phils in 5.  Nothing against the Yanks, a real good team.  But, its business as usual.  Parade will be on a beautiful Wednesday in November.  And Bruce can watch from his private hospital room. 

So the culmination of my sports, personal and professional life came to an amazing crescendo tonight!  As the Phillies clinched their second straight NLCS, I was on the field.  Actually that is not 100% true.  I was in the tunnel when they clinched.  As per MLB, press is not allowed on the field for another 10 minutes after the game ends.  So after waiting the required 10, I was able to be on the field as the National League Trophy was presented to the Phillies.  I got some amazing shots that you can see in this gallery.  (2009 NLCS Trophy Presentation at Citizens Bank Park.)  In another stroke of luck, my life long friend, TJ was in the crowd.  He was able to sneak down to the rail and I gave him my camera for the ONLY shot of me that exists for all the NLCS/NLDS access I have been fortunate enough to have.

If I said it once, I have said it a million times.  The Phillies are a loose bunch, that legitimately like playing with and for each other.  I don’t think there is a player on the team that would not take a bullet for manager Charlie Manuel.    You can see their fondness for one another and confidence in the NLCS Game 5 pre-game warm up photos I shot.   I will be interested to see if they look as loose against the Yankees.  My hunch?  Absolutely…

Prediction?  Phils in 5 and I am on the field seeing another Trophy being presented!

So my dream World Series matchup is finally going to happen…It’s the Evil Empire v. The Phightin Phils, Bronx Bombers v. Red October.  It seems like we’ve been waiting for this to come to fruition forever.  I keep hearing Phils fans saying “Bring on the Yankees.”  Well, what about “Bring on the Phillies?”  They’re the defending champs, have rolled through the first two rounds again, and look very formidable.  The Yanks haven’t won anything in 9 years.  When I look at the matchups its amazing how similar these two teams are:  1) After the #1 starter your not quite sure what you’re going to get…Hamels, Burnett, Blanton, Pettitte can be dominating or give up 7 runs; 2) Neither team has seen a lineup like this…both lineups can rake from top to bottom and score a ton of runs; 3) The bullpens are unpredicatble…the yanks pen was good all year but looked beyond shaky in the ALCS while the phils pen shutdown the Dodgers.  So settle in for a fantastic series and hopefully next week we’ll be celebrating championship number 27.

So day two at Citizen’s Bank was a world of difference. I was there in time for the early press conferences. Joe Torre and Charlie Manuel are worlds apart right now. Charlie smiled more then he usually does and Joe Torre just sounds like a beaten man. He looks beaten as well. Although after working both home games til, 3 am, who doesn’t!?

I was also on the field at Citizens Bank Park and able to take in the Phillies Pre-Game warm up and get some really good shots. The Phillies are a very loose bunch right now. They are like a High School team, and I mean that in a good way. They genuinely seem to enjoy each others company and they do not seem the least bit intimidated by the enormous magnitude of these games. I had no doubt in my mind they’d win Game 4 and I have less doubt that they will win Game 5. Bring on the Yankees! Here is that gallery…

In the mix, I bumped into TJ which was a very cool thing. Until you go to a major sporting event in your home town/ home team alone, you forget how much of “sports” is about the other people you enjoy it with. TJ and I have logged a lot of games! Sorry I could not be sharing this one with more of my friends and family.

So as I wrote in a previous blog,  a huge hole in the Phillies post season run for me this year is experiencing it alone sans the ability to root, root, root for the home team. I have been reminded just how much of sports is that communal aspect of being with your peeps as the say. Luckily, with modern technology my peeps were with me in a constant stream of text messages letting me know what they think. What they think in general, and specifically what they think of me being at the best Phillies games of the year. Here is a sampling…(names are initialed to protect the intolerant!).

From: CEE
I f-ing hate you and have fun!

From: BEA
Please don’t send me text pics.  i hate u enuff already.

From: CEE
Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk and everyone will
remember ya! If you gotta work, make it worth it,
I am so envious.

From: CEE
Wait, Peter Gammons the Analyst?  You are too cool for me now.

From: BUT
Ask him if he will stop praising the Yankees and throw some love our way!

From: GON
What does he smell like? Ask him about interviewing Ty Cobb.

From: CEE
You Catctin this Press Conference?!  It’s the most coherent I’ve heard Charlie.

From: ILLI
Awesome!  I am so jealous.

From: KER
Awesome, GO PHILS! I hate you.

From: BUT
I am both hateful and envious of you.  Go Phils. F-Romeo!

From: BEA
I hate you so much.

Text me tonight! You never know…

807P – First pitch, on time.  For a change.  In honor of Romes restarting PP2, for the 412th time, I decided to keep a running diary of my evening in front of the TV.  So, here we go.  And, why not an early prediction of a 4-2 Phils “W”!

809P – TBS runs through the Dodgers lineup and the Phils defense.  Torre has made some changes.  Again.  If memory serves, I’m thinking the Rox and Dodgers have now sent out eight different starting lineups.  Meanwhile, Cholly is trotting out the same team as he has for the previous seven postseason games.  Its a testament to how good their lineup actually is.  And, possibly, how the the other teams feel the need to match up against the Phightins.  Always a good thing when the other side is reacting to what you do.

811P – Fast top half.  Cowboy Joe keeping the ball down.  Darling agrees.  Speaking of the announcers, I’m sure I’ll be ripping them shortly.  But, until then, I actually like Buck Martinez.  Chip Carey is not good and Darling could use some cocaine (didn’t he play with Strawberry and Gooden?  Should be easy enough for him to get!).  But, Buck makes timely and insightful observations and doesn’t talk too much.  Perfect 3rd man.

818P – Russell Martin, who I just can’t stand, just got popped in the junk by Victorino’s follow through.  Its nice to know that, while I may be 40, a shot to the noots still makes me laugh.

822P – BANG!!  Howard just playing a different game then everyone right now.   That was just flat out crushed.  And, its good to know the Phils don’t act small market anymore so, I have little doubt we have many more years of watching one of the better power hitter to ever play.

830P – Loney called strike three!!  Don’t know why but, I’ve always loved how umps punch a guy out on a called third strike.  They all do it a bit different with varying levels of panache.  Ted Barrett has a play on the old classic “Punch/Pull the Chain” move.  And it is sweet!  You should know I sometimes practice what my called strike three would look like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHIKwtNfd8g&feature=related 

835P – Angels win!  Let’s see a seven game bloodbath.  I especially enjoyed two of my most despised announcers (which is really saying something) singing the praises of Jeff Mathis, the author of the game winning double.  An inning earlier Buck and McCarver (http://www.sportspickle.com/article:203/there-is-no-god-tim-mccarver-has-an-album are you kidding me?!!) were insisting Scioscia pinch run for him.  I’m guessing Mike Scioscia has a better idea about his squad then those two clowns.

843P – First look at Monday Night Football.  I’d actually watch anything but commercials.  Except the Black Taco commercial which makes me hungry and horny.  Although, I am usually both anyways.  And that Fergie commercial (for what I have no clue) is definitely not worn out yet.  Especially in HD.  But, a quality football game is an excellent choice to have on the “Last Channel” button of the remote.

851P – Speaking of commercials, just watched a few seconds of the Sherlock Holmes preview.  Was not expecting Robert Downey to be shirtless and throwing hands.  Or to be playing Sherlock Holmes.  Strange choice.  Although I loved him as Wayne Gale in Natural Born Killers!

859P – George Lopez.  TBS.  Not Funny.  Not even a little.

911P – All the classic jinxs are in full effect.  Blanton’s sub .170 batting average against with 2 outs and RISP.  The Dodgers 21 straight innings without back to back hits.  Just lotsa bad stuff being thrown out.  No wonder they’re scoring.  Just keep the jinx stuff to yourselves, thank you.  Damn.

923P - Just got a text from Jeff about Somali women being whipped for wearing bras.  He thought this was good.  Told him I still get thoroughly excited when I unclip a bra.  Brings you back to the first time and the unbridled excitement that accompanied it.  Kind of never has gotten old for me.  Nostalgia.  Thoughts?

940P - Chooch needs to get on so Cholly can pinch hit for Blanton.  Love him but, seems to have lost his location.

942P – Chooch reaches but, Blanton is hitting?  Down?  Without his best stuff?  WTF?  Its not June for chrissakes.  Cholly has had his finger on the right button so frequently its hard to disagree with him but, woulda loved to have seen Francisco.  Little tap out, hope he pitches lights out.

954P - Yep, saw that coming.  Damn defense.  Wasn’t Blanton’s fault but, damn.

958P – John Gruden just said he wouldn’t kick the ball to Darren Sproles.  Sproles promptly races untouched for 6.

1019P – Great grab by Manny after somehow allowing a stand up triple to left field.  Could’ve used that run.

1039P – Thome on the bench talking about how, when he was with Cleveland, they had such a great crowd they could pump up the team.  Didn’t he used to play here?  Kinda forget now.  Jagoff.

1113P – Broxton coming in for 4 out save.  A good thing about being fat for 40 years is it gives one impunity to call other people fat.  Even if they’re not really fat.  Which isn’t the case with Broxton, of course.  But, what is a person to say to me when I note their flab?  That I’m fat?  No shit.  So, just saying, besides the diabetes and virginity thing, being fat is awesome!

1143P – Jeff’s text “Walk off win……broxton doesn’t have enough left in the tank!”  I respond “i think his fat arm got cold!” 

1145P – Stairs vs Broxton.  Seen this before.  Would like a redux please.  Regardless, that moment produced the best sports quote ever.  After all, who doesn’t like it when guys just pound you in the ass!!

1151P – Rollins can make up for an uneven year and slow playoff start right now.  He’s a stud and this is where a guy like him needs to find a way to get Bruntlett home.  Or at least to 3rd with one out.  I’ll take my chances with the Hawaiian guy, who seems to have a sense of critical moments.

1153P – YEEEEEESSSS!!  Money swing!!  Looked like a meatball.  Chooch must’ve been shot out of a cannon!!  Phils win!!!!  Hell yea.  Snatching a victory from nowhere.  I love this fucking team!!

Big win…impressive.   Last night was obviously a must win situation for LA and now they’re toast.  I just like that they have to sit around Philly for another day before being eliminated (just like Tampa last year).  This series was never in doubt because of the curse of Don Mattingly.  Let me explain…..Donny Baseball was my favorite player growing up but has never been on a team that won jack balls.  His first year in NY was 1982 which was the year after they get to the world series (and lose in 6 to LA).  His last year in pinstripes was 1995 when they get to the playoffs and lose to Seattle in the ALDS.  So, he played in pinstripes for 14 years and the Yanks don’t get to the series at all, in fact, they are pretty bad.  They get to the WS the year before he gets there and they win it the year after he leaves (96).  Now, Torre takes him to LA as his hitting coach after they both get f*&#ked by Hank Steinbrenner…..and they’re about to lose again to the phils in the NLCS.  Just remember this….no team that has Mattingly in uniform will ever get to or win the WS….book it…. its a mortal lock.

With that being said, I’ve been waiting for Phils v. Yanks in the WS for a long time and its never been closer to happening than right now.  As likeable as the phils are and being my favorite NL team…..I’m thoroughly looking forward to the yanks ripping the heart out of every phils fan in the Delaware Valley.  I’m really going to enjoy it as we celebrate number 27.  In fact, I’m gonna be absolutely giddy when I see grown men crying and that forlorn look on the faces of the women and babies.

So where are we watching the games?

No rooting in the Press Box. I learned that rule in Journalism 101. Luckily as I sit behind the Press Box at my first ever NLCS baseball game in my home town, Philadelphia, the Phillies make it very easy to keep that rule. This game was never in doubt. As I sit in my new surroundings the score is 8-0 in the 7th inning. Cliff Lee is pitching the gem we knew he would and I am getting a nice and calm taste of how the people that have covered my team for me since I was an infant do their thing. Or at least how they do it at Citizens Bank Park. The guys I read grewing up are here, some national guys, and even some international guys speaking Japanese. (I am very used to local and national celebs, so that doesn’t even phase me at this point, but to think that I am at an event that garners international attention? Well that’s just cool.) A guy from mlb.com just sat next to me and I am literally unphased, yet I am still enough of a baseball geek that I am secretly trying to take Peter Gammons’ photo via my cell. Which is REALLY hilarious because, earlier, I was just a stone’s throw from the field, able to take pics of whatever giant player of the game, (Manny Ramirez, Ryan Howard, etc.) I want. But to me? I get more of a kick out of the Gammons’s than the Ramirez’s.

Since my station covers the Phillies, I have had some very sweet access to the Phillies all year. For a minute there, it looked like we’d be shut out of said access for the playoffs. I suppose when an event does garner that international attention, little stations like ours sometimes do get shut out to make room. As of Friday at close of business, this was the case. Then I got a call. And although I would have LOVED to have gotten this notification in time for Saturday’s work-outs to help get the lay of the land here at the Press Level of CBP– I was called at 6:45 p.m. Sunday for an 8:07 start. So I will learn the NLCS ropes as I go… (PS. That picture to the right is NOT an actual photo I took with my cell, even though, as the picture would indicate, Gammons does indeed rock!)

Mosty what I have done with my Phillies access this year is take phillies photographs for myphl17.com. But for the NLDS I will also be blogging about the experience. I am a member of the NEW MEDIA, and we do it all. We write, we photograph, we blog, we shoot video, we twitter, we Facebook, all in the name of getting people on our sites. Again, since I got the call late, I am still figuring a lot of this stadium out, but I feel right at home. Especially among the writers. Writing was my first passion, it landed me my job, in part, at WPHL, and I don’t do it nearly enough. Those that know me well would think I’d feel just as at home with the photogs… but truth be told, at an event of this magnitude? It’s about more then simply a good eye and technique. At an event this big? The pros bring in the REALLY heavy artillery in terms of photo equipment. (While I buy my lenses at B and H? They are using lenses/optics that looked like they are on loan from NASA! So, it’s kinda like being the “regular guy” at an adult film convention witn John Holmes and Ron Jeremy… but hey! I know how to use it!) Writing on the other hand? We all use the same alphabet and langauge, (minus those guys from the Pacifc rim to my left!) and I’ve been at this a good while and will put my stuff up against anyone’s. So, stay tuned! Check out the pics when they are up, and I will update you all again tomorrow. PS. Phils Win 11-0…..Now where the hell did Gammons go…

I am not writing an article about the latest miserable effort in the NFC title game. I already wrote it last year, (See THE CHART IS STILL WET). You can read it if you want to, because my analysis then, is just as true on this day.

No, today I am going to talk about next year. The Eagles will be back. They shook off this defeat once, and they will shake it off again, and next year will be another winning season, maybe even another title run. The question I ask myself today is, will I be back?

Truth be told, I am not sure I was really “back” this year. I think I left my heart at the Vet LAST January. I went to less games this year than the last two previous years, I wrote less PP2 articles about the Birds, and I will even admit falling asleep while watching some of the early away games on the tube. (But then again, who didn’t!). I think before this year began, I put the Eagles on “fan probation.” The Eagles stand accused of inflicting intolerable pain and suffering, negligence, and public endangerment. The hearing is today, and I am going to look at the evidence, and decide whether I am gonna be back and if so, in what capacity…

 The Evidence: 

Dirk Johnson is a great punter. And NO, I am not being a smart ass. I recall thinking the Eagles were “cutting corners” when it came time to pay Sean Landetta. But the Eagles felt Dirk was an upgrade and he was. On the same token, I felt that they were being cheap about Brian Mitchell and cheap about Hugh Douglas. I didn’t hear much from that duo this year either. I am beginning to think that the “drop those 30 and over” philosophy is based in some small part on talent evaluation and the belief that the end comes quickly for some in that age bracket. As much as fans pine away for these lost soldiers, follow the careers after they are gone…most of them fizzle.

Troy, Duce and Taylor are the Big Three this year. And believe it or not, I am ok with all of them exiting. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see Duce plod away another year in limited action, but he deserves to use what he has left as a feature back, and Buckhalter and Westbrook are just better then him. I question Taylor’s heart as well as his desire to be here. Troy: I honestly question whether he is a feasible health risk given the dollar amount he will command. So, armed with the belief that player personnel is not all about the dollars, and somewhat about talent evaluation. I will chalk up one point for me coming back next year…(1-0)

Which brings me to my first reason I will NOT come back. TALENT EVALUATION! Yes, I gave them credit in the previous paragraph for using it over money as a barometer for making personnel decisions, I JUST WISH THEY WERE BETTER AT IT AND LESS ARROGANT AND STUBBORN WHEN THEY ARE WRONG!! I think the Eagles really thought Nate Wayne and Mark Simoneau were key acquisitions at linebacker. They were not. The Eagles told us publicly that they are “satisfied” with the receiving corp. They were not satisfactory when it counted, in three straight years. I will chalk one for me NOT coming back…(1-1).

Here’s another HUGE reason for not coming back. The atmosphere at the LINC, SUCKS. Plain and simple. The seat license has turned into license to be a jackass. The amount of despicable behavior is WAY, WAY up. Sure there are less people urinating in sinks, but to sit and watch a game at the Linc is worse because the security that used to patrol in front of the seated crowd, in the walkways, is now relegated to the openings behind. They can’t see a thing. I use the term “security” loosely as the formidable brute squad that patrolled the Vet has been replaced with pigtailed, beaded, face-painted kids. People stand in front of other people the whole game, people exit in and out of rows during play (rows that–with 32 seats–are too long mind you), and the overzealous fans are not kept in check at all. Every game, I can count on at least a half dozen idiots, often the same idiots, making the game experience a much less enjoyable experience in one way or another, without fail. Not to wax poetic too long about the Vet, but that rarely happened in the 700 level. Idiots were disposed of very quickly, one way or another. For the money we pay to be there…I am giving this one DOUBLE negative points, and bringing my tally to (1-3).

Another reason I will return? The Vera “Poon” Wang collection! ‘nuff said. (2-3)

A resounding reason to stay home? I am tired of getting squeezed for every nickel by Lurie & Co. I am also tired of getting ripped off. If you have the balls to sell me a footlong hotdog for 5 dollars, I want the “foot” to be consecutive, not in pieces. I want it IN the roll, not thrown next to the roll and wrapped is a wrapper, and I want said roll to be from this week and in one piece. I’d also like the hotdog and bun not to be frozen, regardless of what the temperature outside is. Here is an idea: after you take it off the grill, if it is 5 degrees out, wrap it in a nickel’s worth of foil. If I buy a bottle of water for 4 dollars, I want the cap. I said this before, I’ll say it again, the “help” at the Linc is weak. Aramark at the Vet knew what they were doing. These Linc people do not. BIG minus here…(2-4).

HDTV and freezing weather. Two years in a row, I stood in a parking lot for hours in sub freezing weather, stood at the game for three more, and drove home on a sheet of ice. And two years in a row, my preparation against the cold was more thought out then the offense’s plan against the opponent. They can call me a fair-weather fan if I skip the cold ones next year, and I’ll call them the Weather Girls, because when there is weather they play like girls. (2-5).

Well, with only one factor left, I suppose it looks grim for my return. But there is one more factor…

I broke bread with Bosh Pritchard. I ate dinner with Dick Vermeil at a father son banquet. I met Vince Papale at his house. Some drunk Eagles threw my mom into a pool at a pool party once. I met Ron Jaworski a dozen times. His kids went to my school. I hit golf balls with Mike Quick. I learned to kick a football bare-footed because Tony Franklin and I had the same first name…All before I even turned 15. I wanted my confirmation name to be “Buddy” after Buddy Ryan. I remember listening to 610, tearing over the outpouring of grief over a lost lineman, and wearing a “Bring it Home for Jerome” hat the entire summer. The Eagles are a part of who I am. I am giving this one TRIPLE points…evening the score, (5-5).

So just like the Eagles, I am back where I started. No progress. So, I am gonna play it by ear I think. If the Eagles of today, start behaving like the ones that became a part of my life once upon a time, I’m in it to win it. If they continue their disassociation with their history, then they will become a part of my own.

Email the Author:  tony@tonyromeo.com