The Female Fanbase

By Amy McGinnis

We all know that Phillies fans have a certain reputation that is generally less than favorable and, in my opinion, not an accurate picture of the fanbase as a whole.  It seems to me that Phillies fans are the ones who are able to give you fair illustration of what the fans in this city are like.  Yes, there are some who are over-the-top and belligerent; however, for the most part, we're an intelligent and passionate group of people.  Well, what about female Phils fans? The reaction I get from male fans is sometimes interesting, to say the least.  I've been told to get back in the kitchen on more than one occassion.  I wanted to see how other women in the stands feel about it.  I talked to Karrie Woodruff, Stacey Lucas and Colleen Lucas, three ladies who know their stuff.  (They're all spoken for, by the way, so calm down.)

Before I get ahead of myself, I'd like to note that I am not attempting to criticize any females who enjoy baseball for different reasons.  I know there are plenty of women who enjoy the nice weather and tight pants.  My goal is to shine a light on those of us females who know and love the sport.  That being said ... what is it like being a female Phillies fan?

Stacey says that her favorite part of baseball is the comeback, and Colleen agrees.  The thrill of a rally in the 8th, a walk off homerun ... anyone who says baseball is boring hasn't watched a game with these girls. Karrie enjoys the strategy involved in the game.  Personally, I love that there is no time limit on games.  We've all been to the Vet and CBP into the wee hours, thinking, "Guess I'm just not sleeping tonight.  Oh well."

I love that, among four women, we have four different favorite players.  Karrie likes Jim Thome, explaining, "He doesn't juice, he plays hard, always give it his all and loves the game. Plus, as much as he gives on the field, he gives that much off the field to the community he is in. I also like the way he holds that bat before he settles into his ready stance."  Colleen likes Jimmy Rollins, citing his "cocky confidence" and "total understanding of Phils fans." It seems that Stacey and I are in the same boat: when asked who our favorite players are (Chase Utley and Cole Hamels, respectively), a lot of the time men smile at the answer and say, "Of course he is." I have explained myself more times than I care to admit as to why Hamels is my favorite.  His changeup, the focus and maturity he has acquired over time, the way he pitches rather than just fires the ball, the way he reminds me of a taller Tom Glavine ... I could go on.  Stacey likes Utley because he "plays the game like it should be played." She describes his fielding as "old school," and she loves that he hustles everything out, "even a clean shot to the second baseman."  As much as I love talking about baseball, I almost dislike being asked who my favorite player is, because I feel the need to qualify my answer.

I wondered if Karrie, Stacey and Colleen got similar reactions from men when it became apparent that they know what they're talking about.  I will say that, generally speaking, our answers are the same.  Guys seem surprised that when we open our mouths "Ohmygawd he's so hot" doesn't come out.  I think that when I was younger, I felt the need to try to prove myself in conversations; I got over that.  It seems that it doesn't occur to some men that girls know baseball (Colleen says, "I don't think it should be that big of surprise").  In all of our experiences, that initial amazement usually diminishes rather quickly.  It seems that most men think it's cool when a woman can enjoy sports with him.

I love raising my three daughters to be Phillies fans.  I love watching games with them, answering their questions about everything that's going on in the game, and knowing that they're likely to fall in love with baseball the same way I did.

Of course, especially with a winning team like the Phillies, fandom can become very trendy.  I think all four of us agree that we don't care if other people, male or female, enjoy baseball for different reasons than we do.  Every single one of us knows, appreciates, and loves different things about the sport.  That's what makes for good conversation and even debate.  Everyone brings something unique to the table.  Just don't bring a condescending attitude, because someone with a uterus just might run circles around you with her knowledge.

Getting Antsy

By Amy McCormick

Well, gang, I haven't written so much as one word since we signed Thome. This has seemed like an endless offseason thus far.  I'm getting very eager for things to get underway in Clearwater.  There's not much to report, really; I'll put my two cents in on some things that have happened, though.

Ryan Howard seems to be healing in an expected timeframe.  No one expected him to start at first in April, and if you're like me, you'd much rather he take his time getting fully rehabilitated this time.  The timing of his injury is probably the only silver lining to the whole incident.  At least it didn't happen in August, right?

Ryan Madson agreed to a one-year deal with the Reds.  As much as I don't like to see him go, I'm not surprised.  Acquiring Papelbon was a clear indication that Amaro was making other plans; for a short while, though, Mad Dog was just sitting at home, waiting for his phone to ring.  While I would have loved to see him stay in Philadelphia, I would have hated to watch him sitting in the bullpen, waiting for the phone to ring.  It didn't make sense to have Madson and Papelbon, even if the money allowed it, and I wish Ryan the very best.  It's hard not to like a dude who kicks chairs. 

Jamie Moyer signed a minor league deal with Colorado.  Minor league? At 49 years old? C'mon, Jamie, you really want to go out like that? He's one former Phillie who will undoubtedly always be well-received in this city, and I would love to see him in a pitching coach position in the future.  I hate, hate, hate that he signed a minor league deal.  I hate it.

Say what you want about Wilson Valdez ... "He's no Chase Utley." No shit.  He's a substitute infielder with a mediocre bat.  That being said, he has proven to be extremely dependable, filling in at second, short, and third (not to mention his stint as a relief pitcher last May).  The Phils signed a $930,000 contract for one year in an effort to avoid arbitration.  There's not much to argue about here - it was a smart move.  Valdez will never be an All-Star, but his "I'll do whatever my team needs" attitude is pretty priceless.  I'm glad to see him sticking around.

Jimmy Rollins and his wife Johari are expecting their first child.  Let's hope this pregnancy is not a distraction (I'm looking at you, Heidi Hamels, circa 2009).  Best wishes to JRoll and his family ... I'm hoping for a boy with a big gap-toothed smile and some swagger. 

Something that needed to be addressed this off-season was Cole Hamels.  He'll be a free agent after this season, and I'd say it's a safe bet that a team or two might be after my favorite LHP.  At 28 years old, he surely has years ahead of him in his career; Philadelphia would be stupid if they let him walk away.  Some people were upset when they learned that he agreed to a one-year, $15M deal, but it was purely to avoid arbitration.  Hopefully, a long-term deal will be taken care of during Spring Training.  I wouldn't want to see our rotation without him.

On a non-Phils note, Yu Darvish and Texas signed a ridiculous deal of $60M over 6 years.  Sure, the kid has sick numbers in Japan.  We all know that MLB is (pardon the obnoxious pun) a whole new ballgame.  I think it 's foolish to throw so much money at a pitcher who hasn't proven a single thing yet.  Most of you know that I think contracts in general have become a joke.  (I don't care if you're Albert Pujols.  Ten year contracts are ridiculous, and I only see agents inflating the issue over time.)

Well, kids, that's it for now.  I'm counting down the days until pitchers and catchers report (30, if you're wondering).  I'm ready to get this season underway already.  Let's do this.

God's speed, Mad Dog.

Should Jimmy Stay or Should He Go?

By Amy McCormick

Since the untimely demise of the 2011 Philadelphia Phillies, there’s not much to talk about.  Sure, we’re watching the league championship series, and we’ll watch the World Series, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll do it bitterly.  I predicted a Rangers-Phils series and I’m not going to get it.  Sigh.  I suppose it’s time to start thinking about next season.

A big question that has been on the minds of Phillies fans all season has been: will Jimmy Rollins return once he is a free agent?  There are a few things to consider here, and as always, I’ll throw in my two cents along the way.

J-Roll has only ever known baseball in Philadelphia.  He’s just three months older than I am (so please save the “but he’s so old” comments) and came in the second round of the 1996 amateur draft.  He and I weren’t even old enough to vote then; he’s been with the organization a long time.  He has spent the last decade in the bigs, serving as the team’s leader, whether you like to admit that or not.  Jimmy’s charisma alone is enough to make fans optimistic.

Jimmy likes being here.  I have no doubt that he wants the Phils to meet his salary requirements.  "I look good in red, I think," Rollins has said. "You go back to when I got drafted, I didn't know much about the Phillies. But when I put that hat on, looking at those first pictures when I got drafted, holding a bat, you know, and a Phillies T-shirt on, it started to look real good on me. I think I've worn it pretty well over the years. I really haven't thought about putting on any other colors other than the red-and-white pinstripes."

It seems that the Phillies would like to keep Jimmy as well.  "There's no question we want Jimmy back and be in our uniform and play shortstop for us for the next several years," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "Whether that happens kind of depends on if we get to the finish line on it. But Jimmy knows where we stand. Those things will be private."  As usual, don’t expect RAJ to spill any details; we’ll have to wait until the deal is signed (or not signed) to hear what went on in negotiations.

So, if Jimmy was 2007 NL MVP and a Silver Slugger, and he’s a three-time All-Star, why is there even a debate about whether or not he should stay? Well, to begin with, he hasn’t put up numbers anywhere near his MVP season since, well, 2007.  It could be that he’s not getting any younger.  It could be that injuries have kept him from playing full seasons.  Whatever the reason, 2007 Jimmy and 2011 Jimmy are hard to even compare.  It’s symptomatic of those respective teams, as well.  In 2007, the Phils fought like hell (and were thrilled to have won) the NL East.  In 2011, complacency took over.  In 2007, Rollins hit .296.  In 2011, he posted a .268 batting average.  His defense has been fine, but the “take a shot every time Jimmy pops up on the first pitch” drinking game got old awhile ago.  Personally, I don’t like change just for the sake of change.  But sometimes, things get static; sometimes, they gradually slide downhill.  For me, it’s a toss-up: Jimmy’s leadership / personality / swagger or some new, younger (yes, I said it) blood at shortstop?  Rollins has made it very clear that he wants five years.  With his downhill trend, I don’t know that I’d sign him for five.  He’ll be 38 right after that fifth season, and I don’t care how much yoga his wife has him do … his speed, reflexes and range of motion will gradually decline. 

The Phillies’ payroll is expected to mimic this past season’s pretty closely.  That being said, we’re looking at a potentially large chunk of change being saved if we unload a few players whose contracts will be up.  Madson, Ibanez, Hamels and Lidge are signed through 2011, and Oswalt has a $16 million option.  As much as I love Little Roy, I see Hamels as the only must-sign in that group.  If that’s the case, then maybe the Phils could afford to pick up a new shortstop while they’re shopping for closers. 

I like Jimmy Rollins.  I always have.  He’ll be the first to tell you, though, that this is a business.  He’s not the only one in a Phillies uniform that I think should move on, but Charlie Manuel is another post for another day.  It doesn’t make me happy to say it, but my vote (sometimes I like to pretend that I actually get one) is to not break our backs to meet Jimmy’s salary demands.  As usual, we’ll have to wait and see.  In the meantime, let’s watch Phillies-less baseball with total disdain and wish for quick, easy recoveries for our injured and surgery-bound … including, but not limited to, but especially Cole Hamels.

NLDS Game 3 in St. Louis

By Amy McCormick

This evening will be Game 3 of the NLDS in St. Louis.  Although I’d consider any postseason game to be “must win,” this one is especially important.  The series is tied at one win apiece, it’s just a five game series, and the Phils will be playing as visitors.  No pressure, Cole.

I have confidence in this team and this game is winnable. We need to see a couple things.

Jaime Garcia, the starting pitcher for St. Louis, finished the regular season 13-7 with a 3.56 ERA.  He has been successful against the Phillies in the past; in general, Philadelphia’s offense is better when facing a right handed pitcher (Garcia is a lefty).  He did pitch two complete games this past season, but he has no postseason experience.  Our offense needs to take advantage and get him rattled early.  I want Rollins and Utley to look at a lot of pitches.  I want aggressive base stealing.  I want momentum from the first inning, and I want the Phils to sustain it through the ninth.  Garcia pitches well at home; the Phils need to tire him out, rack up the pitch count, and work him.

Busch Stadium is a “hitter’s park,” but that might be due to the Cardinals’ offense.  Theriot, Jay and Furcal are no joke.  Pujols is limping around and still went 2 for 5 on Sunday.  We need to take these batters seriously.  Cliff Lee, my second favorite lefty, got a little bit roughed up by St. Louis on Sunday.  I want to see Hamels use his changeup effectively.  His offspeed pitches will keep batters swinging at what they think is a fastball.  You may recall Cole going 4-0 in the 2008 postseason.  This kid has what it takes to shut down even an aggressive offense.  Hopefully he locates his pitches well and retires batters with a quick tempo. 

A lot of us are nervous and excited about this evening’s game.  This is what October is all about.  This is what we’ve waited all year for.  Enjoy it.

Ten Musical Suggestions

By Amy McCormick

This five game losing streak is a depressing slump for Phillies fans.  Maybe it’s time to change some of the players’ intro songs in order to get their mojo back.  Here are ten of my suggestions. 

1. Jimmy Rollins.  Jimmy has three at-bat songs, apparently; they are “Bright Lights, Bigger City” by Cee-lo Green, “Play Your Part” by Wale, and “The Show Goes On” by Lupo Fiasco.  They’re all decent choices, but I would love to hear J-Roll come out to “Rollout” by Ludacris.  I think the reasoning behind my choice is obvious.
2. Placido Polanco.  Polly left the club years ago, and returned as a third baseman.  He came back with outstanding range of motion, instincts, and batting.  For my favorite large-headed infielder, I’d choose “Look at Me Now” by Lil Boosie and Big Head. (His current song is “I Know You Want Me” by Pitbull.)
3. Shane Victorino.  It bothers me every single time I hear “Buffalo Soldier” played at Citizens Bank Park, and for one reason: Vic is Hawaiin.  “Buffalo Soldier” is performed by Bob Marley … from Jamaica.  It’s not even the same ocean, people.  I’m a sucker for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. I know it’s kind of mellow, but so is “Buffalo Soldier.”
4. Hunter Pence.  I was so tempted to pick something from New Kids on the Block, but I resisted.  When I think of Pence, I think of three things: “Good game, let’s go eat,” a huge kid-in-a-candy-store grin, and red socks that look as though they’re probably tucked into his underwear.  I love the high socks, so I went with “Taylor Gang” by Wiz Khalifa. 
5. Ryan Madson.  Can we discuss the Journey song, please? From my understanding, it started as a joke, in reference to the headache-inducing YouTube video that Giants fans made last year.  Joke’s over.  Now you just look like a pansy running from the bullpen to a Journey song.  I’d quickly change it to “Shut ‘Em Down” by Public Enemy.
6. Carlos Ruiz.  Chooch has a case of Ryan Madsonitis when it comes to song choice.  Phil Collins? Really?  I’d get rid of that in a hurry.  I’d rather hear Ruiz come out to “Panama” by Van Halen … because he’s from Panama.  See what I did there?
7. Cole Hamels.  I couldn’t think of any songs about having dreamy dimples, so I think he should come out to 45,000 fans singing “Cole and Amy sittin’ in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g …”.  His AC/DC song, “Thunderstruck,” is fine, too … I guess.
8. John Mayberry, Jr.  Follow me on this one.  Out of laziness/cuteness, I have always called Mayberry “JMJ.” I started to refer to him as “Jam Master Jay” because that’s what my friend James calls him.  That nickname is the reason I’d choose “My Adidas” by Run DMC for John Mayberry, Jr.
9. Pete Orr.  I know we rarely see Orr bat, but I’m a big fan of watching him sprint to first.  I’d love to hear the vintage version of the theme to “Speed Racer” when he is up to bat.
10. Michael Schwimer.  I think it would be appropriate to hear “Creep” by Radiohead when Schwimer runs out to the mound, for one reason: the lyric “I don’t belong here.” Sorry, kid.

I don’t know what it will take to snap this funk that the Phils are in.  Maybe hiring me as Musical Director at Citizens Bank Park would help.  I’m available to start immediately.



Cole Hamels is pictured in this post because, well, I get to choose what goes here.



Victorino is Effective in Leadoff Spot

By Amy McCormick

At the start of the 2011 season, I had my doubts about Shane Victorino batting in the leadoff spot.  He wasn’t entirely successful in that position last season, when it seemed that our lineup changed nightly.  While Jimmy Rollins isn’t exactly stellar when batting first, I figured he was our best bet.  I admit that I was wrong.

First, let’s look at the numbers.  Last season, Jimmy Rollins played just 88 games due to injury.  He hit .243, which I don’t need to tell you is awful, and had an OBP of .320.  He stole seventeen bases and scored 48 runs.  The Phils currently have 22 games in the books for 2011.  Shane Victorino is hitting .295 with an OBP of .360; he has stolen four bases and scored fourteen runs.  Now, stay with me, because there’s math involved.  If Victorino in 2011 has played ¼ the games that Rollins did in all of 2010, then his projected numbers for 88 games this season would be 56 runs scored and sixteen stolen bases.  I realize there a lot of numbers here, but the bottom line is that when it comes to batting in the leadoff spot, Shane’s numbers are better than Jimmy’s were last year.

Now, let’s consider the functions of a leadoff hitter.  First and foremost, it’s his job to get on base.  Whether it’s by drawing a walk or getting a base hit, his job is to get himself to first and then into scoring position.  Both Rollins and Victorino are capable of stealing more bases than they have been, and I’d like to see them be more aggressive about it.   The leadoff hitter needs to distract and annoy the pitcher by taking a lead off the base in an attempt to keep him unfocused.  Jimmy and Shane are both good at accomplishing this.  Baserunning involves more than just stealing, though.  General speed is important; Rollins is quick, but Victorino is quicker. 

In addition to getting on base, the leadoff hitter has another important task that Jimmy Rollins likes to dismiss: work the pitcher.  It’s important to see a lot of pitches, but J-Roll is infamous for swinging at the first pitch that comes his way.  Shane seems more patient at the plate,  waiting for a pitch that will allow him to find a gap and get a base hit.  Forcing the pitcher to throw a lot of pitches accomplishes two things: it tires him and it gives the Phils a chance to see what he’s throwing on that particular night. 

It seems that power hitters get all the recognition for the runs they drive in; if it weren’t for quality leadoff hitters, though, there wouldn’t be runners to score.  Victorino has been showing that he’s extremely effective batting in the number one spot.  If Chase Utley returns this season, there will be some rearranging to do with the lineup, but I think that Shane should stay at the top of the order.  He’s proving that he is successful there.

A Crucial Year for J-Roll

By Amy McCormick

We all know and love Jimmy Rollins for three reasons (other than his athleticism): his leadership, his personality, and his swagger.  Though once thought of as arrogant and not received very well in this city, Jimmy has an infectious, endearing personality that Phillies fans can’t get enough of.  No one else could pull off making predictions the way that J-Roll does.  No one else can light up a city with his smile the way J-Roll does.  And no one sprays bottles of champagne quite the way J-Roll does.

Jimmy is coming up on a contract year, and it raises the question: will he remain a Phillie? There are some factors that will influence the Phillies’ decision making process, such as budget, that I won’t get into.  I’d rather focus on why we’d want to keep Rollins and why Rollins would want to stay.

As a batter, Jimmy’s numbers have dwindled from the .290s to about .250 over the past several years.  Granted, in 2010, he played only 88 games due to injury.  His WAR was only 1.7 (consider that it was 6.1 in his MVP year, 2007).  Now, don’t get me wrong, and save the hate mail.  I love Jimmy Rollins and think that he’s a great shortstop; I’m merely stating facts.  Truth be told, Wilson Valdez is the same age, had the same WAR in 2010, and a better batting average.  I’m hoping that Jimmy’s numbers from last year were due more in part to his injury than to his age.  The man is 32 years old.  Outside of MLB, 32 is actually quite young (says the 32 year old writer).  In terms of baseball, though, he’s just not getting any younger.   

I wish my man Cole Hamels could give me some inside information in terms of what Jimmy wants to do in 2012.  He doesn’t like talking about it, though.  Some “man code” or whatever.  My opinion is that J-Roll will want to complete his career in Philadelphia.  It’s all he knows as a Major League player … and who wouldn’t want to be a part of the greatest team on earth?  I think he has found a niche in the clubhouse (and the city) as a true leader, and at this point, it’s hard to picture the team without him. 

What do I want to see from Jimmy this year? Personally, I think he’s our best bet for a leadoff hitter.  What I’d like to see from him, though, is some patience at the plate.  I started a drinking game last season – take a shot every time Jimmy pops out on the first pitch – and frankly, my husband started to get a little sick of me being belligerently drunk by the end of a game.  Rollins needs to wait for his pitch, find a gap, and get on base.  Period.  I want to see him stealing second unless notified otherwise.  I want him healthy, above all else, but I also want him to be aggressive in every sense.  I want to see him fielding balls like the beast we all know he can be, getting base hits and getting himself into scoring position. 

I have confidence that Rollins can have a standout season, and I think he’ll be able to get the Phils to pay him well in a new contract.  I’d like to see him stay in Philly, but I think there’s a lot depending upon his performance this season.  I’d love to see his prediction of 100+ wins this season proven to be true.  One thing is for sure, though.  I want Jimmy healthy, focused, and playing 162 games to lead the Phillies to his bold prediction.  Bring it, J-Roll.  Swagger and all.