Under Pressure- Papelbon Remix

"I like pressure. That's what makes me tick, man. I'm excited."
~Jonathan Papelbon

Under Pressure- Papelbon Remix
Mm ba ba de
Um bum ba de
Um bu bu bum da de
Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on Jonathan Papelbon
Under pressure - that burns deep inside
To close and inning or two
Gotta put batters on their seats
Um ba ba be
Um ba ba be
De day da
Ee day da - that's o.k.
It's the terror of knowing
That the game's on the line
Watching the Philly fans
Screaming "Strike him out"
Pray tomorrow - in the standings we're higher
Pressure on Papelbon - batters on their seats
Day day de mm hm
Da da da ba ba
O.k.
Runnin' around - kick opponent's asses around the floor
These are the days wins don't rain but they pour
Ee do ba be
Ee da ba ba ba
Um bo bo
Be lap
Batters on their seats - ee da de da de
Batters on their seats - ee da de da de da de da
It's the terror of knowing
That the game's on the line
Watching the Philly fans
Screaming "Strike him out"
Pray tomorrow - in the standings we're higher high high
Pressure on Papelbon - Batters on their seats
Turned away from it all like a blind ump
Stood on the mound but it don't work
Keep coming up with determination
but it's so slashed and torn
Why - why - why ?
Wins wins wins wins wins wins
Insanity laughs under pressure, I'm not cracking
Can't we give ourselves one more championship
Why can't we give wins that one more chance
Why can't we give wins give wins give wins give wins
give wins give wins give wins give wins give wins
'Cause win's such an old fashioned word
And wins dares you to care for
The fans on the edge of the ninth
And wins dares you to change your way of
Caring about only ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last chance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure

Create the Caption: Phanatic's Wiener Edition

Have at it ladies and gents...

ESPN Player Projections

Starting next week (hopefully) Corey and I will be introducing an over/under projection for the Phillies players. We will average our statistical projections then ask you, the reader, over or under. Below are ESPN's player projections for the 2012 season. Many of them are in line with what I am predicting, but a bit are skewed. See for yourself...

Starting 8:
Carlos Ruiz/C - .284/.778, 47 R, 7 HR, 46 RBI.

Ryan Howard/1B - .268/.872, 57 R, 23 HR, 78 RBI.

Chase Utley/2B - .277/.832, 80 R, 18 HR, 67 RBI, 18 SB.

Placido Polanco/3B - .280/.687, 53 R, 5 HR, 48 RBI.

Jimmy Rollins/SS - .272/.747, 86 R, 15 HR, 66 RBI, 29 SB.

John Mayberry/LF - .246/.706, 47 R, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 10 SB.

Shane Victorino/CF - .275/.806, 93 R, 15 HR, 63 RBI, 24 SB.

Hunter Pence/RF - .289/.813, 85 R, 23 HR, 91 RBI, 11 SB.

Bench:
Laynce Nix/OF - .259/.771, 32 R, 12 HR, 36 RBI.

Jim Thome/1B/PH - .255/.889, 42 R, 22 HR, 59 RBI.

Ty Wigginton/UTL - .252/.720, 49 R, 14 HR, 50 RBI.

Brian Schneider/C - .230/.638, 17 R, 3 HR, 18 RBI.

Michael Martinez/UTL - .218/.573, 15 R, 2 HR, 13 RBI.

Domonic Brown/OF - .242/.705, 32 R, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 10 SB.

Juan Pierre/OF - .277/.653, 36 R, 21 RBI, 18 SB.

Rotation:
Roy Halladay - 19 W, 238 IP, 212 K, 2.68/1.07.

Cliff Lee - 18 W, 235 IP, 218 K, 3.10/1.09.

Cole Hamels - 16 W, 216 IP, 201 K, 3.04/1.12.

Vance Worley - 10 W, 170 IP, 140 K, 3.92/1.30.

Joe Blanton - 9 W, 152 IP, 123 K, 4.20/1.34.

Joel Pineiro - 9 W, 172 IP, 82 K, 4.50/1.36.

Bullpen:
Jonathan Papelbon - 5 W, 40 SV, 66 IP, 85 K, 2.73/1.08.

Kyle Kendrick - 8 W, 102 IP, 49 K, 3.26/1.32.

Antonio Bastardo - 5 W, 12 HLD, 55 IP, 66 K, 2.62/1.09.

Michael Stutes - 4 W, 11 HLD, 63 IP, 62 K, 3.57/1.30.

Jose Contreras - 2 W, 3 HLD, 33 IP, 28 K, 4.09/1.33.

Dontrelle Willis - 1 W, 3 HLD, 27 IP, 19 K, 4.67/1.59.

Chad Qualls- 4 W, 19 HLD, 66 IP, 43 K, 3.55/1.35.

Brian Sanches - 3 W, 4 HLD, 50 IP, 41 K, 3.78/1.34.

Justin De Fratus - 3 W, 51 IP, 60 K, 3.18/1.24.

David Herndon - 3 W, 3 HLD, 55 IP, 36 K, 4.42/1.38.

Notes:
For the most part, these seem fair. However, I disagree with the following- John Mayberry will have a much better season, no way Thome gets that many plate appearances, Dom Brown will get stuck in AAA, Pineiro will not be pitching 172 innings in a Phillies uniform, KK is not repeating a low ERA, Willis won't be that bad if used properly, and De Fratus is not getting a shot at 51 IP.

Wednesday Morning Bench Coach

Yeah, I know, it's Thursday. Let's begin with another "Charlie in the Movies" picture. The Fuqua abides.



Burnett and the Pirates
The Pirates can't beat the Yankees on the field. But they have the opportunity with AJ Burnett to take a win off of the field. They have the opportunity to get Burnett for essentially nothing and have the Yankees pay the vast majority of his salary. Of course, they could also pay $6-7 million a year for two years for a pitcher who produced a negative WARP last season.

If the Pirates we're shrewd (ha!), they'd tell the Yankees, "You give us $23 million and AJ Burnett and we'll give you those two Indian fellows we found on television. Take it or leave it."

The Yankees can't afford to keep Burnett. Well, they can in the literal sense, but they have seven or eight starting pitchers and Burnett's already outstayed his welcome. The fans don't want him back. Management seemingly doesn't want him back. They have to move. Good news for the Pirates, nobody really wants him or any part of the $33 million remaining on his contract. And why should they. Take a look at his stats over at fangraphs.com and try to find something in the numbers that points to a return to form for Burnett. His hits and walk are up. His strikeouts are down. He's lost 3 MPH off of his fastball since 2007. This isn't "bad luck." It's bad pitching. (The xFIP told me so...)

Heck, maybe they should ask for more than $23 million...

More after the jump...

Phillies Spring Training TV Schedule

Date - Game - Network:
Saturday, March 3 - Phillies vs. Yankees - Comcast SportsNet

Monday, March 5 - Phillies vs. Yankees - The Comcast Network

Wednesday, March 7 - Phillies vs. Astros - The Comcast Network

Thursday, March 8 - Phillies vs. Pirates - The Comcast Network

Saturday, March 10 - Phillies vs. Orioles - Comcast SportsNet

Wednesday, March 14 - Phillies vs. Twins - The Comcast Network

Thursday, March 15 - Phillies vs. Braves - The Comcast Network

Saturday, March 17 - Phillies vs. Blue Jays - The Comcast Network

Monday, March 19 - Phillies vs. Tigers - The Comcast Network

Friday, March 23 - Phillies vs. Yankees - The Comcast Network

Monday, March 26 - Phillies vs. Red Sox - The Comcast Network

Tuesday, March 27 - Phillies vs. Pirates - The Comcast Network

Thursday, March 29 - Phillies vs. Rays - The Comcast Network

Monday, April 2 - Phillies vs. Pirates - Comcast SportsNet

*All Game Times 1 PM except for April 2nd @ 7 PM

*Leslie Gudel will also be reporting on the Phils during Spring Training for Comcast SportsNet.

*Thanks to Maureen Quilter of Comcast SportsNet who sends us these email updates.

Valentine's Day is Stupid

WSBGMs Hall of Fame 2012 Results

Congratulations to Adam Eaton, the newest member of the WSBGMs Hall of Fame. Eaton received 37% of the votes. Eaton will now have his photo-plaque enshrined in the widget in the right sidebar.

Jayson Werth and Baez Sucks got slightly less than 30% each and will return next year for a shot at glory.

Bea Arthur, unfortunately, will have to rely on the very finicky Veterans Committee for enshrinement.

Congratulations again, Adam. Your complete ineptitude got you something besides those tens of millions of dollars...

Rheal Cormier to Hall of Fame (Canadian)

Congratulations to Rheal Cormier for his induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. I can still remember him missing time during spring training with the Phillies due to hemorrhoids. What a pain in the ass! Anyway, Frenchy spent 6 of his 16 MLB seasons pitching in Philadelphia where he experienced the most success during his career- 28 W and 3.62 ERA in 363 G. In 2003 he posted an 8-0 record with a 1.70 ERA/0.93 WHIP in 84.2 relief innings. Very impressive. Cormier owns a .650 OPS as a hitter with the Phils too, more than Michael Martinez can claim. The lefty also pitched for Boston, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Montreal posting a 71-64 record over 683 appearances and 1221.2 IP.

Stuff

*Winter has not had its typical frigid temperatures, but the blustery cold will whip in this weekend. Go to Lancaster Brewing Company and get a growler full of their delicious Double Chocolate Milk Stout to help warm you soul.

*We still have some free bumper stickers left. If interested, just shoot us an email at weshouldbegms@hotmail.com with your name and address.

*If you're looking for something to do in the doldrums of winter, may I suggest playing some fantasy sports on DraftStreet. Invest as little as $20 and play wisely enough to cash out at over $200 like I have.

*Phillies tickets are hard to come by, especially if you don't wanna put out the loot for season tickets or a 6-pack of games. If you're hunting for individual tickets, visit WSBGMs site sponsor GoTickets.

*Become our Facebook friend and/or follow us on Twitter @GMCarson and @GM_Corey.

Michael Schwimer is a Conflicted Man/Fan

From pop culture/sports blog- Grantland:

My dad was born and raised in the heart of New York City. He is a diehard fan of the Yankees, Giants, and Knicks. Just like any other kid with a diehard New York sports fan dad, I was brainwashed from a very early age to live and die with New York sports. My dad and I bond the most over sports and going to events. We went to Lambeau Field for the 2007 NFC Championship game, and now to this Super Bowl.

Long story short, I got drafted by the Phillies, and got called up for a month and a half this past season. My love for the Yankees has disappeared but my love for the Giants and Knicks is as strong as ever. I also have fallen in love with the city of Philadelphia and truly believe they are the best baseball fans in the country. The last thing I ever want to do is lose support from these fans, but I love the Giants. So am I allowed to outwardly root for the G-MEN or do I have to keep that to myself because I happen to be employed by the Phillies?

— Michael S

"Michael S" is none other than the Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Michael Schwimer. Question 1- What the hell is he thinking professing his love for New York teams while in the Phillies organization? Question 2- the Knickerbockers...really?!

It's obvious Schwimer is a conflicted man/fan and wants to remain in good graces in Philly while still supporting teams from the Evil Empire. Step 1 to ensuring that happens is to pitch well when given the opportunity. Step 2- don't speak another word of affection towards the state of New York, the city of New York, and especially any New York teams. God speed Michael Schwimer, may the ire of Philly not begrudge you for your lack of better judgement.

The 1987 4-Man Rotation: End of an Era

The 1980's witnessed the end of the 4-man rotation in baseball. Starting pitchers were becoming pricey and valued fragile commodities, not to mention bullpen specialist were starting to be used more frequently (thanks a lot LaRussa). Days of guys pitching 7-8 innings on 3 days rest became a thing of the past, as a quality start was defined as 6+ IP with 3 runs or less allowed. 1987 was the last year the Phillies employed a 4-man rotation, and the workhorses shouldering the load had nearly identical seasons (see below). Shane Rawley, Don Carman, Bruce Ruffin, and Kevin Gross were the end of an era. Although Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels certainly take the ball and pitch deep into games, they still get the luxury of 4 days rest.


1987 4-Man Rotation:
*Stats- Record, Games Started, Innings Pitched, ERA/WHIP, BB:K.

Shane Rawley 17-11, 36 GS, 229.2 IP, 4.39/1.46, 86:123.

Don Carman 13-11, 35 GS, 211 IP, 4.22/1.25, 69:125.

Bruce Ruffin 11-14, 35 GS, 204.2 IP, 4.35/1.51, 73:93.

Kevin Gross 9-16, 33 GS, 200.2 IP, 4.35/1.46, 87:110.

Phillies Themed Graffiti

Yesterday is was Phils themed cartoons, today graffiti...

Phils Themed Cartoons

Hey, it's the Monday after the Super Bowl and nothing is happening in Phillies land. Hell, nothing is really happening in baseball, unless you want to talk about the blockbuster trade of Jeremy Guthrie to the Rockies for Matt Lindstrom and Jason Hammel. Yeah, didn't think so. Since pitchers and catchers are about 2 weeks from reporting to Clearwater, I leave you with a collection of some Phils themed cartoons.

Reuniting the 4 Aces?

Roy Oswalt remains unemployed. Many teams would love his services, but don't have the money and/or roster space to sign him. Roy2 wants to pitch for the Rangers or Cardinals due to those teams' proximity to his Mississippi home, but Texas and St. Louis aren't biting at the 1 year $8-10M price tag Oswalt is commanding. The Red Sox, Reds, and Phillies have also been keeping tabs on the righty. The Phils already have a gluttony of starting pitching with Blanton, Kendrick, and Pineiro in the 5th, 6th, and 7th slots of the rotation. Oswalt would reunite the "4 Aces" and increase the Phils chances at repeating as champions of the NL East for the 6th consecutive season. Up against the luxury tax threshold at the moment, the signing would certainly put the Phillies into uncharted waters for them, but it might be something they're willing to do given the reward. Trading Blanton would make this so much easier, but his contract ($8.5M) and questionable health (how's the elbow?) prohibit that move.

Sports Illustrated Power Rankings:
#3. Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies won't win 102 games again in 2012 as they did in '11. The rotation took a small hit in losing Oswalt and first baseman Ryan Howard, who injured his Achilles making the last out of their season-ending loss to the Cardinals in the NLDS, likely won't return to the lineup until May or June. The bigger issue, though, is that the NL East is emerging as baseball's new super-division, as the Braves, Nationals and Marlins should all be better in 2012. That'll affect Philadelphia's win total but shouldn't change their place in the standings.

Others: Texas Rangers- #1, New York Yankees- #2, Atlanta Braves- #10, Washington Nationals #12, Miami Marlins- #14, and New York Mets- #25.