Before They Were Stars...

Corey

Williams Falls Into New Job

It looks like Mitch Williams will follow in the footsteps of John Kruk and use Post Game Live as a stepping stone to a better job as he is set to join the brand new MLB Network. He joins another former Phillies lefty Dan Plesac on the network.

Williams was always fun to watch on Comcast. Like his predecessors Kruk and Marzano, Williams was not only a knowledgeable analyst and competent communicator, he was a passionate Phillies fan who always seemed to be in tune with the emotions of the fan. He was straight shooting and entertaining, and he is a big loss for Comcast.

But this isn't necessarily a loss for Phillies fans. It looks like he'll have a prominent role in the daily "MLB Tonight" show on the network (channel 280 on Comcast Harrisburg...) which should give us hours of Mitchy-Poo every week.

Corey

Touch Me Please!

I've known about Alyssa Milano's MLB-themed apparel, Touch, for a while now. What I did not know is how freakin' hot Samantha from Who's the Boss? looked in a khaki mini-skirt and itty-bitty Phillies jacket. I was also unaware that how much of a turn-on Phillies emblem P's on accompanying butt cheeks are and that the 80's brought sexy back in the form of a Phils jean jacket.




For more Alyssa Milano hotness, visit her blog- *Touch* 'em All. Warning, she's a Dodgers fan, but in her case it's forgivable.

~Carson

#1000

WSBGM's is proud to present our one thousandth post. One thousand {mille, tausend, 千, mil, 천, χίλια, 一千 (for all our French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Greek, and Chinese speaking fans)} is a big number. So big in fact that it's one larger than 999 and breaks into 4-digit territory. Since the Phils haven't been active on the player movement front lately, aside from signing Gary Majewski, we're just going to showcase some of our favorite posts over the years rather than hash out the roster.

*My long night in Philly that consisted of Adam Eaton, an autograph, a bitch-slap, a Porsche Cayenne, and handcuffs.

*Company brown-noser, Chris Wheeler, and I tour America together with our new found friendship.

*Corey's perspective of crusty douchebag TJ Simers of the Los Angeles Times and his "monkey", aka ball-gagged man-slave.

*My novel idea of cheering everything in response to J-Roll's "frontrunner" comment, that turned into an Internet sensation (by sensation I mean 10 people participated).

*Corey's venture into WNBA blogging after being tortured by the Phils in the grueling month of June.

*We take a closer look at the hidden talent of some of the Phillies players, including Ryan Howard's lumberjacking abilities.

*Corey previews the Phillies promotions for the 2008 season, including Brandon Duckworth T-shirt Day and Paul Lo Duca Toilet Paper Night.

*We delve into the Phillies fine ballpark cuisine of "mock meat" and check out the bat-beating styles of Jose Offerman.

*The Beach Boys had their song Wouldn't it be nice? parodied. And to answer the question in our rendition of the song- yes, it is damn nice.

*Get Jeltzed by WSBGM's French-born posterboy Steve Jeltz.

*A peek into the Mitchell Report files and a juiced up No-Hit Nunez.

*The legendary mystery of the monkey-nipple was finally solved, and it wasn't Sal Fasano or Sid Fernandez, but that sausage-slugging Netherlander Randall Simon.

*Our phirst ever Phillies Phlashback Phriday was of Joe Boever of all people.

*My twisted concoction of random Phillies related items that was to exorcise the demons of the Phils past which included "a clump of Rheal Cormier's hemorrhoids" and "Dave Hollins' spider bite"...where do I come up with this stuff?

*A song parody that even Weird Al Yankovic wish he did- Bohemian Manuel.

Here's to hoping WSBGM's is around for another 1000+ posts helping you laugh, cry, commiserate, celebrate, and just enjoy the wonderful life of being a Phillies Phan.

~Carson

Like Links?

Many fine Phillies related blogs have been so kind to extend a linking hand to WSBGM's over the years, and today in the spirit of the holiday season I decided to give back. The following are a list of blogs I frequent to keep myself well-rounded (mentally, not physically, that's what cookies and beer are for).

BeerLeaguer takes a look at the Phils drafting strategy and how it's like panning for gold so to speak. Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus says, "While the Phillies' system lacks talent at the top, they have as much high-ceiling talent as anyone, and they need to hit gold on just one or two of them to see the organization take a dramatic step forward."

Phillies Nation continues with their 100 Greatest Phillies list, with #91 being the fantastic 1993 Macho Row, mullet-rocking thirdbaseman Dave Hollins.

The Fightins offer up some New Years Resolution for our beloved Phils. "Jamie Moyer: Finally converts his 8-Tracks to the much more modern cassette tape. Some one’s gonna be bumpin’ and grindin’ all night to those Chubby Checker albums."

The Phillies Zone lets us know Shane Victorino is still "flyin' high" after the World Series win and parade. "The parade was incredible," Victorino said. "I remember toward the end of Broad Street looking back and seeing the flood of people following us to the stadium. People were everywhere. I still don't know how the trucks got through. It seemed like there were two or three generations of people there."

Although not a blog, MLB.com writer Alden Gonzalez for the Phillies, does a good job recapping month-by-month the amazing 2008 of the Philadelphia Phillies.

~Carson

The Day After

The Phillies were spread all around the world yesterday. Waiting underneath the tree and secured snugly in my stocking were 2 bumper stickers, a 3-D car air freshener, a championship flag, a #1 Phils Phan license plate, big P magnet, a championship plaque with Howard and Burrell, and my son got a ball and bat, while my dad received a Phils gnome.

What Phillies gear did you get?

~Carson

Christmas Slideshow

Merry Christmas from WSBGM's!

~Carson

Q&A- Chad Durbin

2008 Philadelphia Phillies bullpen workhorse and savior Chad Durbin cozied up to the computer for a Q&A session with WSBGM's. The recently turned 31 year old worked in a career high 71 games last season (nearly doubling his career total) and will be back to help the Phils defend their World Series championship in '09. For all those Durbinator fans out there, enjoy...

1. Derek Jeter checks into hotel rooms under the name Johnny Drama, have you ever used an alias?
Funny thing, I haven't used one...but the popular one's are great names from movies or shows, or buddies from the minors. It's funny stuff, right!??

2. Do you fill the long hours in the bullpen the same way the rest us do when we are bored at work, with Ebay and minesweeper?
No internet connection out there! In all seriousness, we watch the game with the idea that the way a pitcher got a guy out in his first couple at bats should dictate how we pitch to those same hitters in the later part of the game. Due diligence.

3. Any pregame superstitions, like eating a whole chicken or giving rum to Jobu?
The pregame superstitions are more "set routines" than superstitions. If our routine is beat up a little due to this, that, or the other...I tend to break my routine up into segments so I can pick up the routine down the line and still stay comfortable. Part of the gig!

4. What is your opinion on Philly fans and blogs?
Philly fans give genuine reactions to performance...their expectations are high and they expect winners in town. I respect that, and when there are some boos directed at me, I respect that it's based on the expectation that I should've gotten the job done that day, or week, or year. I understand...doesn't mean it EVER feels good to get booed for poor performance, but I understand.

5. How do you handle going from hero to goat and back and forth on a daily basis?
I credit dealing with failure and success to your mental preparation. If you live in the moment and handle your situation/game that day as the most important game that year...you have no choice but to have a short memory. If you got out of a bases loaded, no out, jam the day before? GREAT! But, what does that have to do with executing a pitch today? A mental edge, maybe, but that can go away in the swing of a bat.

6. You did an amazing job in the bullpen...do you remember the exact date your arm fell off?
Thanks, very much. It's a grind, that's for sure. I was thrilled, every single time I came into a game or got up in the bullpen...to be part of such a special team and season. So, if there's a moment in the season when I felt that I ran into a wall...had to be late August. You know what happened, though, and the beauty of baseball? Ryan Madson went on an absolute tear, right as I cooled off. It's amazing how those special seasons consist of story after story of teammates stepping up during the year. MadDog was amazing.

7. You've bounced around over your career, and last season was by and far your most successful. What do you attribute to your success?
Most of all, the success was a result of trying to do less. A "one pitch at a time" approach is the only way I can be consistent. So, having a consistent gameplan helped me stay consistent.

8. What is Showcase U?
ShowcaseU.com is a Do-It-Yourself Recruiting Solution website. Student-athletes and their parents today need the tools and resources available so they can "Market Themselves," and ultimately give themselves a better opportunity to find a scholarship and play at the next level. We want to save parents time and money during the process of promoting their child. ShowcaseU.com is a website where coaches, student-athletes, and their parents can find each other and market to each other.

9. What's your favorite offseason activity?
My favorite offseason activity is watching my little boy, Cade, grow and play. All the rest is great, but that trumps everything. So, hanging out as a family is my favorite.

10. Funniest clubhouse story?
If everyone doesn't know about it, they should...the Kyle Kendrick "Traded to Japan" prank last Spring Training.

11. Opinion on recent additions- Raul Ibanez and Chan Ho Park, as well as the dearly departed- Pat Burrell.
Raul Ibanez is one of baseball's best people...a truly great person and a great player, to boot. Chan Ho Park gives us more depth in both the rotation and the bullpen. In regards to Pat, I know how much everyone loved him and what better way for a player to depart a city like Philadelphia than to give them something they've been after for such a long time!

12. Biggest perks of being a MLB player?
The perks...being able to play the game you love for a living. The ability to help set your family up for the long-term is also a great perk.

13. Biggest drawbacks of being a MLB player?
The drawbacks...missing out on seeing your family and friends during the season. We are away from everyone for 8-9 months a year.

14. Best Big League memory?
2008 Philadelphia Phillies Season.

15. Tell us about Charlie Manuel...
Charlie is one of the best baseball people out there. He loves the game, he loves his players, and he loves winning. I think Charlie gets a bad reputation because he doesn't speak like a politician. What everyone out there needs to know is that he is one of the brighter men in baseball. Nothing gets by him and he can hold his own with anyone when it comes to talking about baseball or any other topic. He knows stocks, he knows news, but most of all and most important for this job is that he knows how to relate to his players.

16. When we come to a game next year, and you meet up with us afterward for a beer, what are we drinking?
I'd have a Guinness and make sure I wasn't driving.

17. How are you spending the holidays?
I'm spending my holidays with family and friends in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Merry Christmas all and Happy Holidays!

*For an audio interview of a WSBGM's favorite, Doug Glanville, go to Jimmy Scott's High & Tight.

~Carson

YouTube Clip O' The Week

Corey

Q&A- Todd Zolecki of Philadelphia Inquirer

WSBGM's sat down at the keyboard and monitor for a nice fireside chat with the Philadelphia Inquirer's Todd
Zolecki. He also runs a blog, The Phillies Zone, that is good for a laugh and quality Phils information.




1. What do you enjoy most about being a beat writer?
I'd love to say the DeLorean the company lets me drive, but that wouldn't be accurate. I love to write, so I think that's why I still enjoy it. I enjoy telling Phillies fans why what they saw that night in a game is important or unimportant (or whatever). I enjoy giving fans a feel for what the Phillies are thinking and why they are thinking it.

2. What do you least like about being a beat writer?
The travel. I always tell people I like the cities I visit. I just hate having to get there. There are a lot of crazy turnarounds on the beat. You cover a Thursday night game in Florida, get back to the hotel after midnight and get up a few hours later to catch a flight to Chicago or wherever. Those are not fun mornings. Oh, I also hate rain delays. They pretty much suck.

3. What is your view on the way that mainstream media (newspapers and television) are melding with blogs in terms of sports?
I like it. It keeps things fun. Sports are supposed to be fun, right?

4. Bigger Brewers or Phillies fan?
Packers fan. I grew up a Brewers fan, but once you start covering baseball for a living you stop being a fan (i.e. every pitch is not life and death). I guess I would have felt bad had the Brewers not made the playoffs, but only because my dad has a 16-game ticket plan at Miller Park and I know how much Brewers fans wanted it to happen. But really the only team I follow closely is the Packers. The NFL is my sports outlet. I really don't follow the NBA, NHL, college football or college basketball too closely.

5. How much of an inside scoop do you have?
I would like to think I have a pretty good feel for what is going on with the team. We wrote in spring training that Ruben Amaro Jr. was the front runner for the GM job, which ultimately proved true. But on the flip side, before the salary arbitration deadline this month, I wrote that the Phillies seemed likely to offer Jamie Moyer arbitration and unlikely to offer Pat Burrell arbitration. I got killed for saying the Phillies wouldn't offer Burrell arbitration. People thought I was an idiot, but I actually had a pretty good feel for that situation and why they wouldn't. Now Moyer? That one surprised me as much as anybody. I was wrong on that one, but the Phillies obviously knew what they were doing because Moyer re-signed at a lesser price than he probably would have gotten had he been offered and accepted arbitration.

6. Who's the coolest player to interview?
When Jimmy Rollins bring his 'A' game, there's no better interview in the Phillies clubhouse. He's great. He's not afraid to speak his mind, which can be good (i.e. team to beat in 2007, 100 wins in 2008) and bad (i.e. fans are frontrunners) for him. But I appreciate his honesty, and the fact that he doesn't back down from saying what he feels. He's funny, too. Funny is good.

7. What's the best place in Philly to get grub and brews?
We're talking bar food, right? That's a tough one to answer because there are so many. I live in Roxborough, so I'll stay local for beers. The Flat Rock in Manayunk is a good place to try some different brews. Food? I just ate a Chickie & Pete's last weekend. I think they sprinkle Old Bay and crack on their fries. I think it's about a 50-50 mix, in fact. I can't get enough of them.

8. What's your early impression of new GM Ruben Amaro Jr.?
I think he's done fine so far. I personally think Ibanez is an upgrade over Burrell, regardless of the fact Ibanez is lefthanded. Re-signing Moyer made sense. Bringing back Eyre made sense. Chan Ho Park is going to be a sixth inning, seventh inning guy, which could be an upgrade over Rudy Seanez. But again, it's early. But you could say this team looks stronger than this team looked last year on opening day.

9. What prospects/farmhands do you see making an impact for the Phils this season (either playing or via trade)?
While I think Kyle Kendrick and J.A. Happ are the front runners for the fifth spot in the rotation, I think Carlos Carrasco has a shot. If he has a great spring, the Phillies could have a tough decision to make. Jason Donald could see some time at the big-league level if Chase Utley isn't ready to plan come opening day. And Lou Marson could see some time at some point.

10. What city is your favorite destination and what ballpark, aside from the Brick Cit House, is your favorite venue to view a game?
Chicago is my favorite city to visit and Wrigley Field is my favorite ballpark to watch a game. It's pretty much impossible not to have a good time in Chicago. It's a blast.

11. What moves do you foresee the Phils making this offseason (trades, free agents, longterm contracts)?
I think other than maybe finding a righthanded bat to compete for a bench job, the Phillies basically are finished ... unless something crazy pops up. But I think these pretty much are your 2009 Phillies.

12. You have a friendly rift going with John "Gonzo" Gonzalez, please explain...
I met Gonzo while I was covering high school girls basketball in Delaware County for the Inquirer in '99 or '00. We both pretty much sat in the last row of the bleachers and goofed around (while also managing to work hard and produce excellent copy, of course). I think he's done a great job with Page 2 in our sports section. I think we needed something like that. I suppose I could crack a joke about Gonzo right now, but he's got that tilted head picture in the paper, so it would kind of be piling on, you know?

13. Best part of the World Series celebration.
I remember being on the field before or after the trophy presentation (I can't remember) and hearing 45,000 fans sing "We Are the Champions" in unison. It was pretty surreal. I was like, "Holy crap, that just happened. The Phillies just won the World Series. Wow."

14. 2009 outlook.
I'll leave the bold predications to Rollins, but I think there's no reason why the Phillies can't win their third-straight NL East championship. I think their offense could be better and their pitching looks solid on paper.

~Carson

Keeping My Word

Just trying to stay true to 2008's New Year's resolution. More anti-Mets sentiment: Poor, Poor New York, Still Hating the Mets, and Screw the Mets! From Epic Carnival's 12 Most Hated Sports Franchises- "9. New York Mets. Half of the New York populace can't stand them, and the rest of the National League isn't far behind. There's still some lingering animosity over the '80s Cocaine Achievers, and even their own fans aren't too fond of them after two straight September swan dives. Add in the ability to buy their way out of problems in a down economy, and the fact that the US taxpayer is paying for 10% of the roster through the government buyout of Citbank / Citi Field, and you've got a team that's going places. Hopefully, very bad places."
____________________________________

The Baltimore Orioles are interested in Chris Coste. I like Coste and appreciate everything he's done for this club, as I'm sure he appreciates everything this club has done for him, but it's time to move on. We have Ronny Paulino on board now and Lou Marson almost ready, if not already ready. Trade Coste so he can get playing time and see if we can get a mid-level minor league prospect in return.

~Carson

I'm Sorry...

Corey

12 Days of Christmas- Phillies Style Volume 3

Over the past two Holiday Seasons, WSBGM's has brought you 12 Days of Christmas Phillies Style Volume 1 and Volume 2. Scrooge McCorey and Santa Carson are back this year with a brand new edition...sorta like Vanilla Ice, but cooler and with less rage.

On the 12th day of the season,
the Phillies gave to me...
12 Outfield assists from the dearly departed Pat Burrell
11 Postseason wins
10 Migraines from Sarge, T-Mac, and Wheels
9 Paltry homeruns from Geoff Jenkins
8 Million wasted dollars on Adam Eaton
7 Untrue Derek Lowe rumors
6 Subway endorsements for Ryan Howard
5 Oh, Canada's! for Matt Stairs
4 Strikeouts in 6 at bats for Greg Golson
3 Relief appearance from RJ Swindle
2 Straight collapses of the Mets
1 World Series Trophy
and 0 Blown saves from Brad Lidge.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or cry yourself to sleep with a bottle of Jim Beam...Happy Holidays!
*Phillies Christmas Album courtesy of The Phunyun.

~Carson

Phunny Photos

On Monday we asked you to send us funny Phillies related pictures, and soon our email inbox filled with entries. Below are the 4 winners (5 pictures total, as two were submitted by the same person). Each winner will be receiving the DVD The Perfect Season.

The Phillies caught the Rays alright, beating them in 5 games to win the second World Series in Philadelphia's franchise history.

Tide is the stain remover, and there's no bigger stain in the National League than the Mets.

We love the Flyin' Hawaiian, and even more so if everyone is getting lei'd.

Kicking it old school in a picture of some young dude with Kevin Gross and Von Hayes. Damn they look dapper.

"Hittin' Season" is a Charlie Manuel saying, and Chase Utley did plenty of it last season.

~Carson

2009 Philadelphia Phillies Roster

With the signings of Jamie Moyer, Raul Ibanez, and Chan Ho Park, Ruben Amaro Jr. has essentially set the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies roster. Rube can now go borrow in a hole somewhere and take a nice long winter's nap.

Rotation:
1. Cole Hamels
2. Brett Myers
3. Joe Blanton
4. Jamie Moyer
5. Kyle Kendrick/Carlos Carrasco/Andrew Carpenter/JA Happ/Chan Ho Park






Bullpen:
1. Brad Lidge
2. Ryan Madson
3. JC Romero
4. Chad Durbin
5. Scott Eyre
6. Clay Condrey
7. Likely Chan Ho Park



Lineup:
1. Jimmy Rollins
2. Shane Victorino
3. Chase Utley
4. Ryan Howard
5. Jayson Werth
6. Raul Ibanez
7. Pedro Feliz
8. Chooch Ruiz



Bench:
1. Greg Dobbs
2. Geoff Jenkins
3. Matt Stairs
4. Eric Bruntlett
5. Chris Coste/Ronny Paulino



Adam Eaton is on the outside looking in, and doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of making the team. Jason Donald will help fill in at secondbase (with Bruntlett) until Utley is cleared to play. Coste and Paulino are fighting for backup catcher, with the loser likely to be dealt. Lou Marson will be playing everyday at Lehigh Valley, preparing to take over starting catcher in 2010. Carpenter is just being added to the mix for 5th starter to spice things up, as he destined for the Iron Pigs rotation, as likely is super prospect Carlos Carrasco. I foresee the battle coming down to Happ and Kendrick, with Happ being the victor. I still see the team as being short one righthanded hitter, so maybe Rube will try to swap Jenkins or Stairs for a RH bat.

~Carson

Chan Who? Whatever...

Maybe it's because I'm feeling the "holiday spirit." Maybe it's because I'm loaded with sedatives. Whatever the reason, I can't muster strong feelings about the Chan Ho Park signing.

We all know the story. Ten years ago, Chan Ho was pretty good. Then he sucked for the better part of a decade before reinventing himself as a relief pitcher last year. Now, the Phils are paying Park $2.5 million (with other performance incentives) to be a starter/reliever.

Hopefully he can repeat last year's performance (3.40 ERA and 95 innings), while at the same time providing starting depth just in case one of the starters gets hurt or needs to go to the minors for a month or two. Of course, he may also flame out and turn into the long relief version of Adam Eaton. Who knows? Either way, it won't make or break the season for the Phils.
--------------------------
Moyer's Contract
From what I gather, Moyers's contract looks something like this: 2 years, $6.5 million per year plus incentives for innings pitched and number of starts, making the total maximum value about $19 million.

Two years for Moyer is risky, but $6.5 million for a 16 game winner is a steal no matter what age he is. And if he can contribute 30 starts and 190 innings for the next two years, he deserves $19 million. Overall, I think this is a good signing.

Corey

The Perfect Season DVD Contest

The 2008 Phillies season started with great promise and ended in a dream. THE PERFECT SEASON follows this amazing journey, from the February mornings in Clearwater, Florida, to the glorious October afternoon when millions of fans in the Delaware Valley rejoiced as one. Hosted by All-Star closer Brad Lidge, this action-packed DVD covers all the highlights of the ’08 campaign… from the hard-fought rivalry with the Mets, to the incredible September run that brought another National League East title. THE PERFECT SEASON captures all the glory and passion that was found at Citizens Bank Park, home to the greatest fans in baseball… fans who helped to keep the Phillies undefeated at home in October. The story is told in the words and deeds of this very special Phillies team, a team of champions, that helped create THE PERFECT SEASON. Includes over 2 hours of bonus footage of all the different championship celebrations, including a special one-hour feature on the parade and celebration at Citizens Bank Park.

WSBGM's has 4 copies of the DVD to give away, and all we're asking for are funny pictures of the Phillies. So scour the Internet, upload from your digital camera, or photoshop hilarious images of Phillies and submit them as attachments via email to WSBGM's. You can submit as many photos as you wish. For those of you not patient enough to find quality pictures, or convinced you'll lose anyway, the DVD is available for purchase here.
_____________________________________

And the Winner is...
Dollar Dog Days. Apparently food is a driving force, as Dollar Dog Days narrowly edged out The Schmitter for Reason #102 to love the Phillies. Kevin McGuire is the lucky winner of the new book 101 Reasons to Love the Phillies.

~Carson

Prediction & Outcome (Phils vs. Mets)

Prediction:
Jimmy Rollins January, 2007- "I think we are the team to beat in the NL East...finally, but that's only on paper."

Outcome:
Phillies win the NL East on the final day of the season as the Mets stumbled through a historically horrific collapse. Oh, Jimmy won the MVP too.

Prediction:
*Jimmy Rollins November, 2007- "We'll win probably 100 games...100 games will get us to the playoffs. There's going to be fireworks, I know that much...and I plan on another celebration, but not just one. I don't plan on giving up that title of NL East champions, I know that much. I don't know if we can make a run like the Braves did [14 straight division titles], but we've started."

*Carlos Beltran February, 2008- "Let me tell you this, without Santana, we felt, as a team, that we had a chance to win in our division. With him now, I have no doubt that we're going to win in our division. I have no doubt in that. We've got what it takes. To Jimmy Rollins: We are the team to beat."

Outcome:
Phillies win the NL East, the Divisional Series, the NL Pennant, and the World Utley Series; winning 103 games total. Mets, sitting at home with a thumb up their ass yet again.

Prediction:
Francisco Rodriguez December, 2008- "Of course, we're going to try to win the division. Of course, we're going to be the front-runner. Of course, we're going to be the team to beat. I don't want there to be a controversy or the other ballclubs in that division to take it personally or take it in a bad way. If they ask me, 'Oh, which ballclub is going to win the National League East?' It's going to be the Mets. Easy question."

Outcome:
The 2009 season still lies ahead, but Cole Hamels did give us a little inside track on the outcome- Mets are choke artists.

~Carson