Threepeat

PHILLIES!!!

via Beerleaguer

2009 N.L. East Champs! Three in a row.

The title defense continues. Bring on the Cardinals or Rockies.

Phillies in 1st on June 1st, a Very Good Sign

We're two months into the baseball schedule. June just began. Apparently if your team is in first place in the division on June 1st, that's a very good sign. Doug Miller at MLB.com has more.

And by reading into recent history of teams' records on the first day of the third month of the season, some predictions can be made.

Of the 89 teams that have had outright or shared leads of divisions since 1995, the first year that had six divisions and a postseason, 59 of those teams have qualified for the playoffs, or 66.3 percent.

Going season by season, the only years since '95 in which every June 1 division winner made it to October were 1998 and 1999, and the '99 Red Sox had to do it via the Wild Card. But otherwise, 2001 was the only year in which fewer than half (two of six, or 33 percent) of the June 1 division leaders made it to the playoffs.

Last year, five of the six June 1 leaders made it, with the late-surging Phillies riding their September momentum all the way to their first World Series trophy since 1980.

Well that bodes well for the Phillies then. Basically a 66% chance of making the playoffs. I'll take that! But Miller has more to say about each division leader this year. Here's his take on Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Phillies: Nobody's closed ground in the late months of the season better than this club over the last two seasons. Just ask the New York Mets. And while some of those magical pieces from 2008 haven't quite materialized yet this season -- it turns out Brad Lidge really is a mortal closer, after all -- the Phils are right there where they want to be. In fact, they're the only team that was in first place last June 1 and is back in the driver's seat a year later. And after missing the postseason the two other times they led the NL East on June 1 (ultimately succumbing to the Atlanta juggernaut in 1995 and 2001), they finally got it done last year. That just might be one more good omen for all the phanatics out there.

So right now the Phillies are only 1 for 3 in holding on to a June 1st lead. Statistics say that the Phillies should be 2 for 3. In order to get to a more respectable percentage they have to win the N.L East in 2009 - which would be their third straight divisional crown. Do it! A list of how each division shaped up on June 1st from 1995 through 2009. The teams in bold ended up making the playoffs.

Division leaders on June 1st from 1995 through 2009. Teams in bold made the playoffs that season (MLB.com).

So the Phillies are eight games over .500 on June 1st, 2009 just as they were on June 1st, 2008. And I think we all remember how that season ended.

OK, so being in first on June 1st doesn't guarantee a playoff spot, let alone a World Series title. But it feels good to be there for a second straight year. Ya gotta like the Phillies chances of repeating at this time. Especially if they catch some of that fall magic again!

Phillies Weekly Update - 5/24/2009

NEWS & STATISTICS

• The Phillies were 8-2 on their 10 game road trip which saw them make four stops in Washington to take on the Nationals - who they swept - before playing three in Cincinnati and New York. They were 2-1 versus the Reds and Yankees.
• The successful road trip stretched Philadelphia's road record to 16-6, best in MLB.
• With 8 wins in their last 10 games the Phillies have maintained a small lead over the rival Mets for the N.L. East lead. The Phillies are 24-18, 1.5 games in front of New York and Atlanta.
• One year ago the team was 28-24, 2.5 games behind first place Florida.
• The Phillies have the 4th best record in the National League and 8th best overall.
• In 42 games they have scored 239 runs, an average of ~5.69 per game, which is 6th best in MLB. They have allowed 219, an average of ~5.21 per game, 23rd in MLB.
• Raul Ibanez, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victorino remain the only Phillies players to start every game this season.
• Ibanez continues his torrid offensive pace, leading the team in runs (37), hits (58), doubles (11, tied with Howard), home runs (17), total bases (122), RBIs (43), average (.352), slugging (.739), and OPS (1.151). Chase Utley is first in walks (25) and OBP (.434), Howard is tied with Ibanez for most doubles (11), Victorino has the most triples (4), and Jayson Werth has the most steals (8).
• With the top of the rotation - Hamels, Myers, Happ, - settling down recently, it's time for the back end (Moyer, Blanton) to come around. They take the mound in the first two games at home versus the Marlins starting tomorrow night. Myers will close out the series on Wednesday. After a day off Thursday, the team hosts the Nationals and will send Happ, Hamels, and Moyer into battle. Hopefully by May 31st Moyer will have win 250 (and 251).
  

AROUND THE PHILLIES BLOGOSPHERE

• At Macho Row: Check out the 1950 World Series recap in honor of the Phillies-Yankees series this past weekend - Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4. Unfortunately it only lasted four games.
• At Swing and a Long Drive: Take a look at John Mayberry, Jr.'s impact through two games. Could the Phillies be looking for a prominent starter to go with Hamels, Myers, and Happ?
• At The Fightins: They're celebrating one year! Check out each contributor's reactions: How do you spell retard?, Chamomiles Davis, and Dash Treyhorn. No comments yet from site founder, meech.one.
• At The 700 Level: Some long-standing Yankee player records were broken by the Phillies during the interleague matchup this past weekend.
• At Phillies Nation: After a great debut on Saturday, Mayberry had a forgettable day Sunday. Should he stay on board or be sent back to AAA? Amanda Orr thinks he should be an IronPig, for now. (same article as Swing and a Long Drive)
• At Phinally Philly: WTF is wrong with Lidge? And there isn't anything wrong with Yankee hatred.
• At We Should be GM's: Lidge is upsetting some (OK, a lot) of people.
  

SNT: Gimme 5 with Phillies RP Chad Durbin

Sporting News Today sat down with Phillies relief pitcher Chad Durbin for a round of five questions, published in today's issue. About a week ago SNT caught up with Shane Victorino.

Click to enlarge.

The best quote from Durbin? How about this, after SNT asked him about his World Series ring...

I plan to wear it on most road trips, when we're dressed in our suits or dressed nice. And any time we're in New York playing the Mets.

Emphasis mine. Zing!

Phillies Weekly Update - 5/17/2009

NEWS & STATISTICS

• The Phillies defeated the Washington Nationals this afternoon, 8-6, completing a three-day, four-game sweep.
• The sweep of the Nationals improved the Phillies record to 20-16. Philadelphia now sits one game behind the Mets, who are in first place in the N.L. East and are in action right now.
• After taking all four from the Nationals in D.C., the Fightins travel to Cincinnati for three games and then to New York to play the Yankees in the first interleague series of the year. The set versus the Yankees is also three games. Moyer, Hamels, and Blanton are scheduled to take the mound versus the Reds with Myers, Park, and Moyer facing the Yankees. Park, however, may get yanked from the rotation after his disastrous outing today (despite the teams win).
  
• Before tonight's games around the Majors, the Phillies had the fifth best offense (in terms of runs scored). They have put up 207 runs in 36 games, an average of 5.75 runs per game. Unfortunately they are 25th in pitching (based on runs allowed), allowing about 5.42 runs per game (195 total).
• Despite pitching struggles and offensive inconsistencies, the team has 20 wins which is tied for 9th most in MLB before tonight's games.
• Raul Ibanez, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victorino are the only Phillies to play in every game this season (36).
• Raul Ibanez is easily the Phillies MVP to date. He had another killer series versus the Nationals and now leads the team in eight offensive categories: runs (33), hits (50), home runs (13), total bases (100), RBIs (35), average (.357), slugging (.735), and OPS (1.168). Chase Utley leads the team in two categories, walks (24) and OBP (.443). Howard (doubles - 10), Werth (stolen bases - 8), and Victorino (triples - 3) each lead in one category.

AROUND THE PHILLIES BLOGOSPHERE

• Today's Game Recaps: Swing and a Long Drive, The Fightins, The 700 Level, Phillies Nation
  
• At Macho Row: A new Phillies DVD is set to be released May 26th.
• At The 700 Level: In July 2007 the Phillies helped the Rockies ground crew cover the field. On Saturday, Nationals fans helped their own. Earlier this weekend, Chase Utley set a team record.
• At Swing and a Long Drive: Your weekly farm system update.
• At The Fightins: Chris Wheeler and Sarge Matthews are on Twitter.
• At Phillies Nation: Should John Mayberry, Jr. become the Phillies right-handed bat off the bench?
• At Phinally Philly: After 36 games, some cheers and jeers. Plus, Phillies fans travel well.
• At We Should Be GMs: Ideas on how to fix the Phillies. Also, is Moyer done at the tender age of 46?
  

Phillies Weekly Update - 5/10/2009

• HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
  
• The Phillies lost today's afternoon game to the Braves, 4-2. In the series finale the Philadelphia bullpen gave up three runs over the final three innings to blow a beautiful start by Brett Myers, who pitched six innings and gave up five hits and one earned run while striking out three. Pedro Feliz and Matt Stairs accounted for the Phillies RBIs. Save for Ryan Howard and Stairs, it was a pathetic day at the plate for Philadelphia. The top three hitters - Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, and Chase Utley - were 0 for 13 with three strikeouts and five men left on base. The Phillies have now dropped four of five.
• After the loss on Sunday afternoon the Phillies record stands at 15-14 and in third place in the N.L. East, 1.5 games behind the Mets.
  
• After an off day on Monday, the Phillies finish their home stand with a three game set with the Manny-less Dodgers. They immediately travel to Washington for a four game series with the Nationals, including a doubleheader on Saturday thanks to a rain out on April 14th.
• Bill Baer at Crashburn Alley has some suggestions to help the suddenly struggling Phillies.
• The folks at The 700 Level have pictures and video have the crazed fan that ran around the field during Friday nights game.
• The Fightins would like you to now that Cole Hamels finally received his Camaro for being World Series MVP. And they point out that some girl got blasted in the face by Jayson Werth's home run that night as well. Thankfully she's OK.
  

Phillies Update - 5/3/2009

• The Phillies have a record of 12-10 as of the morning of May 2nd, 2009. They are in 2nd place in the N.L. East, 1 game behind the Florida Marlins.
• The Phillies swept the Marlins in Florida last weekend and took 2 of 3 from the Nationals before dropping the opening game of their series with the Mets Friday night. Last night the Phillies beat the Mets on a walkoff walk in the 10th.
  
• The scheduled starters for today's game were Joe Blanton for the Phillies and John Maine for the Mets. Blanton is 0-2 with a 8.41(!) ERA while Maine has gone 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA. However, the final game of the series has been postponed due to rain.
  
• Jamie Moyer, yesterday's starter, is tied for the team lead in wins with reliever Clay Condrey at 3.
• On offense, Raul Ibanez and Chase Utley have been the stars. Ibanez leads (or is tied for the lead) the team in runs (21), hits (31), doubles (6), home runs (8), total bases (63), RBIs (21), stolen bases (3), batting average (.360), slugging (.733), and OPS (1.157). Utley is the man at home runs (8), RBIs (21), walks (15), and OBP (.474).
• The Phillies have struggled at home, going 6-8 in their first 14 games. However they have the best road record in MLB at 6-2.
• For open discussions, previews, and recaps of every Phillies game head to Macho Row.
  
• The fine folks at The Fightins have a few posts for your enjoyment. [May 2 Game Recap, Madson Subtlety Jabs the Mets, and Bye, Mets Fans!]
• After a month of baseball, David Foley is revisiting his keys for the Phillies to repeat in 2009. [Phinally Philly]
• Phanamanda has a wonderful weekly write-up (every Friday) on the Phillies farm system, She also thinks, as many Phillies fans do, that Chan Ho must go. J.A. Happ, anyone?
  

Phillies Update - 4/17/2009

• The Phillies currently sit at 4-4, 3.5 games behind the first place Florida Marlins.
• Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez lead the team offensively. Utley gets the nod BA (.393), Runs (8), and OPS (1.050) while Ibanez leads the team in HRs (3) and RBIs (7).
• The pitching staff has been downright awful thus far, surrendering 54 runs and "earning" only two wins. The bullpen had been steady but last night was rocked by the previously winless Nationals. Dash Treyhorn and Kevin McGuire have the game recap. [The Fightins & Macho Row]
  
• After splitting the series with Washington 1-1 (the second game was rained out on Wednesday), the Phillies return home to the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park to start a four game series with the surprising Padres, who are 7-3.
• Tonight Cole Hamels will face off against Chris Young. Hamels was rocked (pun unintended but it works) by the Rockies in his first start of the year. He has a 17.18(!) ERA and lasted only 3.2 innings. Young has been fantastic for San Diego, going 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA thus far.
• The Phillies organization and fans are still mourning the loss of long-time announcer and broadcasting legen Harry Kalas, who died prior to the game versus Washington on Monday. The organization is doing its best to honor Harry, including events tonight and tomorrow as well as a few things lasting the entire season.
• Fans are doing tributes of their own. The folks at The Fightins and The 700 Level have memorial shirts for HK. The proceeds go to Phillies charities. [Tribute to Harry & HK]
• Though it is a touchy subject so soon, Timothy Malcolm takes a look at who will be replacing Harry Kalas as the lead play-by-play guy on TV. [Phillies Nation]
• Kevin McGuire has a preview of tonight's showdown versus the Padres. [Macho Row]
• Kieran Kelly would like everyone to "Paint the Bank Red" to honor Harry Kalas at tonight's game. [Phinally Philly]
• Jason Weitzel highlights the fast start the Marlins are off to and the similarities to their last championship season (2003). [Beerleaguer]
• Amanda, with help from Phightin Phils Phorum, points out that not only did Shane Victorino point to the broadcast booth after hitting a home run he actually CALLED HIS SHOT a la Babe Ruth. The "Flyin' Hawaiin" rules! [Swing and a Long Drive]
• With the start of a new series you know what it is time for... Tale of the Tape! Corey dissects the intricacies of the Padres/Phillies matchup in detail. Apparently the Phillies have the edge. [We Should Be GMs]
  

Baseball Mascot
San Diego - The Chicken.
Philly - The Phanatic.
Advantage - Philly. Best. Mascot. Ever. Don't believe me? It's been voted on.

Phillies Update - 4/10/2009

• The Phillies are 1-2 after their opening series versus the Braves. At this time in 2008 the Phillies were 4-5, 1.5 games behind 1st place Florida in the NL East.
• The team had an off day yesterday and traveled to Colorado to start a three game series with the Rockies. Cole Hamels makes his season debut. He has never pitched at Coors Field nor has he ever faced the Rockies in the regular season.
• Raul Ibanez is the only Phillie to homer thus far. He also leads the team in RBIs (3) and runs scored (3) and sports a team-leading 1.021 OPS. Chase Utley owns the teams highest average at .364 after three games
• Wednesday's game was amazing for two reasons: first, prior to the game the team got their 2008 World Series Champions rings. Then came the game itself, which became the first Phillies come-from-behind win of the season. The game ended 12-11 and saw a bullpen implosion by Atlanta, allowing the Phillies to steal their first 'W' of the season.
• Kevin McGuire has a nice slideshow from Wednesday's win over the Braves featuring the ring ceremony. [Macho Row]
• He also makes note this morning that today, April 10, is the day the Phillies first played a regular season game in Veterans Stadium. [Macho Row]
  

The Phillies lineup that day:


1. SS Larry Bowa
2. 3B Don Money
3. CF Willie Montanez
4. 1B Deron Johnson
5. LF Johnny Briggs
6. RF Roger Freed
7. C Tim McCarver
8. 2B Denny Doyle
9. P Jim Bunning

• The 700 Level started a movement immediately after word broke that Phillies RP J.C. Romero was to be suspended for his use of a banned substance. Romero will miss the first 50 games of the season. The movement? A "Free J.C." t-shirt. The attire has gained attention and reportedly a "Free J.C." t-shirt hung in every Phillies locker recently. Shirts are available here. [The 700 Level]
• They'd also like to know if you like the new day game batting helmets. Good with the blue or yearn for the normal red? [The 700 Level]
• The ring ceremony was awesome. The rings are beautiful and almost the entire squad from '08 was in attendance, even Burrell. But, as the rings were driven into the stadium, a misstep by a coordinator almost took some of the luster out of the event. Not many seem to have caught it but the astute eye of meech.one couldn't be fooled. [The Fightins]
• Dash Treyhorn recaps the second and third Phillies games against the Braves, on Tuesday and Wednesday. [The Fightins & The Fightins]
• His series of Top 11 Moments of the 2008 Postseason concluded last week. Check out this post for #2 and #1. [The Fightins]
• After the three game set in Colorado the team returns to the east coast for a set with the Nationals. Since they'll be in our nation's capitol, President Obama invited them to chill at the White House to honor their recent World Series victory.

Wonder Ring Powers Activate: Phillies Get First Win

The precious.

So bright... so beautiful... ah, Precious. The Phillies 2008 World Series Champions ring has that affect, and more. After spotting the Braves two runs in the top of the first for the third game in a row, and trailing entering the bottom of the seventh 10-3, the Fightin's stormed back and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Despite it being only one game, starting the season 1-2 is infinitely better than 0-3.

How did it happen? Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton got the start and looked to be cruising after the first two batters, who both struck out. Then Braves SS Yunel Escobar doubled and C Brian McCann promptly homered, giving the visitors a two run lead before the good guys even had a chance to bat.

Things changed in the bottom of the second when new Phillies LF Raul Ibanez drilled an 0-1 offering from Javier Vasquez deep into the seats, plating Howard and himself to tie the game at two. That lead held for a grand total of about 10 minutes. The Braves scored five runs in the top of the third, taking a 7-2 lead. Things looked bleak.

New Phillies LF Raul Ibanez smokes a two-run HR in the bottom of the second versus the Braves on April 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

The Phils managed to cut the deficit to four in the home half of the third when CF Shane Victorino scored on an error by Braves 3B Omar Infante, in for Chipper Jones. It was all they could muster at the moment, however. Blanton made it through four innings, allowing nine hits and seven runs on 89 pitches.

The Braves put even more distance between themselves and Philadelphia in the top of the fifth. RP J.A. Happ took over for Blanton. Things didn't get any better. After walking Matt Diaz, uber tool Jordan Schafer hit his second career home run, extending Atlanta's lead to 9-3. Happ worked a flawless 6th and was relieved by Chad Durbin to start the 7th. Durbin gave up a lead off double to Casey Kotchman, proceeded to get the next tow batters out, but then walked the next three batters, plating Kocthman. 10-3 Braves; the fat lady was warming up.

But that's as far as she would get. She wouldn't be singing, at least not for the Phillies. The Braves bullpen imploded during the bottom of the 7th, giving up eight runs on only five hits. The rest of the damage came without Philadelphia hitters swinging the bat. 2B Chase Utley started things with a single and 1B Ryan Howard followed and was hit by a pitch. RF Jayson Werth walked and then Ibanez singled, scoring Utley. 3B Pedro Feliz followed that with a single of his own, scoring Howard. Deficit cut to 10-5. Pinch hitters Matt Stairs and Chris Coste followed by leadoff man Jimmy Rollins all walked, each resulting in another run scored. 10-8. Victorino, who started the inning with a ground out, singled to right scoring Stairs. Utley's second at bat of the inning ended in a walk, scoring Coste. Tie game, 10-10. Howard grounded out but his hit allowed the speedy Rollins to score. Phillies lead, 11-10. Werth flied out to end the inning. Eight runs scored on five hits, five walks, and one HBP.

Phillies RP Ryan Madson breezed through the top of the 8th, getting all three Braves to ground out on a total of four pitches. In the bottom half of the inning Eric Bruntlett, pinch hitting for Madson, hit a sacrifice fly scoring Ibanez who had walked and moved to third on a double by Peliz. After eight it was 12-10 Phillies. Unbelievable.

The emotions of the game may have gotten to LOL, Lights Out Lidge. The Phillies closer surrendered a home run to Diaz, cutting the lead to 12-11. Thankfully Lidge forced Schafer to ground out and struck out Garrett Anderson to end the game, securing the teams first win of the 2009 season.

I think the things on their fingers had something to do with the epic win.
(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

What a game. What a win. What a ring.

Phillies Update - 4/3/2009

• ESPN's different baseball departments have previews up for the rapidly approaching season (Opening Night Sunday!!!). The main preview lists prospects to watch, fantasy analysis, and the projected starting rotation and lineup. The best part of this preview is seeing the"experts" preseason power rankings. Jayson Stark has the Phillies 4th overall/1st in the NL East. Tim Kurkjian and Buster Olny peg Philadelphia at 3/1. The final two, Rob Neyer and Jim Caple, have the team at 13/3 and 6/2, respectively. I hope the first three guys are more accurate.
• Baseball Prospectus (Insider Only) released updated predictions yesterday at ESPN. Phillies fans won't be happy. The PECOTA system expects Charlie Manuel's bunch to regress to 87-75 and fail to make the playoffs. The projections system has the Mets winning the NL East at 92-70 and the Diamondbacks get the Wild Card at 88-74, one game in front of Philly. The Cubs (95-67) and Dodgers (92-70) round out the playoff field.
• ESPN The Magazine (Insider Only) focused on defensive efficiency for their preview this year. Despite the great seasoned turned in by Phillies fielders in '08, The Mag doesn't have much praise for the team. They end up having a -5 value overall. However, their infield is stellar. Chase Utley - was criticized for his defense - now gets the Phillies highest rating at +6. I'm really surprised it wasn't Jimmy Rollins, though he and Pedro Feliz can't be far behind. The three of them, combined with underrated defense from masher Ryan Howard, compose the best NL infield and the 2nd best in the majors. Unfortunately the outfield is seen as a sieve, as they describe it. Replacing Pat Burrell in LF is liability Raul Ibanez, who gets a -11 rating. Yuck. I feel Shane Victorino is a little undervalued, getting a ambiguous "so-so" rating. The outfield is ranked 14th in the NL and 27th in the majors. Yikes. Oh, but The Mag says they'll still finish in1st in the NL East. The Mets earn the wild card, besting their play from the past two years, but fall to the Cubs.
  
• The Sporting News predictions were released today in their daily web feature inexplicably titled Sporting News Today. Odd name, I know. Anyway, the crew at SN think the Phillies will win their 3rd straight NL East title but fall to the Dodgers in the NLDS.
• Former Mets and A's pitcher Ron Darling gave his take in SNT and says that both the Phillies and Mets will make the playoffs, as the staff at SNT predicts, but he wouldn't say which he thought would win the division and which would take the wild card.
  
• For those of you looking for a great hive of Phillies info. that is updated regularly I recommend Macho Row, The Zo Zone, and Phillies Nation.
• Speaking of Phillies Nation, the sdtaff there has been churning out articles left and right. They are deep into their predictions for the Phillies this season, and I mean deep. They are chronicling pretty much anyone that could play for the Phillies this season, like John Mayberry, Jr. They have recently done a few of the pitchers which are certainly worth a read. There's also a great post by Tim Malcolm on how the east coast bias has really grown in the last few years. Not only does the Red Sox-Yankees feud remain quality TV, the Phillies-Mets rivalry has gained national recognition since the 2007 season.
  
• Writer Dash Treyhorn over at the awesomely awesome Phillies blog The Fightins has been chronicling the teams top moments from the 2008 regular season and postseason run. The regular season games feature is finished but today he released postseason moment #4. You can see all the glorious '08 postseason moments here and the regular season ones here.
• The Fightins founder meech.one brings back some nostalgia with his post on Cole Hamles gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated Kids. As he points put, it used to be Sports Illustrated for Kids. Hamels has now been on the cover for the largest circulated sports periodical in the world as well as its little brother.
• SBNs Phillies blog - The Good Phight - is a great read with your cup of coffee in their morning. Their breakfast links should be a staple in your morning routine.
• Finally...Phinally Philly, an all-encompassing Philly sports blog, notes that our beloved Hometown 9 has returned from Florida and is set to take on the Tampa Bay Rays (and welcome Pat Burrell home) in the On-Deck Series today and tomorrow at The Bank. They expect a few answers in the next 36 hours to the remaining questions surrounding the team, mainly will they get Gary Sheffield, who gets the final bench spot, and what will the rotation look like these first few weeks? They also note that this team is stronger on paper to start the season than the won that won the World Series last season.

Baseball is (almost) back. Time to defend the title. LET'S GO PHILLIES!!!

Macho Row: Phillies Preview

Over at the new and excellent Phillies blog, Macho Row, I, along with three other Phillies bloggers, answer questions about the upcoming 2009 season. Kevin McGuire, creator of Macho Row (and Nittanydelphia), posed us questions about the Phillies and the N.L. East.

The Phillies won the World Series? Now what?

ME: We, as fans, celebrate. Who knows when this will happen again, right? The city waited 10,236 days (or 28 years, 9 days) between World Series titles. Look at the Red Sox or both Chicago teams. They each had to wait a long time for another World Series title. The Cubs are still waiting! We cannot take this for granted. And I don't think anyone is. For once, we are the best. As fans, live it up. World Series don't come around all that often, especially for us (just two in 126 seasons). From a roster/management stand point, don't get lazy. The goal is to win a championship every year, not every sixty years. Sure, 2008 was a blast but it's over with; 2009 is here and the bullseye on the Phillies back has grown. Not only are the Mets gunning for us, the entire league is. A new season is upon us. Time to get back to business, with a chance to become the first team to successfully defend a title since the 2000 Yankees.

Check out the rest of the questions and my answers (along with Amanda from Swing and a Long Drive, Carson from We Should be GMs, and Kieran Kelly from Phinally Philly) over at Macho Row now!

UPDATE: Part 2 contains the questions about the N.L. East.