Phillies: Old nemesis returns
Remembering Phillies’ ups and downs against previous foes, the faithful will ride the emotional roller coaster with the team because contenting sparks the passion from seasons past.
Faces in the other dugout:
Even though the Philadelphia Phillies and their opponents are relevant again, their players have changed, but their uniforms are all too familiar. And in October the national broadcasters will breathe new life into those fan bases by mentioning their recent successes and memories of their playoff battles over the years.
IN OTHER WORDS: “Rivalry and envy are Siamese twins.” – Josh “Henry Wheeler Shaw” Billings
From one summer to another, certain 162s don’t need much to remember a controversial call or inclement weather the umpires tolerated. But others bring a smile to our faces due to a dramatic home run or a clutch hit leading to an unforgettable victory.
After a 1950 NL pennant, a 1964 meltdown, and a 1976 NLCS sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds, 1977’s and 1978’s matchups were against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Twice, the outcomes were 1-3. But Los Angeles also went 2-4 in both World Series versus the New York Yankees.
In ’77, the NLCS was 1-1 until Black Friday, fans booed Burt Hooton off the mound in the second inning, and losing a 5-3 lead with two outs in the ninth was heartbreaking. But not replacing Greg Luzinski defensively in left, his misplays, and a botched call at first base led to the defeat. Then, the Dodgers won a rainy game four.
Three former members of the Big Red Machine had joined the aging champions, but those 1983 Wheeze Kids only had a 1-11 record against Los Angeles. This time, however, the Phils were on the victorious end of a 3-1 NLCS. But they could only beat the Baltimore Orioles in game one of the Fall Classic.
In 2008, the Dodgers were just a 4-1 stop for the good guys on their way to beating the Tampa Bay Rays. And the reversed roles from the 1970’s included a dramatic Matt Stairs‘ bomb off closer Jonathan Broxton in Los Angeles. Of course, Chase Utley left his fielding mark in the World Series.
During the 2009 rematch, Jimmy Rollins‘ double off Broxton was the turning point. But that campaign, Brad “Lights Out” Lidge wasn’t perfect, and Cole Hamels didn’t have a good 162. The rubber-chicken circuit interrupted his shortened offseason program.
After the fact:
Generally speaking, most people have their hands full with their own life, and their career absorbs their attention. It’s like nearsightedness. In other words, their vision and hearing have a limited range regarding clues.
To illustrate, one response by a member of Baltimore’s front office was about the Manny Machado trade happening the next day. The staff employee replied it’s been like that for two weeks, and his comment answered a lot of questions.
Think about it! How did the Dodgers have five minor leaguers in place so quickly the following morning after the Phillies had the advantage the previous night? Well, scouting the Los Angeles’ MiLB affiliates was complete before the red pinstripes’ offer.
Not convinced? Don’t forget the handshake deal: The Orioles never revealed the organization. And the medicals were complete almost immediately. Translation: most franchises take a day for one or two physicals, but the detail-oriented O’s take the longest time.
The conclusion here is a two-week window to receive a better proposal from another playoff hopeful. And when it didn’t work, the Dodgers became the front-runner literally overnight. But keep in mind, contenders are under more pressure to buy than surprise teams.
Baltimore wanted outfielder Adam Haseley or lefty JoJo Romero with right-hander Adonis Medina for a swap or to push Los Angeles for more. Ergo, overpaying wasn’t inevitable for the Phils to only go deeper in October by moving top-ranked prospects (mlb.com): Sixto Sanchez, 1; Medina, 2; Haseley, 3; and/or Romero, 6.
Before the fact:
Unlike other Senior Circuit rivals, the NL East’s favorite is only on the periphery. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves aren’t eager either to trade MiLB stars like Sanchez and Medina from the Single-A Advanced Clearwater Threshers or Haseley and Romero from the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils.
As for the dissension coming from the Washington Nationals, Stephen Strasburg‘s return had led to a clunker against Atlanta, and Max Scherzer quickly had a argument with his co-ace. Yes, injuries, disappointing seasons and high expectations have resulted in their perfect storm.
Did Scherzer light a fire under him? Well, the Nationals aren’t the only team with a sense of urgency. The Braves will have a four-game series at home versus the Dodgers with Machado. In other words, the test here is against the new National League favorite.
Beginning on July 23, the Phillies have their top three moundsmen for the home series verses Los Angeles. And Machado will be even more dangerous in the middle of this lineup. So, even if good pitching beats good hitting, excelling in July still isn’t the same as in October. A preview of the 2018 NLCS?
With the red pinstripes in first place, how will the crowd react to the last visit from Utley? Cheers for hitting the Phils? And how would fans feel about facing Utley if the hometown nine meets him in the NLCS? So, what will the Phillies be if that series becomes a reality? The underdogs!
Next: Phillies: Making a splash revisited
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