SB Nation User Blog: Wet Luzinski

Phillies Breakfast Links, November 5, 2009: Too Depressed to Eat Breakfast, Ma Edition

Wet Luzinski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:40:21 -0000

My last few playoff fill-ins on Breakfast Links were wonderful opportunities, for which I remain grateful. This morning, however, I have been passed a bitter cup: Skipper has tapped me to take one for the team on the morning after losing the World Series. Per Skip: Post some links and get out of there. Get on with the offseason while the Blog Lords get a head start cleaning out their lockers. But it breaks my heart. Just hard to watch. Just, just...Hurt.

So I tried to give the Yankees props. I'll even cop to the notion that they were the better team, and think that Matsui being the first Japanese player to win Series MVP is a great story, way better than this one, even though it came at the expense of Chase Utley. And if you thought last night sucked for you, imagine if you were this guy. Even, to a lesser degree, this guy.

But then I took a look at this:

Ghosts of '57 Game 7 remain just that

I swear this was one of the first postgame links out there last night. But for crissakes, the lede that you take is that it's a damn shame there's no game 7 in Yankees Stadium, and this continues a 52-year drought of game 7s? Right there-RIGHT THERE-I tapped into the vein of deep Yankee Loathing from which I will never return. It just seems like this is what America would be like if the Nazis had won. Don't believe me? Then try this.

So even though I feel like one of those guys in the late afternoon at the Aqueduct, stooped over below the day's post-racing cigarette haze picking through discarded betting slips looking for a winner, there really is reason for optimism as a Phillies fan, say, compared to the last team that managed to beat the Yankees in the World Series. Still hurts though, even though this '09 team didn't quit. Even though Manuel has plenty of room to be second-guessed.

Transit union chief says he's "most hated" man in Philadelphia. Joe Buck and Tim McCarver breathe easier. Everyone else has to walk or ride their bike to work. Meanwhile, in New York, well, you know.

Ogasawara busts out but keeps poker face.Game 3 of the Japan Series. Maybe somewhere over in Japan there's a slugging third baseman. And now it's official: the Japan Series is the baseball equivalent of Branson, MO. Go Ham Fighters!

That's all I have stomach and time for this morning. Feel free to add your links in the comments. Thanks again to all for a fun season. Until right now. Wait 'til next year.

Philadelphia fans according to the New York Times

Wet Luzinski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:34:34 -0000

Philadelphia fans according to the New York Times

The article from the Sunday New York Times featured this graphic, as well as one of the best ledes ever about Philadelphia sports fans. McNabb always seems to get a pass in the NY press, probably because he tortures the Giants so.

Phillies Breakfast Links, October 26, 2009: The Bell vs. The Statue, SEPTA vs. The City, and Razors in Trenton

Wet Luzinski — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:12:43 -0000

Ugh. This guy again. via nymag.com

Yankees win. Yankees win. Duuuuh Yankees win. Oh, and the Angels just crumbled in the 8th inning when they erred on consecutive sacrifice bunt plays. This leaves the Halos to rue what might have been.

Now that the matchup is official, let's review the neighborly animosity between the two cities. This kind of stuff is just going to get ridiculous for the next three days. The official border is the State Barbershop in Trenton. Look for a Regis and Katie standup on your morning TV this week.

If you're contrarian about your pre-Series hype, here's a nice piece in the Hardball Times about the worst World Series games ever. How did this one not make the list?

20 things to ponder about the Yankees. Jimmy Rollins once again demonstrates his eerie powers of prognostication when it comes to baseball and New York. And--better sleep tonight alert!--now we know why Joe Girardi wears #27.

After Lee, Phillies rotation unsettled. Perhaps next year we'll have four off-days between each World Series game to make this pre-series chatter go away.

Lee is 4-4 with a 5.02 ERA in nine career starts against the Yankees, but is 2-1 with a 1.89 ERA in his past three against them. That included a 10-2 victory over New York in the opening of the new Yankee Stadium on April 16, when Lee still pitched for the Cleveland Indians.

SEPTA workers authorize city strike. The city will appeal to MLB umpires, who could rule the strike a ball, especially given that A-Rod is going to be at the plate. TWU 234 may walk out right before the World Series starts. How fun would another parade be without buses, subways and trolleys? Ah, SEPTA. We're getting there.

Ibanez may need off-season surgery. And Utley says he's not hurt. And wait, there's a Carlos Ruiz chest protector backpack? Gotta get me one of them there.

Scoscia wants schedule tightened. Too bad this critique will probably go nowhere and be criticized as sour grapes. He's right, you know that?

And I got the Hot Stove!

Manny Acta to the Indians. I always kind of dug his implacid but long-suffering expression in the dugout. I guess Cleveland did, too.

Mark McGwire to be Cardinals' hitting coach. Do as I say, not as I did? Commence the "needling" jokes.

L'Affaire Phillips. Update: Facebook is the new bunny in the pot.

Phillies Breakfast Links, October 24, 2009 Edition: I know we don't do links on Saturdays. But we're in the World Series EXTRA EDITION

Wet Luzinski — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:08:04 -0000

There's too much out there, and I have a head cold that makes sleeping a bit of a challenge. So for your Saturday linkin' pleasure, here's an extra edition of links. It's open linky season, so add your own to comments, as ever.

ALCS Game 6 critical for Yankees' World Series Rotation.The Yankees win the pennant! The Yankees win the pennant! whoops. that may be premature. If the Angels don't stop them tonight, maybe the weather will.

Martinez could make early appearance in the Series. Perhaps Charlie has no fear of pitching him in NYC.

Myers may not be finished yet. Perhaps not such good news for you Bastardo fans out there. At least we've potentially got the guy most likely to throw a sawed-off bat at a Yankee.

Phillies Lee: I'm capable of pitching on three days' rest. Superman: I'm capable of changing quickly in a telephone booth.

Park on top of the world in his first Series. Reflecting on it, it's been quite a journey for Han Cho. Happy for him.

Tickets may cost more in Philadelphia than New York. Assuming...of course. But they'll cost ya.

Werth, Win and Fire. Yet another pun on Werth's name. This is partially written for Orioles fans so they can say, "How'd we miss on that guy?" Remember those article days, Phillies fans?

Letters: can we wait until next year for the Dodgers? Out come the long knives in L.A.

Phils' Lovin' fans party hard in Mayfair. Like there's another way to party in Mayfair. Sheesh.

Phillies' miracles and superstitions. I once worshipped at the site of a hamburger that looked like Matt Stairs. If you think that's kooky, there's a woman who hasn't listened to sports radio since Harry Kalas died.

Speaking of radio, Scott Franzke is livin' the dream. He is from Dallas, though...

Goatees were on the line. As FOX and TBS carry the baseball playoffs, here's what the old-school network employees were up to. And speaking of networks and ratings, perhaps a Yankees-Phils series isn't so bad after all. L.A. a ratings dud zone.

Phillies Breakfast Links, October 23, 2009: Rocko the Drunken Mummer, Angels Force Game 6, Throwing Haymakers

Wet Luzinski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:29:16 -0000

Wild affair goes Halos' way to send ALCS back to Bronx

No matter who you may be rooting for in the ALCS (and let's face it, after yesterday's bloviating, how cool would it be if the Angels ultimately beat the Yankees), you have to want the winner to be completely spent. Games like last night only help the cause. But they do give an indication of how chippy things will get around the strike zone.

It was quite a seventh inning. Last night the Halos had what we were having in the 9th inning of game 4.

Rocko the Drunken Mummer Postgame Interview. If you're an Inquirer subscriber, Rocko Rounbehler of Port Richmond also got a huge color photo of himself on the front page wraparound. But he and his distinctive patois are way better live.

So you like that, huh? Wait, there's more. Jackass: The Phillies Fan

Stay classy, Phillies fans. NBC-10 reporter Claudia Rivera did not go to on-the-scene live reporter school for this!

After all, What's Not to Like about the Phillies? I put this one up in the comments thread yesterday, but it bears repeating. And another I posted--although the premise is, well, questionable, this quote of the day is the best haymaker I've seen thrown toward Yankeedom.

"Martinez tried to deflect questions about facing his former rival while dodging champagne sprays and beer showers in the postgame celebration Wednesday, but couldn’t resist when a reporter said, “Pedro, you have a long history with the Yankees.” He stopped, leaned in and said, “No, the Yankees have a long history with me.”"

Afternoon update: Lee, Sabathia swapping texts. Ah, the truncated erudition that correspondence must be. C.C.: UR TEAM SUX Cliff: U R DED 2 ME. Plus, Notes from

Why, oh why, did the Phillies win? Poor Joe Sheehan picks through the detrius over at Prospectus. Apparently Charlie Manuel managed...better!

More, always more, below --and as we've been doing this week, feel free to linky link in with your own in the comments.

A Lineup of Change for Postseason Broadcasts. Why? Does anyone out there think they need to improve? ::ducks::

L'Affaire Steve Phillips. So apparently this has happened before, which makes you question his people selection skills. It's a really bad time to be a Mets fan. I cares not.

Bombers Beware: These Guys Are Dangerous. News flash: the Phillies get credit because they are essentially an AL team in disguise. It's a fifth column thing!

Expect a veteran crew of umpires for the World Series. I guess orienting all the new guys during the playoffs wasn't MLB's HR department's best idear.

Phillies Breakfast Links, October 22, 2009: Back to Back to the World Series Edition

Wet Luzinski — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:14:59 -0000

It was about the 4th inning last night when Whole Camels went to the bullpen and once again waved to the righthander to do the next three weekdays' worth of Breakfast Links. And of course I was so wired that I was up until 2 a.m. Bottom lines: Add linkys where you may; I'll just get the party started.

via media.philly.com

Back for Seconds: Phillies in Fall Classic. Todd Zolecki tells you everything you need to know in the lede, and makes me suspect that he either checks out our game threads, or that maybe Jayson Werth just has a fondness for beer and cigars.

Jayson Werth held a cigar in one hand and a beer in the other as he soaked in the champagne that had been poured on him and the atmosphere that had surrounded him as the Phillies celebrated their second consecutive trip to the World Series on Wednesday night at Citizens Bank Park.

They're nothing quite like last night, but the booth calls of the clinching out are also on this page. Andy Martino's game story is here.

Lots of interesting NLCS records. Perhaps like me, you heard so much about Ryan Howard's consecutive RBI streak, but did you know about Chase Utley's? And here I thought Chooch was a postseason OBP monster.

Don't miss some great pictures of Werth here--the look-in to the dugout shot after his 3-run HR and Pedro Martinez pouring champagne in his mouth are two of my faves (don't worry jonk, neither one is the best Werth picture ever).

Phillies fans celebrate a night of good karma. Just in case you're out of town and were wondering how ugly and angry things got after the pennant clinch. Turns out: Not so much.

Bill Lyon: Savoring a night of triumph. He's right. This comes along like, well, never. Jayson Stark gives the context.

Bill Conlin: Manuel's champs have it all over Green's. Who but Bill Conlin had the pre-loaded lede that last night was the 29th anniversary of the 1980 win? And Oh By The Way, he was right about Manuel all along. I hope there's no lasting damage to Charlie Manuel after the pregame hug of Dallas Green.

Phil Sheridan: The greatest Phila. team of all time. Not to be all Debbie Downer today, but if the greatest Philadelphia team of all time still winds up losing to the Yankees, it's just not going to help this city therapeutically.

Paul Hagen: Tipping or not, Phillies starter Hamels still struggles. Speaking of therapy, recall that not all was sweetness and light last night. Any tips for Cole Hamels? Seabiscuit in the 4th? Plastics?

Dodgers pitchers fall short in clutch situations. You know, that's what she said! Meanwhile, over at the L.A. Times, do I detect some West Coast bile? Careful, L.A.--thinking like this might give you an edge.

Shane Victorino is not universally loved, but for his eerie power to slay Dodgers. I know, it's a shock. Fun post from McCovey Chronicles.

Down 3-1 in ALCS, Angels try to stay positive. No way I could miss this link. If only there were some cheesy way I could help.

When Raul Ibanez stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 9th, the Phillies had a win expectancy...

Wet Luzinski — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:32:56 -0000

When Raul Ibanez stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 9th, the Phillies had a win expectancy of 11.8%.

Phillies Breakfast Links, October 9: Leaving On a Jet Plane

Wet Luzinski — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:38:44 -0000

I'm still confused whether the keys (or off-keys) to yesterday's strange game was Hamels' pitching, Manuel's bullpen maneuvers, the Phillies' double-play-itis, or some poor fielding decisions. Then I took a peek at the Denver Post, and apparently it had to do with either Jason Giambi's bp chatter or Tracy's lineup maneuvers. Or possibly True Grit. And you can't mention gritty without trying to solve the Utley problem. It was a bad day, but was it terrible? Victorino's ball in the 9th was just a few feet from tying the game. Ah, screw it. Let's just blame it on our rude fans.

Speaking of confused, who's going to start the next two (or three, if necessary) games for the Phillies? Charlie says we'll sort it all out on the plane flight to Denver for pivotal game 3. As Scott Lauber notes:

How much is at stake in Game 3?

Consider this: Since wild-card play started in 1995, 11 best-of-five NL Division Series have been tied after two games. The winner of Game 3 has won nine of those series. Only the 2002 Giants and the 2004 Astros lost a tie-breaking Game 3 in an NL divisional series and still advanced, both times by beating the Braves.

As birth stories go, this has to be one of the more unusual ones. Congratulations Heidi and Cole Hamels on the (pending) birth of your baby boy. (Note to Cole: As a father of two current t-ballers, it takes a lot of effort to get to this level.)

After two midweek playoff starts with predictably low ratings, the Phillies go to Colorado. If you want to look at how the other half is blogging, this along with Purple Row are good places to start. If you're keeping score, three out of the last four postseason games the Phillies have played have featured some pretty wild weather. But this is ridiculous. And if this is the way a sport treats its reigning champion, maybe second prize ain't so bad. Boy, you have a hand in one lowest-rated World Series ever, and it's like the boss takes it personally.

Aww, might as well jump...

So, you may be disappointed with the Phillies' loss yesterday. But be glad you're not a Cardinals fan. The silver lining for Holliday: he must have been wearing a cup. If the ball didn't quite get him in the jewels, maybe Adam Wainwright should kick him there. Or maybe this guy too.

We need to laugh a little after yesterday's debacle, or else you'll find yourself a little short-tempered at work today. Adorable Rockies indeed. Feh. And while we're poking around The Onion, I'll link to this one since the topic has had its own meme-like status on TGP.

Final questions:

Couldn't stay up? Neither could the Red Sox. Angels up 1-0.

Mystified by the lack of plate discipline? Perhaps now we know why the Phillies have been doing so much early-count swinging lately.

Want evidence that there's an effective closer in Philadelphia? Condolences to any alums out there.

Away from the Philadelphia area and homeslck for the local patois? The Daily News seems to be doing these videos daily.

Want evidence that Rick Reilly licks domes? At your service.

Get your rest, everyone, it's a travel day.

Breakfast Links, October 7 Playoff Edition: Now Let's Do Something!!!

Wet Luzinski — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:48:07 -0000

Fresh off my surprise last-minute addition to TGP's Playoff Breakfast link roster (gosh, thanks Skipper!), I must pause to marvel at and congratulate the Minnesota Twins on their remarkable hunt-down of the Detroit Tigers. I'm sorry I missed this game, but local coverage is worth a look. Did it remind you of another 1-game playoff? If only to spite this MLB/TBS/FOX evil empire, I'll be rooting for them to smite the Yankees. And this nerd-ready, endearing-yet-cliche-ridden William Rhoden piece with Joe Girardi is not going to change my mind, no matter how much it made me giggle thinking about this.

via www.fangraphs.com

Setting the postseason sartorial rotation

Wet Luzinski — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:43:58 -0000

It's the postseason, so...what are you wearing?

Thanks to a successful run last season, and with history as a guide, I followed the advice I gave four years ago to my former college roommate and die-hard White Sox fan and "bought deep" throughout the postseason run last year.

Hence my dilemma. My Phillies wardrobe is deeper now, and as the season has worn on, like Charlie Manuel I've had difficulty establishing the winning combinations that felt like they came much easier last year. Nonetheless, with the added depth I found that changing shirts seemed to garner the best results. So, I am setting my postseason sartorial rotation after the jump. In some instances I'm not entirely sure so I'll welcome suggestions. Also interested in your lucky threads & routines.

Those of you not superstitiously minded, for God's sake, when did your love of baseball statistics overwhelm your pre-Enlightenment humanity?

Everyday lineup: The cap, form-fitted, bought last Aug. 31 in advance of my son's third birthday (he got the Chase Utley jersey). The cap has a red-hot September and October in it, and has had an audience with the trophy.

For all playoff games: Replica Robin Roberts jersey. Prize possession given to me by Mrs. Wet Luzinski. This is my going-to-the-park jersey, unless it's stifling hot, as the thing is wool. For fall baseball, it's perfect. But it's still wool, so I have to set the rotations for the shirts underneath.

Games 1/2: If it's Lee: The 2009 CHAMPS Opening Night giveaway shirt. I love this shirt. My rule of thumb is to consider the opposing team and match the shirt that would annoy them the most. For the Rockies series especially, I'm confident that reminders of our success where they failed two years ago are key to our success. If it's Hamels: The Hamels #35 tee, which may not follow the rule of thumb, but was just so hot last postseason, and speaking of hot, just cemented my man-crush.

Game 3: Grey WS Champs logo. You wear grey on the road.

Game 4: Utley #26 t-shirt with WS replica decal on the sleeve.

Game 5: Red Phinally! hoodie.This may have to be my shirt of choice for any elimination situations. Win or lose, the flag flies forever.

In the bullpen: Philadelphia National League Club - Mitchell & Ness t-shirt with the 1950-replica letterhead and the telephone number BAldwin 9-9200. Referring to Phillies pedigree, particularly from the 50s and 60s, seems to cut both ways. Against a 1993 expansion team, it could annoy, but hearkening back to unsuccessful playoff (or almost-playoff) runs kind of makes this the Brad Lidge of my wardrobe.

Long-sleeve red 2008 National League Champs shirt. Holding this for potentlal NLCS.

Victorino #8 t-shirt with WS decal on sleeve. Technically this is Mrs. WL's shirt. Again, holding this for potential NLCS, especially vs. L.A.

White 2008 NL Champs shirt, with other years of NL pennants on it. Keeping this one deep in the bullpen, as our pedigree doesn't match up with either the Dodgers or the Cardinals.

White 2007 NL East Champs t-shirt. I find this has eerie power over division opponents.

Blue 2007 NL East Champs t-shirt. The blue ones seem to do particularly well against the Mets.

'93 era cheap red pinstripe replica jersey. Kind of paper thin at this point. Worn on real hot days.

In the fridge: Victory Prima Pils. Bought a case of this in early July and have not looked back. Philadelphia Brewing Co's Kenzinger also in the mix.

For clinching situations: The re-emergence of the shrine, featuring 1980 newspapers(Jayson Stark, beat writer), 1993 stuff, and of course 2008 keepsakes. More elaborate the deeper the Phils go.