Yankees dethrone Phillies as champions of baseball

The Philadelphia Phillies' bid for back-to-back world titles fell short Wednesday night in a 7-3 defeat at the hands of the New York Yankees. 

Beerleaguer: Tonight concludes a historic run by a proud Philadelphia franchise, beginning with last season's title capture, continuing with their successful 162-game and division-clinching march through the regular season and ending with their second-consecutive National League pennant. While 2008 became the year Philadelphia was given reprieve from a long title drought, 2009 carried a different meaning for this individual, one that mattered less about winning and more about the bonds the Phillies have created among us. Step back. Look around. What great pleasure, excitement and brotherhood the Phillies have stirred, at a time when unity and goodwill are in such short supply.

I'll issue my final thoughts on the Phillies in the days ahead. Meanwhile, I extend my sincere thanks to the peanut gallery for spending another season with Beerleaguer. It's been a pleasure to serve you.

Comments

[phillies in 5!!!! lol]

Maybe now Yankee fans will better understand Pedro Martinez.

There's a new killer app for the iPhone called the Cry Translator, which interprets babies' squeals and screams and tells parents what they mean.

The makers say they have figured out a way to interpret the five major reasons a baby cries: hunger, tiredness, annoyance, stress and boredom.

And it works regardless of language and culture -- meaning it will be very useful in Philadelphia.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/iphone_for_crybabies_tlV7TBXSZjLN004es5iutI#ixzz0W3vexmM7

[Steve Radomsky]

I posted last night before all the "Yankees fans", but I was upsetted by the situation today...

Can you imagine if the Phillies BOUGHT CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett (Leave out Teixeira cause we have a better first baseman than him) last offseason...can you imagine where the Phillies would be. Us fans would have all been celebrating a World Series sweep of ANYONE in the MLB...

Instead, we are enjoying our phenomenal team, and the Eagles are up to bat now, let's go Iggles...

[Radoms]

Jason, Thanks for another great season(s)...

Bring me another

[K.B.-YF]

Don't judge all Yanks fans by the trolls that hit and run here.

From this Yanks fan, thanks for a good fight, congrats on the Pennant and maybe we'll get a chance to match up next year (though I doubt the Yanks will be there again: too many old players).

A word of advice from someone who's followed a team often disparaged for its 'pen: bullpens are volatile, and there's no good reason to purchase performance out there. It's better to give farmhands a chance to contribute. High K guys are probably your best shot, and don't be too afraid if they walk a few. David Robertson was a high walk guy, but he made adjustments and became a key tool.

The Phillies have a really bright future due to a solid foundation. If you guys aren't in the mix for the next few years, it'll be a surprise and a shame. Fighting the best (and richest) team in baseball to six games was a notable and worthy effort, and it was a great series.

I hope to lurk on here during the offseason to see where you guys head next!

Best wishes.

[Unikruk]

Red Sox pull Hermida away from the Fish.

[EastFallowfield]

Nah, I'll judge all the Yankee fans by the ones who post here.

All Phils fans are judged as the ugliest among them, including by the classy sports writers of even the genteel NY Times.

Why should Yankee fans be judged any differently?

[William Schweitzer]

Do the Phillies buy low on Putz this winter? Thoughts?

As for the Victorino trade talk, it wouldn't surprise me all that much if it happened in 2011 (or at the very latest July 2010), but I don't see it happening in the winter. Everything depends on Taylor's progression. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I didn't wish, once in a while, that we kept Bourne instead.

If Lee can be extended, Hamels walks in FA. All of you will disagree, but I don't see Cole's performance ever topping Millwood-level. He has four pitches and he's young, but he's not as good as advertised (one post season notwithstanding).

[Hugh Mulcahy]

@K.B.-YF - that handles a pain in the ass to type. That's the way to win with dignity and class. If the Phils make it back to the series next year, there's no one I'd rather see them play than the Yankees. Thanks, also, for hte pre-series heads up on the better Yankees blogs.

[Hugh Mulcahy]

Anybody know the actual day by which Feliz's option must be exercised? I read "early next week" but nothing definitive. My gut tells me they go with the bird in the hand and concentrate on finding an Iwamura type (no more futility infielders) to solidify the bench and infield.

I doubt Vic would be traded this offseason because that would mean picking up another veteran outfielder somewhere. I don't think they're plugging Francisco in as a starter, or Taylor. But, if Taylor and Brown keep rising, along with the price of pitching, something's gotta give there in a year or so.

[kyjelly]

Lets Go Mets!

[Andrew]

According to today's inky the Phillies have 3 days to decide on Feliz.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20091106_10_questions_facing_the_Phillies.html?page=2&c=y

[NEPP]

My guess is that they will use the Feliz option and then look for a utility IF that can play 3B as well as the other positions to give them the ability to platoon Feliz and still rest Utley/Rollins.

I hate it but that's my read on it since the decision HAS to be made soon.

Eyre will definitely be back. Rube would be a fool not to bring him back since he clearly wants to be here and he was great this year.

[NEPP]

Maybe we could trade for Jason Donald. He's a good youngish prospect in the Indians system who can play 2B, SS, and 3B fairly well. We might be able to get him on the cheap side as he had an off year last year.

[kyjelly]

LETS GO METS!

[Hugh Mulcahy]

I heard of that Donald kid. Must be good, they gave up Cliff Lee to get him.

[EastFallowfield]

Remember going to Philly for the parade last year. Many folks on the train from NY in Phils gear, most at 30th St station in red.

Today's report from major Manhattan transit hub: 10 people in Yanks gear, 1 in Mets, 1 in Tigers cap.

They'll have many at their parade today, but most folks here just going about their business.

[EastFallowfield]

The Phillies have left the building

[Tom Goodman]

Thanks again, Jason, for a wonderful season of reading.

[Bubba]

Todd Zolecki's column fits right into the BL discussion:
http://zozone.mlblogs.com/

[D.Wright]

hey philly fans...now you guys can see what us Mets fans have to go through with having to share NY with these spoiled brats. This is why most of us were actually(painfully) rooting for the Phils. Yankee fans are the worst...they're spoiled, have no clue about baseball, arrogant, and CLASSLESS!

[NEPP]

Notice how Zolecki completely assumes that Rollins will bat leadoff regardless of whether we get a guy like Figgins. He knows like we do that UC will NEVER move Rollins from the top of the lineup.

[clout]

NEPP: Why couldn't you just let Feliz walk and then sign him back later? There's a lot of good 3B FAs and non-tenders this off-season. I guarantee Feliz won't get $5M on the free market. The problem with exercising the option (beyond having to play Feliz at age 35) is that there's no 3B prospects in the minors and the 2010 FA crop may not be nearly as good as this year's. Not to mention the economic picture, which now favors the owners, should shift back to the players by then.

[Bonehead]

clout posted 11/5, 4:18: "One of the stranger posts on this issue was that we shouldn't discuss Feliz because middle relief was a much higher priority and thus the team's resources will be spent for middle relief.
Just how expensive is middle relief?
Answer: Not expensive at all, not to mention there are several candidates already in the minors who are ready to take over.
If the Phils don't upgrade at 3B because they're spending big bucks elsewhere, it certainly won't be middle relief."

clout, don't you think that the Phils should/will spend for an established, expensive reliever, who can also fill in as closer, if needed? Someone like M Gonzalez, of R Soriano, or even retaining Chan Ho?

[EastFallowfield]

How many expensive middle relievers did the Yankees have?

[bathtubhippo]

i was thinking along the same lines as clout. is feliz really going to get $5 mil on the open market? don't pick up the option, explore your options, and consider re-signing at a lower salary if you have to.

personally, i hope we've seen the last feliz AB in philadelphia, but i fear we'll see them pick up the option and we'll see him every day next season, predictably popping up the first pitch after 4-pitch walks.

[clout]

Bonehead: "clout, don't you think that the Phils should/will spend for an established, expensive reliever, who can also fill in as closer, if needed? Someone like M Gonzalez, of R Soriano, or even retaining Chan Ho?"

No.

But they might sign Myers for a 1-year deal and have him battle Lidge in ST for the closer job or, at least, have him ready to step in should Lidge's miseries continue.

Here's a question for the board: If Lidge begins next season pitching the way he did this season (worst closer in baseball) how long do you think Charlie goes with him before making a change?

[Bedrosian's Beard]

I agree, let Feliz go and perhaps bring him back later. Hell, I would be generally ok with Feliz off the bench as a PH/defensive replacement for an Atkins type.

[clout]

BedBeard: I agree.

[clout]

Great column in today's DN by Hofmann who makes a solid case for going after Halladay.

[Bonehead]

clout-On the open market, what do you expect Myers to cost for one year?
I expect at least $4mil, maybe a bit more. That price tag qualifies as expensive for a BP non-closer. Doesn't it?

[Hugh Mulcahy]

I tend to doubt the Phils let him go then he signs at a lower number but, I don't know the guy. Seems a sensible means to hedge your bets on the trade / FA market for 3B. He won't be any more in demand than the others. I'm not too keen on a backup third baseman, though. If you sign him, he's presumptively the starter. The bench guy needs to be able to play multiple positions AND have some hitting ability, i.e., not Eric Bruntlett.

[Hugh Mulcahy]

I read the Hoffman article and would love to have Halladay. But, I tend to doubt the Phils will part with the prospects the Jays likely want for one year of Halladay. Maybe they get more reasonable but, if I'm Toronto, I hate to let go of that guy for anything other than someone who will be starting for me for years. What's the prevailing wisdom on who would go? I have to believe Drabek won't be in that deal at this point in time. Would they take some arms like Happ / Kendrick, and some minor leaguers or do they want their future outfielders?

[clout]

You mean like the $4M they'll be paying JC Romero?

[Bob P.]

I would not deal Victorino. What I would do is bat him leadoff. What was J-Roll's on base percentage in the Series, playoffs, and regular season? Not too damn good, right! You need guys at the top of the line-up who are tablesetters. Move Chase up to the #2 slot. Line-up could look like this :

1. Victorino
2. Utley
3. Werth or Rollins
4. Howard
5. Rollins or Werth
6. Ibanez
7. Feliz or replacement
8. Ruiz

If the Phils would get Figgins or DeRosa, they could plug that guy in the 2nd slot and move everyone down a notch. Also, there is a great need to improve the bench and add a right-handed starter. Hopefully Amaro can get something done. All in all, the Fightin's had a great year. I really enjoy watching this team. We have a bunch of gritty SOB's on this team that hate to lose. We need to tweak the roster, not make huge changes. Here's to doin' it again in 2010!!!

[Bonehead]

Under the same premise as Feliz, I don't expect the Phils to offer arb to Durbin, Walker, nor Condrey. If Phils later decide that they want any of them, they can probably be signed for less than what arb would've paid.

[Shane]

The Lead-Off spot is a perfect example of how success is preventing improvement. Cholly is thinking "we're winnin', why change?" when in fact you could put just about anyone else on the team there and you would see an improvement in OBP and subsequently more ABs for the 2-3-4 hitters and more run production for the team.

I would really love to see Vic lead-off next year. J-Roll could hit second. I'd love to put him lower, but that would mean batting him after Raul and bumping everyone above him up one, or hitting Ruiz or Feliz 2nd.

[MG]

clout - If Cholly gave Lidge the entire season to figure it out this year, I don't seem the doing anything before the ASB. If they are in a close race and they need to do something come July, then they might seriously consider making a move.

It also depends too though on what this offseason brings and what the bullpen looks like coming out of spring training.

[Shane]

Rollins OBP for '09 was .296, .329 lifetime. 2008 was the only year where he walked more than he struck out. And over his career, he typically has twice as many strike outs than walks. He's not a top of the order guy. He's a bottom of the order RBI guy.

[En-Why-See]

This parade looks amazing. Broadway > Broad Street. Enough said.

[MG]

Declining Feliz's option is a no-brainer. Pay him the $500k buyout and bring him back in the FA market if so desired at around $2.5-$3M. 3B is one of the more crowded positions this offseason and I would be really surprised if Feliz got a contract that pays him $5M or a starting deal.

I am not actually that opposed to bring back Feliz to start next year at 3B again but he becomes much more palpable at $3M or so. Phils are going to need that extra $2M or so in savings to bring in more legit bullpen or bench help because their payroll is already going to be pretty tight.

An extra $2M doesn't sound like alot but it brings in you at least one decent veteran bullpen arm and a couple of minor league signings if the Phils want.

[MG]

Condrey is really the only interesting arbitration eligible case. Phils will sign Vic, Ruiz, and Blanton. Just a matter of the terms they strike. Walker is gone and Bruntlett won't be on a MLB roster next year. I figure the Phils will keep Condrey around as long as they know he is healthy. They know what he can do now and that he is a serviceable backend bullpen guy. If he comes in at under $900, he will be back I bet.

I actually wouldn't mind seeing the Phils resign Durbin. I have a hunch that if he stays healthy that the reduce workload this year will help him bounce back a bit to have a better year especially on the control front. Not a setup man but a guy who is more capable option in the 6th/7th innings with an ERA around 4.00.

[doubleh]

People who compare parade sizes are overcompensating for something if you ask me. Probably drives a ridiculously large car, too.

It would stand to reason that it would be larger in NYC, since NYC is several times larger than Philly.

[doubleh]

My boss is a usually reserved Yankees fan, but this win has turned her borderline obnoxious. I don't ever talk smack about my teams, so her turn has me irate. I told her in no uncertain terms that if she sends me one picture of the damn parade, that I will quit on the spot. I think she thought I was kidding, but I've been looking for a reason to quit for years, and this would be as good as any.

She's acting like waiting 9 years is some eternity. I wish these NYY fans could switch places with a Cubs fan for a year and find out what a real eternity feels like.

[Old Phan]

hh, well said!

[J. Weitzel]

MG: I'm with you all the way on Feliz.

[NEPP]

clout:Why couldn't you just let Feliz walk and then sign him back later? There's a lot of good 3B FAs and non-tenders this off-season. I guarantee Feliz won't get $5M on the free market.

The problem with that is that I was tired and not thinking about it that way. Yeah, I agree they should do that.

[NEPP]

Durbin made $1.635 million this year. He's not worth that. His control has always been an issue and that showed up all year and in the post-season. If we're gonna spend money on a middle reliever, put it towards Park.

[doubleh]

Does anyone think Park has finally realized his real value lies in relief? Or does he still think he can start?

I really, really would like him resigned for the BP, but if he still thinks he's a starter, he won't be in Philly next year.

[NEPP]

I think Park realizes that he's done with starting. He's so much better as a reliever due to the increase in velocity he gets.

[Brian G]

MG/NEPP: Totally agree. No way Feliz gets $5mil. Who would give that to him? I'd bet we could get him back for under $3mil if we wanted. No idea what our budget is but that could be a few extra mil to throw at someone like Park.

[Max]

Only two pitchers beat the Yankees three times each in 2009. Lee was one; Roy Halladay was the other.

Just sayin'.

[mvptommyd]

NEPP & Clout: That would be the best option. But what if it backfires and Feliz signs somewhere quick. Then you are forced to eithier spend more on another guy or have our starting 3rd baseman be.......Eric Bruntlett.

Please, just pick up his option!

[NEPP]

Who do you think is gonna "snatch" Feliz up??? In all seriousness, he's not exactly a premier 3B. If we lose him that way, we'll figure something out. He's not worth even close to $5 million in the current FA market. He's gonna be looking at a Bobby Abreu type situation where there are far more "sexier" 3B ahead of him that will be signed.

[mvptommyd]

Also, what is the opinion of bringing back Billy "The Rat" Wagner?

I don't think it is a good idea, but some people have suggested it.

[clout]

mvptommy: That would be a concern if Feliz was the only 3B on the market. But there's a TON of them out there this off-season. He is far from the only option and far, far from the best option.

[mvptommyd]

NEPP: All I am saying is I agree with the concept of why you do that move. But be careful if you overthink the situation, we could be in deep doo-doo. Feliz is so good defensively, it almost makes up for the fact that he is going to give you around a .700 OPS, 12-15 HR's and 80 RBI's.

[mvptommyd]

clout: I agree. I am just nervous of it backfiring that is all.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

I don't think Feliz signing somewhere else quick is a major concern. Likely won't happen, and it's not like he's the only 3b option/great player that will be sorely missed.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Wags said he didn't want to come to Philly at the trade DL, I doubt that has changed. I'd consider it, salary depending, of course.

[NEPP]

Bruntlett won't be back next year. No way in hell they offer him a contract.

If they bring back Wagner, I won't follow them anymore. That would NEVER happen. I heard the Braves were looking at him though...I could see that.

Here's the thing, MVP. Feliz has slipped defensively. He's no longer the near gold glover that he was even 2 years ago. His range is almost non-existent and his reflexes aren't close to what they were in his peak. He's still a plus defender but not to the point of justifying his light bat at $5 million. He still has a great accurate arm though. The 80 RBIs is because he bats 7th in a great offense. He'd be a 40-50 RBI guy for most teams. I honestly see Feliz playing somewhere like Pittsburgh next year.

[Hugh Mulcahy]

I think I read somewhere that Wagner announced he would retire. Don't know that he filed his papers with MLB but, that's what I read.

Nobody's going to jump on Feliz on Tuesday if he's not re-upped on Monday. If the Phils let him go, though, I don't know whether he'll readily resign for less or if he'll interpret the move as a sign they don't want him. I could see a player not wanting to come back in that scenario even though all indications are that he's not worth $5MM in the current market. Hopefully, he's more realistic and/or he wants to come back to win again and will keep the option open for long enough to let the situation shake out. It will be interesting to see how it's handled by the FO.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Feliz: 2 years ago, we were the only suitor for him, as far as I know.

[NEPP]

I remember a rumor on MLBTradeRumors saying Wags would retire but then it was rescinded by his agent the next day.

I wouldn't take him back at the minimum salary. The guy was and is a cancer. Maybe the Mets will get him back.

[Hugh Mulcahy]

I think Pittsburgh on a 1 - 2 year deal is a reasonable guess. They need a place holder for Pedro Alvarez and I'm not sure they're keen on keeping La Roche who I could see packaged in a trade for a SS or, still more pitching depth.

[NEPP]

The Twins just traded Carlos Gomez for JJ Hardy.

Guess that means Delmon Young won't be non-tendered as some had thought.

[bay_area_phan]

Let me go out on a limb. If the Phils don't bring back Feliz, I think there's a 50-50 chance that he goes unsigned for the entire off-season. Why do I think this? He's not good enough to be a starter anymore and, since he can't run at all, the only 2 positions he can play are 1st and 3rd base. With only 5 bench spots on a typical NL team -- and 4 in the AL -- there aren't many teams who are willing to carry a bench player who is a poor to mediocre hitter, who possesses little power, and who can only play the corner infield positions. He may well have trouble finding a job next year.

[bay_area_phan]

NEPP: I saw that trade. Seems like a steal for the Twins, as Gomez just stinks and Hardy is a good bet to bounce back to 2007-2008 numbers. Quite a fall from grace for Carlos Gomez, who is only a couple years removed from being the signature piece in the Johann Santana trade.

[MG]

The one thing I am really curious on is just how much Montgomery hikes season ticket prices this year. You always expect that an owner will hikes prices in a meaningful way after a championship. They did last year. Most people saw a double digit increase in their season ticket prices including my uncle.

Granted this market has shown that demand still can be very high and it has actually begun a "hip thing to go a Phils game for younger people" (I never thought this would be possible) but you have to wonder just how much fans will be able to absorb another double digit hit in season ticket prices which would likely make a weighted average ticket price at CBP the most expensive in the majors with the exception of Fenway and the NY stadiums.

[NEPP]

Carlos Gomez is more proof that guys with little power and high SO rates in the minors WILL NOT be sucessful at the MLB level. Every year, we hear people rave about another "undiscovered" phenom that has great tools but has issues with making contact. Gomez is simply another of that bunch.

That trade is looking worse and worse for the Twins.

[NEPP]

The Phillies hadn't really raised tickets from 2004 - 2008, so that huge "hike" was somewhat understandable. I dont know that they'll push them much higher. Considering unemployment just hit 10.2%, it would be a bad PR move to say the least.

[Old Phan]

In this economy, raising ticket prices is a risky proposition. Just ask the Mets and the Yankees.

[clout]

BAP: Given a choice, I'll take the Twins side of that trade too, but I wouldn't write Gomez off yet. He's only 23 years old and has great tools. Should he begin to translate those tools into skills he has a big upside. One positive sign: He's gotten his 5/1 K/BB ratio down to 3/1.

Hardy is a nice league-average SS, but doesn't have Gomez's upside, is arb eligible and will be an FA after 2011.

[NEPP]

Plate discipline is probably the hardest thing to teach a player. Most never learn that lesson. Though Gomez could become the next Michael Bourn.

[Greg S. from Lancaster]

So, you all saw that Zolecki tweeted that Lee option was picked up, right? I guess that was pretty obvious, but still feels good.

[Pete Happy]

What about Dobbs? This year was injury plagued, but couldn't he also be in the mix at 3rd?

[PhilsFan]

I want JA Happ in the rotation next year and not jerked around like he was this year. (I don't even care if he has a so so spring training). This dude can be a quality major league pitcher for the next several years.

[MG]

Feliz is not the same defender he was even 2 years ago in SF and some of his limitations as a fielder (range on balls especially to his right, coming in bunts/balls hits softly, running out to grab flyballs in the OF) were exposed this postseason defensively.

He has a strong and accurate arm with very steady hands. If he gets to something or something is hit to him hard, he is steady, sure-handed, and fires a strike to 1st or 2nd.

He isn't Brooks Robinson though at 3B nor is he as good as a guy like Zimmerman (who is arguably one of the most underrated players in the game right now).

[EastFallowfield]

Yo, newer thread