So, in about two weeks, our little Phillies blog -- like everything on delawareonline.com -- will get a facelift. The idea, according to my bosses, is to make the Web site more user-friendly. Since I think our small community here has become fairly friendly since The Blog began on April 11, 2006 (wow, has it really been that long?), I'd like to keep things as consistent as possible.Why mess with a good thing, right?
But, with the new look, I think The Blog should get a new name. Don't get me wrong: There's nothing wrong with "Phillies/baseball." It's direct. It's certainly accurate. But it's terribly boring, don't you think? Between us, I know we can think of something better.
Starting today, and for the next two weeks, I'll be fielding suggestions from you. I have some ideas of my own, but The Blog is as much yours as it is mine. So, I want your input. Please post your proposed names in the comments section below. Or, if you're more inclined, e-mail them to me at slauber@delawareonline.com.
And, as always, thanks for keeping the discussion lively with your thoughtful opinions.
*
So, physically speaking, what exactly is wrong with Adam Eaton?
An MRI exam and a CT scan revealed he has a slightly herniated disc in his back. Here's an explanation from athletic trainer (and Delaware native) Scott Sheridan, courtesy of colleague Mike Radano's story in today's 50-center: "The most important thing to know is [the disc] is not pressing against the nerve root, which is really what your concern is because when it does that, it starts to give you symptoms down his leg. He doesn't have any of those things. All of his symptoms are centrally located in his back. He felt better [Sunday]. He has long-tossed the last two days and he's going to try to throw a bullpen [Monday], and if that goes well, we'll figure out a schedule for him with [pitching coach] Rich Dubee."
33 comments:
How about "This ain't worth 50 center of your time"
We're still laughing here at the news desk in Cincy. 50 center?
d les (aka trina and hassan), you're in Cincy AND Cleveland? You've got Ohio covered!
Scott - love the blog as is. Whatever you do with the name, please, please, please avoid the corny substitution of the letters PH for F, as in phan, phodder, etc.
How about "My Phillies Blog Is Better Than Yours" because, well, you do have pretty much the best one around. You run laps around Zolecki.
And nothing wrong with having Phun with "Ph" Gotta hold onto what you got.
OK, that's one vote for using "PH" and one vote against it. I'm sort of torn, so I need your input. Would it be corny or appropriate to name this blog something like "Phillies Phodder?"
Andrew: There are many, many excellent Phillies blogs out there, including Todd's, vying for attention. We're just trying to do the best we can here. But thank you, very much, for the nice compliment.
How about "Penguin Phodder in tribute to Scott Palmer?
The Pinstrip Portal
How about "Phreakin' Phils Phail 2 Phind Pitching Phorum" afterall, that looks to be the story of this season anyway...
Something told me to check in on the Phils boxscore today to see how many runs we gave up in the first inning and sure enough...the only surprise there was that managed to give up runs once again but without any walks! Someone actually challenged the hitters but they still hit the ball and scored runs...
Scott,
Just kidding around here. I read Zo's also.
"Phillies Phifty Center" or "Phifty Cents of the Phils" or something similar
"The Fifth Spot in the Rotation" because we all know this blog could do a better job than Eaton. Unless you need the word Phillies in it...
Phillies Phodder???? PH????
Aaaargh! No...no...no...please, no.
Well...I wouldn't stop reading. I'd just cringe every time I saw it in my Bloglines list.
Why not keep it simple and matching the paper: "Phillies News Journal"
--you're essentially bringing the most poignant, complete and up-to-date responses on the Phillies out there. Beerleaguer gets all the mention and users' comments, but they're not in there digging up the news themselves like good ol' Phillies/baseball.
Not sure what you mean, levine. But you've got the mafia look covered. Much diferent than when I was there.
Scott,
I have the perfect name for your blog. How about ... THE ZO ZONE.
I read all the Phillies blogs and it is amazing that you blog the same thing as Inky boy Todd Zolecki's a few minutes later. It was laughable the other day when the blog formerly known as the Zo zone blogged about Adam Eaton's next outing. He made a mistake ... and then minutes the same mistake appears in your blog, which apparently was written from Delaware since you haven't been in Florida for a couple weeks. WOW! People do get fired for plagerism, but I guess that's OK in the world according to Scott "Thou Shalt Steal" Lauber. In closing, the truth shall set you free. Try it.
And I dare you to let the other 36 of your blog readers see this. Please respond you these allegations, which would hold up in a court of law.
Sinrely,
A ZO ZONE FAN
Sadly, Scott. I notice the same thing. But I'm going to give you the benefit of doubt that maybe you are legit. After all, it's not impossible to get struck by lightning 60 times in one spring, so it's not impossible that you and Todd Zolecki had the same bright ideas 60 times in one spring. Great minds think alike, right? NOT!
This is funny stuff.
Here is my vote for Scott's blog name
YOU HEARD HERE SECOND!
Give Lauber a break. If he left, what would be left? Buddy, martyboy, either kevin, moosher, levine? Don't even imagine that nightmare.
I like Scott's blog first with Zo being a close second. Scott responds better to his readers and thats what a blog is all about. Sure, they both report the same info because they're both watching/hearing/reading about the same things. And besides, they write for "different markets" in a sense. Delaware vs. Philly
Scott,
When I covered the Phillies for the News Journal, we had a contest in the paper to find a nickname for Scott Rolen. "Rawhide" was the winner and we photoshopped several cowboy themed photos, including Rolen sliding into third base in chaps.
So any name for the blog that does NOT conjure up images of you wearing chaps I think would be good.
Best of luck from a daily reader.
Doug
High and Inside
cifuentj: Love your idea. It's simple, direct and links the blog with the paper. We still have time, so I'd like to field more suggestions. But something like Phillies News Journal, or a variation thereof, is what we're looking for, I think.
Doug: Great stuff. I guarantee we won't have anything that involves me and chaps! Nobody wants to see that.
Now, on a very serious note ...
I'm troubled and dismayed by the tenor of some of the discussion here today. The insinuations that have been made by Anonymous 10:17 and Anonymous 10:42 are serious to any journalist, so for the sake of clarity, let's get something straight: The work here, and in the paper, is my own. Always has been, always will be. No exceptions. Ever.
On a daily basis, there may as many as seven newspapers and one Web site that cover the Phillies. And while everyone strives for originality, sometimes the news of the day is, well, the news of the day. In the interest of keeping this blog topical and current, I often comment on the news of the day, and with so many news outlets reporting on the Phillies online and in print, there's bound to be some overlap in subject matter. That's unavoidable. With regard to the Eaton info from last weekend: My understanding was that the date of his next start was disseminated to everyone covering the team. I return to Clearwater tomorrow (I made it clear in a previous post that I was home for a week), and when I checked with my colleague from our sister paper, I was given different information. So, I amended the blog.
Bottom line: I cover at least 30 days of spring training and 130 to 140 regular-season games. The thoughts/opinions here are my own. The format? Well, we've been using the same format (linking stories from the paper, posting photos, etc.) since April 11, 2006, when this blog launched. For those who read this blog regularly (you know who you are), I've made it clear that I always appreciate your insights, opinions and feedback. I'm sure that will continue as the 2008 season begins, and for that, you always have my thanks.
Now, please keep those great blog name suggestions coming!
As a frequent reader, I'll chime in here after seing some commotion today.
I second the nomination for ZO ZONE. Or maybe ZO ZONE II, because while Scott is right that most everything reports the same things, the Zo Zone's original ideas are often copied in this blog. Scott, I see you as a young guy who wants to compete with the big boys and when the Zo Zone gets something original, you jump to make it seem like you had it, too. You do want you want, but let's be honest here. Don't rip off the Zo Zone and pretend it was yours. Your readers are smarter than that.
You do a decent job, but you are no Zolecki. Not even close. Sorry, if the truth hurts. He's a better reporter, a more polished writer and he doesn't copy from people. Your reputation is all you have, pal, and getting branded a Zo Zone copier isnt good.
What "original ideas" are you talking about? Throughout the comments today, which may have been posted by one person for all we know, I have not read one specific description of this alleged copying. I, for one, know both Scott and Todd do very well to maintain their blogs throughout the season. I also know that Scott's blog couldn't attract thousands of readers from across the country if it wasn't original.
Don't be hating on Scott! Scott does a great job. As far as we know, he doesn't have to have a blog. But he does... for us readers. If you don't like his style, stop reading it. Otherwise, respect the guy who gives us something to read when we're bored at work.
Can't agree. I used to read the Zolecki's blog and did not think very much of it. I was then informed by a friend that the News Journal had a pretty good reporter and came over to this site to see if it was true. I came to appreciate this blog much more and check it throughout the day. The only time I check Zolecki's blog is when Scott hasn't written anything in a while. I appreciate what Scott does and have no complaints.
John L
Woodbury, NJ
I'm with John L here. Zolecki's blog is fine and everything, but I don't check his at least half a dozen times a day. I'm over here F5'ing frequently, hoping that Scott wrote something new for us.
It's really a shame to see the negative comments that have been left here. I have nothing but good things to say about the information we're given (for free) and I'll continue to keep this as my first choice in Phillies news, even over the Phillies' own website and other outlets like ESPN and SI. They lack the personal feel that Scott provides, and when it comes to getting Jayson Stark or Tom Verducci to reply to a comment, well then good luck.
this blog rules. you do an excellent job scott and you generally have good solid information before i can find it elsewhere.
here's to another good year of phillies baseball.
I'm with the guys above. I work night shifts at a firehouse and when I'm not out on a call I always find myself coming to this blog. Scott don't listen to these posters (who knows it may only be one poster). You do an awesome job and I can't wait for another season of reading your blogs.
And also to the anonymous person who claims that Scott steals work from the Zo ZOne, if you are going to act like a different person at least be smart enough to spread your posts out.
I'm not even sure where people are coming up with this stuff. Scott does a quality job on this blog. Not only does he provide up to date information but he takes the time to respond to comments and answer questions. Most people wouldn't take that kind of time or put that kind of effort into it.
Wow!
____________________________
A Ferraro flashback
"If Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race," she said.
Really. The cite is an April 15, 1988 Washington Post story (byline: Howard Kurtz), available only on Nexis.
Here's the full context:
Placid of demeanor but pointed in his rhetoric, Jackson struck out repeatedly today against those who suggest his race has been an asset in the campaign. President Reagan suggested Tuesday that people don't ask Jackson tough questions because of his race. And former representative Geraldine A. Ferraro (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday that because of his "radical" views, "if Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race."
And they could have been written by several people levine. And they could be NJ staffers signing in annonymously also. And it could have been you levine. So what is your point?
levine - thousands of readers from across the country? How do you prove that?
Man, levine, you are truly gutless
Post a Comment