BY SCOTT LAUBERWith another presidential debate slated for tonight, I'm reminded of the famous line Bill Clinton used on George H.W. Bush in 1992, one that Barack Obama probably would be wise to repeat to John McCain as often as possible between now and Election Day.
It's the economy, stupid.
Well, when it comes to the baseball postseason, there is an equally pithy and appropriate line that managers and players frequently utter when asked to explain the secret of their success.
It's the pitching, stupid.
And during the division series-clinching celebration Sunday at Miller Park, Pat Gillick made the interesting observation that the Phillies have gone from an offense-first team that was expected to slug its way to the playoffs to a pitching- and defense-oriented club that wins because Cole Hamels and Brett Myers pitch well for seven or eight innings before Brad Lidge and the Pen Men (sounds like a bad '80s band, doesn't it?) lock it down in the eighth and ninth.
And, really, the Phillies' ability to pitch well and play solid defense -- not stand toe-to-toe in an offensive slugfest -- is what has given them confidence that they can beat the Dodgers in the NLCS.
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Within the notebook, Cole Hamels isn't afraid of Manny Ramirez. Also, Charlie Manuel isn't worried about Chase Utley's hip, and the Dodgers began the playoffs with a brand new lineup that hadn't been used all season.
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Here's your game/broadcast schedule for the NLCS, with the first-pitch time listed and the air time and network in parentheses:
Thursday: Game 1 at Philly, 8:22 p.m. (8 p.m., FOX)
Friday: Game 2 at Philly, 4:35 p.m. (4 p.m., FOX)
Sunday: Game 3 at LA, 8:22 p.m. (8 p.m., FOX)
Monday: Game 4 at LA, 8:22 p.m. (8 p.m., FOX)
Oct. 15: Game 5 at LA, 8:22 p.m. (8 p.m., FOX)
Oct. 17: Game 6 at Philly, 8:22 p.m. (8 p.m., FOX)
Oct. 18: Game 7 at Philly, 8:22 p.m. (8 p.m., FOX)
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Phillies are set to work out at the Bank later this afternoon. We'll have updates throughout the day, so please, keep checking back.
5 comments:
Scott why is game 2 at 4:35?
Pitching and defense are two of the keys to beating the Dodgers. However, so is smart hitting. Philadelphia's sizzling stretch run was fueled as much by playing "small ball" as it was by swatting long balls.
It wasn't as if the Phils dropped a bunt every time a runner was on first, but bunting some, hitting to the right side, lifting sacrifice flies, and even a suicide squeeze energized the offense, kept pressure on tiring opposing starters, caused melees around befuddled middle relievers, and stressed defenses to execute perfectly in order to stop the Phillies' offense.
The result was better offensive production, more miscues made by opponents' infielders, more hurried and inaccurate throws from the outfield, more wild pitches, and several botched pick-offs at first base. In this ensuing defensive confusion, rattled pitchers often served up pitches that Phillies hitters could then drive for distance. And suddenly, a team that struggled to score for months was untracked and really having fun-- and winning-- in the last two weeks of the season.
Pitch well, play solid "D", but don't forget the "small ball" against LA!
I wonder what the players think about how all the national sports media is rooting for the Dodgers in hopes of a Manny/Torre vs. Boston world series.
Let's see if FOX tailors their commentary to favor one side. It's such a shame that Harry and crew aren't allowed to broadcast on television for these games.
Wheeler is the worst broadcaster I have ever had the displeasure to listen to.
Anon: Game 2 is at 4:35 because TBS is televising Game 1 of the ALCS in primetime.
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