0 comments What A-Rod Has Done Wrong Today: He Showed Up Early to Spring Training

I don't really want to start writing about A-Rod more often (or more often than I already do, which is too often). It's too tempting to not start a chain of posts called "What A-Rod Has Done Wrong Today," which would basically be all the things A-Rod has no control over that he's getting blamed for or good things A-Rod has done which are being turned into bad things. I don't want to write about A-Rod more, but I like to post five times per week (which means shorter posts sometimes) and A-Rod is always good for some overreaction by the media. So a succession of posts about the things A-Rod has done wrong should go to show how insane the New York media is about A-Rod.

What A-Rod has done wrong today is that he showed up to spring training early, without telling the Yankees he was coming. It's just like A-Rod, always making his own rules. Most baseball players would publicly announce when they are coming to spring training to get extra work in, but A-Rod being the selfish asshole he is, chooses to just show the hell up and expect the media and Yankees to deal with it. A-Rod is early. No one likes it when a baseball player spends extra time trying to improve himself. It's unsightly.

With two strikes against him and little margin for error, Alex Rodriguez still managed to find a way to irritate the Yankee brass when he arrived at spring training Monday — two days earlier than expected.

TWO DAYS EARLIER THAN EXPECTED! If my employees come into work early in the morning, then I immediately slap them across the face and tell them to GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE OFFICE YOU COCKGOBLIN! I EXPECTED YOU AT 8AM AND IT'S 7:45AM! WHAT KIND OF AMATEUR BULLSHIT ARE YOU PULLING?

I don't even know what I would do if an employee showed up on Saturday. The death penalty would be in play though. Nothing is more irritating than an employee who shows up and tries to do improve themselves by putting more work in. Honestly, it's a fireable offense.

Wearing a green University of Miami workout suit, Rodriguez arrived in Tampa Monday morning, which was news to the Yankees, leaving Brian Cashman and the team’s media relations staff scrambling for answers.

What answers did they need? "He's here, yes." That's pretty much all they need to say and the Yankees have made it clear to A-Rod he's on his own in terms of dealing with the media.

The Yankees, who had expected him to show up on Wednesday, had no issues with A-Rod arriving on Monday, but team officials were fuming that he hadn’t alerted them to his plans.

"No issues" means that the Yankees weren't "fuming" when A-Rod showed up. If they were fuming, that's the exact polar opposite of having no issues with when A-Rod showed up to spring training. I ain't a writer like Mark Feinsand, but I do know if I'm fuming about something then I have an issue with that something. In an effort to paint A-Rod in the wrong, all logic must be thrown out the window in favor of insanity.

“He’s learned nothing,” said one baseball executive. “He’s the same old guy. He just did what he wanted to do.”

Did the other Yankees players tell the team when they would show up or did they just show up and do whatever they wanted to do? Why should A-Rod be different?

“I cringe sometimes when I look at some of the things I did, but I paid my penalty and I’m grateful that I have another opportunity,” Rodriguez said as he stopped to speak with reporters outside the team’s minor-league complex following a one-hour workout.

The Yankees have no issue with A-Rod speaking to the media, but they fuming that he spoke with the media. The Yankees were fine with A-Rod working out for an hour, but they are absolutely flabbergasted he didn't even check the schedule to see if a little league team needed the field during the time he rudely dominated the complex during his workout.

His early arrival did offset the expected media crush on Wednesday, as roughly 20 reporters and a handful of cameras were on hand at the minor-league complex to greet A-Rod, a fraction of what had been expected on Wednesday.

And here is the real reason the media will jump all over the "A-Rod was early to spring training story" as if it is some huge fault in A-Rod's DNA to arrive earlier than expected. That reason? They didn't get a chance to be there the day A-Rod walked in and create a circus, then write dozens of columns about the circus surrounding A-Rod. He prevented the media crush and avoided putting a huge spotlight on his arrival, which obviously shows his inherent selfishness. The media has it out for him, why can't he just play along?

According to a source, Rodriguez was planning to work out at the complex, something he’s done multiple times in the past without alerting the club. Once the Yankees requested he first take his physical, he complied immediately.

It's not even the first time A-Rod has shown up early to spring training. Wow, the selfishness and refusal to play a part in the media's games of circus really dominates A-Rod's thoughts. Maybe he's too focused on combating the media and not focused enough on baseball. Look for Mike Lupica to write the column broaching this subject in the near future. 

Asked whether he thought the Yankees are on his side as camp opens, A-Rod seemed uncertain.
“I don’t know; you’d have to ask them,” he said. “I created a big headache for a lot of people, so I don’t blame whoever is mad at me. I understand.”

Wow, A-Rod is still not taking blame for what happ (changes narrative) is still uncertain exactly if the Yankees are on his side or not. Is he just dumb? Of course they aren't on his side, but it's because A-Rod doesn't realize he's created a big headache for a lot of peo showed up early to spring training. That's the ticket, that's why they are mad at him.

Rodriguez declined to answer many specific questions about his suspension, his role in the Biogenesis scandal or the apology letter he released last week. 

Still hiding. He still won't answer the questions about the scandal or whether he is even using PED's at the present time. When will A-Rod answer that question? Is he is on PED's right now? He wouldn't dare answer though.

He did answer one drug-related question, when a reporter asked him directly if he was currently using any illegal performance-enhancing drugs.

“No,” Rodriguez said firmly.

Well, I mean, he's probably lying. So who would believe A-Rod when asked this question anyway? It's a dumb question and doesn't even really need to be asked.

Asked whether he was confident he could succeed without the drugs, the three-time AL MVP replied, “I’m confident that if I stay healthy, I can do some good things.”

The fact A-Rod is 39 years old and was getting injured prior to his year-long suspension. This is probably a bigger reason his performance could decline during the 2015 season, but I'm sure the media will ignore that A-Rod is almost 40 years old and claim he can't hit 40 home runs because he's not on PED's anymore.

A-Rod’s day marked the first time he worked out under the team’s watch since his historic 162-game suspension.

How did the Yankees watch though? THEY WEREN'T PREPARED FOR HIM TO SHOW UP TO SPRING TRAINING!

Making the team was a recurring theme during his eight-minute session, something A-Rod hasn’t had to do since he was a teenager coming up with the Mariners back in the mid-1990s.

A-Rod doesn't even expect to compete for the spot I would bet. He just wants it all handed to him.

“I love to compete,” he said.

Yeah, but he only loves to compete when he's using PED's.

“I’m here a couple days early to get a jump start. I love baseball. I just love to be in uniform and I’m so grateful to have an opportunity to be back in uniform.”

The fact A-Rod loves baseball and wants to show up early in order to compete and make the team is a TERRIBLE excuse for showing up to spring training early. He should think less about helping the Yankees on the field and more about helping the Yankees by telegraphing his every move to them. He's not getting paid to play baseball well, plus the media is terrified that A-Rod will come back and play well for a 39 year old while in his teammate's good graces. It would ruin all the narratives.

Rodriguez had planned to take part in his first workout at 11 a.m. Monday, but once the Yankees learned of his plan — Cashman said he heard about A-Rod’s plan from a pair of reporters Monday morning — the team requested he first undergo his spring physical.

A-Rod reported to the ballpark at 11:30 for his checkup, then headed for the minor-league complex around 12:45. He drove a white SUV into the complex shortly before 1, carrying his bats in through a back entrance.

A-Rod not only failed to alert the Yankees to his every move, but also drove his own car to the complex and carried his own bats while selfishly trying to gain attention for himself by entering through a back entrance. WHEN WILL THIS MONSTER FINALLY BE SATIATED WITH THE LEVEL OF DAMAGE HE CAN CAUSE?

He worked out from 1:30 to 2:30, playing long toss, throwing a medicine ball, fielding grounders at third base and shortstop and taking batting practice. He took 71 swings and hit six home runs.

He field baseballs at third base. Clearly A-Rod is delusional that he is going to be the starting third baseman in complete defiance of what the Yankees have said. They have stated repeatedly the third base job is Chase Headley's, but no, A-Rod has go and practice at third base just to stay sharp in case something happens to Headley.

Rodriguez will report to camp Wednesday with the rest of the position players, while the first full-squad workout is scheduled for Thursday.

A-Rod thinks he's a position player. How cute. He's a DH! KNOW YOUR PLACE A-ROD!

The New York media will whine that A-Rod can't ever earn his $61 million that is owed to him, meanwhile will criticize A-Rod for even trying to earn this money.

He has no plans to address the team as a whole, saying he “has a lot of good relationships” with players and staff members.

“Surprisingly enough, I feel very welcome,” he said.

Well, he's not welcome and the New York media is pretty sure they speak for the rest of the Yankees when saying that. Next thing you know, A-Rod will stay after the game to get some more at-bats and try to give hitting tips to the younger players in an effort to undermine Jeff Pentland and take over the hitting coach duties for himself.

8 comments Jon Heyman Has a Very Broad Definition of the World "Surprise"

Last year at this time Jon Heyman wrote an article about the 30 players he thought were going to breakout in 2009. He listed 30 players who he predicted were going to break out, which I thought was an excessively large list. I stated at the time this was 3% of the players in the major leagues that Jon Heyman predicted could break out in 2009. I called it the equivalent of just throwing names against the wall and hoping some of them stuck. Well some of them did...of course some had already broken out, but that is beside the point.

Not knowing how to top himself for this year, Jon Heyman decided to list his breakout teams for this year. There are 30 teams in Major League Baseball and Heyman has listed seven of them who could be surprise teams this year. I am pretty sure that is 23% of the teams in MLB that he believes could be surprises this year. That seems like quite a broad list to me for teams who could surprise.

He even throws in two NL West teams into the "surprise" list, which is weird because it seems like he thinks nearly the entire division is going to surprise everyone. To me, a "surprise team" is a team few expected to do well, but ended up doing well. I like how Heyman doesn't stray away from his "throw it all against the wall" brand of journalism when it comes to making lists so he will end up being right about one of these teams and look like a genius.

The Rays aren't just some tiny-market upstart anymore.

What the fuck? Is it 2008 or something? We know this. They made the World Series in 2008. In fact, they won the AL East in 2008 and had a down year last year where they won 84 games, which isn't terrible for a down year in the AL East.

They are, by all accounts, ready to again compete with the Yankees and Red Sox in what is almost inarguably baseball's best division.

Not to bring up 2008 again, but they actually did better than those teams only 2 years ago. They competed with those teams last year. They went 9-9 against Boston and 7-11 against the Yankees. Sure, that's not great, but it wasn't a strong year for the Rays anyway and a losing record against the Yankees was to expected for most teams.

The praise is almost universal among scouts and everyone else who saw the Rays' winning act during spring training, where they've gone an MLB-best 19-7 entering Thursday's games.

Spring training statistics...ever so not useful for really determining the strength of a team.

Indeed, the Rays have overwhelmed teams on occasion. And it's not just the established young stars. Sean Rodriguez, who came to Tampa Bay last summer in the Scott Kazmir trade, has been about the best player in Florida, batting .467 batting and slugging .883 slugging to earn a spot on the major league club.

And clearly because Spring training statistics are so useful, Sean Rodriguez is going to hit .400 this year and smash the major league record for slugging percentage. It's happening people, get used to it.

This team isn't only about youth and talent, it's about versatility, and it hasn't been determined yet whether Rodriguez will play second base or right field. Ben Zobrist, an All-Star last season who defines versatility,

Webster's definition of Zobrist: He who provides versatility.

Zobrist may be the only player in the league who's equally adept at as many as five positions (though Seattle's Chone Figgins may be another).

"Zobrist may be the most versatile player in the league, unless you want to count the other versatile players in the league."

Last year Zobrist played all of 5.2 innings at third base and he played a whopping 13 innings at first base...and still managed to commit an error. I find it a bit of a stretch to say a guy who has played a little bit over 2 whole games at two of the positions he is "adept" at...is actually adept at these positions. He didn't even make a play at third base and of the eight chances he had at first base, he made an error on one of them.

I'm just here to fact check, not to judge (that's a lie), but I don't know if Zobrist is really adept at 5 positions.

This is still a team on the rise, and unlike with the Yankees and Red Sox, there are no significant questions about creeping age.

But unlike the Red Sox and the Yankees the Rays do have some budgetary constraints with their current budget for players. So, the current Rays players (like Carl Crawford) will creep up in age with another team in all likelihood. Regardless, this really doesn't have much to do with whether they are a surprise team or not.

The every-day lineup has no such issue. Left fielder Carl Crawford and first baseman Carlos Pena were both All-Stars last year and both are free agents after this season, and sometimes that spurs players on to even better things.

This is a good thing, but also a bad thing.

They'll stay for the full year, provided the Rays do what everyone figures they'll do, which is contend. "If we're playing well, I don't think that has any impact on us,'' Maddon said.

Translation: If the Rays are not doing well, these players are getting their asses traded.

There is no doubt this Rays team has a ton of talent, which is exactly why they aren't a team that could really surprise everyone this year...because we already know they are good.

"It's going to be a dogfight between the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays. They are all about equal,'' one executive from an AL East team said. "The one difference is the depth of the Yankees and Red Sox. If they don't have it, they can go out and buy it.'''

How the hell can the Rays be a surprise team if everyone is expecting them to contend with two other teams in the AL East for the AL East title? Not only that, but they are expected to compete with the World Series champs. Isn't this the very definition of "not a surprise" if everyone expects them to do well?

Nonetheless, the Rays have been the most impressive team in Florida. They may just steal a playoff spot.

I still don't get how it makes sense for a team who won the AL East and won 84 games the year before is a surprise team.

Six more teams that may surprise...

SIX IS TOO MANY TEAMS!

1. Colorado Rockies

They are the chic pick in the NL West, and understandably so.

If they are the chic pick in the NL West, how the hell are they going to surprise anyone? Doesn't that mean they are expected to do well? Why do I feel like I am taking crazy pills? They won 92 games last year and were the Wild Card in the National League. They were the 4th best team in the National League (3rd by record) and didn't even have their best pitcher, Jeff Francis. They started off 18-28 and then won 20 of 25 games under new manager Jim Tracy, who is managing them this year, and made the playoffs.

So basically, it shouldn't shock anyone they are going to have a good year, since they had a good year last year. This is a worthless choice for a surprise team.

"Everyone loves them out here,'' one Arizona-based scout said.

SO HOW ARE THEY A SURPRISE TEAM???

Ace Ubaldo Jimenez and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez could be on the cusp of stardom, and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (the trendy MVP pick) is already there.

So knowing all of this, wouldn't we expect this team to be good. If you expect something then it isn't a...sur---(waiting for Jon Heyman to finish the word)...like when something happens unexpectedly, you got surpri---(still waiting).

Fine, I give up. Like I didn't expect the Saints to win the Super Bowl, so I was surprised they did. Yeah, the Colorado Rockies are the opposite of that...making them not a surprise.

2. Minnesota Twins

They are clearly taking their first year in Target Field seriously, having run up their payroll to close to $100 million.

The Twins won the fucking AL Central last year. They routinely do this. Only someone who doesn't follow baseball would even begin to think the Twins could surprise anyone by winning the AL Central this upcoming year.

But they have added some smart pieces like veterans Orlando Hudson and Jim Thome to a balanced team that usually plays the game the right way under manager Ron Gardenhire.

They play the game the right way. They hit the ball when it is pitched to them and pitch the ball when the opposing batter comes to the plate. For extra "right way-edness," they also try to get the opposing team out when they hit the ball.

"The Twins have power, defense and speed,'' one AL scout said. "I like them very much.''

Out of Heyman's first 3 teams, two of them actually made the playoffs last year and the other team made the World Series the year before that. Only a crazy person would say these teams could surprise anyone this upcoming year.

3. Atlanta Braves

Ok, maybe...but I am taking away points since many people think the Braves are going to surprise this year. I would also like to add, this is the 4th team that Heyman has listed which could surprise us all. Why not just name every team in the majors as a surprise team? Don't half-ass it, just go all out.

One nitpicky question about the Braves is the mix. Their spring clubhouse is split into two rooms, with one for the rookies and those not guaranteed to make the squad, and that may not be the best idea for unity.

This is an incredibly picky question about the Braves. When has anyone heard of a Bobby Cox managed team struggling with chemistry or having players who cause problems? For God's sake, even Gary Sheffield was on his best behavior in Atlanta and J.D. Drew somehow managed to not suck for one season (I am kidding Red Sox fans...sort of). I never worry about team unity problems with Atlanta...at least until the end of this year.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

Nobody should be fooled by great offensive stats in Arizona, but in the words of one Cactus observer, Justin Upton (.367, five homers) has been "a monster.'' Mark Reynolds (.354) also has looked locked in since signing his new deal, and Chris Young (.315), Stephen Drew (.382) and Conor Jackson (.364) all have hit great, as well.

Yet again, we are basing this surprising team on Spring training statistics. I think we should take these player's averages and subtract 100 points from them and that will be much more accurate measure for these player's batting average around October.

It's fine to pick them as a surprise team, but at least base it on something other than Spring training. I don't think I am over the fact Heyman listed 7 teams as ones who could "surprise."

But once Webb returns, their rotation is among the best in the league.

There we go, this is something that can be used which is a valid way of advocating them as a surprise team.

5. Cincinnati Reds

I agree with this one. This is a team that could be a surprise team if they make the playoffs. Many people expect them to be good, but not good enough to make the playoffs.

6. Cleveland Indians

Talented Fausto Carmona (3-0, 0.45) looks like he may have regained his form this spring, and if so, that will be a big boost.

Yes, because that will give this team one good pitcher on the staff. Clearly, one pitcher is all a team needs to surprise. What kind of surprise does he expect Cleveland to give everyone this year? Not losing 100 games? Winning 70 games? I am a little confused because the bar is set pretty low for this team to surprise anyone.

I guess I always think of a surprise team as a team that makes the playoffs or almost makes the playoffs and has a better year than expected. I wouldn't count a team that is expected to win 70 games that wins 77 games as really a surprise team. It may just be me.

Justin Masterson could be a star once he shows better control.

Delmon Young could be a star once he starts hitting for average and power. Scott Olson could be a star once he prevents the other team from hitting the pitches he throws.

See what I am doing here? I know Masterson is young, but he improves the one thing that is preventing him from being a better pitcher, then yes, he will be better. But we can't just magically ignore what is holding him back. Masterson is young, but he hasn't shown great control at very many levels in the minors. So it appears poor control is part of how he pitches, so this problem may not go away. I am talking in circles, but a temporary problem is one thing, but for nearly every player that has one problem holding him back...if he fixes that problem, then yes, he could become a star depending on his skill level.

The Indians did a great job augmenting their prospect list last summer, and should be much better in years to come. But it would still be a surprise if they compete with the White Sox, Twins and Tigers in the AL Central.

So if they compete with those other teams then this will be a surprise? I can buy this, but the problem is that this isn't happening at all. If they did this, then they would be a surprise team, but I am still confused as to how the Twins could surprise people if they are expected to compete for the AL Central title.

Heyman is done listing his 7 "surprise" teams and two of them made the playoffs last year and overall he could have cut this list in half and it would have been a better list. He listed way too many teams that could surprise...at least in my mind.

Now Heyman has some notes from around the majors. Let's get snarky...

The Mariners, who are concerned about their starting pitching depth, are trying to bring back Jarrod Washburn for a deal that's lower than the one they gave Erik Bedard, who got a $1.75 million guarantee and $7.5 million ceiling after an injury-racked season. The Royals are believed to be offering significantly more money.

Of course the Royals are interested in Washburn. They see a pitcher who is 34 years old and will in no way benefit them in the future or present and think, "this is a guy we have to have." Washburn could help the Royals go from 65 wins to 69 wins this year.

But it's thought that Washburn would prefer a return to Seattle, where he thrived last year.

Why would any player voluntarily go to the Royals, unless no other team wants him? (Looks at Jason Kendall)

Congrats to class act Garret Anderson, who has won a spot with the Dodgers.

Unfortunately, there is no congrats to the Dodgers because they have just landed themselves a 38 year old hitter who had a OPS+ of 86 last year and a blistering OBP of .303. Putting him in against RH pitchers sounds great until you realize he actually hit better against LH pitchers last year. He was actually an average player against LH batters. Also, he plays left field like a corpse would play the outfield. He makes Manny Ramirez look like Andruw Jones (ok, I may be going overboard).

Congrats Dodgers, you have landed yourselves a great clubhouse and a professional hitter, which is baseball lingo for "he is old and used to be good at hitting."

Jamie Moyer couldn't decide which he would rather do -- win 300 games or pitch in his 50s. "Interesting question,'' he said. He will pitch at 47 (and with 258 career wins) as the Phillies' No. 5 starter after a brilliant spring game against the Yankees.

I swear to God, when Jamie Moyer pitches in the majors for 30 years and gets 300 wins, then gets elected to the Hall of Fame I am going on a five state crime spree. Moyer really hasn't been a terrible pitcher, but if he gets in the Hall of Fame and Bert Blyleven doesn't because Moyer has that magical "300 wins" number, while Blyleven doesn't...I will have a seizure if this ever happens. There will be blood.

The Pirates plan to bat their pitcher eighth for now. Interesting idea, but that alone probably won't turn them into a pennant contender.

You mean batting the pitcher eighth isn't going to allow them to win the pennant? You don't say! Somewhere Tony LaRussa thinks this is a brilliant idea. To be fair, the Pirates do have Ronny Cedeno in the 8th/9th spot, so a pitcher might actually be a better option over him.

Maybe Jon Heyman should make a list of hitters that will surprise us this year. It would include Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Kendry Morales, Matt Holliday and a few other surprising hitters like that.

4 comments Philly Hysteria

Do you realise that the Phillies haven't won a single meaningful game of baseball this year? If you thought that was a clear sign to panic, you aren't alone. On Fox Sports, just above a link with the scandalous title "Preview '09: Astros have holes" (NO, YOU DON'T SAY!), there is a link to this by sports journalisms answer to an ambulance chaser, Gerry Fraley. There's a little prevew in this poorly constructed poll. The question is;

What should the Phillies be concerned about most?

Chase Utley's hip

actually this is kind of a big deal. I'm Utley superfan #1 and think his health is critical to the success of the Phillies. He was a bit of an injury liability last year, and I'd love to know about the state of his body. But if I came looking for journalism, I came to the wrong place, there's not even a mention of this in the article.

Cole Hamels elbow

meh, a slight blip perhaps.

The Braves and Mets

the existence of opponents in their division, one of the most common causes of a team not winning games, it is true.

Who's the fifth starter?

who fucking cares? It's starter number five, you don't even need one some of the time, and every team has an issue with their fifth starter. You think the Mets are out there like "I'm really happy with what Livian Hernandez brings to this team, his 6.05 ERA, 67 K's in 180 innings, huge upside"? Plus, this is obviously the weakest area of the team, that was the case last year also - no one argued their starting pitching was especially strong, so the fifth starter, I guarentee the Phillies could care less. Also, the fifth starter is Kyle Kendrick, just 24 years old, who went 10-4 with a 3.87 ERA two years ago and actually does have the possibility of being good. So yeah, shut the fuck up poll question.

Ryan Howard K's

I'm not even going to bother - you know what I'm going to say.

The following article is a "special"to Fox Sports...more like specially stupid. Nailed it.

Phillies have growing concerns all over

Charlie Manuel is not happy.

The Philadelphia Phillies begin defense of their World Series championship in less than three weeks. The manager does not like what he sees.

Sloppy play. A 50-game suspension for valuable left-handed reliever J.C. Romero for violating the performance-enhancing-substances policy.

A roster disjointed because of injuries and the World Baseball Classic. Routine fundamental matters such as bunt defenses that have not been addressed because the full team has not yet been together.

won't somebody please think of the bunt defenses!

Even the middle-infield combination has been in separate area codes. Second baseman Chase Utley has been recovering from offseason hip surgery while shortstop Jimmy Rollins has been playing with Team USA.

yeah, let's talk about that Chase Utley thing because that actually could be relevant. If he plays only 100-110 games, the Phil's might be in trouble. They really need that high octane offense going if they are going to take the NL East again. I need someone with access to update me on how that's going, because I haven't followed the story as closely as I probably should - little help?

"We're going to have to get a lot of things done the last 10 or 12 days,'' Manuel said.

And then there is lefthander Cole Hamels.

and just like that, whatever chance this article had for redemption has blown away.

The Phillies ace spent Tuesday undergoing an examination to find the cause of persistent pain in the left elbow. The organization pitched it as a routine matter that was not a cause for alarm.

feel the terror!

Anything involving the talented Hamels, a hothouse flower, is cause for alarm within the Phillies. His innings total, including the playoffs, rose by 38 percent to 262 1/3 innings. That is a huge increase for a 25-year-old pitcher with a history of injuries.

love the frustration of the facts simply not suiting the argument he's trying to build. They just said they weren't alarmed - it's no big deal, there's absolutely no reason to believe otherwise unless you have access to some information they don't, and you don't have that or it'd be in this article rather than just vague, ominous suggestions.

Hamels is a true ace. He won 14 games and had the National League's fifth-best ERA (3.09) last season. The other Philadelphia starters, including 46-year-old lefthander Jamie Moyer, were 45-37 with a 4.58 ERA.

be very grateful to anyone willing to put in the work to see what every other playoff's team rotation was when you remove their ace, I'll put $500 down it's at the very least comprable. This was actually better than what I would have guessed.

Hamels kept the Phillies from descending into losing streaks by going 10-3 with a 2.61 ERA for starts after a team loss. The Phillies had a full turn through the five-man rotation without a win only once last season.

...yep sure is good he plays for them. Or is it actually a cause for alarm?!?!?!

Repeating under the best of circumstances is difficult. For the Phillies, the task becomes more challenging with each day.

"The biggest thing is we can't let what we did last year affect how we play today,'' Manuel said.

"We still have to play, and we have to play harder because we are on the top of the mountain. The other teams are going to come gunning for us. They're going to push us and try to be aggressive with us.

"They're going to try to beat us because we are the champions.''

can we use some kind of shorthand for this now? Literally every player/coach/manager/general manager says this exact thing, almost literally word for word the pre-season after the team wins a championship. Manuel could have said "blah blah blah blah blah" and I would have been exactly as informed as I am now.

New general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has done relatively little tinkering with the club that won 27 of its final 36 games, including playoffs, last season. The Phillies made a change in left field with Raul Ibanez in place of streaky but productive Pat Burrell and added righthander Chan Ho Park as a swing man for the staff.

The season might ride on Cole Hamels' elbow.

(The team that signed Park as a free agent after he had pitched well for the Los Angeles Dodgers quickly regretted the move; Park went 22-23 with a 5.79 ERA in four seasons with Texas.)

yes, the Phillies were very unwise to put him in the crucial position of long relief. So what Gerry? Honestly, Park fucks up, fine, no big deal, bring up a AAA kid to bend over a barrel when the Marlins go up 8-1 in the third inning in August, who gives a fuck?

Philadelphia's moves pale in comparison to what some East rivals did.

Atlanta overhauled a rotation that went 50-60 with a 4.60 ERA last season by adding Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez, both of whom consistently pitch more than 200 innings. The bullpen should also be better with the return of lefthander Mike Gonzalez and righthander Rafael Soriano, both of whom were injured last season.

Atlanta weren't flash last year, at all. They were mediocre at best, and their lineup looks punchless if you ask me, especially if Francouer doesn't rebound. They didn't improve that at all, and both the Mets and Phillies can put crooked numbers on the board, I'm a little sceptical. These are good players they have brought in, for sure, but it's hardly anything to really worry about until we can actually see this team play.

The Phillies dominated Atlanta last season, going 14-4 against the Braves.

The New York Mets also addressed their main problem by acquiring a pair of closers: J.J. Putz of Seattle and Francisco Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Angels.
A year ago, Philadelphia went 79-0 when leading through eight innings in the regular season.

The Mets had seven losses when leading through eight innings, most in the majors.

I'd argue that the Mets have had the best team on paper in the NL for three years...hasn't delivered as yet. They added the best pitcher in baseball last year and still finished second in their division and out of the playoffs. There's the possibility the September problem is real, the Mets have their own questions. It's an interesting division, sure, but channelling Chicken Little is not a convincing way to go about analysing it.

"Nobody's walking around with their chest out or a ballooned head,'' said Rollins, the team leader. "Everybody's still working. We're still trying to win respect. We know we're winners, but we're fighting for respect as a champion.

blah-de-blah-de-blah-blah

The World Series has been owned by a different team every year (since 2000). It would be nice to hold onto it for a while and be known as the champs the way the Yankees were in the '90s.''

Phillies ownership did give the payroll a significant goose, raising it by 25 percent to $130 million. Most of that went to multiyear deals for first baseman Ryan Howard, outfielder Jayson Werth, reliever Ryan Madson and Hamels. The Phillies committed a total of $96.5 million to them.

That is the price for managing success. The risk is that financial security will make this club comfortable. In winning two consecutive East titles, the Phillies have played with a hard edge that the Mets lacked. The difference showed during strong stretch runs by the Phillies. They made the Mets blink.

shamelessly blind speculation.

"You can get away from what your main priority is,'' Manuel said of the season after success.

"There are going to be distractions. Any time you get distractions, it can definitely become a problem. That's my concern. Not that we have guys who don't love to play. We've got guys who love to play.

"They've got a reputation now, and they've got to live up to that.''

The challenge starts soon. The Phillies race the clock to get ready for it.

...I'm still waiting to hear about Chase Utley...hello?