Re. the Phillies

My latest article from TheGoodPoint.com asks the following question:

Are the Philadelphia Phillies really a safe bet?

Enjoy.

ER

From the Montreal Expos...Pete Rose

Yes, it's true! Pete Rose played for the Montreal Expos.

TheGoodPoint.com and I shall tell you everything (or at least write about it).

Enjoy!

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - League Championship Series

In the first round, I was three out of four. Of the three, one was a perfect prediction. I knew the Twins wouldn't have enough to beat the Yankees, but I didn't expect them to just roll over. Wow.

Onto the next round:

American League Championship Series

Texas over New York in seven

National League Championship Series

Philadelphia over San Francisco in six

NOTES: If you're like me and love the art of pitching, then you are going to enjoy the next few days. The LCS will feature the best pitchers in the game and they will dominate. Hate to be the hitters right now...The Rangers, a team known more for their hitting, has made it to the ALCS because of Cliff Lee and CJ Wilson. As long as those two keep doing what they're doing and the Rangers' bats stay hot, Texas will win its first pennant. New York has Sabathia, which is why the series will be close...The Giants have Lincecum, Cain and Sanchez. The Phillies have Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels. Advantage Philadelphia. Another pennant is coming to the city of brotherly love.

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - League Division Series

American League Division Series

Tampa Bay over Texas in four
New York over Minnesota in five

National League Division Series

Philadelphia over Cincinnati in three
San Francisco over Atlanta in five

NOTES: I can't see the Twins winning without Morneau. They're still a good team, but he's a valuable piece to the puzzle...The Rangers and Reds had great seasons, but they're about to run out of gas...The Braves got in by the skin of their teeth. They're just as good as the Giants, but San Fran's pitching is better and that's why they'll move on.

- ER

Re. Blue Jays vs. Phillies

From BlueJays.com:


Major League Baseball announced today that the venue of the scheduled June 25-27 three-game Philadelphia Phillies-Toronto Blue Jays series has been relocated from Toronto's Rogers Centre to Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park because of the scheduled events of the G20 Summit in Toronto. The rescheduled games will still be considered home games of the Blue Jays, who will bat last, and the Designated Hitter will be used.

Major League Baseball announced the decision following consultations with the Blue Jays, the Phillies, the G20 Summit Management, the Integrated Security Unit and the City of Toronto.

Said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig: "After considering all of the options with the parties, Major League Baseball has determined that the best course of action is to play the series in Philadelphia. Major League Baseball appreciates the cooperation of the Blue Jays, the Phillies and all of the parties who have helped resolve this challenging situation."

Rogers Sports Entertainment President and CEO Paul Beeston said: "This was an extremely difficult decision and one which we did not take lightly. By moving our games to Philadelphia, we are acting in the best interests of our fans, our employees, the players and the game of baseball. We did not want to move the games but in looking at the realities of this situation, we felt that relocation was the most prudent course of action."

The Friday, June 25 game will be scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (ET) and the Sunday, June 27 game will be scheduled for 1:35 p.m. (ET). The time of the Saturday, June 26 game is not yet finalized.


Smart move by MLB. Public safety is more important than turnstyle clicks.

- ER

One Last Thing About Roy Halladay

I'm off for a few days. But I'd like to leave you with some parting words from Roy Halladay.

Doc took out a full page ad in the Toronto Sun to thank the Blue Jays, the city and the fans. Here's what the future hall-of-famer wrote (courtesy of TSN.ca):

My wife Brandy, sons Braden and Ryan, and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Toronto Blue Jays organization, its incredible fans, and the City of Toronto.

I feel blessed to have been part of the Blue Jays since 1995 and am extremely grateful for the opportunities it has provided. Throughout this past 15 years, there have been so many people within the organization that have made a wonderful and significant impact in my life, it would be impossible to name them all.

I am sincerely grateful for the incredible support and compassion the Blue Jays fans have always shown me. I am in awe of your overwhelming passion and devotion.

Toronto will forever have a special place in my heart.

The memories will last a lifetime and so will my gratitude.

Best regards, Roy.

An absolute class act. As I've said before, he will be sorely missed.

On that note, Happy Holidays!

- ER

Halladay Trade Vital for Everyone Involved

Well, it's official.

Roy Halladay has been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

I feel nauseous seeing "Doc" in a different uniform. But I'm happy for him as well. He finally has the chance to be part of a winning ball club. It's something he absolutely deserves.

This trade needed to happen. The Blue Jays are nowhere close to being a playoff- contending team. Having someone as good as Halladay on a rebuilding team is a waste of talent. Doc's stock is at its highest point and many teams were offering as many young prospects as they could afford. It would have been sheer idiocy if Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos ignored these viable offers.

Philadelphia gets a solid veteran who adds strength to their rotation, while the Jays get some strong prospects; building blocks for any rebuilding team.

In addition, Halladay needed a change of scenery.

Despite leaving Toronto on "good terms," there's no doubt that Doc has some bitter feelings after what transpired last season. Former Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi took advantage of Halladay and dangled him like an unwanted piece of meat as the MLB trade deadline neared. The constant rumours wrecked Halladay's mindset and caused him to fall into a mini-slump during the second half of the regular season. Ricciardi's actions were simply disrespectful and someone as special as Roy Halladay didn't deserve that type of treatment.

I hope the people of Philadelphia appreciate what they're getting. Halladay is a model athlete. He works hard, lives a healthy lifestyle and puts his team's needs ahead of his own. He's very charitable and understands the role of being a star player. More importantly, Halladay was a great mentor to many Blue Jay rookies and he will no doubt continue his tutoring with Philadelphia's young talent.

As for me, a long suffering Jays fan, I feel honoured to have watched the greatest pitcher in Blue Jays history on several occasions. It's too bad he didn't win a World Series title with Toronto. I really hope he can accomplish that with the Phillies.

Halladay has given so much to this sport. It's a crime he's never won the ultimate prize. Sure, there is the 2003 Cy Young award, as well as various other accolades, including an informal tip of the cap from George W. Bush, but a World Series championship is the only item Halladay wants.

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - The 2009 World Series

During the LCS, I correctly predicted both match-ups. Of the two, one (NYY & LAA) was a perfect prediction. Onto to the final:

World Series

NY Yankees over Philadelphia in six

NOTES: For the record, I can't stand the Yankees. However, from an objective POV, I feel they're the better team. All the big hitters in New York's line up have been making the clutch hits. I also believe momentum is a big factor for any playoff format. Right now, the Yanks still have their momentum going, while Philadelphia's momentum has died off. The Phillies haven't played since last week and that will negativley affect them. Of course, the Phillies had a week off last year before defeating the Rays. But I doubt lightning will strike twice. By the way, has anyone noticed Eric Hinske is playing in his 3rd straight World Series?

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - LCS

In the first round, I was correct on two of the four match-ups. Of the two, none were perfect predictions.

Onto to the LCS:

American League Championship Series

NY Yankees over LA Angels in six

National League Championship Series

Philadelphia over LA Dodgers in seven

NOTES: I can't believe the Red Sox and Cardinals folded like cheap suitcases...I hate supporting the Yankees, but objectively, they're a very strong team. A-Rod's finally hitting well in the playoffs. That's a huge bonus...Still not convinced about the Dodgers. I feel they don't have anymore gas left in the tank. It will, however, be a close series.

- ER

Final Thoughts - World Series

Although I had picked the Rays to win, I'm glad the Phillies are World Series champions. This team has been around since 1883, but only has two World Series titles (1980 and 2008). I'm also happy for the city of Philadelphia, which hasn't had any of their teams win a championship since 1983.

There a lot of people who deserve credit for this victory. One of them is GM Pat Gillick.

Gillick was the General Manager for the Blue Jays during their "glory days." It seems that wherever he goes, success follows him. He's had success with the Jays, the Orioles, the Mariners, and now the Phillies.

Congratulations to all the Philadelphia Phillies, espeically to former Blue Jays Jayson Werth and (Canadian) Matt Stairs, and former Jays manager Jimy Williams (Phillies' Bench Coach).

In terms of predictions, this was my worst showing; so, I don't want to talk about it. Once again, everything that happens during the regular season goes out the window once the playoffs start.

The Hek