Papelbon Headed To Philadelphia

Papelbon has been one of the game's best
relievers since making that transition.

In the first big splash of the Major League Baseball offseason, free agent reliever Jonathan Papelbon has decided to leave the only organization he has ever know and head to the National League, agreeing to a four-year $50 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

It's a deal similar to that of the one Francisco Cordero, who is also a free agent this winter, signed with Cincinnati Reds prior to the start of the 2008 season. Cordero's deal was worth $46 million over four years.

The report comes just days after it looked as if Philadelphia was close to retaining the services of Ryan Madson, who saved 32 game for the Phillies in 2011. Apparently those talks broke down with Papelbon reportedly on board.

Papelbon, 30, leaves Fenway Park after six magical season with the Boston Red Sox.

Since making his Major League debut in July of 2005, Papelbon rapidly became one of the games best closers. The Baton Rogue native was a four-time All-Star for the Red Sox and becoming the fastest closer in history to record 200 saves since it was made an official stat in 1969, recording 219 saves since becoming the team's full-time closer in 2006.

His 219 saves are a club record, making his arguably the greatest closer in franchise history. Papelbon also totaled a 23-19 record during his Boston tenure with a 2.33 earned run average and rebounded after a terrible 2010 campaign.

Papelbon posted career-worsts in losses (7), ERA (3.90), blown saves (8), walks (28), WHIP (1.27) and home runs allowed (7) in '10 as his team also missed the postseason. But Papelbon dedicated himself to get better this offseason and was back to his dominant form.

Despite his ERA still being a little high at 2.94, Papelbon was 4-1 and 31-for-34 in save opportunities in for the Sox in '11. Although, two of his three blown saves came in the season's final month, a month Red Sox Nation won't soon forget. Both came at the hands of the never say die Baltimore Orioles, including blowing a one-run lead in the final game of the regular season and surrendering a walk-off base hit to Robert Andino, shattering Boston's playoff hopes.

That loss looks to be the last memory for Red Sox fans of Papelbon in a Boston uniform, not giving him an opportunity to pitch in the postseason, a place he has shined. In his 27 postseason innings, the hard-throwing right-hander has only allowed three earned runs, accumulating to a 1.00 ERA.

Papelbon was on the mound for the final out of the 2007 World Series , bringing home Boston's second World Series title in a four-year span after the club had experienced a 86-year drought prior to their improbable championship run in 2004.

Originally drafted by the Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2003 draft, Papelbon is a Type A free agent which means newly anointed general manager Ben Cherington and Co. will receive Philadelphia's first round pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft and another supplemental first round selection for compensation if the rules stay the same in baseball's new collective bargaining agreement.

Papelbon celebrating the final out of the 2007
World Series, his first championship of his
career.

While Papelbon adds to Philadelphia's plethora of quality pitching, Boston is left with a daunting task, filling a void they did not figure to have.

Set-up man Daniel Bard is only 26 and looked to be the heir apparent in Boston, but a rough September has put that move into question. Bard blew all three of his save opportunities in the season's final month, while going 0-4 with a 10.64 ERA.

Slugger and the face of the franchise for almost a decade, David Ortiz shopping his services in free agencey and with the already sudden departures of manager Terry Francona and GM Theo Epstein, Boston has seen a third key figure walk away from what looks to be a now troublesome organization.

Truly ending an era in Red Sox lore.

Back In Philly

Carving Up Bats Like a Carpenter

NL First Round Preview: Play Ball

After an unbelievable and maybe the most exciting finish to an 162 game regular season in baseball history, October is upon us, setting the stage for an what could be an unforgettable postseason.

St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies:
Much like the Tampa Bay Rays, the St. Louis Cardinals soar into the postseason with a clubhouse full of confidence and charisma. This was a team doomed by many before the season even started with the injury to ace Adam Wainwright and contract situation of slugger Albert Pujols only to overcome a 8.5 game deficit to win the NL wild card. Philadelphia has only one thing in mind after coming up short in 2010.

If healthy, Furcal brings a Gold Glove caliber
glove as well as energy atop the batting
order.

In their nine meetings this season the Cardinals were able to win six of those games including a road swept in September. The Cardinal pitching stifled the Fightin' Phils' offense with a .233 average against. Game 1 starter Kyle Loshe will need to be on top of his game as he will be opposed by two-time Cy Young winner Roy Halladay while St. Louis will have to wait until Game 3 send their ace to the mound.

Pujols has rebounded from a slow start, just missing his 11th straight season of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs with 37 and 99. It has been the surprise cast of characters that have carried this St. Louis offense all season long. Led by the reemergence of All-Star Lance Berkman the Cardinals found an offensive spark.

Much of the series will depend on the health of Matt Holliday and Rafael Furcal, also needing the continued contributions of role players such as Nick Punto, David Freese, and Skip Schumaker. Let's not forget about manager Tony La Russa, who is managing yet another playoff team.

Philadelphia has been here and done that, it's just a matter of doing it again. The Phillies set a franchise record with a 102 regular season wins this year and look to build on their success. With three of the top pitchers in baseball taking the ball every fifth day, it could be a daunting task for this St. Louis team. The Phillies pitching staff posted a 2.98 ERA against the rest of Major League Baseball, but saw it increase to 3.81 when facing the Cards.

Unlike the rest of his staff,
Hamels has a ring.

In recent years it has been the juggernaut offense of Philadelphia that opponents feared. With that no longer the case this order is not something to sleep on. When going right this is still one of the most potent offenses in the game today and if they get a healthy Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins swinging the bat, watch out. Ryan Howard posted yet another fantastic year with his sixth straight 100 RBI season.

Reliever Ryan Madson has solidified the ninth inning converting 32 save opportunities in 34 chances, but there are plenty of question marks surrounding Charlie Manuel's bullpen. That is in fact if he needs to use it.

STL X-Factor: Rafael Furcal


PHI X-Factor: Cole Hamels


St. Louis in Five


Arizona Diamondbacks at Milwaukee Brewers:
The Arizona Diamondbacks are back in the postseason and once did the improbable. They might just be ready to stun baseball once again. The last time the Milwaukee Brewers were in the postseason it was 2008 and they were on the back of then-ace C.C. Sabathia. Unforunately for Brewer fans, Sabathia wore down and they fell to the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.

The surprise of the National League, the Diamondbacks surged into the NL West lead back in July never surrendering it. Led by first year manager Kirk Gibson, Arizona was able to dethrone the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants, never giving them the opportunity to defend their title.

With the injury to Buster Posey, Montero
became the best offensive catcher in the NL.

Their young pitching staff, headed by 21-game winner Ian Kennedy, will be the key to controlling the potent Milwaukee offense. Kennedy played his college ball at USC and made his major league debut with the New York Yankees. Those credentials indicate he is ready for the October spotlight. Like most teams in the postseason, Arizona's bullpen is a concern. After having one of the worst pens in the game a year ago, closer J.J. Putz has mentored a young group, but will that be enough?

Perennial All-Star and NL MVP candidate Justin Upton is the key to the D-Backs offense. Upton posted career-highs in almost every offensive category this season including, runs (105), hits (171), doubles (39), home runs (31), RBIs (88) and stolen bases (21). The 24-year-old right fielder has the potential to carry a team all the way to the World Series. Could this be the year Gibson relives his postseason magic?

Despite Arizona winning the season series 4 games to 3, the Brewers are as confident as ever heading into this years NLDS. This year Milwaukee has something they haven't had in decades, pitching depth. Ace Yovani Gallardo is set to control Game 1 at home with former Cy Young winner Zack Grienke to follow. That is important for first year manager Ron Roenicke considering Grienke is 11-0 at Miller Park with a 3.13 ERA. Don't forget about Shawn Marcum, who spent his first 5 seasons pitching in the scary AL East.

When Roenicke decides to turn the game over to the bullpen, it's in good hands. Francisco Rodriguez was traded to Milwaukee midseason bridging the gap to closer John Axford. Rodriguez is no stranger to the postseason lime light as he burst onto the scene in 2002 as a rookie taking the baseball world by storm. As for Axford, he hasn't blown a save since the first month of the season, shorting the game to seven innings.

K-Rod is no stranger to October magic.

The offense as we know has been the strength to this Brewers club for quite some time. With Cory Hart and Rickie Weeks being the table setters with the rare combination of speed and power atop the order, it gives the dangerous tandem of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder more RBI opportunities. Braun came a couple hits shy of winning the NL batting crown this season and is thought to be the favorite to land the NL MVP honors. Fielder added 38 home runs and 120 RBIs, both good enough for second in the NL behind the Dodgers' Matt Kemp. Possessed with arguably the best top four hitters in the league, Milwaukee will need their offense to carry what looks to be their last hurrah as a core.

ARZ X-Factor: Miguel Montero


MIL X-Factor: Francisco Rodriguez


Milwaukee in Five

Just Like Old Times

Rodriguez felt it was in the best interest of
 the team to step down.

It was just three weeks ago that the young upstart Florida Marlins were 10 games over .500 and only 1 game back for first place in the National League East, my how things have changed. The Marlins have now lost ten straight and their manager, sinking to the bottom of the division standings. Edwin Rodriguez, who replaced current Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez as skipper almost a year ago to the day, resigned Sunday, claiming it was best for the future of the team.

In the Marlins final 92 games of the 2010 season, Rodriguez led them to a 46-46 record, finishing third in the division behind two postseason bound clubs. The Philadelphia Phillies captured their fourth straight division crown while the Braves earned a wild card berth.

The native of Puerto Rico finishes his tenure in Florida with a record of 78-85 in just over a full seasons load at 163 games.

Injuries to All-Stars Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson played a major role in the teams recent skid, losing 18 of their last 19 games. Ramirez, who despite his injury is only batting .201 on the year, had been sidelined since the 29th of May with back soreness that included a trip to the disabled list.

As for Johnson the news had not been good. The 6-foot-7 hard throwing right-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list back on the 22nd of May with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Initially  Johnson was thought to miss a couple of weeks, but that will not be the case.

The two-time All-Star was recently transferred to the 60-day DL and will now be out until mid-July.

That being said it has not been all bad in Florida. Outfielder Mike Stanton has hit 16 home runs in 67 games for the Marlins after a solid rookie campaign. Although Stanton has struggled during the teams current losing streak, batting only .192 in his last 22 games.

That could be a product of the recent struggles of Ramirez and the absence of Dan Uggla. Uggla, who was the teams primary power source in recent years, was traded to Atlanta in the offseason, leaving a lot of responsibility of their young twenty-two-year-old right fielder.

With the recent resignation of Rodriguez a familiar face has decided to put the uniform one last time. Eight-year-old and Major League Baseball lifer Jack McKeon will manage the team the rest of the season and believes that the season is not lost.

He becomes the second-oldest manager in major league history behind only Connie Mack, who was eight-seven when he managing the Philadelphia Athletics in 1950.

Cigar and all McKeon is back at the
helm in Florida.

This will be McKeon's second stint as Marlins manager and it was a very similar situation his first go around. In May of 2003, a not so much younger McKeon took over a underachieving Florida team and help guide the team back to .500 and clinch their second wild card berth in franchise history.

That postseason the Marlins would make their mark yet again winning the National League Pennant and reaching the World Series for the first time since 1997. There they eventually beat the heavily favored New York Yankees in six games. It was the second World Series title for the Marlins, but the first for McKeon.

That was the last time the Marlins made the playoffs.

Eight years later McKeon will try and raise this team from the ashes once again and finally prove he's still got what it takes. His first order of business comes prior to tonight's game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim with the benching of his embattled superstar shortstop. Will this be the fire that sparks Ramirez and the fish? Marlin fans sure hope so.

United We Stand

When the new broke of bin Laden's
death the score read 9/11.

After giving it a few days to soak in Sunday night marked a truly historic and proud day in our nation's history with the successful assassination of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Nearly a decade later New Yorkers and Americans are still feeling the effects of that tragic September day.

Although, for most, those wounds will never be healed, it gives some a sense of closure and hope to restore order in our beloved country.

Now, we can reflect and see how the world of sports gave us so much to look forward too when all hope appeared to be lost.

The 2001 World Series is one of the greatest ever to be played and meant so much more to a city than a world championship.

The New York Yankees were trying to win their fourth World Series title in as many years under manager Joe Torre and fifth in a six-year span. Standing in their way were the veteran, strung together, castoff Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks took the first two games of the series at home, putting the Yankees in an unfamiliar role, underdogs. It only seemed fitting just months after September 11, for the first time in our nation's history, we looked like underdogs. The series was headed back to New York for the next three games, where the Yankees and the city of New York would receive a much need lift from one another.

The Yankees would make World Series history in games four and five.

New York became the first team in World Series history, in consecutive nights, to hit a two-run game-tying home run in the ninth inning, courtesy of Tino Martinez and Scott Brosius. It was the loudest people had heard Yankee Stadium in it's, at the time, 78-year existence.

The Yankees had taken on the face and personality of their city by showing many their resiliency and how to demonstrate resolve.

It seemed as if the hated New York Yankees, for the moment, had become a team of destiny and America's team . New York would go on to lose the series in seven games, but for those three games at the Stadium that Fall, New Yorkers were given three hours of relief and an escape from reality.

For sports fans the news first broke on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the New York Mets.  In the ninth inning, with the score locked at in 1-1 tie, oddly enough the games line read 9/11. It gives almost an eerie feeling with the death of bin Laden earlier that night September 11th's date would surface.

One of the more interesting things to think about is that night there was a New York team playing.

It was not just any New York team, but the team that played the first game back after play was suspended. On September 21, 2001, just ten days after the terrorist attacks, play resumed with a game against the Atlanta Braves and Mets at Shea Stadium.

With the Mets trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning, up stepped their team leader and catcher, Mike Piazza. With a man on, Piazza launched an eventual game-winning two-run home run deep into the New York night, once again, at least for a moment, put New Yorkers worries aside.

It's strange to think that night the Mets manager was Bobby Valentine and with New York playing Sunday night nearly ten years to the day, one of the men calling the game from the booth was none another than the former Mets manager.

You have to believe that after the news broke, these things are not just a consequence, but a sign of how everything comes full circle.

As word began to travel throughout Citizens Bank Park, the Philly Fanatics began to chant, "USA, USA, USA!!". ESPN play-by-play commentator Dan Shulman did his best to embrace the moment and relish a triumphant victory for not only our military, but the entire country.

Sometimes sports gets you lost in the moment, but then comes times like these were you realize some things are bigger than life itself.

This is so much more than a sports story, United We Stand.

Cy for Cole?

Hamels could win a lot of
games in '11.

The Philadelphia Phillies have arguably the best starting rotation in Major League Baseball.

With the return of left-hander Cliff Lee in the offseason, signing a five-year $120 million, the Phillies have four potential aces on their current staff. The staff has combined for 14 All-Star appearances, three Cy Young Awards, six 20-win seasons, two National League Championship Most Valuable Player Awards and a World Series MVP.

This staff has the potential to be one of the best ever assembled.

Ace Roy Halladay is coming a year where he won the NL Cy Young Award, threw a perfect game against the Florida Marlins and no-hitter in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds. Lee is fresh off another great postseason, this time with the Texas Rangers and second consecutive World Series appearance. Roy Oswalt has pitched in the postseason three of his ten big league seasons. Then lies left-hander Cole Hamels, who might be flying radar more than ever heading into 2011.

Hamels got back onto the baseball map last season, bouncing back from an up-and-down year in 2009, where he went only 10-11 with a 4.32 earned run average. The left-hander had high expectations heading into '09 after being named the 2008 NLCS and World Series MVP in Philadelphia's journey to their first World Series title since 1980.

Hamels has since battled back to being a front of the line starter for the Phillies, getting backing to his old form throwing the ball in the mid-90s last October.

This could have been attributed to less pressure with numerous brand names in the rotation along side him.

Hamels could be a sleeper for this year's NL Cy Young Award.With a staff that has four potential 20-game winners in the same season, Hamels seems to have the biggest upside. Still only 27, Hamels has yet to reach his full potential and could break out this upcoming season. The lefty will be matched up most of the season with opponents No. 4 four starters when indeed they are No. 4 starters, Hamels, however, is not a No. 4 starter on any other staff in the big leagues.

That could be a formula for a lot of wins for the season ahead and another trophy to add to his already decorated cabinet.