That’s fair.
Those “bad years” for the Phillies were actually loaded with serious HOF talent. But somehow the failures of this team got ignored. Growing up we all heard about the futility of the Cubs and Red Sox with their long WS droughts. And everyone ignored the Phillies - an original team on the Senior Circuit - didn’t win a World Series until 1980.
The White Sox - whose title drought started the year before Boston’s and ended the year after - are the other team whose long history of failure largely gets ignored. Including in your analysis. How did you forget that team?
If John Henry doesn't care if Phillies fans take over Fenway, then I will dislike him even more than I do now.
Old school is good school.
By Houck not starting tonight he will not have a start against the Yankems. I think that sux.
Phillies are doing well under DD and the Sox have struggled, 2022-24. All true.
However, the Sox lost all six ALDS games in 2016 and 2017 with DD in charge--even with the 3d highest payroll. In 2018, with the highest payroll in MLB, they had the best Sox season ever, thanks in part to DD.
But in 2019 they didn't even make the postseason with the biggest payroll. Moreover, it was a good bet that, about the time DD was fired, he was asking JH for a bunch more money--over and above the biggest payroll in MLB--to outbid the Dodgers for Mookie and to pay for expensive replacements for Price and Sale (while also paying their hefty salaries).
CB wasn't the answer, but I don't think JH knew exactly what kind of a CBO and team he wanted. The two things he was sure of were that Mookie was unaffordable--with which I agree because the Dodgers could afford to pay more--and that he wasn't going to shell out major dollars for starters any more. Too risky. However, Giolito has a $39M contact for 2 years, which is now a $39M for 1 year because he went on the IL in spring training and we have no idea when or whether he will start next season.
I think DD overall has an excellent track record as a CBO. But I don't blame DD for getting rid of him after the disaster of the 2019 season--and the even greater demands DD would make on what was already the biggest payroll in MLB. On paper Craig Breslow looks like a very good fit, but right now CBO for John Henry just might the toughest CBO job in MLB.
Kids in the nieghborhood: "Ms O'Neill can Tyler come out and play?"
Ms O'Neill: "Now boys, you know how fragile Tyler is. He's gonna stay in his exercise room until I think it's safe for him to go outdoors."
Kids: "Well, can we come in and watch him lift weights?"
Ms O'Neill: "OK, but please don't disturb his concentration."
Last edited by SPLENDIDSPLINTER; 06-11-2024 at 05:55 PM.
IMHO, Wheeler is one of the 3 best pitchers in MLB. Hopefully. I've just jinxed him for tonight's game.
When you say "great history," you seem to mean "ancient history." The Sox best season ever was just 6 years ago--and that was the Sox 4th WS in 14 season after the 86 year drought. And 3 years ago they made it to the ALCS, which is something that DD did with the Sox exactly once in 4 years, and when he did it he had the top payroll in MLB.
I admit I'm not too happy with the Sox right now, but I also think JH has earned the right to do whatever he wants with this team.
That said, I agree we fans are fickle. What have you done for us lately?
Schwarber jumps Kutter on pitch #1. Get ready boys, the heat is on