President Obama said the time for hard work and sacrifice is now in his address to the nation. That means ballplayers, too, as the Phillies embark on the first leg of their journey back to the World Series.
Grapefruit League play starts today at 1:05 in Bradenton, Fla., where veteran Jamie Moyer takes the mound to face Philadelphia's cross-state rival Pittsburgh Pirates. As for Beerleaguer, the season also gets underway. Drawing inspiration from the words of our President, I immediately took action by holing up in my home office to create this caricature. I like to call him "Moyer Lisa." Note the ambiguity. He could be pitching a no hitter, or he could be waiting for Charlie Manuel to climb from the dugout and lift him after an inning and a third. The world will never know. The point is that in tough times, it's necessary to have diversions. Baseball has always served this purpose for America. I'm grateful that the Phillies return to the field today, and for having this vehicle in which we can all take the journey together. God Bless Baseball, and God Bless America.
Things to watch: Raul Ibanez makes his debut. All eyes will also be on exciting young prospect Jason Donald, who starts at second base. Joe Blanton will also see action today. Then, the race for the one or two bullpen openings begins when darkhorse contenders Joe Bisenius, Scott Nestor, Dave Borkowski, Mike Koplove and Jake Woods toe the slab.
[Jump to the newest comments]
Excellent. Where do we order prints?
Posted by: Doohickey | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Baseball is back and I am loving it!
Posted by: Kevin | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Nice effort on teh caricature. Inquirer says Blanton is getting the start today, though.
Posted by: Hugh Mulcahy | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Blanton is slated to pitch, but Moyer will start, according to Phillies.com.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 09:09 AM
great image. the toothpick in the mouth was a nice touch.
Posted by: zp | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 09:29 AM
The enigmatic Jamie Moyer- great picture!
Posted by: Bubba | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Perfect: Beerleaguer is starting off the season on the right track, with Jason's art.
Posted by: NC Philly | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Haha, now all he needs is a tobacco spitoon on the rubber next to him.
Posted by: thephaithful | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 09:49 AM
It's baseball!!!
Go Phillies!
Posted by: phargo | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I like Mona Jamie instead. Not sure why.
PLAY BALL!!
Posted by: Kutztown Fan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Game on!
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Anyone catch the Hewitt interview on Comcast?
"Three years, tops"
Posted by: baxter | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:24 AM
I remember when dnabb went 80yrds TD to TO in their first preseason game. It didnt matter much, but it was excellent foreshadowing for a great season to come.
So I'll be awaiting Ibanez to go yard in his first AB today to give us the sign.
Posted by: thephaithful | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Whats the over/under on runs scored in this game?
Usually the hitters are slower to adjust to the game speed pitching, right?
Posted by: CY | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:33 AM
"Whats the over/under on runs scored in this game?"
If you're gambling on Grapefuit League games, you may have a problem.
Here, I'll try to help:
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
Posted by: Steve Jeltz | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:40 AM
We're facing the Pirates bullpen exclusively...so I figure a conservative estimate would be the Phillies winning 43-2...our pitchers will be a tad rusty so I figure 2 runs is reasonable.
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Generally, spring performance has been an opposite predictor of regular season performance. Guys who were great in spring last year include Chooch and Taguchi. And remember Rowand's terrible spring, in which most of us wanted him traded for Scott Linebrink or less?
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Myers was dominant last spring...and had some minor "issues" the first few months if you'll all recall.
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:46 AM
I second the print...I would definitely buy a copy of the Moyer Lisa.
Posted by: Jonathan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Kendrick was brutal, then got it together, then fell apart.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Dear Steve Jeltz: I find myself stifling an overwhelming desire to boo somebody in red pinstripes, even though nobody has done anything wrong yet. Do you have a link for me?
Signed, Stymied by a WFC
Posted by: Alby | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Howard's springs have been pretty predictive. He led, or was among the leaders, in ST Homeruns and RBIs in 2006, and then in 07 and 08 struggled mightly, which bled into April and May.
but of course still ending up leading the majors once it was all said and done
Posted by: thephaithful | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Steve J. I have twenty bucks that says that site won't help him.
Posted by: squatter | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Alby:
If you must boo someone, I'd send you in this direction:
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=284566
Posted by: Steve Jeltz | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Jeltzie, awesome link.... just awesone!!!
Posted by: AWH | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Steve J- Good link.
What do the Phils do if Eaton pitched great this spring and still no other team will take him?
Release him anyway would be my vote (and probably a consensus BeerLeaguer vote), but what would Ruben & Charlie do?
Posted by: Bubba | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Very apropos that Eaton's "Career Highlights" begins with "Led all Phillies pitchers in AVG (.213), hits (13) and RBI (5)... " Kind of sums up his Phils career nicely.
Posted by: R.Billingsly | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Remember when Randy Johnson crushed that ball down the LF line vs. Eaton last year, i think that was a perfect way to symbolize the end of him pitching for the Phillies again. I remember driving over to a friend's house who lives about 5 minutes away and seeing the score change about 7 runs. What a bum.
Posted by: thephaithful | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:51 AM
You could sense Eaton was falling apart. It took all of two starts- that Arizona game was certainly the last straw.
Posted by: baxter | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Fan-freakin-tastic Moyer image. I may have to "borrow" that for a future post. I'm stoked for the preseason to begin...it's gonna be a good year.
Posted by: GM-Carson | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:06 PM
JW - You working on building up enough art for an expo in the near future - "The Many and Future Faces of the Phils?"
Posted by: MG | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:08 PM
I can't believe we're only 40 minutes from quasi-meaningful baseball! I've never been this excited for the first ST game.
Posted by: R.Billingsly | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Here's my preview of the NL East Outfields, along with a poll to vote on the best one at the end of the post.
Much appreciation to Mr. Weitzel for granting me permission to post this, a very generous soul to be sure.
Posted by: GM-Carson | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Alby, hopefully Ryan Howard strikes out early in the game so you can satisfy your lust to boo somebody. Then you can start your bring back Pat Burrell chants.
Posted by: mikes77phillies | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:30 PM
when/where can I get my Moyer Lisa t-shirt and/or wall-size print?
Posted by: freesamuel | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:35 PM
and again regarding moyer lisa, has anyone contacted the Phila mural arts program yet? I'm thinking wherever that Dawn Staley ad used to be.
Posted by: freesamuel | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Crason: You think Maybin will hit for average this season?
Interesting.
Posted by: clout | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:43 PM
He said he "can" hit for average, not that he would. Maybin's still a top prospect clout.
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Scott Lauber: "Dobbs wants a chance to play everyday"
That could lead to trouble if Dobbs really wants to be the everyday 3B and they pass him over for someone like Donald...or a Bruntlett/Dobbs platoon where he's the lesser half of it.
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Do the Mets have the worst OF in the NL East to start the season? I would say "Yes."
Posted by: MG | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Guess my assumption is that Franceour rebounds a bit and that the platoon split of Anderson/Diaz is much more effective than Murphy/Tatis.
Posted by: MG | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I think Francouer is a 4th outfielder at best...he was completely overrated during his rookie season because of that hot start, the SI cover, etc. He has no plate discipline whatsoever.
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Is anyone else getting Rush Limbaugh through the MLB Audio WPHT feed?
Posted by: tarheelphan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:00 PM
tarheelphan or anybody else with the privilege of watching or listening to the game... may i kindly request sporadic updates from you on the game progress? my new employer has blocked any streaming audio, so i'm without updates and DYING FOR BASEBALL.
much obliged.
Posted by: MyersAtTheBat | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:03 PM
No RH bench bat? No LOOGY?
Season=over
Posted by: Andy | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:06 PM
Here we go Jimmy
Posted by: Jack | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Rush Limbaugh was on before the Phillies broadcast started. Question: Is there a reason Jayson Werth did not make the trip today?
Posted by: Kevin M | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:10 PM
listening on XM.....will try my best at game notes
1st Inning
jimmy - pop out
vic - SO
Ibanez - ground out
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:14 PM
They always leave a few regulars behind with these early away games. I think the idea is that if they aren't going to play its better for them to stay behind and get some work in at the complex.
Posted by: Jonesman | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:14 PM
So this guy's name is really "Bootcheck?" It sounds like something a Jarhead does before landing in an AAV.
Posted by: Andy | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:16 PM
Moyer gives up a base hit in the 1st. Everyone is worried about him this year now, right?
Posted by: Jack | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:18 PM
Depends, Jack. If he keeps McLouth in the park this early in the season it's a great sign.
Posted by: Andy | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:19 PM
nice inning by moyer...
ground out
single
fielders choice
ground out
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:22 PM
2nd inning
Howard starting off strong with a SO - trade him now before his stock falls anymore!!!! Oh wait, maybe we are past that.
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:27 PM
First K of the year for Howard! Nice.
Posted by: Jack | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:27 PM
my bad...got ahead of myself
2 walks
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:30 PM
According to Metsblog, their 'starter' Sean Green (new reliever from Seattle) lasted only 4 pitches and left with apparent hand injury.
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:31 PM
cue the "he got his money now he doesn't care" talk.
Posted by: Bedrosian's Beard | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:31 PM
donald walks, bases loaded. Gnome up to take care of business
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:32 PM
I can't believe how happy I am to be listening to baseball!
Posted by: Philip Weiss | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Gnome = GIDP
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Gnome = GIDP
If he does that during the season, I swear I'm gonna get me one of these, and one of these.
Posted by: Andy | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Andy- better stock up!
Posted by: Bubba | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:43 PM
moyer in 2nd
SO
Walk - LA was amazed that ball 4 wasn't called a strike.
Walk
SO
Ground out
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Moyer done after 2?
Posted by: skeeter4 | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:49 PM
skeeter: I would assume so. Blanton should get 2 now, and then bullpen guys to finish it out.
Posted by: Jack | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:49 PM
3rd
Rollins - bloop single
Vic - Ground out, close play
Ibanez - 1st RBI of 09!!!! Sign that guy for 3 years!!!!
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:53 PM
Entire contract has now been justified!!! We should extend him for another 3 on top of it...keep him till he's 42.
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:54 PM
That seals the deal then. If he can mash a RH RP with 31 major league innings under his belt, well...you know what that means...
Posted by: Andy | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Profit?
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 01:58 PM
Actually, I was thinking more like we needed to come up with some sort of nickname. How can you not nickname someone who absolutely terrorizes mediocre, right-handed pitching throughout the National League?
Like, I dunno, El Zurdo or something.
Posted by: Andy | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Its amazing how much of a good mood i'm in. For lunch I drove a few minutes from work to a park, opened the driver door, ate a sandwich and listened to the phils on the radio. Its a pretty decent day out in Conshohocken/West philly area today - a bit brisk, but clear and sunny.
Hearing LA crack jokes, the sarcastic cheers for when a Pirates pitcher throws a strike, and the mention of +70ยบ weather has made today a good day.
Posted by: thephaithful | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:05 PM
what a brown-noser that Raul is... how can i hate that signing now?
Posted by: MyersAtTheBat | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Kentucky Joe - picking up right where he left off
2 straight singles, 1 run scored. Then...
SO
FO
SO
threw about 80 pitches....eating innings
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:07 PM
There are a lot of mediocre right handed pitchers in the NL. I hope the hitters are nicknamed "Phillies".
Posted by: Bedrosian's Beard | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:07 PM
Go figure. The Phils get to use the DH, and then, when they want to see Slayden, they actually put him out in the field.
Posted by: Andy | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:09 PM
How about RIBanez.....pronounced "Rib-ban-yez" since he will be driving in runs for us all season (ribs) and you get the whole first initial combo with last name.
Posted by: skeeter4 | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:10 PM
driving in runs for us all season
See. That's what one little ST hit can cause - unbridled optimism.
I still like "El Zurdo" better.
Posted by: Andy | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Never a doubt.
Posted by: skeeter4 | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:15 PM
On the subject of NL East outfields, there's truly only one star and that's Beltran. Vic, Werth, Ibanez are quality, Dukes and Milledge are on the rise, and Garrett Anderson is a fossil, but over all it's the weakness of the division. The NL East has great infields, rotations, and bullpens, just not outfields, although the Phils outfield is the best in my opinion out of the 5 teams.
Posted by: GM-Carson | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:18 PM
skeeter: nice. RIBz for short.
Posted by: thephaithful | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:20 PM
In that we are the only team with 3 quality OFs, I definitely agree.
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Burrell in todays opener 0-1, struckout and 1 left on.
Ibanez is 1-2, RBI
Let the comparing begin!
Posted by: mvptommyd | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Burrell in todays opener 0-1, struckout and 1 left on.
Ibanez is 1-2, RBI
Let the comparing begin!
Posted by: mvptommyd | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:23 PM
having trouble keeping track right now...
Besinius pitching, mayberry and paulino in game, phils now down 2-1.
All of this while Wheels is playing golf.
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:25 PM
Today is a good day. So happy to see baseball being played again.
Time to stop lurking then!
Posted by: Knight | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:28 PM
shelby ford with a 3 run shot off of Bisinius. thankfully this is February and not August
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:28 PM
even the news of a 3 run homer off Bisenius can't dampen this day for me...
thanks for the updates! i'm actually headed out of the office now for a meeting. but i really appreciated it!
Posted by: MyersAtTheBat | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:31 PM
Once upon a time I thought Bisenius was our closer of the future....
Posted by: skeeter4 | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:33 PM
I wouldn't be too worried about what hits Bisinius is giving up at Lehigh in August.
Posted by: NEPP | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:36 PM
"NEPP: I wouldn't be too worried about what hits Bisinius is giving up at Lehigh in August"
My point being, if he was pitching in Philly in August, injuries became too great, season is over, and Beerleaguer is on suicide watch.
Now backto relaxing Feb baseball.
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:48 PM
btw.....Buccos 8, Phils 1
Posted by: HBGPhan | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Better to get blown out on the first game of the spring than the last game of the fall!
Posted by: Bubba | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 03:01 PM
It's sunny in today Philly (though not always, despite what they say on FX Network).
The Phillies are on the radio.
I'm happy for now.
Posted by: AWH | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 03:02 PM
Anthony Hewitt with a nice battle of an at-bat... looking for positives here...and he strikes out. Well, can't win em all.
Posted by: Jack | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Skeeter - Nice work on Ribanez.
I am definately breaking that out at CBP in the regular season.
Posted by: CY | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Ribanez fits the wish.
Posted by: Meyer | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 03:39 PM
I see it didn't take the Bucs long to expose us.
The BP has reverted to form. And the sticks continue to fade. It's going to be a long long year.
Posted by: curt | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I see Slayden got a hit. I could see Slayden becoming the guy who "turns heads" this spring. My favorite nugget from the live boxscore:
DP: (Donald-Furmaniak-Dobbs)
God bless spring training.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 03:47 PM
Donald starts a DP.
Gnome GIDPs.
Mayberry and Ribanez knock one in each.
Slayden gets 2 hits.
Phils lose a meaningless ST game.
Baseball's back.
It's still sunny in Philadelphia.
Posted by: AWH | Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 04:00 PM