The Sound of Philadelphia

Well, we are just hours away from the start of Game 3 of the World Series between the Phillies and Yankees. Cole Hamels is slated to toe the rubber for the Fightin' Phils against Andy Pettitte, who is pretty used to starting games in the World Series. Even though this is Pettitte's first start in a World Series game since 2005, he is 3-4 all-time in World Series starts (he's made 11 of them) with a pretty solid 3.82 ERA in 66 innings pitched. I think it is ridiculous that he has had the opportunity to have 66 innings pitched in the World Series, but I digress. Pettitte should not be fazed about starting today since he's pretty used to this kind of thing. What about Hamels, though?

Hamels had an absolutely fantastic postseason last year, which culminated with him taking home the World Series MVP for his performance against Tampa Bay. However, Hamels has been anything but fantastic this postseason. His ERA in the play-offs so far has risen nearly six full runs up to 6.75 this year. Hamels' regular season statistics have not been much better, as he finished with a pedestrian 10-11 record with a 4.32 ERA. Is his arm simply fatigued from last year, when he threw for the most innings in his professional career to date? Could Hamels just be a shooting star, who shines bright for just a short period of time, only to burn out quickly? We will have to see how he does for the next couple of seasons to be certain.

Nonetheless, there is one thing that I am certain of: Hamels needs to come through big for the Phillies tonight. Either that, or the offense just needs to come big for him. Ahhh, I've talked too much at this point. I'll just let the game do the talking. See you tomorrow!

Oh yes, and the title of my thread would be inappropriate if I did not include the actual song (and former "Soul Train" theme), "The Sound of Philadelphia." Have fun, and happy Halloween!



Oh yes, and since this is Halloween, please treat yourself to at least one more rendition of "Thriller."

Mo, Mo, Mo! How do you like me? How do you like me?

The New York Yankees, behind the dominant pitching performances of A.J. Burnett and Mariano Rivera, took Game 2 of the World Series by a score of 3-1. With that win, the 1990 Reds can sleep easy, because they will remain the last NL team to sweep the World Series for at least one more year.

In all seriousness though, even though the Yankees took Game 2 yesterday, I still believe that they have an uphill climb ahead of them to win it all. This is because of two reasons:

1.) The Yankees are in Philadelphia for Games 3-5. This is pretty self-explanatory.

and

2.) Prior history is going against them. Yes, I know, some of you might say that history does not mean a damn thing right now. Dig this though: in the last 20 World Series that were played prior to this year, the team that won Game 1 won 17 out of the 20 titles. The only three teams who won Game 1 and failed to win it all were the 1992 Braves, 1996 Braves and the 2002 Giants.

Also, you do not have to look any farther than last year to see how prior history could go against the Yankees. In last year's World Series, the Phillies split two games in Tampa, with Philly taking Game 1 (much like this year). When the series shifted to Philadelphia for Games 3-5, the Phillies won all three to take the title, outscoring the Rays by a combined 19-9 in the process.

Of course this is just speculation on my part. This is only because I really do not want to see the Yankees win the World Series (along with a good portion of baseball fans in North America). However, if the Yanks manage to steal a game in Philly, the momentum could easily shift in their favor.

Cliff Notes: How to do work on the Yankees

Well, just in case you were under a rock yesterday, Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee was doing work on the Yankees. What is "doing work," the un-hip, uneducated observer of this blog might ask? Well one definition of it could be when you throw a complete game, strike out 10 and walk no one in Game 1 of the World Series. Lee became the first pitcher to record 10 strikeouts with no walks in a World Series game since 1949, when Don Newcombe accomplished the feat in Game 1 against none other than the New York Yankees.

Lee never seemed to break a sweat during any point of the game. He dazzled the mighty Yankees line-up with an array of well placed changeups, fastballs, and curveballs. He ended up making accomplished hitters such as Mark Teixeira look foolish and Alex Rodriguez look feeble. Even his basket catch of Johnny Damon's pop-up in the sixth inning of yesterday's game seemed effortless. It seemed like Lee could do no wrong, and despite the fact that he surrendered one run in the ninth inning (albeit unearned), he had 'em all the way.

My recap of Game 1 would not be complete without giving props to Chase Utley, who lit up CC Sabathia for two solo home runs. Utley became the first left handed hitter to hit two home runs in a World Series game off a left-handed pitcher since Babe Ruth in 1928. Now that is some mighty fine company, there.

Now that the Phillies have solved CC Sabathia, it is time for them to try to take down A.J. Burnett in Game 2. He has a pretty pedestrian 4.42 ERA this postseason. The Phillies will counter with Pedro Martinez, who is making only his second start this postseason. Martinez did well in his only postseason start in Los Angeles during the NLCS, giving up only two hits with no walks over the course of seven strong innings. Will the Phillies take a convincing 2-0 lead in the World Series, or will the Yankees fight back to split the homestand? One thing is for sure: it should be a lot of fun finding out. Off to Game 2!

Hang on to your *&%$@#% butts, it's Ozzie Time!

Game 1 of the World Series is slated to begin at approximately 7:57 EST on Fox tonight. That pretty much means that the actual game itself will probably start around 8:30, once all of the pomp and circumstance that surrounds Game 1 of the World Series is finally complete. Also, considering how postseason games usually go, the game will likely end around midnight or 1 a.m., which means you are going to get roughly five hours of sleep if you are lucky. More often than not, you would probably eschew the pre-game show because it is just white noise, and you would probably say to hell with the post-game show because it is simply too damn late. Nonetheless, my friends, the pre-game and post-game show will be worth watching this year, because the one and only Ozzie bleeping Guillen will be on the show.

All Sox fans (myself included) know about Ozzie's loose cannon and his "tell it like it is" managerial style. In fact, Ozzie has had so many tirades in front of the media that most Sox fans can point out their favorite one, much like one would point out their favorite movie in a rental store. Whether it was the Ozzie vs. Magglio Ordonez showdown in 2005 or Ozzie's most recent tirade concerning his players watching too much football after an embarrassing loss (my personal favorite, by the way), one thing is for certain: if Ozzie is happy or upset, everybody knows. He won't give you the same manufactured response that most managers will give reporters after a good day or a bad one. Ozzie speaks from his heart, and he will tell you how he genuinely feels.

It is precisely for this reason why Fox's pre-game and post-game show will be considerably more interesting this year. Not because I expect Ozzie to drop a f-bomb over the air, but because he gives baseball fans want they want to hear. They want someone who is genuine, someone who speaks the truth and will not hold back. Somebody who will praise someone when it is deserved and offer criticism when it is deserved. Someone who has a deep passion for the game and wears it on his sleeve. Baseball could use more people like Ozzie Guillen. Tonight I will watch the pre-game and post-game show in their entirety not just because I am a Sox fan, but because I am a baseball fan who wants someone to just "tell it like it is." I have no doubt that Ozzie will not disappoint.

No Bueno- Dayan Viciedo shut down for remainder of 2009 AFL Season

Due to inflammation in his right elbow, Dayan Viciedo has played his last game with the Peoria Javelinas this fall. The Javelinas are the Arizona Fall League affiliate of the White Sox, in case you did not know. While it was not in my plans to kick off my initial White Sox post with such negative news, I am positive that it was not in the White Sox's plans to have Viciedo go down during the instructional league season. While I am not concerned with Viciedo's overall health (he will definitely be ready by Spring Training), his presence in the Sox's minor league system raises a few questions for me.

First off, let me preface my inquisition by saying this: I am happy that Viciedo is in the White Sox organization. I am really enjoying the fact that the Sox in recent years have been tapping the Cuban pipeline for talent (Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, Jose Contreras, Alexei Ramirez) and have added to that list with Viciedo. It is always good to have depth in your minor league system, and Viciedo looks to be a part of the future in Chicago. However, he is a third baseman, just like the current Rookie of the Year candidate, Gordon Beckham. If and when Viciedo is ready for the big show, what will the Sox do with their infield? For the record, Viciedo hit .280, with 12 homers and 78 RBIs in 130 games with the Double-A Birmingham Barons this past season.

I know, it is facetious of me to look so far ahead into the future, especially when I do not know what will unfold over the course of the offseason, let alone 2010 and beyond. However, it is a question worth asking. Beckham's natural position is shortstop, so he could easily move back there and let Viciedo play third. Alexei can move over to second base and Konerko can stay at first. What will become of second baseman Chris Getz, though?

Getz played his first full big-league season this year, and while his numbers are pretty pedestrian (.261 average, .324 OBP, 2 home runs and 31 RBIs), he could potentially improve over the next few seasons. I really like the fact that he had 25 steals in 27 attempts last year. This shows that he brings speed to the table in a lineup that has been in desperate need of speed since 2006. If and when Viciedo is ready, and the Sox decide to part ways with Getz, will he become good enough to be decent trade bait?

Another scenario that could come to pass with the arrival of Viciedo is the departure of Paul Konerko, a fan favorite on the South Side. Konerko is the longest tenured (11 seasons as of 2009) and most respected member of the White Sox, and it will indeed be a sad day when Paulie says goodbye to the ol' ballyard on 35th street. However, next year could be a telling one as to whether or not Konerko stays or leaves.

Konerko put together another solid season for the Sox in 2009, hitting .277 with 28 homers and 88 RBIs. He is also the official team captain of the Sox, a title that is not handed out regularly. This is also a person who means a lot to the organization. The grand slam he hit in Game 2 of the 2005 World Series is arguably the biggest home run in team history. He is also second in franchise history in home runs with 319, which only trails the legendary Frank Thomas. His credentials in a Sox uniform could possibly merit having his number retired when his career is over. However, if Viciedo proves himself to be ready over the next two years, does that mean Konerko is expendable? Does that mean that the end of a fantastic era in Chicago baseball could come to a melancholy end? Viciedo could likely learn how to play first base very quickly. Again, we shall see.

Despite all of this, it is very likely that Viciedo, barring an insane performance in Spring Training next year, will begin the season in the minors again. He is only 20 years old, and he could use the extra seasoning. Nonetheless, the White Sox have him under contract through the 2012 season at a hefty price tag of $12 million. If Viciedo lives up to his potential, we could see some dramatic changes to the Sox a lot sooner than expected.

The 2009 World Series- Philadelphia Phillies versus New York Yankees

Well, the end of October has come, and with it, the World Series. This year's edition of the Fall Classic is set to start on Wednesday, October 28, which will be the latest date a World Series has ever started (you can thank your loyal friend and MLB commish Bud Selig for that). Anyway this series really has the potential to be great. Not great as in "oh, this should go six games" great, but clash of the titans, you're-going-to-remember-where you-were-when-Game-Seven-went-down kind of great. It's featuring a re-vamped New York Yankees team that won 103 games during the regular season, and the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, who are hell-bent on repeating as World Champions. This series will be featuring a cavalcade of stars from both teams, from Ryan Howard to Alex Rodriguez and from Derek Jeter to Chase Utley. The two starting pitchers for Game 1 on Wednesday, CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee, used to be teammates on the Cleveland Indians. With those storylines, how can you not be excited to watch the World Series this year?


Many casual fans of baseball will likely give you the same cookie-cutter, tepid response as to why they will not watch the World Series. "It's the same teams in it every year," or "my team is not in it, so why should I watch," or my favorite: "I'm sick of baseball, the season is too long." The people who say these things will usually watch a regular-season NFL game over watching the World Series. I am sorry, but if you are watching Sunday Night Football over Game 4 of the World Series, it is your loss.


Even though the ratings for the World Series have been poor over the last several years, that should be no reason for you to not give this year's World Series a chance. This year's Fall Classic could have the makings for an epic showdown for all of the reasons above, despite the fact that the Yankees are in it once again. Besides, baseball is due for an exciting World Series again. We have not seen a seven-game series since 2002 and we have not seen a six-game series since 2003. We could finally have another true classic this year.


Call me old fashioned if you want, but once Wednesday rolls around, I'm going to be in front of my TV watching the 105th edition of the Fall Classic. Feel free to join me, if you wish.

Welcome!

Hello everybody, and welcome to Miracle on 35th Street! This is a blog that will be giving you insight on the Chicago White Sox and the world of baseball through the eyes of a die-hard White Sox fan. I will do the best I can to update this everyday, whether the news is White Sox related, or baseball related, or both. I am still learning how to use blogs, so you will have to pardon the appearance of this website as I continue to educate myself on this. Anyway, I have probably taken up way too much of your time with this dry introduction (and I am not big on formal introductions to begin with), so have fun, and go Sox!

P.S.- Please feel free to comment on my musings. After all, what would this site be without readers and their opinions?