Brandon Phillips= Why the Reds haven’t been there before
Well Brandon Phillips proved to the Cardinals why they haven’t been contenders in the NL for over a decade, leadership.
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No matter who you like or what team you root for, the guys who win is what counts. The Cardinals swept the Reds with ease today after a brawl and some of Phillip’s opinions were published. The cameras caught Chris Carpenter and Scott Rolen making amends before the game but that was after some hurtful words were exchanged between some former teammates.
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As far as this writer is concerned, sticks and stones. Phillips and the Reds showed why the haven’t been around the top of the division for so long these past few days. They lack that leadership quality. As far as I’m concerned, the Reds are the bitches. Jason LaRue and Carpenter were featured on the “kiss cam” during game two of the series after a heated brawl. Carp took it as an opportunity to be the bigger “man” so-to-speak by laying one of his catcher’s cheek.
The fact is, the Cards proved their still top dogs and the Reds are not a concern. If you worry about the other teams in your division, you’ll fail. I don’t see Cincinnati overcoming this terrible series with their hated rival. The Red Birds will win the division and are my pick, STILL, to win the NL.
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As for Philips, 2-14 with one RBI in the series. Yuck. Not only that, the guy Brandon was jawing with was Yadier Molina who was 5-12 with three RBIs and a homer in the series. The bomb happened in his first at bat after the brawl
Strike Three: Ubaldo
Ubaldo Jimenez picked up his 12th win. He is sensational. He has it all, speedy fastballs, bending breaking pitches, and a desire to win.
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There are only a few other pitchers in baseball you might rather have than him. I’d take Roy Halladay or Tim Lincecum. I also like Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright too. All of those NL pitchers are winners and Cy Young candidates when they’re healthy (Carpenter).
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Jimenez has kept that ERA at a clean 1.16. That’s nasty. Now, listen fans it is going to be in the mid two range by the end of the season so don’t get carried away. Carpenter had the best ERA last year with a 2.24 and that’s quite the number. Ubaldo does have 12 wins already which is key. I like him to win the Cy this year and break the Tim train up a little bit. I hope he stays healthy and can get it done for the Rockies.
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That way there will be something to celebrate in Colorado. The no-hitter and Cy because they won’t be winning that division.
STRIKE THREE AND I’M OUT!
Roy in Philly
It’s been all too easy for Roy Halladay. He threw a five hit-shutout yesterday. He’s unconscious.
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Halladay has enjoyed the NL quite a bit. He’s 4-0 with an ERA of .82 and 28 Ks to his three walks. Ouch. Roy was a prized possession for any team this offseason and he clock on his time in Toronto was running out. Philly made an unpopular decision to send Cliff Lee to the Mariners to make room for a nice little Halladay season.
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Truth be told, I would have been mad as a Phillies fan if they had sent Cliff away after such a remarkable season. What can you say now? Lee is on the DL and Halladay is making headlines. You know, I am willing to bet Roy likes pitching in the NL rather than the AL East. STRIKE ONE!
Did you see how mad Chris Carpenter was last night? Don’t throw at him I suppose.
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He had a ball hit him inside early in the Arizona game. Carp doesn’t like the fact that a ball hits the opposing pitcher. I guess the rest of the team felt the same way after Carpenter nearly attempted a take-out slide at second base. Carp admitted it was in poor judgement especially because it ignited a bench clearing brawl.
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I got to tell you I agree with Carp. Pitchers should be hit by other pitchers. They all throw 90 plus and it hurts bad. These NL pitchers are all batting a clean .100 and pose no threat (although people might note that Carp has a 6 RBI night including a grand slam last year). Jackson shouldn’t have been throwing two feet inside on the pitcher and one can also see that Carp isn’t made of iron, more like glass. STRIKE TWO!
Duke is talking about repeat. Well, sort of. They have announced they’ll get back two starters in Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith. That’s exciting.
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Also, Duke will activate Seth Curry. This team might be a force again. With Nolan running the offense and a combination of Curry and Andre Dawkins at the shooting guard, they might be dangerous. Of course they’ll have Singler in the three spot and down low it will be the Plummlee brothers. I like this team. They will be preseason number one for sure.
Can they do it again. Probably not but it sure is fun to think about. STRIKE THREE AND I’M OUT!
