Philliedelphia

Phillies Ticket Sales Behind Pace Of Previous Seasons

Photo: Philliedelphia/Frank Klose

Ticket sales at Citizens Bank Park are very slow right now, but there is not much to worry about.

Remember last year and the year before, when tickets to any game were scarce (unless you have connections or you use StubHub)? Last season, five games alone were sold out completely in under a week of going on sale. 

John Weber, Phillies Vice President of sales and ticket operations, says that nobody is worried and that this is a great opportunity as there are still tickets available for every game - except Opening Day.

Today, any game - including those with Cole Hamels and Carlos Ruiz bobbleheads - can still be purchased individually, except for Opening Day, which is part of a Six Game Pack.

The overall decline is dramatic - a half-million seats, down to about 2.6 million from at least 3.1 million a year ago.

Fans might wonder if that could spell trouble sustaining one of the biggest payrolls in the league.

It's important to put the figures in context, Weber said.

Sales are strong. It's just that the last few years have been "unbelievable," he said, with a sellout streak that lasted 257 games, and more attendance each of those years than any club, with one exception, the New York Yankees in 2010.

Weber continued to say that there's nothing to worry about and that he is confident that sales will pick up as the time period between now and Opening Day shrinks.

So get them while they're hot - and while there's a lot!

You can find tickets at www.phillies.com/tickets.

H/T: Philly.com

 

 

Vance Worley Traded on the Same Day He Planned to Purchase an Engagement Ring

According to David Murphy of the Daily News , former Phillies starter, current Twins starter Vance Worley was traded on the worst day imaginable. 

After a workout on the elliptical, Worley returned a call from Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. in which he learned he was traded to Minnesota. Not an ideal situation for Worley after having just shipped all of his belongings, including his collection of cars to Philadelphia from North California. Not only did Vance have to ship it all back, but he had to buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend on the same day with the trade news racing through his mind. Total bummer. 

Ruben Amaro Jr., killing the marital vibes of young pitchers since 2012. 

We wish the best of luck for Vance over in the midwest, and also on his engagement! 

Ryan Howard: Go Ahead and Sweep Us Under The Rug, But Don't Be Surprised

Nearly 24 hours after Roy Halladay took the microphone at his Clearwater press conference, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard took to the reporters to discuss his offseason and his preparations for the 2013 season.

Howard, who missed the first half of the season last year with a ruptured left Achille's tendon in Game 5 of the 2011 NLDS, spoke to reporters on his rehabilitation regarding the progression of his rehabilitation.

"My leg feels phenomenal right now," Howard said. "Compared to last year when I came back, I feel great."

That's a good sign, usually a ruptured Achille's tendon takes 8-12 months to heal 100%. Howard returned to the Phils' lineup in July of last year, but with setbacks it prevented him from playing 100% healthy. With a full offseason to get in shape and to strengthen his ankle, Howard shed light that time off was a key element.

"Having the offseason to be able to build up the strength again in my ankle was a huge factor."

When asked if he takes any precautions while doing regular activites, Howard noted that it's not even a second thought anymore.

"I don't think about it," Howard said. "Last year, I had the fear in the back of my mind that it may rupture again, but now it's not even a second thought in my mind.

Howard stated that his ankle has been a work in progress, but it has definitely gotten a lot better and a lot stronger.

Last season, Howard hit .219 with 14 HR and 56 RBI in 71 games. Compared to his 2011 numbers (.253/33/116), Howard was on the decline. Howard admitted that his ankle affected him in the box. Although he didn't really think about it mentally, Howard had a problem putting weight on his fore-foot at the end of his swing. 

While the Phillies 2012 season is history, the same questions remain: Will the Phillies be contenders this season? It's going to take a lot more than a few acquisitions (i.e. Michael Young, Ben Revere, Delmon Young) to turn this team around.

It's clear that feeling good and playing good are two totally different things. Roy Halladay said yesterday that he felt great and was confident in himself that he can come back stronger than ever. Howard feels that he is more relaxed this spring and that it can help his mentality at the plate.

"I'm good, I'm just being me. I'm so much more relaxed right now in spring training than last year," Howard continued. "I think for me, a lot of it was mental last year. I told my self that I'm not gonna stress it. Not gonna worry about it. I'm gonna let the inner-me to come out at the plate and let loose and let it fly."

Like previously stated, actions speak louder than words.

When the subject of the team's age as a whole was brought up, Howard quickly shot down the fact that his play last season was related to age.

"I just have to continue to make adjustments," Howard said. " I have to continue to go up with a game-plan, get relaxed."

"I used to be caught up in being technical. How my swing and stance looked when I should have been thinking about what pitcher will do. What's my approach?" 

There's no doubt that injuries played a huge factor in the Phillies fall from the top last season. With Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Placido Polanco landing on the DL last season, the Phillies relied on bench players and minor-leaguers to fill the roles.

Howard stated that he wants to stay as healthy as possible and do everything in his power to contribute his best to the team this year.

"I wanna play 162 games out there, if I can," Howard stated. "I mean, if Charlie wants to give me  day off or two, that's okay, but I want to play every game. All season, every game inn the playoffs and World Series."

Howard was asked if he can play 150 games healthy this season and he replied with, "Sure, why not?"

Back to the subject of the age of the team, Howard made it clear that the age of the guys in the clubhouse doesn't matter. 

"Age on the outside doesn't matter, it all depends on how young you fele on the inside." he said.

"If people wanna call us old that's fine, but we're gonna show them what we're made of," he said.

"You can sweep us under the rug, but dont be surprised."  

Please surprise us, Ryan.

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

 

Cole Hamels And His Family Continue To Grow With Adoption Of A Baby Girl

(Photo: @JeffSkversky)

Phillies' pitcher Cole Hamels has been a father of two for the last few years, but today (technically since December 24th) Cole Hamels is a father of three.

Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi have adopted a baby girl, Reeve, from Ethiopia. Reeve, who was abandoned at birth, was found by Ethiopian police in a field and was later taken to an orphanage where the Hamels' adopted her.

 

In a story by Channel 6 ABC's Jeff Skversky, Hamels says that it's a happy moment for his family of five.

"The sense of joy overcomes anything. [There were] tears, I'm glad they were not sad tears; obviously, the most joyful, exciting tears I think I can ever shed. We're just so happy," Hamels said. 

The process, which lasted about four years, did not stop the Hamels' from traveling to Ethiopia numerous times to finalize the adoption process.

"It's very, very time consuming, obviously worth it in the end; it's not nine months like a biological child, so, I don't know, I feel like I've been waiting on her my whole life," Heidi said.

The Hamels tell action news that they plan to keep their family growing and will not hesitate to adopt a child from Ethiopia again.

Congratulations to Cole and Heidi, who are parents yet again.

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

Delmon Young Will Get Paid $600,000 Extra To Eat Less

Photo: Erik Seybold's glorious photoshop skills

Delmon Young has a lot to work for in order to make all of his incentives. Not only must Young stay out of trouble off the field, but he must also watch what he eats. Looks like no cheesesteaks for Delmon.

In a report by Philly.com's Matt Gelb, Delmon Young is eligible to gain an extra $600,000 if he can keep his weight under 230 pounds.

Young's one-year, $750,000 contract includes bonuses based on his weight, according to The Associated Press. Young must be weighed six separate instances, the timing of which will be chosen by the Phillies. 

Each time he makes weight, Young receives $100,000. The first three times he must weigh 230 pounds or less. He must weigh 235 pounds or less for the last three weigh-ins.

Young says as of Tuesday's physical, his current weight tips the scale at 238 pounds. He needs to lose eight pounds before his first weigh-in in order to get paid his incentives.

Young's other incentives include $250,000 for being on active roster for a week and an additional $100,000 each for 40, 80, 120 and 160 days. 

It seems to me like the Phillies are trying to shape Delmon Young into a respectible and fit teammate as both will benefit the organization and himself.

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

Yahoo! Sports Ranks Sexiest GM's in Baseball, Amaro Ranks as Seventeenth

Ah, finally, something positive came out of the GM Winter Meetings for all teams. And, may I add, it's about time someone took notice of this.

Yahoo! Sports' David Brown of Big League Stew came up with this list yesterday, and much to our dismay, Ruben Amaro, Jr. did not make it in the top ten. He may be extraordinarily smug and mighty bronze, but was unfortunately cut short.

To recap, Kevin Towers, GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks ranked as the sexiest General Manager in Major League Baseball. The complete order:

1. Kevin Towers, Arizona Diamondbacks
2. Billy Beane, Oakland Athletics
3. Dayton Moore, Kansas City Royals
4. Brian Cashman, New York Yankees
5. Jed Hoyer, Chicago Cubs
6. Dave Dombrowski, Detroit Tigers
7. Ben Cherington, Boston Red Sox
8. Neal Huntington, Pittsburgh Pirates
9. Chris Antonetti, Cleveland Indians
10. Sandy Alderson, New York Mets
11. Josh Byrnes, San Diego Padres
12. Frank Wren, Atlanta Braves
13. Mike Rizzo, Washington Nationals (Side note: Fake sexy?)
14. Jon Daniels, Texas Rangers
15. Michael Hill, Miami Marlins
16. John Mozeliak, St. Louis Cardinals
17. Ruben Amaro, Philadelphia Phillies
18. Andrew Friedman, Tampa Bay Rays
19. Rick Hahn, Chicago White Sox
20. Jack Zduriencik, Seattle Mariners
21. Terry Ryan, Minnesota Twins
22. Walt Jocketty, Cincinnati Reds
23. Jeffrey Luhnow, Houston Astros
24. Jerry Dipoto, Los Angeles Angels
25. Doug Melvin, Milwaukee Brewers
26. Dan O'Dowd, Colorado Rockies
27. Brian Sabean, San Francisco Giants
28. Alex Anthopoulos, Toronto Blue Jays
29. Dan Duquette, Baltimore Orioles
30. Ned Colletti, Los Angeles Dodgers

Now, I understand how this list could be ranked differently by, say, a woman, but, the fellas at Big League Stew gave this list a sublime order, so my hat goes off to them. Coming from a teen-aged girl, I would say that a few men on this list (Alex Anthopoulos, Jerry Dipoto, John Mozeliak) would rank a bit higher. Personal opinion. Whatever you're into, Big League Stew. 

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. in Talks with B.J. Upton's Agent

According to a report from CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury, the Phillies are in communications with free agent B.J. Upton's agent, Larry Reynolds.

Upton is the ideal outfielder for the Phillies. The 28 year old, right handed hitter can play the field well, hit for power, and bring home runs, which is exactly what the Phillies' lineup needs in 2013. Without hitters like Hunter Pence, the Phils will need to find players who can bring home runs and defend their position well. 

It would take at least a five-year deal to land Upton at around $16 million per season. Upton's agent is looking for a team that can promise him that kind of money, but whoever offers him the most years would be the team to sign him.

Darin Ruf, in the midst of Venezuelan winter ball, is also a contender for an outfield spot. First and foremost, the Phillies need a center fielder. While B.J. Upton would be the clear cut, most ideal choice, it will take quite a bit of money, and the Phils' first round pick in the June Amateur Draft. 

With the General Manager meetings coming to a close, Phils' GM Ruben Amaro Jr. doesn't expect to make any moves. The hot stove will heat up some more with the winter meetings this offseason. 

4.5 Percent of Baseball Experts Surveyed Think The Phillies Will Sign OF Josh Hamilton

In a survey conducted by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, 4.5% of twenty-two baseball people believe that the Phillies will attempt to and successfully acquire free-agent outfielder Josh Hamilton.

If you don't feel like doing the math, 4.5% of twenty-two equals one. Crasnick conducted his survey to twenty-two general managers, assistant GMs, advisers, scouting directors and talent evaluators in the field for their opinions.

Crasnick asked seven offseason questions to these 22 people, and his first question was "Which team will sign Josh Hamilton? For how much money and how many years? Six people responded with Milwaukee, six responded with out a clue, five said that he would remain in Texas while Seattle, San Francisco, Baltimore, Kansas City, and the Phillies each got one speculator.

So one person believes that the Phillies will sign Josh Hamilton. Okay.

"The Phillies landed a vote from a scout who observed that GM Ruben Amaro Jr. likes to pull off big deals, and they need outfield help.'"

'Tis true. Ruben Amaro Jr. has pulled off a lot of big deals. Unfortunately this is one time I hope he doesn't pull it off. Josh Hamilton puts up great numbers, but with his reported starting price at 7 years, $175 million and his concerning attitude, I'd rather the Philliues go out and get somebody else instead.

H/T: The700Level.com

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

Would You Like To Own Harry Kalas' Sport Coat, NL Championship Ring, and Other Personal Items?

On November 10th the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory will be hosting a live auction put together by Hunt Auctions. Why so important? Well, the live auction will feature some of the personal items that once belonged to the Phillies' late great broadcaster Harry Kalas. 

Some of the items up for auction include HK's signature grey sport coat, a 1980 World Series trophy presented to Harry, his 2009 National League Championship ring, and even his briefcase.

From Hunt Auctions: 

The Personal Collection of Harry Kalas
Lots 12-21 originate from the personal collection of Harry Kalas. Elected as a broadcaster to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Harry Kalas is one of the most highly regarded men in the history of his craft. In addition to his decades of work within the baseball booth Harry also gained fame as one of the voices for NFL Films. Harry Kalas remains to date one of the most beloved figures in Philadelphia sports history and we are honored to have been selected by members of the Kalas family to present these fine items.

Along with Harry's personal belongings, you can also bid for a Shane Victorino autographed jersey (from his time with the Phillies of course), a Cliff Lee autographed jersey, and a Roy Halladay autographed plaque from his NLDS no-hitter in 2010.

You can view Harry's belongings as well as Hunt Auction's other items up for bidding here.

Huge H/T to The700Level.com

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

Roy Oswalt Update: Why Phillies Fans Should Be Grateful He Didn't Re-Sign Here

Roy Oswalt may have signed with a contending team, but he himself hasn't really helped. 

The 35 year-old veteran signed a one-year contract worth $5,000,000 with the Texas Rangers in early June. Declining the Phillies' higher-waged offer, Oswalt decided to pitch where he pitched almost his entire career: Texas. So far, Oswalt is 4-6 with a 6.29 ERA (38 earned runs in 54 1/3 innings). 

On Sunday afternoon, against Tampa Bay, Oswalt left his start early after tossing just two innings. After allowing four earned runs on six hits, Oswalt claimed to have felt cramping in his right forearm. Now the $5,000,000, "I-refuse-to-be-a-bullpen-pitcher" pitcher is day-to-day for the Rangers.

It seems like the Phillies dodged a huge bullet when Oswalt declined their offer to sign him. The Phillies seem to be doing just fine without him.