OwlsWooHooter : CBSSports.com Blogs

Another Spring Training Prediction

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:17:13 EDT

LIfe should have been good. Last year's blog on 2010 was close to prophetic. I hope I am wrong with what i am about to write, but here it goes:

PItching:The pitching staff is flush. All this nonsense about Hamels and Lee getting roughed up is nothing. They will be fine and the bullpen looks good as well. Madesen is focused because he is playing for his big payday and as a free agent he will impress as the set up man. The only real question is "Lights On/Lights Out Lidge--That's where the pitching staff has to keep the pressure off the bullpen. The only concern I have is where the starters are eking out a one run victory and Lidge has to pull out the one inning or even two out save (if Danys can be somewhat effective). This scenario assumes that the line-up, given its injuries and sudden trending down due to aging of the core will be the norm not the exception.

Phillies Spring Training a Week Away

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:49:21 EDT

Having little or no interest in the Super Bowl (it's so hard being an Eagles fan), I turned my attention to the fact that Pitchers and Catchers report this week to Clearwater. I am extremely optimistic that the Phillies have added the right parts, though losing Cliff Lee was a tough one. I guess having 140 Million doesn't mean you can go as far as you want with it, but Roy Halladay is a stud. i am anxious to see how hard Cole Hamels worked in the off-season--if he can come back to 2008 form, we will be in excellent shape. Blanton eats innings and the bullpen looks replenished. I don't see anyone else in the East or in the NL that has improved to the point where the Phillies won't be competitive.

The biggest problem I see is the 5th starter--Jaimie Moyer. WOW!!! Otherwise, we could try Contreras and/or Kendrick again. I realize not many teams have a reliable 5th starter, but I am hoping someone comes out of spring training with the inside track. With Lidge rehabing again from post-season surgery, Danys can close if you assume he's healthy.

Owls Caught in Spiders Web

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:13:51 EST

The # 17 Owls went down to Richmond and lost an important game that not only drops them out of 1st place tie in the A10 and will now knock them down if not out of the top 25. Once again a top shooting team and a tough defense caused us to lose this game. Also, our vaunted defense, gave up 71 points. Fran saw some lapses against Duquesne on Wednesday and benched some of the starters.

I wonder if there needs to an alignment in the starting 5. Is Juan Fernandez still feeling the affects of his injury.

Maybe the snowstorm that battered our area was a factor. Really wishful thinking.