In Episode 21, Jon, Chris, and Anonymous Hockey Guy discuss the Flyers' offseason, signings, buyouts, goalie situation, future trade possibilities, projected lineups, and more. Audio is a bit off as we had a different setup with a third person.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Episode 20 - "The End of Phillies Relevancy"
In Episode 20, Jon & Chris discuss the Phillies lack of movement at the trade deadline, Cody Asche first impressions, the unlikable Eagles, a fantasy football primer, and more.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Episode 19 - "Sellers Can Be Choosers"
In Episode 19, Jon & Chris review controversial comments from Papelbon and Rollins, the Phillies 8-game losing streak, what to do at the trade deadline, Jeremy Maclin's torn ACL, and what it takes to be loved by Philadelphia fans.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Episode 18 - "2nd Half Preparations"
In this episode, Jon & Chris discuss the lowly MLB All-Star break, the Phillies' second half, expectations for the Eagles, laughing at your own jokes, and more.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Episode 17 - "Buy and Sell!"
In Episode 17, Jon & Chris discuss how to approach the trade deadline, the Jrue Holiday trade, Flyers summer moves, and Puig-mania.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
New Site, New Posts, New Pods Coming Soon
In the next few weeks, we're going to have a new site with all new content and a regularly scheduled podcast. We're really excited about the new Tailgating a Funeral, so hang in there and follow us on Twitter for updates. Thanks!
@TAF_Podcast
@TAF_CK
@TAF_Podcast
@TAF_CK
Sunday, June 23, 2013
First Guessing: Covering 2nd Base Late in the Game
The Phillies blew a 7-1 lead yesterday. The tying run scored in such a manner that only the supremely frustrating Phillies could pull off: a first-to-home on a weak grounder to short.
Jimmy Rollins left his position to cover second on a David Wright steal. I damn near fell out of my seat when I saw Rollins retracing his steps as the ball trickled past his starting spot. Rollins should not have been covering second, nor should have Utley. Wright should have been given second base, even though he's the tying run in the 9th inning.
The count was 0-2. There were 2 outs. This was the end of the game, down to the final strike with the closer ready to bury Murphy with a fastball.
IF the pitch was a strike, it would either be game over or a ball in play.
IF the pitch was a ball, was Chooch even going to throw to second? The image above comes just after contact, and Chooch is on his knees. Normally, he pops out of his stance ready to throw, only to realize he doesn't have the ball. We see runners given second base all the time late in games, and I'm leaning towards that being Chooch's mindset here.
Let's consider a few factors:
I'm estimating Wright steals that base successfully at least 85% of the time. That's being conservative.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Papelbon, who is having an All-Star caliber season as the closer, has two-strikes on an average hitter. Papelbon gets Murphy out in that spot the majority of the time.
By covering, Rollins increases Murphy's chance of getting a hit on a ball put in play, which is likely since there are two strikes and he'll be protecting (especially since he got caught looking his previous at-bat).
Ben Revere fails to pick up a slowly rolling baseball on perfectly manicured grass, allowing Wright to get from third to home. Ho hum.
We feel ya, Papelbon.
If the count is 0-0, throw the guy out. There's a much smaller likelihood that the ball is put in play. In that spot, you can't freely allow the tying run get into scoring position with two outs.
With an 0-2 count, let him have the base and get the hitter out. Fundamentals, playing the percentages, doing the little things - whatever you want to call it, the Phillies don't do it and it's one big reason they're three games under .500.
Jimmy Rollins left his position to cover second on a David Wright steal. I damn near fell out of my seat when I saw Rollins retracing his steps as the ball trickled past his starting spot. Rollins should not have been covering second, nor should have Utley. Wright should have been given second base, even though he's the tying run in the 9th inning.
IF the pitch was a strike, it would either be game over or a ball in play.
IF the pitch was a ball, was Chooch even going to throw to second? The image above comes just after contact, and Chooch is on his knees. Normally, he pops out of his stance ready to throw, only to realize he doesn't have the ball. We see runners given second base all the time late in games, and I'm leaning towards that being Chooch's mindset here.
Let's consider a few factors:
- David Wright successfully steals bases at a 76% rate for his career, and was 11 for 12 this season going into that attempt.
- If Wright were to be thrown out, it would be a disastrous, game-ending decision. He was probably confident in his chances.
- Papelbon has a turtle's pace to the plate.
- The pitch must be a ball (harder to throw someone out).
- Chooch has a career 28% caught stealing rate.
I'm estimating Wright steals that base successfully at least 85% of the time. That's being conservative.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Papelbon, who is having an All-Star caliber season as the closer, has two-strikes on an average hitter. Papelbon gets Murphy out in that spot the majority of the time.
By covering, Rollins increases Murphy's chance of getting a hit on a ball put in play, which is likely since there are two strikes and he'll be protecting (especially since he got caught looking his previous at-bat).
Ben Revere fails to pick up a slowly rolling baseball on perfectly manicured grass, allowing Wright to get from third to home. Ho hum.
We feel ya, Papelbon.
If the count is 0-0, throw the guy out. There's a much smaller likelihood that the ball is put in play. In that spot, you can't freely allow the tying run get into scoring position with two outs.
With an 0-2 count, let him have the base and get the hitter out. Fundamentals, playing the percentages, doing the little things - whatever you want to call it, the Phillies don't do it and it's one big reason they're three games under .500.
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