NL Gold Glovers Announced

Congratulations to the 2009 National League Gold Glove Winners:

C: Yadier Molina (2nd GG)
1B: Adrian Gonzalez (2nd GG)
2B: Orlando Hudson (4th GG)
3B: Ryan Zimmerman
SS: Jimmy Rollins (3rd GG)
OF: Shane Victorino (2nd GG)
OF: Michael Bourn Astros
OF: Matt Kemp
P: Adam Wainwright

Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino each won a National League Gold Glove Award at their respective positions. This is the eleventh time in franchise history that the Phillies have had multiple Gold Glove winners.

With the award, Rollins becomes the first Phillie to win three consecutive Gold Gloves since Mike Schmidt. Rollins led all shortstops with a .990 fielding percentage. His six errors were the fewest in baseball among qualified players.

Victorino wins his second consecutive Gold Glove. Victorino had the second best fielding percentage among all outfielders (.997).

While Rollins and Victorino were honored, Chase Utley was snubbed. Utley had a 10.8 Ultimate Zone Rating, which was the best among NL second baseman. Orlando Hudson, the NL second base Gold Glove winner, had a UZR of -3.3. With that being said, Victorino probably wasn't the best option either. He had a -4.1 UZR.

Blog Notes: Make sure you take the Swing and a Long Drive Survey! Also, in honor of Veterans Day, More Hardball has the best games at Veterans Stadium.

The AL Gold Glovers and Flaws

Congratulations to the 2009 American League Gold Glove Winners:

P: Mark Buehrle
C: Joe Mauer (2nd consecutive GG)
1B: Mark Teixiera (3rd GG)
2B: Placido Polanco (2nd GG)
3B: Evan Longoria
SS: Derek Jeter (4th GG)
OF: Adam Jones
OF: Ichiro Suzuki (9th consecutive GG)
OF: Torii Hunter (9th consecutive GG)

A little bit of controversy here, but not as much as previous years. Franklin Gutierrez, arguably the best outfielder defensively this year, was snubbed. Adam Jones only played in 113 games.

Derek Jeter wins his fourth gold glove, having one of his better defensive season. Jeter has won gold gloves in the past despite being a below average defender. If this doesn't tell that the Gold Glove system is flawed, then look at Ichiro and Hunter. It shows that if a player wins their first Gold Glove, they are favorites to win the award for many years to come.

The choices weren't horrible, and not to take anything away from the winners. They are each great defenders, but the argument is whether or not they were the best option. That being said, it was "leaked" that Orlando Hudson will win the National League Gold Glove at second base. Once again, Chase Utley will be snubbed. Utley had a 10.8 Ultimate Zone Rating, second in MLB, compared to Hudson's -3.3. Plus, Hudson played about 100 innings less than Utley.

Does this mean that Greg Maddux will win his 19th Gold Glove?

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Lidge, Ibanez, Eyre To Have Surgery

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Brad Lidge, Scott Eyre and Raul Ibanez will each have surgery next week.
It turns out that Lidge was injured this year, but it’s not his knee. On Wednesday, Lidge will have surgery to repair loose bodies in his elbow. In addition, he will need to have his flexor/pronator tendon examined. If Lidge’s tendon is okay, then he should be ready to pitch when pitchers and catchers report to spring training. However, if his tendon needs to be repaired, then he is doubtful to be ready by the beginning of spring training.

Scott Eyre will have the same surgery as Lidge. Eyre and Raul Ibanez will each go under the knife on Monday. Ibanez will have a sports hernia surgically repaired. Eyre and Ibanez are expected to be ready by spring training. It is still uncertain if Eyre will pitch in 2010.

Phils Pick Up Lee's Option; Other Notes

The season just ended, but the Phillies kicked off the offseason with their first move.

The Phillies picked up Cliff Lee’s $9 million option for the 2010 season. No surprise here. There is still a possibility that Lee will be signed to a long term deal. The Phillies have not made a decision about Pedro Feliz’s $5 million option for next season.

Ruben Amaro has notified Brett Myers that he will not play for the Phillies in 2010. The right hander is officially a free agent.

There will be no coaching changes. Rich Dubee, Milt Thompson, Davy Lopes, Sam Perlozzo and Pete Mackanin will all stay on Charlie Manuel’s coaching staff. Again, no surprise here. This staff has done a phenomenal job.

Eyre is undecided if he will play next year, but will definitely need surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow. Lidge will be getting checked to see if he has the same injury. Ibanez will have an MRI on his groin, but he may also need surgery for a tear in his abdomen.

The Phillies contacted Chan Ho Park's agent about returning next season. Park was terrific out of the bullpen. But does he still have his eyes on starting?

A Proud Phan

I am so proud of the Philadelphia Phillies! Sure, we're all disappointed that they lost, but I am more proud than upset.

These boys played terrific. Their first win of the year came from behind, and that set the tone for the season. The regular season and postseason were filled with exciting wins! This team never quit. Day in and day out, they played their hearts out and made this season an enjoyable one.

Thank you:
Jimmy Rollins, for delivering the greatest walk-off that I've ever witnessed.
Shane Victorino, for you're blazing speed and 100% hustle.
Chase Utley, for being the man.
Ryan Howard, for your 45 home runs and NLCS MVP.
Jayson Werth, for getting better offensively every year.
RAUUUUUUUUL, for a torrid first half.
Pedro Feliz, for your fine defense.
Carlos Ruiz, for your hard work behind the plate and giving us Choochtober.
Clifton Phifer Lee, for being an unbeLEEvable ace.
Brad Lidge, for always making it interesting.
Pedro Martinez, for surprising me (in a good way).
Ryan Madson, for your team-leading 26 holds.
Chan Ho Park, for always being reliable out of the bullpen.
Cole Hamels, for your two shutouts this year.
Eric Bruntlett, for turning an unassisted triple play.
J.A Happ, for being the rookie of the year.
Matt Stairs, for drawing key walks.
Joe Blanton, for being consistent.
Scott Eyre, for setting up some of Lidge's saves.
Chad Durbin, for eating innings in relief.
Charlie Manuel, for being one of the greatest managers in Phillies history.
Ruben Amaro, for making the right decisions.
Scott Franske and the entire broadcast team, for making great calls.
...and to all the other players who contrinuted to the National League pennant: thank you!

Six years ago, I never pictured the Phillies being in back-to-back World Series. The Phillies were awful in the late 1990's and early 2000's. However, those bad teams made me appreciate this 2009 team so much more. This may sound absurd, but I would NEVER trade one of those losses for 27 rings!

I feel lucky to be able to have seen the Phillies in back-to-back World Series. Thank you, Phillies, for a fantastic season. I can't wait to see what the future brings. Let’s get to 28 before the Yankees do!

*A special thanks to Swing and a Long Drive and Phillies Nation (where this article is also featured) readers, and for the bloggers and beat writers.*

WS Game 6 Preview

For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.

Philadelphia Phillies (2-3) at New York Yankees (3-2)

Pedro Martinez, RHP, vs. Andy Pettitte, LHP.

Once again, it's do or die. Cliff Lee and Chase Utley pushed this series to Game 6. Now, Pedro Martinez is handed the ball, needing to further extend the series. A win evens the series and keeps the Phillies' hopes of repeating alive.

Pedro Martinez lost to the Yankees in Game 2, but he pitched very well. He gave up three runs in six innings, but this is the type of situation "the most influential player that ever stepped into Yankee Stadium" thrives.

The Phillies owe Pedro. He has been excellent during the postseason, but the Phillies failed to provide him with run support. Chase Utley brings in a hot bat and could break Reggie Jackson's World Series home run record. Jayson Werth hit two home runs off Pettitte earlier this series.

Unlike Pedro who is pitching on normal rest, Andy Pettitte is pitching on three days' rest. In his career, Pettitte is 4-6 with a 4.15 ERA on short rest, with his last appearance coming in 2006. Pettitte has been perfect (wins-wise) this postseason. He won both clinching games of the postseason this year, and he has a chance for another.

It's a must-in. Keep the high hopes!

Phillies Lineup: Shane Victorino is in the lineup despite having a bruised finger. Raul Ibanez will DH with Ben Francisco in left. Pedro Feliz is batting seventh.

Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (DH), Feliz (3B), Francisco (LF), Ruiz (C).

Yankees Lineup: Jeter (SS), Damon (LF), Teixeira (1B), Rodriguez (3B), Matsui (DH), Posada (C), Cano (2B), Swisher (RF), Gardner (CF).

Dutch, Upton Talk Game 6

Our friend Kirk Reynolds from PlayMaker Mobile was kind enough to send over another interview. Once again, Darren Daulton and BJ Upton chime in.

Dutch Says: "Alright, so Rocky knocked the Bronx Bombers down last night. Secret is to keep them down. There is a rumor that Curt Schilling is going to pitch game 7 for the Phils, so we sent out to get the sock--it should be here soon and if not, some nice fellows from the deli down the street offered to bring us a couple red socks, if it will help the Phightins down the Bronx Bullies.

So, we’ll see Pedro for game six. I mentioned earlier in the series that the Phightins owe Pedro…we still do. How great will it be if Pedro throws another gem in New York? Also J.A. Happ is still available and rested. I am sure Charlie has him slated somewhere down the road.

Total city effort [Monday] night--the crowd was outrageous--I love Philadelphia fans, and now it’s time to put up or go home. I think we'll be in New York for a couple more days…
So game 6 we start Pedro--game 7 Schill (haha), but both Yankee killers… what is that old saying… the enemy of my enemy is my friend… I love Boston… Let the Yankee curse begin…..

Phils in seven….MVP Chase Utley with seven home runs… that’s right tough guys from New York he ain’t done yet…and he loves playing in your yard…. with that nice short porch… ouch …now you will see the Phils bats come to life…. "

BJ Upton also talked to Reynolds about the rest of the series.

Upton Says: "When I faced Pedro he still had his 93/94 speed, and I still think he's as good now, and he knows how to pitch in big games, just like Andy Pettitte. They've both been in this situation a number of times, and probably against each other, on the biggest stage in America, with the biggest rivalry in baseball with the Red Sox and Yankees. I think it's gonna be a great matchup with two veteran pitchers who know what they're doing and who know what they want to do, so I think it's going to be a pitcher's duel the whole game.

If I had to face one of them with the game on the line, I'd go with Andy Pettitte, but only because he's a lefty and also I haven't seen Pedro in a number of years, but Pettitte I've obviously faced recently.

Keep an eye out for A-Rod and Teixeira in Game 6. Teixeira has been kinda quiet the whole series, and it's time for him to break out a bit these last couple games. And on the other side of the field I'm gonna stick with Jayson Werth. He hasn't really fully shown up yet but he's helped out that team, and he's the guy I'm watching in Games 6 and maybe Game 7.

And also watch the BULLPENS! That's what let the Yankees get back into it the other night. Enjoy Game 6."

Thanks again to Kirk Reynolds!