Quick Stains: June 4th

Yes, after a long and arduous struggle without internet access (a problem plaguing several of our primary contributors these past couple weeks), quick stains and Philadelphia Phillies coverage returns. While I have not been posting about the Phillies, I have certainly been watching, including the sweep of the Braves, getting swept by the Dbacks (I attended game one, although there will be more on that later), and some nice success against the Giants, largely due to Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino.

1. Sometimes you are embarassed to be a fan of Philadelphia sports. No, I'm not referring to the lack of championships, but rather the actions of many Philadelphia fans. At the first Diamondbacks game (Memorial Day), I attended the game with several friends. I sat in the 300 level with cheap seats. I was incredibly disappointed that, in the seventh and eigth innings, I witnessed at least five ejections from the section, and also was hit with beer and various food particles, not aimed at me, but just thrown for the sake of generating more chaos. Several fights had to be broken up, and the "Asshole" chant was a constant echo in the later stages of the game. This is embarassing. A young mother had to leave the section with her toddler child because of all the poor behavior. This is when it's distressing for all the loyal and responsible fans that want to watch a game. Sure, this kind of stuff is mildly entertaining, but mostly it speaks to the mob mentality, and the lowest common dominator approach to life of many people. Perhaps it was my fault for purchasing cheap seats, but I am sure there are plenty families that like to take their children to games, but cannot afford more expensive seats. Should their children be subjected to this kind of behavior? I think not. Grow up, everyone.

2. J-Roll obviously doesn't lead the NL in homers anymore, but he does lead the league in triples.

3. Cole Hamels is the winningest pitcher in the NL.

4. Mike offers up a look at the month ahead on A Citizen's Blog, still one of my favorite Phillies blogs.

5. All in one article, you can read about Tom Gordon's rehab, and hear Charlie Manuel sounding like an idiot.

6. The bullpen is a shambles. 4.66 ERA. Of course, then again, the ERA of our starters' ERA is a 4.68, so you tell me who is to blame.

7. I watched Rod Barajas end the game last Monday, and I think a full-fledged attack on his playing so frequently, or even remaining in the majors, is coming soon. Ruiz is hitting more (compare 137 at-bats to 63). Here is one stat to counter the Rod-hate that is developing, and that's this: Of catchers with a minimum of 50 ABs, Rod is third in OBP (at .359). Of course, he is 23rd (out of 25 eligible) in batting average. Keep watching ball four, Rod. Thank god we don't have another guy with a sub .230 average that relies solely on walking...oh wait...


More to come tomorrow. The Quick Stains are back. Go Phillies.