Steve Phillips' NL Central comments

[mikechamp]

From an ESPN chat. This edition of the "comments" comes with the official dillagii "word of caution".

Buster Olney is due up a little later this afternoon.

Mandatory Linkage: http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=16142
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Do you think it was fair for Ted Lilly to get kicked out of last night's game? As a Cubs fan, I'm obviously biased, but even if it was retaliation, there's no proof it was, and no warning has been issued. Cubs got jobbed by an ump AND their closer last night.

STEVE PHILLIPS
I understand that you never know completely whether somebody potentially threw at a hitter or not. In order to control the game, umpires have been asked to make judgment calls based upon the situation and circumstance. The umps may not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Lilly threw at Renteria, but based upon a preponderance of evidence, I believe they made the right decision. That is exactly the time and situation that a team would retaliate by hitting an opponent. On-field confrontations have been reduced significantly since umpires became more proacitve in issuing warnings and ejections. They are not always right, but they're right most of the time.

Do you really believe he didn't throw at him intentionally?
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What has gotten into the Mets? What was thought to be the class of the NL looks absolutely lost at the plate and on the mound. I assume this will only push them further into the Zambrano sweepstakes, who would Omar give up for him?

STEVE PHILLIPS
The Mets problems stem from pitching and offense, but primarily pitching. The bullpen has struggled recently, particularly in the month of June. It's just a blip on the radar for them and nothing to worry about. They've had some injuries to the outfield and their bench that has impacted their offensive production. Teams aren't going to hit all season long. They'll have to win some of those games with good pitching. Tom Glavine looked like he was laboring in the game on Sunday against the Tigers. Something didn't look right with him on the mound. I think Omar will be aggressive at the deadline, and Lastings Milledge could be had in a deal. The question is, would they consider putting Heilman, Pelfrey, or Umber in the trade as well. I'm not sure the Cubs like Milledge enough to make th deal, as I suspect other teams would ante up in a big way for Zambrano.
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The Angels really need some power, what are the odds of a Troy Glaus reunion? maybe Dunn??

STEVE PHILLIPS
For the last three years, the story has been the same for the Angels; they need another big power bat in the lineup to be a legit postseason threat. Glaus would be a better fit than Dunn, but I don't see the Angels making a big splash at the deadline. They might, but it goes against their character to make that deal. Maybe they'll surprise us, but don't count on it.
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How about a weekly Rick Ankiel question? The guys tearing it up down in AAA, and it seems like all of this might be for real now. When does he come to the big leagues? And what will that standing ovation be like when he does?

STEVE PHILLIPS
The St. Louis fans are among the best in the game, and I suspect when Ankiel comes up, they will let him know how much they appreciate his perseverance. It is a remarkable story, and he should be credited. I don't know what they're waiting for, because they need to generate offense any way they can. It would be even better if he could pitch and play the outfield, wouldn't it?
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Once a team sings a draft pick, how quickly can they trade the player? For example do the Brewer's have a shot of packaging LaPorta with an extra SP for help?

STEVE PHILLIPS
No, draft picks cannot be traded from one year from the date in which they signed their first pro contract. LaPorta cannot be used as a chip in the trade deadline by the Brewers.
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Homer Bailey was very impressive in his debut and showed that he can be very resilent. What can we expect from him for the remainder of the season and could he be enough for the Reds to make a push in the weak NL Central?

STEVE PHILLIPS
Homer Bailey is an interesting prospect with a good arm and a chance to be a good pitcher. You have to expect a certain level of crudeness to his game, as a young pitcher. Bailey has the potential to throw high-quality games, but he also has the potential to throw a clunker where he gets knocked out after three innings. Homer Bailey enough won't come close to being what the Reds need to win the division. If he gets hot, he could help, but it will take more pitching on more days than he himself alone can provide.
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How much longer can the Brewer's wait to bring up Gallardo? What do they do with their glut of starting pitchers? Where can they improve, besides consistency?

STEVE PHILLIPS
As much as they would like to bring him, up, they dont' have place to insert him. The right time will present itself, so everybody needs to be patient. The Brewers are learning on the job what it takes to be a playoff-caliber team. It will come with stumbles, but I believe they're made of the right stuff. They will continue to gain experience and figure it out. It won't be easy this year, but they can't win that division.
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[Leroy]

The Brewers are learning on the job what it takes to be a playoff-caliber team. It will come with stumbles, but I believe they're made of the right stuff. They will continue to gain experience and figure it out. It won't be easy this year, but they can't win that division.
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I'm confused.

[sighyoung]

The Brewers are learning on the job what it takes to be a playoff-caliber team. It will come with stumbles, but I believe they're made of the right stuff. They will continue to gain experience and figure it out. It won't be easy this year, but they can't win that division.
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I'm confused.

I think he meant "can win".

Put down typing as one more thing Steve Phillips can't do.

[skmsw]

Just out of curiosity, how do we know that the "mental blocks" that affected Ankiel's pitching won't affect his hitting?

[Jocephus]

Just out of curiosity, how do we know that the "mental blocks" that affected Ankiel's pitching won't affect his hitting?

we dont.

thats why you bring him up and see if he can play in the show. if he can't, then he can't.

[sighyoung]

Just out of curiosity, how do we know that the "mental blocks" that affected Ankiel's pitching won't affect his hitting?

We don't, although I think these "blocks" kept occurring while he pitched, but evidently haven't materialized at several minor-league levels while batting or fielding.

By the way, do you think he's the baseball equivalent of the Manchurian Candidate?

[haltz]

Just out of curiosity, how do we know that the "mental blocks" that affected Ankiel's pitching won't affect his hitting?

I don't think we do, but I'm not sure that's exactly what was going on with his pitching either. I do think that if he fails as a big league hitter that it will be blamed on that type of thing either way though.

I'm just excited to see him put on a St. Louis jersey again.

[Socnorb11]

Just out of curiosity, how do we know that the "mental blocks" that affected Ankiel's pitching won't affect his hitting?

Interesting question. I guess we don't know for sure, but you've GOT to give him a shot. He's earned it.

[TimeForGuinness]

Just out of curiosity, how do we know that the "mental blocks" that affected Ankiel's pitching won't affect his hitting?

...because he'd have to bat backwards to hit the backstop netting.

[Secret Weapon]

STEVE PHILLIPS
The St. Louis fans are among the best in the game, and I suspect when Ankiel comes up, they will let him know how much they appreciate his perseverance. It is a remarkable story, and he should be credited. I don't know what they're waiting for, because they need to generate offense any way they can. It would be even better if he could pitch and play the outfield, wouldn't it?

there are so many things wrong with this i dont know where to start