Author Archive
Why the Philadelphia Phillies Appear on the Verge of Three-Peating in the NL
Posted: 20th March 2010 by Cody Swartz in MLB
Every year as a Phillies fan, I’ve grown accustomed to saying “wait until next year.”
Next year we’ll pick up a big-name player in free agency. We’ll overtake the Braves or Mets in the division race. We’ll get a couple of good breaks, stay healthy all season, and win it all.
Guess what?
It happened.
2008 was a year to remember for Phillies fans. And I have a feeling that won’t be the last ...
Reviewing the Importance of Playoff Closers, Part Two
Posted: 13th October 2009 by Cody Swartz in MLB
A week ago, I wrote an article detailing the importance of an elite closer for a team looking to win the World Series.
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This article, ôDoes a Team Really Need a Dominant Closer to Win the World Series?ö reviewed the major league playoffs since the establishment of the wild-card format and compared the efficiency of the closer for the team that won the World Series to the team that lost the ...
Does a Team Really Need a Dominant Closer to Win the World Series?
Posted: 5th October 2009 by Cody Swartz in MLB
Baseball playoffs are starting next week, so I figured I would take a break from Brett Favre for a little to address a major concern for many Phillies fans like myself.
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The closer position.
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Last year we had the luxury of perfection.
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This year, we haven't been so fortunate. With Brad Lidge sporting a 7.21 ERA and 11 blown saves, the closer job is between Ryan Madson, J.A. Happ, Pedro Martinez, Brett Myers, ...
Phillies Near Playoffs: Who Will Close Games for the NL East Champs?
Posted: 3rd October 2009 by Cody Swartz in MLB
As the 2009 regular season comes to a close, the Phillies have secured their third consecutive NL East title. Coupled with a devastating lineup that features four 30-home run men and a pitching staff loaded with the game's top southpaws, the Phillies appear to be in prime position to contend for a second straight World Series Championship.
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Right?
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Possibly. It all depends on the closer.
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Last season, the Phillies were able to win ...
Football season is just a day away, and I can't put into words how excited I am.
I met with Robert Allred of the Cowboys, John Fennelly of the Giants, and Jack Anderson of the Redskins – three of my favorite writers on Bleacher Report – to put together an NFC East preview for this season.
Along with myself for the Eagles, we have all four teams represented to voice our opinions ...
A Fan’s Take on the Sporting News’ Top 100 Players
Posted: 10th September 2009 by Cody Swartz in NFL
I have subscribed to Sporting News and Sports Illustrated for as long as I remember, and I eagerly await the new issues of these magazines for me to read cover to cover and then pass to my friends.
The recent issue of Sporting News published a list of the top 100 players in the NFL—an annual list that makes me just more in the mood for football season.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2009-09-09/sporting-news-nfl-top-100-peyton-manning-no-1-on-our-experts-list
With this issue, came ...