Monday, September 28, 2009

Major League IV: The Phillie Version


When thinking of the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies, the movie Major League comes to mind. If you haven't seen it, here is a short synopsis. A team that is somewhat aging thinks there time for a championship has come to an end. Thus the team flounders around until they put their minds to it an no one thinks they can do it.


Not that the previously mentioned description compares too much to the current Phillies, the persona of the players does to a degree. First of all, their manager is a washed up minor league coach, Lou Brown. This was kind of the image given to Charlie Manuel when he first took over as most of the public, including myself, screamed for Jim Leyland. Their leadoff hitter is the flashy Willie Mays Hayes, played by the ever so flashy Jimmy Rollins. Ever since Jimmy became the 2007 MVP, he has put a little more giddy into his giddy-up. Their catcher, Jake Taylor, reminded of the now Houston Astro Chris Coste. He was a fan favorite that kept everyone on the team a realist.


Then there is Pedro Cerrano. He is the middle relief pitcher that literally scares the crap out of opposing batters. This I would have to assign to JC Romero. Pedro usually performs voodoo rituals in the locker room and that is something I wouldn't put past JC. The aging fielder, Roger Dorm, reminds me of Raul Ibanez. Both were quiet guys nearing the end of their careers but were productive and gave 110% on the field. There is even a comparison in the press box. Crazy Bob Uecker reminds my of Phillies color commentator Chris Wheeler. They both are quircky and throw facts out there that make you think, "Where did he get that from?"


Finally, which makes the comparison true to form, is the closer . . . Ricky Vaughn, played by Charlie Sheen. He was nicknamed, "The Wild Thing." Do I have to give you the comparison - that's right, Brad Lidge. Both were closers that were known as the cream of the crop, had outstanding careers, and then the cover came off the ball. Balls were flying in the dirt, behind the hitters, and yes, even right down the pike for hitters to take out of the yard. "Wild Thing" Vaughn, just like his Phillies counterpart, blew many a games.


Hopefully, the Phillies can do just like the "Major League Indians" did in Major League III - Win it all (again)!

No comments:

Post a Comment