www.CostaRicaTicas.com

from the Onion Sports Desk



PHILADELPHIA—The last time the Philadelphia Phillies brought a World Series title back to the City of Brotherly Love, the nation's financial sector was in complete ruin, the cost of a gallon of milk was only $2.74, fans watched the Fall Classic while huddled around their slightly-less-streamlined high-definition television sets, and Philadelphia slugger Ryan Howard was just 28 years old.

This week Howard, 29, hopes to lead the Phillies to their first World Series championship in more than 360 long days and end a title drought that has been punctuated by several embarrassing losses, including a 2009 opening-day defeat by the Atlanta Braves and a June loss to the Atlanta Braves. During its infamous dry spell, the team has also come up short twice, winning both an NLDS and an NLCS title but having absolutely no World Series ring to show for it.

To put into perspective just how long the Phillies have gone without a championship, the earth has almost made one full orbit of the sun since the franchise last paraded through downtown Philadelphia holding the famed Commissioner's Trophy.

"We have a good group of guys this year, and if we block out all the stuff about how we haven't won a World Series in more than 5,000 waking hours, we'll be fine." Howard said. "Frankly, I'm tired of all that talk. Yes, I know Michael Jackson was still alive the last time we won, and I know Boston Legal was gearing up for its final episode. But look, when the umpire says 'Play ball,' none of that matters."

"After 364 days of constantly coming up short, I think this is finally our year," Howard added.

According to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, if his players get wrapped up in the fact that they haven't raised a World Series banner since April 5, 2009, they'll never be able to play to the maximum of their ability against the New York Yankees. The veteran manager admitted, however, that going nearly 52 straight weeks without a championship is bound to shake any team's confidence.

_________________
The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

hamels will get rocked tonight. book it.

Yes, he faltered. Tonight Big Joe Blanton (my idea of a quality pitcher) starts for us against what's-his-CubicCentimeter--you know the guy who lost Game 1.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

The phillies have to win tonight or its over.

_________________
I believe in moderation in everything except excess.
I phuck 'em just to see the look on their face.
Klatu, berata, nicto.

and its over. terrible way to lose too. i was actually hoping the phils would hold come back and make it a series.
but a flare by damon and the wheels come off for lidge. nice to know the dodgers aren't the only ones with a gascan closer. brutal loss.

philly looks good tonight!

so far, 7 - 2 after 7.

_________________
The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

Thank goodness they did not let it slip away. I would have prefered the Angels or Dodgers to be playing but for me anyone but the Yankees.

Let me just say this--My boys are looking to caramelize the the Big Apple starting Weds. night. 2-peat or not 2-peat--that is the question.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

still yanks in six but great rebound effort and avoiding a belly up scenario

Yanks really threw that game away last night!

Definitely should have saved Burnett for G6 on 4 days rest AND at home. He is a dumpster fire on the road!

Then they still would have had Pettite AND Sabathia for G7....

Even still, I'll take Pettite over Ramirez in Yankee Stadium....

_________________
In honor of Jimmy V week, "Don't give up, don't ever give up!"

Ramirez Who be he

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

my money is on the Nationals in 8. (eight thousand years that is!)

_________________
The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

I believe Brother Tstef527 meant to say Pedro Martinez, and he could hardly be more mistaken. Think Sr. Martinez isn't hungry (I'm talkin' VORACIOUS) for another bite out of the Big Apple?? Especially as it may be his last shot at them? OTOH, all his savvy to the contrary, the Yankers do have the book on him. Should be ve-e-e-ry interesting--especially if the Philly bats show up (Inconsistency R Us). Is Mr. Utley the consensus choice right now for Series MVP? Breaking/ tying hitting records should mean something...and he's done that.
Woulda/ coulda/ shoulda on games already done is bushwa. Speculation about the future equally so. We've got all winter to rehash. The reality: The Phillies have to sweep to win.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Petite is a rock but he is 38 and on only three days rest for tomorrow nights game. I would not count out a game seven at this point.
The big reason I love baseball over all other sports is that anything can happen and its truly not over until the game ends.

_________________
I believe in moderation in everything except excess.
I phuck 'em just to see the look on their face.
Klatu, berata, nicto.

there will and should be a game 7

_________________
The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)