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Phillies Fan Makes a Jersey Out of 3,500 Drink Tabs. Why buy a jersey when you can just make your own? There are a lot of ways to show your love for the Phillies. But this is a new one. This fan (who remains unnamed but goes by the name “Armored Fan” on user-generated news site Reddit) created a medieval-style jersey made out of 3,500 drink tabs. More from BroBible:
“He was inspired by another guy who constructed something similar four years ago. He goes on to say that he made the remarkable jersey while he was on the job during the summer.”
What makes it better? He kept a compilation of photos detailing the entire process on imgur.
Weigh in: what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to show your love for a Philly sports team?
-LD
[Buzzfeed, BroBible, Reddit, imgur h/t The20’s @mikeyil]
Photos: Reddit
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![A Complete Breakdown of Phillies Walk-Up Music. We’ve talked about the Phillies and their walk-up music in the past (particularly when Hunter Pence was in need of a new tune for the 2012 season…it seems he went with Breakin’ a Sweat by Skrillex & The Doors).).
And today, The20’s Todd Zolecki obtained the latest list of the walk-up tunes (and warm-up jams for pitchers) from Phillies music director Mark Wyatt. Here’s the full list:
WALK-UP
Ryan Howard: I’m On One (DJ Khaled), Otis (Jay–Z & Kanye West) and She Will (Drake).
Laynce Nix: Levels (Avicii) and Paradise (Coldplay).
Hunter Pence: Breakin’ a Sweat (Skrillex & The Doors).
Juan Pierre: No Walls (Thi’sl).
Placido Polanco: I Know You Want Me (Pitbull).
Jimmy Rollins: The Motto (Drake) and Uptown Anthem (Naughty by Nature).
Carlos Ruiz: In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins).
Brian Schneider: In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins) and Use Somebody (Kings of Leon).
Chase Utley: Kashmir (Led Zeppelin).
Shane Victorino: Buffalo Soldier (Bob Marley) and Keep Ya Head Up (Andy Grammer).
Vance Worley: It’s Goin’ Down Tonight (Celly Cell).
WARM UPS
Joe Blanton: Hillbilly Deluxe (Brooks & Dunn).
Jose Contreras: Dirt Off Your Shoulder (Jay–Z).
Cole Hamels: Sail (Awolnation).
Roy Halladay: Moby Dick/Good Times Bad Times (Led Zeppelin).
Kyle Kendrick: Dragula (Rob Zombie).
Cliff Lee: Stranglehold (Ted Nugent).
Jonathan Papelbon: Man In The Box (Alice In Chains).
Vance Worley: I Wear My Stunna Glasses at Night (Federation).
What are your favorite and least favorite walk-up songs?
-LD
[Zo Zone, @ToddZolecki]
Photo: Getty Images](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2bnqkFaiQ1qfnxkko1_500.jpg)
A Complete Breakdown of Phillies Walk-Up Music. We’ve talked about the Phillies and their walk-up music in the past (particularly when Hunter Pence was in need of a new tune for the 2012 season…it seems he went with Breakin’ a Sweat by Skrillex & The Doors).).
And today, The20’s Todd Zolecki obtained the latest list of the walk-up tunes (and warm-up jams for pitchers) from Phillies music director Mark Wyatt. Here’s the full list:
WALK-UP
- Ryan Howard: I’m On One (DJ Khaled), Otis (Jay–Z & Kanye West) and She Will (Drake).
- Laynce Nix: Levels (Avicii) and Paradise (Coldplay).
- Hunter Pence: Breakin’ a Sweat (Skrillex & The Doors).
- Juan Pierre: No Walls (Thi’sl).
- Placido Polanco: I Know You Want Me (Pitbull).
- Jimmy Rollins: The Motto (Drake) and Uptown Anthem (Naughty by Nature).
- Carlos Ruiz: In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins).
- Brian Schneider: In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins) and Use Somebody (Kings of Leon).
- Chase Utley: Kashmir (Led Zeppelin).
- Shane Victorino: Buffalo Soldier (Bob Marley) and Keep Ya Head Up (Andy Grammer).
- Vance Worley: It’s Goin’ Down Tonight (Celly Cell).
WARM UPS
- Joe Blanton: Hillbilly Deluxe (Brooks & Dunn).
- Jose Contreras: Dirt Off Your Shoulder (Jay–Z).
- Cole Hamels: Sail (Awolnation).
- Roy Halladay: Moby Dick/Good Times Bad Times (Led Zeppelin).
- Kyle Kendrick: Dragula (Rob Zombie).
- Cliff Lee: Stranglehold (Ted Nugent).
- Jonathan Papelbon: Man In The Box (Alice In Chains).
- Vance Worley: I Wear My Stunna Glasses at Night (Federation).
What are your favorite and least favorite walk-up songs?
-LD
Photo: Getty Images
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DJ Jazzy Jeff Added to Phillies Already Jam-Packed Home Opener Schedule. As if the Phillies home opener wasn’t big enough already, the team announced on Friday that the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff would be joining the festivities as well (outdoors at the block party beginning at 10:30). It is just a part of the scheduled events, which the Phillies officially laid out today. So if you want a minute-by-minute detail of the events, they include:
- 8 a.m.: Majestic Clubhouse Store opens
- 10:35 a.m.: All Gates Open (all fans will receive a 2’x3’ replica of the 2011 NL East Champions Pennant
- 10:35 a.m.: Phillies batting practice
- 11:34 a.m.: Marlins batting practice
- 12:15 p.m.: Line up on 10th Street as the Phillies make their “Leadoff Walk” into the ballpark
- 12:26 p.m.: The Phillies make their grand entrance from a 10th Street Leadoff Walk
- 12:39 p.m.: “America the Beautiful” will be sung by the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Men’s Chorale
- 12:42 p.m.: Marlins introductions
- 12:46 p.m.: Phillies introductions
- 12:52 p.m.: Moment of silence in memory of Jerry Clotheir, Phillies Senior Vice President, Business and Finance, and Andy Musser, Phillies broadcast
- 12:53 p.m.: National anthem sung by the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Men’s Chorale
- Flyover
- 12:56 p.m.: The U.S. Navy Leap Frogs will parachute onto the field, bringing the first ball
- 1:03 p.m.: Ceremonial First Pitch: University of Delaware basketball star Elena Delle Donne
- 1:09 p.m.: Play Ball!
-LDPhillies.com, h/t @meechone -
![At 49, Jamie Moyer Ready to Make Baseball History. Former Phillies pitcher and Souderton, Pa. native Jamie Moyer appeared on the Today Show this morning to talk about his 2012 season with the Colorado Rockies, where he’ll be the starter in the team’s second game Saturday. Perhaps more impressively, a win Saturday would make Moyer the oldest pitcher to win an MLB game (passing former Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Jack Quinn).
“I’m feeling pretty good,’’ Moyer told TODAY on Tuesday. “It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication, but it takes opportunity, and the Rockies have been very gracious in allowing me to have the opportunity this season.’’
Moyer, who will be playing alongside teammates half his age and younger (along with players born after he first pitched in the majors), looks forward to his newest opportunity (Moyer missed all of the 2011 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery).
“I don’t want to say it’s difficult, but it’s different,’’ Moyer said. “I enjoy it though, because it allows me to feel a lot younger. This is what I’ve done my whole life and if I can share the experiences I’ve had in my life with some of these younger guys — it was given to me as a young player — and I think it’s important to give back to the game.’’
Moyer, who won his only World Series ring with the Phillies in 2008, is entering his 25th MLB season.
-LD
[TODAY]
Photo: Getty Images](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1wubui7OB1qfnxkko1_500.jpg)
At 49, Jamie Moyer Ready to Make Baseball History. Former Phillies pitcher and Souderton, Pa. native Jamie Moyer appeared on the Today Show this morning to talk about his 2012 season with the Colorado Rockies, where he’ll be the starter in the team’s second game Saturday. Perhaps more impressively, a win Saturday would make Moyer the oldest pitcher to win an MLB game (passing former Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Jack Quinn).
“I’m feeling pretty good,’’ Moyer told TODAY on Tuesday. “It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication, but it takes opportunity, and the Rockies have been very gracious in allowing me to have the opportunity this season.’’
Moyer, who will be playing alongside teammates half his age and younger (along with players born after he first pitched in the majors), looks forward to his newest opportunity (Moyer missed all of the 2011 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery).
“I don’t want to say it’s difficult, but it’s different,’’ Moyer said. “I enjoy it though, because it allows me to feel a lot younger. This is what I’ve done my whole life and if I can share the experiences I’ve had in my life with some of these younger guys — it was given to me as a young player — and I think it’s important to give back to the game.’’
Moyer, who won his only World Series ring with the Phillies in 2008, is entering his 25th MLB season.
-LD
[TODAY]
Photo: Getty Images
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![Vegas: Phillies Favorites to Win NL and World Series. The season hasn’t officially started, but Vegas sportsbooks are already predicting the Philadelphia Phillies to win it all in 2012. In odds published at VegasInsider.com (and tipped off to us by The20’s @meechone), the Phillies are:
9/2 favorites to win the World Series (the Yankees are second at 6/1)
17/10 favorites to win the National League (Braves and Giants both second at 7/1)
-LD
[VegasInsider.com, @meechone]
Photo: Getty Images](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0w5p2ZV4i1qfnxkko1_500.jpg)
Vegas: Phillies Favorites to Win NL and World Series. The season hasn’t officially started, but Vegas sportsbooks are already predicting the Philadelphia Phillies to win it all in 2012. In odds published at VegasInsider.com (and tipped off to us by The20’s @meechone), the Phillies are:
- 9/2 favorites to win the World Series (the Yankees are second at 6/1)
- 17/10 favorites to win the National League (Braves and Giants both second at 7/1)
-LD
Photo: Getty Images
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![Papelbon: Phillies Fans ‘Know More’ than Red Sox Nation. We have a feeling that Phillies fans are going to like their new closer if he keeps this up. Jonathan Papelbon, the former Red Sox finisher who signed a healthy four-year, $50-million deal with the Phils in the offseason, has already found the way to our hearts: by dissing other cities. And we’re still only in Spring Training.
In an interview with SportsRadio 94WIP this morning, Papelbon compared his old home to his new one:
“The difference between Boston and Philadelphia, the Boston fans are a little bit more hysterical when it comes to the game of baseball. The Philly fans tend to know the game a little better, being in the National League, you know, the way the game is played.”
Maybe a bit indirect, but we get your point Paps and we love it. Why the bad blood? Perhaps it started earlier this week when he was informed by the Dropkick Murphys that his entrance song, “Shipping Up to Boston,” was not to follow him to Philly. Lead singer and bassist Ken Casey told ESPN Music this week that Papelbon cannot use the song now that he pitches for the Phillies.
“That’s not Pap’s song,” Casey said. “That’s the [Red Sox] closer’s song.”
So first, we applaud Papelbon for speaking the truth about Red Sox and Phillies fans. And two, we need a new entrance song for our closer. Any suggestions? Oh, and while you’re at it Jonathan, perhaps you could say a word or two about Washington Nationals fans.
-LD
(Sportsradio 94 WIP, USA Today, MLB.com, h/t The20’s @dhm)
Photo: Getty Images](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0l3qygEFq1qfnxkko1_500.jpg)
Papelbon: Phillies Fans ‘Know More’ than Red Sox Nation. We have a feeling that Phillies fans are going to like their new closer if he keeps this up. Jonathan Papelbon, the former Red Sox finisher who signed a healthy four-year, $50-million deal with the Phils in the offseason, has already found the way to our hearts: by dissing other cities. And we’re still only in Spring Training.
In an interview with SportsRadio 94WIP this morning, Papelbon compared his old home to his new one:
“The difference between Boston and Philadelphia, the Boston fans are a little bit more hysterical when it comes to the game of baseball. The Philly fans tend to know the game a little better, being in the National League, you know, the way the game is played.”
Maybe a bit indirect, but we get your point Paps and we love it. Why the bad blood? Perhaps it started earlier this week when he was informed by the Dropkick Murphys that his entrance song, “Shipping Up to Boston,” was not to follow him to Philly. Lead singer and bassist Ken Casey told ESPN Music this week that Papelbon cannot use the song now that he pitches for the Phillies.
“That’s not Pap’s song,” Casey said. “That’s the [Red Sox] closer’s song.”
So first, we applaud Papelbon for speaking the truth about Red Sox and Phillies fans. And two, we need a new entrance song for our closer. Any suggestions? Oh, and while you’re at it Jonathan, perhaps you could say a word or two about Washington Nationals fans.
-LD
(Sportsradio 94 WIP, USA Today, MLB.com, h/t The20’s @dhm)
Photo: Getty Images
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![Rejoice, Twitterville: Ryan Howard Officially A Member. This tweet from @RyanHoward6 at 2:48pm on Tuesday will go down in history as the first in history for Phillies slugger Ryan Howard. He followed that up 23 minutes later with another tweet, saying:
“Just want to thank all my fans for the well wishes and prayers. Much love much appreciated.”
With only two tweets and following only 21 other people (including Doug Glanville, Chad Ochocinco, Bernard Hopkins, Kim Kardashian, Barack Obama and more), Howard has already accumulated 10,114 followers (as of 4:24 p.m.) and counting.
Members of The20 weighed in:
@meechone: Hi @RyanHoward6 big fan I like the Phillies can I get a RT?
@toddzolecki: Got confirmation from Clearwater: @RyanHoward6 is on Twitter.
Give him a follow, Phillies fans.
-LD
[@ryanhoward6, @meechone, @toddzolecki]
Photo: Twitter.com](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m04gp1n3V11qfnxkko1_500.gif)
Rejoice, Twitterville: Ryan Howard Officially A Member. This tweet from @RyanHoward6 at 2:48pm on Tuesday will go down in history as the first in history for Phillies slugger Ryan Howard. He followed that up 23 minutes later with another tweet, saying:
“Just want to thank all my fans for the well wishes and prayers. Much love much appreciated.”
With only two tweets and following only 21 other people (including Doug Glanville, Chad Ochocinco, Bernard Hopkins, Kim Kardashian, Barack Obama and more), Howard has already accumulated 10,114 followers (as of 4:24 p.m.) and counting.
Members of The20 weighed in:
@meechone: Hi @RyanHoward6 big fan I like the Phillies can I get a RT?
@toddzolecki: Got confirmation from Clearwater: @RyanHoward6 is on Twitter.
Give him a follow, Phillies fans.
-LD
[@ryanhoward6, @meechone, @toddzolecki]
Photo: Twitter.com
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![Are the Phillies Too Old? Chase Utley sat down with the media on Thursday to talk about his health, less than 24 hours after Ryan Howard did the same thing. Injuries are nothing new to the team. As this team gets older, it will happen. Virtually every starting position player spent time on the disabled list in 2011. But are they too old?
Let’s look at the 10 (arguably) core players on the team and their age:
Ryan Howard: 32
Chase Utley: 33
Jimmy Rollins: 33
Placido Polanco: 36
Shane Victorino: 31
Hunter Pence: 28
Carlos Ruiz: 33
Cole Hamels: 28
Roy Halladay: 34
Cliff Lee: 33
That’s a combined 321 years old, or an average of 32.1. It’s important to remember that this is essentially the same team that was old in 2011 and won 102 games (despite an early exit in the playoffs). So maybe it’s not really an issue. Or is it? What is more important - age or experience level?
A 2010 study from Springer Science+Business Media that examined the performances of 39,698 Major League baseball players in the 20th century found that hitting performance peaks at age 30, base stealing at 27, and pitching at 34.
From The20’s @GonzoCSN:
“Not long ago, Ruben Amaro said pretty much that same thing — that the Phils are an experienced group and maybe the birth dates on their drivers’ licenses aren’t such a big deal. Except, well, you see their ages and you see their injuries, and you do wonder if one isn’t directly tethered to the other.”
Weigh in: are the Phillies too old to win? Or are they just fine?
-LD
[Springer Science+Business Media, @GonzoCSN]
Photo: Getty Images](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzwmn9vxkS1qfnxkko1_500.jpg)
Are the Phillies Too Old? Chase Utley sat down with the media on Thursday to talk about his health, less than 24 hours after Ryan Howard did the same thing. Injuries are nothing new to the team. As this team gets older, it will happen. Virtually every starting position player spent time on the disabled list in 2011. But are they too old?
Let’s look at the 10 (arguably) core players on the team and their age:
- Ryan Howard: 32
- Chase Utley: 33
- Jimmy Rollins: 33
- Placido Polanco: 36
- Shane Victorino: 31
- Hunter Pence: 28
- Carlos Ruiz: 33
- Cole Hamels: 28
- Roy Halladay: 34
- Cliff Lee: 33
That’s a combined 321 years old, or an average of 32.1. It’s important to remember that this is essentially the same team that was old in 2011 and won 102 games (despite an early exit in the playoffs). So maybe it’s not really an issue. Or is it? What is more important - age or experience level?
A 2010 study from Springer Science+Business Media that examined the performances of 39,698 Major League baseball players in the 20th century found that hitting performance peaks at age 30, base stealing at 27, and pitching at 34.
“Not long ago, Ruben Amaro said pretty much that same thing — that the Phils are an experienced group and maybe the birth dates on their drivers’ licenses aren’t such a big deal. Except, well, you see their ages and you see their injuries, and you do wonder if one isn’t directly tethered to the other.”
Weigh in: are the Phillies too old to win? Or are they just fine?
-LD
[Springer Science+Business Media, @GonzoCSN]
Photo: Getty Images
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![Ryan Howard Spent His Winter Watching The Real Housewives. Phillies slugger Ryan Howard spoke to the media for the first time Wednesday since tearing his Achilles’ in the final game of the 2011 season, a 1-0 loss to St. Louis. He addressed his recovery from the injury, when he expects to be back on the field and more. He also spent a considerable amount of time talking about housewives.
A recap from The20’s @toddzolecki:
“Q: What did you do for those two months you were immobile?
A: Watch a lot of TV. A lot of TV. Lots of (Real) Housewives shows and sporting events.
Q: Who’s your favorite housewife?
A: It depends on which show you’re talking about. There are so many housewives it’s ridiculous.
Q: Are you hooked on the shows?
A: I’m into it a little bit. I’m not going to lie. It’s a little intriguing. There is a little judgment in this room, I can feel it, but that’s all right.
-LD
[NBC Philadelphia, @ToddZolecki]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lztez6JqBI1qfnxkko1_500.jpg)
Ryan Howard Spent His Winter Watching The Real Housewives. Phillies slugger Ryan Howard spoke to the media for the first time Wednesday since tearing his Achilles’ in the final game of the 2011 season, a 1-0 loss to St. Louis. He addressed his recovery from the injury, when he expects to be back on the field and more. He also spent a considerable amount of time talking about housewives.
A recap from The20’s @toddzolecki:
“Q: What did you do for those two months you were immobile?
A: Watch a lot of TV. A lot of TV. Lots of (Real) Housewives shows and sporting events.
Q: Who’s your favorite housewife?
A: It depends on which show you’re talking about. There are so many housewives it’s ridiculous.
Q: Are you hooked on the shows?
A: I’m into it a little bit. I’m not going to lie. It’s a little intriguing. There is a little judgment in this room, I can feel it, but that’s all right.
-LD
-
The Phillie Phanatic Is Now a Regular on 30 Rock. For the second time in two weeks, the lovable Phillies mascot from the Galapagos Island appeared on 30 Rock Thursday. In the episode (video here), instead of celebrating Jack Donaghy and Kablevision CEO Hank Hooper’s one-year “business-versary,” the Phanatic is forced to play masseuse for TGS’ team of writers.
The Phanatic doesn’t usually speak, but he does squeak (with captions included). His second straight Thursday night appearance in prime time also gave us a chance to dig up some of our favorite biographical information on the Phanatic, including (as his official Phillies page says):
- Physical Attributes: Overweight, clumsy feet, extra long beak, extra-long curled up tongue, gawking neck and “slight” case of body odor
- Favorite Song: “Motown Philly” (and “Take Me Out To The Ballgame)
- Hobbies: Eating, reading, sleeping, and cheering on the Phillies
Speaking of the Phillies, pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater in 17 days, and the Phillies released what their opening night t-shirt giveaway will look like today (via @meechone): http://twitpic.com/8cd50b.
-LD
![A Complete Breakdown of Phillies Walk-Up Music. We’ve talked about the Phillies and their walk-up music in the past (particularly when Hunter Pence was in need of a new tune for the 2012 season…it seems he went with Breakin’ a Sweat by Skrillex & The Doors).).
And today, The20’s Todd Zolecki obtained the latest list of the walk-up tunes (and warm-up jams for pitchers) from Phillies music director Mark Wyatt. Here’s the full list:
WALK-UP
Ryan Howard: I’m On One (DJ Khaled), Otis (Jay–Z & Kanye West) and She Will (Drake).
Laynce Nix: Levels (Avicii) and Paradise (Coldplay).
Hunter Pence: Breakin’ a Sweat (Skrillex & The Doors).
Juan Pierre: No Walls (Thi’sl).
Placido Polanco: I Know You Want Me (Pitbull).
Jimmy Rollins: The Motto (Drake) and Uptown Anthem (Naughty by Nature).
Carlos Ruiz: In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins).
Brian Schneider: In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins) and Use Somebody (Kings of Leon).
Chase Utley: Kashmir (Led Zeppelin).
Shane Victorino: Buffalo Soldier (Bob Marley) and Keep Ya Head Up (Andy Grammer).
Vance Worley: It’s Goin’ Down Tonight (Celly Cell).
WARM UPS
Joe Blanton: Hillbilly Deluxe (Brooks & Dunn).
Jose Contreras: Dirt Off Your Shoulder (Jay–Z).
Cole Hamels: Sail (Awolnation).
Roy Halladay: Moby Dick/Good Times Bad Times (Led Zeppelin).
Kyle Kendrick: Dragula (Rob Zombie).
Cliff Lee: Stranglehold (Ted Nugent).
Jonathan Papelbon: Man In The Box (Alice In Chains).
Vance Worley: I Wear My Stunna Glasses at Night (Federation).
What are your favorite and least favorite walk-up songs?
-LD
[Zo Zone, @ToddZolecki]
Photo: Getty Images](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2bnqkFaiQ1qfnxkko1_1280.jpg)
![At 49, Jamie Moyer Ready to Make Baseball History. Former Phillies pitcher and Souderton, Pa. native Jamie Moyer appeared on the Today Show this morning to talk about his 2012 season with the Colorado Rockies, where he’ll be the starter in the team’s second game Saturday. Perhaps more impressively, a win Saturday would make Moyer the oldest pitcher to win an MLB game (passing former Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Jack Quinn).
“I’m feeling pretty good,’’ Moyer told TODAY on Tuesday. “It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication, but it takes opportunity, and the Rockies have been very gracious in allowing me to have the opportunity this season.’’
Moyer, who will be playing alongside teammates half his age and younger (along with players born after he first pitched in the majors), looks forward to his newest opportunity (Moyer missed all of the 2011 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery).
“I don’t want to say it’s difficult, but it’s different,’’ Moyer said. “I enjoy it though, because it allows me to feel a lot younger. This is what I’ve done my whole life and if I can share the experiences I’ve had in my life with some of these younger guys — it was given to me as a young player — and I think it’s important to give back to the game.’’
Moyer, who won his only World Series ring with the Phillies in 2008, is entering his 25th MLB season.
-LD
[TODAY]
Photo: Getty Images](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1wubui7OB1qfnxkko1_1280.jpg)
![Vegas: Phillies Favorites to Win NL and World Series. The season hasn’t officially started, but Vegas sportsbooks are already predicting the Philadelphia Phillies to win it all in 2012. In odds published at VegasInsider.com (and tipped off to us by The20’s @meechone), the Phillies are:
9/2 favorites to win the World Series (the Yankees are second at 6/1)
17/10 favorites to win the National League (Braves and Giants both second at 7/1)
-LD
[VegasInsider.com, @meechone]
Photo: Getty Images](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0w5p2ZV4i1qfnxkko1_1280.jpg)
![Papelbon: Phillies Fans ‘Know More’ than Red Sox Nation. We have a feeling that Phillies fans are going to like their new closer if he keeps this up. Jonathan Papelbon, the former Red Sox finisher who signed a healthy four-year, $50-million deal with the Phils in the offseason, has already found the way to our hearts: by dissing other cities. And we’re still only in Spring Training.
In an interview with SportsRadio 94WIP this morning, Papelbon compared his old home to his new one:
“The difference between Boston and Philadelphia, the Boston fans are a little bit more hysterical when it comes to the game of baseball. The Philly fans tend to know the game a little better, being in the National League, you know, the way the game is played.”
Maybe a bit indirect, but we get your point Paps and we love it. Why the bad blood? Perhaps it started earlier this week when he was informed by the Dropkick Murphys that his entrance song, “Shipping Up to Boston,” was not to follow him to Philly. Lead singer and bassist Ken Casey told ESPN Music this week that Papelbon cannot use the song now that he pitches for the Phillies.
“That’s not Pap’s song,” Casey said. “That’s the [Red Sox] closer’s song.”
So first, we applaud Papelbon for speaking the truth about Red Sox and Phillies fans. And two, we need a new entrance song for our closer. Any suggestions? Oh, and while you’re at it Jonathan, perhaps you could say a word or two about Washington Nationals fans.
-LD
(Sportsradio 94 WIP, USA Today, MLB.com, h/t The20’s @dhm)
Photo: Getty Images](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0l3qygEFq1qfnxkko1_1280.jpg)
![Rejoice, Twitterville: Ryan Howard Officially A Member. This tweet from @RyanHoward6 at 2:48pm on Tuesday will go down in history as the first in history for Phillies slugger Ryan Howard. He followed that up 23 minutes later with another tweet, saying:
“Just want to thank all my fans for the well wishes and prayers. Much love much appreciated.”
With only two tweets and following only 21 other people (including Doug Glanville, Chad Ochocinco, Bernard Hopkins, Kim Kardashian, Barack Obama and more), Howard has already accumulated 10,114 followers (as of 4:24 p.m.) and counting.
Members of The20 weighed in:
@meechone: Hi @RyanHoward6 big fan I like the Phillies can I get a RT?
@toddzolecki: Got confirmation from Clearwater: @RyanHoward6 is on Twitter.
Give him a follow, Phillies fans.
-LD
[@ryanhoward6, @meechone, @toddzolecki]
Photo: Twitter.com](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m04gp1n3V11qfnxkko1_1280.gif)
![Are the Phillies Too Old? Chase Utley sat down with the media on Thursday to talk about his health, less than 24 hours after Ryan Howard did the same thing. Injuries are nothing new to the team. As this team gets older, it will happen. Virtually every starting position player spent time on the disabled list in 2011. But are they too old?
Let’s look at the 10 (arguably) core players on the team and their age:
Ryan Howard: 32
Chase Utley: 33
Jimmy Rollins: 33
Placido Polanco: 36
Shane Victorino: 31
Hunter Pence: 28
Carlos Ruiz: 33
Cole Hamels: 28
Roy Halladay: 34
Cliff Lee: 33
That’s a combined 321 years old, or an average of 32.1. It’s important to remember that this is essentially the same team that was old in 2011 and won 102 games (despite an early exit in the playoffs). So maybe it’s not really an issue. Or is it? What is more important - age or experience level?
A 2010 study from Springer Science+Business Media that examined the performances of 39,698 Major League baseball players in the 20th century found that hitting performance peaks at age 30, base stealing at 27, and pitching at 34.
From The20’s @GonzoCSN:
“Not long ago, Ruben Amaro said pretty much that same thing — that the Phils are an experienced group and maybe the birth dates on their drivers’ licenses aren’t such a big deal. Except, well, you see their ages and you see their injuries, and you do wonder if one isn’t directly tethered to the other.”
Weigh in: are the Phillies too old to win? Or are they just fine?
-LD
[Springer Science+Business Media, @GonzoCSN]
Photo: Getty Images](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzwmn9vxkS1qfnxkko1_1280.jpg)
![Ryan Howard Spent His Winter Watching The Real Housewives. Phillies slugger Ryan Howard spoke to the media for the first time Wednesday since tearing his Achilles’ in the final game of the 2011 season, a 1-0 loss to St. Louis. He addressed his recovery from the injury, when he expects to be back on the field and more. He also spent a considerable amount of time talking about housewives.
A recap from The20’s @toddzolecki:
“Q: What did you do for those two months you were immobile?
A: Watch a lot of TV. A lot of TV. Lots of (Real) Housewives shows and sporting events.
Q: Who’s your favorite housewife?
A: It depends on which show you’re talking about. There are so many housewives it’s ridiculous.
Q: Are you hooked on the shows?
A: I’m into it a little bit. I’m not going to lie. It’s a little intriguing. There is a little judgment in this room, I can feel it, but that’s all right.
-LD
[NBC Philadelphia, @ToddZolecki]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lztez6JqBI1qfnxkko1_1280.jpg)
