All is forgiven.
Last Tuesday, I was lamenting the two-game postponement of Game 5 of the World Series, and I wasn't looking forward to going back for its resumption Wednesday night. There was little chance of rain that evening, but I was more apprehensive about the cold weather, for which I have a low tolerance.
Many fans imagine the glamour of covering a World Series, but few see the work that goes into it. Last year, we got a small taste of the overflow crowd in the press box during the two home playoff games with the Colorado Rockies. That same crowd returned this year for the National League Division Series with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the crowd increased in size for the National League Championship Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The whole world covers the World Series. Consequently, I was bumped to the auxiliary press area — the last three sections of the second level by the left-field foul pole. Most of us in the media had to deal with the same weather conditions as the fans. As much as I wasn't happy about sitting through the cold on Wednesday, I forgot all about it once the first pitch was thrown. When it was all over, the weather was the last thing on anybody's mind.
By now, just about everything has been written or spoken about the Phillies 2008 World Series championship. From my perspective a week later, a few things are worth passing along.
When a player joins a new team in the middle of a season, there are always apprehensions about how he will fit in. Pitcher Joe Blanton was unspectacular during his 13 starts since arriving in Philadelphia on July 17. However, he pitched very well in Games 4 of the NLDS and the World Series and well enough in Game 4 of the NLCS in Los Angeles to keep the Phillies in a game that they eventually won with game-tying and game-winning home runs in the eighth inning by Shane Victorino and Matt Stairs, respectively.
When the players were taking turns hoisting the World Series trophy on the field after clinching the title, one noticed Blanton standing back a few steps.
"Hold this up!" yelled Gregg Dobbs as he handed the hardware to Blanton. "You get a piece of this."
Just how much of a piece Blanton gets will be determined when the players vote on shares of the winning team's pool.
As the team members celebrated on the field and in the clubhouse, Milt Thompson wandered by, and I noted that he had gone to the World Series with the Phillies as a player and a coach.
"This one is the best by far because we came up a little short (in 1993)," Thompson said.
Those who wonder if there is justice in baseball might think about outfielder Geoff Jenkins, who led off the resumed Game 5 with a double into the right-center field gap— his only hit in the fall classic.
After playing in Milwaukee for 10 years, the veteran outfielder signed with Philadelphia because he wanted a chance to get into the playoffs. I asked him his thoughts about that decision now.
"Pretty good," he said exuberantly.
Then his facial expression changed as he seemed to be reflecting on his decision to sign here.
"You know, you try to put yourself in a situation where you can win, especially somebody in my position who has been around for a while," Jenkins continued.
"This is what it's all about. You think about what (a World Series championship) is going to be like, but you don't really know, and now that I've been through it, it's a moment that I'll never forget."
I wasn't surprised when Ruben Amaro Jr. was named the new general manager of the Phillies, but I was saddened to learn about Mike Arbuckle's resignation. He did a fine job as head of scouting and player development, and he is a genuine good guy who will be missed. It's understandable that he was upset about being passed over for the GM job three times since his arrival in 1992. It's only a matter of time before he turns up in another organization.
On a personal level, I had very cordial and professional working relationships with the two previous general managers (Ed Wade and Lee Thomas) and field managers (Larry Bowa and Terry Francona). Pat Gillick and Charlie Manuel were complete opposites in some ways, but both tended to meet with the press corps very sparingly and only on their terms. Maybe things will change in the front office now that Amaro is the GM.
During the 18 years that I've been covering the Phillies, I never had to interview Amaro for any story, but he always politely answered every question of mine whenever and wherever I bumped into him and asked him to clarify something. I'm guessing that this same working relationship will continue.
Although he didn't ask me for any advice, I can offer Ruben a suggestion. If Arbuckle becomes a general manager for another team, don't make any trades with the guy for at least three years.
Some of you know why I'm stating this. After running the farm system for many years, Dallas Green managed the Phillies to the 1980 World Series title and for one more year. After the 1981 season, the Chicago Cubs made him an offer that he didn't refuse.
Green became vice president and general manager in the Windy City and took some of his best people with him — most notably superscout Hugh Alexander. Dallas then stocked his club with former Phillies players and prospects, and the Cubs won the National League Eastern Division in 1984.
His most shrewd move came as another soap opera was developing in Philadelphia. Shortstop Larry Bowa was involved in a very public falling out with then-president Bill Giles after the 1981 season. I think it was over a contract renewal, but I'm not sure. Bowa publicly attacked Giles verbally about reneging on an agreement and pretty much forced his own trade.
Then-General Manager Paul Owens offered Bowa to Green even up for Cubs' shortstop Ivan DeJesus. Dallas held out for a prospect. Owens offered many, but Green insisted on Ryne Sandberg. It turned out to be one of the most lopsided trades in baseball.
Sandberg came up through the Phillies' farm system as a shortstop and appeared in 13 games as a September call-up in 1981. He spent the rest of his career (1982-97) in Chicago, was a 10-time all-star and was the 1984 National League MVP. His lifetime average of .285 with 282 home runs and 1,061 runs batted in were good enough to get him into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Although this column normally goes on hiatus when the Phillies' season ends, there will be a few issues worth discussing during the winter, such as MVP and Manager of the Year awards, for which Ryan Howard and Manuel are strong candidates. Also, there will be postings if major players are traded or signed.
I'm also in negotiations with another publication for this column to appear in 2009. Should things develop, I'll keep you posted. Until then, thanks for the calls and e-mails, and check back once in a while.
Next post: Stay tuned.
© 2008 www.Bill-McFarland.com
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