Connie Mack knew how to build a ballclub.

Frank Fitzpatrick at the Philadelphia Inquirer put together a pretty compelling article comparing the great Athletics team of the early ’30s to the ‘08-and-on Phillies. The 1930s A’s were outshadowed by the Yankees of a similar time, even though they beat them for the pennant three years in a row. If it wasn’t for the Great Depression hitting, Fitzpatrick and others believe that the A’s could’ve been a force to be reckoned with for even longer than the three-year span in which they were dominant, but budgetary constraints caused Connie Mack to cut back on the team.

Fitzpatrick sees parallels to the ‘08 Phillies in the early-’30s A’s. He says:

“If the 2009 Phillies are to emulate the 1930 Athletics and repeat, they will do so in a far-different era but with a very similar formula.

“Like those A’s, these Phillies remain virtually unaltered from the previous October. They too will rely on a potent lineup that mixes speed and strength, will be powered by a monstrously strong first baseman, will have a dominant lefthander at the head of their rotation, will have a 46-year-old veteran on their staff, and will play solid defense.”

That, and Great Depression II: Electric Boogaloo is extremely nigh.

Source.

Joe Blancato athletics, connie mack, frank fitzpatrick, philadelphia inquirer, phillies

McCutchen was also a final candidate for the lead in The Terminator.

John Perrotto at PiratesReport.com posted a game recap of the Pirates’ exhibition match against the Phillies today. The star of the game, and soon to be star of a few NL-only fantasy leagues, was Pirates prospected Andrew McCutchen, who went 5-for-5 with three doubles and a home run. Damn, son.

McCutchen’s performance capped off a good day for the Bucs, who beat the Phillies 10-4.

And just in case it hasn’t already been coined, McCutchen’s new nickname around these here parts is McClutchen. Feeder League has spoken.

Source.

Joe Blancato andrew mccutchen, john perrotto, phillies, pirates, piratesreport

Jack Taschner: The newest Phillie

WholeCamels over at The Good Phight has analyzed the Phillies-Giants trade that sent Ronny Paulino briefly to the Giants (he’s now with the Marlins) and brought Jack Taschner to the Phils. While the trade itself isn’t groundbreaking - Paulino is a backup catcher having a horrible spring, and Taschner is a lefty specialist - the analysis itself is interesting from an armchair GM standpoint.

He had this to say about the trade:

1. Chris Coste will definitely be the backup catcher, at least at the start of the season.  The Phillies also probably see him as a valuable right-handed bench bat, even if that bat is overrated.

2.  The path is clear for Lou Marson.  If there’s one place the Phillies have depth in the minor leagues, it’s the catching position.  Paulino was only going to be a barrier to Marson’s development.  If either Ruiz or Coste succumb to injury, it’s Marson’s time.

Source.

Joe Blancato giants, jack taschner, marlins, phillies, ronny paulino, the good phight, trade