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Oct

2009

The Dash Board: Baseball for Breakfast

Posted by Dash Treyhorn at 10:38 pm ET 63 Comments

It’s 2:37 on Wednesday, do you know where your Phillies fans are?

If you’re anything like me, then you’ll be at work, hoping against hope that the phone will stop ringing long enough to let you catch the first few innings of game one of the National League Division Series. And with any luck, you’ll be out of the office at 5PM, with maybe just enough time to get to a local speakeasy for one round before the 27th out.

And if you’re one of the fortunate 40,000 or so that will be in attendance at 1 Citizen’s Bank Way, you’ll likely be in the vast minority of Phillies faithful who can actually enjoy the first round of October baseball.

But it’s no big deal, I suppose. After all, there are three games scheduled to be played on Wednesday, and the Phillies and their east-coasty-ness just happened to draw the short straw to be the first in line on Tuesday. No harm, no foul.

That is, until you take a look at Thursday’s schedule and find that the Phillies are once again having baseball for breakfast.

That’s right, the defending World Series Champions and owners of a third straight division title, are relegated to competing against The Price is Right and a solid two hour block of The Golden Girls.

And why? Because of money.

With Los Angeles, New York, and Boston all in the mix, the Phillies really never had a chance to reap some sweet, sweet ad revenue over the larger markets. Despite the fact that Philadelphia IS the fourth largest television market in the country, it makes little difference as the other three playoff series (LAA vs BOS, NYY vs MIN/DET, LAD vs STL) rely on markets that trump the Delaware Valley.

But then again, Major League Baseball has never been known for doing the right thing, especially when the playoffs are concerned. With millions of dollars on the line, Bud Selig and his cronies would much rather earn a few extra coins to line their silk pockets even if it means they are ostracizing their fan base. The 8:30 PM start times are a perfect example of this. I love baseball as much as anyone, but a Yankees/Red Sox game becomes tedious when four hours have passed and the nine hole hitter is stepping into the box for his first at-bat.

It’s to be expected, I suppose. Unless you reside in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, or Chicago, then it’s a safe bet that you’re going to get the short end of the playoff schedule stick.

And yes, I’m complaining.

Not only is it unfair to the fans (Hi! Remember us? We buy stuff so you can make money and pay salaries and play games. Just a reminder.), but it isn’t particularly swell for the players, either. The early afternoon games, especially on the east coast, tend to have a nasty case of “The Devil’s Shadow”. For you lay people, that is when the sun is cutting across the sky at such an angle that the pitcher’s mound and batter’s box are not lit similarly. As such, the pitcher is usually basked in shadows while the hitter is not. It makes for an unpleasant hitting situation, as they have to pick up a ball moving from the shadows into the light, adding to the already arduous task of hitting a 92 MPH piece of rawhide. Having to play one mid-afternoon game is understandable, but twice? That’s unacceptable. But Selig can’t piss of the coveted New York market, can he?

But that’s life as a Phillies fan, I suppose. We weren’t given our due before Brad Lidge threw The Unhittable Slider, so it only makes sense that we don’t get it now.

What do I know, though? I’m just a fan.

63 Comments on “The Dash Board: Baseball for Breakfast”

b-burg Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
fuck em dash, for me it’s a reason for me not to work. Fortunately, I’ll be there on Thursday. But as you said, life as a phillies fan…
maria Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
We’d have to play the Dodgers to get primetime. I’m excited though because I’ll be able to see all the games.

P.S. I freakin’ love the Golden Girls.
Fink Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Just another old fashioned fuck job by Uncle Bud. At least last year we got one 6 PM game, but that was probably only because we were playing Bud’s beloved Brewers. TBS sucks ass. They should play all the games after 6 PM and show different games in different regions. Put the other games on pay-per-view if the out of market people really want to see it that badly.
maria Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Also, if they didn’t care so much about money, all the games could be played around 7 or 8.
will.H Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
afternoon starts are ok, but 230 is terrible and it doesnt help ANY market.

I’d be a fan of a 4pm game with overlapping games at 615pm and 930pm for the westcoast game. there should be two networks.. not just one. Games that overlap might get people more interested and stuck to the tube rather than a 1+ hour break between games.

all the homemarkets would naturally stay tunned into their game while all away markets would have a choice to watch the 9th inning of one game or the 1st or 2nd of the other. Baseball fans get basebal while home markets get reasonable times.
fuck the mets Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Bud Selig- Golddigger. http://bigheaddc.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/bud-selig.jpg
Gabrielle Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
A-FUCKING-men.

(blasphemy much?)
lebowski Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
too bad balco couldn’t make some performance enhancing drug for bud to help douchebags.
Lynniemac Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Funny how there were only nine MLB teams whose attendance actually went UP in 2009, and only two are facing each other in the first round of the playoffs. But hey, why should supportive fanbases actually be able to SEE their teams play in primetime?
mike Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 12:18 am
if the Red Sox or Yankees were defending champs..
they’d have their games prime time and be the only game that night

it’s bullshit
MikeG Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Please excuse me if I get a bit colorful but…
Fuck these sackless ass-clowns. Fuck them in their big goofy dumb floppy vagina ears and spit down there cock slobbering throats.
I’m a Philly guy who has to live in NY for work and rarely get to see the Phils much to begin with. I decided to split a Sunday season ticket package with my buddy and was unbelievably excited to get to go to my FIRST playoff game…at 30. Unfortunately, I have NO way to get out of work on Wed, because I would need to take a whole fucking day off to see the game, so now, thanks to that shriveled, useless, cock mongering bud selig feeling the need to fellate the NY/Bos/LA shitwound market, I have to give up my one ticket to the playoffs.
Maybe if they make it to the next round, but there is never a guarantee. Fuck that asshat, fuckhim with a broken bottle in that big gaping wound of an ass.
Phew. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
Gonzo Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 12:33 am
All of that was on your chest? I’d hate to see what comes out your ass.

/zinger’d
al Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:03 am
So my excuse for getting out of work early on Wednesday is that I have playoff tickets to see the WFC defend their title. My boss shall agree that I be at CBP to witness history, otherwise, he will not see me in the office past noon. See you all on Broad Street!!!!
Eric Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:12 am
One early game was expected, but two is obnoxious. Though, it was clearly the natural move. There is nothing sexy about a Phillies/Rockies post-season game. My real issue is.. 2:37?!! What the fuck hour is that? Was it not later in the day last year? That’s an absurd time for baseball. Bad job MLB.
Eric Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 6:33 am
well, maybe one day when we win the world series our boys will get a bit more respect.

….ohh wait….
RSR Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 8:10 am
The real asshattery is having two networks, but fumbling how they allocate the games. Now sub-par TBS has to come up with three crews for the first round games. Meanwhile, FOX only has to use their premier (if you can call it that) crew, and only in one LCS and the WS.

I’d guess that if has something to do with FOX using a lot of their equipment and, ahem, talent for football coverage now.
Fightins Newbie Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Well said. This is total BS. I will also start using the words ass clown and ass hat…thats pretty darn funny.
will.H Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:03 am
i bet TBS tests positive for HGH, damn fuckers
TheOleBillyBaroo Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Typical bullshit that those massholes in boston and guidos in the bronx get their games in effin primetime…eff the west coast for once with a 3pm EST Angels-Sox start and let those people suffer for once. They have the benefit of starting their Sundays in the Fall with 9am and 10am football which is amazing and they should have to deal with this shotty coverage for once.

Remember you can get the game on your comps at work and hit the boss button which turns into an excel spread sheet when the ole boss comes around.

Phightins in Phour
wfcphils Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Lynniemac mentioned this as well. Phils were the only team to see a 5% increase in attendance this year, with the closet second being the Ray’s at 3%. When will the Phils, Philadelphia and the Phans finally get some respect from MLB??? I’ve already begun my letter writing campaign!
Jdashdog Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Oh boo hoo. Let’s wallow in our piss and misery about the game being in the afternoon.

-or-

How bout we just suck it the fuck up, watch our heros beat the Rockies, and move on to the NLCS?
Chris Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Don’t get me wrong I’m happy I’m going to game 1, but the reason I am able to go is that I got fired a couple days ago. Win?
will.H Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:48 am
i agree jdash, its just inspiration to piss us off so we can get bitter and take it out on the rockies. i think aaron cook is starting game 2.. ill be in my seats early to have a chat with the ol’ red head as he warms up
will.H Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Chris, how many Shasta Colas can you really fit in your pocket anyway
Chris Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:52 am
At least 7.
Heathcliff Slocumb Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:55 am
many lols @ gonzo.

And yeah, I’m super pissed off about the game times, too. It really is all about money and it’s total bullshit. I remember when the divisional series was in its early years and all games were in prime time. The local market game was on Fox and the other game was on FX. But having two games on at the same time does not allow networks to max out advertising dollars, so yes, we get the national shaft once again.

On the other hand, if this were not the case, it would mean we’d have fallen behind the Cards in the overall standings, be playing in LA, and have no guaranteed home field advantage at all. Given that, I think I’ll take what we can get.

Also, it’ll just make it so much sweet when we repeat as WFCs. Just like it did when that dizzle dick Selig held up a rule book and made whatever decision he wanted about rain delays. We stuck it to the shitfuck that time and we can damn well do it again.
Jdashdog Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 10:30 am
The Rox suck Cox
MaxL Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I believe you mean: “The Rox Sux Cox”

Come on, man, get it right.
Jdashdog Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Wow, that actually is a lot better. I think I will make that sign for the game tomorrow.
MaxL Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 10:51 am
You’re welcome.
Heathcliff Slocumb Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 11:25 am
You guys are talking about Courtney Cox, of Cougartown, right?
BigMiles Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Dash- you are forgetting a second crucial aspect of these early games that serves as a further bitchslap to Phillies fans. I CAN watch the game (I’m in school and have no classes during that time) but I don’t really want to get hammered during the afternoon of a weekday when I have a night class and other things I should be doing. Now of course I will do it anyway, but even those of us who have the ability to watch the game have to sacrifice the rest of our days away because of how tired/drunk I will be.
Heathcliff Slocumb Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Great point, BigMiles. I, for one, will not be drinking due to the early game time.

In fact though, I won’t be drinking much in the first round period. I learned a hard lesson last year in not pacing myself for a month’s worth of baseball and celebrating. One year of experience = 1 year of smarts.

I’m saving my money and my drunken shenanigans for when it starts gettin’ good. If it don’t get to that point, well, then I’ll just have one good night of gettin’ shitfaced and call it a season.
Dave Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
The early time certainly inhibits those who like to drink while watching baseball. I will certainly not be partaking, as the last time I drank during the playoffs was Game 3 of the Rockies/Phillies in 07. I forget most of the details, but I woke up at 4 in the morning in jail, and had to call my boss to come get me.
Greg Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
If only TBS had a sister network that would allow the option of having two games on at the same time so fans across the country would be able to watch their team! Oh wait, they do and it’s called TNT.

It looks like they would rather piss off Phillies and Rockies fans instead of pissing off the millions of fans looking at watching repeats of CSI:NY.

I know that asshat Selig wants viewers to watch both games. My question is, if you sit down and watch the Phillies game at 2:35, how likely are you to watch another full game starting at 6 or 7 on the same night?
Meg Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I seriously don’t understand why they don’t split the games across Networks based on American League games vs. National League?

@Greg is right. I have a life, I can’t watch baseball from 2:37 to midnight every day for two weeks so most people are going to pick one game or the other. Also if it has to be an afternoon game why can’t they push the time up to 4PM? 2:37 means it starts late enough that no one can watch during their lunch breaks, and by the time we get out of work/class and to a TV the game is almost over.

The real crime is that anyone with an MLB.tv subscription and was planning on watching during class/work is going to get Blackout notices since it is a nationally televised game. Balls.
Eric Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
The argument that “it is all about money” is pretty stupid. Baseball is entertainment and a business.. to make money. Of course it’s about money. Saying that in 36 comments isn’t making any of you any brighter for figuring that out.
Gaze Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
My wife is a school teacher and her kids were asking about the game. It’s a shame that 10-14 year olds who may be experiencing the best team this town has ever seen are being screwed out of the first half of the game. By the time the school bus drops off the last kid, it’s about 4:30pm.

IMO, this would be a perfect situation for the MLB network to broadcast the out of market game while TBS gets the home market games.
Heathcliff Slocumb Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
In case anyone was wondering, the Phillies website currently has Cliff Lee listed as the starter for games 1 and 2.

Superhuman, much?
walsh Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_video_recorder
Jdashdog Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Yeah Walsh, because it’s awesome to watch the game after it already happened. Especially when you aren’t going to be able to avoid other people talking about it
walsh Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
haha i know… yea i would think the whole dvr move has around a 30-40% success rate anyway. just another option
Mand Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
btw. lee in game 1
prystline Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Chill out man. Just do what the rest of the real fans do…skip work and enjoy the day off. I love the morning games.
Lynniemac Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
@prystline: Oh my god, you’re alive. Remember when you used to have that blog about Pat Burrell? Good times.
itsgalyo Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Anyone know the Phils record in day games this year? I thought it was pretty good, but I could be wrong.

Then again, they are 0-0 in playoff baseball this year.
maria Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Lee or Hamels. It really didn’t matter I think; we have to win the first two.
Gonzo Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
If you are stuck at work, this site may have the game. Keep it bookmarked.

http://atdhe.net/

If you go there now, you will see the Tigers/Twins game scheduled for 5pm. I cannot promise the Phils game will be there though. During the regular season, not all games were listed.
Phylan Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Blanton and Happ available for possible backend bullpen use too, which is good news, especially Blanton.
will.H Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
eric,
thank you for that stroke of wisdom. you’re scary smart
Eric Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Sarcasm, shrewd move on your part. Was my comment really that much stupider than the TENS of people coming in to say this was all about money? No shit, everyone. Baseball likes to make money. Spoiler alert!
will.H Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
eric, you’re the kind of person that is constantly impressing yourself, but no one else
MoyerIsMyHero Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I complained about this in an earlier board, but I guess I’m not done yet.

Yes the MLB is a business and needs to make money, but Selig should remember that outside of Yankees fans and Sox fans, everyone hates the Yankees and the Sox. Plus, they would still make a shitload of money if they switched it around. Baseball, for me, feels like it should be above the level of trying to make a shitload + $5 instead of a shitload.

Also, this speaks exactly to what I’ve felt is at stake this year. 2008 was about getting this city a championship, and we are all very happy about it. Extremely happy. This year, however, is about getting some damn respect, instead of being treated like the team that just keeps getting lucky that the Mets choke, etc.

It would be nice for the national sports media to treat the Phillies like a legitimate power player in the MLB, and not the half-wits who somehow managed to stumble their way into contention despite the fact that they don’t have a Santana or a Sabathia or an A-Rod or Jeter, only get their runs from the long ball (which, of course, is all luck and not a legitimate way to win games), and have violent, backstabbing, disgruntled fans who booed at football game half-time Santa Claus 40 years ago.
Jdashdog Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Don’t forget that we also threw batteries at JD Drew
photographer N Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Baseball is not about the fans. Baseball is about the New York Yankees and the Boston NEW New York Yankees, who have become everything they hated about the Yankees. The networks and advertisers can kiss my ass. The best we can hope for to piss the “corporates” off is a Phillies/Tigers World Series, because unless you live in Philadelphia or Detroit, nobody gives a shit (just like last year when they were BEGGING for a Dodgers/Red Sox World Series).
Gonzo Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
These pretzels are making me thirsty.
Lynniemac Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
You know what’s good for pretzel-induced thirst? Beer.
Eric Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Will, you mean to tell me that I don’t impress you idiots? =(
shipsass Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I’m really enjoying the AL Central play-in! And I guess they can go all night, since they will burn every last starting pitcher on their roster just to win this game.
Chase Says:
October 10th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
wtf we are the world fuckin champions we should get prime time slots this is bull, yet another example of how no one gives philla respect, mlb, broadcasters, just cuz everyone and their brother has a freakin dodgers, sox, and yankees hat, and i swear to god is fuckin joe buck commentates again i just might commit a genocide of an entire fox based city in cali, fuck u joe buck fuck LA, boston and ny, fuck the mlb and tbs, AAAAAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAAAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!
Chase Says:
October 10th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
O YEA AND FUCK FOX
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October 11th, 2009 at 8:15 am
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File googlewaveinvitegenerator.exe received on 2009.08.10 13:34:00 (UTC) Antivirus Version Last Update Result a-squared 4.5.0.24 2009.08.10 - AhnLab-V3 5.0.0.2 2009.08.10 - AntiVir 7.9.0.228 2009.08.10 - Antiy-AVL 2.0.3.7 2009.08.10 - Authentium 5.1.2.4 2009.08.10 - Avast 4.8.1335.0 2009.08.10 - AVG 8.5.0.387 2009.08.10 - BitDefender 7.2 2009.08.10 - CAT-QuickHeal 10.00 2009.08.10 - ClamAV 0.94.1 2009.07.27 - Comodo 1783 2009.07.27 - DrWeb 5.0.0.12182 2009.08.10 - eSafe 7.0.17.0 2009.08.10 - eTrust-Vet 31.6.6642 2009.08.10 - F-Prot 4.4.4.56 2009.08.10 - Fortinet 3.120.0.0 2009.08.10 - GData 19 2009.08.10 - Ikarus T3.1.1.64.0 2009.08.10 Trojan-Spy.Win32.Banbra Jiangmin 11.0.800 2009.08.10 - K7AntiVirus 7.10.803 2009.08.10 - Kaspersky 7.0.0.125 2009.08.10 - McAfee 5689 2009.08.10 - McAfee+Artemis 5689 2009.08.10 Artemis!3F42C22A71C7 McAfee-GW-Edition 6.8.5 2009.08.10 - Microsoft 1.4903 2009.08.10 - NOD32 4282 2009.08.10 probably a variant of Win32/HackTool.Patcher.A Norman 6.01.09 2009.08.10 - nProtect 2009.1.8.0 2009.08.10 - Panda 10.0.0.14 2009.08.10 - PCTools 4.4.2.0 2009.08.10 - Prevx 3.0 2009.08.10 - Rising 21.40.03.00 2009.08.10 - Sophos 4.44.0 2009.08.10 - Sunbelt 3.2.1858.2 2009.08.10 - Symantec 1.4.4.12 2009.08.10 - TheHacker 6.3.4.3.374 2009.08.10 - TrendMicro 8.950.0.1094 2009.08.10 - VBA32 3.12.10.9 2009.08.10 - ViRobot 2009.7.27.1855 2009.08.10 - VirusBuster 4.6.5.0 2009.08.10 -

Cheers! http://www.pppcm.com/72l1528.jpg
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November 27th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
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