A Look at Predictions at the Halfway Point

Alright. Just thought I'd compare my predictions to what the Phils stand at after 81 games. All I'm doing is doubling their stats to get a full season's worth. Original prediction is normal, the halfway point number is bolded.

Pitching:
Most wins: Brett Myers, 16 wins Ryan Madson, 16 wins
Most losses: Cory Lidle, 13 losses Cory Lide, 14 losses
Lowest ERA: Ryan Madson, somewhere around 3.25 Myers, 3.86 (starter)/Cormier, 1.27 (overall)
Most strikeouts: Brett Myers, at least 190 Brett Myers, 164
Most saves: Tom Gordon (prediction forgotten) Tom Gordon, 42
Most shutouts: Brett Myers, 2 Can't find, which might be good

Batting:
Most home runs, Ryan Howard: 42 Ryan Howard: 56
Most hits: Jimmy Rollins. 202 Chase Utley, 194
Most runs: Jimmy Rollins, 114 Chase Utley, 132
Most RBIs: Chase Utley, 120 Ryan Howard, 138
Most stolen bases: Rollins: 45 Jimmy Rollins, 36
Highest batting average: Bobby Abreu, .310 Chase Utley, .300

Two things are obvious here. First, Utley and Howard are having amazing seasons. Second, it can't be a good sign that only one of our starting pitchers has an ERA under 4. Finally, I was close with some of my division winners (though there is stil half a season left). I did pick the Mets and the Giants are only a half game back, but I had no idea Detroit would be so good and for some reason I had hope that the Phils were for real.

In any case, there's still half a season left. A lot can happen in 81 games

What's More Disappointing? The Sports Chair or the Phillies?

Seriously, a case could be made for either

Alright......so my guess is that the Sports Chair has completely lost any readers it might have earned, but that's fine. It'll go back to its original purpose of me getting my ideas down. I'm currently here in the Poconos, an area where nobody cares about sports at all. Because of this, not only am I slightly behind on the times but I'm really missing out on good conversation about sports.

Still, there are two things on my mind that I need to get out quickly:

1) The NBA Draft

Definitely one of my favorite days of the year. My point for mentioning it is the approach I've had after hearing the Sixers drafted Rodney Carney. After learning this, I spent the rest of the day trying to talk myself into being excited about him. It's not that he's a bad player and I'm lying to myself (I'm guessing from what I've read that that approach is more for a Knicks fan). I guess it's just more that I want to be excited about something, which brings me to my other point...

2) The Phillies

Disappointing, both as a team and a fan base. First, the fans. I had the pleasure of attending the game on June 21st against the Yankees. It turned out to be a beautiful day for a game. Unfortunately, the fans from Philly allowed themselves to be outcheered by Yankees fans. I don't care how bad the Phillies are, that should never happen.

The Phillies are bad, though, I can't lie. Last I heard, they managed to be overtaken by the Florida "15 million payroll" Marlins. The Phils seem more like a fantasy team than a real team. You've got your top players (Utley, Howard, Abreu), your home run and nothing else guy (Burrell), the shortstop you really wish you would just drop from the team (Rollins), the catcher you picked up because you had no one else (Fasano), and a handful of lousy pitchers.

Speaking of lousy pitchers, Brett Myers was finally starting to earn some respect when he got arrested. Only good pitcher on our team and I can't like him anymore. What I really wonder is what Myers would have had to do in order to not get the start the day after he was arrested. Huge mistake by the Phils when they let him go out there.


Anyway, I think that wraps up what I've got to say. My apologies for my opinions being a week old, though I think I'm safe because I don't think I have any more readers.