The MLB Dropped The Ball In London, Even If The Teams Showed Up
There are lots of things about the Phillies recent trip to London that went great. It seems like if you were there it was a great experience. Huge crowds showed up for both games, even if many were Phillies fans who traveled for the game. There was one problem with the weekend though, and it is the product we got at home.
This weekend should have been huge for the MLB. But for those of us who stayed home, and watched the games, it felt smaller. Both broadcasts were huge disappointment. Not just because both Fox and ESPN sent out their B Team, but because the production itself was lacking.
Let’s Start With Fox On Saturday
Fox’s Baseball Pre-Game show can often be highly entertaining. They have a good cast of characters, and also Alex Rodriguez. But they weren’t even in London. they kept them home to do it from an empty Yankee stadium, where the Yankees were playing the Dodgers later that night.
I get that is a big game. but why did you the MLB then schedule it the same weekend you were doing a London game? Why would you not want those guys out in London, to show off the atmosphere?
You don’t want content of David Ortiz running around London? You don’t want to show the crowds? No lets not only have those guys do it from an empty stadium, let’s have them devote large portions of that pre-game show to a game 6 hours away.
Then the broadcast starts, and putting the quality of it aside, it made no use of the location. The only Londony thing they did, was when the Phantic delivered them Fish and Chips. Apart from that there was no B-roll from around the city, and hardly any promotion of it being a London game. It may as well have been played at Citi Field. For them, it just felt like another game.
Then there was no post-game content. No player interviews, no post-game show. The game ended, and it immediately switch to the Belmont Stakes.
I get the Belmont Stakes is a big deal for Fox. But again, all of these things were scheduled a long time ago. You couldn’t plan ahead?
It is not just Fox. This is on the MLB too. Both stations dropped the ball, but the MLB is the one who let them do it, and it was their poor planning that caused these problems.
Sunday Was Even Worse
If you thought doing the pre-game show from NYC was bad, how about no pre-game show at all?
I get the game was at 10, but NFL games in London are even earlier. You know what the NFL does, they have an earlier Pre-Game show. I hate giving the NFL credit for anything, but they do try and make their international games a big deal, as they should. The MLB doesn’t seem to care enough to try that.
All they had of the Pre-Game show was Michael Kay and Company doing a very short one. But even that was done poorly.
The MLB did one very good thing. They created that Always Sunny crossover promo with Bryce Harper and Chase Utley. They set up Rob McElhenney throwing out the first pitch in a funny way, with him having to pick between Chase Utley and Bryce Harper.
It was a funny idea, and culminated in a funny way with him audibling at the last second to do a ceremonial first double play, so he could include both of them.
Too bad we never saw it. While it was happening they were just droning on about the game. I could tell it was happening because you heard the Always Sunny music behind Michael Kay. But they never cut to it, or even showed it in the broadcast. People at home had to watch it on Twitter.
Then we got into the actual broadcast and were treated to Kay mispronouncing names left and right. Joe Alvarez is not a Phillies pitcher. Nick Cast-I-Lanos does not play Right Field for the Phillies.
Also once again, there was very little actual fanfare for the game being in London. The only London-centric part of the broadcast was once again provided by the Phanatic. He delivered the crew tea dressed like a Grenadier. He then stood still for an entire segment behind them. It was a funny bit. But if it was not for the Phantic being the best mascot in Sports, there would be next to no London-centric content on either broadcast.
They also had the bright idea to bring Utley on as a guest when there was already 2 outs in the inning. So the one guest who could provide content for them was hardly on the broadcast.
MLB Dropped The Ball In London
Lots of other Phillies players were there. The Mets dropped the ball a bit, but the Phillies brought out tons of former players. The broadcasts just made no use of them. They could have had Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Shane Victroino. All would have made for great guests and could have promoted the event. But why would they do that? Kay would have probably pronounced their name wrong anyway.
I like the London Games. It’s cool when American Sports go overseas. Growing the game is important. But part of making that work is putting in the leg work. And in terms of the weekend, the MLB dropped the ball big time.
The teams, well at least the Phillies, did a great job. They put on a show on the field and made use of being in London with a lot of good content. It is the MLB that failed to make use of that opportunity.
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11 Best Trades in Philadelphia Phillies History
11. The Hefty Lefty
Phillies Get: Jose Alvarado
Los Angeles Dodgers Get: Garrett Cleavinger (from Phillies)
Tampa Bay Rays Get: Dillon Paulson, player to be named later (from Dodgers)Philadelphia teams seem like they’re always the ones who give up too soon and trade talented young players who haven’t reached their full potential. Jose Alvarado reversed the trend.
The Hefty Lefty accepted a demotion to the minors in 2022 and recreated a power sinker. He returned to the majors and stepped into one of the most important high-leverage roles on the way to a World Series appearance in 2022.
He’s now one of the strongest power arms at the back of the Phillies bullpen.
Garrett Cleavinger still has the potential to match Alvarado, but the Phillies got the best immediate return from the trade.
10. An Apology From The White Sox?
July 27, 2007
Phillies Get: Tadahito Iguchi
Chicago White Sox Get: Michael DubeeWhat did the Phillies send to the White Sox for a lineup regular with .278 and .281 respective batting averages in his only two full MLB seasons? Michael Dubee, pitching coach Rich Dubee’s son, a Single A pitcher who ultimately never made it to the major leagues.
Why would Chicago GM Kenny Williams trade Tadahito Iguchi? It makes a little more sense in the big picture. The Phillies also acquired Freddy Garcia from the White Sox the previous offseason. Landing an expected ace was a big part of the reason Jimmy Rollins spoke so confidently about “the team to beat” in the NL East.
It turned out to be one of the worst trades in franchise history. Garcia pitched 11 games in his only season in Philadelphia. The injuries that kept him off the mound very well might’ve existed before the trade.
“That was a gift to Pat Gillick because Kenny Williams felt bad for (trading) Freddy Garcia (to the Phillies)… It was like two baseball men doing each other a solid.” -Jim Salisbury
According to Gillick’s former assistant GM, The Phillies essentially picked up Tadahito Iguchi as an apology from Kenny Williams and the White Sox.
“I’ve got to believe that they’re had to be something to that (granting the favor) because there was some question about the medicals on Freddy that we checked out, but (the information was) maybe a little shady.” –Ruben Amaro Jr.
Iguchi hit .304 in 45 games to finish the 2007 season. He played an everyday role for the first month while Utley sat. He later moved into a bench role after the everyday second baseman reentered the lineup.
Iguchi famously slid into home on Utley’s walk-off hit in an August thriller against the New York Mets that helped the historic NL East comeback.
9. A 43-Year-Old From Waivers
August 19, 2006
Phillies Get: Jamie Moyer
Seattle Mariners Get: Andy Baldwin, Andrew BarbThe MLB Trade Deadline used to allow for waiver deals during the month of August. Before the overdue rule change, Pat Gillick landed Jamie Moyer for two minor leaguers in August 2006.
Moyer never had head-turning velocity in his previous 20 seasons of major league experience, so his age didn’t factor into his ability to pitch much. He began his stint in Philadelphia at age 43 and remarkably made 118 starts in five seasons.
The local kid from Souderton and Saint Joseph’s University became one of the feel-good stories of the 2008 World Series. Neither Baldwin nor Barb ever played in an MLB game.
8. Saying Goodbye To A "Can't Miss" Prospect
February 7, 2019
Phillies Get: J.T. Realmuto
Miami Marlins Get: Sixto Sanchez, Jorge Alfaro, Will Stewart, international bonus slot moneyThe class of free agents entering the 2019 season forced a domino effect on the entire sport. The Phillies were desperate for a superstar to reestablish themselves as a contender after a long period of dormancy.
They lured Bryce Harper by trading for the best catcher in baseball. Matt Klentak sent stud pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez to the Marlins for J.T. Realmuto.
Realmuto became a key piece in the miracle ride to the World Series in 2022. Sixto Sanchez had drawn comparisons to Pedro Martinez, but injuries derailed the early years of his career.
Stewart never made it to the major leagues. Alfaro spent some serviceable seasons with the Marlins, but he never approached the caliber of Realmuto.
7. Clifton Phifer Lee (Part I)
July 29, 2009
Phillies Get: Cliff Lee, Ben Francisco
Cleveland Indians Get: Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, Jason Knapp, Jason DonaldThe chatter leading up to the MLB Trade Deadline in 2009 focused on Roy Halladay. Could the Phillies land the best pitcher in the game and repeat with another World Series?
Instead, Ruben Amaro Jr. traded for Cliff Lee. The nonchalant Arkansas native looked effortless and unaffected by the pressure of the MLB postseason during a run to the World Series in 2009.
The rest of the starting rotation struggled to make it through a deep playoff run. Lee won both of his starts against the New York Yankees, but the Phillies lost in six games.
The Phillies missed out on a long career from Carlos Carrasco. However, it’s all relative to the risk of aggressive trade deadline spending in a window of World Series contention.
Although the trade only kept Lee in Philadelphia for a few months, the instant dynamic with the fan base played a major factor in convincing him to sign with the Phillies before the 2011 season.
6. A New Uniform Can Change An Attitude
June 18, 1989
Phillies Get: Lenny Dykstra, Roger McDowell, Tom Edens
New York Mets Get: Juan SamuelIt’s funny how a new uniform can change the fans’ attitude about a guy. Phillies fans hated Lenny Dykstra as a member of the Mets. Nails was the grinder who got under opponents’ skin on the way to a World Series in 1986.
His gritty style transferred over with a division rival after the deal. Dykstra hit over .300 in three of his first four seasons in Philadelphia, and he became a major catalyst for the 1993 National League champs.
Roger McDowell also spent time at the back end of the bullpen in parts of three seasons. He saved 44 games for the Phillies before they traded him again in 1991.
Juan Samuel had some good seasons with the Phillies in the early part of his career. However, he only played 86 games for the Mets after the trade before moving to five other MLB teams to finish his career.
5. Unknown Youngster Bobby Abreu
November 18, 1997
Phillies Get: Bobby Abreu
Tampa Bay Devil Rays Get: Kevin StockerThe Phillies swindled the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1997 when they acquired 23-year-old Bobby Abreu after just 64 career major league games.
Say what you want about Abreu. His demeanor never clicked in Philadelphia. He wasn’t a great outfielder (although he strangely won a Gold Glove in 2005). The decision to trade him for a minimal return in 2006 proved to be addition by subtraction.
Don’t let that make you forget his offensive production.
He sits 11th in Phillies history with 195 home runs and seventh in stolen bases with 254. His outstanding .303/.416/.513 slash line would make modern MLB front offices gush.
Stocker helped the Phillies to the World Series in his rookie season in 1993, but he only played three more MLB seasons after the deal. He hit .237 collectively with the Devil Rays and the Anaheim Angels.
4. The Future Ace
April 2, 1992
Phillies Get: Curt Schilling
Houston Astros Get: Jason GrimsleyThe Baltimore Orioles and the Houston Astros couldn’t unlock Curt Schilling’s talent early in his career. He hit his stride after a deal to the Phillies in 1992.
Schilling established himself at the top of the rotation for the 1993 National League champions. He became the unquestioned ace during the mid and late 1990s, but the fading talent around him ultimately led to his departure.
The Phillies enjoyed the benefits of an excellent talent for nine seasons, but they let him get away to win three World Series in two other uniforms.
Grimsley pitched in the majors for 12 more seasons. He became a respectable journeyman reliever, but his accomplishments pale in comparison to Schilling.
3. A Philadelphia Legend
December 16, 2009
Phillies Get: Roy Halladay, cash
Toronto Blue Jays Get: Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor, Travis d’ArnaudThe prospect experts loved Kyle Drabek. It seemed daring to deal a top young pitcher with tremendous potential, but Roy Halladay was available.
Ruben Amaro Jr. landed the long-time Blue Jays ace at age 32. Halladay announced his unrelenting mission for dominance with a perfect game less than two months into his Phillies tenure.
He only started 108 regular-season and playoff games in parts of four seasons for Philadelphia. However, two elite seasons in 2010 and 2011 and his frightening competitive spirit put him in franchise folklore.
Drabek never spent a full season in an MLB starting rotation. He demonstrated how uncertain prospect projections can be and the value of aggressive moves for teams with a window for World Series contention.
While d’Arnaud turned into a solid major leaguer, the Phillies will never regret sending him away.
2. Perfection in 2008
November 7, 2007
Phillies Get: Brad Lidge, Eric Bruntlett
Houston Astros Get: Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, Mike CostanzoA monstrous three-run blast from Albert Pujols in the 2005 NLCS supposedly ruined the psyche of All-Star closer Brad Lidge.
Former Phillies GM Ed Wade dealt Lidge to the Phillies in the deal that catapulted them to their second World Series. Pat Gillick sent back a package centered around Michael Bourn.
Lidge’s glory didn’t last long in Philadelphia. He blew 11 saves in 2009 and never regained a rhythm afterwards.
However, 48 saves in 48 chances had already solidified his place in franchise history. The Phillies wouldn’t have won the World Series in 2008 without Brad Lidge. Eric Bruntlett also played a solid role as a utility man and defensive replacement.
Bourn became an excellent base stealer for the Astros. He stole 61 in 2009, 52 in 2010, and 61 in 2011. He carved out a solid 11-year career.
Geary spent two seasons with the Astros. Costanzo only played 17 career MLB games.
1. Landing Lefty
February 25, 1972
Phillies Get: Steve Carlton
St. Louis Cardinals Get: Rick WiseRick Wise made his first of two MLB All-Star teams in 1971 in the last of his seven seasons in Philadelphia. He’ll never have much association in franchise history for that because fans remember his name as the guy the Phillies traded for Steve Carlton.
Carlton had developed into a 20-game winner early in his career with the Cardinals, but John Quinn stole him in 1972.
Lefty came out fast with a 27-10 record and a 1.97 ERA in his first season with the Phillies. He won the first of his four CY Youngs and laid the groundwork to become the best pitcher in franchise history.
Wise pitched well in two seasons with the Cardinals. He hung around for nine more years in the majors after leaving St. Louis.
The Phillies weren’t worried about what they gave up. What they got back was plenty to keep them happy.
They immortalize Steve Carlton with a statue outside Citizens Bank Park.
