I am officially a Phillies fan for the series. Oh, and just an FYI. They had a tribute to Cito before the game yesterday evening. Last home game of the season and last home game he'll ever manage before retiring. I just wanted to let you know that among the people there to honour him, was Joe Carter. Bwwaaaaahahahaaaaa! You may now spit.


Actually, I don't mind the reference to Joe Carter. The Phillies lost the 1993 World Series because Jim Fergosi took loyalty to a new extreme with Mitch Williams. By season end, Williams was barely hitting 90 on the gun - his arm was dead.

In the '93 NLCS, Williams blew a save in Game 1 (though the Phils won in 10), and blew a 3-run lead in Game 5 (though the Phils won in 10). It was obvious that Williams was done for the year. His control went from shaky to terrible, and people were sitting on his fastball.

In the World Series, Willams gave up 3 runs in the 8th inning of Game 4, when the Phillies blew leads of 12-7 and 14-9. And then he blew the save in Game 6.

The Phils had potential closers in Larry Anderson and Roger Mason and Bobby Thigpen. But Fergosi was loyal to a fault with certain players, especially Williams. I never faulted Williams - he was as gutsy as they come. But I've always viewed Fergosi as the reason they lost the '93 Series. If the Phillies don't blow the big lead in Game 4, and Schilling still pitches the gem in Game 5 - Philly wins that series.

As for the Phillies this year - their Triangle of Terror (Doc / Hamels / Oswalt) is scary. But I'm concerned about the offense. If the Phillies don't win the World Series this year, I see at least 3 position players gone by next season.