Losingest Team in MLB

The Phillies are one of the oldest baseball teams, and have lost the most games.  They found lightning in a bottle in their bullpen this year, and the teams they faced, which weren't the top teams in the game, were unable to exploit their weaknesses.  They played a strong September and October, much like the Rockies last year, or the Cardinals the year before.  They won.  It sucks. I take solace in that they only get one title a century, and they've used up this one's only eight years in. 

My money's on 20,000 losses before the third championship.

However, from a rivalry standpoint, this just amps it up.  Despise years and chances, both teams have two.  Phillies fans aren't going to discard their hatred for us, and we know they only come out when they're winning.  But now we've grown an intense dislike for them too.  This could get interesting.  Or the Phillies could pack it in and place fourth next year, and the rivalry, like the Phillies themselves, will be a flash in the pan.

Letters to the NL East, part 4

Letters to the NL East, Part 4 of 5

Dear Jimmy Rollins and the Philadelphia Phillies,

Cole Hamels! That's your biggest pitcher, a pitcher whose stats matched up well with our third starter, John Maine. I'd be willing to put money on Maine having a better year than Hamels this year, and you just can't win when another team in your division absolutely dominates you in pitching quality like that. I heard bartenders in Philadelphia did great business the day Johan Santana signed with the Mets, and I expect once the season starts they'll be there to help your fans drown their sorrows again.

Your biggest hope is that Brett Myers can manage to pitch well in the rotation, and that Brad Lidge figures out how to close again. I wouldn't hold my breath on either one, especially in that park. Even if both happen, all it means is that you'll stick around a couple of weeks longer before the Mets put you away. And make no mistake, they will be looking for blood this year.

You've opened a can of worms Jimmy Rollins, and helped to start this little rivalry we have going recently. It has the possibility of being an awesome competition, one that could rival even the Red Sox and Yankees, if you can hold up your end of the bargain. I doubt you're going to have as good a year as last year Jimmy so that means someone else is going to have to step up. This rivalry will quickly become a one night stand by July otherwise.

Your new rival,

Optimistic Mets Fan