Philly Phrustration

Another season ends as the Fish sit at the bottom of their bowl looking out into an offseason of unknowns and hostile fans. "The fans want to win and have shown their frustration in emails, letters, and at the games", matthewm3 continues, "It's gotten to the point where the fans are booing before the game even starts, the grounds crew is getting booed, the umpires, the mascot Franky Phin, everybody for any reason. I think the fans come out just to be angry, seriously." I've seen it myself as I've been at the games and you fans really don't give the players a break. I recall a game a couple weeks ago where Kirk Cooper was pitching and he had struck the first 2 batters out to start the inning and the 3rd batter was up with an 0-2 count and he threw a ball to far outside and you booed him like he had just given up the game winning run in the bottom of the ninth to a division rival. I know its been a frustrating season, trust me I know, I've got to write about these guys after every game. It's hard when I have to write that we blew the game due to our bullpen, a Bocachica error, or because our bats were colder than ice. And I know everyone hates GM matthewm3 at the moment and wants him to walk away, but give him a chance to turn this thing around. I honestly think he can, he's been doing a decent job in the draft the past 2 seasons and he did get us an international stud pitcher in John Sullivan, who was solid in AAA this season. He's been trying to put the pieces together and I think he will, but he needs a couple more seasons. Although I do agree with all you fans out there that he needs to field a team that this city can be proud of. I would love nothing more than to see the Fish go into next season and pull out 90-some wins but I would be happy to settle with an unlikely amount of 80+.

Onto some offseason news: the biggest story of the offseason for the Fish will be how they deal with Ernest Dougherty and Joaquin Bocachica in arbitration. They are definitely looking to hang on to Dougherty, but things could get interesting with Bocachica. Fish GM matthewm3 said he was frustrated with all the errors (61) from him this season, especially when they came at some very inopportune times. The GM did stat however, should Bocachica be back he will most likely not be playing at SS. Bryan Jennings and Glenn Gibbons both have team options for next season and Jason Hayes has a mutual option. Hayes has already said he is not sure if he will stay or check out the free agent market, he said if he had to make his decision today he would be leaving Philadelphia. "I love this city and the fans, when they aren't booing me", Hayes said chuckling, "But its been harder than ever this year and I think it might be best if I find a new home."
Glenn Gibbons is a guy I'm not sure about. The Fish front office likes him alot and he has performed great, but he is injury-prone and that could hinder him from returning to Philly next year.
-Kelly Denner