First, let me say when the Phillies made the deals to get Schwarber and Castellanos this year I was drooling over the idea of what this lineup would look like. In my mind, I flashed back to '08 and '09 and what a fearsome lineup they had. In the past few years, I thought of getting the MLB Extra Innings package but was hesitant. With this lineup, I couldn't resist. I was anxiously awaiting opening day and being able to listen to the hometown announcers sitting here in Florida.
To make me feel more at home, I also subscribed to the NBA and NHL packages. What can I say, I'm a sucker for sports. Plus, it's great to get the Philly broadcasts (makes me feel at home). I had great expectations for Flyers this year and thought the package was a great deal. I immediately signed up for the NBA package when the Sixers traded for Harden. Those first few games were incredible!!!
So let me go back to last Thursday, April 7, and the Sixers in Toronto. I was upset when I heard that Thybulle wouldn't be able to play in that game. Don't get me started on the whole vaccine situation. But I began to think...what if the Sixers face the Raptors in the first round. How would they look? If last Thursday's game was any indication...that old Philly feeling began to surface. Doom was just lurking below the surface! Then after Sunday's win against Detriot and hearing that was exactly who they would face in the first round...need I say anymore?
Prior to the start of that game, I sat back Sunday afternoon just waiting to see the Phillies get a sweep of a series to start the season. It's so great to have MLB Extra Innings! And then... here was this mighty lineup and only 3 hits! What was happening to this explosive lineup?!!!
And as I said before, finding out that the Sixers will be facing the Raptors in the first round. Man, that old Philly feeling was hitting me hard! So last night, I'm ready for the Phils to face the stinking Mets. I remember going to the games against the Mets and hearing the splattering of "Let's go Mets" chants streaming across the ballpark. As the game starts and they start the game in a 3-0 hole, I'm not too worried. Remember they have this explosive lineup. As the innings move on, I'm getting more and more frustrated. Finally, after the seventh inning, I turn the game off in disgust.
The dark clouds are beginning to settle in ...the Phils lose to the Mets and the Sixers are facing the Raptors. Why can't it be the Bulls! How many times in my life have a faced this situation following Philly teams! Well, the good news, sorta was the Phils came back in the 8th with five runs to win! Damn, I turned off the game too early! And...now we have Thybulle refusing his second shot and eliminated from playing in Toronto! Will I ever lose that old Philly Feeling! At this stage of my life, I doubt it.