Yes, I did yell that I loved him and my introverted wife asked the TNT guys how close I could get. She's the best. Hence the 2nd photo.

NE Philly

This is from a rally towel that was handed out at one of the last regular season games just after the NL East clinch in 2009. I remember getting the signature pre-game on the concourse at the radio broadcast booth. They were doing a pre-game show there and whoever signed it was being interviewed and signed items during commercial breaks. I don't remember if the person who signed it was on the 2009 squad (player or coach) or if it was a retired Phillie. Just thought I'd see if anyone recognized the signature.

I bought in to a PSTH plan in 2023 and from what I hear it seems like the benefits that existed during the Phillies dark days have been phased out as there is no longer a strong need for customer service. With season ticket packages seemingly cancelled left and right I’m hoping they may bring some benefits back. What benefits were available to PSTHs in the past?

The Phillies have clear goals, as outlined during an hour-long Dombrowski news conference Thursday morning. They want to improve their defense and base running without wide-ranging personnel changes. They will not move dubious defenders off premium positions, at least not yet. They think the offensive improvement has to come from within, spurred by a change in hitting coaches, but they also want to rest their star hitters a bit more in 2027. They might not spend money on another big-dollar contract, but they have some money to spread around.

After hearing Dombrowski and manager Don Mattingly speak, it’s apparent the Phillies know they must try different things. They want to embrace a different style. All of it sounds noble; a newfound aggressiveness on defense and the basepaths would be welcomed in South Philly.

It is not clear, at all, how they can make it all happen. No one is supposed to have the answers in mid-October. But it is a fascinating moment in this franchise’s arc.

When asked if the Phillies have the financial wherewithal to make meaningful free-agent signings, Dombrowski praised the team’s ownership, and then turned the focus to himself.

“We have a lot of high-salary guys at this point, so I think you have to figure out which way you go,” Dombrowski said. “I don’t think it necessarily means signing all high-salary guys, but I do think we have the flexibility. … The reality is that, ‘Hey, it’s up to me. I’ve created the situation, right?’”

About the clearest thing that emerged from Thursday’s post-mortem is that Dombrowski will be the man making decisions for the foreseeable future. Dombrowski, who was under contract through 2027 but is believed to have already signed a long-term extension, declined to elaborate on his timeline.

“I want to do the job,” Dombrowski said. “I plan on being here for a while. It’s not my liberty to announce contracts. But it’s a situation; I plan on being here for a while. I enjoy it. Healthy. I have quality people around me. If I don’t feel that way at some point, I wouldn’t do it. So I would really put it more on that timeframe. But it’s one of those where, yeah, I do plan on being here a while.”

Read the rest here for free: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7693806/2026/10/16/phillies-offseason-dave-dombrowski/?unlocked_article_code=1.JFE.PO_P.kv_1reYRUlUb&source=emp_shared_article&smid=url-share-ta

Last year the renewal email for my Sunday plan specifically pointed out that Sunday plans were sold out with no flexibility available.

A year later there is a “first time ever” transfer portal for Season Tickets. Seems like the drop off must be more significant than a few pissed off Reddit posters.

Around the League

TB @ CLE Delayed Start

^{Last Updated: 10/16/2026 8:00:20 PM EDT}

Great org, great city, great fanbase, and never achieving much. They swept the dodgers and have to face either the rays or guardians??? I'm gonna be behind the Brewers and you should be too.

*They have my backing? I have their back? You know what I mean*

y'all think that since the phillies havent resigned Alex Bohm they'll try to get Rhys back ???

Plenty of areas for improvement, Turner and the bullpen highest among them. Interesting that JT spoke to DD about potentially playing first some days.

Here's what feels locked in, thus far:

C: Realmuto

IF: Harper, Turner, Stott

OF: Crawford

DH: Schwarber

They have 7 open spots. One has to be a backup catcher. Miller and Rincon would fill 2 - if they're ready (big if). Maybe Marsh stays. But really, you're looking at 4-5 new players coming in here. I would expect depth rather than a big move, like taking a bunch of swings (some on minor league deals) on injured/reclamation projects. It might not be pretty and there's a big potential for this to get real bad.

SP: Wheeler, Sanchez, Luzardo, Painter, Nola

RP: Duran, McFarlane, Bowlan, Killian, Mayza

This is much more settled. They have their 5 starters and 5 locked in relief pitchers. The big thing missing is a backend lefty. The other 2 spots are probably guys with options, maybe some kind of SP depth on an ML deal. You hate paying big for a reliever, but they almost don't have a choice - they need someone. Hello, Adrian Morejon.

everybody!