Phightin' Phils Phorum

Spring Drags On

Mid-March is about the time when I begin to find Spring Training dull and get anxious for the real games to begin.  Ok yes, Joe Blanton had a good outing against the Tigers today after a shaky spring start.  Cole Hamels looks like he is in good shape with two solid performances so far.  The bats are jumping and as a team, the Phillies are hitting at an average of .301 with 7 homers and 36 RBI.  And still, I am a bit sleepy about the whole thing.

In my boredom today, I decided to scan through this week’s MLB headlines to see what was going on around the league.  Here are a few fun tidbits I came across in my search:

- Yankees shortstop and baseball God, Derek Jeter, sat out of a Spring Training game with flu symptoms.  And then an Angel lost its wings :O(

- The Mets Jose Reyes may not be ready to play on Opening Day.  His thyroid hormone blood levels are elevated and he is not supposed to do anything that could raise his heart rate.  You know, things like showboating on the base paths or talking to Federal agents about his Canadian doctor’s link to performance-enhancing drugs…stuff like that.

- At age 39, Brian Giles, former Padre, has decided to retire.  It was either that or start taking the same magical, fountain of youth pills that Jamie Moyer takes.

- Angels center fielder Torii Hunter told USA Today that Latin Americans are "imposters" in relation to black ballplayers.  Hunter was then rushed to Jose Reyes’ Canadian doctor and diagnosed with “foot-in-mouth” disease.  He was given a “special” injection and should be back to hitting homers in no time.

- Red Sox Nomar Garciaparra also retired this week.  He now has plenty of free time to write a memoir about the many baseball adventures of his gigantic nose.  Did it provide shade when trying to catch a pop fly in the sun?  How many times did the nose save his life by blocking a high, inside pitch?  It will be a must-read.

- Braves Manager Bobby Cox reported that Derek Lowe was suffering from a blister.  "He gutted through it, and it's a mess," Cox said about the blister. "I don't know how he pitched at all.”  I know what he means; last week, I broke a nail and was not sure if I could go on typing.  I toughed it out as I could not disappoint my readers – that is how much I love you guys.

- In an interview with ESPN, Milton Bradley whined that he received hate mail from the Cubs last year.  He went on to note that unless you're "Superman or you're Andre Dawson, Ernie Banks or [in the] Hall of Fame, then it's going to be tough" for African-American players in Chicago.  I don’t suppose his .257 batting average had anything to do with his difficulties?  Oh, and wasn’t Superman a white dude?  Just sayin’…

- Going back to the drug-dealing Canadian doctor, Alex Rodriguez was treated by this same guy after hip surgery last year.  In response to the investigation, A-Rod said, "I am aware of an investigation, and I plan on cooperating.”  The last time he “cooperated” there were no real consequences; so hey, no biggie.

Come on Opening Day!  Get here….quick!

 

Reyes photo by Jenn

Garciaparra photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

 

Spring Games Set To Begin

The Phillies take to the field tonight for the first real action of Spring Training in an exhibition game against Florida State.  JA Happ will be the starting pitcher followed by Phillippe Aumont, Yohan Flande, Drew Naylor, Joe Savery, Jesus Sanchez and David Herndon.  All eyes will be on Aumont as he was one of the prospects the Phillies got in the Cliff Lee trade.  Many are anxious to see if the risk will pay off.

Shane Victorino has been left off the starting line-up for precautionary reasons.  Victorino has been suffering from a sore shoulder and the team will likely not want to push him.  It does not seem serious, but it is usually better to be safe than sorry.  John Mayberry Jr. will fill in at center and Greg Dobbs gets the nod as the DH.  But as is usual in Spring games, the starters will probably not play long, giving the team a chance to look at some prospects.  Game time is 7:05pm.

The game everyone is waiting for though is tomorrow’s match up against the Yankees with Roy Halladay on the mound.  It will be the team’s first look at their off-season prize in live game action.  The talk about Halladay’s work ethic, poise and electric arm has been non-stop since he signed.  Finally, it is time to see some results.  Tomorrow’s game starts at 1pm and will be carried on Comcast Sportsnet and then replayed on The MLB Network at 7pm.

And now for the disturbing news of the week:  Phillies fans know Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning as the man who pitched the only perfect game in Phillies history on June 24, 1964 which happened to be Father’s Day as well.  Considered one of the best Phillies players in history, Bunning is also one of only six pitchers ever to throw both a perfect game and a no-hitter in his career.  So as a baseball player, Bunning gets two thumbs up.  As a politician, not so much…

Bunning has served in the Kentucky State Senate since 1998 and in 2006, Time magazine dubbed him one of “America's Five Worst Senators.”  He routinely misses Senate floor votes and on Christmas Eve 2009, he was the only senator to skip the vote on the historic health care reform bill.  Adding more fuel to the fire this month, Bunning single-handedly blocked a 30-day extension of federal unemployment benefits when more than 200,000 unemployed Americans were set to lose benefits.  The proposal of unanimous consent on any legislation like this is generally reserved for situation where no one is going to object.  Essentially, the proposal is thought to be a no-brainer….that is, for everyone on the planet except Jim Bunning.

The Senate was attempting to avoid a massive hit to the economy and considered the extension an emergency.  After receiving public spankings from both Democrats and Republicans, Bunning finally relented on Tuesday night and the legislation was passed, but not before Bunning made a total ass out of himself.   Wait a second, I though the “ass” was the symbol of the Democratic party?

We still love you in Philly Jim, but please, do America a favor and get out of politics while you still have some dignity left.  Let us all remember you as the guy who tossed the only Phillies perfect game and not the guy who tried to make 200,000 angry, unemployed people storm his house, tie him and up and force him to watch tape of the 1964 Phillies collapse; they dropped 10 consecutive games at the end of the season and lost the Division after being in first place with a 3-game lead.  This type of torture is cruel and unusual punishment.  Please, don’t make us do it…we don’t want to remember that year either.

Photos by Jenn

Game 3 Preview / Bad Parenting 101

The most important game in the series, beginning with the Phillies and Rockies tied at 1 game each, will be played under the worst of conditions.  Snow, sleet and freezing temperatures will likely be the most talked about part of this game which is scheduled for 9:37pm EST, 7:37pm Mountain time.  The late start is likely to add to the chill.

Pedro Martinez will start the game and it is a huge opportunity for him to officially make a comeback at 37 years of age.  Pedro pitched in Boston, so he is used to the cold, but snow may be another thing altogether.  Plus, he has not pitched a full game in almost a month; his last start beyond 4 innings was on 9/13/09.  Then again, Pedro has experience and a good post-season record on his side.  Which Pedro will show up?  The former Cy Young winner or the aging, injury-prone pitcher of the last several years?

As for the offense, anyone who has seen this team play in April knows, they do not like hitting in cold weather.  But the playoffs are a different animal and the Phillies tend to step it up in October.  But will they be swinging at snowflakes or at strikes?

If nothing else, this should be a very interesting game, should Mother Nature allow it to unfold without interruption.  Best of luck to the Phillies!

It’s A Boy!

Cole Hamels and his wife, Heidi, welcomed their first child into the world yesterday morning.  Caleb Michael Hamels arrived at 9am on Friday morning.  Caleb is a cute name, but most are just happy the poor kid did not get stuck with “Colbert” like his dad ;O)  And no, I am not making that up…his full name is Colbert Michael Hamels.  So congratulations to the Hamels family and best wishes for a healthy, happy baby!

Bad Parenting 101

Speaking of parenting, this kids parents get the Bad Parenting of the Year Award: 12-year old Jennifer Valdivia ended up with Ryan Howard’s 200th home run ball at a game in Miami.  As is the baseball tradition, she was ushered to the clubhouse and exchanged the ball for an autographed one.  ALL players do this and ALL teams do this for milestone balls, it is not an unusual practice.

However, when the girl returned home, her parents decided their child was taken advantage of and sued Ryan Howard to get the ball back.  They were upset that she was given what they termed a $100 ball” in exchange for one worth “thousands.”  That’s right folks, way to teach your kid how to extort money!  Not to mention, why were a 12-year old girl and her 15-year old brother at a ball game without an adult?  I am sure the opinions here vary, but I can assure you, if my kids were that age, there is NO way they would be on their own.  A ballpark is NOT a safe place to let your kids run free as far as I am concerned. 

And then they have the nerve to complain.  Here’s a question for those parents: what if you child was kidnapped or attacked in the bathroom, or anything of that nature?  Were you going to sue the ballpark for YOUR neglect?  Just sayin’…

Ms. Valdivia was probably thrilled to get an autographed ball, until her parents convinced her otherwise.  At that age, I know I would have been…and still to this day.  The only reason it mattered to them was because of the money.  So, if this kid really is going to keep the ball, like they profess, then why does the money make a difference?  Unless you are going to sell it, the personally autographed ball is a great souvenir.  Maybe they should have thrown in a bat as well or something, but again, the parents sent their kids in there alone, so they obviously felt their kids were old enough to handle any situation that may arise.  If they do not feel that way, then they never should have sent them without an adult.

That ball meant a lot more to Howard than it would to anyone else, unless money was the only objective.  With that 200th home run, Howard became the fastest player in Major League history to reach that milestone.  If the girl’s parents felt she should have been given more in exchange, then ASK.  They would have been happy to send the girl a signed bat, photo or whatever she wanted.  But, no.  These jerks decided to sue.  And rather than argue, the Phillies gave the kid the ball and moved on.

So, way to go Valdivia family; you have not only taught your kids that it is all about the money but now they know, in a sue-happy country, they can get whatever they want in life if they just yell loud enough.  Forget about doing the right thing, it is all about getting your way.  Forget about who you hurt, as long as you claim the cash.  Nicely done.  It is no wonder this country is quickly descending into the dark pit of hell where morals are thrown out the window.  This youth is our future, America.  Start praying.

UPDATE: The above facts were as presented by The Miami Herald and ESPN.  A new report from CNN says the girl's grandfather was with her, but decided NOT to accompany her to the clubhouse.  So, he chose to let her go alone.  Add bad grandparenting to the story then as well.  The family was also offered VIP ticktes to the next Florida series and they turned it down.  And the law suit was for the amount of $15,000.  Yes, that is 15 thousand dollars.  And this was NOT about the money?  Enough said.

Photo by Jenn

World Champs Go To The White House

In case you missed it yesterday, here is the “official” White House video of President Obama addressing the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies:

 

The President is a true class act.  He acknowledged players by name and had all his facts straight.  Super impressive!  Congrats again to the Phillies for a great year and a fun visit to the White House!

Phillies Fan Tossed Out Of Mets Citi Field

No, this is not an April Fools joke.  Reed Frazier, a Phillies fan who was working as a cameraman at the Mets new home, Citi Field, was told he could either remove his Phillies rain jacket or leave the building.  Frazier, told by his boss to wear rain gear, did not see a problem with his jacket.  It wasn’t even a Mets game; it was the stadiums opening game with the Red Storm vs. Georgetown.  Despite pleading his case that the jacket did not affect his job in anyway, he was still asked to leave. 

Personally, I think he should sue for discrimination.  If they were not going to provide him with a uniform or company rain gear, they had no right to tell him what logo he could and could not have on his jacket.  Poor guy.  Well, just let the Mets try to tell opposing fans who paid ridiculous prices for a ticket that they cannot come inside.  In fact, I’d be happy to go to a Mets-Phillies game at Citi Field, dressed in all Phillies gear, just to see what would happen.  But I am not going to pay more than 3x’s the price to see the Phils play in New York as compared with my ticket price in Philly.  If anyone else would like to pay for me to go though, that’s fine :O)  Just remember hospital bills may factor in… :O)

In other news, RHP Bobby Mosebach has been offered back to the Angels and they decided to take him.  That leaves 3 relief pitchers and 2 spots to fill; JA Happ, Jack Taschner and Gary Majewski will battle for those spots.  Happ pitched 2 2/3 innings in relief today against the Yankees and did not fair too well; he gave up 3 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks.  Happ may have difficulty adjusting to the pen as this is a role he is not used to.  Taschner and Majewski each pitched a scoreless inning in yesterday’s rout of the Blue Jays. 

I am still crossing my fingers and toes that Gary Sheffield does not land in Philly.  There have been rumors about Andruw Jones as well, but again, this guy is also way past his prime.  In 2007, Jones hit .222 and far worse in 2008 with an average of .158 as mostly a pinch hitter.  The Phillies need a pinch hitter, but not one batting .158.  We already have Miguel Cairo who has performed pretty well this Spring and can still play the field; he is also versatile and can play multiple positions.  If it were up to me at this point, I would go with Cairo.  You still have Matt Stairs for power and Greg Dobbs for, well, just about everything!  Chris Coste can be use off the bench too.

But of course, nothing is up to me…Mr. Amaro needs to work it out.  Unless he would like a consultant…if so, I am available.  Call me ;O)

(Photo and graphic design by Jenn)

Funny Money / Steroids Discussion

Funny Money:

The Phillies 2009 payroll has skyrocketed after a 2008 World Championship has them flying high.  With about $104 million dollars last year to play with, 2009 will bring an additional $27.5 million in, giving the Phillies around $131.5 million dollars.  This still pales in comparison to the $222.2 million of the Yankees in 2008 or the $143 million of the Mets, but for a team that has won its first championship in 28 years, it is not too shabby.

This kind of play money, however, brings a new level of pressure to the team to contend again in 2009.  Failing to do so would be a disaster of extreme monetary proportions.  New GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has done an excellent job so far in the off-season signing players, but he still has a hole to fill in the bullpen with JC Romero’s bogus 50-game suspension and this team is in desperate need of a right-handed bat.  He’s got the cash, now where are the players?

In addition to filling team needs, I personally hope Amaro will add some new fan-friendly features to the ballpark.  My wish list includes a play area for “big” kids, including the old “Dress Yourself as the Phanatic” area they used to have at the Vet; a water slide – it is always raining in Philly anyway; and of course, I’d like to see batting practice held outside before every game, especially Sunday’s!  If they are going to bleed the fans dry by hiking prices, they can at least entertain those of us who religiously show up to the ballpark when the gates open.  The last few years, BP has been seen less and less.  I have had better luck at away games. 

Ok, so the water slide is asking a bit much, but batting practice is FREE.  And how about getting these guys out on the field to sign some autographs before the game?  I mean, aside from Jamie Moyer.  Again, also FREE and makes the fans very happy.  And with all this money saved, Amaro can now afford that “Rent Your Favorite Player for the Day” program I have been waiting on for a decade now.  I get first dibs and I call Chase Utley :O)  Sorry ladies, my idea, my choice.

A-Rod Discussion

I have spent days thinking about this whole steroid issue and have mixed feelings on the subject, as many of us do.  Of course, I do not condone drug use of any kind and really believe this abuse has not only done individual harm to the players, but has irrevocably damaged the reputation of America’s favorite pastime.  Many fans have been alienated as accusations of cheating attached to the biggest names in sports have been steadily spit out into the open.

On the point of Alex Rodriquez, I am angered, frustrated and sympathetic all at the same time.  The anger and frustration are obvious.  The sympathy?  First, why is he being singled out?  Where are the other 103 names?  And then, let’s go back to 2003: Steroid use in baseball was NOT illegal at this time.  And the tests that have given us this phantom list of 104 players were voluntary and supposed to be confidential with the results getting destroyed afterwards.  This was a poll of players just to see what substances were being used and with what frequency.  It was to assist in the development of a proper drug program.  Again, I stress the word “voluntary.”  Who in their right mind would volunteer for a drug test, knowing they may test positive, if they truly thought they had done anything wrong?  Knowing they were not, at the time, breaking the rules that MLB had set forth, they did not shy away from the request.  For this reason, I do feel a bit sorry for players on this list.

Everyone makes mistakes; some bigger than others.  As fellow human beings, are we really in position to judge?  Is your house clean as a whistle?  Take a cue from our friend at Rays Renegade; he courageously admits to making the same mistake with performance enhancing substances.  He quickly realized the error in judgement and turned his life around.  He should be commended.  Has A-Rod turned the same corner?  He has admitted his wrong-doing and feels regret.  I think we should cut him at least a little slack.  Remove those 3 years from his stats when it comes time for Hall of Fame judging, if you feel you need to, and move on.

Maybe it is because I work with disabled children on a daily basis that I feel the need to forgive more easily; I see the challenges they face every day.  Maybe I am just a hippie child who missed the 60’s.  I cannot be sure, buy my heart is heavy right now and I do not have the strength to persecute anyone.  Except maybe, Bud Selig; Mr. Selig has made a three-ring circus out of all this and failed, starting earlier on in his tenure to secure a solid drug prevention and awareness program.  Education is paramount, especially with young players under tremendous pressure to succeed.  MLB and Mr. Selig flat out failed; they have not gotten the job done and players and fans around the world are paying the price.

Yes, we are all responsible for our own actions.  And yes, I am deeply angered and also feel betrayed by the actions of the 104 players on this list.  In my eyes, they cheated.  But their cheating was born of a lack of education, lack of management, pressure to win and just plain stupidity.  It makes it no less wrong, and it does not take away the fact that their reputations will be tarnished forever; but let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Phillies Smurfs Off-Season Adventure

Turns out, I am not the only one around here who is counting the days until Spring Training.  The lack of newsworthy events and baseball activities are simply mind-numbing.  J-Roll Smurf and Chutley Smurf have been as bored as the rest of us.  With the big news in Phillies land this week being Carlos Ruiz deciding to join Team Panama for the World Baseball Classic, poor J-Roll Smurf thought maybe he’d pass the time surfing the net, or maybe reading a mildly entertaining book:

Could Ryan Howard bring us all out of our slumber and actually agree to a contract this week?  Noooooo…  So, J-Roll Smurf was off to raid the fridge and then decided to call over a few friends for a party:

But the only one to show up was Chutley Smurf, as everyone else was already asleep.  J-Roll Smurf tried to show Chutley Smurf some photos from the World Series Trophy tour, but you all know what a trouble maker Chutley Smurf is.  All he wanted to do was ride his motorcycle through the living room and raid the cookie jar:

J-Roll Smurf began telling stories about his idol, Jimmy Rollins, and how he stopped by a YMCA yesterday to talk with local children; but all Chutley Smurf did was steal a bottle of my best Soprano’s wine and snort a few lines!

All that partying got the best of these Smurf buddies and things went awry from there.  Frankly, I did not see this next one coming, and neither did the poor cats:

Hours passed, still without arbitration news and the imminent arrival of possibly the most boring Super Bowl game in history…what is a Smurf to do?  Well, after all the booze and happy candy, I can tell you what they did next:

Ahhhhhh….and now for some much needed sleep.  zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Off-Season Boredom

The off-season is really starting to drag for me.  The more bored I become, the stranger the things are that pop into my mind.  I spend hours contemplating life’s mysteries.  See for yourself; Here is Jenn’s 25 Things To Ponder:

1.       Why are brown Labrador retrievers called “Chocolate Labs”?  Is this like Easter bunnies?  Are you going to eat them? 

2.       Why do commercials and other advertising media portray penguins and polar bears in the same setting?  They live on totally opposite poles of the earth and in real life, would NEVER come in contact.

3.       Also in real life, if penguins did encounter polar bears, the polar bears would eat them, not pass them a Coke.

4.       When the Phillies signed Cole Hamels, why was there no, “Thou Shall Not Speak In Public” clause in his contract?

5.       Why is every public restroom out of toilet paper?  Have we not cut down thousands of acres of rainforest each year?  Perhaps I should wipe with a chinchilla; they are endangered also.  And soft as well…

6.       Why does the phone only ring when I am in the bathroom?

7.       If the plural of goose is geese, then why isn’t the plural of moose, meese?

8.       If I walk and chew gum at the same time, am I some kind of genius?

9.       Since Josh Hamilton found God, I often wonder if he decided to add rainbows, kitties and puppies to his tattoo collection?

10.   Why are farts funny?

11.   If the “Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you” thing is correct, then why, after numerous relationships, am I still flat broke?

- PS:  In case you were wondering, the bank is closed. 

12.   If you are playing charades and you have a real heart attack, how long will it take for someone to dial 911?

13.   The odds of catching a baseball at a Major League Baseball game are 776 to 1.  The odds that your child will be a genius are 265 to 1.  Odds that you will marry a millionaire are 200 to 1.  I have caught many baseballs; this is good news for my kids, but where is my millionaire???

14.   Why does it only rain when you have forgotten an umbrella?

15.   And snow, when you do not have a shovel?

16.   Am I the only person on the planet who wants to smack Miley Cyrus?

17.   Why does this photo make me laugh until I cry?

18.   Why does alcohol make everything happy?  Or is it just me?

19.   What exactly are the “Natural Flavors” in my Snapple Peach Iced Tea?  If they didn’t just call it “peach,” it has to make you wonder…

20.   Why is there a warning on a can of Lysol that says “Don not spray in eyes”??  Duh.

21.   Why do packages of peanuts say “Warning: May contain nuts”?  Well, if it doesn’t contain nuts, I’d like my money back.

22.   How is it possible that I have 600 channels on TV and can’t find anything to watch?

23.   Why does my cat think that my feet, while moving, would be a suitable place for a nap?  And why is it, after hundreds of times nearly killing myself, that I never see this coming?  Is my cat a criminal master-mind?

24.  Why do celebrities spend thousands of dollars on a single suit or dress and then talk about starving kids in Africa, while wearing the expensive outfit?  Guess how many kids you could feed with 1 dress?  Hmmm….

25.   If you scream in the forest and there is no one around to hear it, perhaps you should have stopped to ask for directions?

Madson Signs; Phillies Join World Baseball Classic

After reports that Ryan Madson, under the advisement of agent Scott Boras, had turned down a 3-year 12+ million dollar deal, Madson did finally sign with the Phils.  Maybe he read my blog and told Boras to stick it?  Or maybe the report was just wrong.  Either way, Madson is now locked up for 3 years to the tune of 12 million dollars.  Madson has been injury prone the last few years, so hopefully he is back in top form now.  He ended 2008 with a 3.05 ERA in 76 games winning 4 and losing 2.  Madson excelled in the postseason with a record of 3-1 and a 2.13 ERA in 11 appearances.

 

This years’ World Baseball Classic will feature 13 current and prospective Phillies, representing 10 different countries.  Topping the list for the USA team are Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino.  JC Romero will pitch for Puerto Rico and Carlos Ruiz will catch for Panama.  Here is the full roster of Phillies:

 

USA: shortstop Jimmy Rollins, outfielder Shane Victorino

Puerto Rico: lefthander J.C. Romero

Canada: outfielder Matt Stairs

Panama: catcher Carlos Ruiz
Dominican Republic: catcher Ronny Paulino
Italy: outfielder Michael Spidale
Mexico: infielder Oscar Robles
Netherlands: righthander Mike Bolsenbroek
Australia: righthander Drew Naylor, catcher Joel Naughton and infielder Brad Harman.
Venezuela: righthander Carlos Carrasco

 

In addition to those listed above, Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt will serve as bench coach for the USA team.  Class A Clearwater manager Ernie Whitt will manage Team Canada, Gulf Coast League Phillies pitching coach Carlos Arroyo will serve as pitching coach for Team Puerto Rico and former bullpen coach Ramon Henderson will do the same for the Dominican Republic team.

 

The full schedule can be seen HERE.  You can also catch a preview of the World Baseball Classic during Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater at Brighthouse Field.  On March 4th, the Phillies will play an exhibition game against Team Canada and on March 5th, they will play Team USA.  Rollins and Victorino will play against their own teammates!  I will be at both games to bring you coverage.

 

And finally, I would like to congratulate our new Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama on his inauguration.  My daughter went to the rally in Wilmington a few days ago and was especially excited about this dawning of a new era in US History.  We all hope that president Obama will give new meaning to the phrase, “Team USA.”  Please do us proud!

 

 

Here are a few more photos from the rally:

 

Phillies Cruise Videos

Here is the last of the Phillies Cruise video!  The first 3 are of the Q&A session with Shane Victorino, JC Romero, Larry Andersen, Greg Luzinski and Tom Burgoyne, friend of the Phanatic; hosted by Scott Palmer.  After that is some video from the Phillies private party on the ship with speeches by many of the players, wives and a few other items of interest including JC Romero playing the bongo drums.  Hope you enjoy!

Phillies Cruise Q&A Victorino, Romero, Andersen, Luzinski 1 OF 3
Phillies Cruise Q&A Victorino, Romero, Andersen, Luzinski 2 OF 3
Phillies Cruise Q&A Victorino, Romero, Andersen, Luzinski 3 OF 3
Phillies Cruise Party - Victorino, Romero, Andersen, Luzinski