WHILE IT may be a tad presumptuous to attempt to speak for an entire fan base, I should note that, over the past six months or so, my job has evolved from a pure writing role to include some light interpersonal therapy work with Phillies fans. They recognize me from the five years I spent as the Daily News' traveling beat writer.
Sure, it can get awkward when somebody approaches and starts ranting about some guy named Ruben when I am hanging out with a friend or acquaintance who is unfamiliar with the strength of the emotional ties that bind this city to its sports teams (FRIEND: Ex-boyfriend?