The Phillies at the Break

We are halfway through a baseball season people. The Phillies are a .500 ballclub, leaving them 4.5 out in the NL east and 4.5 out of the wildcard. Thats right, I'm talking playoffs. An event unattended by the Phillies since 1993.




Love Him, the original fat man.







Making a comeback in '07







Ah the memories...

If you saw the paper today, Steven A. thinks we are going nowhere. I think Steven A. is a jerk who should generally stick to basketball columns.

Why does this guy insist that the Phillies don't have it?




I'm not trying to suggest that the Phillies are a great team or that they are playoff bound. However, we sit in better shape now than we did this time last year. We have a great young core (as mentioned by Screamin' A.) who proved they could turn it on in the second half last year. The offense leads the league in runs. Oh but wait, the pitching.

Lets talk pitching for a while. Right now the Phillies are carrying 8 bullpen pitchers. Can you name them all? Here is a quick rundown with some stats:

Jose Mesa - 8.28 ERA, he is used up, there is no excuse for him being in our lineup. In 25 innings he has given up 23 earned runs, 28 total, as well as 6 homers and an almost even K/BB ratio of 13/12. Why is he here?
J.C. Romero - 2 hits and 0 runs in 3 innings pitched
Alfonseca - not too bad for a fat guy. he has held it down while Meyers and Gordon are out but still just 6 for 9 in save opportunities
JD Durbin - Has his ERA down to 14 after starting his big league career with a 94.5 ERA performance
Ryan Madson - 3.66 ERA including some tough situations, not bad
Brain Sanches - In 10.2 innings: 4.22 era, 5/9 K/BB, 2 HR






Mike Zagurski - In 15.1 innings: 4.7, 14/7, 2 HR. Manchild, love him even when he struggles






Anderson Garcia - 1 appearance for 2/3 of an inning giving up 1 run for a 13.5 era






Looking at those stats is no wonder we own the worst team era in the NL and 3rd worst overall. There are some guys in there who have potential and might help in the future, and there are some guys who aren't good anymore or never were. There are serious needs here. But, a trade and the return of Gordon/Meyers could totally turn this thing around.

I think our starting pitching has been decent: Cole is great, Moyer has battled valiantly, Kendrick could be a decent player in the league, and Eaton has underachieved, but not by Pat Burrel standards. However, four starters won't get you into the playoffs, so, like the bullpen, we need help from a trade.

Gillick must do something. There are a couple guys in the minor league system who have potential but probably not this year. Namely Carrasco and Outman. However, they are not ready and the rest of the minor league system sucks. Look no further than C.J. Henry, the gem of the Abreu trade, who is looking to quit baseball for basketball.


Did you see J-Roll rocking the pants rolled up last Sunday on Colorado? Expect some more of it in the second half. And how about that tarp business? What a bunch of character guys these Phillies are. Real Rolemodels.


I don't know about you but I am ready for the second half to begin. What Phillies team will we see out there? Will Pat Gillick pull the trigger on a big move? Will the team even let Meyers come back if he can return? Will old Coolerpants Manuel keep his job? How many teams have ever finished the season with the most runs but the worst pitching?

I leave you with this advice from the Manchild on Monday night: "If you can't win, then get drunk"...

NBA Draft '07

Winners

Portland Trailblazers
Greg Oden gives the Trailblazers a dominant center who impacts the game on both sides of the floor and will be the premiere center in the league for the next 10 years. The Blazers didn't stop here. By getting rid of Zach Randolph and bringing in Channing Frye along with drafting two European standouts (Rudy Fernandez and Petteri Koponen), they have changed the mindset and image of the team.

Note: Josh McRoberts is a bum and his drop all the way to #37 is a testament to this. With that said, he is apparently good friends with Oden and a decent pick up at #37. I am just thankful the Billy King didn't take him.


Seattle SuperSonics
Durant will be great, but picking up Jeff Green to play alongside him was great. Green's pass first mentality is perfect for Durant and his solid defense, bball IQ, and strong character will go a long way in the league. Getting rid of Ray Allen signifies a new era for the Sonics (like the Blazers) and gives the reigns to Durant. Despite taking on Wally's contract from Boston, they can still offer Rashard Lewis a big contract which they are expected to pursue after ridding themselves of Ray Allen's contract.

Goldenstate Warriors
They replaced Jason Richardson with versatile and athletic Brandon Wright from UNC. Wright has a high-ceiling for improvement and will thrive in Nellie's system. Moving Richardson also open up $10 million to sign-free agents or for trades. Marco Bellini is another high-tempo guy who has proved himself in the Italian league. He looks like Manu in the few highlights I have seen.

New York Knicks
As predicted, Isiah made major moves in the off-season once again. For once they seem to be the right moves. Bringing in Randolph to play the 4 along side Curry at the 5, and supported by David Lee they arguably have the best front court in the East, at least on paper. Chemistry problems could ensue, but that is for Isiah to deal with. Getting rid of Francis and his contract was a near miracle as well. If New York can play even close to their potential they will certainly make the playoffs this year--that is a big 'if' though.

Spike believes in Isiah

Losers

Boston Celtics
I just don't understand anything this team does. They trade a #5 pick and a solid young point guard for a 32 year old sharpshooter who is past his prime. Pierce, Allen, and Big Al appear to be a strong 3, especially in the East, but how is this offense going to work? Allen and Pierce play the same role, jump-shooter. They don't have a penetrate and dish point guard (Rondo could emerge over time) and while Big Al's numbers are increasingly impressive since entering the league are teams really going to leave Pierce or Allen open to double him in the post? I just don't see that happening and I just don't get it. Stay young and build around an already solid core of young talent. The Bulls started doing this 3 years ago and look where they are and where they are heading. The C's pushed back any chance they have of becoming very good down the road and for what? A playoff birth and a probable first round exit. Ainge loves making big moves every off-season so their roster could still change a bit before the season starts.


Miami Heat
It isn't that I don't like Daequon Cook I just don't understand the pick. He is athletic, but raw and therefore won't see very much playing time this year under Riles. They have a shallow bench filled with injured-ridden veterans, yet their only pick got them a guy who won't play very much.

In other news I caught an episode of "Shaq's Big Challenge" on ABC. Shaq takes a group of overweight kids and is tries to get them to lose weight by exercising and eating healthy. He s also educating America about the importance of living a healthy life.

Shaq helping the kids

Sacramento Kings
This is another team on the decline who only had one pick and used it on a guy that doesn't seem to make sense for their team. Spencer Hawes is a versatile center who has a decent outside shot, but don't they already have Brad Miller doing this? They aren't going to play both of them at the same time.

The bigger issue is that they need to move Artest and why not move him on draft day to get a pick or two, any pick or two?


To Be Determined...

Philadelphia 76ers
It would have been nice if they took Thornton with their first pick, but everything I have heard about Thaddeus Young has been good. Jason Smith is a tall, versatile big man who can run the court and hit open jump shots. He was even predicted to be a lottery pick at one point and his game has been compared to that of Yi Jianlian's. Derrick Byars is a solid ball player and should fit in well with Philadelphia's young, athletic, and defensive minded team. Herbert Hill is a bruiser who should also make the team--and hopefully kick Shavlik Randolph off the team.

More than anything Billy King showed me something by staying young and letting his players develop (and by not picking McRoberts). The Sixers look like the baby Bulls of 2 years ago.


Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers
Both teams are in limbo this off-season. Both teams are on the decline with superstars who are in their prime and unhappy with the direction of the team. KG going to LA would be exciting, but the logistics of it just don't work. There was talk of KG going to Phoenix for Amare and other considerations, but this doesn't make sense. Neither team did very much with the draft as far as acquiring prospects or making trades. It will be interesting to see how both these teams end up by the time the season starts. As a fan I can only hope that something happens here.

Phoenix Suns
The Suns traded away the 24th pick (second year in a row they traded away a first round pick) for cash. This is 4 years in a row that they have traded away a first round pick. They are a very successful team and were robbed of a chance to compete in the West finals this year, but I don't understand trading away first round draft picks year after year and in this case only for cash. I can't imagine that they really need the few million dollars the pick got them.

As far as their draft picks I like both players a lot. I can see Alando Tucker emerging into a Mo Peterson type player and DJ Strawberry has the potential to be a lock down defender and has a proven work ethic. People have knocked the picks because they won't fit in well with the run and gun style the Suns play because neither is an effective perimeter shooter, but with so many other perimeter scorers on the team they don't need to be, yet. Raja Bell didn't have a jumper in 2001 on the Sixers, but was able to develop one over time. I can see the athletic Tucker and Strawberry doing the same.

Top 10 Sandwiches for Men

After extensive research and endless round table discussions here is the ultimate list of sandwiches for men.

10) Ham & Cheese
In it's purest form, white bread, ham, American cheese (preferably orange craft singles), and maybe some mustard. If you really want to make it special grill it in a pan.

The basic sandwich for a man. It thrives off of its simplicity and availability. Known to stick to the top of your mouth and best had with a glass of milk and 2 Advil.


9) Sloppy Joe
Ground beef mixed with special tomato sauce, slopped onto a kaiser.

You probably last had this one back in high school when Thursday was Sloppy Joe's!!. Thought to contain ground beef, but who really knows...

8)Pulled Pork Sandwich
Slow cooked pork loin 'pulled' off the bone to create the shredded texture, lathered in BBQ sauce, and placed on a Kaiser. Usually served with a side of slaw and corn on the cob.

A sleeper pick and undeniable when done right.


7) Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Hot or Sweet Italian sausage, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, on a hearty Italian long roll.

Whether it is at Aunt Maria's cookout or at the ball game, this classic is undeniable.

6)Hot Roast Beef
Roast Beef on a Kaiser with a side of au jus and horseradish.

Don't be scared by the au jus, this is a mean sandwich. Bread and beef, period. Great with a flavorful beer.

5)Sausage, Egg, and Cheese
Fried egg, breakfast sausage, and American cheese.

If we could eat them every morning we would.

4) The Italian
Ham, Salami, Provolone, lettuce, onions, oil, mayo, and tomatoes are the basics. Pepperoni, Soppressata, Capicola, hot, sweet, or roasted red peppers, parmesan cheese and oregano are other additions to this Godfather of all sandwiches.

Call it a sub, a hoagie, or a grinder this behemoth can come in many shapes and sizes, a classic go to move at any deli.

3)Meatball Sub
Meatballs (preferably mom's homemade), tomato sauce, provolone, parmesan, and oregano on a long roll.

You can get it anywhere and it is hard to screw this one up.

2)Cheesesteak
Sliced rib-eye grilled with provolone, American, or the famous Whiz. Onions, mushrooms, peppers, and even brocolli rabe are all possible additions.

From the city of Brotherly Love comes this beautiful baby. Whether you are at Dalessandro's, Pat's, Jim's, Geno's, Tony Luke's or your local pizza place everyone does it differently and everyone has their opinion. We can all agree that it is just about the manliest around.


1)Bacon Cheeseburger
Classic. We all know it, love it, and have our own variations.

Feed Him to the Dogs

So long Mike Vick. You went from being the most exciting and promising player in the NFL, to overrated and incapable of having a passing game to compliment your legs, to now being an absolute disgrace. You are officially my least favorite player in the league. If you haven't heard, Vick is under investigation for breeding and hosting dogfights on his property in Virginia. His cousin lives/runs the property, but the property is under Vick's name. Earlier this week a 'witness' came forward claiming that Vick not only bred and fought dogs, but was a 'heavyweight' in the dogfighting scene. The 'witness' appears to be a reliable source having been involved in dogfighting for 30 years and describes fighting (and winning) against Vick.

Right back at you Mike.

I tried to watch the Outside the Lines story about dogfighting, but after 15 second of the intro which depicted the dogs mauling each other to the death I had to turn away. I don't have a weak stomach, but I admittedly have soft spot for dogs having them since I was born and animal abuse infuriates me like few other things. People compare dogfighting to UFC fighting. This is an absurd notion. People choose to fight in the Octagon. Dogs have no sense of what they are doing. Their instincts take over when thrown in the ring with another dog and it is kill or be killed. It is organized murder for senseless entertainment.

Natural Born Killer? Come on...

Humans have always bred, trained, and used animals for their betterment. From oxen pulling ploughs to genetically altered mice studied and sacrificed for medical research, animals are a useful tool for humans. Some would say dogfighting is similar to both of these examples; the animal is bred for a purpose, used for that purpose, and then killed when they are no longer needed. Nope, no way. It is the context that matters. These dogs are bred and trained to kill, simply a tool used for entertainment, nothing more. Their lives are used to facilitate the exchange of money through bets and the rush of watching them kill each other.

Gotta love playing as Vick in Madden.

It looks like Mike Vick will be suspended for a good long while if this 'witness' and others who are stepping forward turn out to be legit. If Pacman got a year for being a goofball and 'making it rain' among other things without any convictions, Mike Vick should at the absolute least expect to sit out a year. I feel bad for Mike Vick fans and the Atlanta Falcons organization. Trading Matt Schaub was a huge mistake in hindsight.

After Mike Vick is excoriated for his disgusting hobby and for blowing his chance at being a NFL legend--a unique player who could have changed his position like Lawrence Taylor and Tony Gonzalez did--there just might be some positives to come out of all this. Often is the case when celebrities stumble; their flaws are brought into the public spotlight and positives changes ensue. In the wake of Don Imus' comments that got him fired, other offensive radio personalities were fired or suspended for racial insensitivity. It is no longer acceptable to make such remarks. Andre Waters suicide and Oakland Raider's center Barret Robbins battle with depression (he was unable to play in the Superbowl because of an episode) have once again highlighted depression as a serious disease and for football players a side effect of concussions. Other experiences like Derek Fischer's daughter's battle with retina blastoma or Alonzo Mourning's recovery from kidney failure have helped raise awareness about these diseases and will save lives in the future.

The same should happen with Mike Vick's story because really, it isn't Mike Vick's story. He is just another dog breeder and dog fighter, one of 20,000-40,000 in the United States according to ESPN. Clinton Portis pointed this out, though his comments were insensitive and certainly didn't help Vick's case. Dogfighting is a multiBILLION dollar industry in the United States. It is extremely private and unknown to the public. My hope is that the backlash of this story will open the door to this gruesome and heartless industry. Dog lover's will be moved to speak up about it and hopefully things will change. Vick will certainly be booed more than ever if and when he returns to the NFL. When searching for pictures of Mike Vick on Google bloodied and emaciated pitbulls show up next to pictures of the quarterback playing football. Maybe some how, some way he will realize his hobby for what it is, change, and work to fight against it. I doubt it, but only then will I see him as more than an animal abusing, low-life dog.

No, not a dog, that is an insult.

50 games in...

The Phightin's are fifty games into the 2007 season (thats about 31% of the way through for any amateurs out there) and they sit in 3rd place in the NL East, 6.5 back of the absurdly annoying Mets but only 2 behind the second place Braves, who the Phils crushed this weekend. That being said, the team is struggling to find consistency amidst injuries, bull-pen questions, a manager from Buena Vista (you'd know if you've been there...), etc. At least Ryan Howard (aka Powered Howard, Rhino, Blue Hurt) looked good this weekend...

What excites me about the Phillies right now is the production we are seeing (even in limited playing time) from the bench. Specifically, Greg Dobbs.
The guy has been killing it since Spring Training, he is this years Chris Coste, he needs to play as much possible. The "Phillies Notes" today's Inqy give some idea of Dobbs' dominance:

The Phillies are 13-2 when Greg Dobbs starts. Coincidence? "I'm not about being superstitious, but shoot," lefthander Cole Hamels said. Dobbs went 2 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs yesterday. Andruw Jones robbed him of a second homer in the third inning when he made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall in center field. Dobbs played second base in the eighth and ninth innings - the first time in his life he had played there.

Playing out of position, crushing balls like AJ Feely crushes Heather's box, what more can you ask from the guy? Plus his name rolls off the tongue so well. Try the "Lets go Greg Dobbs" chant the next time you head to the Bank, it might just catch on.

Another guys who needs to see a little more playing time: Michael Bourn. Even though his average sucks he is a menace on the base paths. Remember that time he ran for Burrell (see below), stole second and third, then scored on a ground ball with the infield in? Also from today's Inqy:

Michael Bourn started for the third time in five games. He played yesterday in place of leftfielder Pat Burrell, who is hitless in his last 17 at-bats. Bourn went 2 for 10 with one RBI, two walks, two steals and three runs in those starts.

Bourn might be the opposite of Pat, Speed VS. Power, but he has proven effective at scoring runs. Pat has given us this:


One last name to mention is recent call-up Mike Zagurski. This guy looks like he belongs on a couch more than on the mound, but starting your major league career with 2.1 innings of scoreless, one-hit ball isn't too shabby. Maybe he can be the left handed arm out of the pen that Phils have lacked all year. By the way, his nickname is Bronko according to this interesting article on phillies.com.

In their first fifty games the Phillies have provided plenty of entertainment, but also disappointment. Looking at past performances I'm not surprised the Phils are where they are, lets just hope they get hot in time to make a run at the post-season. Hopefully, getting over .500 for the first time in six chances over the weekend will be just what the Phils needed to get them rolling. Come down to the ballpark tonight to see the Phils take on the Diamondbacks. Remember not to eat anything all day as it is a DDN. Look for me in 137, the guy with the mustard on his shirt sitting next a man with red hair, who's not to be trusted.

I leave you with an image of two players from the Northwestern women's lax team, who just three-peated the NCAA's this weekend in Philly. I always thought female laxers were kinda hot but...

Starting Five 5/21/07

It has been a minute, but I'm back. Let's get back into things with a my starting five for the week.

1) Booo NBA Playoffs-
It appears the NBA playoffs peaked in the first round with the Warriors beating the Mavericks with their wild style and the Jazz and Rockets taking their series to seven games. I also enjoyed watching the Nuggets and Iverson, despite quick departure. The Second round presented one intriguing series between the Suns and Spurs, which was tainted by the dirty play of the Spurs and the inability of the league to interpret a terrible rule, which handed the series to the Spurs. I like David Stern and I am not surprised that he just went by the book here, but come on, you really blew it for everyone and you know it. Steve Nash finally won me over too.

Now we have to look forward to LeBron passing too much and missing free throws down the stretch as he falls to the Pistons again and the Spurs and Jazz boring the hell out of us. Oh well, maybe next year.

2)Hooray Yanks and Sox-
Every year brings new intrigue with this rivalry and this year is no exception. After winning 9 division titles in a row the tables have turned for the Yankees as they are playing catch up to the hot Red Sox who are the best team is baseball so far. This week presents an extra special series because of the dire situation the Yanks have put themselves in. The Sox coming to town may be just what they need to get their season back on track. The Sox could put the Yanks further into their hole by taking the series based in New York. I'll be watching.

Don't count the Yankees out. Wang, Mussina, Pettite, Clemens, and Hughes sounds pretty good to me and you know they will start hitting more consistently. Plus, they are the Yankees, come on! For more, check this out.

3) Leave McNabb Alone!!-
Has there ever been a player that was picked on more for no reason that Donovan? The guy has been the cornerstone of the Eagles most successful era in franchise history leading them to 4 NFC championship games and a SuperBowl as well as being a 5 time Pro Bowler and a model citizen on and off the field. Was it Donovan or Andy Reid's overly conservative and poor playing calling down the stretch that lead to Philly's inability to win a title? Do people really think AJ Feeley, Kelly Holcomb or the controversial rookie Kolb can replace a Hall of Fame quarterback? Either way, the Philadelphia media, the national media, and just plain haters like Rush Limbaugh, can't give this guy a break. In Saturday's Inquirer there was an article referring to a Chicago rumor about a possible Lance Briggs for Donovan McNabb trade that could happen before the start of the season. The article even posed the question, "What Eagles fans are probably asking is why would the Bears want to do this trade?" Are you kidding me!? I swear journalists will write anything to be heard.


4)NBA Lottery Drawing- Tuesday is the most anticipated day for Celtics fans in years. The numbers are with them with a 40% chance of getting a a top two pick, but karma is against them after shamelessly tanking their season. It will be fun to watch what Billy King does with 3 first round picks and 1 second round pick. And how about this guy.

Why don't they bring back original format of the draft where all the teams that don't make the playoffs have an equal chance of getting the top pick.? This would get rid of the tanking phenomenon and encourage teams to put more into developing their players. The league is so concerned about its players acting appropriately, how about the franchises and management following suit?


5) Thank you Warriors- They were the most exciting thing to happen to the NBA this year and maybe in quite a few years. Their style was wild and their passion was raw and refreshing. They were probably just a flash in the pan, but man was it fun. The juxtaposition (yeah, I said it) between Stephen Jackon, Baron Davis, JRich, Matt Barnes and the like, with Nellie's laid back, let 'em run attitude (not to mention getting in trouble for bringing a beer to a press conference) was something special.

Baron is still a bad, bad man.

I'll beat him with my blackness

Like most things boxing, the most hyped fight of the 21st century failed to live up to its billing. Or did it? If you see boxing in the classical sense, two fighters in a ring by themselves, squaring off until the death, then by all means, this fight fell in line with many other flops.

However, if boxing is the event, the hype, the marketing, the money, then De La Hoya-Mayweather 1 (I say 1, because we know that 2 will be announced once there are no other fights to promote) perhaps has just revolutionized the world of sports. HBO and Golden Boy Promotions commoditized racial stereotypes in a way that has never been done before. Sure, Holmes-Cooney may have been more anticipated yet it relied on racial tension to push the fight, rather than create them to make the fight.

Oscar De La Hoya is a Mexican-American. He is not white as in Gerry Cooney or Jim Jeffries white. Yet America, which to be fair has always embraced Oscar, has never pulled harder for a fighter since Cooney took the ring across Larry Holmes. He became the model of family values with his wife sitting ringside and his two children's name across his shorts. He was polite. He was respectful. He became white America.

At the same time, Floyd Mayweather Jr. became everything this country is, but rejects in its typical hypocritical manner. He is brash. He is arrogant, cocky, and rude. He donned the Mexican colors to mock De La Hoya's heritage. 50 Cent brought him into the ring with "Straight To The Bank" (fitting for many reasons) blasting to a crowd where all in the arena have commas in their bank accounts and all watching on television contributed 50 Dollar.

And as expected, the fight was a complete domination (how the fight was a split decision is beyond me). Mayweather used his quick hands to exploit De La Hoya, poking jab after jab with the precision of a marksman. Yet the irony of the fight is that Mayweather in the ring isn't flashy. He is smart. He uses his speed, yes, but it was his superior boxing intelligence that won the fight. He outwitted De La Hoya just like Jack Johnson and Muhammad Ali made routine. The Pretty Boy sat back and picked away and the "wows" and "yeahs" that roared from the crowd when De La Hoya came at Mayweather in a flurry of ineffective punches were nothing compared to the "oohs" the came after each Mayweather carefully delivered blow to De La Hoya's head.

Is this the end of boxing? Of course it's not, because with technology making pay-per-viewing on plasma TVs a reality for many, boxing will continue its marketing domination. What presents a more frightening situation is that as the entire world of sports begins to realize the money that can be made by proffiting off of this country's racial tension, we may be entering a world when Don Imus may just find himself employed again very soon.

In the meantime, who else is looking forward to watching Golden State and Utah play?