Phillies Look to Sweep Dodgers

The Phillies Brett Myers (6-10) will start against LA's Chad Billingsley (12-9) tonight at 7:05 PM.

With a win tonight the Phils would sweep the Dodgers, just like the Dodgers swept the Phils last week in LA.

The Mets come to town tomorrow for a two game series. With just 32 games left in the season the Phils trail the Mets by just a half game.

The Mets may be cooked though, having lost closer Billy Wagner for the rest of the season, and John Maine may miss the rest of the season also.

Get Ready to Boo Jimmy

"I might catch some flak for saying this, but, you know, they're front-runners. When you're doing good, they're on your side. When you're doing bad, they're completely against you." said Rollins on the Best Damn Sports Show Period last Thursday.

Tonight is the Phillies first game back home at Citizens Bank Park since Rollins' asinine comments on national television.

Let the Boo Birds come out hardcore tonight.

Trade Deadline Came and Went

The Phillies made no moves on the day of the non-waiver trade deadline.

The biggest move of the day was a three team deal including the Red Sox, Dodgers and Pirates.

The Dodgers received Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox got Jason Bay and the Pirates received Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen from the Red Sox and Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris from the Dodgers.

Also, Ken Griffy Jr. was dished to the White Sox for pitcher Nick Masset and second baseman Danny Richar. Griffy had the option to refuse the trade but he accepted the trade to the White Sox.

So we didn't get Manny, oh well either did the Marlins or Mets. Look for the Phils GM Pat Gillick to make a move over the waiver wire.

Rollins Late to Rubber Match

Jimmy Rollins was scratched from today's series finale against the Mets.

According to Jason Starks the Phillies showed up at 10:30 AM to Shea Stadium today, but J-Roll did not show up until 11 AM which bothered Charlie Manuel and is the reason Rollins was scratched from the line-up.

Apparently Rollins drove his own car to the game and was late because of "traffic". Either way he was late to the biggest game of the year, which the Phillies lost.

The Phillies are now in second place behind the Mets.

Last year's MVP has all the swagger with no swing this year. Jimmy needs to get his head in the game.

WNBA Brawl

Brawl in the Detroit Shock and Los Angeles Sparks game Tuesday night.

Time for Myers to be a "Rock Star"

Brett Myers will make his first start back in the majors tonight. Myers went just 1-3 in his short stint in the minors.

Myers (3-9) will start tonight in game 2 of the rivalry series against the Mets. John Maine (8-7) will make the start for the Mets.

Hopefully Myers fixed his mechanics and has prepared himself mentally during his time in the minors. Former Phillie now Phillies analyst Mitch Williams said Myers was jerking his head in his rotation this season, one of the reasons he was so unsuccessful.

Myers is currently winless on the road this season, going 0-6, with an 8.18 ERA. Myers will be looking to change that tonight in Shea.

Top 10 NFC Teams in 2008

1. Dallas Cowboys

   I hate to admit it but the Boys have the best team by far in the NFC. Pacman Jones will add a lot of punch on special teams and to the secondary. Pro Bowler Marion Barber is now the full-time running back and oh some guy named TO playing wide receiver makes any team dominant.

2. Green Bay Packers

   The Favreless Packers? Maybe. The Packers will still be a very good team with or without Bret Farve. If Aaron Rogers can play nearly as good as he did against the Cowboys last year, the Pack will be back in the NFC Championship game.

3. New York Giants

   Last year's Super Bowl Champions. The Giants made a big move this week getting rid of their cancer, trading away Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints. Eli Manning was a much better quarterback once Shockey was injured last year and out of the huddle.

4. Minnesota Vikings

   The Vikings are a young, up and coming team. They started off last season 8-4, before losing their last four games after quarterback Tavaris Jackson was injured. The Vikes also have a sick running game with second year player Adrian Peterson leading the way. If both players can stay healthy all summer the Vikes will be a threat in the playoffs.

5. Seattle Seahawks

   The Seahawks also seem to be in the thick of things. Their success may be because of the weak NFC West they play in, playing the Cardinals, Rams, and 49'ers twice a year. The Seahawks are getting older and the window of opportunity is closing to make a Super Bowl run, but they do have a bunch of veterans on the team and a very strong wide receiver core with Nate Burleson, Deon Branch and Bobby Engram. The Seahawks are without former MVP Shaun Alexander, but did sign running back Julius Jones from the Cowboys.

6. New Orleans Saints

   After falling off in 2007 the Saints will be one of the better teams in the NFC in 2008. The Saints have plenty of weapons on offense, a good quarterback, two good running backs, nice receivers and newly acquired tight end Jeremy Shockey from the New York Giants. Shockey will be out to prove himself in 2008, and will have a big season, being one of Drew Brees' go-to-guys.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

   Has the Eagles window of opportunity closed? Is this Donovan McNabb's last season in Philly? Will Brian Westbrook show up to training camp on time? Will the Eagles mediocre receiving core make due in 2008? Oh yeah, they added Asaunte Samuel to an already good secondary. Who is on the way out Sheldon Brown or Lito Sheppard? Or will all three corner backs get enough playing time to be happy? The 2008 Eagles season is filled with many questions.

8. Washington Redskins

   The Skins had a very solid draft picking up three receivers. The also added defensive end Jason Taylor this week. Expect nothing more then a playoff birth if that and a first round loss.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

   The Bucs are juggling many quarterbacks moving into the 2008 season. The Brett Favre rumors still are also being chattered about. The Bucs need to figure who is their QB either Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Brian Griese or Chris Simms. Even with Cadillac Williams and veteran Warrick Dunn, the Bucs are nothing to sweat in 2008.

10. Arizona Cardinals

    Will Matt Leinart finally break out in 2008? The Cardinals sure hope so. If Leinart can stay healthy this season and get into rhythm with his strong receiving core, the Cardinals could be a competitive team, maybe even with a winning record. The Cardinals do not look too shabby when Kurt Warner is behind center either. The Cards are still not a strong enough team to win the weak NFC West nor make the playoffs.

Eagles Standing Room Only Tickets

The Philadelphia Eagles standing room only tickets for the 2008 season went on sale today at 10 AM.

I was lucky enough to get tickets for the season opener against the Rams, division battles against the Redskins and Giants, the Thanksgiving night game against the Cardinals and a Monday nighter against the Browns.

According to Philadelphia Eagles.com, "the tickets sold out in a matter of minutes." Like usual.

NFC East News

The Philadelphia Eagles training camp begin today. Rookies and selected veterans reported.

The Washington Redskins received defensive end Jason Taylor from the Miami Dolphins for a second and sixth round pick.

The New York Giants traded Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints for a second and fifth round pick.

Blanton Makes Phillies Debut Start Tuesday

Joey Blanton will make his debut start for the Phillies in New York against the hated Mets on Tuesday night to open a three game series.

Blanton has a 21-14 career second half record. Hopefully he can keep that going with the Phils this second half.

Once again Cole Hamels had a strong outing resulting in a no decision today.

The bats are very inconsistent when Hamels is on the mound. Hamels pitched eight innings, allowing just four hits and two runs on two solo shots.

Clay Condrey took the loss as the Phillies dropped the game in 11 innings.

Blanton will face the Mets ace Johan Santana Tuesday night.

The Phils last met Santana on Independence Day. J.A. Happ made the start for the Phils, but neither starting pitched was involved in the decision, the Phils beat the Mets in dramatic fashion with a walk-off single by Shane Victorino. The Phils still lost the series two games to one.

The End of the Spectrum

Today it was announced by Ed Snyder that after the 2008-2009 Phantoms and Kixx season, the Spectrum will be knocked down.

“This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” said Snider. “The Spectrum is my baby. It’s one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me, but after a lot of thinking and discussions, we all feel it is in our best interest to close the Spectrum at the conclusion of the upcoming 2008-09 Philadelphia Phantoms and Kixx seasons.”

The Spectrum is a place I grew up watching many Flyers, Sixers, and Phantoms games along with circuses and concerts. I will miss it dearly.

I was in attendance when the Philadelphia Phantoms won the Calder Cup in 2005.

But more importantly the Flyers won the Stanley Cup back to back seasons in the 1973-1974 and 1974-1975 . The Sixers won the NBA Championship in 1983. The Spectrum was home to all of these great accomplishments.

The Spectrum was opened in 1967, and was the home to the 76'ers and the Flyers. The Spectrum also had concerts, wrestling events, circuses and more. More recently the Spectrum has been home to the Phantoms and Kixx.

The Spectrum will surely be missed.
1967-2009

Boo? F*ck You!

"Boo? F*ck You!", Chase Utley's comment to the New York crowd on hand at the All Star Game's Home Run Derby when the crowd decided to boo Utley during his introduction.

Here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBtkQoeaNCE&feature=related

Phils in First Place at the Break

The Phillies are just a half game ahead of the red hot Mets going into the All Star break. The Mets are the hottest team in the majors, winners of their last nine games.

The Mets have gotten solid pitching during their nine game winning streak. The Mets young gun Mike Pelfrey pitched eight shutout innings on national television Sunday night against the Rockies. Pelfrey allowed six hits and struck out five.

NL East Standings
Phillies 52-44 --
Mets 51-44 .5
Marlins 50-45 1.5
Braves 45-50 6.5
Nationals 36-60 16.0

Brand Signed Jersey

Got the email today from the Sixers. Get a free autographed Elton Brand jersey with purchase of new 2008-09 Season Tickets.

I guess all you Sixers fans that already have season tickets are going to be pretty jealous or plotting to steal one some how.

Welcome to Philadelphia Elton Brand

A day after the Sixers traded Rodney Carney, Calvin Booth, a first round pick and cash to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a second round pick the 76'ers signed free agent Elton Brand to a 5-year contract for $82 million.

Brand is the big man the Sixers have needed for years now to play along side Sammy D.

Brand is coming off of an achilles tendon injury which allowed him to play in just eight games last season. He did play strong in those eight games averaging 17.6 points per game and eight rebounds per game.

Brand is a special player, he is a 20 and 10 career guy.

Brand broke into the league with Chicago in the 1999-2000 season. He played just two seasons with Chicago, then played for the LA Clippers since the 2001-2002 season.

Brand will make the entire Sixers team better. He will be double teamed, leaving Andre Iguodala
with one defender on him at most times.

The Sixers are just a couple pieces away (a strong shooter) from being a strong force in the Eastern Conference. If Brand shines, I give it two to three years until Philadelphia is back in the NBA Finals.

Phils Lock Up Lidge

Brad Lidge will be closing out games until 2011 for the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies signed the closer to a three year- $37.5 million dollar contract extension.

This shuts out all rumors about Brett Myers becoming the closer again next season. Thank God.

Lidge has not blown a save yet this season. He has 19 saves in as many tries, with an ERA of just 0.77.

Phils Win Game 1 of Rivalry Series

I was in attendance last night as the Phils defeated the Mets 3-2. Used my Uncle's season tickets, they were great seats. Section 122, second row behind the Diamond Club.

J.A. Happ was a little nervous in the beginning of the game throwing some balls but quickly gathered his composure and held the Mets to just three hits and two runs. Happ pitched just 4.2 innings, but was a much needed solid start for the Phillies.

Johan Santana pitched a solid game allowing six hits and two runs in eight innings of work.

The Phillies' Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell both had RBI singles in the sixth inning off of Santana to tie the game.

In the bottom of the ninth with two outs Shane Victorino knocked an RBI single into right field to win the game in dramatic fashion.

What a way to start off the four game series with a win over the hated Mets. Mets fans were not as strong in attendance as usual.

Atlanta's Josh Smith to Meet with Sixers?

It is rumored that the Hawk's Josh Smith may meet with the Sixers Wednesday to discuss plans of suiting up in a 76'ers uniform.

Contracts cannot be made official until July 9th.

Smith is only 23 years old, and would fit in great with the Sixers young dynamic team. Smith averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game last season. Smith also had a nice playoff series against the soon to be champion Celtics.

Smith would most liking play the four with the Sixers next to Sammy D.

Myers Sent Down to Minors

WIP's Howard Eskin announced today around 4 PM that Phillies' struggling starter Brett Myers (3-9) has accepted the option to be sent down to the Phillies triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

Since Myers has been a major leaguer for more than five years he had an option weather or not to accept going down to the minors.

Charlie Manual, Rich Dubee, Ruben Amaro Jr., Myers, and Myers' agent decided it was the best decision for the struggling pitcher. This way Myers came continue to start.

Myers will be down in the minors for a couple weeks, to make a few starts, then hopefully back up with the big club to help out in the second half of the season.

Myers is scheduled to start Wednesday night for the Iron Pigs against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees at Coco-Cola Park.

Kris Benson Takes the Loss in Triple-A Start

Kris Benson made a rehab start for the Phillies Triple-A affiliate the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs on Sunday.

Benson threw 73 pitches, allowed four earned runs on five hits in four innings of work. Benson struck out one, and received the loss as the Iron Pigs fell to the Syracuse SkyChiefs in front of 9,010 at Coco-Cola Park.

A Pitiful National League

Monday night before any first pitches have been tossed the National League only has five teams above the .500 mark, the Cubs, Cardinals, Phillies, Brewers and Marlins. Compared to the American League that has 10 of it's 14 teams above .500.

The NL West does not have a team above .500. Arizona leads the division with a 41-41 record.

Is this the reason the Phillies have had some success this season? Playing in such a mediocre league.

Let's hope our Fightin Phils can get it together, soon.

Interleague Plays Continues as Phils Head West

Monday was a much needed off day for the Phillies. Callers constantly complained all day on both 610 WIP and ESPN 950 about the stone cold Phils, who have lost their last five games, and dropped the last seven of ten.

If this past week's match-ups against the Red Sox and Angels were measuring tools for the Phillies, all flaws were shown.

Lack of starting pitching, and heavily relying on the bats.

The city was in panic today screaming about the lack of starting pitching on the AM dial. Callers were frustrated, angry and almost losing hope.

It's still early in the year, of course the team is going to be hot and cold its a 162 game marathon.

The Phils travel to Oakland for a three game set with the AL West's second place A's. The A's are currently 41-34. Then the Phils will battle the Texas Rangers who are a game above .500.

I guess I won't see too much of the next two games being they start at 10:05 PM. Let's hope the Fightins can turn things around while were catching some ZzZzZz's.

USA Basketball Team Announced

According to NBA. com

2008 USA Men’s Senior National Team Roster

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	DOB	TEAM	SCHOOL
Carmelo Anthony	F	6-8	230	5/29/84	Denver Nuggets	Syracuse University
Carlos Boozer	F	6-9	258	11/20/81	Utah Jazz	Duke University
Chris Bosh	F	6-10	230	3/24/84	Toronto Raptors	Georgia Tech
Kobe Bryant	G	6-6	220	8/23/78	Los Angeles Lakers	Lower Merion H.S. (PA)
Dwight Howard	F/C	6-11	265	12/08/85	Orlando Magic	Southwest Atlanta Christian Acd. (GA)
LeBron James	F	6-8	240	12/30/84	Cleveland Cavaliers	St.Vincent-St. Mary H.S. (OH)
Jason Kidd	G	6-4	212	3/23/73	Dallas Mavericks	University of California
Chris Paul	G	6-0	170	5/06/85	New Orleans Hornets	Wake Forest University
Tayshaun Prince	F	6-9	205	2/28/80	Detroit Pistons	University of Kentucky
Michael Redd	G	6-6	215	8/24/79	Milwaukee Bucks	Ohio State University
Dwyane Wade	G	6-4	212	1/17/82	Miami Heat	Marquette University
Deron Williams	G	6-3	205	7/26/84	Utah Jazz	University of Illinois

There is only a couple big powerful players on the team in Orlando's Dwight Howard, and Utah's Carlos Boozer. I'm also suprised Team USA would want Carmelo Anthony of the team. Duke's Mike Krzyzewski will try and lead Team USA to gold.

Training begins June 28-29 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Olympics will take place August 8-24 in Beijing, China.

The Cold Streak is Over!

In the bottom of the third inning, Chase Utley smashed a double to the gap in right center field. Utley eventually scored on a RBI single from Ryan Howard.

Utley was in the coldest streak of his career going 0-for-24 before the double.

The Phils are trailing the Angels 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth, trying to avoid the sweep.

Utley Cold as Ice

Chase Utley must remove Foreigner's Cold As Ice from his iPod immediately. Utley is currently in the worst streak of his career, and tomorrow's off day could not have come at a better time.

Utley is 0-for his last -20, and has not had a hit since June 13th. Utley's batting average is now below .300 at .294.

The Phils will play host to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a three game series beginning Friday at 7:05 PM. Utley will look to break out of his slump.

BoSox Visit Phillies

The Boston Red Sox will visit Philadelphia for a three game series starting tonight, followed by another night game tommorow and the series finale Wednesday afternoon for a business man's special.

Boston comes in with the best record in the AL at 44-28. While the Phillies are atop of the NL East at 41-30. Some say tonight is a preview of the fall classic, also known as the World Series.

The Sox are hot, 7-3 in their last 10 games. While the Phillies have lost their last two games, but are 6-4 in their last 10.

Cole Hamels (6-4) will take the mound tonight planning to end the Phils current skid. Hamels will take on Boston's new star Bartolo Colon (4-1).

Colon has had success so far in his first five starts with the Red Sox. One would expect a low scoring game tonight with both starting pitcher's ERAs under 3.50.

The Phils will not see Josh Beckett or Big Papi, in this series.

Let's go Phillies. We need to win this series, to prove this team is serious.

Help Swoop Win the Mascot Competition

Help the Eagles' mascot Swoop defeat the Seahawks mascot Blitz, by voting at http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/10860772.

CBS Sports is running a mascot bracket tournament. The AFC and NFC finalists will meet July 8th in the mascot championship.

Happy Father's Day

I'd like to thank my pops for passing down the passion of rooting for Philadelphia teams to me.

Over the years my Dad has taken me to countless Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and Sixers games.

So I got my Dad tickets to the July 12th Phillies game against the Arizona Diamond Backs for Father's Day. It's Italian Heritage day at the park. Should be a great time.

Drink of the Weekend

Miller Lite, what else would I have picked, thats where I work now. Discounted beer, can't beat that.

Injury Prone McNabb Hurt Yet Again

According to PhiladelphiaEagles.com Donovan McNabb is suffering from shoulder tendinitis in his throwing arm.

It has been announced McNabb will sit out the rest of the week. The Eagles did say McNabb would be ready for training camp that starts June 22.

"No surgery, and there should be no repercussions from it. He'll just get treatment for about two weeks here, and he'll be ready to go," Andy Reid said.

McNabb suffered from shoulder tendinitis back in 2004. McNabb has suffered from injuries since the Birds Super Bowl run. In 2005, McNabb had a sports hernia. In 2006, Jeff Garcia led the Birds to the playoffs and a playoff win when McNabb tore a knee ligament. In 2007, McNabb missed the final two games of the season with a sprained ankle and an injured thumb.

Strahan Retires after 15-Year-Career

Michael Strahan retires from the NFL after winning a Super Bowl with the New York Giants last season.

Strahan played 15 years in the NFL compiling 141.5 sacks and 429 career tackles. Strahan's best season was in 2001 when he had 22.5 sacks, a single-season record.

Strahan and Eagles tackle Jon Runyan have been battling twice a year since 2000 plus a few epic playoff battles.

"Going out on top, if you could write a book, that's the way you'd want to end it … I'd put him up there with Reggie White. I only played against Reggie once. He's right up there with him," Runyan told Philly.com.

610 WIP's Howard Eskin interviews Freddie Mitchell

Fred-Ex interviewed on 610 WIP by Howard Eskin, always a good time. Haha Freddie said, "Have your producer end the interview with Journey- Don't Stop Believing."

Heres the link: http://podcast.610wip.com/wip/1135887.mp3

Rollins Rides the Pine

In the third inning of today's game Jimmy Rollins popped up to shallow left field, Reds shortstop Paul Janish misplayed and dropped the ball.

Rollins did not run the ball out, and only made it to first base when he most likely could have been safe at second if he hustled out of the batters box.

Eric Bruntlett entered the game at shortstop for the Phils the next inning.

Uncle Charlie wants his players to hustle, and after this incident with J-Roll riding the pine, I think he'll get Charlie's message.

On a good note, Cole Hamels pitched a complete game shutout allowing just three hits, striking out four, improving his record to 6-4.

The Peoples Champ Gets Another Try in the NFL

Ex-Eagle Freddie Mitchell, Fred-Ex, the Peoples Champ, Mr. 4th & 26, whatever you want to call him has worked out with the Baltimore Ravens according to ProFootballTalk.com.

Mitchell tried out for the Chiefs in 2005 , but couldn't hack it.

Fred-Ex played from 2001-2004 with the Eagles where he caught 90 passes for 1263 yards scoring five touchdowns.

Mitchell's claim to fame was in a 2004 playoff game against the Green Bay Packers when he caught the infamous 4th and 26 pass from Donavon McNabb.

It would be great to see the Peoples Champ back in the NFL. It's a long shot but hopefully Mitchell makes the Ravens roster. The Birds pay the Ravens a visit on November 23 and I'm sure Brian Dawkins would love to get Freddie Mitchell some Brotherly Love.

A Hard Cup Series to Root For

The Pens were victorious Monday night after three overtimes, to stay alive in the series 3-2.

But I find it hard to watch the Stanley Cup this year.

Who do I pull for the Red Wings?
The team that swept the Flyers in the Cup in 1997.

Or Sid the Kid's team?
The team who just punished the Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals 4-1.

Game six is tonight at 8PM on NBC.

Smoltz to have Season Ending Surgery

"I can't compete with my body anymore," John Smoltz said during his press conference today.

Smoltz will have season ending surgery on his right shoulder next week.

Smoltz made his return Monday night out of the bullpen in the ninth inning as the closer, but blew the lead and save to the Marlins allowing three hits and two earned runs.

Over his career Smoltz has compiled 210 wins and 154 saves with a 3.26 ERA.

The Braves currently trail the Phillies in the NL East by 3.5 games.

Utley Earns NL Player of the Week Honors

Thanks to Chase's 5 Homers and 14 RBI's on the week.

Kruker Struck out by Women's Softball Pitcher

John Kruk was announcing the Women's College World Series the other night and made a comment that he thinks it would be impossible to hit a softball coming from the college pitchers.

Tonight on ESPN's Sports Center, they had footage of Kruker trying to hit some pitches from a college softball pitcher.

The best he did was foul one off. He still had that great batting stance though.

Phils Bats are For Real, Moyer Leads Team in Wins

The Phils defeated the Marlins 7-5 Sunday afternoon, to win the three game series two games to one, and take soul possession of first place in the NL East. The Phils (33-25) are a half game above the Marlins and three and a half above the Braves.

Once again Chase Utley goes yard, hitting his league leading 20th homer of the season. Geoff Jenkins also hit a two run ding dong as a pinch hitter in the 6th inning to tie the game.

Then Pat "the bat" Burrell hit a double down the left field line in the 7th plating two Phils giving them the 7-5 lead and eventual win, thanks to a scoreless 8th pitched by Tom Gordon, and yet again another stellar performance by Brad Lidge, picking up his 13th save in as many tries.

The ageless Jamie Moyer picked up the win improving his record to 6-3 on the season. Moyer leads the Phils in the wins category.

I haven't seen the Phillies play such good baseball since 1993. The Phils are very fun to watch, and when they get down, as a fan you always have hope that they will come back.

New Section: Drink of the Weekend

This new section will show my drink of choice for each weekend in the summer. Usually it will be the cheap beer I drink.

But for college graduation I was lucky enough to receive two huge bottles of Grey Goose.










This weekend's drink is Vodka Tonic with lemon slice to kick off the summer.

Let's Go Phils! Big series with the fish from Florida this weekend.

Chase Goes Upper Deck

I get a call at 7PM last night from my buddy John who is a Phillies bullpen security guard, telling me he has 2 tickets to the night's game.

I pick up my buddy, by 7:26 PM I'm parked running into Citizens Bank Park.

Turns out we sit Row 1 in section 204. Pretty awesome seats, especially for free.

Chase Utley decides to go deep in the bottom of the 5th, crushing a home run to the upper deck. The ball lands 10 seats to the right of me.

Too bad the Phils have the day off today, their bats are on fire. 48 runs in the last four games.

The Phils wound of sweeping the struggling Rockies. One fan decided to steal a broom from a maintenance employee and chuck the broom into the Rockies bull pen, to remind them they just got SWEPT.

Dynamic Phillies Offense

After scoring 15 runs Sunday against the Astros, the Phils came out on Memorial Day and scored 20 runs in a blowout win over the Rockies.

Chase Utley has 9 RBI in the last two games, homering in both games.

Let's see if the Phils can keep the hot hitting alive tonight against the Rockies starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (1-4).

Kyle Kendrick(3-2) will start for the Phightens.

In Cole We Trust

Cole Hamels mowed down 11 Nationals in the 1-0 win over Washington Tuesday Night. Hamels received a no decision for his outing since the Phillies couldn't produce any runs for their true ace.

Tom Gordon (4-2) came in relief and pitched a scoreless 8th inning to receive the win. Brad "Lights Out" Lidge allowed two walks but struck out two to receive his 11th save in 11 appearances.

Hamels pitched seven innings allowing just four hits, and two walks. Hamles improves his ERA to 2.61.

Hamels is now 5-3 on the year in his 10 appearences.

Once again pinch hitter Greg "Roy Hobbs" Dobbs had an RBI single in the top of the ninth. The run scored by Eric Bruntlett was enough to gain the win.

Jamie Moyer (3-3) will try and improve his record over the .500 mark tonight in Nationals Park. Moyer will pitch in his 46th stadium.

Sir Charles to Quit Gambling?

Charles Barkly announced Monday night that he was quiting gambling on TNT's pregame show before game seven between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Hornets.

ESPN reported that Barkley admitted that he has lost between $50 million and $60 million in the past 12 years due to gambling.

Barkley's latest gambling problems include a $400K gambling debt to Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas. This led to Barkley's announcement that he would quit gambling and that he has paid the money back entirely.

It's Phillies Time!

Until training camp starts, the Phils are all we have to root for in Philadelphia, other then the Soul that is.

The Phils (24-21) are currently tied with the hated Mets (22-19) for second place in the NL East. Although the Mets are technically .004 percentage points ahead of us. The Phils are Mets trail the Marlins by 1 game.

The Phils need to continue playing Jayson Werth in centerfield. Thanks to a 3 home run game on Saturday, Werth has 9 ding dongs on the year to go along with 26 RBI, which is third best on the team.

Shane Victorino needs to stay healthy, start putting the bat on the ball more, and steal some more bases if he wants some quality time in the outfield. The flying Hawaiian isn't much of a stat guy, but he needs to step it up if he wants more playing time then the veteran Geoff Jenkins.

Brad "Lights Out" Lidge is pitching excellent and so it the rest of the bullpen. Jamie Moyer pitched a strong outing his last time out. Brett Myers needs to start pulling his weight.

The Party's Over

The Flyers had the worst record in the NHL last season, and in 2008 they bounced back all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. One hell of a turn around.

Forget Sunday's 6-0 blowout. The Flyers will have alot to prove in 2009.

Timonen Back in Line-Up

Flyers defensemen Kimmo Timonen will be back in Sundays line-up for the game 5 showdown with the Pens. Timonen will make his first appearence in the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals after missing the last four games with a blood clot.

"I think I'm ready to go. Now it's up to coaches. I haven't talked to John yet. But personally I'm ready to go tomorrow," Timonen told the media Saturday.

At 12:56 PM Sunday, the Flyers announced Timonen's return to the lineup. Timonen is a much needed spark the Flyers need on defense in game 5.

The Flyers will still be without Braydon Coburn.

Let's Go Flyers!

Flyers Lose All-Star Kimmo Timonen

The Flyers will be without their standout defensmen most likely for the entire Pitssburgh series, due to blood clot in his left foot (ankle). Paul Holmgren said the clot is on the area of the foot where Timonen laces up his skates.

The Flyers will have to make up for the loss of their leader on defense. Timonen tallied 8 goals and 36 assists in the regular season, and had 6 assists so far this post season and a plus minus of 5.

A Best of Seven Pennsylvania Showdown

The Pittsburgh Penguins will have the home ice advantage against the Philadelphia Flyers in a best-of-seven game series in the Eastern Conference Finals. The winner will play in Lord Stanley's Cup against either the Detroit Red Wings or the Dallas Stars.

The Penguins and Flyers last playoff meeting was in 2000 in the second round when Philadelphia defeated Pittsburgh in just fives games. The two teams have only met three times in playoff history. The Flyers lead the all time playoff series 3-0, defeating Pittsburgh in 1989, 1997, and 2000. The Flyers won the 2008 regular season series five games to three.

The Flyers and Penguins played in one of the most memorable playoff games of all time in 2000, when game four of the semis went five overtime periods. Keith Primeau was the game's hero scoring the winning goal for the Flyers. It was the third longest game in Stanley Cup playoffs history.

The Flyers are coming off of a five game series win over the top seeded Montreal Canadians . The Penguins finished off the New York Rangers in five games as well.

The young Flyers are led by R. J. Umberger who is second in the playoffs with nine goals to go along with two assists and a plus minus of six. Danny Briere has come alive this post season, scoring eight goals with six assists for the Flyers.

Net minder Martin Biron has been on fire for the Flyers. Biron has a goals against average of 2.72 through eight playoffs games against Montreal and Washington. Biron also pitched his first career playoff shutout in game three against the Capitals.

The Penguins are led by Sid the Kid Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Marian Hossa. Malkin leads the Penguins with six goals and eight helpers in the playoffs. Crosby has also tallied 14 points in the playoffs with two goals and 12 assists.

Hossa is coming off of a game winning overtime goal to lift the Penguins over the Rangers in game five to clinch the series. Hossa has five goals and five assists in the playoffs.

Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is a commanding 8-1 this post season with a stellar goals against average of 1.76. Fleury posted four shutouts in the regular season and already has two this post season.

The series starts Friday at 7:30 PM in Pittburgh.

Game 1: May 9 @ PIT, 7:30 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Game 2: May 11 @ PIT, 7:30 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Game 3: May 13 @ PHI, 7:30 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Game 4: May 15 @ PHI, 7:30 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Game 5: May 18 @ PIT, 3 p.m. ET, NBC, RDS, TSN
*Game 6: May 20 @ PHI, 7:30 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Game 7: May 22 @ PIT, 7:30 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS

8 Wins Down, 8 Wins to Go

Flyers trying to bring a championship back to Philly for the first time since May 31, 1983 when the Sixers won the championship over the Lakers 4-0.

My First Game at Yankee Stadium

My trip to Yankee Stadium began at 4 PM Friday with six die-hard Yankees fans.

We parked right on the water and fired up the charcoal grille and cooked some foot long hot dogs and sipped on some Coors Lights.

Yankees fans do it just like we do in Philly, the tailgating was a great time.

So we went into the game just before the first pitch. Our seats were in Tier 23, on the first base side.

Although the seats were fairly far from the field we still had a good view, and they only costed $21 dollars.

I kept my Philadelphia passion to myself until my buddy decided to tell every in the men's room I was a hardcore Philly fan.

I got heckled but not nearly as bad as a father and son walking around the stadium decorated in Phillies jackets and Flyers jerseys. I gave them a standing ovation while all the Yanks fans poured down boos on them.

All in all the game was a great time, the Yankees defeated the Seattle Mariners 5-1, so I got to hear Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" on the way out of the stadium. It was great to get into such a historic stadium in it's last year of existence.

These Hab Fans Need Payback!

Monday afternoon these clowns decided to decorate Rocky with that Canadians jersey.

Monday night the Flyers jumped off to a three goal lead. The Fly Boys went on to win 3-2, and take the 2-1 series lead.

Putting it right back in the Habs fan's faces.

We need to send these fans back to Montreal down two games.

Dallas fans have not even tried anything this extreme.

Free Pizza Delivery in the Nations Capital

As Joffrey Lupul and the rest of the Flyers celebrated their game winning overtime goal Tuesday night, Washington fans decided to pollute the ice with litter.

Lupul must have ordered a pizza delivery for the end of the game, as a personal pan landed on his back during the overtime celebration. (See picture).

If this incident happened in Philadelphia, media outlets like ESPN would have slayed our fans.

On another note, thank god that tripping penalty was called in OT. I wanted a power play after the first trip that the refs let slide.

The NHL wanted Crosby vs. Ovechkin in the playoffs, but thanks to Lupul's goal that will not be happening in 2008.

The Flyers will visit Montreal on Thursday to kickoff the next round of the playoffs against the Canadians.

Out of Town: Turkey Testicles Served at South Dakota Baseball Stadium

This season the Sioux Falls Canaries will serve fried turkey testicles called "fowl balls" at their stadium. A poplular snack in China and Japan, doesn't sound like it would go to great with a beer to me.

When i worked as the Director of Media with the Atlantic City Surf, we got a player named David Keesee from the Sioux Falls independent team. I'll have to give him a ring and ask him if he's ever tried the turkey balls.

To read the article: http://www.cnbc.com/id/24199450

Birds 2008 Schedule Announced

The 2008-2009 Philadelphia Eagles season is highlighted by a Thanksgiving night home game against the Arizona Cardinals on the NFL Network. I will have to find someone who actually has the NFL Network to watch this Turkey Bowl.

The Birds will take part in two Monday nighters and two Sunday night games. The Birds Monday night battles include playing the hated Cowboys in Dallas on September 15th, and will host the Browns on December 15th.

The Sunday night showdowns include a visit to Chi-Town when the Birds meet the Bears on September 28th and then the Birds play host to the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants on November 9th.

Three of the last four games of the season are against division foes with the finally at home against Dallas.

Let's go Birds!