You Want War, You Got It

It took three games, but I finally developed a hatred for the Dodgers. Let me count the ways....

-I really detest their late arriving, latte drinking, half involved, blackberry reading, celebrity filled crowd. Fuck them and their palm trees, decent weather and great looking women.

-A really big eff you goes out to Hiroki Kuroda. I hope you feel "courageous" because you stood up to the big bad Phillies and threw at their smallest guy on the team. Although, not sure throwing at Shane was a good thing. Have you ever seen Hawaiians fight? Check this out. I think Shane would have done some damage.

-I sure hope this continues over to tomorrow. Joe Blanton is a big fat ass from down south who looks like he'd love to scrap.

-Manny is all bark and no bite. I would have loved to seen him mouth off like that if Ryan Howard was in his face. I'm also getting sick of how we're pitching this guy. We're treating him like he is Roy Hobbs while he was on that tear before he got shot by Kim Basinger's character in "The Natural".

-God forbid if we need Jamie Moyer again this series. He's done. A good deal of the Dodgers have seen him over in the AL. They aren't fooled by his trickeration.

Tomorrow night is the key. If Joe Blanton can pitch like he did against the Brewers and the Phils find away to beat D Lowe again, this series doesn't come back to Philly. However, beating Lowe again is easier said then done in L.A. Those HR's that did him in back in Game One, will be warning track fly outs in Chavez Ravine.

Overall, did anyone think this would be easy? This is Philly, remember?

Absolutely Frustrating

Sure, I am just as happy as the next guy that Birds came back and won today's game against the 49ers, but I am completely depressed. They only won because the defense turned up the heat and caused a multitude of turnovers against an overmatched offense. Overall, this team is just not good enough and their coach is holding them back. His stubbornness and lack of creativity has finally destroyed this team.

The offense shows zero imagination. Sure, they throw these whacky screen passes to DeSean, but they never seem to run any pass plays that get guys open by sheer design of the play. Plus, Andy Reid the GM has killed this offense. He brought in Lorenzo Booker because he was so taken aback by his skills and could fill in when B West had his inevitable once a season injury. It sounded like a great idea at the time as he was billed as quick, explosive scat back. Well, he's been a complete bust so far and would have had a golden opportunity if he was anything like what he was expected to be.

After having him on the roster for three years, Big Red finally called a fade pattern to his 6'4" NCAA high jump champion. That completely infuriates me. Why have the guy on the team if you don't take advantage of his height? It is strictly Reid's coaching incompetence. Plus, I think we've all seen enough of Reggie Brown. Whenever he is out, this team shows so much more life. Personally, I think it is because Reid is forced to use DeSean Jackson and Baskett more often. If Reid puts Jackson and Baskett on the shelf when Curtis and Brown come back, I might give up on the season.

Also, the tight end position is a complete nonfactor. (Apparently, Tony Gonzalez is available. Don't we have to at least make an offer for him?) Who's fault is that? Andy has brought in numerous guys, but none have amounted to anything and our failures at this position is magnified every week because it seems that every team in our division has a good tight end these days and since B Dawk has lost a step, every tight end dominates our defense.

On the defensive side of the ball, we've spent a gazillion dollars at the position, but the only guy to make any plays at the position is the dude who was a scrap heap pick up and strangely changes his name. Someone clearly doesn't know how t evaluate that position.

Finally, the David Akers has to be put down. He's kind of like the family dog that you don't want to see go because you've had so many good times together, but Akers is done. Let's start over with a young new kicker and start some new memories. Reid is trying to hold on and is giving him chance after chance to redeem himself, but his efforts are now backfiring. Akers hasn't made a kick over 40 yards since last September, yet Reid gives him a chance to kick a 54 yarder which promptly was blocked and returned for a TD. What an absolutely indefensible call. Does Reid know his team's limitations at all?

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think Andy Reid's time here is done. Of course, he's not going anywhere any time soon, but I've finally realized that he's never winning us a Super Bowl. It's a sobering realization. Why even get ramped up for the games when you realize you can't reach the ultimate goal.

It's going to be a real sad time until Jeffrey Lurie comes to the same conclusion.

More Game 1 Magic

After sleepwalking through the first five innings, the Phils exploded with three runs off two clutch home runs by previously non existent Chase Utley and Pat Burrell. Once he got through a shaky first inning, Cole Hamels really pulled it together and gave up only one more run the rest of the night. He once again showed that he is a big time, ace, #1 starter. (Unfortunately, he's only the third one in my life time, joining Lefty and Schill.) Lidge looked pretty solid as well. He got in front of batters and then got them swing weakly to the outfield. I like the way he is looking.

Tomorrow, we turn to Brett Myers to see if he can pick up from where he was in Game 2 of the Brewers series. I wish I could ask expert prognosticator, John Smoltz, what he thought. I also love how the entire media has automatically ceded this game to the Dodgers. I don't think it is as easy as that.

Here are some other observations:

-Excuse for stating the obvious, but Manny Ramirez is really friggin' scary when he comes up. The guy can flat out hit. Seems like he hits every thing hard.

-I already can't stand Andre Ethier. Every time I hear his name, it reminds me of some wussy French Canadian defenseman that plays for Montreal. My love for hockey has taught me not to be too fond of Frogs. I don't like this guy.

-Was anyone else expecting an athletic Black dude to come up to the plate when you heard the name "Russell Martin" instead of a dumpy looking White Guy that could pass for an auto mechanic?

-Pat Burrell runs like he has glass in his shoes.

-I repeat: Manny scares me. The boogie man checks under his bed for Manny Ramirez.

-Whoever let Ricky Bo go on set tonight in that suit should be fired. I think I wore that same suit/tie combination to my high school senior portrait day. By the way, why the eff is Ricky Bo even on the post game show? They couldn't find anyone better? Was Tyler Green busy that day? As my buddy Johnny wondered, "what's next? Will Ben Rivera work as a sideline reporter in Game 2?"

-If my buddy Johnny Gold keeps quitting on the Phils like he did in the 5th inning tonight, we might be celebrating a title pretty soon.

-Despite the HR's he gave up, I'd love to see Derek Lowe in Phillies' red pinstripes next year. Plus, he has a great nickname (D-Low).

-Tim McCarver is really, really annoying. Some of the b.s. he was coming up with was ridiculous.

-I really want to do a live blog while watching one of these games. I always find that I'm more funny at work than here at home.

PSP's Phils' Pick

I still can't believe it is October 8th and I'm talking baseball. This is not a time for baseball. I should be able to bitch and complain about Andy Reid and the Eagles foibles full time. I'm still not sure how to react.

Basically, the Phils have a great opportunity. How many times over the years has a Philly team gotten to this point only to be facing down a goliath? (Think Sixers vs. the Shaq, Kobe Lakers; the Birds vs. the Pats dynasty in the Super Bowl or the Flyers vs. the Gretzky/Messier Oilers.) There is no overwhelming favorite this year. I wouldn't be shocked if any of the 4 teams won the title. That's why the Phils have to take advantage of this opportunity.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure they can. The Dodgers have the feel of a team that is gelling at the exact right time. They are a completely different team after acquiring Manny and now that Furcal is back healthy. I just get the feeling that the Dodgers may be too much for our Phils, especially with how deep the Dodgers' lineup is compared to ours which has been a little top heavy this season compared to last.

However, I don't believe that the Phils are so over matched that they can't win. Plus, the whole Red Sox/Dodgers World Series that the national media is lusting after, due to the myriad of story lines, is way too convenient to actually happen. Nevertheless, I just see the Dodgers having less question marks and more talent top to bottom. Oh and I almost forgot, they have Joe Torre running their ship and we have Uncle Cholly. 'Nuff said.

I see the Dodgers in 6.

I Am Still Annoyed

It's been a couple days since the Eagles debacle against the Skins and my anger towards the Birds hasn't subsided one bit. I thought the Phils' success would have somehow brightened my outlook on the Birds, but it hasn't happened.

Since I never really got a good feeling for the game as I was distracted by the Phils, I just forced myself to watch the condensed version of the game on the NFL Network. Boy am I depressed now. The Birds were thoroughly whooped. They were pretty much beaten up on both sides of the ball. The linemen were dominated and we lost one on one battles on the perimeter as we couldn't cover their guys on third down and our receivers rarely got open.

The other thing that has me concerned is how Andy the GM's decisions are now affecting Andy the Coach. Since Big Red has traded out of the 1st round the last two years, we don't have the tight end or safety we desperately need. These personnel defects have been highlighted in the 'Boys and Skins, game as we watched Jason Witten and Chris Cooley dominate our safeties and have left me longing for a big time player of our own at TE. We're going to have to wait to next year as we don't have any candidates on the roster. Interestingly, Brian Baldinger flat out called our Tight Ends "turds" and LJ doesn't take a single confident step on the field. He said the film showed that every thing he does is tentative.

Overall, I'm really getting fed up with this team. If they don't turn things around soon, I might be forced to turn my back on them.

The Ultimate Good News/Bad News Day

I'm pretty sure we all had a similar day on Sunday. We are all left totally and utterly confused and exhausted after a strange three hour journey from 1 to 4 pm this afternoon. My emotions ran the gamut of just about everything you could go through in a sporting event.

Also, did anyone else find it strange that both games ended at almost exactly the same time. What a difference between the two endings. In Milwaukee, you had jubilation and excitement. In Philly, you had a stadium full of annoyed, frustrated people marching towards the exits wondering if the true nature of the 2008 Eagles had been revealed.

I think you would like to read about the good news first, so let's talk about the Phillies. Today, Joe Blanton entered the Phils pantheon of unexpected big time post season pitching performances. Unfortunately, that list is pretty small in my life time and before today only consisted of Bob Walk in the 1980 World Series and Danny Jackson in the 1993 NLCS. Did anyone expect Joe friggin' Blanton to pitch 6 innings of one run baseball? I surely did not. Other than his two masterful starts in early August, I thought he was pretty average and not the "innings eater" he was advertised as. Today, he had command, got in front of hitters early and showed more velocity than I've seen lately. He was absolutely not intimidated by the moment, which is something we surely do not see enough of in the City of Philadelphia. I'm not sure if we can count on him to deliver a similar performance in the NLCS, but it's sure comforting to know he's capable to locking things down in a postseason start.

The other hero was everyone's favorite whipping boy, Pat the Bat. I would have been shocked by him stepping up, but my new buddy John Smoltz told us how Pat has owned Jeff Suppan over the years right before the game changing blast. Part of me is happy for Burrell. He's been here for years and years (9 altogether) and his days on this franchise (God willing) are numbered. He deserved a little enjoyment for all the years of putting up with underachieving teams. His second home run was pure gravy, but it was much appreciated as it allowed us to breath a bit easier in the last couple innings. Let's hope Pat keeps up this hot streak in the next round as there are a couple guys in this lineup that are killing us, which brings us to.....

What the hell happened to Chase Utley? I never in a million years thought he'd appear gutless, but that's what we've seen the last couple months. Seriously, does anyone have any theories? There were whispers that he is hurt, but if so, why would he be able to move around so well on defense? I truly don't get it, but we need this guy to return to form. We really need him.

In any event, the Phils took care of business and won a series against a team which was not as good as they are. I was happy to see them win, but there is still work to be done. This team can beat the Dodgers. It will be much tougher, but it can be done.

Although, did anyone else think the celebration was a bit excessive? Was champagne really warranted? Ok, maybe I am being a killjoy because of....

We all realized today that the Eagles just aren't good enough. They are clearly the worst team in the "toughest division in football". The sad part is that they might be a winning team this year, but from what we've seen, they aren't beating out the G Men, Skins or 'Boys. They can't get off the field on third down, they can't stop the run when it counts, their offense goes into long funks for way too long.

After opening up the season scorching hot, the offense has scored only 5 offensive touchdowns since the second half of the Dallas game. I think the WR's have come back to Earth. The Greg Lewis', Hank Baskett's and Jason Avant's are doing nothing. For some reason today, DeSean Jackson caught only one ball. Donovan also appears to be hurried and inaccurate. I can't tell if it is the talent, execution or if the coach isn't putting his players into position to make plays, which brings me to......

Andy Reid has lost it. I don't think he has the drive or innovation necessary to get this team back to the top. I really can't remember the last time he called a play that made think, "wow, that play worked because of the design of the play" or "wow, Big Red really fooled the defense there." It's time for him to go. I really want to see a new era in Philly. (Am I over reacting?)

By the way, LJ Smith is a turd. Eskin just announced on Sports Final that the 3rd and 1, late in the 4th quarter didn't work because LJ lined up in the wrong spot. What an idiot. He really needs to go.

Overall, I'm just annoyed. Today's game announced that this team is done. They pretty much have no shot at the playoffs. It's just sad to see your season over in early October, but that's what today's loss did to them.

Honestly, I was pretty much watching the Phils all day. I don't have a real good feel for what happened today. I suspect that I'll have to watch the NFL Network Replay to get an idea as to what really happened. It just seemed that every time I looked up, the Birds were punting, Clinton Portis was abusing our run defense, or Jason Campbell was converting another third down to Chris Cooley (Christ, will this team ever cover a TE?). As much as I want to see it, is this really a smart thing? Why should I subject myself to such punishment, when there are other things to be excited about, which brings me back to....

Game One for the Phils is Thursday. I have the opportunity to buy 3 tickets at $140 a pop, but I have to get an answer to my buddy by 7 pm tomorrow. If you are interested, email me, text me, etc.

John Smoltz: Expert Prognosticator

Earlier today, I met John Smoltz at a golf outing as he's in town broadcasting the Phils/Brewers series for TBS. He seemed like a nice enough guy and talked to a couple of us about the Phils/Brewers series. He said he thought Brett Myers "would pitch a great game tonight" and the Phils would definitely win this series. He also said that Cole Hamels is a stud and will undoubtedly win a Cy Young in his career (I was tempted to ask if it would be with the Phils or another team when we fail to meet his contract demands.)

After talking to him today and listening to him do the game on TV, you can tell he knows the game inside and out. I learned more today than I have in years. You learn so much more from guys currently in the game or those who have just left it as opposed to guys like Sarge who haven't played in 20 years.

Unfortunately, I did not ask him how far he saw the Phils going. I would have liked to hear that response.

Live From Citizens Bank Park

I had every intention of blogging on and on and on about yesterday's Phils' game, but I got home from the game sat on the couch and totally zonked out. I have to get out to work early today so I can't say much, but wanted to get a couple things up before I head out the door.

I think we finally saw that Cole Hamels is a big game pitcher. He was absolutely masterful yesterday. If he can continue to pitch like that, we may be onto something big this postseason. I just wish we got to see him end the game, which brings me to...

When did Brad Lidge turn into Mitch Williams? (Wild Thing was in the park yesterday to throw out the "Second Pitch". Maybe Lidge was somehow inspired to follow in his footsteps.) Anyhow, I know it has been slowly coming over the last month, but the tight rope Lidge's been walking might kill me. If he continues this B.S. this postseason, I might have to buy a defibulator and have it on stand by because he might just kill give me a heart attack one of these times.

Also, where's the offense? We need the entire lineup to hit. Four hits is not going to get it done. We need everyone to contribute.

Finally, I have to thank my man Uncle Farrell. The seats we had yesterday were the best I have ever had. Unbelievable. Three rows from the field. I can't thank him enough. There is a much better story of how we ended up three rows from the field, and I will tell it later on. I have to get out of here.

Talk to you guys later.

PSP's Phils' Pick

I don't know about you, but I'm heading into this post season in a much more relaxed and confident mode than last year. I really think this Phils team can do some damage this postseason. As everyone has pointed out, the key to our postseason will be Brett Myers. If he performs well and returns to the form he showed after his trip to the minors, but prior to his last two brutal starts, then the Phils could make this a pretty short series.

When I look at the Brewers, they look awfully top heavy. Sure, they have Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and CC Sabathia, but what else do they have that scares you? Not a whole lot. Do Ray Durham, Corey "I Wear My Sunglasses At Night" Hart, washed up Mike Cameron, Jason Kendall, Jeff Suppan, Dave Bush and Manny Para get you excited? Didn't think so.

Plus, yours truly will be in the stands tomorrow and as of right now, I have an extra ticket. If you are interested, email me, call me or text me. I'm pretty excited about going to my first ever post season baseball game. I can't thank my main man Uncle Farrell enough.

By the way, Phils in 4 for this series.

Where This Game Was Lost

Sure, everyone will point to the goal line stand and the muffed punt by DeSean, but I think this game was lost in two places:

1) David Akers. He's done. His kick offs leave something to be desired and he now longer can make kicks over 40 yards. It seems like he is compensating for lack of leg strength, which causes him to be incredibly inaccurate. I would not be shocked to see the Birds bring in some kickers this week. Kickers are too valuable to keep a guy around for sentimental value; and

2) On the third down prior to the Bears' last field goal, Kyle Orton clearly, clearly grounded the ball, but it was not called. Had that 10 yard penalty been called, the field goal would have been a 51 yarder, which would have been much tougher.

There were so many missed opportunities tonight. They really shot themselves in the foot. Hopefully, a game like this doesn't come back to haunt them, but it could in such a tight division as the NFC East.

By the way, Reid just said he didn't call a QB sneak on 4th and goal because D Mac was banged up from last week. Sorry. That's a total bullshit play. Had they called a sneak, he gets in. No doubt. Watch the replay and watch the initial line surge by the guards and center. They got some push. D Mac would have gotten in the end zone. What a friggin mistake.

PSP's EAGLES' PICK

This game feels way too much like last year's Giants' Sunday night game where the Phils clinched on the same day and a ton of guys were out injured. I see a Bears 17-10 upset.

Don't kill the messenger. Just trying to read the tea leaves.

Please, Can We See Three More of These?!?!

I'll blog more on this in detail in the next day or so, but how friggin' awesome was it to see this again.

Two straight years of division titles is unbelievable. Now, let's do something in the postseason this year. Last year's division series, didn't seem like it actually exisited since the games were relegated to either late afternoon or late night viewing. Let's hope the friggin powers that be put us on at a decent hour so we actually watch the games this year. (I'm hoping the Mets lose out for this very reason.)

Anyhow, I was bitching about the lack of signature plays this year, but we finally got one for this year. It just took 161 games. The double play to end yesterday's game was beyond clutch. I think we'll be remembering that one for years to come.

I just read that Kendrick is starting today. I was really hoping to see Adam Eaton get a start and get torched. That would have been humorous.

Have a great, stress free Sunday....at least until 8:30. And, let's all root for the Mets and Brewers to have a similar result so they have to play a playoff game and tire out their pitching staff's even further.

Cue The Anxiety

I would like to personally thank the Cubs for throwing in the towel tonight and failing to put a major league lineup out on the field. Thanks guys. You brought a pitcher in the top of the 9th with a 6.50 ERA. You had no intention of helping out the Phils tonight. We'll see how Karma pays you back in the playoffs.

I guess we'll now have to sweat out the weekend with the Phils up a game and the Nats coming to town. The Mets have the Marlins coming in and let's hope we see a repeat of last year.

As for the Wild Card situation, at worst the Phils will go into the weekend 2 games up on Milwaukee. They face the Cubs, which isn't such a good thing since it appears they are now more concerned with getting their team set up for a postseason run instead of playing it straight.

On the bright side, this team over the past two years always seems to react well to situations like this. They seem to rise up and play well just when it looks like they are ready to implode. Lord, I can't tell you how bad I would like to see a 5 or 6 run 1st or 2nd inning tomorrow night. I don't think this weekend will be that easy though. It never is.

The Roller Coaster Ride Continues....

I'm going to go on the record now....Brett, you never had me fooled. I knew you were a piece of shit no matter how well you pitched for a six week span after you were sent to the minors. Your last two starts just confirmed my suspicions.

This team drives me up a wall. I was totally confident that we'd have a spot wrapped up by Thursday and we'd have Adam Eaton pitching this weekend for shits and giggles. Now, we'll all have to endure an excruciating, pressure filled weekend of baseball. We'll probably be tied in the division and have a one game lead in the Wild Card come Friday night with fat ass Joe Blanton going to the mound. I can't wait to have that worthless turd pitching with our season on the line.

The more I think about it the more I realize that I completely despise this team. There is nothing romantic about this group. Even if they make the playoffs, there's not many memorable moments about this team except for their inconsistency.

You Didn't Think It Would Be That Easy, Did You???

Once again, we were reminded what it is like to be a Philly Sports Phan. Nothing ever comes easy. There are no hand outs given to the teams which inhabit sterling facilities in South Philly. The Phils are going to have to work for their post season spot as they lost one tonight to the Braves and the Mets conveniently won and it looks like the Brewers will win also. I knew things were going along too smoothly.

Anyhow, is anyone else questioning whether Cole is a true ace? He has not had his best stuff in his last couple outings. His last two starts were a struggle despite not giving up a lot of runs. I'm just waiting for him to grab the team in a big spot and carry them on his back. We haven't seen that this season.

Ok, I'm going to bed. I'm pretty perturbed tonight.

Impeccable Timing

Pat Burrell hasn't done much the last couple months, but he has hit two mammoth home runs to win games against the Braves in the past week or so. Christ, I'm really going to miss his inconsistency when he's DH'ing in the AL West next year.

As big as the Burrell homer was, the quality start from J.A. Happ and especially the run scratched out by Greg Golson may have been bigger. Thank God the Braves didn't start Brian McCann because the rookie in his place did a real shitty job blocking the plate. It almost seems to me like the Braves are trying to stick it to the Mets.

As for the Mets, they lost again, with the big hit being a grand slam by the Cubs starting pitcher, Jason Marquis. Yes, the Mets gave up a grand slam to a pitcher. Folks, you can't make this stuff up at this point. We are moving to the "Theater of the Absurd" area. How else can this team blow games?

As promised, I am not commenting on our prospects to make the post season.

I Can Admit When I'm Wrong....

I was wr...wr....wro.....wrong! B Dawk is not done. He showed on Sunday that he's still an outstanding blitzer and can play close to the line in the box on run downs. However, let's not forget what happened last week. I don't think you can leave him in single coverage anymore, especially against top notch Tight Ends or WR's. I am not really sure if he can play a pure centerfield either. I suppose I'm being slightly negative and should bask in the glow of his outstanding performance Sunday.

In any event, this picture:

is almost as good as this one.

I think we have to agree on one thing, no one has better action shots than B Dawk.

With Victory Comes The Spoils....

Last week, I shared a picture of Mike Richards and Porn Star Gina Lynn. He is apparently not the only Philly athlete scoring with a chick with a questionable reputation. Today, it is all over the gossip sites that Hank Baskett is nailing pseudo Playmate and Girls Next Door star, Kendra Wilkinson.




After watching his 8 catch performance yesterday, I suppose Hank has been, as Sarge Matthews would say, "generized" by his new woman. Good for him, I guess. From watching the show, she seems like a complete slut and I hope he doesn't spread any potential diseases in the locker room.

I also came across Ryan Howard's girlfriend. He apparently has taken a more low key approach as he's dating some chick from Kutztown. Call me crazy, but I think this is a much smarter approach. Plus, I'd definitely hit it.



She's the last girl on the right.

Slug Fest

I'll go into more depth tomorrow, but today's game had a bizarre feel to it with our various injuries and the return of our pass rush. We moved the ball pretty well until D Mac was pile drived onto his right shoulder and B West twisted his ankle on successive plays. From there on out, moving the ball was quite a chore.

Thankfully, the defense stepped up and every member of the defense played their best game of the season. Stewart Bradley finally flashed the promise that he showed last year. The defensive ends were disruptive and the safeties were a factor. In fact, Dawk made one of the best plays I've seen him make in years. He might have a little more in the tank than we all thought. Sav Rocca also played his best game as an Eagle. He was absolutely booming some of those punts.

However, the health of B West is the real issue facing this team. We all know what this team becomes with out him.

Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil

The Phils continued their series with the Fish this weekend. However, since any time I write anything positive about this team, it seems to spur them to a losing streak, I won't acknowledge what happened out of my desire to not derail anything positive they have going on. I'll just post a few pictures that explain what occurred the last couple days.

Although, I would like to thank the Mets' bullpen for making things a bit easier on the Phils.