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Phillies game 4/20 Postponed

Tonight's Phillies game has been postponed due to rain. There has been no set make-up date, but expect it to be July 23rd.

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It's a Walk-off (Live Video)

Video submitted to youtube by nittany1992

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Game 10 and 11 of 162: Blown Saves Work Both Ways

Game 10: 8-7 Loss: Lidge Blows First Save as a Phillie.

He deserved the ovation he received. Brad Lidge's run of perfection was amazing, but he was bound to blow one and it happened Saturday night. What can you do? It is better that it happened in April than September and it only hurt more when it was compounded with Friday's blown save by Ryan Madson as well.

Good news: The Phillies power hitters are starting to hit home runs. Ibanez, Utley, and Howard all homered for the Phils. Also, Brett Myers threw the second quality start of the season for the Phils.

Bad news: The already mentioned blown save. Too many home runs allowed.

Game 11: 5-4 Win: Ibanez Makes up for Mistakes.

In a drama-filled day for Philadelphia, Raul Ibanez hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to give the Phillies their first win of the Padres series. The Phils fell behind 4-0 after sub-par pitching from Chan Ho Park. Park also allowed a home run to only continue the streak of home runs allowed by a Philadelphia starter. Yep, they've allowed a home run in all 11 games. Chase Utley made the score 4-2 in the bottom of the 6th after hitting his fourth home run of the season and he is quietly putting all of the hip concerns to bed.

Jimmy Rollins had the day off, but came through in the clutch when he hit a pinch-hit solo home run in the bottom of the 8th to bring the score one run closer. With the score 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Phils had the heart of their order up. Ryan Howard hit his third hit of the day as he looped a single into center field. It was off a change-up that Howard was often missing badly last season. Ryan Howard is having his best April ever, hitting .341 with a 1.009 OPS.

The stage was set for Raul Ibanez who had a bad play in the field that lead to a pivotal run in the game. It was time for his redemption. Ibanez deposited Edwin Moreno's 2-0 pitch into the right field seats to give the Phillies the 5-4 victory. Raul Ibanez has fit in very well with this line-up and is tied for the NL lead with 5 home runs. He is reaching base 44% of the time and slugging .864. He's been the legit hitter that they've needed after Ryan Howard.

Good News: The Phillies ended their three-game losing streak, which included two quality starts from Joe Blanton and Brett Myers. The Phillies fans continue to come out as well with their sixth straight sell-out. J.A. Happ pitched three exceptional innings and I would not be surprised if he gets a start within the next few weeks over Park.

Bad News: The home runs allowed are still a plenty. The Phillies could be holding a 3-0 lead and going for the sweep tomorrow, but instead they're looking to even the series at two tonight.

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Game 9 of 162: And That Ball Is Outta Here!

On a day where the Phillies honored the late Harry Kalas, balls flew out of the park left and right. There was one problem though, the Padres hit three to the Phillies one.

Holy home runs allowed Phillies. Through 9 games in this young season, the Phillies are posting a 7.06 ERA, by far, the worst in the National League. They have thrown only one quality start, which happened to be an 8-2 loss. Teams are batting with a .919 OPS against them and they've allowed a whopping 23 home runs. They are allowing 2.5 home runs per game.

This is not normally what happens to teams who lead the NL with a 2.58 K/BB ratio. The pitching staff should rebound at some point and everything will be okay, but these early mistakes are a little bit of a cause for concern.

The offense that struggled against Atlanta has rebounded and kept them in enough games to have a 4-5 record. The Phillies will pitching staff needs to improve immediately if the Phillies went to get out of April with a winning record and remain in contention with the extremely hot Marlins.

Everything was going well for the Phillies early on last night. They jumped out to a 5-0 lead after Chase Utley hit a three-run home run and Chris Coste hit a two-run double. The Phillies lead later went to 7-1 in the fourth, but that was all she wrote for the offense as San Diego's bullpen shut us down.

The same could not be said for the Phillies. Cole Hamels was cruising through the game until the fifth and sixth inning when left pitches up in the zone for home runs and the game was quickly 7-5. Condrey and Eyre pitched well for a scoreless 7th, but Ryan Madson had his worst appearance of the year and allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk.

Good News: Raul Ibanez reached base 5 times in 5 ABs with 3 hits and 2 walks. His average is now up to .368 and he has been giving the Phillies a consistent hitter behind Ryan Howard, whether he hits fifth or sixth.

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Game 7 of 162: The Day a Legend Left Us

Yesterday afternoon, I came online to write my recap of the Phillies come-from-behind victory on Easter Sunday. Little did I know that at that same moment I'd receive a text message regarding Harry Kalas being rushed to the hospital. Shortly there after, I received another text message that confirmed that he had left us.

I really wanted to put down all of my initials feelings regarding this horrible event, but I just couldn't. Every time I tried to write, I would just delete it, nothing seemed perfect enough to describe what Harry Kalas meant to us as Phillies fans.

Harry Kalas was everything about the Phillies. He was everything about Philadelphia. He had been the heart and soul of this franchise my entire life, and for even much of my father's life. See, our generation tends to take baseball announcers for granted with the adaptation of television. We as kids were generally always able to see the Phils play via a television. As much as Harry meant to us, he will always mean more to our fathers and their fathers. Kalas' dramatic voice always set the stage for a radio as if they were listening to a musical masterpiece. His deep, baratone voice called some of the greatest hits and pitches in Philadelphia and Major League Baseball history. He was baseball in Philadelphia.

From Michael Jack Schmidt to Bobby Abreu to Chase Utley and from Dallas Greene to Terry Francona to Charlie Manuel, there had always been one constant in Philadelphia: Harry Kalas. The man was Philadelphia baseball. The man was something different than life. His voice was the one that healed us when everything else in the world seemed bad from April to October.

When I was a child I didn't wake up every morning looking forward to watching some random cartoon. I woke up waiting for the night broadcast of the Phillies game. I woke up waiting for the voice of Harry Kalas. Baseball is in my blood and many others in the Delaware Valley. Baseball was hope. Harry Kalas was the man who called the greatest pitch of my life.

Nothing and two the count to Hinske. Fans on their feet. Rally towels are being waved. Brad Lidge stretches. The 0-2 pitch. Swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball. Brad Lidge does it again and stays perfect for 2008 season. 48 for 48 in save opportunities for the 2008 season. 48 for 48 in save opportunities and watch this city celebrate.

Maybe 2008 was more of fate than anything else. Harry Kalas finally reached the grandest stage and he was able to make the greatest call of his live and many of our own.

Baseball is and always will be America's past time. Harry Kalas will always be one of the greatest and most articulate at describing the game we love most. Yesterday, we lost one of the greatest people to ever grace the city of Philadelphia.

Below is a video posted by The Fightins via Comcast Sportsnet.

CSN Tribute to Harry Kalas from Mike Meech on Vimeo.

And the final home run call and out call of his career:


The Phillies won yesterday's game in honorable fashion for Harry the K with a 9-8 victory over the Washington Nationals. Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino both hit their first home runs of the season, while Raul Ibanez hit his third. Jamie Moyer got the win and Brad Lidge continued his perfection for the save.

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Game 5 of 162: The Offense is Alive?

Finally, the Phillies offense has awakened. Some people may dub them a sleeping giant because when they're about to explode, they explode in big numbers. Last night, 8 Phillies crossed the plate, including three when Ryan Howard hit a 2-out base clearing double. Jayson Werth added a 2-out RBIs of his own when he hit a two-run triple break a 3-3 tie. The Phillies knocked in 7 of their 8 runs with 2 outs. Raul Ibanez hit his 2nd home run of the year to lead the Phils in that category.

Base runners were of plenty of the Phils as they had 15 hits, but did leave 12 men on base. Pedro Feliz continued his hot start with the Phillies and went 3-5 with an RBI. The Phillies 15 hits nearly equaled the 21 they had total against the Braves.

Brett Myers allowed 4 runs on 3 home runs again, but he managed the damage to only 2 solo home runs and pitched at least 6 innings for his second straight start. He threw 7 innings on 102 pitches striking out 6. Sure, he has giving up 6 home runs this season, but he does have a nice 12/2 K/BB ratio. Once his velocity gets back up, Brett's home runs allowed should lower.

Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge threw hitless 8th and 9th innings to secure the win. Today, the Phillies will have their first opportunity a series in this young season.

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Game 4 of 162: Cole Train Derailed

Oof, that was definitely not the start this team wanted, or needed from Cole Hamels. According to Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki, it was Cole's worst statistical start of his Phillies career.

Offensively, the Phils did not fair much better, but there were a few bright spots. Phillies star of the game was Jayson Werth who went 4-4 and scored all 3 Phillies runs, including a solo home run in the ninth. Chase Utley also went 2-3 for the Phils.

The offense continues to struggle this season. Call it what you will, but they're killing worms more than they're killing baseballs. Ryan Howard produced 7 outs in 5 at-bats. Yes, that does mean that Ryan Howard grounded into not one, not two, but three double-plays. It was a rough day all-around for the Phillies and despite a walk-happy 7th by the Braves, it has been a rough start to the season for the Phillies. The bats will come around, they always do, but let's hope it happens sooner than later.

Back to pitching, Cole Hamels main problem was the fact that he left the ball up in the zone. Hitters, especially in Coors Field are going to hit those balls very far. Yes, he only allowed one home-run, but he was yielding gappers left and right. J.A. Happ pitched well in his second-sting of long relief, but it was Chad Durbin who fell apart in the 7th. He gave up 3 earned on a walk and 2 hits.

Fans should have had lowered expectations for Cole Hamels. He's still not at 100% for the season and I'd even expect his next start to be a little iffy. Let's hope he was not rushed.

Injury News: Carlos Ruiz left the game in the 7th inning because a strained right oblique. He is listed as day-to-day. Lehigh Valley catcher, Lou Marson, was scratched from his start last night and is in Denver in case Ruiz is moved to the DL.

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Game 4 of 162: Preview

Game: Philadelphia Phillies (1-2) @ Colorado Rockies (2-1)
Pitchers: Cole Hamels (0-0) vs. Jason Marquis (0-0)
Time: 4:05PM, CNP
Weather: 49F, 11 mph winds blowing out to left

Cole Hamels will make his 2009 debut and hopefully he can help the Phils move back to .500 and build their first winning streak of the season. Everyone involved with the Phillies feel that Cole Hamels' elbow is at 100%, but there should still be a cause for concern. He pitched a lot of innings last year and the effect remains to be seen.

In 2008, King Cole set career highs in starts (33), innings pitched (227 1/3), and strikeouts (196). Every year, Hamels comes in what the idea that he can win the Cy Young. He has the stuff, but let's just hope he has the stamina and fatigue to continue over the long haul.

Last year, his win total would have been higher if he had receiver more run support. Currently, the Phillies bats are not exactly alive, but they'll be looking to get them moving in hitter-friendly Coors field against hitter-friendly pitcher Jason Marquis. Many of the Phillies have good career numbers against Marquis in a limited amount of at-bats.

So far, so good? The Phillies have walked 15 times and struck out only 15 times. A 1:1 ratio is pretty damn good, especially for the Phillies. The bats will come alive, they're normally dead to start the season. I'd expect a nice explosion today!

Dear Cole, please don't allow any home runs. At least not in the first inning! Hopefully the Fightins jump out to the early lead today.

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Game 3 of 162: The Champion Comeback!

Wow, what a game! Always, always stay until the end. It was third time since July that I've seen the Phillies comeback or nearly comeback from a defecit of 7 runs or more. The Mets, the Mets, and now the Braves. What an exciting way to close out the Ring Ceremony day.

The Good News:

The Phillies were patient with their bats from the seventh inning on and they scored 8 runs in their 7th heaven on only 4 hits, but a whopping 5 walks (and the pitches were not even close.) Their offense, which had yet to awake in 2009, finally "exploded" to comeback from a 10-3 defecit and later earn a 12-11 victory. It was the first win of 2009 for the Phillies who will travel to Colorado and Cole Hamels will make his first start tomorrow.

Raul Ibanez hit is first home run of 2009 for the Phillies and the first of his career in their uniform.

The Bad News:

The starting pitching is now where the team would like it to be, whether they're defending a title or had a fifth place finish last year. Our pitching staff has yielded hit after hit and home run after home run in the first series that it makes you wonder a little bit...just a little. It is still early and even great pitcher like Carlos Zambrano and C.C. Sabathia were shelled at the beginning of last year (and this year for C.C.). Their main problem is that they've been leaving the ball up in the zone. It's not that their stuff is bad, but it's just a few adjustments that need to be made and can be made. Don't expect to Phillies to give up 3 home runs every game.

Despite the amazing comeback, the top of the lineup still needs to find their stroke. Currently, the best hitting Phils are Utley, Howard, and Ruiz.

Click after the jump to see Brad Lidge close out the Phillies first win of the season. Also, check out the Flickr group for plenty of pictures from the game.

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Lineup Changed

Charlie Manuel has made the "suggested" move. Tonight's lineup will look as follows:

1. Rollins
2. Victorino
3. Utley
4. Howard
5. Werth
6. Ibanez
7. Feliz
8. Ruiz
9. Moyer

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Game 2 of 162: Preview

Game: Atlanta Braves (1-0) @ Philadelphia Phillies (0-1)
Pitchers: Jair Jurrjens (0-0) vs. Jamie Moyer (0-0)
Time: 7:05 PM, MyPhl 17
Weather: 47F, Few Showers, 19mph winds blowing to right field

The old man makes his first start of the season against one of few teams who actually hit him pretty well last season.

Jamie Moyer went 0-0 with a 6.55 ERA in two starts against the Braves in 2008 and posts a career record of 3-8 with a 5.56 ERA in 14 appearances. To silence the quick to panic crowd in Philadelphia, Moyer will have to have his best stuff to help the Phillies earn a victory.

The Phillies will be facing Atlanta pitcher, Jair Jurrjens who allowed only 2 runs in the 15 2/3 innings he pitched in Citzens' Bank Park last season. In 4 starts against the Phillies, Jurrjens was 1-2 with a 3.33 ERA. Jurrjens is another up-and-coming prospect in the Braves organization and he allowed only .53 home runs per nine innings in 2008.

The Fightins' season didn't exactly start with a celebration similar to the pre-game festivities on opening day. They'll look to even their record tonight against a team they were 14-4 against last year, but only 5-4 at home. The Phils we need to see some better at-bats throughout the line-up and it'll be interesting to see if Manuel shakes the lineup around a little, but that is unlikely. It'll take a few games before Charlie does anything drastic.

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Game 1 of 162: Just Relax

The World Championship defense has finally begun, and Brett Myers looked very similar to the Brett Myers we saw early in 2008. There were positives to take from his start that fair much better than last year.

Myers made three huge mistakes on pitches for home runs, but he did rebound after a rough first 2 innings and managed to pitch 4 scoreless inning the rest of the way. This offense should be able to score 4 runs every game (well except for when Derek Lowe and other sinkerballers pitch).

If Myers had only giving up two runs last night, the offense still did not do enough for a win. Since the Phillies lost their main right-handed power-bat, they really need to rethink their batting order. Sure, Ibanez hit lefties well last year, but over the last three seasons, Ibanez has posted .269/.324/.410/.734 against lefties. Not exactly a replacement for Pat Burrell. Overall, the Phillies will likely face more right-handed pitching throughout the year, so it will not come out to much, but I really don't want be fed more bull shit about how Ibanez can hit lefties. His OPS drops from .893 (last 3 seasons) to .734. That's a huge drop-off. It may even been considered near the standard, but they needed to add someone that could pound left-handed pitching, besides Jayson Werth.

So what do they do? Raul Ibanez is a Phillie and he's a very good hitter, but the Phillies may need to tweak their traditional batting order to help this line-up in the late innings. Sure, last night could just be an anomaly, but I think we'll see the lefty, lefty, lefty 3-4-5 hurt us more times than not when they're facing lefty closers and lefty specialists. This batting order doesn't force the opposing manager to have to juggle his bullpen as much in late innings.

I'd like to ask two questions: Is it time to move Rollins out of the lead-off spot? Can Jayson Werth be that all-important protector of Ryan Howard out of the five-hole?

It'd be interesting to see Jimmy Rollins batting somewhere different than the lead-off spot. Both Victorino and Rollins offer similar on-base percentages to that spot in the order, so you'd think they'd be interchangeable--or would they? In a very small sample size of only 132 plate-appearances, Shane Victorino did not fair that well in the lead-off spot. It could have been just been part of a slump opposite to the effect of when he bats 6th and posts an OPS+ of 157. It's early enough in the season where Charlie could tinker with the line-up. If Victorino moves to the lead-off spot, I think a line-up as follows could be expected:
Victorino/Werth/Utley/Howard/Rollins/Ibanez/Feliz/Ruiz or Victorino/Utley/Rollins/Howard/Werth/Ibanez/Feliz/Ruiz.

The more likely solution would be for Charlie just to move Victorino up to second and then hit Werth in the 5 spot in front of Ibanez. This move would also put some speed on the base paths directly in front of Ibanez, which would allow him to knock in more runs from the 6th spot. Phillies fans need to be aware that it is very unlikely that you're going to see 3 players knock in 110+ RBIs. Utley will steal some of Howard's RBI's and Howard will steal many of Werth or Ibanez's RBIs. Moving Ibanez down to 6th offers more speed and balance in the line-up.

In the end of it all though, it was 1 game. April 5th means as much as May 21 and September 10th. There are 161 more games and the offense will fair better more times than not.

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Tuesday Update 2/10/09

A few things worth reporting in this. Again I appologize on behalf of Justin and myself for our lack of posts. I'll start off talking about Ryan howard and the Phillies avoiding arbitration with his 3 year, $54 million deal the Philly Inquirer reported on Monday. This is a great signing and personally I feel it's a steal. They aren't locking him up for too long and I personally feel he's worth more than just $18 million a year. Howard is 29 and if his production stays the same it has been in his tenure as a Phillie, you will definitely see his asking price increase. That's the only problem with the short term deal. Howard led the league last year with 48 home runs and 146 RBI's.

The Eagles free agaent right tackle Jon Runyan had surgery on his knee last week. He will be out 4-6 months but should be fine for next season said the Philly Inquirer. His only problem is that he is 35 years old. If the Eagles don't sign him back, he may have a hard time going somewhere else, especially because he'll be on crutches when the FA period starts.

The Flyers are heating up after they beat Boston on the road on Saturday in overtime on Rnady Jones lucky toss at the net. They then beat Atlanta on Sunday on the road for 14th straight time (hahaha). What also is laughable is that Antero Nittymaki is the better option than Marty Biron at this point. Biron has failed to catch fire this year and Nittymaki has. Make it happen coach. The Flyer will next play on Thursday at home versus Ottawa. They are now in 2nd place, only 6 points behind the Devils with 2 games in hand.

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Tuesday Updates 1/27/09

I haven't posted in a while but I figured I would write a few quick things: some old news, some new news, and some thoughts. First I'd like to wish the site's founder, Justin Evans, a happy birthday. He'll probably be loaded watching the Flyers start their 3-game road trip in Sunrise, FL. The game starts at 7:30 and the Flyers hope to avoid a repeat of last season when they slumped like hell coming off the break.

In old news, we heard about the Phantoms player who got knocked out on the ice and had a seizure for about 30-40 seconds. Garrett Klotz,20, was released from the hospital on Friday after the Thursday incident reported the Philly Inquirer. It was very scary because a few weeks prior, a 21 year old rookie died in an Ontario Hockey Association game. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

In other Phantoms news, center Jared Ross was named the MVP of the AHL All Star game reported the Philly Inquirer. He set AHL All Star game records with 6 assists and 7 points. He helped the American Stars beat the Canadian Stars 14-11. He became the 3rd Phantom to win MVP after goaltender Jean-Marc Pelletier (1999) and John Slaney (2001). MOre after the jump.

The Sixers traveled to and lost to a hot New Orleans 3-point game by a score of 101-86. Peja Stojakovic was disgusting in the 4th quarter, nailing 5 threes in a row. The Hornets completely blew the Sixers away at that point and didn't look back. When trying to stop Peja, they would allow Chris Paul to knife his way to the basket. Paul ended up with 27 points, 15 assists, 10 boards, and 7 steals (3 shy of a quadruple double). The Sixers did get 22 points from Thaddeus Young, 19 from Andre Miller, and 17 from Andre Iguodala but it wasn't even close to being enough to match up with what Paul and Stojakovic did to them.

And in the Phillies world, some great news arose. Chase Utley said he is confident he will be back for Opening Day the Philly Inquirer said. Utley had surgery to repair a right hip injury that was nagging him since last Spring Training and his on schedule for the 4-6 month time-table he was given after a successful surgery. He is currently rehabbing.

"Everything is progressing in a positive manner," he said. "So, yeah, I am more
optimistic than I was before. But I didn't really know what to expect before."

As long as he's confident, Phillies fans should be as well. It would be great to start the defense of our title with the best player in baseball in the lineup.

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Jayson Werth and Chad Durbin next in line to play ball

The Phillies and Jayson Werth have agreed to a 2-year deal worth $10 million. It was reported last night that Jayson Werth had asked for $4 million, but the Phillies offered $3 million. Well, with the new deal, Werth will make $3 million in 2009 and $7 million in 2010.

Jayson Werth played very well in only 418 at-bats with 24 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. Oh, he also hit .273, and had an OPS of .861. Werth is developing into a nice corner outfielder who plays defense, but also adds a great bat and speed to the lineup. His only true downfall was his OPS against right-handed hitters, but you'd have to expect that with more practice, he'd improve. Werth will be looked upon by the Phillies to replace the right-handed power out of the 5-hole that the Phillies lost with Burrell gone.

Ruben Amaro, Jr. didn't exactly make a splash in free agency, but his in house moves are starting to prove that he actually knows what he's doing.

Jayson Werth is a valuable commodity because he can play every position in the outfield well, and he can even be an emergency catcher if need be. Good move Rube! Now sign Howard to that 4 year, $80 million contract and lets be done with hearing about his arbitration hearings.

(Update: Chad Durbin has signed a 1-year deal worth $1.635 million)

The two parties were a little apart with arbitration and made it easy and went right for the middle. Maybe Howard is really looking for $16 million. Anyway, Chad Durbin will have to be a vital member of the bullpen again this year for the team to make a run in the postseason.

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Ryan Asks for $18M, See you in Court!

Ryan Howard has asked the Phillies for $18 million. The Phillies offered him $14 million.

Shane Victorino and Joe Blanton each signed one-year deals to avoid arbitration for $3.125 and $5.475 million respectively.

The moves to take care of Victorino and Blanton were great moves. Both guys will get more when they're time comes, but even like Cole Hamels, they understand their time and money will come.

Ryan Howard, you are ridiculous. Sure you hit home runs, BUT your biggest argument is your RBIs. RBIs happen because of the people in front of you. When you're hitting behind Rollins, Victorino, and Utley you should have a lot of RBIs. His OBP, SLG, OPS, and walks are all trending down along with his batting average. You know he'll hit 45-50 home runs and knock in 130-150 RBIs, but a lot of it has to do with his opportunities.

Actually, the reality of it is, you cannot blame him for asking. With the Phillies offering a more respectable $14 million this time, I do not see Ryan Howard winning arbitration. He might get $15 million, but he's getting in to an area where no one is going to be able to afford to pay him. Not even the Yankees unless they sign an aging, weight-gaining Ryan Howard to be their DH. The smartest thing for the Phillies to do would be to offer Howard a 4 year, $80 million deal and be done with him once the contract was up.

We know he produces well with our lineup, so for both parties, that may be the best move. Expensive now, but cheaper later.

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Phils Extend Madson

The Phillies have signed Ryan Madson to a three-year, $12 million extension. Another great move to keep the core of this team together.

The deal was first reported by Jim Salisbury of the Inquirer.

The extension of Ryan Madson is a great deal by Ruben Amaro, Jr. because it keeps the back end of the rotation intact, together. Both Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge will begin their three year deal, this year. It was reported earlier this week that Ryan Madson had declined a similar deal and things looked dim with Scott Boras as his agent and speaking of comparisons to Mariano Rivera. It is definitely nice to see Ryan Madson understand the role he excels in best.

Time to lock up Ryan and Shane and we're golden!

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Phils Sign Hamels for 3 years!

Phew, everyone smile a little more. The Phillies and Cole Hamels have reached a 3 year agreement worth a total of $20.5 million according to Philadelphia Inquirer. This great move comes a day after the Phillies reached a two year, $2.5 million deal with pinch-hitting king, Greg Dobbs.

The Phillies have reached agreement on a three-year, $20.5 million contract with lefthanded ace Cole Hamels. The New York Post reported the signing today. A Phillies source confirmed the deal and said it would be announced within 24 hours.

The deal is great for both Cole and the Phillies because it buys out his three years of arbitration. Hamels will make $4.35 million in 2009, $6.65 million in 2010, and $9.5 million in 2011. Pretty damn cheap for one of the better pitchers in baseball. It is possible that Hamels would have seen $9.5 million in arbitration for the 2010 season. Good job Ruben. Great deals on back to back days.

In 84 career starts, Cole Hamels is 38-23 with a 3.43 ERA, 133 ERA+, and a 1.13 WHIP. Pretty damn good, without even considering his K/BB ratio. In the postseason, he's just a measley 4-1 with a 2.16 ERA. King Cole is happily here to stay. Hopefully he brings home the title again, again, and again.

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News from the Week

Sorry, I was really battling a stomach virus all week and I've sort of lost the desire to write lately. So, below is some news from the week.

- Jeff Carter made the Eastern Conference all-star team.

- Quinton Mikell was named the all-pro second team. He was the only Eagle acknowledged as an all-pro.

- The Philadelphia MLS team is down to 4 possible names: AC Philadelphia, Philadelphia SC, Philadelphia Union, and Philadelphia City. All names obviously have a European style and my favorite from the bunch is probably Philadelphia SC. My suggestion is Olde City instead of Philadelphia City.

- The Sixers are winners of 3 straight games, though they were lowly opponents, but they still won. They will be in Atlanta tomorrow at 2pm.

- The Phillies signed Marcus Giles to a minor league contract worth $600,000. They're also in the running for Nomah! Other people still see them interested in Derek Lowe.

- Villanova blew a game today at home and lost 61-60 to Louisville because they could not make free throws, including 2 missed by Antonio Pena in the final seconds that would have given them the lead.

- Eagles secondary coach, Sean McDermott, is coveted by Packers coach Mike McCarthy to become their new defensive coordinator, but they cannot talk to him until after the Eagles season is over.

- Sixers will consider trading Andre Miller by the trade deadline.

- We're still World Fucking Champions of baseball!

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