Check out these two lines of pitching stats, as of May 24, 2011:

Win/ Loss	Saves/ Opps	IP	H	ER	BB	SO	Opp AVG	WHIP	ERA
2-0	9/9	19	12	1	10(3int)	23	.182	1.00	0.47
2-0	1/1	16.2	8	2	8	23	.145	.98	1.10

 

Although it’s still early in the season, those are very impressive numbers. All-Star worthy to say the least. Remember how electric Brad Lidge’s slider was when he came off the DL last August? It carried him to 17 saves in 18 opportunities. In 2011, Brad Lidge is once again on the disabled list and nobody seems to care. This year we have Jose Contreras who began the season 5 for 5 in saves without giving up a single earned run. Jose has found new life in the closer’s role and hasn’t found much success since he led his ’05 White Sox to the Championship (he pitched a CG in Game 5 of the AL Championship and won Game 1 of the WS). It seemed as though the Phils lucked out with his resurgence as a reliever, until he went back on the dreaded DL. The never-ending questions surrounding the Phillies’ bullpen were welcomed back with angry radio rants and blogs about the suckiness of Dannys Baez (rightfully so). But the Phillies had all they needed right here in red pinstripes, brought up through their Minor League system. The above stats belong to Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo, respectively, and they are indeed very impressive. Madson has settled into his role as closer, something he failed to do in previous attempts. Bastardo, who was always known to have good stuff with a lack of control, has been threading needles with a lively fastball.

Those strikeout numbers are no fluke either. Bastardo has posted incredible strikeout ratios throughout his entire career. In Lakewood 2007, he k’d 98 in 91.2 innings before being promoted to Clearwater where he struck out an unlucky 12 in his only appearance. In 2008, Bastardo began in Clearwater, striking out 47 in 32 IP. A nagging shoulder injury hampered his 2009 season and no doubt slowed his rapid progress throughout 2010 as well. Earlier this season, he had a stretch where he sat 6 batters in a row via strikeout. This kid’s special and now that he’s healthy and given the opportunity, we’re seeing it.

Fun fact to support Madson’s credibility as unhittable: in 2008, VS righties, no other pitcher in baseball had a swing-and-miss ratio for one particular pitch as high as Ryan Madson’s changeup. Most people would say the curve is his best pitch because he uses it so well and so often. But truth is the changeup is what embarrasses hitters. It’s set up with fastball which has reached triple digits on the radar gun multiple times this season. He’s become the ideal closer. Bastardo: the ideal setup man. A lefty/righty combo of power pitchers with off-speed stuff to make elite hitters like Mark Teixeira look downright foolish is the perfect compliment to a talented rotation that leans on their bullpen much less than most. Imagine being an opposing manager preparing to face the Phillies knowing your only chance of scoring runs will be against one of the Phab Phour followed by Rytonio Bastardson. Scary stuff.

Here's the Bastardo video of his 6 consecutive k's. Each batter looks dumber than the previous. Freddie Freeman almost falls on his face and the final batter is just completely overpowered. It's not even close.

First off, let me admit that I am in no way a legal expert, nor do I claim to understand everything that's occurred at the courtroom, mediation room, negotiating table, etc. However, I am a knowledgeable football fan and have followed the lockout closely since Day 1.

After waiting for something, anything, to happen between the NFLPA and the league owners we all became tired and uninterested. Last night, things heated up. When Judge Susan Nelson lifted the lockout, the two sides became closer to an agreement, whether they like it or not. This is a victory for the players, as it will serve as leverage when brought to mediation, but we'll talk about that when the time comes. Right now, things are moving and moving in the right direction, especially for Eagles fans.

What actually happened?

Judge Nelson decided the harm to the players caused by the lockout was too great and ended the lockout. Almost 500 free agents are wandering the unemployment lines, current players are losing precious practice/study time and injured players are denied medical assistance through the league. It was expected that the "losing" party in Judge's decision would immediately appeal, and so the league has not only issued an appeal, but a stay of ruling as well.

What does this mean?

Legal experts have predicted a ruling on the appeal may take "a week or less". I take a week or less as anywhere from 4 to 7 days. If it were less than that, they'd say "a couple" or "a few" days. With the NFL draft a mere 3 days away, teams are chomping at the bit to address needs through free agency, thus filling holes and altering their draft strategies. The owners promptly filed for an appeal last night which was denied by Judge Nelson. The request must now go through one more court, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, before anything can happen. Since it may take up to 7 days for an answer, the NFL also motioned for a stay of ruling. A stay means that the 2011 NFL season remains on hold until the Eighth Circuit decides on the appeal.

What will happen next?

Judge Nelson will either grant, or deny the stay of ruling. An answer is expected some time this morning. If she approves the stay, the season does not begin, meaning the lockout basically continues until a ruling is reached on the appeal. If she denies the stay, it will be her call on whether to begin the 2011 season or not. Free agency could begin as early as tomorrow afternoon. She could also pass the right to allow the stay onto the Eighth Circuit as well, once again postponing the beginning of the season.

What does this mean for the Eagles?

It could possibly mean the difference between a Superbowl Championship and another less-than-satisfying season. Let me explain. When the 2011 season officially begins, free agency begins. The Eagles are primed to make a bevy of moves.

From the draft side of it...

Everybody is well aware of the Kevin Kolb trade speculation and there is no doubt he will be moved, at some point. GM Howie Roseman has admitted he'd consider 2012 draft picks for Kolb, leaving the trade doors wide open even if the lockout continues through the 2011 draft. With Andy Reid's contract expiring after the 2012 season, the Eagles are in a win-now scenario more than ever. Last year they selected 12 players, 9 of which spent time on the field. The Eagles are filled with role players and need impact players desperately, particularly on defense. With another 10 picks this year, you can bet Andy & Co. move all around the draft board, hopefully trading up to get better quality, as we got quantity last year. A second 1st round pick as Kolb's return would surely make an impact on a flat defense (there's no way they go offense with both 1st rounders, right?).

From the free agency side of it...

The yearly salary for the Dallas Cowboys' roster is roughly 120 million, tops in the league. The average team salary is roughly 100 million. The Philadelphia Eagles yearly salary is clocked in at just under 81 million. Only 4 teams have a lower payroll. The Birds have been known to make big splashes in free agency and they have more than enough to do so this year, and then some. Right cornerback is easily their #1 priority and there is no better way to address that position than with a certain cover corner named Nnamdi Asomugha. Addressing needs with proven vets also leaves more wiggle room on the draft board. It would be fairly easy to decide whether to take Prince Amukamara or Nick Fairly with the Niners #9 pick with Nnamdi on the rooster. Wow. I gave myself chills with that scenario. A pass-rushing, run-stopping defensive tackle AND a difference-making corner who is respected so much he rarely gets challenged added to our defense without even touching our own first round pick. And think about this - if the stay is denied, but players fear the appeal may be granted, they'll desperately scramble for work. There's a chance the free agents sign at discounts, knowing they may only have a few hours to find a job.

Keep your fingers crossed Eagles fans. We could assemble a squad that could make Bill Bellichick poop his sweat pants. If the stay of ruling is granted, well, that might be just about as great as Freddie Mitchell's hands.

This tale doesn't mean shit without a Lombardi Trophy ending.

With the lockout being lifted and the 2011 season beginning mere moments away, or at least we hope, we're all giddy. We expect the Eagles to do big things, but how big? I'd like to see them wheel, deal, razzle and dazzle in every which way they can. Trade Kolb for 2011, not 2012 picks. Package some of our many picks for higher quality picks. Sign big name free agents and give our defense that star power it lacks. I want it all. Free agency may only last a few days, maybe even a few hours so they'll have to move quick. Here's a list of moves that I think will build a championship caliber roster.

- Sign Nnamdi Asomugha. He's a 210 lb physical corner that would be the ideal complement to Asante's flashy high risk/high reward style. His stats don't say much. 14 games played, 0 interceptions, 6 passes defensed in 2010. Without explanation that is a flat out horrible line for a cornerback. However, it's not that wide receivers were getting the best of him, it was that quarterbacks were afraid to throw to his side of the field. He was avoided all year and literally did not have the chance to rack up numbers. Imagine when QB's have to decide who to throw to, Nnamdi or Asante? I'm pretty sure they'll just run the ball.

- Trade Kein Kolb. I don't care where, as long as we get a 1st round pick. Signing Nnamdi eliminates the Eagles biggest hole. OL, LB, DL and S are the Eagles biggest needs after that. We need guys to come in and start immediately.

- Give Jamal Jackson the starting center job without question/move Mike McGlynn to right guard. This improves the offensive line in two spots. McGlynn is a natural guard who can play center. He's much better suited using his size to just maul defensive linemen. Jamal Jackson is one of the most underrated centers in football. He spots blitzes and assigns blocks much better than most. Only because of McGlynn's solid, but not spectacular play at center does he get a chance to compete here. Andy needs to wake up and realize there is no competition on the right side of the line. Give both of these men a job, don't make them fight over one.

- Draft Gabe Carimi. He's the perfect fit for a #23 pick. Carimi is best in the open field. He's quick with his feet, aggressive with his hands and straight up nasty. He's been linked to the Eagles since the beginning of the combine and for good reason. He's described as Jon Runyan's clone. He'd look great pancaking linebackers in the open field on those Shady screen passes we run so well.

- Draft Justin Houston. He's a physical, large outside lineback at 6'3" 270 lbs that can shed blockers and pressure a quarterback. He's best suited for a 3-4 with less ground to cover, but can become a great blitzer in Philly's "always attack" scheme. He's athletic enough to cover tight ends but needs some coaching in that aspect. This is the type of hard-hiting, fear-striking LB the Eagles have lacked for years. He's projected as an early Day 2 pick, somewhere between late 2nd and early 3rd. We pick mid-late 2nd.

- Draft Casey Matthews. He's not as big or as fast as brother Clay, but he is as smart, if not smarter. Casey has produced on the field relying on his natural football instincts. He reads plays well and reacts quickly. He's a true playmaker that always finds a way to get it done. With a speedy MLB in Jamar Chaney and monster of an OLB in Houston, Matthews could thrive on the inside. Projected to go mid 3rd to late 4th.

- Draft Jaiquawn Jarrett. He probably would never amount to the player Brian Dawkins is, but may be the next Eagles safety that wide receivers want to avoid. He's tough and loves to hit in the open field. He provides decent run support, which is the ideal compliment to Nate Allen's speed and ball-hawking skills. Jarret is not the fastest guy in the world, but has the work ethic and toughness to make a difference. Best part is he's a hometown boy from Temple. The Eagles love local kids. He'll be off the board before the 5th, we have two 4th round picks.

- Sign Jason Babin. Babin thrived under Jim Washburn and gives his former coach all the credit in the world. Why Rory Seagrest was ever given a spot on the Eagles staff is beyond me, but it's obvious Washburn knows his stuff. The Eagles desperately need another D end to help relieve Trent Cole of the constant double, and sometimes triple teams. Let this motivated kid come back to the place he loves and work for the coach he admires.

- Use Kolb's pick to draft a defensive tackle. Arizona, Cleveland, San Fran, Tennessee draft in spots 5-8, right around Nick Fairley's neighborhood. Miami has the 15th pick. Seattle has the 25th, which would be a reasonable spot for Tempe's Muhammad Wilkerson to end up. This draft is deep with defensive tackles. We should be able to find a player that can contribute right from the start.

Overview

This scenario fixes our offense's only hole, the right side of the offensive line with size and athletecism. Our defense, which lacked impact players at all levels, now features a secondary of shutdown corners, a ball-hawking safety and a hard-hitting, make-you-pay-when-you-come-across-the-middle run stopping safety. The linebacking core is anchored by Chaney who can cover a lot of ground, sandwiched by a playmaker and scary, physical, Ray Lewis-type. The line now has two high-motor edge rushers and a penetrating tackle. This, ladies and gentlemen, is a Superbowl worthy roster.

Seven games into the 2011 Major League Baseball season, every Philadelphia naysayer is strutting around with their heads held high. It's not because they're having a bad season. They're not. They sit atop the NL East at 5-2. It's because they aren't 7-0. Many articles and blogs have been written on how the Phillies rotation potentially becoming one of the greatest of all time, and rightfully so. It has the talent and the proven track record. We are all aware of the long list of accomplishments 1-4 has accumulated. Joe Blanton is a proven innings eater to boot. But for anybody to raise a white flag on the Phils behalf because they lost a game or two is just ridiculous.

Since their first loss of the season against the Mets, I've seen multiple blogs, Tweets and comments about the Phillies losing.

Guess they're not going 162-0 after all.

They don't look so perfect now.

The greatest rotation ever would sweep the Mets.

REALLY?!?!?! Did anyone ever predict them to go undefeated? It's happened twice in a 16 game football season, yet because we're in Philadelphia the bar is set high enough to top that ten fold, literally.

In Philadelphia, we are a proud people. JD Drew still gets booed even though it's been well over a decade since he refused to sign with the Phillies. Flyers captain Mike Richards has heard an earful for wearing a Yankees hat in public. It's not even the same sport, but the people remain faithful to the city. A Georgian like Drew and a Canadian like Richards can never understand this. Our pride has projected this image on us Philadelphians, we are tough because we expect nothing but the best from our teams. And not just championships in all four major sports every year, but for our players to give it 110% evey single play (I'll get to the Flyers after their early playoff exit).

My point is that since we expect the best and are extremely outspoken about it, the media expects the best of our teams. These expectations come with great criticism when they happen to lose one game in a 162 game season. This rotation can still go down as one of the best ever despite a collective ERA above 6. We'll know more about this in October. Until then, if I see one more "162-0" related Tweet, I'm going to lose my mind.

For the record, it looks like my predictions have been spot on so far. Orioles and White Sox are having fantastic seasons and Manny Ramirez has done something crazy, like I said he would.

The 2011 MLB season has begun and it’s sure to be a good one. Here’s my predictions, some more likely than others.

Not so bold predictions:

-          Jayson Werth will not live up to his contract’s standards.

-          Ozzie Guillen will win AL Manager of the Year despite calling his team a bunch of sissies.

-          Charlie Manuel will win the NL Manager of the Year despite doing something stupid.

-          Oakland will have the best pitching staff in the AL.

-          Philadelphia will have the best pitching staff in the NL, although Atlanta is not far behind.

-          Raul Ibanez will win an Oscar for his role in Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows Part II as Voldemort.

-          Chipper Jones will have one of his best seasons, David Wright will not.

-          The Chicago White Sox will win the AL Central, by a lot.

-          Mike Stanton will be crazy good.

-          Jason Heyward will continue to be crazy good

-          Manny Ramirez will continue to be crazy.

Bold predictions:

-          The Giants will NOT make the playoffs.

-          The Phillies will trade for Jonathan Papelbon.

-          The Chicago White Sox will win the AL.

-          CC Sabathia will become the next Subway spokesperson.

-          Jarrod Saltalamacchia will hit less home runs than letters in his last name

-          Jimmy Rollins will have another 30/30/30/30 year batting 3^rd.

-          Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn will be 2011’s Bash Brothers, hitting more combined home runs than any other teammates in baseball. They’ll hit at least 90.

-          Joe Blanton will benefit from the #5 spot and become the next Phillies player to leave for an overpaying contract.

-          Clayton Kershaw will pass Tim Lincecum as the king of strikeouts, but not as the king of bong hits.

-          Prince Fielder will pass gas, forcing Zack Greinke to balk.

-          Zack Greinke’s balk will force him to have a panic attack.

Really bold predictions:

-          The Phillies will become the first team since the 1971 Orioles to have 4 players with 20 wins.

-          The Orioles will pose a threat in the AL East.

-          Tim Lincecum will cut his mullet and grow a beard. Brian Wilson will shave his beard and grow a mullet.

-          Barry Bonds will be sentenced to 14 years in prison. No one will care. Actually, the “no one caring” part would definitely happen.

NL MVP

Carlos Gonzalez – In his first postseason series, he batted .588 VS the Phillies. Last year he led the league in BA and hit 34 home runs. The man can also steal a bag. The ideal five tool player just keeps getting better.

Honorable mention

Albert Pujols - We can’t talk MVP without this man’s name being mentioned. However, the team will fall apart fearing their leader walks after the season. This will leave La Machina less RBI chances.

Jimmy Rollins - Remember the last time we saw a healthy, motivated Jimmy Rollins make bold predictions? Throw in the fact it’s a contract year and you have yourself a legit MVP candidate.

AL MVP

Miguel Cabrera – When the weight issue came up, Miggy produced more than usual. The DUI issue will certainly fire him up. Austin Jackson scores 130 runs this year, about 80 of them knocked in by Cabrera.

Honorable mention

Robinson Cano – Cano runs up the stat sheets while his big name teammates hog the spotlight. This year he gets more credit than usual, but is still slightly behind Cabrera (I compared their stats and Miggy tops him in almost every stat, every year by a slim margin). He will win an MVP before his career ends.

Adrian Gonzalez – He produced in a terrible Padres lineup. Add All-Stars Youkilis, Ortiz, Pedroia, Crawford and JD Drew to his supporting cast and his stats blow up.

NL Cy Young

Roy Halladay – Charlie’s team will be motivated after last year’s early playoff exit. Nobody has a better work ethic than Doc.

Honorable Mention

Josh Johnson – He has 2 absolute studs in Hanley Ramirez and Mike Stanton giving him run support. His crazy-low ERA keeps him in this discussion every year.

Tie – Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels – Both have favorable matchups VS opposing pitchers and both could easily be #1’s on a good team.

AL Cy Young

Jon Lester – This talented, young pitcher is lucky enough to have baseball’s best offense backing him.

Honorable Mention

Justin Verlander – The dude threw a 106 MPH fastball AFTER throwing 8 1/3 no-hit innings. He’ll pitch some gems against a few fading division rivals (Cleveland,KC, Minn…not ChiSox).

David Price – The Yanks and Red Sox had a combined .242 BA against him last season. He’ll only get better.

World Series Champions

Phillies – Over Red Sox in 6.

Honorable Mention

Phillies – Over White Sox in 5.

Phillies – Over Jamie Moyer’s Tube Sox in 2.

 

*Think about it. Doc and Cliff Lee are pretty sure bets to win 20. Mini Roy and Hollywood Hamels will be pitching against weaker opposition, bolstering their run support.

 

When the Eagles completed the trade for Ernie Sims, I was ecstatic. I thought a talent like this could dramatically alter this defense. He was drafted in the single digit picks ahead of peers like 2009 sack-leader Elvis Dumervil, franchise-tagged Chad Greenway and Defensive Rookie of the Year DeMeco Ryans. The guy obviously has something good going for him.

When it comes to Ernie Sims' game, it's plain and simple. He's a violent hitter with above average speed. He's known to blow up blockers and attack, attack, attack.

Even if he greatly underachieves, he is still well worth the 5th round pick the Eagles gave up for him. Maybe he's not a #9 overall pick, but he's much better than a 5th rounder. It'd be a shame to abandon such talent after one sloppy season where the coordinator gets fired. Fingers should be pointed everywhere.

My problem is Philly fans have given up on him so quickly, and I'm hoping Andy doesn't. Sure, he had an awful season, but who didn't? He also changed defensive schemes for third time in four years and was the most seasoned vet in a group of late round picks and bench warmers. He was given more responsibilities than his position should demand.

A switch from a Tampa Two to an overly aggressive 4-3 with a touch of zone-blitzing is a big jump. It's a leap. It's not that he stinks, it's that he wasn't used properly. It's safe to say with McDermott's firing, I wasn't the only person who thought players weren't being used to their strengths.

In Detroit, he was easily the best player in a horrible unit, but still managed to produce with no support. He ran around the field playing "Kill the Man with the Ball" and he did it well. In Philadelphia, Sims was expected to cover speedy Witten/Cooley type tight ends when never once before or after the draft was he advertised as a decent cover guy. When it came to absorbing blocks and pancaking guys in the "b" gaps, Sims was king. Our run defense was pretty effective last year and he had a big part in that (I also credit Antonio Dixon but that's a different story).

In the zone-blitz, members of the secondary are expected to blitz, while your linemen drop into zone coverage. The theory is you can blitz with less players because the guys rushing can get to the QB quicker, leaving you with more players in a zone coverage. Offenses repeatedly sent tight ends and slot receivers in Sims' direction. We can all agree lack of in-game adjustments was a huge part of the defense's failures.

If Ernie Sims was to stick around another year, I truly believe you will see him become an impact player. Not only will some experience in a new system help, but the new coaches will help. As a rookie coordinator, Juan Castillo made it clear he'll let Jim Washburn have some input in how things are run. Wash's style is to be aggressive and get down field after the QB. Any pressure generated by the front four will help Ernie Sims do his job. No longer will we see guys like Sims or Trent Cole running behind wide receivers with their arms out like zombies. Sims would now have the freedom to do what he does best, use his speed to go sideline to sideline and hammer running backs to the ground.

If somehow the Eagles retain him, remember you heard it here first.

3 weeks ago any Philadelphia Flyers fan would tell you the President's Trophy was right up Patteson Ave with Lord Stanley's around the corner on Broad.

Now? Not so much. They Flyers have blown lead after lead and dropped game after game. What was once a comfortable double digit lead with a game in hand has turned into a 2 point lead and 3rd place position for the best record.

The one thing all Philly fans ask for in their beloved teams is hustle. Play with some heart and we'll back you. The second you slack off, you hear it. And we can be down right nasty.

It seems as though the Flyers have lost all sense of urgency. They might as well not even bother sending opposing offenders to the penalty box as their power play does nothing but waste a few minutes of decent hockey. The defense, which has been hands down the deepest and most efficient group in the league is playing like the Mighty Ducks...when they were still District 5. Coach Bombay wouldn't just quit on the Flyers, he'd go on a coke/hooker/booze binge similar to his real-life brother Charlie Sheen.

We all know it's not always the best regular season team that wins, it's the team that gets hot at the right moment. Think New Jersey or Chicago or even the Flyers last year. Edmonton played some admirable hockey as an 8th seed in '05-06 because they played with passion and grit.

Has our Flyers lost that edge? Do they know longer feel like "the team to beat"?

We can only hope some of that veteran presence in the locker room can find a way to change things. As a fan, my expectations will not change. I want that Cup.

I LOVE CLAUDE GIROUX AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!

This entry is a tribue to my man-crush, Claude Giroux. He is an extremely talented player with exceptional vision on the ice. He is a playmaker and not afraid to step up in the spotlight. He is a smaller guy but scrappy. He'll travel from one end to the other weaving in and out of defenseman as if they were orange cones. He passes, he shoots, he hip checks, he fights, he blocks shots and he wins. Best part of all, he's a Flyer.

Words can't explain the things this magician can do with the puck so I've put together a small collection of career highlights that will surely impress you.

Incredible forecheck...then he finishes it. 

He just makes it look so easy...

Wow. Just....wow....

I was at this game. He barely moves yet the goalie ends up 4 feet from the puck in the net.

I'll give him an "A" for effort...

Pin point accuracy, make sure you watch the last angle from Giroux's viewpoint...

Two incredible passes in a matter of seconds....

The no-look!

 

Claude Giroux 5'11" 172lbs VS Nick Foligno 6'1" 208lbs

 

Claude Giroux has been compared to Peter Forsberg...but I think the G-Man ends up with more rings.

Almost 3 weeks ago, Philadelphia Eagles Quarterbacks Coach James Urban was promoted to Assistant Offensive Coordinator amid the whirlwind of coaching changes. He has done great work with Donavan McNabb, Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick over the years and was due for a promotion, if you can call it that. There is no such thing as an Assistant Offensive Coordinator. The position was created by the Eagles front office in order to groom Urban for the actual OC position in case Marty decided to flee for a head coaching job elsewhere. No matter what, the man got a bump in salary and more responsibility.

Almost 3 days ago, Philadelphia Assistant Offensive Coordinator James Urban bailed on Andy to become the Wide Receivers Coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. Yep, this is true. He took a lesser job on a lesser team working with lesser talent. Urban went from a division winner to a 4-12 Steeler speedbump. He went from the brink of a second promotion in as many years to a position coach. He had the Comeback Player of the Year under his wing. Now he's babysitting two washed up, reality TV wackjobs who could possibly be cut, leaving Urban with 0 talent to work with.

I don't get it.

Almost 3 months ago, Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Jayson Werth signed a 7 year contract with the Nationals. Again, moving from a first place team to a last place team. The Nationals have been the laughing stock of the NL East since the beginning of their time. Just when things got brighter, they lost the face of their franchise, 22 year old Stephen Strasburg. He's already having Tommy John surgery after just 12 Major League appearances. So the Nationals countered by giving a lazy 31 year old 126 million dollars. This franchise is doomed for years to come.

From a business standpoint, this was a great move on Werth's part. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are set for life. It shows in Werth's game that he plays to get paid, not to win. When was the last time you saw him smash into the fence tracking down a foul ball? I'm used to seeing him bark f-bombs at children and their parents on national TV. The Philadelphia Phillies adopted a new mentality once Bobby Abreu was traded. They became a no-nonsense, gritty team. Not a game goes by you don't see Jimmy Rollins dive face first into the mud trying to stop a ground ball. Chase Utley is constantly getting plucked by fastballs in the ribs, just to give his team a baserunner. Who can forget Aaron Rowand's bloody goattee getting scraped off the center field wall?

And don't give me that "every player plays for the money" bit. Does Carlos Ruiz get paid more for being run over by Rocco Baldelli in the World Series? No. He got a bonus we he toughed it out and helped his team win the Commissioner's Trophy. Players should play because they love the game and coincidentaly are talented enough to play professional ball. Cliff Lee took a pay cut to be where he felt he would win. What's 7 million bucks when you're making 120 anyway?

"There were other suitors and other teams and other deals, and this was the one that I wanted to be in."

Yeah, right. I'm sure he was pumped to play for a team that averages 100 losses a season. He wanted to get paid and refused to "take one for the team."

"I think if the front office had played it right, they could have had both of us."

Played it right?! They offered him a 3 year deal after he made it well known he'd accept nothing less than 6 years. They didn't want him back but had to at least "try" in order to keep crazed Phillies fans at bay. Anybody can drive in 90 runs hitting behind J-Roll, Shano, Utley and walk-machine Ryan Howard. He had more than enough chances to inflate his stats. Here's my favorite Jayson Werth stat - .200 BA in the 2010 postseason. Way to earn that pay, Mr. Clutch.

To Jayson Werth - take your 2010 regular season .186 batting average with runners in scoring position and go piss off Washington's fans. I'm sick of watching you look in disgust at the ump because you didn't feel like lifting the bat off of your shoulder that day.

To James Urban - I hope both TO and Ochowhateverhisnameisthisseason re-sign. I can just imagine it now; Terrell Owens at the podium after another 4-12 season and James Urban firing, "that's ma wide receivers coach...*sniff *sniff"

Everyone has been raving about the Phab Phour or the Phantastic Phour or whatever quirky terminology you deem fit for what has become the Philadelphia Phillies starting rotation. However, generally an MLB starting pitching rotation boasts five members, as opposed to the four that have been all the chatter.

Joe Blanton may not be the best pitcher in baseball, a title some may argue belongs to Cliff Lee or Roy Halladay, but he is the best fifth man. Bumping Joe down a couple notches from a year ago is where the difference in win totals will come from. As a #3 pitcher, he faced more talented players closer to his skill level. He rightfully deserves to be a #3, possibly even a #2 on weaker teams but the celebrity status of R2C2 has put him in a position to win.

The domino effect doesn’t just affect “Big Joe” Blanton, it also puts Cole Hamels in a better position to win. He’s easily the best #4 pitcher in all of baseball, by a very wide margin. This 27 year old kid was an ace on a champion staff. His numbers deflated some last season due to unfavorable matchups. It’s not that Hamels doesn’t deserve to be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, he was just given some extremely tough assignments. When his offense is only scoring one run behind him due to an invisible changeup from Johan Santana that seems to ALWAYS be called a strike, you can’t expect the guy to win too many. Yet he stayed afloat. His record finished above .500. You show me another #4 with a 3.06 ERA and I’ll buy you Opening Day tickets. Heck, there aren’t too many Opening Day starters that sport a sub-3 ERA. Hamels actually ended the season with the 17^th lowest ERA in all of baseball among starters and two of the pitchers ahead of him are teammates.

This coming season, it’s fair to assume that there will be just as many wins stemming from the 4 & 5 spots, as would the 1 & 2.