New Promotion: Hatfield Franks Get Your Eat-on

Since the staff at Citizens Bank Park decided to take away our fun by dumping "College Night," I think it'd be a great idea to endorse something new for the 2008 season; "Hatfield Franks Get Your Eat-On" - whatever Mr. Eaton's ERA is heading into the game is the amount of Hatfield Franks each fan is entitled to get - FOR FREE! Let's face it, Phillies pitching is getting shelled this spring. I know, I know, it's spring training. News flash folks; we have 15 days until Opening Day. The 8-million dollar man is 0-2 with a 15.75 ERA so far.  That's 15 franks free for every fan - multiply that by 44,000 or so 660,000 hot dogs - get the mustard and ketchup ready Phillies fans! On top of this new promotion we can also pencil in $1 draft nights. Pat Gillick can use the $200,000 dollars he saved by screwing Cole Hamels to beef up secruity at the Bank for all the drunks. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the fans need to run this organization. 

Eagles Strike Big . . . or so they think

Within the first few days of free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles made two aggressive moves in the free agency pool. Asante Samuel, who's first and only visit to any other team outside of Foxboro was Philly, signed a lucrative 6 year deal worth around the ballpark of $57 million. One can assume Asante felt welcomed right away in Philadelphia as he jotted down his John Hancock (or Herbie Hancock. I miss Chris Farley.) only 17 hours after being a free agent. According to the Eagles, the pro-bowl corner was the top commodity in the free agent market for the NFL this year, and they landed him.

Now, what are we really going to be getting from Asante in the Eagles' secondary? Of course, no one has more interceptions than him in the past two seasons. But, if we fail to bring Lito Sheppard back into the mix, are we not just compensating for the loss of Lito Sheppard to our defense? Really, is Asante THAT much better than Lito to the point that we actually believe we have "upgraded" with Asante but without Lito?

When you look at their respective stats, Lito and Asante are almost identical with the one major difference being health:

Asante Samuel
- 16 interceptions in two seasons (best in NFL)
- 22 interceptions in 75 games (no sacks/fumble recoveries)
- 232 tackles, 208 solo in 75 games

Lito Sheppard
- 17 interceptions in 77 games (2 sack/1 fumble recovery)
- 232 tackles, 205 solo in 77 games

Of course, Asante is two years younger than Lito but, the major difference as I have just mentioned is health. Lito has had knee/MCL problems for the past year now, while Asante has been relatively "superman-esk" with hardly any injuries. So, in my eyes, if the Eagles want to get the most out of signing the top Free Agent in the market then they need to keep Lito in their secondary to compliment Asante and vice versa. Consequently, this could be a potential hell-ish nightmare for any offensive coordinator who would have to face our impenetrable secondary.

In another potential "big impact" signing, the Philadelphia Eagles signed a solid defensive end in Chris Clemons who was signed to a 5 year deal (monetary information was disclosed). Clemons story is real interesting considering his position changes within the NFL, which for bigger and heavier defensive players is rare in the NFL.

Clemons was a linebacker at the University of Georgia, where the Bulldogs ran around that gridiron as if they were chasing Michael Vick for abuse (too soon? Nah. Sorry Michael.) Early in his NFL career, with the Washington Redskins, Clemons stayed at linebacker but soon moved to defensive end where he has flourished ever since. Last year, Clemons had a total of eight sacks for the Oakland Raiders, which we all know had to be one hell of a job to do on a team like the Raiders. With the addition of Clemons, that bolsters our already solid defensive line and replaces the release of Javon Kearse, the supposed "freak" (I believe that the term "freak" can only be applied to how many "freakish" injuries he has accumulated throughout his career.)

Both of these signings are huge for our defense. It helps our overall takeaway ratio, where we finished last in the NFL last season with a measly 18 takeaways. Also, it helps to make our defense moderately young again, with the exception of Brian Dawkins who is about a few more monster tackles away from breaking his spine and having his bones literally turn to dust.

Now, what's next?

Well, according to the Eagles' website, Donovan McNabb is stated as saying, "Stay tuned", leaving the die-hard Eagles fans wondering what's coming; sitting on the edge of their seats, with their eyes glued onto the "boob-tube" watching ESPN for any new updates which seems almost imminent. Possibly a #1 wide out? Which (in my opinion) we haven't had since McNabb has been at the helm. T.O. doesn't count in my book.

Be on the look-out Eagles fans. Another potentially huge move could be anytime now.

Phillies injury list - # 1. Brad Lidge

In a not so surprising opening to the baseball season, the Philadelphia Philles have suffered their first semi-major (could potentially be major, but who knows?) injury. What position, or whom will be effected you ask?

Well.

Brad Lidge, the newly acquired closer whom the Phillies got from the Houston Astros for (mainly) Geoff Geary and Michael Bourn, suffered a slight tear in his meniscus while throwing his first pitch in batting practice.

Yeah, first pitch. Embarrassing, we know.

Apparently, during his windup, one of Lidge's spikes became wedged into the dirt of the pitchers mound, slightly tearing his meniscus in his right knee. Lidge had surgery on the same knee back in October 2007 when he tore some cartilage.

This could have some potential drastic effects, while at the same time be a great chance for former everyday players, such as Tom (flash) Gordon, to prove their reemergence as quality everyday players for the Phillies and become possible trade bait for teams (hopefully not us) who find themselves injury plagued as the season begins.

The drastic effects?

Well, there's always the possibility of rehab becoming a set back and Lidge never getting back to 100 percent. Now, is that a likely scenario? Not really. But, still, it's happened before in a case such as Brett Myers' arm injury last season. Rehab took forever but granted, it worked out well for everyone in the end. Everyone is wondering if Brett Myers would eventually be put back into the closing position in Lidge's absence but, the Phillies maintain that in a certain case such as this, Flash Gordon will replace Lidge and Myers will stay in the number two starting slot in the Phils' rotation.

So, chalk this up on the ole' injury board as injury number one for the Phillies this season. Hopefully the Phillies stay at least moderately healthy this season, and don't become the league leader (again) in the overall worst and most despised stat in the stat books for any sport, injuries.

Knee Surgery to shelve Phillies closer for 3 - 6 weeks - ESPN

Wad Up 450 Million Dollar Sail Boat.

Procrastination = some intense blogging. So, I'm currently studying for an exam of mine but, cannot concentrate for the life of me. I got two girls around the corner bitchin' about some dude and how he's messing with some other girl (... hahaha.), as well as some other bitch playing Gospel music. Don't get me wrong, I'm semi-religious but, come on, fuck.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays seem to making quite the splash (Ehhh? Ehhh?) in the news today with their new stadium proposal. The sail boat looking, Pirate ship wannabe is causing some debate down in St. Petersburg, FL. The whole project is speculated to cost 450 million +, yet, the Devil Rays have no way to pay for this.

Ah, it's different. If they actually do build it, it'd be enough to get me to go down there and check it out for a game ... and then spend the rest of my time down there on the beach and at the bars. But, yeah, maybe go fishin' from INSIDE the stadium?

Wow!

What an idea but, who knows.

Check it: Tampa Bay Rays' Stadium to Feature Retractable, Fabric Roof

Howard sets yet another record.

Well, Ryan Howard left his arbitration hearing today (Feb. 21st) a rich ... wait, excuse me, richer man than he was a day ago. After hearing both sides of this needless argument for five hours, arbitrators Robert Bailey, Jack Clarke and Goldberg sided with Howard and awarded him 10 million dollars for this upcoming season. Consequently, the loss still gave the Phillies a hell of a bargain for one of the best sluggers in baseball.

Considering both sides, you can't blame the Phillies organization for at least trying to save a few measley (3 million) bucks. Ruben Amaro Jr. is reported as saying they constantly tried to work on a mutual number "even on the way up the stairs to the hearing." So, no, you can't blame the organization when such a mediocre amount of cash can sometimes determine having enough in the bank to bring in a quality player or pitcher. But, regardless, Howard losing this arbitration hearing would probably have little to no effect on his overall performance or attitude.

Ironically enough, Howard makes history even when he's not playing ball on the diamond. Howard is the first baseball player with only a bit more than two years of experience to be paid 10 million for one season. Not only that, but in the 35 year history of arbitration hearings, there had never been a player to WIN that much money at any stage of his career. I say win in capital letters only because in 2006, Alfonso Soriano, who was seeking 12 million from the Nationals lost the arbitration hearing and had to settle for 10 million. (cry me a fucking river, cubbie.) So, yes, Howard and Soriano tie with most dollars awarded at arbitration, BUT, Howard won and Soriano lost his hearing.

Andruw (does the spelling of his name even need a snide remark?) Jones, with four years under his jock strap at that time, was the first player to win the most amount of dollars at 8.2 million in 2001. And, as I previously mentioned, Soriano ties Howard with most dollars awarded at arbitration at 10 million.

The best part about this whole hearing was the one simple fact that has been brought to light. The Philadelphia Phillies, until today, were the ONLY team left in Major League history to NEVER lose an arbitration hearing. So, HA, suck on that one Mets.


Howard's $10M win in arbitration sets new high-water mark

The Major League of Fantasy Baseball

I was recently asked by a good friend of mine if I would be kind enough to post some info about a fantasy baseball league that he is running. A few days ago, I was asked if I would like to be apart of this league, and at the time I had to decline mainly because of the other fantasy baseball leagues I am already slated to be apart of (I like to focus on my involvement in a small amount of fantasy leagues, say ... oh ... I don't know, 10?) So, in a not so surprising reply to my decline of his offer, he replied "Oh, I see, so you'd like to stay in the Minors instead of move up to the Big Leagues." What more can I say, most of my friends are sarcastic assholes and, staying with a normal trend, he didn't dissappoint.

So let me get to it.
Here's the information about this fantasy baseball league before you decide to join up:
- a 7 x 7 Keeper League
- 12 teams
- Each team has 2 participants
- $100 per team (50 per participant)
- 25 man roster
- Live draft (most likely to be held in Kutztown, PA.)
- BYOB (in my opinion, the most vital piece of information.)
- 6 team playoff
- 1st place - $900
- 2nd place - $200
- Top seed going INTO the playoffs gets an automatic $100

There ya go. Any questions or comments, please post a comment ASAP or e-mail us. Giddiup.

To Carlos Beltran: It's already been said and done by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Leave it to the Mets to try and redeem themselves after one of the most embarrasing finishes to a season in the history of baseball.

It's time to get excited, it's officially spring training. The baseball season is preparing to get underway with all the MLB teams retreating to the warmer climates for intensive 6-week baseball workouts. Now, for the Fightin' Phils anyway, they don't have to offically report until tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 19). But hey, what better way to start off the new baseball season than with some brand spanking new NL East drama.

While reporting to the New York Mets camp site at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, FL, Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran opened his traditionally quite mouth, "To Jimmy Rollins: We're the team to beat."

A very bold statement. But, will it hold true? Will the Mets prove themselves worthy of such an accusation that the Phillies themselves deemed true in the season of '07?

Beltran, being one of the best all-round baseball players in the Major League today and the Mets bettering their team this off-season with a few key acquisitions, most namely Johan Santana, have ultimately found themselves in unchartered waters. They (and yes, I said they because Beltran spoke for his team) have stated words that cannot be taken back, so, as of now the pressure is on in full force, and as a result, the Phillies - Mets rivalry has been taken to an all time high.

So, how were the Phillies able to clinch the NL East in '07? Many of you will say due to the Mets' collapse. No, you're giving the Mets way too much credit. Instead, you have to look deeper.


1. The Phillies have an on-going winning streak against the Mets right now at 8 games. Such a win streak, especially against a division rival, is very hard to come by. It's impossible and flat out incorrect to attribute this to "luck".

2. The Mets were over confident and went into every game with a mindset of, "We're so good that sometimes we get bored." - Carlos Delgado, Mets first baseman. Whatever happend to being humble? Don't ask the Mets, they don't know what that word means (nor could they speak it in perfect English ... burn).

3. The Phillies' incredible resilience and "never give up" mindset, despite being plagued with the most injuries for any MLB team in the '07 season.


So, the one thing that I don't believe Carlos Beltran thought of before he made such a statement was the actual work that has to be put in to accomplish such a goal. Unlike the Mets' 2006 season, things don't always go your way fellas. The Mets cannot afford to mislead themselves yet again and think that the Phillies feel as if they are the "top dogs" in the NL East solely because they are the returning '07 NL East Champs. They know they are right back where they started at the beginning of last season, and they are completley fine with that.

In a typical classy fashion that tends to suit Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, he refused to give into the excitement created by the comment made by Beltran, "You're going to get boring stuff from me." Utley stated. The one thing he did promise us was that is going to be a fun season with all of these comments being thrown back and forth, and the overall sour taste left in the mouths of Willie Randolph and the Mets after they expected to be sippin' on some champagne in October, and didn't (haha).

Overall, the 2008 season is shaping up to be a very competitive and exciting one. Any one of the top 3 teams in the NL East: the Phillies, Mets, or the Braves has the potential to take the division and go far in October. But, I can't say it any better than Utley, "The goal for a World Series ring is 2008."


Nice rebuttle, Utley. Nice.






"To Jimmy Rollins: We are the team to beat."

Hmmm ... good move? I believe so.

Just as an FYI, I thought you should know I just popped two liquid gel pills of Nyquil. So, in a last minute attempt to post my thoughts on a semi up-to-date topic in baseball news, if I pass out please ignore theeeeeeeeeee repeaaaaaaaaatedddddddd leeeetrrrrrsssssssssssssssss. Kidding. But I really did take two Nyquil pills.

ESPN has reported that the Philadelphia Phillies have signed a fundamentally solid veteran and great all round third baseman Pedro Feliz. Feliz, who first signed as an amateur free agent in 1994 with the San Francisco Giants, will be making $8.5 million for the next two years with a club option for 2010. When all is said and done Feliz's contract could potentially be worth around 15 million with bonuses.

Feliz is more than just an upgrade from the trio of Nunez, Dobbs, and Helms. He's a solid potential everyday starter. O.K, sure, he's been in the league for 8 long and grueling seasons but his numbers have grown over the years and he seems to be at a certain consistency with his play in the batters box and at the hot corner. Sure, we'll have Dobbs and even Helms if needed (hopefully not. GEW!).

Feliz solidifies an already stellar infield. Feliz is bringing a lifetime bating average of .252, average RBI's of 84, and average HR's of 21 a season. Not only that but last season, Feliz showcased a snappy glove with a fielding percentage of .973. All of Feliz's statistics compared to that of the original trio we had in Philadelphia for the 2007 season are significantly more improved.

With this new acquisition by GM Pat Gillick, one is left to wonder, what's next?

We have made a lot of progress and are now, to me anyway, statistically better on paper as a team than we were last season (Yes, that includes Aaron Rowand. We are now better without him.) Do we wait for injuries to occur (hopefully not to us but, rather, to other teams) before we decide what to do with Helms, or better yet, Dobbs? Do we have the possibility of picking up at least one more solid reliever to help out our always struggling bullpen? Could Helms or Dobbs be packaged with a minor leaguer or two for a quality arm?

These are all questions that will be answered in time but, for right now, I'm glad to say I'm satisfied with where the Phillies stand in they're off season.

Bring on Clearwater and Spring Training! God, I love it.

* Pedro Feliz

Dear Giants, You're Welcome.

This is just my lame attempt to feel some-what adequate due to the Eagles' dismal season.





But, this always does make me feel better. Ahhhh. :-)

Cry Me a Bluebird...or a River

"If he doesn't like it, he can quit."

That was Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa's stance on the "Rolen situation" last month in the winter meetings when he stated that if Scott played hard, he'd be in the lineup, and if he doesn't he'd be on the bench. Scott Rolen, MLB's overpaid two-year old, was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays today for 3B Troy Glaus. Rolen batted .256 with eight homers and 58 RBI's last season and still has $36M left on his pathetic contract. My problem with this guy is not how much money he gets paid for being a semi-pro baseball player, it's his "hide me in the crib I want my baby formula" attitude every time he gets called out for being well. . . a pussy. First it was Larry Bowa, and now LaRussa. Next, it will be John Gibbons. Who? Well that's the manager of the Blue Jays. The same manager who confronted David Bush in the dugout after his displeasure for being removed from a game. The same manager who challenged Shea Hilderbrand to a fight for writing negative comments on the team display board. And again the same manager who reportedly shoved pitcher Ted Lilly for throwing a fit on the mound. And lastly, the same manager who has little major league experience making the decisions. So how will Rolen react? He'll shit his pants, but unfortunately, no one will be there to change his diaper, wipe his ass, pamper his toosh, and put him back in his crib. No, Scott Rolen will piss and moan about Toronto in no time, and by then we will have a new face for Life Cereal.

Will the Hornet ever change? Do a slam dunk or something!

Call Kendall Gill because the Hornets can't draw fan support. The Charlotte, New Orleans, Oklaholma City Hornets recently extended their lease through the 2014 season, but more than likely the Teal and Purple will opt out before that, which in return they get stiff fines of $50-$100 million. Fuck that, give that money to the people of N.O. The Hornets average like 11,000 fans per game. I know if Mugsy and Larry Johnson came back it'd easily sky rocket to 40,000 per game. I'd fly down every weekend to watch them play. Another option, promotions. Free Slump Buster drinks at the concession stands, $1 hot dogs, strip clubs, drugs, .9mm pistols, slot machines. You know the people of New Orleans like that shit.

Butterfingers Forgets He's in the Playoffs

While the not so fortunate NFL wild card teams were battlin' it out on the gridiron this past Sunday, Tony Romo, the leader and quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, along side his blondie bombshell girlfriend (GOD DAMMNNN!!!) Jessica Simpson, were seen soakin' up the sun in Mexico.

As reported by Us Magazine, Romo, along with a few teammates, and Jessica, along with her family, were all seen together in Cabo San Lucas apparently rubbing each others butts. An onlooker told the magazine that Tony was very affectionate with Jessica even to go as far as rubbing Jessica's hot bottom (I guarantee he was gazing at Jason Witten while doing it though).

Come on now! Do you really think that going on a vacation for a few days on your off week (also a week before a playoff game) will mess with your mind and take your eye off the prize? Good, because I do too.

Romo and his Cowgirls are just asking for Karma to bite them right in the ass. I would love to know what the Patriots or the Colts do on an off week before they hit the field for an either "go big or go home" weekend. I highly doubt that any winning athletes are thinking of anything else other than their opponent.

While I love vacations and I believe it is a great way to get things off you're mind, I have to 100% disagree with doing it before an NFL playoff game. I'm generally a huge critic of the Cowboys because I think they play dirty (wouldn't have won unless they knocked Favre out of the game) and are highly overrated. You say you learn from you're mistakes Romo, well, you learned how not to fuck up in the playoffs last season and it seems as if you're going to have to learn that again.

G-Men win 17-13 in a close battle that comes down to Romo losing composure. Ouch! Better hope Jessica ain't there Cowboy!

National Ledger

In 'Roids We Trust

Having just read Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big by the King of the Needles, I am still a little undecided in one of the most intriguing and heated stories baseball has seen in recent years. As all sports fan know, Roger Clemens was recently accused by his former trainer, Brian McNamee of being injected with Winstrol, a performance-enhancing drug. While Roger's stats were phenomenal between 1998 and 2004 (age 35-41), I am still awaiting concrete evidence from Mr. McNamee and for Roger to do a lie detector test to make me take his side. But the reality is Roger got bigger. Roger isn't impressing the media or fans with the handling of the situation. Roger is arrogant. Roger is in the fight of his life.

Don't get me wrong, I am against steroids and all performance enhancing drugs in baseball, but this is a classic case of "He Said , He Said" and its driving me nuts. Many of us are awaiting for Clemens to go under oath in a few weeks and testify before Congress. We all know from his lame internet video, 60 minutes interview and press conference he denies everything that he was accused of doing. But what more can you do when Roger says he didn't and McNamee said he did. It's a vicious circle. For all of those media hogs out there that attack Clemens personally and are itching for him to "tell the truth" (even though know one knows the truth), you are wasting your time. The truth is, this case is not going anywhere. Roger won't take the extreme measures to clear his name and McNamee isn't going to cave either.

"Do you think I played my career because I'm worried about the damn Hall of Fame? You keep your vote. I don't need the Hall of Fame to justify that I put my butt on the line and I worked my tail off, and I defy anybody to say I did it by cheating or taking any shortcuts, OK?"

Well Roger you do need the Hall. Because if you can't get out of this mess, no one is going to remember you for anything but steroids. No one will care about your 20-3 season with 213 K's in 2000. So in the words of the Big Cuban flake, Jose Canseco,

"I'll take a lie detector test on the subject in a minute, and I'll pass with a perfect score. To you media types out there who want me, I say: Bring it on. Take your best shot."

We're waiting on you Roger. Prove me and all the other non-believers wrong. Where is your intensity? Where is your passion? If you worked so hard in your baseball career, why don't you work harder to clear your name. Saying no isn't going to cut it today. Holding press conferences isn't going to do it either. If one day McNamee admits he lied. I'm sorry, Roger. Only time will tell though, Mr. Clemens. If your not in the Hall, what are you in the eyes of all sports fans? A cheater. End of story.

wileyman

image copyright of bostondirthogs.com

Peace Jaguars. Your Goin' Home.

As if the Patriots need any other sources of outside motivation, Paul Spicer, a Jacksonville Jaguar Defensive Lineman believes the Patriots shouldn't even be in the playoffs. To anyone who doesn't thoroughly follow sports this may seem like a questionable statement and would seem to merit further questioning but, to any sports fanatics, a perfect season is hardly questionable.

"Do like the NCAA and kick them out of the playoffs or something," Spicer told The Associated Press after news of the scandal broke. "Put them on probation; they can't go to no playoff games. Roger Goodell has definitely enforced some new rules. He's been hard on players. Now let's see how hard he's going to be with a team."

That's not even considering all of the bullshit the Patriots had to deal with during the season about the whole Spygate Scandal. But you know what, I'm going to go out on a limb and say I'm sure there are at LEAST a few other teams in the NFL that could be just as guilty as the Pats for Spygate. The only difference is the Patriots (and the Jets maybe!) were the only team to get caught.

Look, say what you will about the punishments given to the Patriots. Maybe a half-million dollar fine given to only Coach Belichick, the 250,000 dollar team fine, and the loss of your 2008 first round draft pick wasn't enough. But one thing holds true, this is one of the most amazing teams football fans have ever had the pleasure of watching.

Spygate doesn't negate the simple and unavoidable fact that their still 16 and 0, and NOTHING will ever take that from them. Not only did they go undefeated, they showed many times during the season just how "human" they can be by almost losing a few close games (vs. Eagles, Ravens, and the G-Men.) But, when you're down and out, true champions always find a way to win and the Pats have done that better than anyone, or team, I've ever seen.

So, don't be afraid to admit that your just scared to play 'em, Spicer. I would be too. But, what some of you professional athletes don't seem to quite get is that you don't need to be giving the best team in your respective sport any more reason to want to beat you're head in.

Way to go, Spicer.

I'm tempted to not even watch the game because I'm sure I can predict the outcome but, I'll watch the Pats once again shove someones words (GUARANTEED! fuckin' Steelers.) right back in their faces.

Everyone needs em sometimes. I mean, a drink of course.

Normally endorsements for professional athletes are with the more well-known energy drink products such as Tim Duncan Donuts Coffee, Mountain Drew Brees, SoBe Bryant, and the ultimate lip smacker Gatorade Tiger (made with real bits of tiger, so you know it's good).


But Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox has recently signed with a California based company MBSB Holdings, LLC to create a fancy energy drink concoction so cleverly entitled Slump Buster.


The drink (and it's attractive can ... not really) will hit the scene most likely during spring training ball and will be available at most baseball stadiums for the start of the '08 season. All proceeds will be going towards Youks charities and most likely an organization representing all those slump busters we love only once in a while (sorry.)


Enjoy a Slump Buster and hey, maybe you will get lucky enough to "Take One Down". NaWhatta mean?

Gillick needs a slump buster

My first post ... I'm tired and hungry. I can't write right now, but here was what I was thinking about today.

Well I don't know about you, but after last years first playoff appearance in 14 years, I'm pretty excited what the Fightin' Phils can do in 2008. Here is the problem though, Pat Gillick once again is having a lackluster offseason and continues to be stubborn about spending money to sign a big name pitcher. Instead, the man who predicted the Phils to be a contender in 2009 continues to be in awe of pitchers who are released or in arbitration periods of their contracts who just absolutely suck. These pitchers during his helm have flopped and have atrocious stats. Here's a list of names - Chad Durbin, Antonio Alfonseca, Jose Mesa, Adam Eaton, Arthur Rhodes, Clay Condrey, Cory Lidle, and Ryan Franklin. Oh and then there's the young "talents" in the organization that Gillick obviously was content with keeping around for the last 3 or so years; Geoff Geary, Ryan Madson, Brian Sances, Fabio Castro, Eude Brito.

Do you know why we can't get any pitching. Here are 4 reasons why:

1. The architect of CBP is a moron. No one wants to pitch in the "Coors Field" of the east.

2. The fans. We are the most passionate fans in all of sports. Philadelphia fans are brutal. We demand a lot.

3. Our farm system is depleted - thank Ed Wade and some partial blame goes to Gillick to trading away decent prospects.

4. The organization needs to make a change in scouting. The men in charge are not getting job done.

Now, why does Gillick continue to say he has no interest in guys like Bartolo Colon, Mark Prior, Jeff Weaver, Livan Hernandez, etc. WHY NOT? WHY NOT TAKE A GAMBLE? I mean really, you signed Jose Mesa last year. You traded for Arthur Rhodes. You signed Ryan Franklin. What is wrong with taking a risk with a guy like Colon or Mark Prior, who in my opinion, are high caliber pitchers compared to previous acquisitions like Cory Lidle or Adam Eaton. Why not take a risk on Carlos Carassco like you did with Kyle Kendrick. Why not take a risk with Joe Savery?

Pat Gillick YOU NEED A SLUMP BUSTER. You need to get out of this slump, this awful track record as Philadelphia Phillies GM, you need to leave your home in Toronto and look for some road beef.