Phightins

Words don't really begin to describe how frustrating this team is right now.

A friend of mine (and Fly3rs) had a pass to see a pre-release screening. He told us that he was crying at the end. Like you, I thought that was ridiculous. After seeing the movie, I do not think it's ridiculous anymore.

Everyone who was at that game yesterday seems to agree that these things need to be banned from MLB stadiums.

Brad Lidge, Jose Contreras, and Chad Durbin have been fantastic this season, so they get a pass for yesterday. Danys Baez does not, and I am counting down the days until he is DFA'd.

It is more likely the end of Gagne/Carter/Hartnell. Most have believed that it's been the Flyers intentions all along to overpay this summer for a 5th defenseman. If they let Coburn get away, it's sort of for naught. I am expecting to see one (or possibly 2) of those forwards traded between now and the draft, and Hamhuis and Coburn both signed. But who knows what Homer has up his sleeve.

I think I know a certain somebody who might disagree.

Well, another trade is coming for sure. He will be pretty expensive, they have to clear cap space. If they can get Hamhuis and Coburn both signed, they have the best defense in the league.

So....Danys Baez has a roster spot, but Scott Mathieson can't have one?

Wow...Mathieson had minor league options left too. I do not get it.

Ryan Parent traded back to Nashville for Dan Hamhuis. Me likey. Big part of my offseason wish list accomplished, already. Top-4 caliber defenseman? Check.

Alright, Ruben has officially lost me. He designated Scott Mathieson for assignment today. Called up Dane Sardinha (a catcher). Carlos Ruiz got banged up last night, but I guess not bad enough for a DL stint, but enough that they want a 3rd catcher around. But why Mathieson? He will be claimed very shortly, I am sure of it.

Scott Mathieson pitched yesterday. He has an incredible fastball. Unfortunately, that's about all he has right now. Out of the 22 pitches he threw, I think only 2 were breaking balls. But with that said, he was still a lot better than his line will indicate. Got victimized by a couple weak singles. Only one ball was hit hard off him. He definitely needs to improve his changeup, or perhaps add a slider, but this dude has a ton of potential. If he can get a half-decent breaking ball he will be a hell of a closer some day. Also, Fly3rs and I going to the game this afternoon. It's a date!

Even if they do get 15,000 people there, there's no way this can be worse than when they give out maracas. 3,000 people at a Marlins game with maracas is way more annoying than a World Cup game with 80,000 people blowing vuvuzelas.

How bad can 10 or 11 vuvuzelas be?

He has not been bad at all this year, he has just not been hitting as many homeruns as usual. I am most happy to see Chase Utley having a good game. He has had several good swings this week, and it is finally paying off tonight.

See it sober first.

Look out. The bats have awoken.

Eh...definitely better than the 2nd one. It's getting such crazy praise right now because they waited 11 years to do it. But without even considering that, I thought it was a fantastic movie. People of our generation definitely have a connection with it, so the fact that Andy "grew up" at basically the same pace as all of us makes it pretty cool.

It was really really good.

Not that I know of.

Lulz. Beat me to it.

Matchups for Twins series... Today: Nick Blackburn @ Joe Blanton Tomorrow: Kevin Slowey @ Cole Hamels Sunday: Carl Pavano @ Roy Halladay

That was cool. Not the two games I expected to win in this series, but I will certainly take it. Breaks finally starting to even out and come back to our side.

I've been gone all day so I didn't get to post that Scott Mathieson has been called up. Long overdue. He has been tearing up AAA. Really cool story too. Promising prospect a few years ago, had to have Tommy John surgery, and finally worked his way back. He still can hit 100 with his fastball. When Madson comes back (assuming Mathieson sticks around), we will have 4 legitimate power arms in the bullpen, with Mathieson, Madson, Baez, and Contreras.

Ian Schultz is the younger brother of Jeff Schultz from the Capitals, FYI.