Phightins

Charlie Manuel will probably (definitely) go down as the greatest manager in Phillies history. I am fine with this...he does many things well, beginning with "managing personalities", blah blah blah. He is very lovable...I love and respect the guy. However, his pitching management is TERRIBLE. Fortunately, there is so much talent on this pitching staff from the very top to the very bottom, so he gets bailed out frequently. But I am just very concerned that this will cost the team at some point. My main point of frustration at this point is that Michael Schwimer has been on the active roster for 4 games now, and has yet to make an appearance, despite many opportunities to get him in. Come on Charlie!! Who cares how young he is, he has more talent than anybody in that bullpen that isn't named Madson or Bastardo. At least give him a look. Also, while I am on this rant, I can't wait to see next year's bullpen. Schwimer-Stutes-Bastardo-De Fratus-Aumont-Herndon. So much potential. Plus we will get a nice compensation pick from whoever overpays for Madson.

Potentially on the hook for $23 million more with him....ouch.

Actually, this apparently will not count as a "start" as far as Oswalt's pitching record goes. It will just count as a game played for batting starts. Hm. Learn something every day...

Umpire fail. Torrential storm begins 6 minutes after the first pitch. Everyone knew it was coming. Why on earth did they start this game? Anyway, it is back now, and Kyle Kendrick will be pitching. Wonder if this means Oswalt will start tomorrow night instead. He technically "started" tonight, since he was the starter on the lineup card and he warmed up as if he was starting. So he could be the starting pitcher two nights in a row (unless the Phillies call up an Iron Pig to start tomorrow). Neat statistical oddity.

I am concerned about Vick, but it has nothing to do with last night. I am just worried about a general regression.

I enjoy watching Desean play and I think he is very good. But I think Jeremy Maclin is better and will have a much better career (if he can stay healthy). Eagles fans overrate him more than anybody...

Did anybody hear Mike Rizzo's comments about the Nationals draft class/getting all of their high picks signed? He basically said that the Nationals proved with this draft that they are an elite scouting organization. Epic lulz. Hey congrats! You had four very high picks, mostly because your team sucks. Paying way above slot to get those guys signed looks like desperation more than savvy scouting. Produce some results in the middle rounds of the draft before you start talking shit. And in other news, the Cubs fired Jim Hendry today. Surprise surprise.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/687346/Ilya-Bryzgalov-Flyers-Mask.png Philadelphia Tigers! Kind of odd. That is some sexy art work, though.

To be completely honest, I have no idea. I will just hope for continued improvement. There are obviously a lot of Sixer fans that feel Turner and Iguodala can't co-exist, since Turner's numbers were better when Andre was out of the lineup, etc etc. I am not totally sure I buy that. I think it was just a general playing time issue. In the beginning of the season, it was clear that Doug Collins did not trust ET. As the season went on, his playing time increased, as did his performance. I expect him to play a major role this coming season, whether Iguodala is around or not. So I am hoping for the best!

Sixer fans certainly don't underrate him. I am in love with the dude

I am not terribly concerned. Tons of new faces on defense, revamped coaching staff, and only three weeks of practice under their belts. But according to most Eagles fans on Twitter, they are destined to be 3-13 now.

This team is going nowhere!!! PS I am already pissed off with the Vince Young signing, since so far his only contribution has been that stupid "dream team" comment. Nice easy punch line for Eagle haters when games like this happen.

[expletive] Kennedy (at least for tonight...).

I feel bad for Al Golden.

Well, the Eagles claim Maclin is his normal weight, but they are known for fabricating the truth....

Jeremy Maclin cleared to play after a cancer scare. Fantastic news. He was very sick for a lot of the offseason though, between this and mono. A guy at work says he and Maclin work out at the same gym (or, they did during the lockout at least), and he looks terrible. Lots of weight lost. The important thing is that he is evidently OK, but I am wondering how long it will take him to get into "game shape". Also interested to hear the Eagles "statement" later tonight.

Also, Michael Schwimer is apparently getting called up tomorrow. YES!!

Charlie Manuel's in-game strategy leaves a lot to be desired.

http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/2179/jim-thome-symbol-of-the-90s-reaches-600 Jonah Keri basically nails it, IMO.

Verizon Fios. Love it.

The fighting in hockey debate is about to become a major story.

Link? For the record, even if he did, we will never find out about it. If he hasn't been accused yet, I doubt he ever will be. This isn't 1998 anymore.

One of my all time favorites. So awesome. I remember chatting with him ever so briefly during Phillies photo days circa 2003-04. Could tell he is a genuinely incredible guy. Nice to see good things happen to good people.

Killed himself supposedly

I suppose that Dan Uggla can now go back to being known as the sub-.300 OBP strikeout machine.