Roy Oswalt has been throwing great as of late and it all started a few weeks ago in a seven inning showing against these very Dodgers.  Oswalt has been doing work his last four outings and can keep the Phillies rolling in the wild card race with another strong outing today.  The Phils are currently 1.5 up on the Giants in the wild card and 3 behind the Braves in the division.  It seems the Braves find walk off wins daily so keeping the foot on the gas pedal is important for the Phillies who've found their way since the all-star break playing much improved baseball ever since a disappointing first half.

Kershaw throws for the Dodgers who is having a good year and is apparently a dominating afternoon starting posting: 4-1 with a 1.94 ERA in seven afternoon starts.  Being a talented lefty he naturally gives the Phillies big bats some problems.

The Phillies bounced back last night in an 8-4 win after a few lackluster offensive efforts pounding a couple homers, most importantly from the slumping Ryan Howard.  The Rhyno has been playing poorly since his return from the DL, but last night should get him moving again.

The first pitch is at 3:05, tune in to see your pennant racing Phils take on the Manny-less Dodgers.

And apparently, most of them  grow up to be Mets fans.  I don't really know what I was expecting to get in Atlanta last night, but it wasn't a 9-3 loss.  I'm not sure why, given that the Braves are in first place for a reason, we have an anemic offense, and Pat Misch was starting.  I wasn't holding out delusions for a sweep, like Keith Hernandez keeps telling us we needed, but I was at least looking for some competitive spark from my team.  And this is what I mean about being a sucker.

Why should I expect the Mets to show up and fight?  In the past two months, that kind of gritty, smart baseball they were playing in June has disappeared.  The interesting thing there is that their record has suffered as well.  Now, I'm a psychology person - I know that just because two things are related, it does not necessarily mean that there is a cause and effect situation at work - but I think it's worth pointing out for all the people who think intangibles are a stupid way to evaluate players.  The difference in the way the Mets and Braves play baseball is startling.  The Mets have taken on this kind of listless, world-weary approach to the season - and that's not going to win any games.  Even Jerry Manuel gave up on last night's game, calling on Oliver Perez to pitch the 8th inning - the first action Perez has seen since August 1st.  At least that kind of tricked people into believing we've been playing with a full roster (thankfully, that issue will be moot starting tomorrow when the rosters expand).  It's amazing how a team can look competitive on paper and then just not be able to translate that talent into winning.  And the thing that's so hard to grasp (for me at least) is the fact that the Mets had a fighting chance just a few weeks ago.  How is that even possible??

Bobby Ojeda said last night that the team should be embarassed.  I agree with him.  They are a better team than the one that showed up for the series opener in Atlanta.  I didn't think that I could be disappointed in the Mets this year after last season's fiasco.  I told myself going into Opening Day that this was an 82-85 win team at best - and that that was probably not good enough for a playoff run.  But I still got sucked into the hype and that impressive June.  Since then, the team I was starting to believe in has completely disappeared.  If they weren't going to make the playoffs, I wanted them to go down swinging.  Instead, they're just taking the punches and collapsing.

16 innings of madness.  The Phillies 4-2 loss last night took over 5 hours and saw all kinds of a wild things by its finish.

Ryan Howard lost his shit and was ejected in the 14th inning.

Roy Oswalt played two innings of left field: making a play on a fly ball and coming to the plate with the game on the line.

Hamels threw well (only allowing two ER) but didn't get the win, again.

The Phillies had their regular starting eight in the lineup for the first time since May 21, vs. Boston.

Jimmy Rollins hit a home run in the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extra innings to begin with.

At the end of the game, the Phillies just couldn't find a way to win.  It was fitting that since Oswalt had to come into the game for Ryan Howard (because of a depleted bench) he would come to the plate in the bottom of the 16th with two on and two out.  Astros manager Brad Mills walked Utley to bring Oswalt (the winning run) to the plate.  In the end he was right and Oswalt harmlessly grounded out to end the game.

As for the Ryan Howard check-swing-strike-three-explosion, it's rare to see the big man that fired up.  You could see him saying, "don't fuckin' talk to me" and he had arms swinging and spit flying the whole time.  As you'd expect it took more than one guy to keep him from bashing the third base umps skull in.  And why wouldn't he be heated?  He went 0-7 with 5 STRIKEOUTS!  There isn't even a funny hat name for that many K's.  Three is the hat trick, four is the golden sombrero, and five is the platinum sobrero or something like that.  If I pulled off an 0-7 platinum sobrero I'd most likely pull this move.

Here are some good clubhouse quotes from the game:

“I’ve seen him mad, but never upset like that,” Manuel on Ryan Howard's ejection.

“I’m not sure what I think about the whole situation, I think I’ll take a nap, wake up refreshed and pretend the whole think didn’t happen.” Werth on the game.

“There’s a saying in baseball, the ball will find you when you’re out of position,” said Ibanez, who also recorded a putout on a diving play at first base. “The ball found him and he caught it.” on Oswalt out in left field.

“I had visions of an out,” Mills said. “I had no visions of a hit.” of Oswalt hitting in the sixteenth.

This is how the Mets keep fans around and the Wilpons get away with not making organizational changes.  Just think of all the things that happened last night:  the team overcame a so-so starting effort with offense, rallied back, and actually WON a game they had trailed after the 7th inning (on a hit from Luis Castillo, no less).  Games like this are what make ownership believe that they've done the right things in putting this team together AND that they can continue to market it to the fan base.

I'm going to go out on a limb though and say that games like the one against the Marlins last night are exactly what's wrong with this team.  There aren't enough games like this, but by showing up with the effort every so often, the team manages to maintain a spark.  And that's what is being sold to fans after every disappointing season.  I think it's become a foregone conclusion that major changes need to occur this off season, but that's what a lot of people thought last year too, regardless of the injuries.  And through it all, I'd like to know where the Wilpons are.  I have this mental image of Fred and Jeff locking themselves in a room and refusing contact with the outside world - not to come up with any sort of cohesive battle plan, but to avoid being held responsible for the decisions they've made and the things they've said over the past few years.

With rumors going around that the Mets are looking to cut payroll once again next season, I'm unsure of where the off season will take us.  When your team isn't producing, you can't label guys as untouchables.  As a fan, I'm somewhat irrationally emotionally attached to certain players - but this is why I'm not a GM.  At the same time, even I realize that the team simply can not look the same next year.  The Mets need to entertain any and all trade talks this year.  I know that the young guys are cheaper and that money is a concern with this team, but something's gotta give.  And most importantly, I want to play with a full 25-man roster again.  It's time to cut Oliver Perez loose, work something out with Luis Castillo and move on.  Find a manager and GM who can fill and manage the roster effectively (honestly - three catchers on a roster already one spot short because of Perez?  Come on).  Jeff Francoeur will most likely be non-tendered.  Maybe the team can get out of Frankie Rodriguez's contract.  There's still plenty of time to show case the younger guys with September call ups around the corner.  Add in a few breaks, and all of a sudden things look just a bit brighter.  Unfortunately, that's all easier said than done.  Especially since it's not my money.

Justin “Tito” Dellow is the Founder/Editor of the fantasy baseball website, Fantasy 40/40. Be sure to visit his site for great fantasy insight and the ever-important music, women, and pop culture thrown in to keep you in good spirits, even if your fantasy team is garbage.

I know, I know, it’s a loaded question.  There’s not a single answer to solve the Mets’ problems and issues.  No CliffsNotes or master blueprint they can buy to turn things around and back into NL East contention.  As we’ve witnessed, the current General Manager Omar Minaya has little clue on how to fix this messy situation.  So what are the Mets missing?

Let’s take a quick peek at some of Minaya’s work.  Some players Minaya has signed who have not produced like they were paid include: Carlos Beltran, Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo and Alex Cora. Combined salary for 2011: $39.5 millon.

In addition, there are these players as well: Ty Wigginton 2-yr/$6 million, Felipe Lopez 1-yr/$1.2 million, Scott Podsednik 1-yr/$1.75 million, Jon Garland 1-yr/$4.7 million.  All these players were available this off-season.  Their combined salary for 2011: $10.65 million.  Hands downs, better production in 2010 and at a quarter of the salary.  They could have been key additions to a team in need of offense and some depth to a bench carrying three catchers!  I’m just sayin’.

Think about it.  Wigginton for Hessman.  Lopez for Castillo.  Podsednik for Francouer.  Garland for Perez.  So.  Much.  Better.

The Madoff conspiracy has brought a financial cloudiness to the Mets and their ownership.  Management has reassured fans that spending was not affected and signing free agents will not be an issue.  But can we really be sure?

In an article for the NY Times, owner Fred Wilpon “would say only that his Madoff-related investment losses were ‘significantly’ below $700 million.”  Anyone losing that kind of money has to limit or watch their spending, right?

None of this is even what I am trying to get at.

The real purpose of this post was hatched after watching these 2010 Mets and comparing them to the 2006-‘07 team.  There is something missing.

In 2010, it’s not the bullpen.  The bullpen, frankly, has done an adequate, if not above-average job and has been pretty quiet this season – except for the Frankie Rodriguez incident.  Feliciano, Takahashi, Parnell, Acosta, Dessens and Igarashi – misused perhaps, but could be better with some consistency from the starters.  Overall, their ERA this is season is 3.67, good for tenth in MLB.

Starters?  Not this season.  With the disappearing acts of John Maine and the aforementioned Oliver Perez, the Mets have seen progress from young starters Mike Pelfrey and Jon Niese.  Pelfrey had about as good a first half as anyone not named Ubaldo.  Niese has added a cutter and matured into a solid number three starter.  RA Dickey has been a savior and a breath of fresh air with his menacing knuckleball and fierce competitiveness.  And Johan Santana, although not the Cy Young-type hurler he was back in Minnesota, has pitched like an ace should down the stretch-run, posting a 2.90 ERA on the season.  In the off-season, they can sign a couple veterans to compete with some younger guys for the fifth spot.  Overall, the pitching staff ranks fifth in the NL and seventh in MLB with a 3.65 ERA this season.

So that brings us to the offense.  Anemic and inconsistent.  These are the Mets’ rankings for total runs scored in a season:

7^th with 834 in ’06

10^th with 804 in ’07

8^th with 799 in ‘08

25^th with 671 in’09

24^th with 486 so far this season

Notice anything?

As the current roster stands, the Mets have an above-average lineup on paper: (5) current of former All-Stars (surprisingly, Luis Castillo does have an All-Star appearance).  They have arguably one of the best leadoff men in baseball.  They also have high-priced bats in Wright, Beltran and Bay (Beltran and Bay have been non-existent).

But what’s missing?  What’s different from that magical ’06-’07 season?  Two words: Carlos. Delgado.

In 2006, the Mets’ slugging first baseman hit .265 with 38 HR with 114 RBI and 89 RUNS scored.

He batted cleanup and hit between switch-hitting Carlos Beltran and right-handed David Wright – carrying the team in stretches.  This allowed Beltran to see fastball after fastball batting third, producing his best season as a Met - hitting .275 - 41 HR - 116 RBI - 127 R and 18 SB.  Meanwhile, David Wright was allowed to bat fifth and share the weight and pressure of carrying a team.

Now, I am not saying Carlos Delgado should be brought back.  Not at all.  But, a power-hitting, left-handed, first baseman is what I am looking for.  A homerun threat every time up.  A guy who can carry a team in August and September.

The Mets have brought up Ike Davis, a nice player they hope will develop into a solid first baseman.  Unfortunately, he’s not going to be enough.  The answer?  Prince Fielder.

Fielder would bring a calming presence and a consistent, everyday bat.  Players to play first base for the Mets, other than Carlos Delgado, since 2006: Julio Franco, Shawn Green, Eli Marrero, Xavier Nady, Michael Tucker, Jose Valentin, Jeff Conine, Marlon Anderson, Damion Easley, Fernando Tatis, Nicj Evans, Andy Phillips, Daniel Murphy, Jeremy Reed, Mike Jacobs, Ike Davis, Alex Cora and Mike Hessman.

Prince Fielder is going to be a free agent after the 2010-2011 season.  He is a Scott Boras client.  He will make an absurd amount of money on his next contract.  The Brewers have to move him.  Could the Mets offer enough to obtain the hefty lefty?

Let’s try.  I’d start the talks with Ike Davis.  I am sorry Mets’ fans, I like him too, but when you have the chance to land a proven 40 HR guy, you roll the dice.  With Milwaukee’s lack of pitching, one would expect a top-notch pitching prospect in the deal.  Maybe Jenrry Mejia, Brad Holt or Jeurys Familia.  All three are considered prospects and should warrant interest.  Throw in one or two, middle-of-the-road minor leaguers with upside and a deal may be possible.  This may seem too low, too much or just right, but either way, Fielder would still have to sign an extension. This would possibly limit the trade return to a lesser package, a la the Johan Santana.

Fielder, who will turn 27 next season, would provide that late inning threat that managers have to plan around, that pitchers fear.  He has 50 HR potential and can anchor any lineup, batting cleanup and adding stability, possibly splitting up Wright and Beltran or Bay and Wright.  As for the financials, those players mentioned above (Beltran, Perez, Castillo) and their $37 million will come off the books after next season, allowing for the trade and extension.

Some Mets’ fans will ask for Adrian Gonzalez – “he’s the better fielder, he’s the better hitter, he’s cheaper…”  But his situaition is entirely different due to his ridiculously affordable contract and would require more in return.  Plus, who knows if San Diego will actually trade the guy, they are contenders you know.

Furthermore, Fielder seems like the better fit.  Remember the city they play in, the type of heat players take and the type of personalities that succeed in New York.  He’s the heart of that Brewer team, although the media portrays Ryan Braun as their leader.  Fielder, from all accounts, is a great clubhouse guy with enough desire and fire to win for an entire team, something the Mets are in desperate need of.

1. S Reyes SS

2. S Pagan RF

3. R Wright 3B

4. L Fielder 1B

5. S Beltran CF (for a year)

6. R Bay LF

7. L/R Thole/Santos C

8. R/L Tejada/SOMEONE NOT NAMED LUIS 2B

Follow me on Twitter: @WooderCooler

In the past 30 days, there hasn't been a hotter hitting NL team than the Phillies . Their combined .281 batting average is second to only the Minnesota Twins for best in all of baseball. But between the onslaught of clutch hitting and the dominance of their 19-6 record in their last 25 games, the Phillies have been bad. Bad in the eyes of one man who has pitched hard and long while his supporting cast of offensive sultan's have come up limp and short for him.

In his last 8 starts, Cole Hamels is 1-3 with a 1.87 ERA. He's given up 13 walks and has struck out 58 batters in 54.2 innings. 4 of those starts have been no decisions. He's gone 7+ innings in 6 of those 8 starts. So what gives? That is the question that has been tossed around the Philly sports nation for the past month as each flawless start and opportunistic scoring chances have been wasted by first pitch swinging, double play hitting, and clueless base running. Despite what he says, you can see it in Cole's gaze from the dugout. The tired stare. The gloom. The feeling of inadequacy. The feeling of depreciation.  Roy Halladay and new comer Roy Oswalt have been supported by a string of inflated leads which have allowed 8 complete games for Halladay. For Oswalt, he's received 16 runs in 4 games and bulked up his record to 3-1 since coming over to the Phillies from the Astros one day before the trade deadline. For Oswalt, one of the lustful traits of the Phillies was run support. The same run support he didn't get in Houston. The same run support Cole Hamels doesn't get in Philly. But he's not really concerned about it. To Hollywood Hamels, it's all red carpets and gnarly waves.

"I haven't really followed the wins and losses. I just try to completely blank that out"*

Last night he was pulled after the 5th inning of  the teams 8-2 loss where again the offense didn't support, or in this case, help him vs. the underachieving Giants hitters. In fact, the 2 runs the Phillies did manufacture weren't until the top of the 9th inning, when Cole was already bench ridden. Since August 1st, the Phillies have scratched Hamels' gems with only 2 runs. The opposition? Before last night, his last two starts were 1-0 losses. For a team that's been resilient in their pursuit of a third consecutive Red October, one cant help but think that Hamels has to be green with disgust. During the off season when Cole Hamels sits down and ponders a Christmas list for his teammates, what is he to get a batting order full of naughty hitters when they've already gotten all the Cole they can get?

But maybe he feels this is just another chapter in the life of the pitcher. He's certainly not alone in the dissection of baseball's best pitchers who have had lost seasons. Oakland A's pitcher Brian Kingman lost a whopping 12 out of his last 15 starts of the 1980 season en route to a league leading 20 losses despite striking out 113 and pitching 10 complete games. In 1987 Houston Astros ace Nolan Ryan struck out an MLB best 270 batters and had an MLB leading .276 ERA despite losing 16 games and piecing together only 8 wins. Somewhere along the line every pitcher has a down season. But most of the time the good ones strive and the bad ones self destruct. In the rare case of Cole Hamels though, part of being great may mean having to have a season where greatness is overshadowed simply by a lack of support. There was no Ike without Tina. No Sonny without Cher. And certainly, no Cole without runs.

After spending last year under fire for his lack of pitch location and easily rattled composure, he's now being reprimanded for having a too laid back composure as he's said virtually nothing in bitterness or disappointment toward his team. Maybe it's good to be mature enough to bite down on your tongue and go back to your hotel room and punch pillows. At least it's in private. At least it doesn't ruffle the feathers of your teammates and cause rumor mills to print in fervor.  But don't think for one second that Cole Hamels forgets. As the 2010 season winds down, he will be working on a list and checking it twice. Not the Christmas list, but another type of list. A more personal list. With each remaining start, that list will eat itself fat. Or starve itself thin. Either way, no one wants to be on this list. That list rhymes with one of the key words to jump starting this limp offense: Hit.

All right, so first things first:  sorry for the slight disappearing act.  I've been processing all this bullshit with K-Rod, pondering a lost season, and just thinking about how the Mets get themselves into these situations in general recently.  Last night I was watching the game with my dad and the only thing he had to say in the first inning was, "I hate Jerry Manuel - how does he not have Pagan in there when he's in the top 10 in batting??"

I can't even get worked up about things like not starting Angel Pagan.  Basically, to borrow a quote from A Few Good Men, I know Jerry doesn't have a good excuse, so I won't force him to come up with a bad one.  Maybe Pagan didn't feel like playing.  Maybe they are trying to showcase Fernando Martinez.  Maybe Jerry decided that Pagan can't start on alternating Tuesdays so he can stay "fresh" (fresh for WHAT, exactly, is unclear).  I don't know anymore.  But I'm adopting the strategy of expecting the worst and hoping for the best because it seems to be the best way to keep my blood pressure down for the remainder of the season.

What I do know is that this situation with Francisco Rodriguez is crazy.  It was already ridiculous... but now he's been placed on the disqualified list.  I did not even know this list existed and quite frankly, it sounds made up - but if there was ever a situation where it's justified, this seems to be it.  I like that the Mets seem to at least be taking a stand on this situation.  Hearing that they've taken steps towards voiding the contract makes me feel a lot better than hearing Jerry Manuel go on the record as saying that this "mistake" could easily have been made by anyone on the 25 man roster.  The players' union has filed a grievance against the team following the decision - but everyone saw that coming, so that's really no big deal as far as I'm concerned.  This situation is really just one more thing to add to a long list of craziness the Mets have subjected their fans to over the past few years.  I'd like to think that things like this happen in other organizations... but I have a feeling that's not the case.  What are your thoughts on the Mets and K-Rod?

Follow me on Twitter @WooderCooler

Toward the end of the 2007 baseball season, I took a job in Pittsburgh. And as I settled in, I carried my Philly pride all around my new city. People got to know me. The way I talked. The accent. The Flyers jersey that got cursed at more times than a cheating spouse. My drunken and obnoxious E-A-G-L-E-S chants during Steelers/Eagles preseason games. I was the guy everyone in Pittsburgh loved to hate. Because not only was I the enemy, I hated Sidney Crosby. And in Pittsburgh, you can hate Jesus, but you dare not take the Wizard Of Cros' name in vain. However the people were friendly and the women were plenty, so in time, I fit in. I met a girl who's father was a socialite in the area who had more connections than a South Philly kid named Joey. So naturally I reaped the benefits of her fathers left field, front row Pirates tickets. My first invite was to see my Phillies play in late April of the 2008 season. PNC Park had always looked beautiful from the river, so I was excited for a chance to see my team, out of Philly, for the first time in my life. But most importantly, I was going to be sitting right behind The Bat.

The night before the game, I had an idea for a sign I wanted to make. I called Steph to tell her I wanted to bring a sign. But I couldn't tell her what it said because I wanted it to be a surprise. Because we had only been hanging out for six months, I could hear the worry in her voice. But i reassured her that I had no plans of asking her to marry me. The next day as we arrived at PNC Park, sign tucked under a tight arm, I realized how popular she was. Apparently she's been coming to these games almost daily since the place opened in 2001. Along with her father's reputation, we were granted exclusive entrance to our seats.

My sign was never inspected.

Once we made it to our seats, I began coaching her on who everyone in the Phillies' line up was. And why Chase Utley was playing first base that night. And why Ryan Howard was not in the line up. But really, it was all about Pat and his team leading .354 average. I told her everything about Pat. How in the season before he hit four HR's in a four game series vs. The Mets. And how he's my favorite because I despise the Mets, and at that point, he led all active players in HR's vs. that choking team from NY. So she started referring to him as Big Bat Pat. And although I forgot to tell her his wonderful nickname, I went along with it.

After Chris Coste doubled home Jayson Werth and Chase Utley in the top of the first, Pat made his pimp jog out to left field for the first time. Just as he got close enough to where I was in clear and present sight, I held up the sign.

Just as Burrell looked up after Jayson Werth in CF brought it to his attention, Steph leaped up to read my sign. As quick as Pat showed a faint smile, I was covered in Iron City Light. As she stormed off, I made no attempt to chase after her. Embarrassment dripped down my head as the beer reached my lips. All I could do was lick them. But to be honest, it tasted good. It was the taste of victory. Pat The Bat's reaction was well worth the beer now reeking his jersey I wore. Oh well, at least the Phils were winning.

After a few phone calls the next day, I finally reached through to Steph and explained myself. We were clearly done because not only was her reputation disrespected, she felt I had more of a crush on Pat Burrell than her. The balls on this woman. And for an hour she bashed me and compared me to a 14 year old boy with a baseball card collection and a player obsession. Whatever. She didn't give blow jobs anyway.

As the rest of that magical season played out and Brad Lidge dropped to his knees as Chooch jumped into his arms, I was glad to have seen my world champion baseball team, even if it was only once that season. I was one of the many who was crushed when no deal was made to retain Burrell after the 2008 season. Why break up a good thing? But apparently the Phillies didn't have my heart in mind. While I wait for the Phillies to retire the number 5, I already have done it in his honor by not wearing his jersey since the end of that championship season. It's only fair. Mike Sweeney. Mark Weeney. There's only one Pat the Bat. Shame on any of you who think otherwise.

After a stint as a DH in Tampa Bay, and a brief stop in the minors, Pat Burrell was called up by the Giants this past June 4th. Ironically, on June 5th, The Giants were making a stop at PNC Park for a three game series. I had to go. Anybody who knows anything about Pittsburgh and Pirates baseball knows that tickets to games are easier to catch than a cold. So me and three of my buddies lined up four tickets to the game. Left field of course. In my Phillies hat and Pat Burrell Phillies shirsey, I gave him a standing ovation as spectators booed me and asked me if I was high. After all I was in Phillies gear at a Pirates game cheering for the Giants left fielder. Fuck them. It was Pat. Big Bat Pat! In between the 6th inning, I noticed a girl walking up the stairs from a handful of rows down. It was Steph. I called out her name, and with a smile she greeted me with a hug. It had been two years since I saw her, so we caught up a bit. The hatchet was buried between us. She told me she was there with her girlfriends enjoying the game and told me her friend Joanna was there to see Ryan Howard play. According to her story, Joanna was Ryan Howard's sex toy in Pittsburgh, and every time he came to town, they hooked up. Typical groupie story, so it wasn't of much interest to me, but funny nonetheless. Steph went on to tell me she met Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard last August when the Phillies were out in Pittsburgh last. She met Pat The Bat? I couldn't believe it! I asked all sorts of questions. Is he nice. Does he smell good. Did he attract a lot of girls. Does he drink Dos Equis. She answered my questions to the best of her knowledge although you could tell she was uncomfortable.

"Well I gotta get back, it was nice seeing you again." She said as she came toward me for a hug.

"Yeah, you too. Have fun tonight." I said.

She took three more steps up, turned around and yelled

"Hey, I know why they call him 'The Bat', now...'The Big Bat' to be specific."

Crash Davis: Did you hit me with your right hand or did you hit me with your left? Huh? Did you hit me with your right hand or did you hit me with your LEFT? 
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: My left. 
Crash Davis: Good! That's good; when you get in a fight with a drunk you don't hit him with your pitching hand. God, I can't keep giving you these free lessons so quit screwin' around and help me up.

Francisco Rodriguez has got to be kidding me punching people out with his pitching arm.  That's the first rule of baseball bar fights!  Yeah as a Phillies fan I think it's hilarious that he's out for the year, tearing a ligament in his right thumb punching out his father-in-law.  But this might actually be a good thing for the Mets as they can most likely get back all that money they owe him over the next two years.  Shit!  This was supposed to be a glorious day for Phillies fans, not Mets fans.  We'll see how the Mets brass handles this, but it is Omar Minaya we're talking about:  2:1 odds says that K-Rod gets an extension.

NEW YORK -- Kyle Kendrick helped ensure that the New York Mets' miserable week ended with a whimper.

I don't know how I could have written it better than that...  When Kyle Kendrick shuts you down it's an unquestionable kick to the junk, not to mention the fact that the Mets are now a full ten games back and stumbling since the All-Star break.

Pelfrey didn't throw poorly, but the Mets offense only managed six hits the whole day.  If it wasn't for Jose Reyes' third inning lead-off home run they wouldn't have had any offense to speak of.  Kendrick went 6.2, Pelfrey 7.  After Kendrick, the bullpen combined for 2.1 hitless, shut-out innings.  Even Brad Lidge only needed nine pitches to get three outs, that's how you know your offense is struggling.

The Phillies found offense largely from top to bottom.  Rollins and Victorino combined for four hits and three stolen bases in the 1 & 2 to set the tone for the day.  Werth had a triple, and Ruiz had another fine day of his own.

The Phillies now tie the season series 6-6 with two straight series wins against the Mets and remain in a hot division and wild card race.  The Mets on the other hand remain struggling and looking for answers.