Jammin'

Besides their rediscovered winning attitude, the Boston Globe today noted another difference with the post-Manny Red Sox. They've gone country.

That, combined with an 8 p.m. start for the Sox and an off-day for the Phils, reminded me that I've been neglecting the Phillies yearbook answers. Next up: "Musical group or artist you'd like to jam with."

Surprisingly, only two Phils have similar tastes as the Red Sox: Kyle Kendrick (George Strait) and Cole Hamels (Keith Urban). I didn't think young Cole would go country. I thought Clay Condrey would, but he went with Bruce Springsteen. Also staying local was So Taguchi with Bon Jovi.

Only two bands got more than one mention: Black Label Society by Rudy Seanez and Brett Myers, who also listed Pantera, and Pearl Jam from Chris Snelling and Greg Dobbs.

Some other oddities: Geoff Jenkins admitted to liking Journey. Chase Utley listed Pussycat Dolls - maybe it's the animal thing. And Brad Lidge went with Breaking Benjamin and Rage Against the Machine, not his favorite band Drowning Pool. I can't believe he wouldn't pick them; he has hung out with them and uses "Soldiers" for his intro song, as a tribute to the troops.

Phanatic: The fuzzy mascot wants to jam with the Reading Phillies Mascot Band. I mention because I omitted his answers for the first two entries. His favorite gadget is the hot dog launcher (it doesn't make it up to our 400 level) and his biggest annoyance is other teams.

Not answering the music question were Tom Gordon, Jayson Werth, J.C. Romero and Pat Burrell, who is the only Phillie yet to answer a single question. Jimmy Rollins answered, but he shouldn't have: "I don't do jammin'," he said, apparently too cool for the team bus and too cool to jam.

Games: The Red Sox lost to the Royals 4-3, blowing a chance to gain a game on the Rays, who also lost. Jason Bay came up with the bases loaded in the 9th but could only muster an infield single. The Yankees are tied at the moment; Joba Chamberlain left the game with a shoulder injury.

The Phillies, Marlins and Mets were all off.

Congrats: In the off-season, I thought Jon Lester would be a solid major leaguer. I didn't think he'd be one of the best in the league and worthy of pitcher of the month.