Human interest stories

The effects of Jose Offerman's attack are still being felt by former independent leaguer John Nathans. He was the catcher Offerman hit with a bat while charging the mound against former Phillie Matt Beech. I didn't realize he was so severely injured until reading this account of how the incident has changed Nathans' life:

"He's still in the game, playing baseball. I have not been allowed to live my life the way it was intended. My life is changed forever."

Nathans probably wouldn't have made the majors even if this attack didn't occurred, but you get the sense he wouldn't have given up his dream and would still be playing ball somewhere, not rehabbing from the concussion.

He'd be a player like Matt Stairs, milking all that he could out of whatever natural ability he had. If you're saddened by Nathans' story, take heart in the story of the Wonder Hamster, a true player of the people:

"As a player, the biggest thing is don't give fans an excuse not to like you. That's the biggest thing. But it is nice when you hit that big home run and the fans say, 'Hey, he's just like us. He's not one of those guys who hits it and showboats. He's very humble about it.'"

Funny, this story, centered on the fact Stairs tries to hit only homers, comes a day after Christine remarked: "They should have a home run derby just with guys like Stairs who hit only home runs." I said, "Yeah, the type of guys who would never back out of a derby."

Tonight's games: The Red Sox are on the road against the Angels (after my bedtime). The Phillies beat the Dodgers 5-3. Chan Ho Park pitched a quality game, getting his first win of the season. Brad Lidge gave up a run, but managed the save.

The real story, of course, was Jayson Werth. He had four stolen bases, including one of home. I can't believe both of our teams have had steals of home this year. Werth's came when the catcher was tossing the ball back to the pitcher - I can't remember seeing one like that before.