Phillies' reign as Philly's top team is secure

Slow news day in Philly, huh?

We couldn't believe when we heard last night that the Eagles signed Michael Vick. {Actually, I wasn't shocked by it. Greg had on, ugh, Mike and Mike on Thursday morning, and some reporter mentioned that Vick could land with the Eagles.}

What would Chase and Jen Utley think?

What were the Eagles thinking? Did they say, the Phillies got lots of good press for signing Pedro and no one mentioned his cock fighting controversy?

Did Andy Reid think this would distract people from the next crime one of his sons commits?

Why go through all this bad PR for a guy who's not going to do much for your team?

After the initial shock wore off, we started hearing the outcry from the Eagles fans who denounced the organization and swore they will sell their season tickets and burn their Eagles gear. Sal Paolantonio reported fans were crying leaving the Eagles' first preseason game (a loss).

I'm planning to go to my first NFL game on Nov. 1 to see the Giants play in Philly. Tickets should be dirt cheap if everyone follows through with their promises to dump them.

We're pretty big animal lovers - in fact, we just hung a print of a bull dog chewing a baseball we bought in Savannah - but we can't help being confused by this reaction. Where is the outrage over athletes who have committed crimes against humans?

In the end, the Phillies should send a thank you note to the Eagles because this moves ensures that their spot as Philadelphia's favorite sports team, earned last fall, is going to be more than a fleeting fancy. The Eagles have demonstrated why the Phillies are the class of Philadelphia - even with a pitcher who has participated in cock fights, another who has been suspended under baseball's drug policy and a third who has been accused of domestic violence.

Today's baseball news: The Red Sox traded for Alex Gonzalez to help with their shortstop problems - not the retired former Phillie Alex Gonzalez, but the current and former Red Sox Alex Gonzalez.

And, Pedro Martinez is officially no longer a Met.

Today's games: The Phillies beat the Braves 3-2. Ryan Howard hit a home run in the 9th to put them ahead. Brad Lidge actually got a save. Joe Blanton had a no decision, but had another strong outing. The rest of the offense came on a two-run homer by Utley, which I'm sure was dedicated to abused doggies.

The Red Sox trail Kevin Millwood and the Rangers 3-2 in the 7th. Our new shortstop isn't playing. David Ortiz has been dropped to 7th in the order. Tony Massarotti suggests the Red Sox best lineup may be Gonzalez at short, Kevin Youkilis at third and Mike Lowell at DH. I wonder if the trade is with the thought of benching Papi. He did hit a two-run home run tonight.

[Photo credit: Philadelphia Magazine via 700level.com]