Blame it on Curt

Brett Myers has had a good career for the Phillies, although it hasn't quite met the expectations for a guy drafted 12th overall in a pretty decent first-round 1999 draft class that included Josh Beckett, Josh Hamilton, Ben Sheets and Barry Zito.

Phil Sheridan took a long look Sunday at the Phillies tenure of Brett Myers, which is most likely over at season's end. He looks at the good, bad and puzzling times of young Brett, who is an enigmatic cross between the ultimate team player and a lightning rod for off-field problems.

"Dramas have followed me my whole life. I'm the guy who messes around and throws a peanut at someone and it hits them in the eye. When I was a kid, I broke my wrist riding my bike over a little wooden ramp. A hundred other kids rode over it, but I'm the guy that flips and breaks his wrist. I'm the guy that falls out of the Escalade."

And that's nowhere near the most interesting quote in this epic feature. We loved his first quote after being drafted and can't believe we haven't heard it before. Can we get a Desi Relaford shout-out?

"I want to meet Pat Burrell, Scott Rolen, Curt Schilling and Desi Relaford," the 18-year-old pitcher said that day. "I want to play with them now. Just put me in the big show!"

We also didn't remember this quote that inserts an intriguing SoxandPhils what-if:

As a low-level minor-leaguer in 2000, he angered upper management something fierce when he spat, "Who's going to teach me how to pitch now, Omar Daal?" in reaction to Schilling's being traded to Arizona.

So, if Curt weren't traded, would he have made Myers realize his potential as a top-flight starter? Would the Phillies have won one or more World Series before 2008? And, following that path, would that mean Curt wouldn't wind up on the Red Sox, and I would be a lot more cranky about another year looking up at the Yankees?

{I'm more intrigued by the idea of who would drive the other one crazy first: Curt and his preaching, or Brett and his recklessness.}

I dunno, but for a pitcher who sometimes seems one or two shy of a six-pack, Myers has given us plenty to consider. But, as Ruben Amaro said, should the next few weeks be the end of Brett Myers' Phillies career, neither side can complain.

"Brett's had his ups and downs, obviously, but at the same time he's done a lot to help the organization. He adjusted and went to the bullpen when we asked him to. He went back to the rotation when we asked him to. He went to the minors when he struggled. He's made some sacrifices. At the same time, we've treated him well with a multiyear deal. But there's no doubt he's shown a lot of flexibility."

For me, I'll just miss his curveball - one of the prettiest I've ever seen.

Today's news: It looks like Brad Penny is going to the Giants. Good riddance. ... There was a report that the Phillies would be adding to their collection of former Red Sox (Pedro Martinez, Matt Stairs, Jamie Moyer and J.C. Romero) by trading for Nomar Garciappara, who they tried to sign in the offseason. David Murphy, and no other local beat writer has even mentioned it.

Washed out. Again.

Despite improving weather forecasts, we headed to Saturday's game fully expecting to get soaked. Whenever there's the slightest chance of rain when we go to a Phillies game - it pours.

We were actually relieved that there was some heavy rain on the way over. The drive wasn't fun, but we arrived in plenty of time and listened to the pregame while looking at rainbows. (There were actually two right next to each, but one was too faint for the camera to pick up.)

First pitch was delayed a few minutes, but we didn't mind. We were dry and set to see Cliff Lee for the first time. His perfect start to his Phillies career was washed away, however, as he got torched for six runs on 10 hits in five innings against the Braves. His microscopic ERA tripled to 1.80. I had a feeling before we went to the game this would be the night the legend of Cliff Lee would come to an end.

Lee pitched well early on. In the second he didn't allow a run even though the Braves had two men in scoring position with one out. But in the fourth he gave up two homers (he had given up none in five starts as a Phillie), and the Braves were en route to an abbreviated 9-1 win.

On-field observations: Ryan Howard's single in the 4th was excellent, just a slow dribbler to second, but because the infield was back for the shift, the Braves had no play. It would have been a routine out if the infield were positioned normally. ... Lee's ERA rose from 0.63 to 1.47 after the first home run; 1.24 to 1.65 after the second; and 1.61 to 1.89 after the final bomb.

Unobservation: In the 2nd, I saw Jayson Werth swing and miss. I thought he struck out and noted it in my scorecard, but it was just the second strike. Brian McCann must have agreed with me because he threw the ball to third instead of back to the pitcher.

Observations from the stands: The QVC Singers did the anthem. Very weird. I kept expecting to see a 1-800 number with a timer posted on the scoreboard. ... Good fan question: "Who is your favorite former Phillies/Braves player?" With 42 percent, people selected BravesandPhil Dale Murphy over Kevin Millwood, Ron Gant and Johnny Estrada. ... The woman who received a marriage proposal wore a shirt "Happ and Lee Ever After." Wonder if she knew she was getting a ring?

Antiquated shirts: Not many, but a couple oddball Yankees - Moose Skowron and Don Mattingly - in addition to the usual Jim Thome, Pat Burrell and Chris Coste. Interesting about Mattingly: Earlier I told Christine that I was surprised Paul Bako wore No. 23 because it seems like one of the most popular uniform numbers, partly because of Mattingly. Maybe it's just a New York/North Jersey thing.

The skies opened: Our pregame confidence was shattered when we heard an usher say a storm was about five minutes away. When it arrived, we immediately hustled up some rows in the 400 level, under cover, to debate whether we should go with our windbreakers, ponchos, umbrellas or some combination. Before we could decide, another usher forced us to the concourse because of the lightning.

We found a good dry spot next to a snack stand that was closed. Until we saw water flowing out of a turned-on light fixture - probably not the safest place to stand.

We hung around until they ended the game in the mid-8th. Although it was pouring, Dan Baker told us to "exercise caution" when leaving. In other words, "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here."

We're going to one more game this year. I predict monsoon.

Today's games: The Phillies are on ESPN tonight.

Paul Byrd got a surprise start for the Red Sox today because Tim Wakefield's back is acting up. Great. The roider actually came through: three hits, three walks and no runs in six innings. Billy Wagner made his debut, striking out three and giving up a hit in the 8th inning. The Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 7-0.

Random musings on rainy Saturday

While we wait for the rain to lift so Cliff Lee (leading the majors in quality starts) can continue his torrid run tonight for the Phillies, I checked up on some posts at baseball-reference.com.

(Warning: Not much SoxnorPhils content.)

Normally, I don't click on posts with an unclear headline (yes, I know this post doesn't have a good title), but I decided to read "Getting on Top and Staying There."

Instantly, I loved the theme. A scrubby player wondering "what if" his entire career was as good as his best moment. It was penned by Buddy Biancalana, one of my favorite names from the 1980s, who is the classic example of a scrubby infielder shining during the World Series before crawling back into a hole of suckitude. After helping the Royals win the 1985 World Series, Biancalana was out of baseball by 1988.

Despite the interesting premise, the essay quickly devolved into an advertisement for Buddy's Perfect Mind Perfect Motion - some kind of new-age mental focus program for athletes that focuses on slowing down the perception of time.

The experience of time is the first fundamental in every sport. Great athletes experience this, because when they perform their best, everything feels like it is in slow motion. They can't teach this experience to anyone, but they don't have to, they just do it. What I discovered was that this experience can be taught and it can quickly make a huge, career- changing difference.

If I had this knowledge 20 years ago, there would have been no "what ifs." I very well may have lived the dream for another 15 years until I retired. But at least now, I can teach my students to set up by choice what I experienced by chance, in the seven greatest games of my life.

Um, no. Maybe you were just a scrubby major league baseball player who got hot at the right time, which is nothing to be ashamed of. You're still better than 99.9999 percent of us. And, you have a ring.

Also posted today was a new From the Bill Chuck Files; he's a writer who posts random interesting tidbits. Like Christine, he's obsessed with Burrell, but just Pat, not Elvis. Today's mention:

4. The Rays are still waiting for Pat Burrell to get hot, after 33 doubles and 33 homers last season with the Phils; Burrell is only 13 and 12 this year.

But that's not why I bring it up. The relevant point, for which I'll get a glare from Christine, is No. 19:

19. A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has exceeded 130 at bats, which eliminates the Giants’ Pablo Sandoval who had 145 at bats last year. Sandoval is hitting over .330, leads the league in doubles, and has a .933 OPS.

I apologize again.

Please hope for a dry rest of the day.

Problem solved

The Red Sox have been looking for a way to steady their pitching staff, which was supposed to be a strength but has become an albatross. Little did we know that the solution was on the roster this whole time. And I'm not talking about Tim Wakefield ,who spent a month on the disabled list.

It's SS Nick Green, who pitched two innings last night, mopping up what turned out to be a 9-5 loss to the White Sox. We couldn't figure out why Terry Francona would bring him in. Yes, fans can give up hope trailing by seven runs with just two innings to go, but not the guy who managed the greatest postseason comeback ever.

So what happened?

Takashi Saito? Unavailable because he slept on his neck wrong Wednesday night. Billy Wagner? Unable to pitch because he threw a bullpen session yesterday afternoon.

Daniel Bard? Possible, but that would have made him unavailable for tonight against Toronto given his previous workload in the Chicago series. Hideki Okajima? Same story.

So when Junichi Tazawa faltered with every pitch but his fastball in the second and third - the White Sox banged out eight runs over the two innings - Red Sox manager Terry Francona turned to Nick Green in the third and informed the infielder he'd most likely be taking the mound for the first time as a major leaguer.

"I had to go out there and try to pitch because our pitchers couldn't go," said Green. "That's the only reason I went out there."

Two innings, no hits, no runs - but three walks - later, and I think the Red Sox have a new pitcher. But his good work might have earned him a shot at a less glamorous position:

With last night's outing on the mound, Green has now played all but one position: catcher. And it's not like that thought hasn't crossed his mind.

"I would like to, but that's a tough situation," he said. "I catch guys between innings. I feel like I could do it if I had to."

And apparently, Francona has at least considered the idea as well.

"Tito asked me if I could do it if somebody broke their leg or something," Green said. "So I know I could get back there. I don't know how good I'd be but I'd try."

Today's games: Josh Beckett's struggles continue. He gave up five runs in five innings. He's given up 13 home runs in his last three starts compared with seven in all of May, June and July. He did strike out nine tonight, so maybe the MLB Network guys are on to something about him possibly tipping pitches. He better figure it out soon because never mind Nick Green, without a strong Josh Beckett, our World Championship hopes are toast.

In the 8th - Blue Jays 5, Red Sox 5.

Phillies: Just call Pedro Martinez the Rain Man. For the second time in four Phillies starts, he had an early exit because of the weather. There were two rain delays tonight before the 3rd inning. Hopefully this one gets completed so that Cliff Lee (sorry Pedro, he's more important) has an uninterrupted start tomorrow.

Jamie Moyer, who seemingly hasn't pitched since the 1970s, is in, trying to repeat the Pedro Moyer show we saw 10 days ago. So far, so good. The Phillies are up 3-1 against the Braves in the 5th on a pair of home runs by the Big Piece Ryan Howard, who on this special night at the park - '70s night - is donning his pimp garb on the scoreboard.

Quotable SoxandPhils sluggers

The other day, I forgot to mention a quote that I just loved from Matt Stairs. He wants to play one more year for the Phillies and made his case why he deserves another year:

I'd like to be back, but that's a decision for the team. I'm inexpensive, and I don't complain that I don't play a lot.

While Stairs has been a fan favorite because of his key pinch hits (not so many this year), he's also likable because he's a rare average Joe in this era of athletes with super-sized egos. Who can't relate to wanting to earn $1+ million to sit on the bench, watch a game and chew on some sunflower seeds? You've got to love honesty from the big lug who has a history of being honest, if not the most cautious, with his comments.

The Red Sox big slugger, David Ortiz, also had a quote this week that was more like Stairs' famous postseason quote than his more recent one. Papi explained how Victor Martinez has motivated him this year:

Victor, man, he just push me, man. Every at-bat since he's been here, he just get in my face and start screaming at me and everything. I like it, I really like it. He gets me in the mood.

Eww.

But I guess I'd prefer Papi be turned on by our catcher than steroids.

Today's games: Billy Wagner is in Fenway, but unavailable tonight. (Brad Penny was released to make room for him.) B-Wags probably wouldn't be needed anyway; Junichi Tazawa couldn't follow up on his strong performance against the Yankees last week. He gave up nine runs in four innings. The White Sox lead the Red Sox 9-2 in the 5th.

The Phillies, behind J.A. Happ, lead the Pirates 2-1 in the 7th. Whose turn is it to blow a save tonight?

Hibiscus update: We have a full-fledged flower and more buds ready to bloom.

Stopping to smell the hibiscus

There are only so many ways I can say Brad Lidge blew another one, so I'm going to write about a happier topic.

Six years ago on a belated honeymoon to Hawaii, we bought a little souvenir - a hibiscus root in a little baggie. We planted it in an inside pot and it grew ... and grew ... and grew.

But it never bloomed.

When we moved across town four years ago, we had to drive it in my pickup during heavy rain and wind. Its leaves remained tattered for quite a while, but it kept growing taller. So much that despite our 11-foot arched ceiling, we had to lop off some of it.

But it never bloomed.

This spring, it started listing really bad. We decided it was time to plant it outside. If it lived, great. If not, there was only so much we could do to save our plant we affectionately call Hawaii, even though we were never convinced it was not just a glorified weed from paradise.

Last month, after a storm, it toppled over. The wooden stick that kept it upright had rotted away. We decided to cut it down in size and give it one more chance.

Today, after an evening walk around the neighborhood, we took a close look at Hawaii and noticed ... a bud. Several of them, in fact.

Like the Red Sox winning in 2004, faith has been rewarded. (Christine wondered how I would tie this to baseball.) And, perhaps, at the end of the year, Charlie Manuel's patience in Brad Lidge will yield a bloom.

If not, Lidge still gets a pass because of last season.

Oh, and two more baseball references to Hawaii. The first, obviously, is the Hawaiian connection with Shane Victorino. The other is a little more Rorschach. I think the stigma of the flower (the thing that stick out of the middle) remind me of the Phanatic's tongue and nozzle.

I know, I need help.

Tonight's games: Sorely missed Tim Wakefield returned from the DL, making his first start since July 8. On that date, the Red Sox were 18 games above .500 and had a one game lead over the Yankees for the division and a 4.5 game lead over the Angels for any playoff slot.

Since then, the Red Sox have gone 21-20 and now trail the Yankees by 6 games.

Tonight, Wake has been strong: one run on three hits and a walk through five. The Red Sox haven't done much against former Phil Gavin Floyd and are tied with the White Sox 1-1 in the 6th.

Cole Hamels might be returning from ... mediocrity. He hasn't allowed a run in his first five innings. The Phillies lead the Pirates 1-0 in the 6th.

Another new SoxandPhil All-Star pitcher

All day I expected to write a post on how Mensa members were probably disappointed that they weren't going to open a chapter in the Red Sox bullpen because Billy Wagner didn't want to join Jonathan Papelbon and the Red Sox.

But the six-time All-Star, most famous for insulting Phillies fans and raising alpacas, suddenly changed his mind and will join Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Ken Ryan and Heathcliff Slocumb on the SoxandPhils pitching staff.

Wagner, who said he'd prefer to stay in New York to keep his options open to be a closer next year, had the second-biggest about-face of the day. The first, of course, came from Papelbon,who had said he wanted no part of B-Wags in the Red Sox bullpen when reports first surfaced that the Red Sox claimed him:

It's just a simple thing that when things are taken out of context, you get to where you're going to affect the ballclub. It affects them to where, now you're going to have an effect on whether we're going to get a player or not. Now you're affecting whether we may win a championship. And when you do things like that I just don't think that's the right way to go about it. People make mistakes and people learn from them. I think everybody in this clubhouse is a man and admits to what they do. I've said things in the past and I've never strayed from them. If I need to apologize for something, I'll apologize. This is a situation where there's nothing for me to apologize about. I said nothing demeaning about him. We'll get along great. I know we will. I'm looking really forward to seeing how he works and maybe picking up a couple of things from him.

Theo Epstein said it more succinctly:

I think Pap feels he was misunderstood. He's not a Rhodes Scholar to begin with. When I talked to him directly about it he couldn't have been more excited. When we had our window (to speak to Wagner), Pap went out of his way to make sure he knew he was more than welcome here.

I guess I'm OK with this move - I'm just concerned with how often the recovering Wagner will be able to pitch. If nothing else, it should be an interesting meeting of the minds with him and Papelbon. I don't believe, as Christine predicts, that he will destroy the 2009 Red Sox. {Sure he will. He's going to ruin any chemistry this team may have had; after all, he is a rat, likes to hit young college batters and doesn't mind throwing his teammates under the bus.}

He will be a valuable addition, and come October, he will help do what he could not do as a Met: prevent the Phillies from winning the World Series. {Bwah, ha ha ha ha. Greg, you're too funny. Let me catch my breath. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.}

Tonight's games: Jimmy Rollins led off with a home run on the first pitch. Usually that would prompt Christine to declare the game over. I asked her if it was cinched. She wouldn't admit it, but she was pretty confident in tonight's outcome. He hit another one in the 3rd, and the Phillies were leading until Joe Blanton, who had a laborious outing, gave up a two-run homer in the 6th. Pirates 3, J-Roll 2 in the 8th.

The Red Sox are tied with the White Sox 3-3 in the 8th.

Hittin' hurlers

Pedro Martinez pitched poorly yesterday, but he had a good day at the plate. He struck out in his first appearance, but that was after he ran the count to 3-0, prompting Jerry Manuel to embarrass Oliver Perez by removing him in the middle of an at-bat against a pitcher.

In Pedro's next appearance, he singled in a run with the bases loaded. He added a sacrifice in his last appearance.

Several times over the past few days, I've noted how well things have been going for the Phillies, but this is getting ridiculous. Even their pitchers are hitting well. Over the past six games, Phils pitchers have gone 7-19 (.368), raising their season batting average to .138.

That doesn't seem like much, but this could turn out to be the second-best hitting season for Phillies pitchers since Charlie Manuel took over in 2005. Currently, they're hitting .138/.198/.182. That .380 OPS ranks second to 2007, when the Phillies pitchers posted a line of .155/.202./.185 (.387 OPS). That was a marked improvement over 2006 when they posted a .260 OPS.

Ironically, the year before hitting guru Cholly took over as manger, the Phillies had a fairly respectable season, going .165/.198/.241 with an almost passable .439 OPS.

Maybe pitchers just preferred hitting for Larry Bowa.

Or, perhaps, it's all the new guy. Cliff Lee, despite going 0-2 this afternoon, is out-hitting his opponents .313 to .175 after today's game, a 6-2 win over the Mets. He went seven innings, giving up both unearned runs on six hits with five strikeouts. Brad Lidge closed it out without incident or help of a triple play.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, still clinging to a one game lead for the Wild Card, are trailing the White Sox 4-1 in the 3rd.

Gift wrapped

Today was a day when the drama on the field seemed too-well scripted for the scribes in search of an angle.

Here's our account:

Christine and I had to run quickly to a store this afternoon.

"What's your prediction?" Christine asked.

"You win, but Pedro pitches poorly. Yours?"

"Pedro pitches into the 7th."

After leaving the store, we were surprised to hear that the game was still in the first inning. Even better was when the announcers said that Pedro Martinez could bat before taking the mound against his old team. Things kept looking up as Carlos Ruiz homered (the second three-run blast of the inning) and then when Oliver Perez was yanked (in the middle of an at-bat!) after throwing three straight balls to Pedro.

We hit some red lights and heard Pedro give up an inside-the-park home run to Angel Pagan on a ball that was stuck in the wall but not ruled dead.

The Phillies scored three more, but never seemed to put the Mets away. Pedro was out of the game after the 6th.

Eric Bruntlett, playing because Chase Utley got a day off, had three hits. He had 11 coming into the game.

"Charlie Manuel's having one of his hunches by playing him today," Christine said.

Bruntlett seemed poised for another hit when, in the 9th with the Phillies up 9-6, he hit a ball to right. It was initially ruled a trap by Jeff Francoeur and a triple for Bruntlett. But upon review, perhaps with illegal assistance from the replay on the scoreboard, the umpires ruled it a clean catch. Charlie Manuel was ejected arguing the call, and the game remained a save situation for Brad Lidge, who actually converted one cleanly the night before.

It started ugly. Ryan Howard couldn't handle a grounder by Pagan, who wound up on third. Luis Castillo then hit one to second, which was booted by Bruntlett, allowing the run to score. Then, Daniel Murphy hit a smash up the middle that was ruled a hit, but could have been handled been Bruntlett.

"Charlie's hunch, huh?" I said sarcastically.

"I totally absolve Lidge of this one," Christine said, expecting another bright blown save for Lights Out.

Francoeur (remember him from the trap?) was up. Smash up the middle that seemed destined to be another blow for Lidge, but Bruntlett snared it, touched second and tagged Murphy, who had been running with the pitch. I couldn't decide whose jaw was more agape: Francoeur's or Christine's.

We're still in shock.

That's just the 15th unassisted triple play in baseball history and just the second to end a game. There's already some confusion about that last bit of trivia, but the Pirates lost the 1925 game in which Glenn Wright turned the trick in the 9th inning.

So, in a nutshell, my prediction was correct. Christine redeemed herself with the Bruntlett prediction. Pedro is 2-0 but hasn't pitched well. Ollie P's last two starts against the Phillies have been classic meltdowns. The Phillies still own the Mets. And I'm predicting that this freaky 9th inning will be what jolts Lidge out of his season-long slump.

Ace high: We'll take a breath before two behemoths, CC Sabathia (physically) and Josh Beckett (ability), battle tonight. It's their first matchup since Beckett turned the tables on the Indians in the 2007 ALCS. Tonight's winner could get a huge boost to their Cy Young chances. Hopefully, it's a 5-0 win by Beckett that's done by 10:20 p.m. Yeah, right!

Civil War over

In May, I took a look at how both of our teams' bullpens were outperforming their starting rotations. Things improved when I took another look in June, but they've pretty much evened out now that I take a fresh look at the numbers.

Basically, the Red Sox bullpen has come down to earth while the overall dominance of Josh Beckett and Jon Lester has improved the rotation's numbers (we'll ignore the disasters of Brad Penny, John Smoltz, etc.).

The Phillies, meanwhile, have also seen their bullpen numbers dip to mediocrity, thanks largely to Brad Lidge and all the countless souls who have rotated through the injury-ravaged bullpen, but their starters have shaved more than a full run off their ERA. Perhaps the Phillies should have sold Jamie Moyer on his new assignment by saying it's not a demotion, but an opportunity to help the bullpen stabilize its ERA.

Here are the numbers:

BOS starters
May 18: 5.76 (28th)
June 4: 5.05 (26th)
Today: 4.59 (17th)

PHI starters
May 18: 6.35 (30th)
June 4: 5.58 (29th)
Today: 4.37 (12th)

BOS relievers
May 18: 3.02 (3rd)
June 4: 2.86 (1st)
Today: 3.67 (6th)

PHI relievers
May 18: 3.97 (12th)
June 4: 3.72 (9th)
Today: 3.90 (14th)

BOS total
May 18: 4.77 (21st)
June 4: 3.31 (14th)
Today: 4.28 (14th)

PHI total
May 18: 5.59 (27th)
June 4: 4.88 (27th)
Today: 4.21 (11th)

After looking at the numbers, I once again realize the Phillies fortunes are rising and the Red Sox are sinking.

To quote Mike Lowell after Friday night's embarrassing 20-11 loss:

I think that it was plain and simple that we got our asses kicked pretty good. Those are easier to forget than the ones that you lose, 2-1, because we didn't have a chance today. So we move on, and we'll see if things play out a little differently tomorrow.

They did. I had a feeling that Junichi Tazawa would have a statement game and he did, pitching six scoreless innings against the Yankees in the 14-1 revenge game. Hopefully, Josh Beckett gets the better of CC Sabathia tomorrow night, and this temporary patch of Yankee dominance will soon be over.

After losing a tight one to the Mets on Friday and watching them celebrate 1969 tonight, the Phillies trail the Mets 1-0 in the 6th. Jeez, does J.A. Happ have to pitch a shutout every night?

Worry for Phils, Sox still sputter

As the Red Sox have sputtered, everything has seemed golden for the Phillies. Other than insulting their aged warrior, there's been little consternation in Philly. The biggest dilemma may be whether J.A. Happ or Joe Blanton should be the third starter come playoff time.

But Paul Hagen issued a new warning for the Phightins': They're cruising to the playoffs, and teams that have sailed into the playoffs haven't done too well recently. Over the past decade, no team with the biggest divisional lead has won the World Series. Only one such team made it to the World Series, and half were eliminated in the first round.

So I guess there is worry for the Phillies - that they'll continue to steamroll through the rest of the season and then get knocked off by a team that had to squeeze through the playoff entry door.

Entering the day, the Phillies had a 6.5 game lead, which is the same amount as the Yankees and a tick behind the Cardinals' seven-game edge over the Cubs.

So, that's why I'm not too worried about tonight's pasting of the Sox by the Empire, currently 15-5 in the 6th. We're just letting them build up their divisional lead. (Although, I am ready to kick Brad Penny to the curb.) We'll knock them off in the playoffs. Maybe Billy Wagner will be part of the fun. Can you imagine a SoxandPhils World Series with Pedro Martinez and B-Wags?

I wonder if the old lefty will make an appearance tonight. Cole Hamels still can't get on track and has the Phillies in a 4-1 hole to the Mets in the 5th inning (it was delayed by rain).

It's back on

All right, I was a little nervous about getting swept by the Yankees and dropping two of three against the Rangers in consecutive weekends. I'm not happy that we're just one game ahead of the Rangers and seven behind the Yankees.

BUT ... it appears we're going to sweep the Blue Jays before heading back to Fenway for some revenge against the Empire. And the Phillies certainly have been clicking on all cylinders. So, you can book it: SoxandPhils World Series this fall.

Hopefully the pitching lines up: Lee vs. Beckett; Hamels vs. Lester; Buchholz vs. Blanton; and Tazawa vs. Happ.

Tonight's details: Another solid outing for Joe Blanton: three earned on nine hits with three strikeouts through seven. The home run barrage continues (Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz) as the Phillies lead the Diamondbacks 12-3 in the 8th.

Jon Lester is also pitching well - one earned on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts through seven. The Red Sox lead the Blue Jays 8-1 in the 8th.

Bring on the Empire.

The plot thickens

On a night when Clay Buchholz and Cliff Lee won marquee matchups against Roy Halladay and Dan Haren, respectively, we have to focus on a bar fight.

As suspected, Brett Myers' eye was injured in a bar fight, Randy Miller of the Bucks County Courier Times reported today. Somehow the story didn't get much traction from the rest of the Philly beat writers. First, young Brett said he was hurt playing with his son Kolt. Then he said he was injured falling in his car. There were reports of a fight, but police and sources said Myers was not involved.

Here's the latest story - which Charlie Manuel could have shot down but did not:

The real story, according to team sources, is that Myers was punched in the face Friday night during an altercation in or outside of Shannon's Irish Pub in Jacksonville, Fla., his hometown.

Myers, who has been rehabbing from hip surgery in Clearwater, Fla., drove four hours Friday to Jacksonville to see his family and ended up watching a band at Shannon's. There was a fight there that night and Myers was in the restaurant/bar with his wife, but the couple was only involved in a verbal dispute, according to a police report.

Manuel suspects there is more to Myers' latest story.

"He's a grown man; I'd like to see him be a professional," the manager said. "At the same time, there's not a whole lot I can do when he's down in rehabbing and getting ready to pitch. When he's (in Philadelphia), my concern becomes greater. I don't want him to get in trouble."

C'mon Brett: Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.

In less police blotter pitching news: Pedro dubbed himself and Jaime Moyer "two old goats" after they defeated the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. J-Moy still isn't happy about being in the bullpen. {Maybe he's just disappointed that he didn't get to be on The Pen.} ... Buchholz is in the midst of three tough matchups - Justin Verlander, CC Sabathia and Roy Halladay. Combined, the trio is 50-18 with a 3.17 ERA. Clay has held his own - four earned runs in 19 innings.

He was 0-2 in these matchups, but picked up a win tonight. He outpitched Doc, and the Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 6-1.

I found out last minute that the Red Sox were on ESPN tonight. I was looking forward to watching Lee pitch, but Christine and I wound up watching our teams in different rooms. I missed another Cliff Lee beaut. He tossed his second complete game for the Phillies, giving up an unearned run on two hits with 11 strikeouts in the 8-1 win over the Diamondbacks. Halladay gave up five runs, four of them earned, in five innings tonight. Ruben Amaro Jr. should be fired for not getting him at the deadline.

Tacos: I made tacos for dinner tonight. I mention only because there's a new fan club in Philly: Bako's Tacos.

Four pitching narratives

With both squads off yesterday, the beat writers wrote about pitching.

Phil Sheridan did a good job boiling down the enigma of Brett Myers: Whether or not the latest version of eye-gate is true, you can't question his desire to help his team, even though he always seems to find trouble like this.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Josh Beckett is dominating without trouble this year. Since he was shelled for all of April, Beckett has gone 12-2 with a 2.17 ERA. His opponents are hitting .208 and slugging .314 off him. This may be the year he wins a Cy Young.

Maybe we shouldn't have reminded him about April. He ended up pitching like it's the fourth month of the year again, giving up seven runs in 5 1/3 innings on nine hits and a walk. The Red Sox now lead the Blue Jays 9-7 in the 8th.

If Beckett does win a Cy Young, he'd be the first Red Sox to do so since Pedro Martinez in 2000. That's who Scott Lauber wrote about today in a touching tale of his lesser known brother Jesus, who never made it to the show. Because of that, Pedro has a soft spot for young players and sacrificed a start in 2002 for Josh Hancock.

Pedro made his first home start as a Phillie tonight. After giving up a leadoff home run in a 22-pitch first inning, Christine predicted Jamie Moyer's first relief appearance. Pedro needed just 16 pitches for the next two innings, but Christine was prophetic because the game was delayed by a thunderstorm.

Moyer took over after the delay and needed just six pitches in the 4th inning and then had a single in the bottom of the inning. The Phillies lead the Diamondbacks 4-1 in the 6th.

Hopefully, old Jamie can get the ball to shut-down reliever Chan Ho Park, whose relationship with Korean fans - and his upcoming documentary - were also featured today. Apparently, he's a god to his fellow Koreans.

Steamed

At our last game, we sat behind a family with three young children. At one point, the dad came back with ice cream - it was so hot that day, the ice cream was steaming in the hot, muggy air.

The little guy in front of us, wearing a Pat Burrell giveaway promotional hat, had a big waffle cone filled with chocolate ice cream.

He tried his best to eat it carefully, but the thing was so tall the kid couldn't lick it without dipping the bill of his hat into his treat. You can see the stain on the bottom left of the bill.

Funny, we have now twice seen chocolate ice cream stain a Pat Burrell garment. That's two more times than all other players' gear combined.

OUTRAGE!: Toward the end of that game, I was trying to figure out which pitcher was coming in for the Marlins. (They weren't doing a very good job that day of announcing pitching changes.) I noticed a woman checking a sheet of paper in front of me.

I took a picture, and upon closer examination, my suspicions were confirmed. There are Newsy Notes somewhere at the stadium, contrary to what I had been told earlier in the season.

I was ready to march right into Ruben Amaro Jr.'s office before Christine calmed me down by pointing out that the opposite page was blank and that these notes contained no news, just the roster.

Get rid of Chris Wheeler and bring back Newsy Notes for everyone. Now.

Eye-gate: David Murphy has a convoluted account of the latest twist in the Brett Myers' eye injury-bar fight saga. It appears the Myers were involved in some sort of incident at the bar. Police say the eye was not injured at the bar, but I don't think we're ever going to get the truth on this one.

Today's games: The Phillies, after another good win behind J.A. Happ last night, have a deserved day off. The reeling Red Sox, mercifully, are also off.

Beatdown

The Rangers have knocked the Red Sox out of the Wild Card slot, and witnesses are denying that Brett Myers really injured his eye in a bar fight.

And we still have plenty of time for more bad on-field news, as the Phillies are playing the Braves on Sunday night baseball. (Or will play, if it stops raining in Atlanta.) I can't think of any good examples, but it seems like the Phillies have more than their share of lousy outings on the featured game of the week. So far, all I can come up with is the franchise's 10,000th loss.

Thankfully, the Red Sox weren't on national TV today when they dropped their second straight to the Rangers, who are now the American League Wild Card leaders. That's in large part because they have gone 7-2 against Boston this year.

We suck right now.

Junichi Tazawa is no J.A. Happ, who is scheduled to pitch tonight. Our rookie pitcher got beat around a bit today - four earned on 10 hits and three walks without a strikeout in five innings. Where's John Smoltz?

Speaking of beatdowns, more is unraveling from the Brett Myers saga. He says, and witnesses back him up, that his bruised eye had nothing to do with a fight that happened in the bar he was in. Maybe that's the truth, but he lied about the initial story, and his current version seems awfully suspect.

Jamie Moyer for closer

We had a great summer Saturday with the usual bike riding (I exceeded 50 miles for the first time), lawn mowing, shopping and grilling. We sat down to watch just as Brad Lidge was coming in to try to save a 3-2 game.

It was uglier than usual for Mr. Used-to-be Perfect.

He started off giving up a single that Chase Utley should have fielded. Then, on a sacrifice bunt, Lidge wasn't satisfied with just bobbling the ball; he had to throw to first even though he had no chance at a play. Runner scored.

"Do you want to go for a walk now or wait until he gives up the final run?" I asked Christine after the Braves tied it.

She just groaned.

Lidge walked the next two batters, the first intentionally, then recorded a strikeout before giving up the game-ending hit. Braves 4, Phillies 3. Too bad because it wasted a solid outing by Cole Hamels.

During the carnage, Fox showed Jamie Moyer warming up in the bullpen. Obviously that was in case it went extra innings, but why not supplant Lidge with the old guy? He can't do worse, and even if he blows saves, somehow it won't be as gut-wrenching.

Oh, and for those clamoring for Brett Myers to close - there may be problems with that, too.

Young Brett had to miss a rehab start because of an eye injury he first claimed was from playing catch with his son Kolt, but then said was from getting out of his car after having two or three drinks with dinner.

"I know exactly what people are going to think," Myers said in a telephone interview Saturday evening with MLB.com.

In other words, they will think Myers was intoxicated.

Nah, who would think that?

"I wasn't drunk by any means. That's why I feel so stupid right now."

And that's why he said he initially told Brian Cammarota, who is the team's Minor League athletics trainers and rehabilitation coordinator, that he got hit in the eye with a baseball. But Myers said soon after the first call to Cammarota, Kim urged
him to call Cammarota back with the true story.

"I'm an idiot," Myers said. "I've never felt so frickin' embarrassed in my life. I feel like a total geek."

Really? Falling on your face is more embarrassing than being a national spectacle after domestic abuse allegations?

Red Sox: Saw most of the dramatic 9th inning comeback last night thanks to MLB Network. We may need a repeat tonight, as they trail the Rangers 4-2 in the 6th.

Personal: Months ago, I got rid of my blue Pedro Martinez T-shirt. Today, I happily put on my red Pedro T-shirt, Red Sox edition, thinking that it's kind of back in style. But it's way too big on me now. It's going in the Goodwill pile tomorrow. Christine says I should buy a Phillies version.

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]

Chasing down a beer chucker on getaway day

On a day when both the SoxandPhils finished their games before we got home from work, the news of the day is the manhunt for the fan who dumped a beer on Shane Victorino last night.

When I first saw it, I couldn't believe that Shane was able to make the catch when the suds hit his face just as the ball was landing.

Even Shane was impressed with the fan's attempt, handling his postgame comment like a skilled diplomatic politician:

It was definitely in my face and all over me, you know, it was perfect timing, it was right as the ball was hitting my glove. I tip my hat off to the guy, he had good timing but he had to leave the park and it's one of those things we can't have happen.

He was a little more serious today, saying he would file a complaint with the police and may press charges:

I hope he gets to understanding that you can't do stuff like that. If it happens on the streets, I don't think he'd be walking too far with something like that happening in the streets. It's just not something that you do. The big picture is this guy should be held accountable.

This whole thing is surreal. I want to say it's comical, but then I remember Christine's view that if it happened in Philadelphia, the national media would again condemn Philly fans as heathens. It would go on the list right behind booing Santa Claus and throwing batteries at J.D. Drew.

But since it's the lovable Cubbies, this is perceived as a joke. At least Lou Piniella took it seriously:

That shouldn't happen. It's not good sportsmanship ... We apologize to Victorino and the Phillies for that.

Fortunately, it did not affect Pedro's first win as a Phillie.

Today's tilts: Cliff Lee is being called this year's CC Sabathia, improving to 3-0 as a Phillie. He was dominant again: one run in eight innings on six hits, three walks and eight strikeouts in a 6-1 win. He was backed largely by Ryan Howard, who hit a three-run home run and stole his fifth base of the year. He had two career swipes before this season.

Against the Tigers, young Clay Buchholz was nearly as impressive, giving up two runs (one unearned) on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts over seven innings. But Justin Verlander was better, shutting out the Red Sox on four hits and a walk with eight strikeouts over eight innings. The Tigers may be a formidable foe for us in the ALCS with this guy leading the way.

Both teams hit the road to play teams chasing them in the standings: Phillies head to Atlanta to play the second-place Braves, while the Red Sox head to Texas where the Rangers are chasing them for the Wild Card.

[Photo credit: Chicago Sun-Times via Zolecki]

Scenic and scoreboard sights

As we watch Pedro Martinez officially become a SoxandPhil, we'll write about some of the outtakes from Sunday's game.

To the left is the back of the digital sign outside Citizens Bank Park. It needs a fresh coat of paint.

It's bad enough that this sign blocks an otherwise picturesque view of Center City, but it's downright embarrassing to have the World Champions' logo faded in front of the city's prime real estate.

I think they can can afford a couple cans of paint - especially with the money they're saving by sending Jamie Moyer to the bullpen.

We all know how ugly Sunday's game got after Shane Victorino's infamous ejection in the 7th inning. We got the sense that the scoreboard operators were purposely trying to soothe whomever was left in the stands.

We'd never seen Bongo Cam before. They played a surprisingly effectively calming island rhythm, and fans pretended to beat along.

Other than the half-naked old man, it was the only thing that distracted the fans from the mess on the field.

And Bongo Cam had several extended solos to give plenty of time for Renyel Pinto, who was replacing an injured pitcher, to warm up.

To the left is one of Christine's favorite scoreboard distractions. She likes the frog that seems to jump out of the Phillies' heads during the innings sponsored by the Philadelphia Zoo.

We can't decide whether Eric Bruntlett is terrified or disgusted by the little green critter.

Maybe that explains his poor season: He's afraid that if he hits the ball, an amphibian will suddenly appear.

Finally, I just liked this picture Christine snapped. If you look, it's a picture of the scoreboard showing a ball hit to left field during the Alumni Batting Challenge, so it's a picture of a scoreboard, in a scoreboard, in a scoreboard, in a scoreboard, etc.

Today's games: Pedro's pitches look sharp despite a mediocre start. He's faced 13 through three innings, giving up a run on four hits with four strikeouts. He's thrown 55 pitches. In the 4th, Phillies 8, Cubs 1.

Josh Beckett took a no-hitter into the 5th before giving up a home run to Carlos Guillen. Get ready to see Jason Bay and Mike Lowell on Bubba Burger's Who's Hot list. They each homered again. In the 7th, Red Sox 8, Tigers 1.

OK, I'll jinx it. Our teams are back on track to collide in October.

Big Ben

As I fell asleep, I heard a Phillie hit a home run to put them up in extra innings against the Cubs.

Christine tapped my shoulder excitedly.

"Who hit it?"

"Big Ben."

"Who?"

"Ben Francisco."

"Does anyone call him Big Ben, or are you making it up?"

"I just started it. We should get it on the blog before someone beats us to it."

This morning's headline: "Big Ben clocks Cubs in 12th."

Alumni - current and future

Last year's Alumni Batting Challenge was a washout. Literally. So we weren't sure that they would get this year's in, especially because we woke Sunday morning to monster downpours.

I know how hard it rained because I was off to the hardware store first thing in the morning to get supplies to fix the gaping holes the fallen shelf had put in our coat closet.

But by the afternoon, the sun was out, and the old-timers - Mitch Williams (hacking away at the right), Ricky Bottalico, Dickie Noles, Jim Eisenreich, Milt Thompson and Ricky Jordan - were swinging away.

That was largely the same lineup we should have seen last year, except swap in Tyler Green and Ozzie Virgil for Noles and Eisenreich.

We arrived a little bit later than we planned and were still gathering our concessions when the action started.

"Why is it so quiet?" Christine asked as the still-filling-up park sounded like a church.

"Ricky Bo's batting," I said. "They're letting him concentrate.

We missed his swings, but were seated for the sluggers: Eisenreich (seen on the left), Thompson (who could use some pointers) and Jordan (the only one who hit a home run - two out to left).

With so few balls leaving the yard, the former Phils gave plenty of fielding practice to those patrolling the outfield.

A young player, really green, was a crowd-pleaser whenever he caught one. We saw him nab at least two.

He had a real unconventional fielding method, which made him appear as if he were floundering about fishing for the ball.

In fact, you can see to the right that he seems perplexed by the ball he had snared.

In the end it was the gray team, the Rickys, Bottalico and Jordan, that prevailed.

When we heard Ricky Bo had 46 points, we had no idea that would be one of the highest totals of the day.

The Rickys won with 101 points followed by the Phils of '93 (Williams and Eisenreich) with 78 points while hitting coach Thompson and Noles took up the rear with 66 points.

But I'm sure the points mattered less to the alumni than gathering on the field again with their comrades and taking some hacks at the yard.

One funny thing ... after the contestants gathered for a group photo, Mitch Williams quickly ran off. It might have been the quickest we saw a Phillie move the whole day (except maybe when Shane Victorino charged the ump after getting ejected).

Future alum: Jamie Moyer may not participate in alumni gatherings after he finally retires. He's mad and feels betrayed by the organization for sending him to the bullpen:

I will take what they've asked me to do, but I'm not really excited about the decision that has been made. Ultimately, I'm a little dishearted because this past winter when I was negotiating with the Phillies this was a sore thumb, if you will, about this potentially happening.

You can't promise anything in this game, but I really felt that Ruben (Amaro Jr.) parlayed to me that this type of situation would not happen. Actually, even had some discussion with David (Montgomery) with them reassuring me that this type of situation wouldn't happen.

He got things off his chest before tonight's game, but wouldn't take questions. I thought he would take the move professionally - publicly at least.

Tonight's action: Junichi Tazawa's first big league start didn't go off well. A Nick Green error capped a three-run 1st inning for the Tigers. Mike Lowell - replacing Kevin Youkilis who was ejected for charging the mound - hit two home runs and Jason Bay hit one to give the Red Sox a 6-3 lead in the 7th.

Making his first start since being removed from the guillotine, J.A. Happ didn't pitch a shutout like last time. But he got NO support, until shortly after I typed that line. Carlos Ruiz spoiled Rich Harden's perfect game with a walk in the 6th. Jimmy Rollins ruined his no-hitter, shutout and hopefully win. In the 8th, Phillies 3, Cubs 2.

Thanks J-Moy

The Phillies worst-kept secret is no more.

One old SoxandPhil is unceremoniously bumping another old SoxandPhil to the bullpen.

Pedro Martinez debuts Wednesday, meaning Sunday really was Jamie Moyer's last regular turn in the rotation.

When Moyer was signed by the Red Sox as a 32-year-old free agent 13 years ago, I didn't think much: staff filler. When he was traded, I was stoked: I loved Darren Bragg, a scrappy player who never turned out as I hoped.

Moyer went 6-2 for the Mariners that year and has since posted double-digit wins every year, except 2004, through this season.

I didn't understand why the Phillies traded away two prospects - who in retrospect didn't pan out - for Moyer in 2006 after they had dumped Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle. But he went 5-2 down the stretch, helping the Phillies make a late season push toward the playoffs. They finished three games behind the Wild Card Padres, but after dumping the veterans, they really had no business even coming so close.

The next year, Moyer was serviceable, but started what could be considered the most important Phillies game ever played at Citizens Bank Park: Sept. 30, 2007. With the Mets getting blown out, the Phillies just had to beat the Nationals to make the playoffs for the first time since 1993. The old, grizzled veteran, who grew up a Phillies fan, was determined to make sure that win was secure - giving up just an unearned run in 5 1/3 innings. It was the most fun we've ever had at a ballpark. (Even though Christine was a bit nervous before the Marlins started killing the Mets.)

Last year, J-Moy was brilliant, going 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA for the World Champs. He struggled a little during the playoffs, and some wanted him skipped out of the rotation. But in the first World Series game played in Philadelphia since 1993, the 45-year-old, pitching with a stomach bug and in cold, wet weather, gave up three runs in 6 1/3 innings in a game the Phillies won in the bottom of the 9th.

A few days later, he dug up the the pitching rubber while the Phillies celebrated the title. It could have been a storybook ending: Hometown boy wins his first World Series during the twilight of his career.

But storybooks don't always end at the right time. This year, Jamie Moyer struggled, and then the Phillies - who have had several holes in the rotation throughout the year - suddenly had a glut of starters after acquiring Pedro and Cliff Lee.

Jamie Moyer, seen on the right making the long, lonely walk to the bullpen before Sunday's game, had to go:

"Based on our reports on how Pedro has pitched in his rehab starts, we felt it was time to move him into our rotation," manager Charlie Manuel said in a press release. "Jamie was a total professional and team player when we let him know of the decision to move him to the bullpen. He has been and will continue to be a very important part of this team."

Some idiots booed when he was lifted on Sunday. I clapped. And the Phillies aren't even my team. I agree with the move, but as long as there isn't anything we don't know about the Jamie Moyer story, he remains unbooable.

Unless the Red Sox win the World Series this year, I hope Jamie Moyer comes out of the pen to get some critical outs to help clinch the repeat. Then, maybe his storybook career will have the storybook ending he deserves.

Tonight's game: The Red Sox lead the Tigers 5-3 in the 6th. I'm watching on ESPN to see how they blow it. I'm more interested in Junichi Tazawa's start tomorrow.

Worst. Phillies game. Ever. (that we attended)

Jamie Moyer's potential swan song as a Phillies starter was overshadowed by an awful blowout to the Marlins in which Shane Victorino was ejected for arguing balls and strikes - by raising his arms - from center field.

Despite a subpar start from Moyer, who has Pedro Martinez eyeing his rotation spot, the Phillies remained in the game until the 7th inning. They trailed 3-1 with former Phillie Wes Helms leading off.

All of a sudden, home plate umpire Ed Rapuano stepped forward and seemed to eject Jimmy Rollins in the middle of the at-bat. While we tried to figured out what was going on, Victorino ran in from center field as if he were ready to demonstrate how much he loves Ultimate Fighting on Rapuano. Fortunately, Paul Bako and Ryan Howard intervened before Shane-O made contact. He's probably going to get fined and might warrant a small suspension, but he would be facing a stiff suspension if he had made contact.

Victorino was replaced by Jayson Werth (I mistakenly assumed he was in the starting lineup until the 4th inning) who went on to make two errors. Fans kept booing Rapuano and chanting Vic-Tor-I-No - until they left in droves after the Marlins scored six runs in the 7th.

Christine was curious how Larry Andersen - he hasn't been a big fan of the umpires lately - handled the call. We heard it on the radio recap on the way home. He fumbled for words before calling it garbage.

Until that point, the game was a frustrating goodbye to Jamie Moyer, who left in the 6th after giving up two singles to lead off the inning. In the 5th, the Marlins scored three runs on four straight singles.

I was hoping for a gutsy, possibly final, starting performance from Moyer, but it wasn't meant to be.

When Charlie Manuel lifted him, there were some boos directed at the hometown hero, who played a big part in the 2007 NL East crown and the 2008 World Championship.

When I heard boos, I started clapping for him. The clapping, subdued but sincere, did win out over the boos.

Game notes: It rained a bit early, but we were under cover and for once did not mind one bit. ... Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson led off the 6th with a soft single to left, but kind of stood at home as if he fouled one off or he was just confused what to do. He still reached base safely. ... Neither team had an extra base hit until Cody Ross' 7th inning double. ... Rodrigo Lopez, who may be the odd man out if (when) Moyer is sent to the bullpen, gave up six runs in two-thirds of an inning. ... Brad Lidge, who still gets his entrance music played in a 9-3 game, gave up three more in the 9th. Final: Marlins 12, Phillies 3.

Observations from the stands: As the crowds thinned out late in the game, leaving empty sections of blue seats, Christine said, "I feel like we're back at the Vet." There was definitely that vibe, especially in the pregame when Mitch Williams, Ricky Bottalico, Dickie Noles, Ricky Jordan, Jim Eisenreich and Milt Thompson competed in the alumni batting challenge. They competed in pairs, and the team of Rickys won. We'll have more on that later in the week. ... On sale at the newsstands, 50 percent off: Chris Coste's The 33-Year-Old Rookie. ... WDVR radio's Jack McDade sang the anthem. I thought it was too long, but the crowd seemed to like it. "I've never heard a crooner sing the anthem," said Christine, who was pleased with it.

Not so pleasing was God Bless America by WXPN's Langhorne Slim. Christine predicted trouble for whoever had to sing after the 7th inning debacle. Langhorne thought he'd win over the crowd by saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's going to be OK." That actually got laughs for a couple of seconds, but the laughs quickly turned to boos.

From then on, the entertainment directors did their best to play songs or show images that wouldn't jostle the shrinking but still hostile crowd.

One thing, however, was able to bring some joviality back to the park ...


A half-naked old man draped across some seats. This guy, wearing nothing but shades, shorts and black shoes with white socks, reminded the crowd how to laugh again. The scoreboard kept panning back to him until the fourth time, when he started rubbing his man boobs together.

With that, half-naked old man, like Shane-O, was shelved for the rest of the game.

Fashion review: I saw the Red Sox version of the Phillies Hall of Fame shirt I saw at our last game that lists all of the franchise's Hall of Famers. ... Someone had a jersey with World Champs 08. ... The first shirt I saw today was Cliff Lee's. ... Walking in, I saw two people walking together in Victorino shirts; one wore 8, the other 18. ... I saw a guy wearing a Phillies shirt and a Red Sox hat. ... I wondered how long before we start seeing J.A. Happ shirts. Christine later spotted a homemade one: Happ-iness.

Antiquated shirts spotted: Mike Lieberthal, Jim Thome, Chris Coste, Bobby Abreu, Lenny Dykstra, Aaron Rowand.

Oh well, off to finish this disastrous weekend (we came home last night to another unforeseen home-improvement project: a collapsed shelf in a closet) and see if Jon Lester can salvage one against the Yankees. There's currently no score in the 4th.

This kid must have a great fake ID

Toward the end of our game on July 26, we noticed people staring at a concession transaction occurring in the aisle.

I didn't understand the fuss - a kid was buying a frozen lemonade.

But then, I saw that while the kid waited for his change, he wasn't clutching a frozen dessert, but an adult beverage.

I know, poor job by us not getting the actual beer bottle in the picture, but he had one in his right hand, clear as day.

Greg didn't see it, but a few rows down from us, an adult was signaling that the kid was buying the drink for him. So then I was uneasy that the kid's parents would yell at us for taking a picture of their son buying them a beer. Or the vendor, for us having proof that he technically sold to someone a bit underage.

Sorry for the dearth of more current events - we'll still recouping from yesterday and have to visit with family today.

Ugh: The never-ending Red Sox-Yankees game ended in the 15th on a two-run home run by Alex Rodriguez off Junichi Tazawa. MLB Network was trying to figure out who would pitch next for the Red Sox - the only ones left were Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Brad Penny.

Oh, forgot to mention yesterday: While we were stopped at a red light, I looked in my rear view mirror. The driver wore a Phillies hat; the kid in the passenger seat wore a Red Sox hat.

Divergent paths to SoxandPhils World Series

Every year, I am convinced that this will be the year that I've finally learned that baseball seasons are marathons and not to let myself get too excited during the highs or too bummed during the lows. I kept myself calm when the Red Sox beat the Yankees in their first eight head-to-head matchups and seemed primed for a third World Championship in my lifetime.

But it's hard not to get low after a night like last night that dropped them 3.5 behind the Yankees and just 2 up on the Rangers for the Wild Card. I can't believe I'm worried about the consolation prize in early August.

But last night, a washed-up John Smoltz got wiped away by the Yankees. The best first baseman in baseball, Kevin Youkilis, started in left field, and Jed Lowrie was injured again. The Globe's headlines included "Breaking point," "In reverse gear and skidding fast" and "Master plan shortsighted."

Everyone is convinced we're seeing a repeat of 2006 - the only time in the last six years the Red Sox missed the playoffs. It was capped by a five-game sweep by the Yankees in Fenway.

I'm not ready to give up. Sure, the glut of pitching has been reduced to Beckett, Lester and pray for nasty weather. But these guys are champions. Don't count 'em out.

While the Red Sox can't do anything right lately, their counterparts in our hoped SoxandPhils World Series can't do anything wrong. Ruben Amaro is walking on water right now: All his moves are working, the city loves him, and he's got the media wrapped around his finger. The biggest problem in Philadelphia is how beloved Jamie Moyer is going to handle the bullpen.

The other night I heard Amaro on the radio with Mike Missanelli, who tried to bait him into saying he celebrated closing the deal on the Cliff Lee trade. Nah, he said, the front office just shook hands and were pleased with their results.

Pressed again in a Sam Donnellon column today in which his players sang his praises, he still wouldn't bite:

Amaro was asked whether he'd received some congratulatory phone calls. He squirmed uneasily, then went on long and hard about all the help he received.

"We don't do this to receive congratulations," he said, finally. "We do this to win games, man."

Now, we just need the Phillies to keep winning games and the Red Sox to remember how to.

Today's news: We've been out of touch - we have had one of those home improvement days where we eat at 9 p.m. and are waiting for paint to dry at 10:30 so we can hang blinds and go to sleep. Needless to say, I had no idea John Smoltz was designated for assignment and Junichi Tazawa was called up until I logged on to post.

I found out for the first time the Red Sox and Yankees didn't score - they're in the 10th tied 0-0. I wish I saw this matchup between Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett. Phillies lost to the Marlins 3-2. Panic grips Philly.

Best of plans

In the afternoon tilt - you know, the SoxandPhils game we could not watch because of work - Cliff Lee pitched another beauty, winning his home debut 3-1 against the Rockies. He went seven innings, giving up one run on six hits and a walk with nine strikeouts.

John Smoltz - in the game we should have been able to watch - did not make it out of the 4th, getting tagged for eight runs in a 13-4 blowout through the 8th, which means the dominance against the Yankees probably ends tonight.

I found this Tony Masarotti tidbit interesting:

According to one baseball source, the Sox had serious discussions with the Indians for both Martinez and starter Cliff Lee, at least until Cleveland wisely broke the tandem apart and effectively sold them off as condos. The point is that the Red Sox wanted a hitter and a pitcher, or, more importantly, they felt they needed both. In the upper corners of Fenway Park, the inhabitants know this team has holes.

Stupid Indians.

Lots of other news today. J.A. Happ is staying in the rotation. Kevin Youkilis started in left field because Jason Bay has a hamstring injury. Josh Reddick is back because Rocco Baldelli was DL'd. David Ortiz was going to talk about steroids this afternoon, but now he's going to do it tomorrow.

I know, kind of a weak post given everything that's going on, but it's been a rough night. I had to teach myself how to change a car battery (took longer than I thought) and then had to prepare the bathroom shower to be recaulked and the rest of the house to get new windows.

At least the chores kept me from having to watch this debacle against the Yankees.

Interesting: They just showed the clip of Pedro Martinez taking out Don Zimmer in the 2003 ALCS. Christine sighed as she realized he's her problem now.

It's still August, right?

Should the Phillies falter and join the 2007 Mets and 2004 Yankees among the greatest collapses of all time, one of the first to blame will be Paul Hagen, who has penned the column that puts Philly on the edge of hubris and could give bulletin board material to the other teams chasing the Phillies:

Phillies' October rotation a tough decision for Manuel

Yes, the Phillies have it pretty much wrapped up, and a collapse is hard to fathom even though they've dropped five of six against the Diamondbacks, Giants and Rockies. But they were the class of the division before acquiring Cliff Lee and are probably once again the class of all of baseball (we'll know for sure if there's an October showdown with the Red Sox). {What do the Red Sox have to do with anything? They'll be sitting at home after Oct. 4.}

But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Hagen did pose an interesting question: Who among Pedro Martinez, J.A. Happ or Jamie Moyer gets booted from the playoff rotation? I'd discuss, but it's still August, and there's no guarantee - especially with the luck the Phillies have had keeping pitchers healthy this year - that all three will be healthy come October. Or that aces Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee will be healthy. Stranger things have happened.

At least Jim Salisbury brought us back to earth today with a look at some SoxandPhils examples of teams that thought they had too much pitching:

The 2006 Red Sox had six starters, so they traded away Bronson Arroyo. But then injuries struck, and Kyle Snyder, Lenny DiNardo, Kason Gabbard, Kevin Jarvis, David Pauley and Devern Hansack combined for 34 starts that year.

The 1997 Phillies were so depleted by injuries that ace Curt Schilling was followed in the rotation by No. 2 Calvin Maduro, who went an impressive 3-7 with a 7.23 ERA in 71 innings that year.

The 2007 Phillies were so stocked coming out of spring training that Jon Lieber, who won 39 games the previous three years, was bumped to the bullpen. He was back in the rotation by April 20, and several pitchers, most of whom weren't on the team when it broke camp, made starts, including Kyle Lohse, Kyle Kendrick, J.D. Durbin, Fabio Castro, John Ennis, Zack Segovia and ... J.A. Happ.

Heck, nine pitchers have already started for the Phillies this year, and we're at least a week away from Pedro's debut.

As Salisbury quoted Terry Francona from 2007: "When you think you have enough pitching, go get more."

Current affairs: After dropping an epic 13-inning game to the Rays last night, the Red Sox trail the Rays 4-1 in the 5h tonight. It doesn't look like Brad Penny will have the lengthy outing the depleted bullpen needs. Remember, this team was seen as having a glut of pitching just weeks ago.

The Phillies are playing their best game since Cliff Lee's gem, leading the Rockies 7-0 in the 6th. With Pedro pitching in the minors today, Happ is having a strong outing in an attempt to keep his spot in the rotation over the future Hall of Famer.

***9:45 UPDATE*** What a game by Happ - a four-hit, 10-strikeout complete-game shutout. It was electric. I think he's kept his spot in the rotation safe even though Pedro pitched well in his minor league start. Cliff Lee better pitch well tomorrow afternoon or he might be headed to the pen.

And, remember what I said about pitching depth? MLB Network reports the Sox just signed former SoxandPhil roider Paul Byrd. At least he can't be worse than John Smoltz.

Switching positions

Yesterday, I was flipping through my Phillies program from the game we went to two weeks ago and read that the Phillies signed Carlos Ruiz out of Panama as a catcher even though he never played the position.

Today, I read that new Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez was similarly signed out of Venezuela by the Indians to be a catcher without ever playing the position.

Granted, Chooch's story was written by the PR arm of the Phillies (Tom McCarthy) while V-Mart's was written by the Boston Globe, but it sounds like Ruiz had the easier transition:

"I put on the catcher's gear for the first time and was a little nervous. Once I slid the (chest protector) on, it felt so good that I knew it was the position for me. As I found out, you have so much in your control and I like that (part of the game)."

Martinez, meanwhile, wanted to quit after the first day, but his mother talked him into giving it a try:

Minnie Mendoza, the Latin America field coordinator for the Indians, told Martinez he would be a catcher. After his initial consternation, Martinez accepted his new job.

"I really took the challenge," Martinez said. "That's why we're here. We're here to work hard."

The transition moved slowly. A pitcher threw a ball in the dirt, and instead of blocking it, Martinez leaped out of the way. The pitch hit the umpire. "That won't be the last one," Mendoza told him.

Martinez had long arms and a large frame, and he struggled to coordinate a catcher's movements. He kept working at it. He became more assertive with pitchers and learned individual tendencies.

Hopefully, he will get to experience being behind the plate for a World Series clincher - as Ruiz already has.

Elvis benched? Former Phil Pat Burrell might also switch positions - from DH to left out. There are reports that Burrell, who has struggled mightily since leaving Philadelphia, may be benched by the Rays. Don McKee, however, notes: "No word on how Elvis is faring."

Kudos for thinking of the bulldog, but knock on some doors, make some calls and find out how he is faring. Our journalism professor used an acronym: GOYA KOD. The last part stands for Knock on Doors; the first part is Get off Your ... I'll let McKee figure out the last word.

But what do I know, I'm just a former reporter.

Barkin': Speaking of bulldogs, I somehow completely forgot to mention the Phillies Saturday loss against the Giants, which was remarkable for two reasons: I stayed up for the entirety of a West Coast night game, and it was Bark at the Park night in San Francisco.

We learned Tim Lincecum has a bulldog. Christine enjoyed watching all the doggies. That's one drawback of rooting for a team that sells out - no dog days at the park.

Tonight's games: The Red Sox lead the Rays 2-0 (no Burrell in lineup) in the 7th in a pitcher's duel between Jon Lester and Matt Garza. The Phillies trail the Rockies 8-3 in the 8th. Rodrigo Lopez didn't look good in his first relief outing.

Sitting pretty

Last week was agony at times, wondering whether Roy Halladay was worth giving up Kyle Drabek, or whether Victor Martinez was worth giving up Clay Buchholz. Or whether either of our teams would make a foolish decision about the future that wouldn't even pay off this year.

Ultimately, our teams got the two best players in Martinez and Cliff Lee who moved by July 31 (although Matt Holliday might disagree) without giving up their most coveted prospects and are in good positions to return to the playoffs this year while remaining perennial threats for the next several.

We are pleased.

This SoxandPhils headline on a Tom Verducci column summed up our trading deadline nicely:

Red Sox, Phillies put organizational depth on display

In an era when young players under control are valued more and more, Philadelphia and Boston won the week because of they could draw on fertile farm systems without running them dry. It's a lesson for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets of the world: player development is a key currency in the baseball realm.

And, as we later learned, our teams were prepared to cash in that currency in other deals. Ruben Amaro said so, but there's only speculation as to whom the Phillies were pursuing. Theo Epstein said less, but there are reports he was pursuing a whopper. He offered the Mariners a king's ransom (their choice of five from RHP Clay Buchholz, RHP Daniel Bard, RHP Justin Masterson, LHP Nick Hagadone, RHP Michael Bowden, LHP Felix Doubront, OF Josh Reddick and SS Yamaico Navarro) for King Felix Hernandez.

I'm intrigued at the thought of Hernandez on the Red Sox, but I'd be scared to make that deal. Although, Theo had the guts to trade away Nomar Garciaparra and Manny Ramirez and wound up with a better team.

Confused

With the Phillies finally playing at a reasonable time, we had the game on in the background as we prepared dinner. We sat down to eat at the beginning of the 4th, just as Tom McCarthy raved about Barry Zito - who at that point faced the minimum (Ben Francisco had a single followed by a double play in the 1st).

"The Phillies need to remember they're facing Barry Zito and start hitting him," Christine said.

Sure enough, Jimmy Rollins homered on the next pitch. They had rallies in the 4th and 5th that yielded only two more runs, but they seemed ready to bust out.

Nope. Amnesia returned, and they let Zito handle them as if he were Cole Hamels or something. Speaking of whom, young Cole must have thought he was Barry Zito - giving up seven runs (six earned) in five innings. I thought he had turned the corner.

Head-scratcher in Baltimore: I thought the sweep was well in hand when I saw the Red Sox were up 7-0 in the 3rd, but the O's put up a six-spot in the 3rd and knocked out Clay Buchholz with another run in the 5th. Although, by then, the Red Sox had already doubled their tally with a seven-run 4th inning. It ended as an 18-10 Red Sox win that left me wondering whether to praise Victor Martinez for going 5-6 with four RBI or complain that Red Sox pitchers gave up 10 runs in his first game behind the plate.

Today marked the official beginning of the end of the Jason Varitek era - I just have to remember that V-Mart's strength is at the plate, not behind it.

More head-hurting drug news: In the latest episode of the Red Sox trying to out-drug the Yankees, it was revealed that last year they fired two staffers, including Jerry Remy's son, for possessing steroids. I can't wait for this big weekend series against the Yankees. Our druggies are better than their druggies. Yea!