What's a SoxandPhil

By definition, a SoxandPhil is someone who has played for both teams - Curt Schilling, Jamie Moyer, Pedro Martinez, for an example of three great pitchers.

But sometimes, I'll use the definition loosely (and incorrectly) if lumping Red Sox and Phillies players together; for example, the SoxandPhils have a monopoly of great lefties (Cole Hamels and Jon Lester), second basemen (Dustin Pedroia and Chase Utley), first basemen (Ryan Howard and Kevin Youkilis) and mascots (the Phanatic and Wally). OK, the last one's a bad example.

But what about players who played in the majors for one team and the minors for another team? The only example I can think of is John Marzano, who we consider an honorary SoxandPhil because of his Philadelphia roots and being a Phillies postgame analyst in addition to playing in the majors for the Red Sox and in the minor leagues for the Phillies.

In December, Christine and I decided that such a player (except in special circumstances such as Marzano) would not count as a SoxandPhil until/unless he was called up to the majors. The topic came up when the Red Sox signed Fabio Castro to a minor league deal.

Castro, whose claim to fame was being traded from the Phillies to the Blue Jays for legitimate SoxandPhil Matt Stairs, was called up to the Red Sox again, so he could soon be legit. (He may be already if he appeared in last night's game after I went to sleep.) Although, we've been through this before; he was called up in April but sent down before making his Sox debut.

Christine and I will be tied up today, but we'll have an eye on the Red Sox in San Francisco and the Phillies on the road in Philadelphia against the Blue Jays.