Michigan and the Phillies

Alright, actual baseball on Sportscenter this morning. Caught Jose's double and David's home run. For those of you who haven't seen this and would like to, here it is (not the Sportscenter clip, but it works). Also, the story about Billy wanting to bean the Michigan kid who tried to bunt on him. I'm so proud of Daddy Wags.

The Phillies become more and more laughable by the day. First, Little Jimmy Rollins tries to tell everyone he originated the term "team to beat." Then there's this post from yesterday on why the Mets are not the team to beat (and I hope an attorney at law would recognize he's plagiarizing Little Jimmy). Check out the comments as well, as they prove once and for all how much smarter Mets fans are than Phillies fans.

And here's today's Phillie Phoolishness. That's right, Philly.com did a writeup on how the Cubs have not won a World Series for 100 years. Isn't that just screaming "Yeah, we suck, but at least we haven't sucked as much as the Cubs!!!" Winning one World Series in your 125 year history apparently gives you the right to laugh at other teams failure to do so.

Don't worry Phillie fans. In 72 years when you have gone 100 years without a title, at least you can write about how the Cubs haven't won a Series in 172 years.

The Return of Piazza

According to reports, the Tampa Bay Rays have had internal discussions about bringing in Barry Bonds. Their most prominent, and possibly only, season ticket holder is all for this deal






On Sportscenter this morning Dickie V was promoting the idea that the Rays bring in Bonds. However, he also listed an alternative option:

Trade for Doug Mientkiewicz!!! Just kidding folks. Dickie V wanted to bring in Mike Piazza, who is also available for service. I don't know about everyone else, but I would definitely love to see Mike play again this year, especially in a DH role.

Also, seeing him beat up on the Yankees 19 times a year would be fantastic. And he would have a great influence on these young kids. Finally, I'm sure he could still draw some fans to Tropicana Field, being a legendary slugger, without the baggage that Bonds would bring.

Way to plant this seed Dickie V. Now it's time for the management in Tampa to make this happen. Tampa Bay Rays, you're on the clock.

Woo-Hoo!!! Actual Baseball!!!

Ok, it's an intersquad game, but its about time we get to read about Jose hitting triples again. Man have I missed that over the last 5 months. Check out Adam Rubin's recap on Surfing the Mets Dirty came back today, and struck out the Teenage Mutant Hitting Machine (I added the mutant to Matthew Cerrone's nickname for Fernando) after getting into a bases loaded jam.

Also back was Juan Padilla, who retired the side in his inning of work. Great news coming out of the bullpen today, as we need arms down there.

The game was played on Field 7 at Tradition Field, which has the same dimensions as Citi Field. Good to hear that Jose's hitting triples, it will be a joy to watch at the new park next year, even if the logo isn't that pretty.

Finally, my favorite baseball player who's name is an oxymoron, Angel Pagan, hit an RBI triple.

Bowling and David Wright

First of all, my prayers go out to David Wright and his family, who are mourning the loss of Helen Wright, David's grandmother. David has missed the last couple days of camp. Take your time David.

Ok, on to some lighthearted stuff, the news you need to know. According to Adam Rubin, Joe Smith beat John Maine bowling on Friday night, 131-115. This is the news I like to know about. Makes me feel good about the 149 I put up last night. Sign me up for Pros Vs. Joes: Bowling Edition. I like my chances.

In all seriousness, it's just great to hear about these guys having fun. Stories going around about bowling, Shrek hitting (or not hitting) peppers with a loaf of bread, Pedro selling mangos... I feel blessed to root for a team who loves this game and each other as much as we love rooting for them.

March 31st can't get here soon enough.