10/29/2009 01:49:00 PM

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Game 1 In the Books; Why Pedro Makes Sense For Game 2

All I can say about Game 1 of the 2009 World Series is wow. What a performance by Cliff Lee. I think whether we win or lose the Series, the fact that we got here on the back of Lee makes our trade for him one of the best midseason trades ever. In any sport. Not that long ago, it would've been unthinkable that the Phillies would have pulled off such a move, and even if they had, that it would've worked out as well as Lee has. My hats off to the organization for fielding a winner.

Anyway, it's a long Series, so I don't want to get ahead of myself. Here's why I think Pedro makes more sense tonight than Hamels does. Hamels hasn't had a good year--everyone knows that. And, and also pitches better at home than he does on the road. I think Charlie Manuel felt that if he trotted Hamels out in Game 2, it would've been a sure loss. He still might lose when he pitches at home in Game 3, but at least he'll have the home crowd behind him and a track record of pitching better at home.

For Pedro, this is personal. He spent most of his career on the Sox. He's familiar with the Yanks, he's pitched in Yankee stadium many times. And maybe, just maybe, he can summon some of that magic and win a game on the road. It's not a guarantee, as the Yankee lineup will no doubt score some runs, but there's a chance.

So that's what I think the thought process was. It's pretty simple, but that's how Charlie does things.

Let's just hope Pedro keeps us in the game...

10/26/2009 09:29:00 AM

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Eagles-Skins MNF Matchup

So, almost through Week 7 of the 2009 NFL campaign, here's what we know about the NFC. The Saints and Vikings? Contenders, by far. If both teams stay healthy, the road to the Super Bowl will likely go through one of those cities.

The Giants, Cardinals and Eagles? Not yet contenders, in my opinion. The Eagles have the offensive prowess to compete with anyone, but will they be able to pick up first downs and grind out the clock in a tough, cold weather, divisional battle or playoff game? I'm not sure. I'm also not sure if they can stop anyone when they really need to. The Giants and Cards, again if both stay healthy, particularly Kurt Warner, will likely make the playoffs, but neither are frontrunners for home field.

Tonight's Eagles game will show a lot. The team got embarrassed by the Raiders last week, which in my mind was made a whole lot worse with the absolute drubbing the Jets put on the Raiders this weekend. The Raiders haven't turned a corner--they still stink, and they're still one of the worst teams in the NFL. They just happened to show up ready to play against the Birds last weekend. I'm getting sick to my stomach just thinking about it.

Anyway, the Skins beat us twice last year. We're not contenders if they beat us tonight. You can take that to the bank.

Here's hoping some Phillies-mania rubs off on the Birds tonight.