Notes on a (triumpant?) return from vacation….
- If somebody told you in April that in late June, Freddy Garcia, Brett Myers, Tom Gordon and Jon Lieber would all be on the DL, and Garcia and Lieber likely done for the year, you’d be wondering if the Phillies could catch the Nationals, not the Mets.
Considering their run-prevention issues (they’re leading the NL in runs but have been outscored for the season) they’re treading water pretty nicely right now, but treading water is all the they can reasonably be expected to do. This is where a good farm system would really help, either for callups or trade fodder, but, well, I’m sure by now you can name that tune in zero notes.
If they’re serious about this season, and they should be, the owners have to give Pat Gillick clearance to make a deal, and Gillick has to make one. Sure, people say that every year, but this year they’re right. “We’re talking to people but it’s gonna be tough to get something done blahblahblah,” is the wrong answer now. Do it. If it means giving up Shane Victorino, do it. If it means giving up Aaron Rowand, swallow hard and do it. The Phils just don’t have the arms to pitch the innings.
Which is why last week’s worst Phillies news is that the usual suspects (including the Mets) are apparently involved with White Sox lefty Mark Buehrle, and the Phils are apparently not.
- Blaine Peffley, the Cedar Crest grad and former PIAA golf champion, turned pro just a couple of months ago, and seems to be figuring it out pretty fast.
Peffley missed qualifying for the U.S. Open by a shot at a sectional in Columbus, Ohio June 4 that was almost like a tour event- Mark O’Meara, Rocco Mediate, Tom Lehman, Bob Tway, Sean O’Hair, Camilo Villegas, Bubba Watson, and Jerry Kelly were in the house, among many, many others.
Since then Peffley won the Hooters’ Tour Loma Linda Classic in Joplin, Mo. two weeks ago (shooting 66-66-69-66) and last week finished fourth in the Hooters Buffalo Run Casino Classic in Oklahoma, shooting a little 62 Sunday. No, these courses aren’t exactly Oakmont, but 62 is still 62, especially since on the Hooters Tour, you’re playing for your own money.
Peffley now has four straight top 10s on the Hooters tour, and is second on its’ money list.
- Somebody said the only way Paris Hilton could have got away easier is if she was a Penn State football player driving in State College. Bah-da-boom. I repeat: somebody said it. Don’t blame the messenger.
- Most of the world’s bloggers will be doing live running diaries for Thursday’s NBA draft, but only one will be doing it with the inimitable style TJC style you’ve come to, uh, borderline-tolerate. Adjust your schedules accordingly.
- We’re no. 2,418,233. I’m making that raise-the-roof gesture.
