Ramblings

The Phillies trade Placido Polanco for Ugueth Urbina and an infielder Ramon Martinez .....when I first saw this trade I thought that the Phils could have gotten something better for Polanco. After all the guys trade value is never going to be higher - he's having a very good season. And also in the back of my mind is that Philadelphia is where closers come to die. Think Heathcliffe Slocumb, Jose Mesa, Tim Worrell...get the idea? But after thinking it over this could be exactly what the Phils need...obviously their bullpen is struggling and it was only a matter of time before Ryan Madson got overworked. Urbina's last 10 innings have been scoreless and he should be the perfect set up man and give Philly's bullpen a much needed boost. And now Chase Utley can finally play every day. And maybe get more than 20 at-bats to prove he can hit leftys.

And the Phils have already taken at least 2 of 3 from Texas - a team leading the majors in home runs ..someone told me the Phils would get swept by the Rangers...try again....this is their 6th series win in their last 7 series.


Will A-rod's 400th home run be enough to get the Yankees out of their funk? Don't count on it. The Bronx Bombers now heading to St. Louis and face the 2nd best team in baseball. Doesn't bode well for the struggling Yankee pitching staff.

Pedro flirts with a no-hitter before giving it up on a home run in the 7th...Being at Shea Stadium this place was electric...of course it had to be my roommate who said "8 more outs!" right before Pedro gave up the home run to end his no-hit bid. Strikes out the side in the 9th to preserve the win and a 2-hitter.

Afleet Alex and Giacomo race in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday to see if one of them can win the rubber match. I'm giving Giacomo the edge over Afleet simply because he's a closer horse and he made that late push at the Derby. The distance suits him. But my pick to win....30-1 longshot AP Arrow with jockey Jerry Bailey.