Pedro Wins First Start

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The Phillies blew the Cubs away 12-5 in Pedro Martinez's first start as a Phillie. Pedro threw 5 innings at the not-so-friendly confines. He gave up 3 runs on 7 hits. He struck out 5 and walked 1. Not a bad start for a guy making his first of this season.

Pedro's stuff looked good. His fastball reached 94 MPH, but didn't hit that number consistently. But who knows, maybe after some more work Pedro will be able to be more consistent with his velocity.

He had a lot of movement on his pitches. His cutter was cutting. His slider was sliding. And his curve ball was curving.

The Phillies offense has woken up from its slumber. Sure, maybe it was against a young pitcher making his first start, but this game could give the hitters more confidence.

U.S. Still Winless in Azteca

The United States soccer team has lost another game in Stadio Azteca. Mexico beat the U.S. 2-1 today in a World Cup qualifying game. The high altitude and heat in Mexico City really wore down the Americans, who lost control of the game in the second half.

The U.S. opened the scoring, with a goal by Charlie Davies in the 9th minute. A great ball from Landon Donovan put Davies on a breakaway between him and the goalie. Later in the first half, when Israel Castro put a beautiful shot into corner of the net.

In the second half, things starting getting testy between the two squads. Davies was on the ground in pain, and he didn't like how three Mexican players were helping him up. U.S. players came over to defend Davies and pushing ensued.

Miguel Sabah scored the winning goal for the Mexicans in the 82nd minute when he hit the roof of the net. It was an unspectacular goal but a very pivotal one in the game.

The referees let this game get out of hand in the second half when the brawl occurred. It's no secret that these teams don't like each other, so the refs should have been prepared for it. They didn't red card any Mexican players, even though they were the instigators in the altercations.

Why couldn't this game be broadcast in English. I had to watch the Spanish broadcast on Telemundo. ESPN has shown most of the U.S. World qualifying matches. Why couldn't they show the biggest one of the year?

0-23-1 in Mexico City is not a good record for the U.S. but the team is improving. I thought they would win this game and show that this U.S. team was better than the previous squads. Even with the loss, I believe the U.S. may be set for a World Cup run.

Lidge is Not a Closer

Brad Lidge's ability as a closer was on display tonight at Wrigley Field. Brad gave up a 1-run lead in the ninth inning after walking the lead off batter. Lidge was perfect last season but has been anything but this year. His 7.29 ERA would hint at that.

While the Phillies did win tonight's game 4-3 in 12 innings, they should have won in the regulation 9. Lidge has blown 7 saves this season. The Phillies could have a bigger lead in the division if he had saved maybe 5 of those.

Lidge should be relegated to mop-up duty. I don't want to see him in a close game. Even in the lest pressure situations, Lidge is assured to give up his usual run or two. That won't fly in the playoffs.

We can only hope that another reliever steps up in Lidge's place. I don't know who that could be at the moment. Ryan Madson didn't do good in his last try as closer. Hey, there's always Tyler Walker.

Moyer "Disheartened" About Move to Bullpen

Jamie Moyer reacted today to Phillies decision to move him to the bullpen in favor of Pedro Martinez. Moyer deserves to be demoted to the bullpen, but a part of me feels bad for him. He's a good guy who feels like he's been "misled."

Moyer: “I'm really not happy with this decision that the Phillies have made. I will take what they've asked me to do, but I’m not really excited about the decision that has been made. Ultimately, I'm a little disheartened because this past winter when I was negotiating with the Phillies this was a sore thumb, if you will, about this potentially happening.

“I feel disheartened and misled, but I refuse to be a distraction."

While Moyer is in the bullpen now, who knows what could happen in a month. Pedro could get pasted, and Moyer could be right back in. And the team is looking for a closer, Jamie.

Rios Claimed by White Sox

Outfielder Alex Rios has been claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox. The Blue Jays had been looking to dump his expensive contract somewhere and the White Sox have gladly taken in the 2-time All-Star. He was in the lineup today for the White Sox game at Yankee Stadium.

Rios is batting .264 with 14 homers and 62 RBIs. He will probably play center for the White Sox and join their already stacked outfielder with Jermaine Dye and Carlos Quentin. He should help the team and raise the Sox payroll. They already took on Jake Peavy's massive contract.

Pedro to Start Wednesday; Moyer to 'Pen

The Phillies have finally announced when Pedro Martinez will make his first start with the team. Pedro will pitch Wednesday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Happ will start on Tuesday, trying to follow up his complete game shutout. Lee will wrap the series up on Thursday. And Jamie Moyer will move to the bullpen.

The Phillies have finally decided to take my idea and move Moyer to the bullpen. I was telling them to do that even before Happ pitched his complete game. Then everybody else jumped on the bandwagon. I like it when I'm right.

So, Pedro will finally make his much-anticipated Phillies debut. We, MLB fans, will finally be able to see what Pedro's got after all those starts in the Minors.

Also, the Phillies have activated reliever Chad Durbin off the DL. He has a 4.62 ERA in 42 games and should improve the Phillies 'pen.

So this brings up the question: Did I witness Jamie Moyer's last major league start? Just to remind you, I was at the Bank yesterday. If Pedro pitches well, we may never see Moyer in the rotation again. He will most likely pitch in mop-up roles in the bullpen. Sad way to see Moyer go, but the change was needed.

Kolb and Cole Injured at Eagles Camp

I didn't want to post about this topic until more information was available. I found out about the injuries this morning but I wanted to make sure everything was clarified. Backup quarterback Kevin Kolb sprained his MCL in his knee in morning practices. He will miss the first preseason game, but after that he is day-to-day.

Defensive end Trent Cole sustained an AC sprain in his left shoulder. He will also miss Thursday's game, but is day-to-day after that.

It was originally thought that these were more serious injuries. Good thing they weren't because you wouldn't want your backup quarterback and sacks leader missing significant time.

I don't no what is happening down at Eagles training camp. First, MLB Steward Bradley out for the season. Then, rookie backup TE Cornelius Ingram gone for the year. Maybe the Eagles have to stress more to their players that they need to come to camp in-shape and ready to work.

Just found out that the Eagles have signed Matt Nagy, a former top quarterback in the AFL. I guess they want some more depth at QB.

Phillies Interested in Nomar?

The Phillies have been looking for a righty infielder off the bench to replace Eric Bruntlett, and Nomar Garciaparra could be that guy. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chornicle, the Phils had a scout in Kansas City to watch Nomar's A's play the Royals.

Even though the trade deadline had passed, teams can still acquire players through waivers. When asked about whether he might OK a deal to Philly, Nomar says, "Why not?"

Nomar is batting .265 with 2 homers and 13 RBIs. Even though Nomar has been off-and-on the DL, his numbers are still much better than Bruntlett's. Bruntlett is hitting a dismal .131 with 6 RBIs.

The only reason the Phillies have Bruntlett around is because he can play a lot of positions. He is not useful as a pinch-hitter, and may not make the Phillies postseason roster if they make the playoffs.

This deal could be good for the Phillies because it would be a clear improvement over what they already have.