Bleacher Report - Articles by Michael Mulraney

Braves-Phillies: Jair Jurrjens and Atlanta Prove to Be Too Much for Phils

Michael Mulraney — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:08:23 -0400

In Defense of a Title: Game Two

The Fightin' Phils took the field for the second time Tuesday night only to suffer the same fate. Jair Jurrjens took on Jamie Moyer in the second game of this three-game set.

On the first pitch of the first inning, Kelly Johnson went big fly and set the Braves up with a 1-0 lead—a lead that would prove to be insurmountable for the Phillies. Chipper Jones then doubled later in the inning and scored on a fielding error by Chase Utley. It was 2-0 Braves after one.

Johnson hurt Moyer again in the fourth when he singled in Jeff Francoeur. Then in the fifth, Jones homered to left and put the Braves up 4-0.

The fifth would prove to be the end of Moyer, who gave up four runs and left the game to the bullpen.

The Phillies had no offense. Even less than Monday night. There was one extra-base hit and that was by Raul Ibanez. Everything else was a single, at least all five of the other hits.

The bullpen was tremendous again in relief of the starter. Chan Ho Park, Jack Taschner, and Clay Condrey combined for four shutout innings. Jack Taschner has pitched three innings and retired all nine batters he's faced.

The Bright Spot: This continues to be the bullpen. Seven shutout innings have been pitched thus far into the season. Taschner has been a bright spot as the first two starters have struggled. If the bats pick up in the last game of this series, Charlie Manuel should have no problem in turning it over to the 'pen.

The Dark Spot: The bats have been either dead or dormant thus far against the Braves. The Phils have amounted just one run in these first two games. One extra-base hit off of Jurrjens and the Braves bullpen is unacceptable for this team. The whole team has to get out of this offensive funk. Carlos Ruiz shouldn't be tied for the team lead in batting average.

Opening Day Blowout: Braves Power Through Phils 4-1

Michael Mulraney — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:32:11 -0400

In Defense of a Title: Game One

Last night was a night of promise and intrigue. The 2008 World Champion Phillies opened up at home and against the re-stocked Atlanta Braves. Derek Lowe, the Braves new ace, set out to the mound against head-case Brett Myers.

The game started off well as Myers successfully retired two consecutive batters to start the game. Then Chipper Jones singled to left and Brian McCann hit the second deck in the Bank. 2-0 Atlanta after one.

In the second inning, Brett Myers brought his gas can to the mound and proceded to make the fire larger. A line-drive homer to left to lead the inning off. Then on his first major league swing in his first major league at-bat, Jordan Schafer went yard over the high fence just left of center. 4-0 Atlanta after two.

In the third, Myers did his best to give up another run by allowing a smash off the high fence off of the bat of Yunel Escobar. Then he retired the side in order. In the fifth, Chipper Jones hit a ground rule double to right-center and that was the end of the hit brigade by the Braves.

Myers left the game after six full innings and never had a 1-2-3 inning.

Meanwhile, the Phillies bats stayed home yesterday against sinker-baller Derek Lowe. Lowe gave up his first hit in the third to Carlos Ruiz and the next hit didn't come until the sixth with a Jimmy Rollins single.

The Phillies only had hits in innings divisible by three and they scored their lone run in the ninth inning, with Jayson Werth knocking in Jason Bruntlett.

The Phils still had life until Ryan Howard preceded to swing at two balls in the dirt and watched a belt high fastball to strike out looking.

The Bright Spot: The bullpen pitched well in relief of Myers. Taschner had a 1-2-3 inning, Eyre got both batters he faced out, Durbin retired his lone batter, and Lidge pitched lights out in the ninth.

The Dark Spot: Pat Burrell's replacement Raul Ibanez had a great showing. 0-3 with three ground outs to short. He didn't even get the ball out of the infield. Way to make me yearn for the days of Pat "The Bat."

Step Away From The Andy Murray Kool-Aid; Picking a Winner In Roddick-Djokovic

Michael Mulraney — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:01:44 -0500

Put away the Kool-Aid and keep it deep in the fridge.

Andy Murray lost last night after losing a five setter to Fernando Verdasco. Murray played with inconsistency and at times didn't go for the big shot. Fernando on the other hand played with inconsistency but modeled my favorite tennis mantra, "Hit big or go home."

Fernando the lefty kicked his serves out wide and served consistently in the 130 MPH range deep into the fifth set. He served big and hit his forehand consistently enough to take this match.

Murray let his emotions get the better of him late in the set. After those fantastic ESPN announcers seemed to always say that that was behind Murray; that he's a smarter player now. Guess Not. Murray isn't making it a Big Four just yet.

To me it's still Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. Murray isn't cutting it just yet.

Now on to players still in the tournament. Tonight the big match is Andy Roddick whose been tearing up his easy end of the draw to get to Novak Djokovic. Andy's been hitting his serve for more accuracy and he's been playing big. Unfortunately, this is where Roddick is reaches the choking zone.

Novak has gotten over the early match jitters with his new racket. He's adjusted to the frame and seems to be shanking less shots. The Joker has hit his stride and it's his tournament to lose.

Andy Roddick is down all-time against Djokovic two to one. Including when Djokovic beat him at last year's US Open. Expect it to go to three to one. Novak rolls and rolls easily in straight sets. You don't ever pick against the defending champion. Especially against a man who seems to shrink ever since the Big Three showed up.

So remember, it's still a Big Three so don't get swept up in the Murray Kool-Aid Express until he wins a major. Then Roddick goes home with him as Novak pursues two straight Australian Open titles.

Suspensions for All-Star Games and Why It Should Apply to All Four Big Sports

Michael Mulraney — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:54:57 -0500

Yes, the NHL executives are getting the call right here. Skip the All-Star festivities get suspended a game. That's what is happening to Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings. They're skipping the festivities and will be suspended for the first game immediately following the game.

The NHL and Gary Bettman has this exactly right. Wow, that's a sentence I didn't think I'd say, post-strike. Every big sport should take notice of this rule and institute this immediately.

The NFL's Pro Bowl has so many people ditch a Hawaii vacation that it's sickening. The fans vote your over paid backsides into this game. I don't wanna hear people don't care about the Pro Bowl.

Would you care more if the best took time to show up? The Pro Bowl is rough touch football. It won't kill you to go to Hawaii soak up the sun and play in the game that we want to see you in.

To the ditchers like Brett Favre, stop letting people play in your spot the NFL by not making this a rule is making everyone an All-Star. When President Obama said, "Spread the Wealth" he didn't mean All-Star nods. Don't go to Hawaii? One game suspension for betraying the fans and not holding up your end of the deal.

Now, MLB the Mid-Summer Classic usually drives Manny to vacation. I want Manny there. He's hilarious. Also pitchers stop your crying and throw in the game one inning isn't going to kill you. We paid to watch you and we want you there.

If you pull a Manny and go on vacation one game suspension. You're getting guaranteed money you can sit the bench and hang out with the best in the sport and play one defensive series tip your cap and sit down.

So Bud, suspend big leaguers who ditch the Classic. We vote so if this game truly counts make them come.

The NBA All-Star game seems to get the biggest names that were called on by the fans. We can't suspend people for not going through the dunk contest, but make them come. It's not like they don't already do. Threaten with a suspension they go anyway at least you have a fall back.

So the NHL is ahead of the curve here. The players request you go to their game and play it as you would any other. The Pro Bowl is a joke without the biggest names. MLB has people going on vacation. The NBA has the most desirable game but should have the rule anyway as a deterrent to skipping the game.

We pay their salaries, we vote to see them, so make them play' it's their responsibility.

Jeff Kent and Orlando Hudson: What Kent's Retirement Really Means

Michael Mulraney — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:15:50 -0500

The O-Diggity-Dog should be packing his bags and heading to Los Angeles. Jeff Kent, probably the best second baseman to strap them up, announced he would retire on Thursday. It opens a spot at second base.

Now, Orlando Hudson is out there waiting for a great contract offer. Considering Manny Ramirez's market has cooled down considerably, the mind might wander to Hudson to fill Kent's gap.

I'm not going to say Orlando is Jeff Kent, but who is? Chase Utley is the closest thing, but he's locked up for quite some time. Orlando is the best free agent second baseman out there. He's a star, and if Manny does leave, there's still someone there to entertain the fans.

He doesn't have the power of Manny or Kent, but he's statistically a better fielder than Kent, and a very good number two hitter. He'll move the runner and steal the occasional base. He puts the ball in play, gathering an average number of walks, and he doesn't strike out much.

Hudson has spent the last three years in the National League West, so he won't have to learn new pitchers. There will be no adjustment time. He's a solid player.

.280 hitter. He'll hit ten homers—he's got the possibility of hitting forty doubles. A threat for constant triples. The O-Dog gets it done.

Jeff Kent is going to leave a dent—not easily repaired by one player. To replace a spectacular player with a serviceable solid player is something the Dodgers should take.

Jeff Kents don't grow on trees, but neither do Orlando Hudsons. It's important to the success of the Dodgers that they pick up a solid second baseman. If Manny returns, he'll hit behind Hudson, who I'm sure will have more than his fair share of runners in scoring position for him. If Manny doesn't return, the Dodgers should have the enough talent to push forward.

Hudson is a good fit for the Dodgers. Hopefully they think so too.

Dear ESPN, Please Stop Talking and Show More Tennis

Michael Mulraney — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:37:03 -0500

Dear ESPN,

I know tennis isn't your strong point. It's your first year covering all four opens. You have great commentators in Pat McEnroe and Mary Joe Fernandez. But I plead to you please shut up and show the tennis.

In a night in which Novak Djokivic played albeit against a wild card opponent we saw bits and pieces of this match in order to listen to Andy Roddick and analysis on up and coming future players. "E" let me give you a hint here we are watching for the tennis.

If you want to have an hour long show before all the matches start profiling interviews I'd watch but I'm getting aggravated on the first day based on your lack of actual "coverage."

Now the Lance Armstrong interview was a pretty cool thing. Lance is a hero to millions if not billions of people. But show him in a picture in picture setting. I want to see Ana Ivanovich play. I want to see a fifth set finale as we saw tonight. It wasn't great tennis that late but it's a hundred degrees and it was a test of human ability.

"E" please stop with all the talking tennis even if it is a niche sport in America and we don't care about it as much as we care about even hockey we still want to see it. Sure we want to hear Roddick speak and we want to hear from the best English speaking players. We want to know of the young up and comers on both the male and female sides for the Americans.

So, stop showing old World Strongest Man competitions and show an hour long or a half hour long Sports Center like program involving your interviews. I guess I'm trying to get an Outside The Lines, Sunday Conversation kind of serious interviews.

All the players there deserve some air time these are the best on the world you don't need to spice up coverage by talking at a desk.

You see "E" I just want you to recognize tennis isn't boring just let us watch with the regular commentary and stay away from the desk setting where we interview and have a Kornhieser- Favre kind of suck-up section over Federer and Nadal. We get it they're really really good.

Yours In Love,

Disgruntled Tennis Loving Fans

P.S. Maybe you should look into giving some rights back to USA they know how to work this whole tennis thing.

NFL Playoffs: Breaking Down Who Wins in Arizona

Michael Mulraney — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:46:37 -0500

While no game will provide the kind of heroes we witnessed yesterday in the landing of a plane in the Hudson River, these games will have there own minor heroes.

This is a position by position breakdown of the NFC Championship Game. All is on the line here as the rights to travel to the Super Bowl hang in the balance.

QB: Kurt Warner Vs. Donovan McNabb

Advantage: Arizona QB Kurt Warner

Now, don't get me wrong here, Eagles fans. Donovan has been playing great right now. Unfortunately, the games haven't been up to throw up on the field level. Donovan beat up on this Arizona defense. In the words of Chris Berman, "I remember because I was there."

Without a healthy Westbrook to come to the aid of McNabb I see Donovan struggling with a more intense Cardinals defense.

Now for my reasons to pick Kurt Warner. He's won two NFC Championship games to Donovan's one. Now this might feel like a career and a half ago and this college student was in elementary school when he won this game but that doesn't mean he still cant get it done.

His loss to the Eagles was in Philadelphia in which it was freezing cold and not exactly prime weather for there spread offense. It's going to be around 60 degrees on Sunday perfect weather for the spread.

Not to mention his loss was filled with drops by Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald who were obviously affected by the cold. That's not going to happen Sunday Warner goes off for big stats and out duels Donovan.

RBS: Correll Buckhalter/Brian Westbrook Vs. Edgerrin James/Tim Hightower

Advantage: Philadelphia

In the battle of the teams with virtually no running games. A team who forgets they have running plays in the book (Philadelphia) and a team who can't move the ball because of a rookie and an aging back (Arizona).

Now although Andy Reid may abandon the run because of the weather the mere threat of Brian Westbrook out weighs any threat of Hightower or James. Now Westbrook has a bad knee and may be kept in check but the respect for him around the league opens things up for other players.

I'm going to watch to see if he pulls an L.T. and plays the first to see what he can do if he plays the whole game easy advantage for the birds from Philly.

WRS: Larry Fitzgerald/Anquan Boldin/Tim Breaston Vs. DeSean Jackson/Jason Avant/Hank Basket

Advantage: Arizona

Now this one's just obvious to me. Donovan McNabb hasn't had a wide receiver since Terrell Owens graced Philadelphia with his presence. I mean, when Donovan can say his best days were with "First Down" Freddie Mitchell, Todd Pinkston, and James Thrash, there's a problem.

Those three guys for the Eagles couldn't go to the Pro Bowl if those three Arizona receivers took them. When I look at the three receivers for Arizona I see the level of talent I saw with the Colts when they had three receivers with 1,000 yards and ten touchdowns (Harrison, Wayne, Stokley).

These three Eagles receivers should break out a notepad and take notes on how these three play the game.

Offensive Line: If they're doing their jobs, they remain unknown.

Advantage: Philadelphia

The offensive line was one of the best in the league for the Philadelphia Eagles. Donovan was sacked 23 times all year. Now a good line is helped by a good quarterback. Donovan is mobile enough to avoid enough sacks to buy himself some time from the big uglies up front.

Warner is less mobile and is more likely to get sacked. McNabb while in trouble gets help from two great tackles in Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas. They protect and seal the outside for running lanes and scrambles.

Overall Offensive Advantage: Arizona

Arizona has the best wide outs and a quarterback not better known for puking in big moments. The weather will be perfect. Arizona at home is a monster to be reckon with and with Westbrook having a gimpy knee I don't trust a running back with a bad wheel.

Now if Westbrook plays it becomes closer to a draw but Arizona has and will have the better offense anyway you spin it.

Defensive Line: The Eagles Rotation/ Antonio Smith/Bryan Robinson/Darnell Dockett/Travis LaBoy

Advantage: Philadelphia

Philadelphia keeps there d-line fresh with constant rotations. Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley are both worthy of Pro Bowl consideration. If not for the constant flux on the line they may both be there.

Trent Cole is a monster on the end. Now "I remember 'cause I was there" the Eagles got penetration without blitzing and they're going to stay with that strategy. Eagles easily have the better d-line.

LBS: Chike Okeafor/Gerald Hayes/Karlos Dansby Vs. Chris Gocong/Stewart Bradley/Akeem Jordan

Advantage: Philadelphia

Philadelphia's front four set up the dominance the back three will have. The run blitzes and just natural speed these three have will stop all hopes of a run and make the Cardinals one dimensional.

Jim Johnson the defensive coordinator will use these players to his advantage. I'm sure Johnson has had time to cook up some new blitzes to cause problems for the running game of Arizona.

Secondary: Asante Samuel/Quentin Mikell/Brian Dawkins/Sheldon Brown Vs. Rod Hood/Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie/Adrian Wilson/Antrel Rolle

Advantage: Draw

It's a split here for me. The corners are better in Philadelphia and I believe the safeties are better in Arizona. Asante Samuel is the best corner in the pros today and Sheldon Brown is great covering the run and up around the line of scrimmage.

Adrian Wilson is one of the best safeties in the league. He's a game changer plain and simple. Antrel Rolle is a good one and I trust him more than Quentin Mikell.

Overall Defensive Advantage: Philadelphia

While Arizona is playing out of their minds defensively as well as the Colts two years ago. Who knows if they can still do it. If they can this becomes closer to a draw but on raw talent alone I've got Philadelphia. Jim Johnson just is too smart to pass up a pick on.

Special Teams Overall Advantage: Arizona

I've got Arizona here. Neil Rackers has been consistent all year and David Akers has been hot of late but what if he fizzles? Sav Rocca isn't afraid to hit but his job is to punt and who knows what Sav will do. DeSean Jackson is a rookie and I'm not putting my eggs in the DeSean Jackson basket. I stay away from rookies in "manhood games."

Prediction: Arizona 35 Philadelphia 31

Arizona at home with a more proven quarterback and better players on the offensive skill positions pull out the win. The Eagles have good cover corners but Larry Fitzgerald is too good. Anquan Boldin is too physical.

Steve Breaston will be covered by Joselio Hanson complete advantage Arizona. Steve Breaston will be the play maker on Sunday bringing back shades of Joe Jurevicius of the Tampa Bay title game as the Eagles go down.

Michael Says Rickey Henderson Was Right When Rickey Said Rickey Was the Greatest

Michael Mulraney — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:25:51 -0500

(In honor of Rickey Henderson being named to the Hall of Fame today, I will refer to him as Rickey and only Rickey throughout this article. There will be no pronouns in this article.)

Today the single greatest leadoff man in the history of baseball was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Rickey Henderson was voted in by appearing on almost 95 percent of the ballots. Here is my ode to Rickey, a man who changed every game he appeared in.

Sure, many of us today think of Rickey as an old man who probably stayed in the league longer than many of us think Rickey should have. Rickey played for the Newark Bears and the Portland Sea Dawgs in an effort to play in Major League Baseball again. But Rickey was better than that. Rickey kept playing because Rickey loved the game.

Rickey was being Rickey way before Manny was being Manny. Rickey Henderson was known for standing in front of the clubhouse mirror naked saying, "You the man Rickey."

Rickey once spoke to John Olerud saying Rickey had played with a man who wore a batting helmet in the field before. Little did Rickey know both times it was John Olerud whom Rickey had played with on the same team on two occasions. Rickey spoke to Rickey's bats and was never shy when speaking to the media.

Rickey was a 10-time All-Star, being selected in 1980, 1982-1988, 1990, and 1991—six times as an Oakland Athletic and four as a member of the New York Yankees.

Rickey won two World Series, one with the Oakland A's and one with the Toronto Blue Jays. In 1989 Rickey was back in Oakland and led that team to a World Series title and won the ALCS MVP award. In 1993 Rickey was one of the players who scored on Joe Carter's legendary home run off Mitch Williams.

Rickey won three Silver Sluggers: two with the Oakland A's (1981, 1982) and one with the New York Yankees (1985). In 1981, Rickey stole one hundred bases even and walked 117 times to 54 strikeouts and hit .303. In 1982, Rickey played 50 fewer games and still managed to hit 16 points higher and had three more triples (seven).

In 1985, the bright lights of NYC didn't scare Rickey, as Rickey hit .314 (his second highest average to this point), stole 80 bases, and walked 34 more times than Rickey struck out.

Rickey was a Gold Glover in 1990 once again for the Oakland Athletics. Rickey committed five errors and had five outfield assists and had a fielding percentage of .983.

In 1990 Rickey won the AL MVP award. In that year Rickey had Rickey's best average (.325), tied Rickey's personal record with 28 homers, stole 65 bases while only being caught 10 times, walked 37 more times than struck out, and had Rickey's highest on-base percentage with .439.

In 1999, trying to show Rickey wasn't washed up, Rickey won the Comeback Player of the Year Award. In that season Rickey had the most hits Rickey had had since 1993. Rickey had 30 doubles, Rickey's most since '95. Rickey hit .315, Rickey's highest average since 1990. Rickey's OBP was the highest it had been since 1993.

Rickey holds tons of records and interesting facts. Rickey is the all-time steals leader with 1,406, and the distance between Rickey and Lou Brock, the second-place man on the list, would be in the top 50 of all-time stolen base leaders. Rickey's been caught stealing the most as well. Rickey's scored the most runs: 2,295. Rickey's led off 81 games with a homer.

Single season records include 130 steals and caught 42 times in 1982. Rickey stole eight bases in the 1989 ALCS.

When Rickey signed with the Red Sox, Rickey had more stolen bases than their entire franchise! 1,395 to 1,382. Rickey's the oldest player to start a game in center field. Rickey was Nolan Ryan's 5,000th strikeout. Rickey at Rickey's prime was so good Frank Robinson refused to throw when Rickey stole a base, because Rickey was going to be safe anyway. Why risk the throw?

Rickey obviously knew Rickey was the greatest. Bleacher Report should recognize Rickey's greatness, so Michael Mulraney wrote this article. Enjoy like Rickey would want you to.

Stop Or I'll Sue: The Rift Between The Portland Trailblazers And The NBA

Michael Mulraney — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:40:53 -0500

The Portland Trailblazers have threatened to sue any team that picks up free agent Darius Miles.

Miles played sparingly for the Boston Celtics in the preseason and the Memphis Grizzlies for two games in the regular season. His total number of games played is eight, including the preseason.

A clause in his contract says if he gets to ten games, he gets $9 million for the next two years from the Trailblazers. That $18 million will hurt Portland's chances of picking up free agents because the contract will eat up cap space.

Since he is two games away, Portland says they will sue any team that picks up Miles—a man trying to return from micro fracture knee surgery—claiming the team would not be a good venture partner.

Darius Miles has the right to continue to seek employment in the NBA. If anything, Miles is being prohibited from staging a comeback. Darius Miles should not be prohibited from seeking employment.

No one held a gun to Portland's General Manager and said "Give Darius this contract or your brains go on the paper." There was no Luca Brasi and Don Corleone moment in the Portland office.

If you are going to reward a player with incentives based on the amount of games played, you should have no right to sue anyone for using that strategically to their advantage. A team should be allowed to cut Portland off at the knees, and sign this guy to a ten day contract. If he can play, you keep him for free if you can, and that's one less market you have to be concerned about in the offseason.

Portland has every right to be upset.

However, their emotions are in the wrong place. They should be more upset with themselves for handing out a ridiculous contract like this. Honestly—ten games for $9 million? Anyone who hands out this kind of contract has to have their head examined.

The New York Knicks and Isiah Thomas find this contract ridiculous. The Philadelphia 76ers and Matt Geiger find this contract ridiculous. Darius Miles only has to play two seconds for $16 million dollars—only Stephon Marbury is working less than that!

Ten games for $18 million is a good gig, if you can get it.

Darius Miles should not have to go through this. He had a lot of promise until the surgery, and deserves a chase to continue to play in the league. The Trailblazers are going to have to bite the bullet on this bad contract and get used to paying Miles because the positives far outweigh the negatives to whomever picks him up.

Have fun wearing whatever uniform you get, Darius, because even if that team doesn't work out, you'll at least hurt the team that had no more faith in you.

Update: Darius Miles has re-signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.

A Way to Fix the NFL's Playoff System

Michael Mulraney — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:12:35 -0500

Sometimes a team makes the playoffs and it embarrasses the league that they are there. I'm talking directly about the 8-8 teams that grace the playoff picture with their presence.

This year, two teams have the ability to host playoff games in the current system. Those two teams are the Arizona Cardinals and the San Diego Chargers.

Now, Arizona started off strong, and since they play in a division of teams that would struggle playing college football teams with two directions in their names, won the division handily.

The spread offense seems to work in Arizona, but they have no running game, and to win in pro football you need to run the ball. Beating San Francisco, St. Louis, and Seattle doesn't make you an outstanding football team.

San Diego has a chance to be the first team to go from 4-8 to the playoffs. The run they are going on is great. If they win Sunday, they are in the playoffs.

However, they are a product of a disastrous collapse by the Denver Broncos. You can't fault the Chargers for playing through to the end, but does that make them worthy of a playoff shot and hosting a playoff game?

Now why should these two teams get in instead of a darn good Wild Card team that deserves it a little more? I mean who would you rather see, the San Diego Chargers or the New England Patriots? That's why I'm proposing that no 8-8 teams should be allowed into the playoffs.

The NFL should allow the best Wild Card team to move to the four seed and allow another Wild Card team entrance to the playoffs. Why award mediocrity when you could award greatness? Why award 8-8 over 11-5?

In my proposition, if San Diego were to win tomorrow they would still be eliminated, making way for New England, New York, or Miami. The Colts would become the four seed.

In the NFC, if Arizona continues to no-show, they should have their playoff ticket voided. With Arizona out, Carolina or Atlanta would be the four seed, allowing Philadelphia, Dallas, Tampa Bay, or Chicago to make the playoffs. Why not let the better than average teams in instead of the average?

So, Mr. Goodell, protect the shield, as you like to say, and treat us to some fine games. Keep average and mediocre teams out.

Stop Crying Over The Yankees Payroll

Michael Mulraney — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:32:11 -0500

Attention everyone who has something negative to say about the Yankees payroll and something negative about the Yankees buying up the free agents. We are sick of hearing you. You can combat all this with one argument. The year 2000. Why that year Mike? Oh, quite simple dear reader.

It was the year the Yankees strayed away from the farm system and started to buy players instead of molding them. There is no reason to fear this Yankees team.

Sure they have CC Sabathia who folds like a cheap lawn chair in playoff games. (Sounds like a third basemen whom they bought.) And AJ Burnett has one talent; beating the Yankees. The only place AJ gets to play the Yankees is in simulated spring training games. At least he'll be there a lot because the man is practically at home on the Disabled List.

If you look at the players from the Phillies who came up with the farm to help win it all. Players such as: Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Ryan Madson, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, and Chris Coste just to name a few.

You win World Series Championships through chemistry. And what do players build in the minors? That's chemistry. The Yankees forgot what won them those championships. Jeter, Williams, Posada, Rivera, guys like that who built the heart and soul of the team.

You can't buy heart. You can't purchase soul. Sure they bought Teixeira, Sabathia, and Burnett, but who cares? Do you want to know why they have to buy these players? It's the only way they can compete with the growth of farm systems from teams like Minnesota, Tampa, and Philadelphia.

So don't cry over the Yankees buying these players the reason they do so is because the Evil Empire is weakened and it was weakened from within due to greed.

So if your a fan of any team in pro baseball don't be upset with all the Yankees purchases because once again it will be the guys from the farms winning the world series not overpaid, overpriced, free agent Yankee wanna-bees.

Kyle Kendrick's Disasterous Third Dooms Philadelphia Phillies

Michael Mulraney — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:08:00 -0400

Kyle Kendrick against Derek Lowe is expected to be a matchup filled with grounders, isn't it? Then why was every ball in the bottom half of the third inning smoked to the outfield?

Kendrick could not escape the third inning, where he proceeded to give up a single, walk a batter, and then hit Jeff Kent, who, by the way, just happens to hit in front of this guy Manny Ramirez. He's a pretty decent hitter. Manny then crushed a ball in the gap and brought home two runs.

Okay, two-nothing. That's not insurmountable and Kendrick can bounce back.

Nope.

He then gives up a two-run double to James Loney and a home run to dead center off the bat of former Tribesman Casey Blake. Then Charlie had to jog out there and get him.

Once again, the Phils' bats were dead against Derek Lowe, who just happens to own them. Once the bullpen got out there and the game was essentially done, the Phils tacked on a few runs to make it look closer than it may have been.

They ended up dropping the game 8-6 and were luckily aided by Aaron Heilman and his inability to get out of his own mother, so everyone remains at least two back. Tonight, the Phils throw out Cole Hamels in hopes of getting a "W" against Clayton Kershaw.

Brett Myers Actually Earns A Paycheck: Proves He's Still A Punk

Michael Mulraney — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:29:04 -0400

Breaking News: The Philadelphia Phillies scored a run today. In fact, they scored four. Which is a whole two more than they needed.

Jimmy Rollins got things going by tripling down the right field line and scoring the first Phillies run in 23 innings. J-Roll ended up going 4-for-4 with a pair of triples, proving that he owns Ian Snell (which is quite an accomplishment...).

Brett Myers pitched a gem. Getting ahead of hitters and using all of his pitches. However, like in all Brett Myers-pitched games, he had to embarass himself and his franchise by acting like a spoiled brat.

Myers had been cruising along through seven-plus innings, but then, with back to back left-handed hitters, manager Charlie Manuel came to give his starter the hook. Now, that is a good move by good ol' Uncle Charlie. But Myers didn't think so. He started by walking around the mound, cursing, and stomping like a 3-year-old. Then he left the field with his head down, cursing the whole way.

He acted as if he just lost the game. That Manuel had lost the game by putting in JC Romero, quite possibly the best left-handed specialist in the league. Myers then got into a verbal fight with Manuel. Despite the fact that he's constantly ridiculed because of his bumbling speech, Manuel is a good baseball man and doesn't deserve such treatment. Especially from a guy who's spent time in the minors because he couldn't get anybody out.

Phils win, so the Mets and Marlins stay out of first today. We fans can only hope Myers is reprimanded by the Phils. Perhaps another minor-league stint will show this guy. He's not as good as he thinks he is, and that is a shame.

Shane Victorino Makes Sure Brad Lidge Doesn't Blow Lead

Michael Mulraney — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:26:05 -0400

Ladies and gentlemen, your hero of last night's Phillies-Cardinals game is Shane Victorino.

That's right, the player who looks like he has on his father's jersey. The one who looks like he weighs less than the kids Sally Struthers picks up. This just goes to show you that anyone in that lineup can beat you.

The Phillies were struggling against the likes of Todd Wellemeyer; that's right Todd Wellemeyer. Then once they got into that Cardinals bullpen, Shane Victorino hit a big three-run homer to give the Phils a 5-3 lead.

At that point we knew Brad Lidge was coming into the game. Game over. Right? Not so fast. Last night Brad Lidge remembered he's Brad Lidge.

He started things off by giving up a monstrous home run to none other than home-run-a-day Troy Glaus. Then Brad Lidge proceeded to put three people on base and managed to strike out the final two hitters of the day, avoiding Albert Pujols, who was on deck looming.

The important thing is that the Phils picked up games on the New York Mets and the Florida Marlins. The Fightin's are off tonight, as are our division rivals, so we can get a good night's rest knowing no one is getting any closer.

NL East Has Big Trade Deadline Day

Michael Mulraney — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:30:34 -0400

The closest division race in baseball and virtually everyone stands pat. The biggest deal was the Braves giving away Mark Teixeira, and they're not even in the race.

The Mets have picked up a resounding nobody. I guess all the eggs are in the Ryan Church basket, so we never have to see Marlon Anderson start a game again.

The other deals are going to go down in history as the Phils picked up Joe Blanton. For those who aren't aware of Joe Blanton, he had an ERA of over five in that whole in the ground they call a stadium in Oakland.

So the Phils and "Standing" Pat Gillick bring him over to play in Williamsport or Citizens Bank Park as it's come to be known. It’s their solutions to Adam Eaton who has proven to be the worst pitcher the Fightin' Phils have seen since Ricky Bottalico.

I guess moving from the worst pitcher in baseball to the fourth or fifth worst is still moving in the right direction.

Now, in a move that may actually help a team, the Marlins picked up relief man Arthur Rhodes. Now, this is a pick up that will help a team.

The Marlins win games because of their offense picking up a pitcher that is familiar with the division and pitching in that big ballpark will help.

The Marlins are the NL East trade deadline winners? The Florida Marlins who have no money and can't get people to show up to their ballpark make the best move. Way to go Philly and New York.

Maybe you'll be lucky enough to watch the Marlins in October.

Rafael Nadal To Be Number One In The World

Michael Mulraney — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:23:19 -0400

The computers are finally catching up to what tennis fans have known for some time.

The Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, is the best tennis player on the face of the Earth. After a mere three years, Roger Federer will be stepping down to the number two spot if Rafa can win the US Open warm-up tournament they've both entered. This has been viewed as inevitable after Rafa pushed the "King of Grass" to five sets in last year's Wimbledon. Rafa has done what Roger has not: adapted his game to all three court styles.

While Roger was dominating two of the three court styles a year, Rafa was working his game to best suit whatever he was playing on. We all know the sheer brilliance with which this man plays at the French Open, but he's been working his way up to the top of the mountain. He's pushed Roger in the Wimbledon final last year and finally broke through and won the greatest Wimbledon final ever.

While he's struggled in the US Open and Australian Open, before watching him in these warm-up tournaments, you have to wonder who's going to touch him. If he can improve his game a little more on the hard courts he may have an even better run of dominance than Roger had in winning everything but the French.

In fact, if he can capture the upcoming US Open title, he may have himself a Rafa Slam and just keep winning. It would seem as though Nadal is set to have this number one ranking for quite some time.