Tom Gordon was a very successful MLB pitcher (Career stats- 138 w, 158 sv, 122 holds, 1928 k, 3.94 era, 1.36 whip). He's been a quality starting pitcher, closer, and set-up man over his 19 year career. He's pitched for the Royals, Red Sox, Cubs, Astron, Yankees, and currently the Phillies. However, his time in the summer sunshine is coming to an end because he absolutely sucks anymore.

For the full article encompassing Gordon's career and current downward spiral, along with a rant about Carlos Ruiz, JC Romero, and Ryan Howard's defense click on the URL to be amused.

Any Phillies win is good, but a Phils win against the rival Mets with Johan Santana on the mound is extra sweet. Putting the sprinkles on top of the chocolate dipped ice cream cone was the snazzy Stars & Stripes caps for the 4th of July "Welcome Back Veterans" theme.

Benson Update:

Here's some breaking news, Kris Benson got lit up yet again in a minor league rehab assignment. He's now started 4 games lasting all of 15.2 innings while allowing minor leaguers to bat .358 off of him that has resulted in 3 losses and a 9.19 era. I think it's safe to assume Benson is not the answer to the Myers Dilemma.

For the full article that includes more on the "Myers Dilemma", and update on RJ Swindle, and a vote for Pat Burrell for All-Star, click on the URL.

The year was 1998 and I just graduated from high school and began college. It was also the year the Phils finished 75-87 with Terry Francona at the helm. Looking back over the Phils from 10 years ago I notice not one player is on the current squad and in fact only 6 players remain in the game today. Take a walk down memory lane as I look at the lineup and pitching staff of the 1998 Philadelphia Phillies, with some stallwart names such as Curt Schilling, Scott Rolen, Mike Lieberthal, Rico Brogna, Doug Glanville, and Bobby Abreu.

Also, click on the URL for a Braves/Phils recap as well as a look at the upcoming Mets series. JA Happ vs. Johan Santana tonight!

My partner in crime (aka co-author of my blog) decided to blog about the WNBA until the Phils correct their losing ways. I too am now dabbling in other sports, because previewing the Phillies/Braves series doesn't seem all that exciting to me right now. Therefore, I am going ESPN 8 "The Ocho" on all of ya, and first up is the League of Rock-Paper-Scissors. For more interesting and totally stupid stuff other than disheartening Phils info, come click on the URL, and you'll also get a glimpse of total geekdom in the form of Heroscape.

This is past the point of funny or being ridiculous, the Phils are in an all-out suckfest and everyone is contributing. Ryan Howard sucks! Jimmy Rollins sucks! Brett Myers sucks! Geoff Jenkins su...wait, is he still alive? I'm so fed up with this team right now, and for good reason, they're 4-12 over the last 16 games.

Click on the URL to see a comparison between Howard, Giambi, and Delgado, as well as a bitchfest about the Phils.

Hey, have you heard lately that the Phils are friggin' horrible? If not, you must be living under an Rosie O'Donnel sized rock, because they've completely sucked for over 2 weeks now.

Today they pull up into the Dallas Fort-Worth area to take on the Texas Rangers. It's a shame Chuck Norris won't be at the game, because he might actually be able to generate some entertainment and that's saying something.

For a full breakdown on the series match-up between the Phils and ex-Senators, along with a Tom Gordon arm update, and recap of yesterday's game, just click on the URL.

Bad, badder, baddest...that's how friggin' bad the Phils have been that I refuse to use proper grammar on douchebags. Just how bad? 6 game losing streak 1-8 over last 9 games bad! Who's to blame? Nearly everyone, and on my blog I do just that. To check out who is catching my evil stare and verbal venom click on URL.

The Phillies are set to take on the A's tonight in Oakland. 10:05 is past my bedtime, so I guess I'll have to wait for the recap in the morning. Moyer squares off against Blanton...Phils better win!

For full article click on the URL.

Jon Lester, Justin Masterson, Ervin Santana, and Joe Saunders have held the Phils to 7 runs and 20 hits for a .160 average over the current 4 game losing streak. Needless to say the Phillies are in a rut.

Brett Myers continues to pitch like crap, now with 23 homeruns allowed on the season.

Today's match-up gives us Cole Hamels vs. Jered Weaver...we really need our ace to come up big.

For the full article that breaks down the struggles of Myers, Cole's difficult with day games, and the current state of the offense click on the URL.

Phils have fallen on hard times since sweeping the Braves, 3-7 in the 10 games since the trip to Atlanta. It seems that almost the entire lineup and pitching staff are in a bit of a drought. They lost 2 out of 3 to the Marlins, Cardinals, and Red Sox over the last 3 series and didn't exactly start the Angels series off with a bang (lost 7-1 last night). Click on the URL to read an update on Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Geoff Jenkins, and the rest of the misfits.

Steve Trout is a former 1st round pick for the White Sox back in 1976 as a pitcher. He went on to play for the Cubs, Yankees, and Mariners. His father, Dizzy, was also a pitcher back in the 40's and 50's and racked up wins in a Tigers and Red Sox uniform.

For full article and pictures click on URL.

With the Angels coming to town I decided to Phlashback Phriday catcher Lance Parrish. He played for both the Phillies (1987-88) and Buccos (1994) so that makes him a Phucco. He was viewed largely as a disappointment in Philly, but overall he had a respectable career, making mostly a name for himself as a Detroit Tiger.

For the full article and a preview of the weekend series match-up click on the URL.

Since sweeping the Braves in Atlanta the Phillies have played the Marlins, Cardinals, and Red Sox going 3-6 in that period losing each series. On the horizon, the AL West leading Angels followed by the surprising and overachieving Athletics. In other words- things aren't getting any easier! The Phils have a rough schedule up until the All-Star break and if they can't find a way to play better against better competition they just might break by that point. Looks like their cookie might just be crumbling.

For the full article and a look at some minor league prospects click on the URL.

Ryan Franklin was supposed to help the Phillies bullpen back in 2006, help is not what he provided. He did give Phils fans much to complain about though. Since leaving Philly in August of '06, he's spent time with the Reds and most recently the Cardinals. With St. Louis he's found a home and has actually become a reliable reliever.

For the full article click on the URL, where's there's also a recap of last night's game.

Is it just me or do the Phillies seem to always find a way to come crashing down and erase any good vibes fans are feeling about the team? I know it's only a 2 game losing streak, but those 2 games have been to the Phils' biggest competitor- the Florida Marlins. Let's take a look at what good has been erased over the past two days.

Good- Cole Hamels striking out 13 Marlins over 8 innings while giving up only 2 runs via 3 hits and 1 walk to drop his era to 3.27.

Erased- Tom Gordon and his inability to get outs. The Phils tied the game in the top of the 9th to watch Gordon implode in the bottom of the 9th by catering the Marlins fans (all 3 of them) to a walk-off granny by stumpy Dan Uggla.

Good- Chase Utley supplying the offense for the Phils by knocking in both runs last night upping his season total to 58.

Erased- Carlos Ruiz grounding into two double plays last night to see his batting average fall to .221 and OPS to a minor league demotion worthy .601.

Good- Ryan Howard coming out of his season long slump to see his average "up" to .214 entering Tuesday's game.

Erased- Ryan Howard going 0-7 with 3 k's in the first two games of this series to dismiss any rumors of an emergence from the depths of ineptitude, shoving him right back down towards that dreaded .200 mark (.208).

Good- Evening the score at 2-2 in the 9th off of Marlins' closer Kevin Gregg because of his sloppiness and having the bases loaded with 2 outs with one of our most patient batters stepping to the plate in the form of Jayson Werth.

Erased- Jayson Werth attempting to bunt his way on. Seriously? The bases were loaded, Gregg walked 2 men and hitter a batter in the inning and Werth bunts at the first pitch...that deserves a verbal thrashing.

Good- Sweeping the Braves in Atlanta reaching 13 games over .500 and owning a 4 game lead on the Marlins heading into Tuesday night's game.

Erased- Losing the first 2 games of the series and watching the NL East division lead dwindle to 2 games.

Grand Pappy Moyer please save this series for the Phils and continue your lifetime dominance over them (8 games started, 8 wins, 3.51 era, 1.09 whip).