Another Phillies win last night was tempered by more injury news in last night’s 4-1 win over the Cubs. Outfielders Shane Victorino and Michael Bourn will probably join Chase Utley, Ryan Madson, Freddy Garcia, Jon Leiber, and Jason Werth on the injured list after being hurt in last night’s game; this, after just getting back sorely-missed relievers Tom Gordon and Brett Myers last week. GM Pat Gillick is trying to plug the leaks, acquiring SP Kyle Lohse, and 2B Tad Iguchi, and the remaining healthy players are doing a remarkable job of picking up the slack.
If nothing else this season, the team has shown heart and resilience that has been missing in recent seasons. They have refused to feel sorry for themselves and worked hard to compensate for production that has been lost due to injury. This blogger thought the Utley injury would be the last straw for this year’s injury-riddled squad. But the Phils have won 4 straight since Utley got hurt and are now just 3 games out of first place. The bullpen is now just one arm short instead of several, and the acquisition of Lohse at least gives the rotation some pennant race experience. If Victorino or Bourn can get back within a couple of days, maybe September will matter.
Walsh leaves lasting legacy
Former SF 49ers coach Bill Walsh died yesterday at age 75. While many coaches have won more games, no coach in his generation has accomplished so much in 10 years. Not only did he invent and implement his revolutionary “West Coast Offense”, he was also extraordinary in evaluating the talent necessary to play in his system. He drafted Hall-of-Famers at every skill position, players that fit his system to a T. Many coaches since Walsh have wanted to both coach and pick all of his own players, but none have even approached his success in every aspect.
He hasn’t coached a game in almost 20 years, yet his influence is still ever-present throughout the league. Those who coached under Walsh and his staff are employed all over the NFL, and his innovative offense is still the most widely imitated. If you watch any NFL game this season, you will see his influence (Especially if you are an Eagles fan).
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One of Michael Vick’s co-defendants has reached a plea deal. That can’t be good for Vick. This story has a chance to be the saddest downfall of any athlete, ever. No player who ever had so much going for him, who has stood to lose so much, has ever been in so much trouble. A conviction against Vick will cost him tens of millions of dollars as well as the prime of his career. Not to mention the jail time he faces.
Looks like the Celtics are getting Kevin Garnett. Now we’ll see if it is possible to go from tanking games one season to the NBA finals the next. Not a bad plan B.
Aaron Rowand is getting more expensive day by productive day, which makes it less likely that he’ll be here next season.