Greetings all... lots to get to on this Thursday...
- The Braves finish off an impressive road sweep in Seattle with a 5-3 win... This was probably the most impressive win simply because any time you can beat a top-5 pitcher alive in Felix Hernandez, it's an accomplishment... Felix helped out the Braves offense significantly with wildness, but Freddie Freeman had 3 huge hits with 2 RBI and a run scored, and Brian McCann was Brian McCann with another late RBI... the oft-maligned Derek Lowe got back on track yesterday with 6 innings, allowing only 1 ER, and effectively out-pitching Felix... craziest part about the sweep? It came at the expense of Seattle's best 3 pitchers in Bedard, Pineda, and Felix, and that's one of the best trios in the entire major leagues this season... 8 of 10, and the offense (may) be coming alive a bit... one negative note... Jonny Venters had his 2nd bad outing of the week, allowing a 2-run homer to Dustin Ackley... no panic from me on Venters with the exception of his ridiculous work-load... 46 appearances already, and I have NO idea why he was pitching with a 4-run lead against a putrid offense... none...
- A quick rant... I keep hearing people (I'm looking at you ESPN and MLB network) talk over and over again about "how deep" the Phillies rotation is... I don't understand this... do they have the best trio of starters in the Major Leagues? Absolutely they do... but "depth" isn't a luxury they have without Roy Oswalt... Vance Worley and Kyle Kendrick?... without Oswalt, I'd rather have Atlanta's rotation, and to say that the "depth" of Philly's is so fantastic defies all logic... thanks....
- It's CBA Armageddon day in the NBA... I have zero confidence in a deal getting done before that deadline, so don't hold your breath... and there are certainly conflicting reports about the "closeness" of the talks going forward... but one thing is certain, the NBA is MUCH more likely to miss games than the NFL ever was... so buckle down...
- Speaking of the Association... the Blazers have officially tendered Greg Oden his $8.8 million qualifying offer... what does that mean? Well, Oden could sign the 1-year deal (not happening), but basically, it ensures that he becomes a restricted free agent and Portland has the ability to match any offer... I personally can't see them letting him get away simply because 1) they wouldn't be under the cap anyway, 2) Paul Allen has more money than God, and 3) Oden is still a premium asset IMO, and his upside if he can actually stay on the court outweighs the risk for a franchise that's already going to be good....
What to watch for on Thursday....
- Red Sox @ Phillies - 1:00 MLB Network - Lester vs. Hamels - Game of the day for sure... Philly has it going right now, and Boston is suddenly struggling...
- Giants @ Cubs - 2:20 WGN - Cain vs. Zambrano - Nice pitching matchup...
- Wimbledon - All day ESPN Family
Enjoy it...
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