I came across this horse, so handsome, patient, and still, early on my long errand path. It was a golden day, with not a hint of the thunderstorms forecast. When I finally got home, I learned that Adam Eaton had been optioned to the minors. He's been a bust from the get-go but I'm surprised that he agreed to go. Speculation is that J.A. Happ, who was pulled early from his start yesterday, will take his place. Or be part of a trade. Is Lehigh Valley becoming the witness protection program for the big club?Joe Blanton's first start in Philadelphia yesterday went into a two-hour+ rain delay after two innings. He gave up 2 runs in the first. When play resumed, it was bullpen time. Eaton surrendered three more to give the Braves a 5-0 lead. But the Phillies soon came back to tie it, then in the 6th a Pat Burrell solo homer opened the flood gates. Jimmy Rollins' solo shot in the 7th seemed like the cherry on the top, putting the Phillies up 12-5. But Rudy Seanez was unable to get an out in the 8th, and the Braves did some coming back of their own. With the score 12-10, Brad Lidge came in to nail his 24th save in 24 tries. But he should not have had to be in the game. Some bullpen help, please! Tom Gordon is definitely missed.
