Final this afternoon: 4-1 Phillies, thanks to a sterling seven innings of one-run ball by the ever-amazing Jamie Moyer, who has not given up more than three runs in his last 10 starts, and thanks to two homers by Ryan Howard. Yes, I dare say that he is back. His first was a 2-run shot in the first to give the Phillies what has been of late an elusive early lead. Ryan Madson pitched the 8th and into the 9th but J.C. Romero (who has shaved off all of his beautiful hair!) had to come in to get the last two batters. Negative highlight: a cheapshot take-out at 2nd base of Jimmy Rollins by the "sliding" Chris Duncan. He also made a borderline cheapshot play on Chris Coste Tuesday night at home. But that's not why I dislike the Cardinals. They're one of those teams that look all alike. Couples who look alike bore me out. So do teams.
J.A. Happ was sent down to Triple A this morning and journeyman infielder Mike Cervenak recalled. Now don't get all in an uproar, a laughing Charlie Manuel told the media, things are gonna work out fine for Mr. Happ. It's just that there's no need for a 5th starter till the week after the all-star break and he can get some starts meanwhile with the 'Pigs. For the 31-year-old Cervenak, a temporary option off the bench, it's a first-time call-up. Pretty exciting for him.
Corey Hart and Evan Longoria won the Final Vote selections for their respective leagues. Too bad, Pat. Four fans voted for 53 straight hours at the ballpark, two buildings in Philadelphia had the number 5 illuminated on them, and Vote for Pat T-shirts were everywhere but Burrell finished 3rd in the joke balloting.
Speaking of All-Star non-invitees, what about the NL's leading home run hitter (27) and RBI leader (83)? Yes, that would be Mr. Howard.
