Reverse Curse Sighting And Other Matters

Me? I like my crow roasted and my humble pie warmed.

Raul, you old Reverse Curse maven, you are trying to fool us again.

Let's be serious though, folks. Two nights does not a turn-around make. Raul Ibanez has a lot more hitting to do before I am ready to put in my order.

Meanwhile, if Vance Worley continues to pitch like he has the first two outings, look for the Phils' alleged brain trust to start making it known a certain right-hander from Kentucky is available for the right price. OR, and this is contingent on whether or not he has a no-trade clause with the Phils, a smaller-framed right-hander from Mississippi might be available, too. I don't know the details of his contract, but Oswalt would seem to be expendable if the Phils think Worley is ready to be an every-fifth-day pitcher in the big leagues. And he might bring more than Kentucky Joe.

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It is more than slightly astonishing the Phils have done so well. Yes, yes, I know about their great starting pitching, but they are missing so many key parts on offense and are still leading the pack. Of course, they've feasted on a diet of low-hanging fruit in the Mets and Nationals. Let's see what happens when they see more of the Reds, Rockies, Cardinals, Giants and the like.

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When Domonic Brown is finished his rehab, he is expected to go to AAA rather than join the big club. The Phils' alleged brain trust feel he needs more seasoning. They might have reached that conclusion after his first extended call up last season and his disastrous off-season experiences. One thing seems sure, however; Ben Francisco is an adequate replacement in right field but apparently not the answer. Defensively, Ben is a serious liability out there. Offensively, he is on a pace to drive in roughly 100 runs at his current pace, so it is hard to argue he represents a big drop-off from Jayson Werth in that category alone. Brown has to prove he can improve on those numbers before he gets a serious chance to take the job.

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Speaking of Reverse Curses, perhaps there is such as thing as the Reverse Reverse Curse, a.k.a., The Curse, when it comes to Danys Baez. Just when he was getting some positive mentions for his last few outings, he goes out there last night and gives up three runs in the ninth inning against the Nats. There's a reason he's with his sixth team.

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I digress...again.

The Fly Boys look like they are headed for summer vacation any day now. While it's popular to joke the Flyers have the Bruins right where they want them (Go on, admit you know they don't but still...just maybe....), but the truth is this team has been very inconsistent for several months now, especially in goal and especially when it comes to scoring. If the Flyers had a goalie of Tim Thomas' stature and consistency, they would be in a different position. If they had Chris Pronger regularly, despite his sarcasm and barely contained contempt for anyone with a pen, microphone or smart phone, they might be in a better position. If they had snipers who could put the puck in the next consistently, they might go deeper into the playoffs. But they don't and they won't!!