A tribute to Charlie Manuel

Last Saturday, Charlie Manuel recorded his 900th win as a major league manager, putting him on pace to hit the coveted 1,000-win mark sometime next summer (hopefully). Here’s a look at how his managerial career stacks up in Phillies history:

-- 681 wins (most in team history)
-- Seven straight winning seasons (2nd in team history)
-- 102 wins in 2011 (most in team history)
-- Five playoff appearances (most in team history)
-- 27 post-season wins (most in team history)
-- Twice 2nd-place manager of the year (most in team history)
-- Two NL pennants (2nd in team history)
-- 1 World Series title (Tied -- most in team history)
-- 1 year having to put up with Chad Qualls (most in team history)

This season sucks so far, but it's worth a moment to thank Charlie for the great work over the last seven seasons. Best manager in team history, without question.

Now do something about Qualls already.

June so far for the Phils

The red line is the # of games above .500, the blue is the games out of first.



Ouch.

Why I’m rooting for Miami tonight

I know, I know, even typing those words out made me throw up in my mouth a little. And I know every other sports fan in America will attack me for taking this stance. But the fact is that rooting for Miami to win tonight isn’t just the right choice, it’s the only choice for a real sports fan. Consider the following:

1 -- They’re a team of fighters.

This Miami squad had to overcome serious injuries in recent weeks, but now appears to be at the top of their game. All the pundits had declared them dead, and now they’re being forced to eat their words.

2 -- They have better players

Yes, Miami got all the high-profile free agents, but there's a reason they paid for those guys. They're good. They deserve to be hailed as all-pros.

3 -- Their opponent is overrated and undeserving

Suddenly everyone in the media loves the other guys again, but I'm not buying it. Just because they're different doesn't mean they're actually the better team.

So that’s why I’ll be rooting wholeheartedly for the Miami to sweep the series when the Marlins take on the Boston Red Sox, starting tonight.

Oh, you thought I meant the Heat? Gawd no. I hope those asshats choke like dogs again this Finals.

Guess who's almost back?

Three for four with a homerun in his rehab start Monday.
I'm just saying.