Former Phils you'd still root for

For video game purposes, here's the ideal roster of the Philadelphia FormerPhillies, based on active players at the start of the season:

1B -- Jim Thome (Orioles)
2B -- Wilson Valdez (Reds)
SS -- Juan Castro (Dodgers)
3B -- Greg Dobbs (Marlins)
OF -- Jason Werth (Nationals)
OF -- Shane Victorino (Dodgers)
OF -- Raul Ibanez (Yankees)
C -- Rod Barajas (Pirates)

SP -- Brett Myers (White Sox)
SP -- J.A. Happ (Blue Jays)
SP -- Roy Oswalt (Cardinals)
SP -- Randy Wolf (Brewers)
SP -- Jamie Moyer (Rockies)

RP -- Brad Lidge (Nationals)

I'll let you fill out the rest of the bullpen yourself.

10 sports that should be in the Olympics

** 100m Platform Diving
** Full-contact Backgammon
** Synchronized Archery
** Alligator Wrestling
** Marco Polo
** Post-Modern Pentathlon
** 1m Sprint
** Keg Toss
** Mental gymnastics
** Baseball

Phillies tenure chart

With an eye toward the trade deadline, here's a look at how long Phillies on the current roster have been with the team (click to enlarge):

It wasn't that long ago, but only eight players remain on the roster from the 2008 World Series Champions team. And two of those are on the trade block right now. And one of them is Joe Blanton, against all odds.

Phillies midseason grades

An objective look at the first half performance for the team.

1st Base ~ Grade: F
Analysis: The team is 14 stinkin' games out of first.
2nd Base ~ Grade: F
Analysis: The team is 14 stinkin' games out of first.
3rd Base ~ Grade: F
Analysis: The team is 14 stinkin' games out of first.
Shortstop ~ Grade: F
Analysis: The team is 14 stinkin' games out of first.
Catcher ~ Grade: A
Analysis: Holy crap, Ruiz is amazing.
Outfield ~ Grade: F
Analysis: The team is 14 stinkin' games out of first.
Starting pitching ~ Grade: F
Analysis: The team is 14 stinkin' games out of first.
Relief pitching ~ Grade: Double F
Analysis: 14 STINKING GAMES OUT OF FIRST
Bench  ~ Grade: F
Analysis: The team is 14 stinkin' games out of first.
Coaching  ~ Grade: F
Analysis: The team is 14 stinkin' games out of first.
Quarterbacks ~ Grade: F
Analysis: I'm sure this is Vick's fault somehow

Final analysis ~ Grade: D minus minus
If it weren't for Ruiz, we'd have to trade in the "Ph" on your uniforms for an "F"

Phillies All-Star credentials

Current Phillies who have made the All Star team (year in parentheses, click to enlarge):

That's 35 All-Star selections on the Phils' roster right now. Incidentally, that's one fewer than the number of wins they have through the first half of this season (36-45).