Monday Funday

PHILLIES

Eric Bruntlett snagged a piece of glory yesterday by becoming only the 2nd player in MLB history to turn a game-ending, unassisted triple play. Here's the play:

With the triple play, Bruntlett saved the game for struggling closer, Brad Lidge. Had that ball gotten through the infield, Lidge would have eaten his 9th blown save. As it stands, though, Lidge earned his 25th save and the Phillies are now 6.5 games ahead of 2nd place Atlanta.

Cliff Lee will go for his 5th straight win in the NL tonight, as he takes the mound against Bobby Parnell in the series finale against the Mets. Cliff Lee is a Cy Young winner. Parnell is a relief pitcher. My money is on Lee.

Jayson Werth killed me in fantasy baseball last week. Look at his stats -- Runs (7), HR (5), RBI (9), TB (29), AVG (.440). Those are video game stats, courtesy of the Mets and Diamondbacks. He's hit more HRs in the last 30 days than he hit during the entire 2007 season. One has to wonder if the Phils will be able to keep him around in 2010. Read about the outfield problem in a good articled at The Good Phight.

EAGLES
The Eagles failed to impress anyone in their 2nd straight preseason loss, a 23 - 15 drumming handed down by Peyton Manning and the Colts. Everyone, including the coach and QB, are concerned about injuries to key players such as Westbrook, Leonard Weaver, and, oh yeah, the entire offensive line. But as Bob Brookover writes, it isn't time to panic just yet.

Michael Vick will probably be under center for some snaps against the Jags on Thursday. So obviously he's making progress on the field. But what about off the field? If we're to believe Jeffery Lurie, Vick's place on the roster is contingent upon his role in the community, particularly with regards to working in partnership with the human society. So far nothing of the sort has happened. However, meetings are planned to take place today at the NovaCare complex. Vick will not attend the meeting, though that decision wasn't his. Sal Paolantino explains in this article at ESPN.

OTHER NFL NOTES
Brett Favre made his first appearance as a Viking in a preseason matchup against the Chiefs. Favre went 1-4 for with 4 yards passing. I've always been a Favre apologist, but this time around it's really hard to stomach. Why can't all hall-of-fame-caliber athletes go out like Mike Schmidt? Prepare a speech, give as much of it as you can, and then retire. For good. You didn't see Michael Jack try to make a comeback with Mets, did you? No, beacuse Mike Schmidt isn't an idiot.



Jay Cutler had a stellar performance against the Giants on Saturday night. The Bears new QB completed 8 of 13 passes for 121 yards and a TD. If Cutler can keep his head together, and if Orlando Pace doesn't fall apart after 5 games, Chicago could be a tough team to beat this year. Matt Forte is a monster.

Brandon Marshall wants out of Denver. Meanwhile, Kyle Orton did his best to assure Denver fans he doesn't totally suck. After throwing three picks in three straight series last week against San Fran, Orton responded adequately against the Seahwaks. He completed 18 of 26 passes for 182 yards and a TD. He also threw an interception. Expect some fireworks next week when Jay Cutler and the Bears come to Denver next week.