Philly Sports Weekend Wrap

PHILLIES:The much anticipated series between the Redsox and the Phillies lived up to its billing. Many people agree this is a possible World Series matchup. It's a little early to go that far but this series in mid-june was great. It did not come without some controversy.Friday night was a pitcher's duel between Joe Blanton and John Lester. The game went extra innings and it appeared that Greg Dobbs hit a 3-run game winning homerun. It was ruled a foul ball. It was a tough call and I think it was probably foul, but the umpire refused to review. Manuel argued but the ump gave no explanation and said no review would occur.Good thing they pay for instant replay......Saturday was over before the rain delay. Bastardo came back to earth and the Phils where down 5-0 before the heavens opened. Enough said.... Sunday the Phils had to deal with Boston ace Josh Beckett to avoid the sweep. Early on it did not look good but as the Phils always do, they battled back and pounded Beckett and the Sox bullpen winning 11-6. The Sox had the better pitchers going this weekend where the Phils had no Hamels or Moyer in the series. At least they took one game. Even though the Phillies lost the series, they certainly showed they are up to the caliber of the Redsox. As I mentioned the Redsox also didn't have to face arguably the best pitcher in the National league. The Phillies can hit anyone at any time. The question is pitching. I anticipate they will address it at the trade deadline. They need that number two starter for the stretch run and post-season. Will have to see what teams are selling off at the deadline.The Phillies have an off day tomorrow and then continue inter-league play against the Blue Jays, then the Orioles over the next weekend.Sidebar: Nice job Ryan Madson in the closer role this week.FLYERS:This week it became official. The Flyers have signed Ray Emery to a one year, 1.5 million dollar contract. This is a very dangerous move for the Flyers. They are taking a big chance. This could really blow up in their face. The Flyers line of thinking is a cheap prove it contract for a talented goalie between the pipes. Emery's record is very good. I believe it's 71-40 if memory serves me correctly. That's actually better than good! He also took the Senators to the cup a mere couple years ago. As the Flyers always do, there is always a rhyme behind the reason. There may be a defenseman on the horizon named Bouwmeester. I am on record saying that I think Emery is a bad idea. Though I am impressed with his talent between the pipes, I worry that a tiger can't change his spots. It makes me feel better that it's only a one year contract in case Ray has not changed. I am even more excited if the plan is to sign Jay Bouwmeester with the money they saved on the goalie contract. I saw the Emery press conference and he said all the right things. That's a good start. Now lets see it put in action. I am pulling for Ray because he is now a Flyer. He is here and I will back him if he backs himself up on all his promises on and off the ice. Prove me wrong Ray.... I want to eat my words....make this a great signing for the Flyers.EAGLES:This week the Eagles did something quite off kilter for them. They re-did a contract; with no extension to boot. The Eagles re-did the final two years of Donovan McNabb's contract netting him an extra 4-6 million dollars over that time. It's being widely argued that this is a financial apology for the benching in the Baltimore. Others have said it is "McNabb be happy" money.I think we will never truly know. The Eagles certainly will not say the real reason, McNabb probably will not either. Maybe it's the Eagles way of showing they are fair, maybe the team and Donovan had a wink wink deal they would redo the deal, maybe in light of all the contract squabbles the Eagles have had they wanted to play nice. The Birds have done this one time recently with Brian Westbrook but they did extend him. I have heard of one other time that a team just gave more money to a player with no extension. It was the Patriots and Richard Seymour. As for the rest of the team, OTA's are over and that's it till training camp. The Eagles head to Leigh in roughly 6 weeks.