Aug. 31 -- ON TAP FOR TODAY

Good morning. A few things to pass along before heading over to the ballpark ...

* As of last night, the Phillies still hadn't named a starter for the second half of Saturday's day-night doubleheader. But as the News Journal reported within this notebook Wednesday, count on it being Scott Mathieson. Heard from a good source in Scranton yesterday that Mathieson is scheduled to pitch Saturday for the Red Barons. He's probably the Class AAA pitcher the Phils trust most, and as you know, they need to win games.

* Ryan Howard goes for homer No. 49 again tonight against Nats starter Pedro Astacio. Howard didn't go deep last night, snapping a streak of four straight games with a home run. But he did crush a two-run double on a 3-0 pitch over Nats center fielder Ryan Church's head (hard to believe Church was playing so shallow). Howard has 40 RBIs in August, a pretty incredible run and one that may just win him the NL MVP award if the Phillies make the playoffs.

* Didn't have space to fully explain this in today's paper: Playoff rosters need to be set by tomorrow (Sept. 1), which is why the Phils called up catcher Carlos Ruiz last night. They want Ruiz on the playoff roster, in case anything should happen to oft-injured Mike Lieberthal. Lefty reliever Matt Smith was sent down to Class A Clearwater to make room for Ruiz. Why Clearwater? Well, the Threshers aren't going to make the Florida State League playoffs, so Smith can be recalled once their season ends. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is going to the International League playoffs, and if he'd been sent there, Smith would've had to stay on the roster until the postseason is over.

* Tom Gordon pitches for Class A Clearwater today. I'll post an update as soon as his outing is complete.

* Rain in the forecast today, but for now, the sun is out in DC. Let's hope it stays that way.

More later.

Aug. 30 -- CONINE OR LANCE?

Further proof that Jeff Conine and Lance Armstrong were separated at birth ...

Aug. 28 -- POSTGAME: MARSH'S EXPLANATION

OK, here's a transcript of third-base umpire (and crew chief) Randy Marsh's postgame comments regarding the ball David Wright hit down the third-base line. Initially, he called it a foul ball. After Mets third-base coach Manny Acta protested, home-plate umpire Angel Hernandez overuled the call, claiming the ball hit the bag.

For the record, I watched the replay a few times and never saw it hit the base. But that doesn't mean it didn't graze it, even slightly.

Anyway, here's Marsh's explanation:

Q: What was your view of the ball?
A: The ball was curving down the line, and to be honest with you, at the last minute I had the third baseman coming over and the runner down the line and I got distracted for a second. The next thing I knew the ball was outside [the bag] and I thought it was a foul ball. Manny Acta said it hit the corner of the bag, and Willie [Randolph] came out. I looked at Angel and our partners, and I knew. I can’t believe that I would have missed that, but like I said, I was just distracted for a second. I took my eye off it, which is wrong. It was my fault.

Q: What was said during the conference with the other umps?
A: Angel and the guys said it definitely ricocheted off the bag. In that situation, if it’s a correctable call, we do it. Sometimes it might be a situation where you can’t, but in that situation you could.

Q: Why was Carlos Beltran allowed to score from second base on the play?
A: The logic there was that it definitely was past the third baseman, so the batter was going to get a hit and the run was going to score. So we scored the run. It was not definite that the runner on first would get to third, and it was not definite that the batter would get to second. So we left the runner from first on second.

Q: Why did the umps decide to convene?
A: Willie wanted me to get together and get some help.

Q: What, exactly, is the rule?
A: It’s basically common sense and fair play. We’re trying to correct an incorrect call. Put it this way: it was a correctable call. Sometimes you might have a ball hit in the gap and it’s a catch or a no-catch, and it’s impossible to change those. What would you do about placing runners there? That situation is different. This is a correctable situation.

Q: So, really, there is no rule?
A: There’s no rule. It’s the umpires getting together and using logic to correct an umpire’s call.

Q: How often does that happen?
A: It doesn’t happen often. We do have it sometimes fair or foul going around the pole. Several years ago in the New York-Boston series we had two calls that were changed. One was whether it was a home run or not and the other was the A-Rod play at first base. We’re trying to get the call correct. I’m not to proud we had to get together in this situation, but I wanted to do what was right for the game.

Q: Was there off-field help from instant replay, etc.?
A: It’s just the four guys on the field.

Aug. 28 -- IN-GAME: STRANGE CALL

Mets have taken control of the game with six runs in the third inning against Jamie Moyer. But the inning featured one of the strangest things I've seen in baseball.

David Wright hit a ball down the third-base line that appeared to go foul. The Mets contested it hit the third-base bag. The umpires conferred, and home-plate umpire Angel Hernandez overruled third-base ump Randy Marsh's original call. Wright was awarded first base, and Carlos Beltran was sent home from third base.

Naturally, Charlie Manuel protested and got ejected for the second time in three games.

Also, Endy Chavez continues to kill the Phillies. He picked up a single to start that third-inning rally.

More later.

Aug. 28 -- GAME ON!

For the first time in two days, the tarp is off the field here at Shea Stadium. That, in itself, is cause for celebration, since the Phillies (and the press corps that follows them) have to be in D.C. tomorrow.

Two notes before the game starts:

* Jeff Conine -- who I suggest, and several fellow scribes agree, looks a bit like Lance Armstrong -- has arrived. He traveled here by train from Baltimore last night after getting the game-tying hit in the Orioles' come-from-behind win. Conine is wearing No. 19, but he isn't in the lineup today. In case you were wondering, bench coach Gary Varsho has switched to No. 30 from No. 19.

* Busy day in Flushing Meadow. Of course, the Mets, who were scheduled to be off today, are hosting the Phillies in a makeup of yesterday's rainout. Next door, it's opening day for the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. Bad day for the 7 Train to have delays, but that's exactly what happened this morning. It took nearly an hour to get from Manhattan to Queens. Anyway, my pick to win the Open? Andre Agassi. It'll be a legendary curtain call for him.

I'll try to update this blog throughout the day, so if you're online at work and unable to watch the game, please stay tuned.

Aug. 26 -- SURGERY FOR ROWAND

This just in from the Phillies:

Aaron Rowand underwent surgery Friday on his fractured left ankle. Two screws were inserted into a bone on the inside of his ankle, and his foot was placed in a cast. For now, the prognosis remains the same: 4-6 weeks. But manager Charlie Manuel said it's difficult to imagine Rowand will be ready to play before the playoffs, if the Phillies make it.

Check Sunday's News Journal for more details.

Aug. 26 -- WHO'S THE MVP?

Being in NY for the past few days, there's been a lot of talk about the NL MVP race. And it should be a good one.

Every time Carlos Beltran steps up to the plate, Mets fans chant "MVP...MVP!" In St. Louis, the Cardinals shudder to think of where they'd be without Albert Pujols. And, the prevailing opinion around the Phillies is that Ryan Howard has been as valuable as anyone.

If you had a vote, who would you pick? Here are their stats through Friday night to help with your choice.

Beltran: 115 G, .286 AVG, 37 HR, 106 BI
Howard: 125 G, .293 AVG, 45 HR, 117 BI
Pujols: 109 G, .324 AVG, 38 HR, 107 BI

Aug. 22 -- BREAKING NEWS: ROWAND BREAKS ANKLE

As soon as I saw it, I knew it wasn't good. Chase Utley's glove flew toward right field. Aaron Rowand's legs flew every which way, as he jack-hammered into the air. Their collision in the eighth inning last night might've been the most violent I've seen between an infielder and outfielder.

Turns out, it also cost Rowand the rest of the season.

Rowand has a broken ankle. The Phillies found out early this morning after Rowand went for X-rays at Northwestern University Medical Center. Naturally, people are going to assess blame. Could Rowand and Utley have communicated better? Who's ball was it? Should Utley, who seemed to have the ball in his glove upon impact, have called Rowand off, or did he and Rowand didn't listen? For what it's worth, Rowand told me his left foot got stuck in a hole in Wrigley Field's "uneven" outfield grass, causing his leg to buckle. So, Rowand is saying the turf, not the collision, caused the break.

My take: Who cares?

The real issue is this: The Phillies are now faced with winning the NL wild card without their center fielder and with a three-man bench that includes, for the moment, Chris Roberson and Danny Sandoval, neither of whom have shown they can hit at the major-league level.

So, what now?

For now, Shane Victorino will take over in center field. Pat Burrell and David Dellucci figure to start in left and right, respectively. Keep in mind: Dellucci hasn't played right field on a regular basis since 2003 and is nursing a tight quad muscle.



But the bigger problem is the bench.

Clearly, the Phils need to make a move. The best in-house candidate is 23-year-old outfielder Michael Bourn, but he's not major-league-ready yet either. The Mets are hot after Shawn Green, but the D-Backs outfielder has a no-trade clause and is due to make $9.5 million next season. That's WAY too rich for the Phillies.

Of course, the Phillies don't have to look for an outfielder. They could always go with Victorino, Dellucci and Burrell, with Roberson as a spare, and bolster the bench by adding another infielder or a third catcher. Backup catcher Chris Coste can also play first and third base, if needed.

OK, you be GM Pat Gillick. Where would you turn? Who would you acquire? Would you make a trade or stay in-house?

Aug. 21 -- MOYER TRADE ... YOUR THOUGHTS?

Greetings from Chicago. This is my first trip to the Windy City, and it's every bit as awesome as I've been told. Throughout the week, I'll try to offer some flavor of the city, Wrigley Field and everything else Chicago has to offer.

For now, though, I want to discuss the Jamie Moyer trade.

I know Moyer was only 6-12 for the Mariners. And I know he's 43 years old. But he arrives with a 4.39 ERA that's already the lowest among Phillies starters (Brett Myers and Cole Hamels have a 4.40). Let's not forget that he also has been pitching in the American League. My counterpart from another newspaper guessed last night that a 4.39 ERA in the AL may be in the 3.90 range in the NL. I think the Phillies would sign up for that. He's also received the lowest run support in the AL, and the Phillies have posted double-digit run totals in four of their last seven games.

Add the fact that they didn't give up any top-tier prospects or anyone who would've helped them in the next few years, and I don't see how this could possibly be viewed as a bad trade, even if Moyer stinks in Philly. It's a low-risk (some would say, no-risk), high-reward move by GM Pat Gillick, with the reward being the Phillies first playoff berth since 1993.

But enough of my opinion. What do you think?

Throwing in the towel

Yes, that's Donald Trump on the mound and if you're the Red Sox, you're on the phone to his agent.

If any team will prove the addage that pitching wins championship it's this edition of the Bosox.

This is a team with a legitimate MVP candidate at DH AND Manny Ramirez. This is a team that could set a record for highest season-long fielding percentage. This is a team that had never allowed 12 runs or more in three consecutive games ... until Saturday.

And this is a team that REFUSES to add pitching help. Eric Hinske – good bat but can he throw five innings? Doubt it.

I'm not looking for Roger Clemens. I just want an arm with a pulse that has not been in the Boston clubhouse for the last two weeks. Someone who hasn't been infected by the compulsion to throw the ball either nowhere near the strikezone or right down the middle. Jermaine Van Buren? I'd rather have Martin Van Buren (lively arm, good splitter).

I agreed with Theo Epstein's decision not to make a deal at the deadline. Obviously he had lost Pat Gillick's number.

But Theo baby, pick up the phone. Call the Delaware Semi-Pro League if you have to.

If you think this can't get any uglier, just remember the Yankees are at Fenway through Monday.

Aug. 16 -- DALLAS VS. CHARLIE

As you may have read in today's News Journal, Charlie Manuel approached Dallas Green on the field after batting practice Tuesday and gave him a red-faced, finger-waving, tongue-lashing. I was standing a few feet away and found the whole incident, well, rather amusing. So did several high-ranking members of the Phillies organization, who heard about it afterward.

Bottom line is this: Green, a Newport native and manager of the only Phillies team to win a World Series, is nothing if not outspoken. And, a few weeks ago, Green went on a local radio station and second-guessed Manuel for some of the moves he's made. Manuel, who can be sensitive about such things (wouldn't you be?), had been waiting to see Green and confront him. He got his chance Tuesday.

So, here's my question: If we set up a steel cage at Citizens Bank Park, who would win in a fight: Dallas or Chuck? To help make your decision, here's a tale of the tape for what definitely would be a heavyweight bout.

Dallas / Charlie
72 years old / 62 years old
6-foot-5 / 6-foot-4
throws left / throws right

Aug. 14 -- IN-GAME: BACK-TO-BACK JACKS

Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino belted back-to-back homers in the fifth inning tonight against Mets reliever Darren Oliver. In case it doesn't make the cut for your morning paper (there's a lot happening in this 13-0 game), here are a few homer notes.

* Rollins has homered four times in his last four games, giving him 18 for the season. That's a career-high and a franchise record for Phillies shortstops. Asked about his power surge before the game, J-Roll said, "That's not a surprise to me, maybe everyone else. I know what I can do. It's just a matter of putting good swings on the ball." While he was talking, Aaron Rowand was cautioning him against jinxing himself. "We need him to keep hitting those home runs," Rowand said.

* The Phillies have hit back-to-back homers three times the season. The last time? June 17 against Tampa Bay when Sal Fasano and Abraham Nunez went deep back-to-back. Aren't they, like, the last two players you would've guessed?

***

One other note: In the first inning, Carlos Delgado lost his bat twice on swings, and both times, the bat went flying toward the mound and Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels. It was unintentional, of course, and Hamels didn't retaliate. But it reminded me of the 2000 World Series when Roger Clemens and Mike Piazza had their flare-up. Luckily, that didn't happen here.

Aug. 14 -- IN-GAME: PEDRO INJURED

OK, so Pedro Martinez didn't have the best first inning of his life tonight, giving up six runs on four hits to the Phillies. He also walked David Dellucci and hit two straight batters, Aaron Rowand (on an 0-2 pitch) and Chris Coste.

But, for Mets fans, here's the REALLY bad news.

Pedro had to leave the game after the first inning with a strained right calf. He said he felt the problem while he was warming up in the bullpen before the game. The Mets are usually careful with Pedro, and obviously, with a 14-game lead in the NL East, they'll be taking no chances.

Still, after she heard about the injury, a friend of mine who loves the Mets said sarcastically, "That's good news for the playoffs."

***

Also, pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco and reliever Andrew Barb combined for a no-hitter Sunday for Class A Lakewood.

More later.

NL EAST POLL

So far, got lots of good responses to the reader poll posted below about the best young player in the NL East. Interestingly, there's a lot of debate about the best third baseman -- David Wright, Miguel Cabrera or Ryan Zimmerman?

My vote is for Wright, and here's why. Wright is better defensively than Cabrera, better offensively than Zimmerman, and at age 23, undaunted by the pressures of New York. Within the next few years, I expect that he'll be named captain of the Mets, their answer to Derek Jeter.

That said, Cabrera and Zimmerman are awesome. Can you imagine how ridiculously good the Phillies' infield would be if they had any of them? Here are some stats for all three, plus Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jose Reyes to help you weigh in.

I'll ask the question again: Who's the best young player in the NL East? Keep those responses coming!

a) Ryan Howard (26 years old): .293 / 39 HR / 102 RBI / .622 SLG
b) Chase Utley (27): .328 / 21 HR / 74 RBI / 33 2B / 95 R
c) Jose Reyes (23): .296 / 11 HR / 54 RBI / 14 3B / 94 R / 48 SB
d) David Wright (23): .314 / 22 HR / 86 RBI / 29 2B / .552 SLG / 14 SB
e) Miguel Cabrera (23): .337 / 17 HR / 76 RBI / 36 2B / .555 SLG
f) Ryan Zimmerman (21): .290 / 15 HR / 75 RBI / 35 2B / .483 SLG

***

Got home at 2:30 a.m. Thursday after my flight from Atlanta was delayed by about an hour because of bad weather. When I woke up this morning, a little more bleary-eyed than usual, I realized how lucky I was.

A friend who covers the Phillies for another paper in the area flew home today and was stranded in the line at airport security in Atlanta for about 90 minutes while people emptied their bags of any liquids, including shaving cream, mouthwash and other items you'd never hesitate to shove into any bag you'd carry on to a plane.

All because of another terrorist threat.

Thing is, I've never feared flying. Used to do it all the time in college whenever I'd come home for the holidays. I'm not one of those people who sweats when it's time to board the plane, and I guess that's a good thing considering how often my job requires me to do it.

But some days, you can't help feeling a little afraid.

Aug. 8: PREGAME -- UTLEY HITS SI

It's an all-Philly cover of Sports Illustrated this week, with Chase Utley appearing below DSU's Jamaal Jackson and Hank Fraley of the Eagles.



Also, a few lineup notes for tonight: Struggling CF Aaron Rowand has been dropped to seventh, and LF Pat Burrell is getting a night off. Shane Victorino is in right field, and David Dellucci is in left.

Finally, don't forget to weigh in on the reader's poll below.

More later.

READER POLL: WHO'S BETTER?

Last weekend's trip to New York prompted me to consider this question, and I'm interested to hear your opinions.

Who is the best young player in the NL East?

a) Chase Utley
b) David Wright
c) Ryan Howard
d) Jose Reyes
e) Other

Cast your vote by commenting on this blog, or else, if you prefer, drop me an e-mail at slauber@delawareonline.com. When replying, please state a reason for your answer.

Let the debate begin.

Aug. 7 -- FRANKLIN TRADED

Got into Atlanta a little while ago, and there's some news on Ryan Franklin, who has been traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Here are the details, with more coming in tomorrow's News Journal.

***

On the final day before they would've had to release him, the Phillies traded right-hander Ryan Franklin and cash to the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named.

Franklin, 33, had been designated for assignment July 30 after going 1-5 with a 4.58 ERA in 46 relief appearances for the Phillies. He was signed as a free agent in January to a one-year, $2.6 million contract.

Phillies GM Pat Gillick said the Phillies will choose over the next few weeks between three Reds' minor leaguers.

The Phillies have traded two relievers to the Reds in a span of seven days. Left-hander Rheal Cormier was dealt to Cincinnati for minor league pitcher Justin Germano on July 31.

Entering tonight's game at Atlanta, the Phillies trail the Reds by 3-1/2 games in the NL wild-card race. The teams play each other this weekend at Citizens Bank Park.

More later.

Aug. 4: PREGAME -- NY LOVES CORY

Flew into NY today from St. Louis and stopped at a newsstand at LaGuardia Airport, where I saw this on the back page of the NY Post.

But here's the best part: The subhead on the Yankees game story read, "Yanks, Cory (ice) cream the Blue Jays."

Clearly, the Big Apple loves Cory Lidle ... so far, at least.

Aug. 4: BREAKING NEWS -- NEW COURT DATE FOR MYERS

Here's the latest on the Brett Myers pre-trial hearing today in Boston Municipal Court, according to Boston.com:

It lasted all of seven minutes. As expected, Myers wasn't present (he wasn't required to be there). Prosecutors met with Myers' lawyer and scheduled a court date for Sept. 5.

Myers, 25, was arrested June 23 on charges of domestic assault and battery. He allegedly hit his wife, Kim, on a Boston street corner.

Check tomorrow's News Journal for more.

Aug. 3: PREGAME -- MADSON TO THE 'PEN

A few notes before tonight's first pitch.

* It's official: Ryan Madson has been moved to the Phillies' bullpen. That leaves Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Randy Wolf, Jon Lieber and Scott Mathieson in the rotation. Manager Charlie Manuel said he hasn't ruled out Madson (9-7, 6.02 ERA) starting ever again, but for now, he'll pitch in relief. Interestingly, Madson's ERA as a starter is 6.28. As a reliever, it's 3.97.

* Jimmy Rollins did a live appearance on ESPN's The Hot List earlier today to talk about Chase Utley's 34-game hitting streak. While most of the Phillies watched it on the clubhouse TV, Utley sat at a table underneath the TV and, with tunnel-vision, reviewed videotape of his recent at-bats. Apparently, not only is Utley not talking about the streak, he's not listening to anyone else talk about it either.

* Cardinals send Jason Marquis to the mound tonight. Marquis, you'll recall, was the pitcher who stopped Rollins' streak at 38 games earlier this season.

More later.

Aug. 2: POSTGAME -- LIEBERTHAL SPEAKS

Had a pretty revealing conversation today with Mike Lieberthal, the longest-tenured Phillie and a soon-to-be free agent. Here's a partial transcription. The full story will be in Thursday's News Journal, but I'm curious to know what you think: Do you want to see Lieberthal back with the Phillies next season.

Q: Are you thinking about next season?
A: From what I've heard, [the Phils] are not going to pick me up next year. I have no chance of coming back. So they’re in a situation where they’ve got to find out what Chris [Coste] can do, and he’s been hitting.

Q: Did the Phillies tell you that?
A: No, but everybody is telling me – the media, TV [announcers], everybody.

Q: Would you want to come back?
A: I’m hoping to come back. Even if I don’t get a starting job, which I probably won’t, I’ll be a backup. And if it was [in Philadelphia,] it would be fine. I have a house here. I’m comfortable here.

Q: Money doesn’t matter?
A: I’ve already made enough money. I’m just playing to win and to play in a place you’re happy. I want to play as long as I can, as long as my body lets me.

Q: After last weekend's trades of David Bell, Bobby Abreu, Cory Lidle and Rheal Cormier, what are your feelings on the organization seemingly going in a different direction?
A: [Ryan] Howard and [Chase] Utley really can carry us to the playoffs. I still think we have a chance because the guys that we have in the core of the lineup can carry a team. If our pitching does well, and it possibly could, then we still have a chance.

Q: Bell is in a similar situation to you in the sense that he's a soon-to-be free agent. After seeing him get traded last week, did you think you might be next?
A: Not really, because my situation, coming back from an injury and not really playing very much, I really didn’t see it happening. I assumed I’d be here throughout the year. But this month, they could work out a trade [through waivers] or release me. Anything could happen.

Q: Are you envious of Abreu, Lidle and Sal Fasano, who, within the past two weeks, have all gone to the Yankees in trades and have a chance to make the playoffs?
A: I’m very happy for them. They wanted to go to a situation where they can win. I’d rather stay here. I want to stay here until the end. I want to stay in Philly. It’s been fun.

Q: So, you would come back for less money? (Lieberthal is making $7.5 million this year)
A: Exactly. Depending on how the next two months go, there might be a starting job that opens up. You never know. Right now, I’d say probably not. But things can change.

Q: Some players say they can’t wait to leave Philadelphia, due to media, boos, front office. What makes you so willing to stay?
A: It depends on your personality. You can’t let outside things affect you. I look at all the fans who do like me and supported me. And I really don’t pay attention to the media or read newspapers. I like playing in Philly, even with all the crazy boos. Whatever. I’ve been in Philly for so long. I got booed in Philly in ’94. Yhere was a ball going into the dugout and it hit the edge and came back in, and I kind of stopped and I got booed. Nothing’s changed, except there are more people in the stands. It was my second big-league game. If I could handle it then, I can handle it now.

Q: How are your knees (he's had six operations)?
A: I can still catch every day. But running gets to me a little bit more. It kind of comes and goes. I have bad weeks and good weeks.

Q: Would you consider retirement, given your health problems?
A: That’ll probably be a decision for the offseason, when I get a few more games under my belt. As long as I feel I can keep playing physically, I want to play.

Aug. 2: IN-GAME -- SIGN OF THE TIMES

As you might recall, when former Phillies third baseman Scott Rolen was shipped to the Cardinals a few days before the trade deadline in 2002, he said he felt like he was going to heaven.

Turns out, St. Louis appreciates Rolen, too.

A sign hanging on a building across Poplar Street from the new Busch Stadium reads, "Hey Philadelphia fans, thanks for Scott."

Aug. 2: PREGAME -- UTLEY NAMED PLAYER OF MONTH

Another scorcher here in St. Louis. Game-time temperature yesterday was 98 degrees. My guess is it's about the same today, and the game starts in about 75 minutes. But, from what I understand, it's about 100 degrees back home, so I'll stop complaining.

Other than the temperature, here's what up with the Phillies:

* Chase Utley was named today as NL Player of the Month. Utley, of course, takes a 33-game hitting streak into tonight's game. It's the seventh-longest streak since Joe DiMaggio's 56-gamer in 1941. In July, he hit safely in all 25 games he played, leading the NL with 45 hits and 26 runs scored. He also batted .425 (45-for-106) with 13 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 24 RBIs.

* Phils manager Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee still haven't narrowed their rotation from six pitchers to five. Although, with Ryan Madson available in the bullpen for a second straight night, it's probably a safe bet that he'll move back there permanently, leaving Jon Lieber, Brett Myers, Randy Wolf, Cole Hamels and Scott Mathieson in the rotation.

* Mike Lieberthal said he was slated to start last night but has been bothered again by his right knee. He probably will need to have his knee drained when the team gets to New York on Friday.

I'll have more on Lieberthal and the Phillies in tomorrow's News Journal and at www.delawareonline.com.

More later.

Aug. 1: PREGAME -- Could it be any hotter?

Hello from St. Louis, where it's about 100 degrees. I'm sitting in the press box at the new Busch Stadium and staring at the Gateway Arch, which dominates a nice view. Over the next few days, I'll try to highlight some of the features of this new stadium.

For now, though, there's plenty to discuss with the Phillies. So much for things calming down after the trade deadline. If you haven't already heard (or read in today's News Journal), Cory Lidle, dealt to the Yankees on Sunday, made several disparaging remarks yesterday during a conference call with New York reporters. Word of his comments reached the Phillies while they were taking a charter flight to St. Louis, and last night, Phillies reliever Arthur Rhodes shot back.

Rhodes met the media here today. Here are a few highlights:

"It wasn't very nice to this team. It wasn't very nice to this organization. You look at it, he only pitched two good games for us, and it was the last two games he pitched. From the beginning of the season until then, he wasn't pitching that good."

"I played cards with him for a couple trips. But me and him got into it in New York. I went into the clubhouse, and he was in there playing on the Internet during the game. After that, I didn't speak to him anymore. That was it."

Stay tuned for more in tomorrow's News Journal, including colleague Martin Frank's coverage of Bobby Abreu's debut for the Yankees.