It's Charlie's Fault
( Michael Bradley)

   Don't blame Rudy Seanez for Wednesday night's loss to the Mets. It isn't Brad Lidge's fault, either. Nope, by continuing his aversion to small ball and making a crushing eighth-inning gaffe, Charlie Manuel lost the game for the Phillies.

Heart And Soul
( Michael Bradley)

   When Jamie Moyer imploded early Tuesday night against the Letsgoes, things looked dire for the Phils' first-place chances, especially with Johan Santana scheduled to pitch Wednesday night. But guts, grit, heart and a horrible Mets bullpen may have produced the season's defining moment.

The Real "Pedal to the Metal"
( Michael Bradley)

   It was revealed yesterday that Bengals wideout Chad Johnson has a partially torn labrum but plans to play through the pain. Despite that promise, reports came out that Cincinnati was offering running back Rudi Johnson for an established WR. Now THAT'S pedal to the metal.

Finish The Job
( Michael Bradley)

   With three straight wins over Manny and Dodgers, the Phillies are a half-game out of first place and ready for their showdown with the Mets. There's only one thing left to do: Finish the sweep of L.A.

Are You Kidding?
( Michael Bradley)

   The Eagles needed a front-line wide receiver before Kevin Curtis went down with a sports hernia injury. Now that he's unavailable -- and likely will be for at least the opener -- that need is even greater. Unless you're Andy Reid.

Ready For Action
( Michael Bradley)

   Monday's news that the Sixers would finish their off-season frenzy by adding Theo Ratliff finally puts the team into clear focus. There have been many moves, but are they enough to put the team into contention? Not yet. And that's not a bad thing.

Sounds of Silence
( Michael Bradley)

   You want to boo. Of course you do. But that would just be giving Jimmy Rollins what he wants. Cheering plays into his hand, too. The solution? A whole lot of nothing. Disregard J-Roll completely, even if he hits the game-winning home run tonight.

Vote For Change
( Michael Bradley)

   After watching his team score a meager six runs in three games against the lowly Padres, Phils manager Charlie Manuel is mystified about the offensive shutdown. His players had better make some changes soon or face an unpleasant off-season.

Ready For Some Football
( Michael Bradley)

   The news that Brian Westbrook's new contract will be announced today eliminates a big distraction from the Eagles' pre-season. Now, it's time to see who on the team can really play some ball.

Give It Up, Lito
( Michael Bradley)

   Disgruntled Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard can complain all he wants about the team's unwillingness to give him a new contract, but the fact is he won't get one. Should he continue antagonizing the Birds, this won't end well -- for him.