Philadelphia Phillies - World Series Champions

They're Champions. The Philadelphia Phillies have ended the 25 year, 100 season drought in Philly. They've done what the 2004 Eagles, 2001 76ers and 1997 Flyers could not. But all those thoughts are simply washed in the Championship dream that is the 2008 World Series Champions.

We'll just enjoy the glory for now.

Is Greg Oden the Next Ralph Sampson?

NBA fans around the world have waited for Greg Oden to make his professional debut with the Portland Trailblazers. Tuesday night, Oden took the court for the first time in his NBA career, and you have to think that the fans were disappointed.

Granted his stats were not impressive 0-4, 2 rebounds 1 blocked shot and 1 turnover. However, what Trailblazer fans have to be disappointed about is that Greg Oden injured himself during the season opener. That's right Greg Oden got hurt again. This time he hurt his foot after playing just over 12 minutes. At this time it is unclear as to how severe the injury to Oden's foot is.

However, if you are the Portland Trailblazers you have to be concerned about the overall health and longevity of their one time number 1 pick. Greg Oden only played one year of college basketball at Ohio State. That season was cut short when Oden sat for the first half of the year with a wrist injury. Even upon returning to the court he was limited in what he could do. Oden missed his original rookie season in the NBA after undergoing micro-fracture surgery to repair an injured knee. And now he has another injury.

Even if it is a minor injury, this has to serve as proof that Greg Oden is a brittle player and his NBA career could be cut short due to a rash of injuries. If I was part of the Trailblazers management, I would be concerned that they just drafted the next Ralph Sampson.

Ralph Sampson was a three time national player of the year at the University of Virginia and is widely considered one of the best college basketball players ever. He was picked up by the Houston Rockets and along side Hakeem the Dream they combined to create a massive front court with two seven footers. However, a lack of size and a rash of foot injuries would end Sampson's career before he ever made an impact on the league.

Right now Greg Oden seems to be on the same path as so many other big men turn disappointments. I am not writing him off just yet, but I am warning, don't be surprised if/when it happens.

Daily "Linkin' Logs" - Dried Out Game Five Edition (10/29/08)

Well, the weather report for tonight in Philly is cloudy skies and high 40s. Sufficient enough for baseball (like last year in Boston...or last night in Philly - *sigh*). Another Selig screw-up as they probably could have played last night. Alas, no mistakes were made and they will (baring something blatantly ridiculous) play tonight.

The Philadelphia papers are all abashed with anger, frustration and downright disgust in regards to Major League Baseball's treatment of the Phillies, their fans and the game in general:

• Sam Donnellon, a professed Mets fan as a kid, thinks the whole game was a fraud and totally reliant on FOX, not MLB
• Todd Zolecki, a top Phillies beat writer, discusses the upset players involved.
• From Deadspin's Rick Chandler (who got it from the South Jersey Courier Post), two Phillies ripped the shit out of Bud Selig. Maybe not, because apparently said pitcher (anonymous Phillie) said he wouldn't even allow Selig to supervise one of his (we can only assume) "shits."
• And Senior times Hack, John Romano of TampaBay.com...well, he doesn't really mention anything about it, except that the Rays have "momentum." If you call being down 3-1 in the bottom of the 6th in an elimination game momentum...then yes, yes they do have momentum.

Its not sour grapes (yes it is), but this whole thing stinks to me. I feel as though I'm on the verge of the collapse and the lynch mob will then start to form around Allen Huber "Bud" Selig's house.

• Its been discussed amongst the Philly Phaithful...could it be Kate Smith Time?
• Brett Favre only threw 5 TDs in AZ...Deanna threw the 6th...duh
• And the collective hearts of Portland Trailblazers' fans are in their throats...That didn't take long
• The Cs hang another one up...
• King Peter takes a look at the blown call in the Falcons-Eagles Matchup. Certainly a tough call that the officials probably got wrong but this isn't baseball, you don't just make up the rules as you go.
• EC gives us an early look at...yep, Wrestlemania
  
• And finally, Charles Barkley is class all the way...