Phils Lose a Series to Perennial Losers, and Does the 'P' Stand for 'Eagles?'

This week, we’ll talk about Plaxico Burress donning a Phillies cap, the Phillies issues with PNC Park, Hamels and Halladay and Michael Vick being Finally Free.

We’re also serving up a pair of tickets to see the Philadelphia Union battle Chivas USA at PPL Park on June 25. That’s right, soccer fans. I’m a lover, not a fighter.

Let’s begin!

The Good

The Halladay Effect

After the 2009 season, which ended with regrettable comments and multiple poor performances by Cole Hamels, the Phillies traded to acquire Roy Halladay.  Seamheads across the region wondered if Halladay and his work ethic would be able to somehow straighten out Hamels who, despite all the talent in the world, had regressed from his previously successful form.

A year and a half later, an argument can be made that Hamels is the Phillies most reliable starter on the best pitching staff in baseball.

Hamels added a cutter to his repertoire and gained confidence in his use of the curve, but mimicking Halladay’s preparation and workouts may have been what finally turned the light on for the former first-round pick.

After the 2010 All-Star break, Hamels was the best lefty in baseball, posting a monstrous stat line of 2.23 ERA with a 9.7 K/9 in 15 second half starts. Two months into the 2011 campaign, Hamels is continuing to build on that success, with a 2.83 ERA and a 9.0 K/9 in 12 starts.

That’s quite a turn-around from the man who “couldn’t wait for the season to end” merely two years ago. It may be increased competition due to the arrival of Halladay, or maybe he was deep in introspective thought when he realized that picking up the habits of a two-time Cy Young Award winner wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

Whatever the reason, on a staff of guns-for-hire, it’s nice to see a homegrown prospect shining so brightly.

Question: Do you think Cole Hamels will have a shot at the 2011 Cy Young Award?

The Bad

Nightmare at PNC

Despite holding the best winning percentage in baseball, the Phillies lost a weekend series to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who haven’t had a winning season in 17 years.

It really shouldn’t surprise anyone, as the Phillies have always played poorly at PNC Park, with a record of 12-26 since the park’s inaugural season in 2001. Fortunately, Halladay kept the Phillies from being swept, but losing a series to a perennial loser is never a good thing. 

I’m not sure what’s more embarrassing—the Phillies weekend performance or the Pirates celebrating the extra-innings win as if it were game seven of the World Series.

Question: What is it about PNC Park that causes the Phillies to play so poorly?

Finally Free

Vick’s autobiography, Finally Free, will debut in bookstores in late July, and it’s said that the book will document his success with Virginia Tech and the Atlanta Falcons, his fall from grace when he was arrested for dog fighting, his time in federal prison and his comeback efforts.

I understand that football players are extremely bored due to the lockout, but spending that downtime writing a book about football, dog fighting and prison doesn’t seem like the brightest of ideas. It will be an interesting read, but there’s a time and place to write an autobiography, and that’s not when you’re currently in the process of reinventing yourself.

Vick deserved a second chance, and the Philadelphia Eagles afforded him that opportunity. I’m happy to see his efforts on and off the field, but the thought of him making money off of a book about dog fighting and prison seems … cheap.

I’d rather that Vick follow in Jose Canseco’s footsteps, and save the tell-all until after his career is over.

Question: What are your thoughts on Vick releasing an autobiography?

The Ugly

Speaking of Prison

Last week, I wrote about the rumors that the Birds would be interested in picking newly available free agent Plaxico Burress, but I had hoped that it was pure speculation.

That was until Burress wore a Phillies hat.

ESPN has been running footage of Burress’s release from prison, in which he takes his first steps as a free man while clearly sporting a red Phillies cap. Sports radio has been littered with Burress chatter, and network talking heads are fueling the fire with more speculation.

The last time I saw so much Drew Rosenhaus, T.O. was doing sit-ups in a New Jersey driveway. I fail to see how bringing Burress in would be a positive from a football standpoint or a public relations standpoint.

Are people really salivating at the thought of seeing him in Eagles green?

Question: What are your thoughts on Burress and “The Hat”?

Quote of the Week

“I think that lineup is going to hit. That lineup has to hit.” —Charlie Manuel, after losing 2-1 to the Pirates in 12 innings.

Video of the Week

Grown men should never bring baseball gloves to a game.

Free Union Tickets

Want to see the Philadelphia Union square off against Chivas USA on June 25? All you have to do is email your answers to the following six questions to slavetologic@gmail.com.

A winner will be chosen at random, and they’ll be announced in next week’s Phour for Phour column.

Ready?

1. What was the final score of the ?

2. What did Melissa Treacy’s ?

3. What is the name of the French novelist referenced in ?

4. How many stars were given to Zachary’s BBQ in ?

5. What are the names of the sextuplets mentioned in ?

6. What is your favorite thing about Patch?

Hint: Mentioning my name will not help your chances, but thanks!

Looking Forward

This week, the Phillies begin an 11-game home stand, facing off against the Dodgers and Cubs, while the Union plays host to Real Salt Lake.

Here is your Philadelphia sports schedule for the week:

Today

• Phillies vs. Dodgers, 7:05 p.m. on CSN and ESPN

Tuesday

• Phillies vs. Dodgers, 7:05 p.m. on CSN and MLBN

Wednesday

• Phillies vs. Dodgers, 7:05 p.m. on CSN

Thursday

• Phillies vs. Cubs, 7:05 p.m. on CSN and MLBN

Friday

• Phillies at Cubs, 7:05 p.m. on CSN and MLBN

Saturday

• Phillies at Cubs, 4:10 p.m. on FOX

• Union vs. Real Salt Lake, 4 p.m. on ABC

Sunday

• Phillies at Cubs, 1:35 p.m. on PHL 17

If you have questions that you would like to see answered in next week's Phour for Phour, email them to slavetologic@gmail.com. They may now include the words "doop" and "soccer."