Phillies Beat Yanks 6-2 on St. Patrick’s Day

The clouds parted and the sun came out.  I took the key out of the ignition and got out of the car with my friend Eric.  We surveyed the scene from the parking lot of Bright House Field and it was packed.  I had yet to buy my tickets and was hoping for standing room seats to still be available, but the parking lot attendant informed me that they were sold out.  That’s what happens when the Yankees are in town to play the best team in the National League.

I went up to Mr. Scalper and asked if he had any standing room tickets left and he nodded.  Face value was $12.00.  I paid $40.00 along with the $8.00 parking fee.  I tried to put that behind me and made my way into the park.  Eric and I met up with some friends along the left field fence and walked around a bit before the game.  The crowd was in a great mood and everyone was decked out in red Phillies gear, or green Phillies gear for St. Patrick’s Day.

A Scare at Third Base From Polanco

For Phillies fans, the start of the new work week was also another opportunity to see how our new ace Roy Halladay was coming along during spring training. What we received was a solid pitching performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but also a scare from our new third baseman, Placido Polanco.

The Days Are Numbered for Eddie Jordan

For those of you that are still paying attention to the Sixers, I have two things to say: you have all of my respect for sticking with this sinking ship, and it looks like our dreams of losing Eddie Jordan will be happening soon.

According to the Inky’s Kate Fagan, Jordan’s days are numbered and Stefanski could be next:

Marlin Jackson an Eagle?

Let’s face it: I don’t think many fans have been too happy with the Eagles’ moves since free agency began. Sure, the team laid down big extensions for fan favorites and top performers Leonard Weaver and Jason Avant, but the holes the team has, of which there are many, have yet to be filled.

One answer could come today when free agent safety Marlin Jackson visit the NovaCare complex at 3pm, after his scheduled 11am talk with reporters. Jackson, who shares an agent with Avant, will be visiting the Ravens beforehand.

Union Player Profile: Roger Torres

The newest member of the Philadelphia Union joined the team yesterday. Midfielder Roger Torres, just 18, is on loan from Colombian powerhouse América de Cali. By all accounts he has a ton of potential, with boss Piotr Nowak echoing that sentiment. “His creativity and ability to see the whole field will help us play the way we want to play.”

Torres is an outright central attacking midfield type, one that will benefit by playing under the direction of Fred, and he has a real chance to shine on this brand new club.

Goodbye Reggie Brown, Avant extended

Face it, Reggie Brown was terrible. The team should have gotten rid of their second round from 2005 a few years ago, but finally today he was sent to Tampa Bay for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick. This past season he caught 9 passes for 155 yards, including a memorable TD pass from Michael Vick.

Happy trails, Reggie. Let’s hope Kevin Curtis follows you.

Staying with the receivers for a moment, the team also locked up Jason Avant for five years. The restricted free agent had a bit of a breakout year last season, proving to be dependable for the team, especially in third down situations. According to ESPN, the deal is worth $18 million, $8 million guaranteed.

Union Player Profile: Fred

Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva, commonly known as Fred, was was traded to the Philadelphia Union (along with allocation money), for its 2010 first round SuperDraft pick, on January 13, 2010.

While the 30-year old midfielder may be getting a little long in the tooth, he’s had a storied career and he brings a wealth of experience to the brand new club.

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes f/ Teddy Pendergrass “I Miss You”

From 1973, here’s another classic clip from Soul Train, this one combining the talents of Teddy P and Harold Melvin.

Union Player Profile: Brad Knighton

In just under 23 days, the Philadelphia Union will take the pitch in their very first game ever, against the Sounders in Seattle. I’ve been a big soccer fans for years, but up until this point I’ve only followed the English leagues (Arsenal supporter) and to a lesser extent, Serie A and La Liga.

I’ve never had any interest in the MLS mostly due to the lower quality of play and the absence of a Philly team. Now that the Union is about to begin their inaugural season, I am planning to jump into the league headfirst.

Over the next few weeks leading up to game one, we’ll be looking at each and every player on the roster. First up will be keeper Brad Knighton.

Michael’s Trip to the Ballpark or MLB Hates Bloggers, Part 528

A few days ago, I decided it was time to take myself to the ballpark to get a story. I grabbed my camera, my notepad and my pen, and got in my car to head up to Bright House field. The Sound of Philly is committed to bringing you the stories you want to hear, but as with most baseball sports blogs, this comes with a hitch. Major League Baseball is notorious for their disapproval of giving credentials to websites and blogs that are unaffiliated with a major news organization or company.

I drove up to the parking lot at the field to test that idea. I wanted to see how far I could go with myself and my word.

I drove down the entranceway, and came across an elderly man who was wearing an orange vest. I said hello with a smile and told him that I was a reporter for TheSoundofPhilly.com and was there to meet someone to talk to about the new season and spring training in general. He looked at me through his sunglasses and said, “Ok. You can park over there in the media section.”