You heard it here

In a few weeks, thank god, the area will be alive with the sound of fall sports practice as preparations begin for the 2008 season.
Until then, the pickings are sparse.
During my recent two weeks in solitary confinement, I got to watch a lot of television, the good, bad and real ugly. Okay, mostly ugly.
I did get to watch a lot of the Phillies. Despite a horrible trip through the American League, they still remain in first place, some how.
But there’s one thing I don’t think you’ll see the rest of the year and that’s Brett Myers wearing pinstripes. They tried to trade him before shipping him to Lehigh Valley and since he make some comments about pitching in the bullpen, rather than being a starter, I don’t see him fitting the bill.
Sure, there is an opening in the bullpen with “Flash” Gordon being out, but I think Myers, who I thought had some physical issues, is a mental case. I think and I’ve heard some talk about it, he would be better off, being traded.
If his head is screwed on straight, he can definitely help the team, but...
Right now, I think the Phillies need three pitchers to finish the season. One to replace Myers, another to send Adam Eaton out to pasture and another arm in the bullpen. Clay Condrey and Rudy Seanez need to go.
Offfensively, they are fine, except I’m running out of patience with Carlos Ruiz (Chris Coste needs to catch five days a week) and Geoff Jenkins. Perhaps another bat off bench would help.
But it all comes back to one thing and even though he’s been pretty steady this year, that one thing that could really hurt the Phillies resides in the dugout and his name is Charlie Manuel. He still doesn’t use his pitchers right, often times leaving them in too long. He also needs to settle on a batting order. Forget moving it around against lefties. These guys are pros and if Jimmy Rollins is suppose to lead off, keep his at that spot.
Some tweaking is needed, but I don’t see any big reason as to why the Phillies shouldn’t repeat. As for making a long run in October, they need to get a couple of arms.

Odds and ends...

• Training camps in the NFL open next week and will someone please tell Brett Favre to stay retired.
• Won’t be going to the Eagles’ camp this year, breaking about a 10 year streak, if not longer.
• Media Day for the L-L League in football is Friday, Aug. 8.
• Didn’t watch it, but was told some of the best television over the weekend was the Wimbledon men’s final.
Told you, tennis is like watching auto racing and golf. Nap time!
• I think the United States will do well in track and swimming based on the trials I saw the last few weeks.
• Nice to see former WGAL sportscaster Jim Stone getting some air time covering the Olympic track.
He’s in San Diego and was working for NBC as sort of a stringer-type for the track.
• All-Star game on Tuesday night will be one to watch just because its at Yankee Stadium, one of the classic parks in the game.