The "Welcome to New York" moment came about three minutes into Monday's "media day" at the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan.

While picking up media credentials in the third floor of the spacious downtown New York hotel, reporters, photographers and players alike had to squeeze through the throng of bodies to move 10 steps in any direction.

Again, it's called deodorant, people. Now I remember why I could never stand New York as a kid.

The smells.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I knew Josh Hamilton was going to win the Home Run Derby.

Okay, he didn't win it. But I wasn't exactly shocked with the display he put on in the first round at Yankee Stadium Monday night.

He launched 28 home runs in the opening round, hitting three times as many home runs as any of the other participants in their own first swings.

I wasn't surprised by Hamilton's display because I had a chance to see him take batting practice a few weeks ago before the Phillies-Rangers game in Arlington.

Hamilton, a physical freak who can also run and field probably as well as Shane Victorino, was just ripping long balls in the BP session I watched. Balls were bouncing off the facade in right-center - moonshots of 450-plus feet.

Hamilton's free and easy swing became vicious when ball met bat. It was as if everyone else in that BP session was hitting baseballs, and he was hitting super-charged tennis balls.

When I heard the Reds were shopping the outfielder in this past offseason, I actually remember telling my cousin the Phils should fill the void of Aaron Rowand by taking a chance on Hamilton, who would have surely cost Carlos Carrasco and another, top-flight prospect.

But after watching last night, I'm sure you'd make a deal like that, right?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yankee Stadium is special.

Even though I've been a huge baseball fan all my life and an East Coaster for 30 of my 31 years, I had somehow never stepped foot inside Yankee Stadium until Monday afternoon.

I wasn't sure what to expect. Many media types would tell me it's "overrated," that there wasn't much to it. Other Yankees-obsessed fanatics gave me a different, New York-biased view of the Bronx ballpark.

Even though I was born and raised in the Philly area, where hating all things New York sports is ingrained until your soul, I've always admired the history of the Yankees. (I'm not sure how any true baseball fan can't -- Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, etc?).

With that said, this place is definitely worth seeing. I'm glad I applied for press credentials this week. It would have been a tragedy to miss seeing this place.

Here's what makes it special: Gehrig delivered his teary-eyed, stirring "Today, I consider myself...." speech. Babe Ruth starred on this field. Mantle and DiMaggio ran down fly balls in that outfield.

Speaking of the outfield -- the most jarring observation for this first-timer is in left field. Before the park's renovations in the 1970s, the famous monuments and the America flag in left were in play.

Just take a look at this picture and take a look at how far that flag pole is from home plate! If Pat Burrell played with those dimensions as this as his home ballpark back before the renovations, he'd be lucky to hit 15 home runs in a season.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chase Utley uttered one of the late George Carlin's "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television" last night.

Honestly, this is the most overrated story of the week. Does anyone care?

Sure, I understand hearing the "F, dash-dash-dash" word isn't the best of things if you're sitting at home watching the Home Run Derby with your young son or daughter.



But let's face it. This is 2008. You can't turn a TV channel these days without hearing similarly inappropriate content (hello Viagra commercials, we're talking to you!).

In the last 20 years, Carlin's words have have probably gone from seven to four. People say all kinds of things on television these days, and with reality shows and miked-up athletes, more and more inappropriate content is out there.

If you don't see it, you're not paying attention. This isn't saying Utley was okay for his response to the New York bronx cheer (which I'm sure true Philadelphians secretly loved, by the way).

But if we want constant, instant and intrusive access like athletes miked up during live events, you have to understand and accept the consequences, too.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The (return of the) Archive Files

I had the chance to talk to several all-stars, including "nemesis" Albert Pujols, on Brad Lidge's return to All-Star form.

In the All-Star edition notes package, a recap of a busy day in New York.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lastly, I'm really bothered and disturbed by this story in today's Daily Times.

In my mind, there is absolutely no excuse for anyone who harms innocent animals. Pets give unconditional love to their owners, and put their trust in their "masters."

Here's hoping James Jones does rot in jail, and better yet, has a very uncomfortable stay behind bars, too.