Phightins

I'm actually not trying to sound like a douche here, but the numbers don't lie. I am not arguing with you about the Capitals being the only relevant team in that city right now (although the Nationals will be joining them at some point in the next 2 years). But, yeah, bottom 10 in the league attendance basically every season of the past decade (including 2008 when they were a playoff team). It's only been the past 2 years (this past year the only year they are averaging a sell out per game) where attendance has picked up. Coincidentally, these past 2 years have also been the time when 4 or 5 guys on that roster have emerged as superstars and the Capitals have emerged as an Eastern Conference power. Again not trying to sound like a dick, but to call Washington a "hockey town" is a bit much IMO.

I don't need to live in a city to recognize a bandwagon fan-base (no offense). If they stay this good for the next decade (looks like they will) and keep drawing well, then they can be called a hockey town. But four years removed from being in the bottom 5 in the league in attendance....definitely not a "hockey town". The Capitals might be the best (and, to go along with that, most popular) team in the city at the moment but I wouldn't say that makes Washington a "hockey town". And Chicago is even worse with the Blackhawks.

Oh, I've noticed, but I will never be able to think of Washington as a "hockey town" after that experience. Not yet, anyway.

Lol..... I will never forget going to a Capitals-Islanders game 4 years ago when there were only 10,000 people there (and a decent amount were Islander fans).

I don't think the whole "second time through the order" thing really applies to him. No matter how many times you see a 100 mph/90 mph fastball/changeup combo, a 97 mph sinker, and a curveball as devastating as his, it doesn't really get any easier to hit (I'd think). Need to wait for a mistake with him.

Painful to watch.

He makes Tim Lincecum look pedestrian. Didn't think that was possible. Obviously this is a very small sample size so far vs. the worst lineup in baseball, but there is no denying the talent..... 99-100 on the 4-seamer, 97 2-seamer, 90 changeup, best curveball I have ever seen for a 21 year old. Jesus...

97 on the 2 seamer for Strasburg. He SUCKS.

Well, for one thing, I go to school in a big city (Philadelphia), I live in New Jersey and have been going to NYC somewhat frequently for my entire life, so it doesn't really blow me away as it might somebody else. Like, if I lived in the country and had never seen a big city, I'd think it's really cool. And yes, way too many people. And most of the city smells like urine.

Looks like he might be a keeper...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2010-06/54183319.jpg Oh wow, how funny. Does everybody get it? I am still laughing. If they keep trying they will be as funny as the NY Post.

Of course, they were able to draft Brentz and Ranaudo in the compensation round, which makes their first day look a lot better. Other teams would not have touched either of them, especially Ranaudo, because of Mr. Boras. Anyway, Phillies got a catcher in the 3rd round. Some dude from U of Texas. I'd be lying if I said I knew anything about him, but that is a position they need depth at so I was happy to see them pick him.

Strasburg and Stanton tonight, end of story. Obviously, wouldn't mind if Kyle Kendrick puts an 0-4 on Stanton tonight .

Jayson Werth is in a typical "slump". He is prone to them. He will be alright, I am confident about it. Same with Ryan Howard. Howard's power has not been there yet this year, but it's not like he's been terrible either. He is still getting on base. Obviously you want more power out of him, but like Werth, I am confident that will come around. The only core hitter I am starting to really worry about is Chase Utley. His slump is uncharacteristically long. The only time I have seen him look so lost at the plate for such a long span of time was the second half of 2008, when he was playing with an injured hip. Also, matchups for the Phillies/Marlins series: Tonight: Chris Volstad @ Kyle Kendrick Tomorrow: Josh Johnson @ Roy Halladay (!!!) Thursday: Anibal Sanchez @ Jamie Moyer Same 3 matchups as the series last weekend in Miami.

8 was way too high. I'd have been shocked if he was gone before 19, but I guess they thought otherwise.

Would you expect anything less from an Ed Wade-run team? Well, to be honest Ed drafted pretty well when he was in Philadelphia. Most of this core was drafted under his watch, but I think most of the credit can be given to other people.

The Cardinals and Red Sox seem like the obvious day 1 winners.

The NBA and NHL stores are AWESOME haha. I honestly hate NYC but if it's your first time, there will be plenty to see.

Bright spot: The Phillies are in the midst of some of the worst baseball they have played since the 90s, yet they are just 2 games out of first place. All is not lost. If Utley, Howard, and Werth snap out of their slumps at any point, this will be OK.

Wow, some really good pitchers slid all the way out of the first round. Lets see how many make it out of the compensation round.

Well, today was an epic failure by every aspect of this organization. Brutal loss on the field, brutal first round draft pick, brutal everything. Wondering if it's time for some changes. Just not sure what they could possibly be. Also, for the record, it's really really awesome for the kid they drafted. He is from the area and gets picked in the first round by his home town team, doesn't get much cooler. But there were way way way better options on the board.

For the record, I am fully expecting the Phillies to take Jesse Biddle here, a local kid, and try to convince us that he is truly the "best arm still available".

I was beginning to hold a bit of hope that Cox might fall to the Phillies....but the Cardinals grab him at 25.

I don't think Cole really made a bad pitch to Adrian Gonzalez. Any other ballpark (and a left fielder with slightly better range than Raul Ibanez) and that's a routine F9.