• It's amazing that the Phillies were able to trade David Bell and get worse at third base. Yes, the Fightins are now playing our root-for-him-to-fail boy Abraham Nuñez at third base. On the plus side, maybe he really can have the worst season ever, now.
• Here's some good news: The Phillies designated Ryan Franklin for assignment. Even though we feel that Franklin is the worst player to ever use steroids, we will say that it was a little strange that he was signed to be a starter in the offseason and never started a game, despite playing on a team with the worst starters in the league. But, hey, it's the Phillies!
• Despite trading away Bell and Abreu, the Phillies are now on a tear, having won 5 of 6 and swept a doubleheader yesterday. They've scored 32 runs in the past three games. If the Phillies were going to make a miracle run for the Wild Card, it'd definitely only happen after they packed it in.
• For the second straight season, the Phillies have a hitting streak. Chase Utley has hit in 31 straight games. Are the Phillies the first team to have 30-game hitting streaks in back-to-back seasons? No idea! But that seems pretty likely.

Later today, we'll be starting our ex-Phillie watch, which will be running the rest of the season. Think Philadelphia athletes only do well once they leave town? We'll test it this year. Even for Sal Fasano!