Get Moving
( Michael Bradley)

   With the big, bad Cubs out of the way and a three-day trip to D.C. on the horizon, the Phillies have a chance to set themselves up for a huge weekend in New York, provided they play with the same focus and sense of purpose they have in the last two games.

Snap Out Of It
( Michael Bradley)

   The Phillies learned a little bit about playoff baseball last night -- as if they needed instruction -- when they couldn't hold the lead against a top-shelf Cubs team. That's two blown opportunities in a row and hardly the way to grab hold of a divisional race. This is no time to play it cool. Maximum effort is needed for nine innings.

It's Charlie's Fault
( Michael Bradley)

   Don't blame Rudy Seanez for Wednesday night's loss to the Mets. It isn't Brad Lidge's fault, either. Nope, by continuing his aversion to small ball and making a crushing eighth-inning gaffe, Charlie Manuel lost the game for the Phillies.

Heart And Soul
( Michael Bradley)

   When Jamie Moyer imploded early Tuesday night against the Letsgoes, things looked dire for the Phils' first-place chances, especially with Johan Santana scheduled to pitch Wednesday night. But guts, grit, heart and a horrible Mets bullpen may have produced the season's defining moment.

The Real "Pedal to the Metal"
( Michael Bradley)

   It was revealed yesterday that Bengals wideout Chad Johnson has a partially torn labrum but plans to play through the pain. Despite that promise, reports came out that Cincinnati was offering running back Rudi Johnson for an established WR. Now THAT'S pedal to the metal.

Finish The Job
( Michael Bradley)

   With three straight wins over Manny and Dodgers, the Phillies are a half-game out of first place and ready for their showdown with the Mets. There's only one thing left to do: Finish the sweep of L.A.

Are You Kidding?
( Michael Bradley)

   The Eagles needed a front-line wide receiver before Kevin Curtis went down with a sports hernia injury. Now that he's unavailable -- and likely will be for at least the opener -- that need is even greater. Unless you're Andy Reid.

Ready For Action
( Michael Bradley)

   Monday's news that the Sixers would finish their off-season frenzy by adding Theo Ratliff finally puts the team into clear focus. There have been many moves, but are they enough to put the team into contention? Not yet. And that's not a bad thing.

Sounds of Silence
( Michael Bradley)

   You want to boo. Of course you do. But that would just be giving Jimmy Rollins what he wants. Cheering plays into his hand, too. The solution? A whole lot of nothing. Disregard J-Roll completely, even if he hits the game-winning home run tonight.

Vote For Change
( Michael Bradley)

   After watching his team score a meager six runs in three games against the lowly Padres, Phils manager Charlie Manuel is mystified about the offensive shutdown. His players had better make some changes soon or face an unpleasant off-season.