Spring Training Blog Round-Up... Tally Ho!

Ugh. Milton Street is more of a fiasco than a real candidate, something of a sideshow in the political circus. He may even sideline Brady's chances! Oh the shame!

So, to hell with politics. It's freaking warm again, and that means another miserable failure of an Eagles season is behind us (along with Jeff Garcia), and we can finally get back to the true American pastime. Phillyist is giddy like so many schoolgirls over watching a full season of Cole Hamels. Yeah, he got lit up this weekend. So what?

First off, Phillyist would like to say another heartfelt thank you to long-time Phillies coach John Vukovich, who passed away this week, leaving the Philly sports community at a loss. One of the more touching perspectives comes from Jon Finger over at Finger Food, who posted a littany of memories and quotes from many who knew Vuke. As well, former Phillie and now Boston ace Curt Schilling posted more of an insider's perspective on his new blog (launched this week), which can be found here.

Oh yeah, before we dive head first into the baseball season, let's not forget that there are two other mediocre teams (three if you haven't forgotten about the AFL) still with active seasons. Let's spend just a second on one of them.

Enrico of the 700-Level wrote on Monday about how the Sixers have done surprisingly well since figuring out that The Answer really wasn't. He was immediately rewarded for his prognostication as the Sixers ripped off six straight games. Don't think he didn't notice, either. Playoffs? Keep wishing...

And now, play ball! Hopefully that phrase includes April, the existence of which the Phillies have managed to forget the past couple years.

Brian Peoples at Philling Station writes that Aaron Rowand might be heading back to the South Side for some help in the 'pen. Phillyist is torn over this, because despite Shane Victorino playing his little heart out last year, Rowand broke his freaking nose for the Phils. Beer Leauger weighs in.

Phillies Nation and Hot Foot (a dirty Mets blog) engaged in a civil debate over which NL East team holds all the cards. Phillies fans click here to be incensed, and likewise, Mets fans click here.

Ryan Howard got paid, a good bit too. Phillies Nation, and Phillyist, are definitely on the big man's bandwagon hardcore.

Corey at We Should Be GM's critiqued more than the games coming out of the Grapefruit league, including the awful Phillies commercials and Abraham Nunez's home run. Phillyist also hopes for the Pat Burrel Chris Sabo rec-specs bonding experience, but no dice so far.

And then there was this little tit...err, tidbit from Philadelphia Will Do. It's not even another flattering picture of Antonella Barba. Classy! Chris Scott at Metroblogging Philadelphia wasn't appalled with her performance, but she got the boot anyway. Her 15 minutes are up, so good riddance, we say.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Aaron G Stock