Make Him Happy
( Michael Bradley)

   The Eagles need a quiet and crisis-free training camp if they are to do the work necessary to go after the NFC East title. If that means throwing some serious coin Brian Westbrook's way, so be it. He deserves it -- within reason.

Now Keep It Up
( Michael Bradley)

   Comcast SportsNet was kind enough last night to provide viewers with a constant montage of dejected Mets fans, who had to deal with the double disgrace of seeing their heroes blow a three-run ninth-inning lead at home and the realization that, yes, they still lived in Queens. Any Phillies fan who didn't rejoice at the come-from-behind victory needs to be checked for a pulse. It was great stuff.

   But it can't end there. The Phils have had plenty of highlights this year, but they can't always keep the momentum going. the 20-run explosion against the Cards was followed by two straight losses. A July 4th weekend opening win over the Mets had three defeats behind it. Even last week's Friday triumph over the Marlins was followed by two defeats. In other words, let's not get too excited yet, people.

   Brett Myers takes the mound tonight for the Phillies with the chance to make sure the Phils leave New York in first place. He spent three weeks on the farm trying to get his mojo back, and he has assured everybody he's ready to go. He had better be, because no one can guarantee a Lazarus-like performance again tonight. If Myers' old nemesis, the gopher ball, returns to the ballpark, the Phillies will be in trouble, because Mets' pitcher John Maine is tough, especially against Philadelphia.

   It's another acid test for the team. Does it have the focus to follow up a milestone moment with championship play, or will it feel too good about itself and be unable to build on the success? That's the big question about a team that has yet to prove it's capable of being consistently strong. The Phillies had a great time Tuesday in Queens, or as good as one can have there. It's time to keep the fun rolling.

   Myers gets the ball tonight and needs to show up big. His teammates need to remember that one game does not win a pennant. Whether everybody can handle last night's success like big-leaguers could tell how far the Phillies will go the rest of the way.

   Comebacks are fun. Winning streaks are more fun.

Grow Up and Play Ball
( Michael Bradley)

   We're hearing a lot of whining from the Phillies of late regarding their playing time and troubles with the bats, but the fact is that this team has no one capable of leading it during tough times, and until someone steps up, beating the Mets is unlikely.

Super Bowl Or Bust
( Michael Bradley)

   There are more than six months until Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, but the Eagles begin training camp today with a mandate to make one final attempt to climb through the window with this core before the rebuilding effort starts.

Anything's Better Than Eaton
( Michael Bradley)

   The Phillies acquired Joe Blanton from the A's yesterday to bolster their starting rotation. About the best that can be said about the 5-12 righthander is that he's better than Adam Eaton. That isn't good enough.

Time To Play Hard Ball
( Michael Bradley)

   The Eagles have enough to worry about heading into training camp with Donovan McNabb's bum shoulder and the pressure of having to overcome last year's below-par season. Now, they have to deal with Drew Rosenhaus again. Time to play some hard ball

Farewell, Old Friend
( Michael Bradley)

   It's tempting to greet the news of the Spectrum's imminent demise with anger and shouts for justice, but the Old Barn has outlived its usefulness and should go. That doesn't mean I won't miss it.

It's All About Brett
( Michael Bradley)

   The Packers gave Brett Favre ample opportunity to come back from his latest retirement, but when he declined the chances, they moved on. Now, he wants back in the game -- on his terms. Sorry, Brett, but the NFL doesn't work that way.

Last Chance
( Michael Bradley)

   Whether it's confidence, a brief slump or the fact that Adam Eaton just can't be trusted, he gets one more chance after the All-Star Game, and if he has another meltdown, he's banished to the bullpen -- awful contract or not. He can't be allowed to blow games any longer.

In Season Post-Season
( Michael Bradley)

   The Diamondbacks come to town for a pre-All Star meeting of division winners, and the Phillies can't afford to sag like they did against the Mets, even if they are facing Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb.