Rubber match

The Bucs and Phillies face off in the final game before the All Star break, a break that both teams must be looking forward to immensely. Today is a "Phenom Phace-off" in Philly (sorry, I couldn't help myself) between Zach Duke and Cole Hamels. Hamels has struggled a bit with his control since arriving in Philly eariler this year, while Duke has just plain struggled this year. Still, Duke seems like he's always one inning away from snapping out of his funk in every start, but in that one inning he gives up 4 runs. I don't know how much of this one I'm going to see, there's also this little soccer game going on this afternoon.

Also, Brad Lincoln made his first start for the Bradenton Pirates in the GCL yesterday and was pretty impressive, though a guy that's won most of the major awards that go to DI pitchers probably should dominate in the GCL. I really hope we aren't planning on keeping him there for long.

Also this afternoon at 4 is the All-Star Futures game. It features Josh Sharpless and Neil Walker (Gorzo was supposed to pitch in it, but got called up before then rendering him ineligible). For anyone back home reading, Nolan Reimold (a former high school teammate of mine and current Oriole farmhand) will suit up for the US team today.