HEAT AND DEADLINES

Some say that there is no global warming crisis. Some would tell you that, even if there is a global warming crisis, human activity has nothing to do with it. Some of these folks are the same people who tell us that we have nothing to fear if the debt limit isn't raised. They would have us believe that, even though the failure of increasing the debt limit would reduce the governments "income" to 60% of its expenditure obligations, Grandma will still get her check and that the country would still be able to pay its bills, despite the warnings of economists of all stripes. America is such a great country because it allows idiots to pontificate and lead without any apparent consequence to themselves - most will get reelected.

When I was in school, I never paid much attention in science class and can't speak to the validity of the arguments on either side of the global warming debate, but dealing with a day of heat indexes above 100 makes me think that something might be amiss. The world is upside down, much like the sports we love to watch, talk about, and care greatly about.

Despite a 3-1 loss last night to the Reds, my beloved Pirates are still atop the NL Central. How could I have known when picking them to be my 2011 "beloved" team that they would actually be in first place on July 21. Normally by this time the Pirates are conducting their annual fire sale of any and all players making above the ML minimum. In our upside down world, the Pirates management has stated that they would be looking to add players. Who'd a thunk it? Not only that, but fans are actually attending their games - and I refer to local Pittsburghers, not the Phillies faithful who helped sell out PNC Park when the Phils were last out there losing a series to the Bucs. Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.

Despite Roy Halladay melting like the Wicked Witch in Chicago, the Phillies found a way to take the series against the Cubs with Worley pitching an eight inning gem on a day when the temperature measured 112 on the field in the fifth inning. The LSF loves day baseball, but having players take the field wearing heavy polyester uniforms in 100 degree weather seems like it ought to be a violation of the players' agreement with MLB. If it isn't, it probably ought to be.

For the most part, the Phillies are still suffering from decreased offensive production as are most other teams, but they keep on finding ways to win games. Every game another marginal player steps up and carries the team across the finish line. Can you say Michael Martinez? This diminutive rule five player was hitting .188 when Polanco went on the DL, and has taken advantage of his opportunity to raise the average to above .240, and has driven in the winning runs on more than one occasion. While some of the "regulars" have indeed picked up their games, this team continues to win with smoke and mirrors and brilliant pitching. It may be the formula that takes the Phillie to yet another NL East title.

The trade deadline is almost here, expiring two days before the debt increase deadline. With the debt limit thing we can turn on TV and see our elected darlings say stupid things and generally make asses of themselves. If this issue weren't so important, it would be comical. We can get no such entertainment from the trade deadline since our GM has become mute. Amaro ain't talking, although I have to think that he is hard at work in an effort to add the final piece of the puzzle. Pundits like Buster Olney have the Phillies in serious discussions with the Mets regarding Carlos Beltran. I am concerned that Amaro will have to give up too much to obtain the rental of Beltran. I see no way that the Phils will pony up the money Beltran will demand to sign with the club, especially with the free agency of Rollins and the need to lock up Hamels for the long term. Beltran could certainly help the team, but his acquisition is no guarantee that the Phils will win the whole thing.

How bad would it be if the Phils get Beltran - only to lose in the playoffs, and watch a Dom Brown in a Met uniform become the next Strawberry who helps beat the Phillies for years to come? Or, what if the price is Worley who becomes a Gooden-like stud who feasts on Phillies batters for years to come? Neither situation would make me happy, but it would provide a lot of fodder for my rants. The Mets would surely ask for one or two of the Phillies Baby Aces in a Beltran deal and, although these kids down on our farm teams COULD come back to haunt us in the future, they also might never cut it in the majors. We were all upset with the trade of Drabek, since he had been sold to us as the next coming of the Uberpitcher. No guarantees were issued and Drabek is now in AAA after a poor start in the show.

I suppose Amaro will get something done before the deadline - more sure of this than the assholes in Washington getting a deal done before August 2. I only hope that Amaro doesn't deal the team into mediocrity by giving up the wrong players for what will surely be a short term rental.

No Phillies tonight, but they will get the joy of coming home Friday to 100 degree temperatures and fans crazy enough to brave the elements at the Bank. I'll watch from the comfort of my living room with plenty of my favorite beverage on hand. By the time of the first pitch I will have surely consumed at least a six pack - of Poland Spring. That will mean more beer for those crazy enough to sip on their suds. Stay cool and dream of Ryan Howard becoming the "Big Piece" again in time for the last part of the season.