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Here's a not-talked-about subplot for the upcoming NLCS rematch against the World Series champion (sorry) Giants: Presumably, Showtime's The Franchise crew will be in Philadelphia along with the the team. Keep an eye out for Philly stuff when the episode airs next Wednesday.

Here's what I remember from the NLCS: Juan Uribe pulling a West Philly Gang Bang in the deep October night. 

That whole series was a blur. From the failed-to-live-up-to-expectations Game 1, to the Giants' walk-off win in Game 4 and Doc's pseudo-heroics in Game 5, everything seemed to happen so fast. It's the final innings of Game 6 that haunts. The miscues, the home run, Ryan Howard… standing … home plate. Pain.

Our man John Miller spoke with Brian Seltzer to talk about prospects the Phillies could trade this week. Good listen.

Brad Lidge was just super excited yesterday: [Philly Sports Daily]

“It almost felt like my big league debut,” he said.

Lidge, sidelined since March with a rotator cuff strain, was making his season debut. As he headed for the mound, he was welcomed back with a thunderous ovation from the sellout crowd.

“When you’ve been out as long as I have, you want to have a clean inning and keep your team in the game,” Lidge said. “And the way the fans were, I wanted to have a good inning for them.”

 

Good for Bradley.

Placido Polanco aims for a return by next weekend.

Cliff Lee was a little tweaked about being taken out early yesterday: [CSN Philly]

“It's his job to do everything he can to help the team win,” Lee said of Charlie Manuel. “And he felt like that was the best decision. I don't have to accept it or like it. He makes those calls, so I don't even have to understand. He's doing his job. I'm trying to do my job. And just the competitive nature of myself, I don't want to come out after four innings. I don't know any starting pitcher that does.”

 

Tons of tickets available for this week's Giants series, starting as low as $36 for tonight. See you there.

David Hale has an excellent interview with Jimmy Rollins. Here's an excerpt: [Delaware Online]

Q. Would it be tough to walk away?

A. I’ve never thought about it. I could say yes or no. My personality is no. I’ve never been attached to anything. I understand everything is temporary. Life is temporary. And if there’s anything to hold on to, it’s life. Beyond that, I understand anything can happen. It can be taken away from you at any moment. So I’ve never been a guy who’s just been attached to one thing or one place. I’ll take the situation for what it is. Whether I stay here, play here, I’ll keep it moving. If I’m not, same thing. I don’t worry about the past. I look forward to what I have now. I live in the moment, I guess.

 

Finally, Dave Gibson, the producer of the fabulous Sarge Remix, made a pump-up video for this week's series against the World Series Champs, Let Them Have It, For Real. It includes J-Roll™ swag and Charlie calling out Eskin. Yes and please.