Although the Phils are in first place in their division, it is mostly by default. Lidge came crashing back down to earth with an 0-3, 7.86 ERA with 13 saves in 29 games before going on the disabled list. Ryan Madson stepped into the stopper’s role and had nearly as many blown saves (three) as saves (four). With Lidge making his first appearance in nearly three weeks, the fans at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark can only hope that the 2008 version is the one coming back.

Philadelphia leads the Mets – another team decimated by injuries –  by one full game in the National League East with a very paltry 38-34 mark, by far the weakest division leader in Major League Baseball. Considering that we are not even at the half way point in the season yet, it may come down to who can keep the most warm bodies on the field.

Photo by Bill Menzel

Using his ‘star status’ to his advantage, Vince – who is surprisingly tall in person – was able to gain admission to Splitsville, a popular Channelside bar that includes numerous full-sized bowling alleys, without having to wait on the long line out front.

Studio 54 it is not, but Vince is certainly no Andy Warhol, either.

For any ‘fans’ out there of the snake oil salesman, you hopefully will not be disappointed to hear that Vince appeared to have been enjoying in the festivities a bit too much. But what the hell – it’s the Super Bowl, right?

And by bypassing the regular folks, Vince apparently “sold” himself.