Baseball commish has All Star game all wrong

The Major League Baseball All Star game is an exhibition. Wait, no it's not. Or maybe it is.

Oh forget it, I have no clue.

The All Star game is referred to as the fans game. They vote for the starting lineups in what is often a popularity contest based more on past accomplishments than current year accomplishments.

I have no problem with this. The All Star game should be a game where the fans can enjoy the biggest names in the game. It's a fun game to watch and a great opportunity to see the best players in the game.

All the while trying to fill the above desires, commissioner Bud Selig has added a facet to the game that is all wrong - home field advantage for the World Series awarded to the league that wins.

This is absolutely ridiculous.

How can an exhibition game, where fans vote in players, determine such an important thing as home field advantage on the biggest of stages?

It makes no sense. None.

Phils biggest need is a new closer

When talking about the Phillies needs as the trade deadline comes closer, the two biggest areas of discussion are around starting pitching and an infielder to fill in while Chase Utley is out with an injury.

I'm here to tell you that while adding starting pitching and infield depth sure would be nice, it is the bullpen that needs the most attention - specifically the closer.

Brad Lidge is just not dependable. I hate to say it. He was tremendous in 2008 and a huge reason why the Phillies won the World Series.

But it is time to give up on him.

Lidge received a pass last year. He was terrible (0-8 with 10 blown saves and an ERA of 7.21), but was given every chance possible to work through his issues.

While the Phillies closer has not been as bad this year (1-0 with 5 saves), he still has three blown saves and an ERA of 4.80.

Last night, he loaded the bases before getting Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips to fly out, getting out of a self-imposed jam.

Lidge just cannot be trusted anymore. It's sad to say that because I really like him as a person and player. He gives his heart and a tremendous effort on the field.

But the results are not there. They just aren't.

So while adding a starting pitcher (especially a good one) would be a big help, it is the closer that scares me.

The Phillies don't have many other options.

Ryan Madson faltered when given the chance last season. He had 10 saves but six blown saves. He is not the answer.

Former closer Danys Baez is not the answer. He has two blown saves and an ERA of 4.45.

Jose Contreras would be the closest bet to take over the closer role. He has three saves, one blown save, and an ERA of 2.93 this season.

So what should the Phillies do? Below are a few options in no particular order:

Kerry Wood - The Cleveland Indians closer is on the trade block. He has eight saves this season but an ERA of 5.95 and a high price tag. No thanks.

Brett Myers - Yes, I know the Phillies chose not to resign him after last season and yes, he has pitched a starter this year. But remember how good he was as a closer in 2007? Would be an interesting trade to say the least.

Octavio Dotel - Word has it that the Pirates closer is available. He has been decent with 19 saves and an ERA of 4.41. He has four blown saves. I don't like the high ERA.

Pedro Martinez - He is out there and available. While the Phils would more likely look at him as a starter. But what about him closing? He has the guts. Just not sure he has the stuff.

Mariano Rivera - Now that would be nice.

Mitch Williams - He sure was good in 1993. Would he come out of retirement? The only thing is that he could cause just as much heartburn as Lidge does.

As you can see, I am reaching. There are just not a lot of closers names out there at this time.

I really do not know what the answer is.

What I do know is that Lidge is not the answer.

Phils win in walk-off again

The Philadelphia Phillies did not have a baserunner against Cincinnati Reds rookie Travis Wood heading into the ninth inning.

Good thing Roy Halladay was on the mound for the Fightins.

Carlos Ruiz broke up the no hitter with a double to lead off the ninth and Jimmy Rollins won it with a single in the bottom of the 11th as the Phillies beat the Reds in extra innings for the third straight night, 1-0.

While Halladay did not match Wood in the hit category, he was equal in not allowing a run while pitching nine strong innings.

Ruiz led off the 11th with his second hit of the game and scored on Rollins' hit to right field.

The Phils won on Friday night on a walk-off homer by Brian Schnieder and completed a stunning 9-7 comeback victory on a Ryan Howard home run after being down 7-1 going into the ninth last night.

Cincinnati had a chance to win it in the 10th as they loaded the bases against Brad Lidge, but the Phillies closer got out of the jam. Jose Contreras pitched a perfect 11th for the win.

Halladay threw nine scoreless innings, allowin only five hits and one walk while striking out nine.

Wood, in his third major league start, was untouchable until Ruiz' double in the ninth.

The Phillies have woken up in the last three nights and have that "swagger" that took them to the World Series the past two years.

Heading into the All-Star break, the Phils will look for the four-game sweep tomorrow.