I've been saying for a few years now that Bobby Abreu is the next big star in major league baseball.   After all of the crazyness with steroid scandles and teams being taken away then brought back, the moved, here comes a true shining light for the MLB.

Last night's homerun performance is just one piece of the puzzle here, but it was a big one.   Not a lot of people knew who Abreu was before this season, but he got named as a starter to the all-star game.   Nobody knew that anyone would hit many homers in Detroit (not a hitter friendly park), and a lot of people joked that the winner would be the first one who could get it out of there.

Not only did Bobby Abreu get it out of there, he did it 41 times in 2 hours.   That's a homerun competition record by far.

Mechanically, his swing is the best in the majors, and he has a Bonds like quality up at the plate.  He's NOT afraid to take a walk, he's NOT afraid to hit the single to move a runner.    Let's not forget this though, he will become only the THIRD person to EVER have 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in 7 straight years.   EVER.  Think about that.   The only other 2 are Bobby and Barry Bonds.   Not bad company right?

So move over Sosa (literally, he went to the AL and made way for Bobby), there's a new sheriff in town.

The Phils were 0-34 coming in today when trailing after 6 innings.

Thanks to Ramon Martinez, they're 1-34.

In 12 innings, the Fightin Phils pulled a comeback victory out of their hats.   Going into the all star break it's just what the Dr. ordered.

Urbina and Wags pitched great for the Phils, and Ryan Howard is a STAR.

Happy 4th of July everyone.

What a perfect day for some baseball.  Hopefully the Phils can bounce back and kick the Pirates around a little bit.  Boy do they need a confidence boost right now.

A few notes:

- Congrats to Bobby Abreu for being named to his first All-Star team as a starter.  He deserves it, and he'll be the man for years to come in that spot. 

- I would have liked to have seen Burrell make it, because he has had such a great bounce back year, but oh well

- Be sure to vote for Wags and Myers to join the All-star club (there's a link on the Phillies homepage: http://www.phillies.com)

- Ryan Howard is finally getting a shot, and speaking of shot...his homer to left was huge.   This kid has some great power, it's too bad he can't play any other positions!

Be safe and have fun, and remember the troops who fight and have faught for our freedom!

Chase Utley showed why he was ready to move into the every day second baseman spot.  The kid is an all star, and I've been saying it all year.  His 3 run homer won the game 6-3 over the Mets.

Corey Lidle had a great night on the mound as well, even though the game's start time was in serious doubt.  Luckily they got the game in and didn't have to play 2, even though that's fun for the fans, it's tough on the players and managers...especially if you have to use a lot of your bullpen.

The Phils will be OK.