Ibanez Injury Adds to Home Woes

Some really bad news today, as Raul Ibanez has been placed on the 15-day DL with a groin strain.

It’s a big blow to a team that is currently stinking things up in front of the home crowd. Last night’s listless, 7-1 thumping by the Blue Jays only serves to augment this latest injury news.

It goes without saying that losing Ibanez, an early National League MVP candidate, is a huge loss. John Mayberry will likely play ever day in left until Ibanez returns.

Can Mayberry at least provide a reasonable facsimile of Ibanez’ production?

If the team can't come up with better play at home (i.e. give the 'pen a break), it might not matter.

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You can follow today’s game here.

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Inquirer Phillies beat writer Andy Martino mentioned on his blog a few days ago that he’d be away from the team for a few days, working on something “Phillies related.”

Wonder what it could be?

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And now for a bit of good news: Flyers captain Mike Richards is up for the Selke Trophy, the award given to the NHL’s top defensive forward, at tonight’s league awards dinner.