A good time to be a fan

For sports junkies, it doesn’t get much better than this.

I proudly plead guilty to being about as big a sports fan – in particular Philly sports fan – as you will find. So, yes, I am happier than a pig in slop.

Why? This afternoon, on what has every indication of being a glorious spring afternoon, the Phils will take on the Astros in the finale of their series at Citizens Bank Park. The Phils – and their fans -- will then gird themselves for an invasion.

Yes, the Mets come to town tomorrow.

A few hours after this afternoon’s game, the Flyers will play Game 4 of their Stanley Cup playoff series against the Caps. The Flyers lead 2-1 and will look to put a strangle hold – literally – on the Caps and their superstar Alex Ovechkin.

Apparently some folks in D.C. are a bit taken aback at the behavior of some fans in the Wachovia Center. Welcome to Philly, folks.

On Sunday the Sixers will mark a return to the playoffs when they tangle with the Pistons.

Now then, about those Phils. Did anyone else notice anything troubling about Jimmy Rollins’ pinch-hit single in 9th inning of last night’s loss to Houston? The Phils trailed 2-1 with 2 outs. Charlie Manuel decided to send Rollins up to pinch-hit for catcher Carlos Ruiz.

Rollins promptly drilled a single to right-center. So what’s the problem? Do you watch Rollins, who is nursing a twisted ankle, jog back to the dugout after being replaced with a pinch-runner?

Maybe it’s me, but that looked decidedly like a limp. And that looks like big trouble for this team if this ankle turns into a lingering problem for the reigning MVP.

And one other thing. Anyone else wonder how good Michael Bourn might look right now in centerfield for the Phils. He was dealt to the Astros in the Brad Lidge trade. Then the Phils allowed Aaron Rowand to leave, signing with the Giants. The new centerfielder, Shane Victorino, is on the disabled list. Last night Bourn was crucial in both the Astros’ runs, including the difference with a homer.

Nothing like a dark lining on a glorious sports weekend.

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