Early Offseason Decisions

       The Phillies season ended earlier then they would have liked it to. With the offseason now here, free agency will soon be taking off. The Phillies biggest free agent this offseason is Jayson Werth. Werth addressed the media at a press conference in Citizens Bank Park. In short, Werth said his decision would be a business decision and it seems most likely he will be leaving the team. This could be considered a reliable source because it came from the mouth of the player himself. It is coming from the primary source so one would have to look at this as credible.

Werth's days as a Phillie could be numbered





       The Phillies have already made a decision on one player about his future. J.C. Romero's $4.5 million club option was declined on Tuesday, that according to Josh Alper of AOL Fanhouse. This could be considered a reliable source for 2 reasons. One, it is coming from a pretty reputable source in AOL and number 2, in the article he cites Inquirer Phillies' beat writer, Matt Gelb's Twitter account.

Use Your Head

       The NFL is beginning to crack down on helmet to helmet hits to help prevent concussions and other head injuries. According to Eagles beat writer Les Bowen, Andy Reid said that the concussion crackdown is a "good thing" (via Twitter). If I were to write a story for this topic, it would most likely be an opinion piece on what players and coaches think. This would be a good source because it came from a primary source (Reid) and was reported by a credible reporter.



Desean Jackson is helped off the field after suffering his 2nd concussion in as many seasons

       Some players believe that the crackdown on heavy hits is detrimental to the game. Acccording to Jeff Darlington, the Miami Dolphins beat writer for the Miami Herald, Karlos Dansby said in a press conference that at the rate the NFL is going, "We'll be counting to 5 Mississippi's before 2012." This too would be considered a reliable source mainly because just like with Andy Reid, it was coming from the mouth of the primary source through a reliable reporter.
      
        Deadspin.com reported that James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers actually left the team and was considering retirement because he feels the NFL is trying to change the way he plays. Deadspin has gained some recognition and credibility over the years. Recently they broke a story about Brett Favre sending racy text messages to a former New York Jet co-worker, an incident which is now being reviewed by the NFL. Therefore, I do believe that this too could be considered as a reliable source to use in a story.    

Halladay Makes History

       Roy Halladay pitched a no-hitter in Game 1 on the NLDS Wednesday night, his first career postseason start. Halladay is only the second pitcher in the history of the game to throw a no-hitter in the postseason (Don Larsen, 1956 World Series). ESPN New York breaks down the signifcance of both no-hitters, comparing stats to determine which was a greater feat. This can be counted as a reliable source because ESPN is one of the most renowned sports outlets not only in the country but in the world. The stats they used in this article were certified MLB websites who keep records of such things.

Halladay is met by catcher Carlos Ruiz after throwing the second no-hitter in postseason history.

       According to Matt Gelb's blog on philly.com, Halladay is one of five pitchers to throw two no hitters in one season. If I were writing an article or story, I do think that this can be counted as a reliable source. Gelb is the Phillies beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer. It is unlikely that a large newspaper like the Inquirer would not let false information be distributed.

Phillies look to rest

      With the postseason right around the corner, the Phillies realize that keeping players healthy will be very important down the stretch and remain focused on making sure they do everything possible to make that happen.

       When the Phillies clinched their 4th consecutive NL East division title Monday, they set themselves up nicely to rest key players and set up their pitching rotation the way they choose for the playoffs. According to Todd Zolecki's Twitter, Kyle Kendrick is expected to start this Friday in Atlanta instead of ace Roy Halladay. Zolecki also pointed out that by skipping Halladay in the rotation, it sets him up to start game one of the National League Divisional Series on October 6th.

Placido Polanco will recieve a coritsone shot this week.

 Zolecki also points out on his blog that 3rd baseman Placido Polanco will recieve a cortisone shot in his left elbow to help relieve some pain he has been feeling in his left elbow for the past couple of months. Polanco's bone spurs will require offseason surgery, that according to Jim Salisbury.