It wasn't that long ago that #6 scared opposing pitchers to their very core. Everything from taking practice swings with the massive weight in the on-deck circle or his trademark pointing of the bat timing mechanism  There wasn't any secret, Ryan Howard was a feared hitter. His tremendous power could change the game anytime he stepped to the plate. His presence in the lineup was felt throughout the lineup allowing fellow hitters to get better pitches to hit because of the fear of facing Howard with man on base. 

The draft is just a week and 4 hours from now and team's are making their final preperations. With it being the first draft under Chip Kelly, I sense more excitment and hope from the Eagles fan base. While Howie is still at the reigns, there is atleast a different ind in the draft room and hopefully the overall philopsphy of the organization can change for the better. It may be Howie's final call, but Kelly should have a major influence on what type of players ultimently join the nest. 

The Phillies started off the 2013 campaign floundering. A 2-5 start with crowds at Citizens Bank Park looking abnormally light. On Tuesday Phillies beat writer David Murphy wrote a blog aptly titled "These Phillies Not Worth Watching." Through the first 7 games of the season I reluctantly wanted to agree. Considering I witnessed first hand the debacle in game 1 of the Muts series at CBP. But let's remember ya'll, IT'S ONLY APRIL!!

The Phillies strung together their first winning streak of the season Tuesday and Wednesday vs. the Muts and put Phillies Nation back at relative ease. Thank goodness for Dillon Gee and Jeremy Hefner, the Phillies offense showed some life and some definite power. 

The joyous celebration of Opening Day turned sour rather quickly for Cole Hamels and the Phillies in Hot-lanta. The team that led the National League in home runs in the spring continued their long ball crusade with 3 HR's in Monday Night's opener at Turner Field. 

Hamels (0-1) struggled in his first opening day start. He gave up five runs on seven hits, including the three homers, with five strikeouts and one walk in five innings. The three homers allowed matched his high from last season.

Yesterday we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, today we celebrate the resurrection of spring. Flowers, sunny days, the smell of charcoal grills, flip flops, and BASEBALL! April 1st; OPENING DAY! 

It's a celebration for all of Major League Baseball and fans alike. The day when the old is gone and the new has come. The beginning of a new year where anything can happen. The disappointment of a season lost has disappeared and spring rings of another shot. Hey even the newest addition to the American League, the Houston Astros, can say they are unbeaten!