NUMBERS GAME by ST

Lot of talk about the recent NFL draft in prime time drawing big ratings and more viewers than the NBA playoffs. For openers, relax. It's the 1st round of the playoffs! Plus the NFL rules sports in this country. The 1st round of the draft was terrific and in this day of the major impact of the salary cap, the draft is critical so fans of all teams understand what happened Thursday through Saturday means something for the 2010 season. Plus duh!!! Having the event in prime time as opposed to a Saturday or Sunday morning will naturally draw more viewers. I think too much is being made of this.
You'll hear a lot being made about the Phillies giving first baseman Ryan Howard a monster deal to the tune of 126 million dollars. Sure it's fantasy land money and history says a large, lumbering, limited dimensional player like Howard will experience a serious decline in his numbers as he's already passed his 30th birthday. The guy is a strikeout machine, tolerable on defense at best, and tipping the scales at 260, not the second coming of Ricky Henderson on the basepaths. AND??? He kills the ball and is a perfect fit for this lineup. Posted video game numbers in 2006 with 58 bombs driving in 149. The past 3 years he's been a model of consistent productivity with 47, 48 & 45 homers, 136, 146 and 141 rbi's. If another team, a weak team, threw that kind of dough at him I'd call it stupid, but for this lineup over the next 3 years, he's perfect. They have Jimmy Rollins, a recent MVP, Chase Utley, one of baseball's best, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Carlos Ruiz and a few others are all in their prime. Philly is the team to beat in the NL. If I'm a fan of this franchise I could care less about the bucks, I'm kicking back and enjoy the ride. They made the playoffs in 2007 after a 13 year absence, won the Series in 2008, made the World Series last year and will be in the mix barring a rash of injuries into the next few years. Don't forget, they also locked up Roy Halladay to front the rotation for the next 3 seasons as well. On a technicality it's not the most brilliant baseball sign, but shows a sweet commitment to their fans and that's all I care about. We're setting up shop at PK Park today for Ducks/Beavs. Should be sweet. Thoughts?