Here is what some of the local beat writers, columnists and bloggers are saying about the Eagles’ signing of Michael Vick.

Philadelphia Inquirer:
– Phil Sheridan writes that Vick isnt’ worth the trouble for the Eagles.

– Paul Domowitch says that controversy aside, the Vick signing is a perfect move by the Eagles.

– John Gonzalez is “astounded” by Philly signing Vick.

– Bob Cooney highlights the pros, cons and total shock of the signing.

– Jeff McLane writes that Vick’s role with the Eagles is still unclear.

Philadelphia Daily News:
– Unsurprisingly, animal activists and readers are shocked by the signing.

– The Eagletarian (the PDN’s blog) discusses what kind of impact Vick will have on Donovan McNabb.

Blogs:
– BLEEDING GREEN NATION details who Pro Football Talk made up another story (I say “another” because this certainly isn’t the first time they’ve reported fake news) about how McNabb wasn’t pleased by the signing of Vick, yet as the blog notes, McNabb actually lobbied for the team to sign Vick.

– BLEEDING GREEN NATION also has a live blog dedicated to Vick’s first press conference with the Eagles.

– IGGLES BLOG writes that they’re proud of the Eagles for signing Vick.

– EAGLES PERCH is still in shock over the signing.

A story gaining major national attention over the last couple days is a story that Jerod Morris of Midwest Sports Fans wrote about 37-year old Phillies outfielder Raul Ibanez, who has been on a tear (.325, 20 HRs, 55 RBI) to start the 2009 baseball season.

The motivation behind Morris’ article (which you can read in full here) was to prove that Ibanez’s incredible start wasn’t due to the possible use of steroids or any other form of performance-enhancing drugs.

Here’s an excerpt from Morris’ article, although I implore you to read the entire piece because he dedicates most of the post to trying to prove that legit factors (i.e. the ball parks he’s played in, the pitchers he’s faced, etc.) have led to Ibanez’s fast start.

Thirdly, it’s time for me to begrudgingly acknowledge the elephant in the room: any aging hitter who puts up numbers this much better than his career averages is going to immediately generate suspicion that the numbers are not natural, that perhaps he is under the influence of some sort of performance enhancer. And since I was not able to draw any absolute parallels between his prodigously improved HR rate and his new ballpark’s hitter-friendliness, it would be foolish to dismiss the possibility that “other” performance enhancers could be part of the equation.

Sorry Raul Ibanez and Major League Baseball, that’s just the era that we are in — testing or no testing.

The above except was enough to compel Philadelphia Inquirer columnist John Gonzalez to write a piece entitled, “A cheap shot at Ibanez.”

Here’s an excerpt from Gonzalez’s article:

Read the rest of this entry »

– Phil Sheridan of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes about the thirstiest sports town in the universe finally draws closer to title drink.

– Bill Plaschke of The L.A. Times writes about Dodgers’ fans booing their club into the offseason after their terrible performance in Game 5.

– T.J. Simers writes that even though the Dodgers fell short, Manny Ramirez made them important again.

– Rich Hofmann writes that the Fightin’ Phils get to write a new chapter in their history.

– Bill Shaikin writes that Dodger veterans Jeff Kent, Greg Maddux and Nomar Garciaparra deserved a better ending.

– Bob Ford reminds Phillie fans to savor this victory.