Seriously now though, you could argue Joe Blanton and Matt Stairs were the key puzzle pieces the Phillies needed in 2008 to win their second World Series. That without him and his Joe the Hammer we wouldn’t be where we are. Indeed, if the Phillies fail to win the World Series in 2008 then who says we have the confidence to win it all that we make another step forward by acquiring Cliff Lee (the first time) and thus make another strong push? Then without back-to-back WS appearances then why on Earth would ROY FREAKIN HALLADAY waive his no-trade to go to a loser? Roy Oswalt the same case? Cliff Lee then goes to who knows where and we are still talking about a team that is headed by Cole Hamels and maybe Brett Myers. We *needed* 2008, and we needed the July 18th deal that brough Joe Blanton in to The Bank. In 2008 he went 4-0 in the regular season, then 2-0 in the playoffs. We won every single one his 3 starts in those same playoffs. That’s a PERFECT 6-0 record when we needed him MOST. Wouldn’t you say that’s worth it? Joe, by NO means, had a bad or even mediocre time pitching for us in his 2.5 seasons. His record will stand as 27-14 in 79 starts for us, with a team going 5-2 in all of his postseason starts. I loved Heavy B and we will miss him… right up until we see Cliff Lee on the mound and we remember it was all worth it. He has got to feel good about leaving here, knowing he had a good time, pitched 2.5 seasons, is gettin 17 more million dollars coming his way AND, most importantly, he got a ring. Good luck, Joe… where ever you go. We still love you!