If headline writers and baseball writers had a vote, Kim Ng would be the Seattle Mariners’ general manager. Unusual though it may be, Ng’s name is a lot easier to spell and fit into a headline than Jack Zduriencik. But Zduriencik got the job so let’s get started: Write Zduriencik 100 times on the blackboard. Each time you get it wrong, do another 100.

For the 57-year-old Zduriencik, the job is long overdue. He has been a scouting and talent whiz and has deserved a chance to be a general manager. His name, which is pronounced “Zur-EN-sik” should not have been an obstacle.

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Before we get carried away with the Philadelphia Phillies’ World Series’ triumph, let’s put it in perspective. Yes, the 2008 Phillies deserve credit for winning, and yes, it’s nice that the Phillies’ fans can finally celebrate the second World Series championship in the team’s history. But as long overdue as the championship might be, it only emphasizes the failures of the franchise and the reasons for those perennial failures.

Start with the inept way the Phillies have been run. For years, the Phillies cheated their fans. In recent decades they were a big-market team operating like a small-market team. There was no legitimate excuse for it. Ownership just didn’t want to spend the money to give the fans a winning team.

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PHILADELPHIA – Bud Selig had the right idea but the wrong target. When rain forced suspension of Game 5 of the World Series after 5½ innings, Commissioner Selig, recognizing the forecast of bad weather for Philadelphia, said the remainder of the game would not be moved to Florida.

“No,” he said, “we’ll stay here if we have to celebrate Thanksgiving here.”

A nice thought. Celebrating Thanksgiving in Philadelphia would be patriotic, linking the Pilgrims with the United States Constitution and the founding of the country. As we prepare for the election of a new President, a patriotic nod from baseball would be apt.

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