Marinerds, etc.

It's been a while since I've had a good Phillies shoutout, so here's to Chris Coste -- my favorite 33-year-old rookie from Fargo, North Dakota -- who hit his first career home run today!

Coste was thrilled that Bard was there to see his homer. The two became good friends as Minor Leaguers in 2001 and 2002 in the Indians organization, and the two had a friendly competition going.

"We have a little contest, offense, defense, team win kind of thing," Coste said. "Last time we kind of pushed. We each hit a home run and a double, but we won, so I won."

And as for South Dakota, the other day Mark Ellis became the home run leader of major leaguers born in South Dakota, when he hit number 33 during yesterday's game, passing Dave Collins.

"I was a little disappointed they didn't stop the game and give me a plaque or something," Ellis cracked.

"They better name a street after him or something," said Bobby Crosby, who couldn't resist poking some fun at his double-play partner.

In case you're wondering, the current home run leader of major leaguers born in North Dakota is Darin Erstad, though I'd say Travis Hafner has a pretty good chance of passing him within this season (he's already up to 104, ten within Erstad's career 114, and Erstad hasn't stayed healthy long enough this year to hit any).