It's Painful Being Philly Fans These Days

The pain just won't go away.

We Philadelphia sports fans are suffering with no hope for happiness as we head into the holiday season.

The Philadelphia Eagles, once a regular playoff contender, have lost seven straight games going into a Sunday night game against the rival Dallas Cowboys.

The Philadelphia Phillies, after falling apart last year, have yet to pull the trigger on a major free agent signing.

The Philadelphia 76ers had hoped to have a big man in its lineup that would put the team over the top.

And we don't have the Orange and Black to get us back because the Philadelphia Flyers are out of action with the hockey season on strike.

There's also no relief in sight. And the bad news keeps piling up.

In the past week, Philly sports fans have received news that just makes our hearts sink even deeper.

Beloved Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has been suspended 25 games to start the season because of steroid use.

Meanwhile, the Phils couldn't pull off a deal for a top reliever and have now watched a top free agent centerfielder sign with a rival.

For the Eagles, they play on "Sunday Night Football" without their star quarterback, running back and wide receiver. They now cut defensive end Jason Babin, meaning the team is now undergoing a youth movement.

Michael Vick is now saying he's not playing because the team is using a concussion as an excuse to play rookie Nick Foles.

Sunday night's game should truly be humiliating and sickening to watch.

The hockey season, which sometimes can be a saving grace with the beloved Flyers who used to own this city, looks like it's Dead on Arrival. There's not even going to be a Winter Classic.

So January looks even more depressing than December.

And the Sixers might never have center Andrew Bynum.

The big guy acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers was supposed to bring basketball back. While the Sixers are playing decently, Bynum's return from having two injured knees might not happen for months -- or ever.

So what would make us merry for Christmas.

How about having Josh Hamilton wrapped in a Phillies uniform under our Christmas tree?

Now that would be a present that would allow all of us to have a very happy New Year.