Yesterday brought about the end of a losing streak, a seemingly endless list of transactions, a Brad Lidge sighting and an All-Star recap. You can read each of my stories at the following links:

1. All-Star Recap -- LINK

2. Lidge Appearance -- LINK

3. Transaction Action -- LINK

4. Thunder top Reading -- LINK

Additionally, Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy was in the house to be inducted into the Trenton Baseball Hall of Fame. The Thunder's broadcasting booth was also dedicated in his honor. Here's a link to video of his post-ceremony interview:

Brad Lidge pitched pretty poorly against the Thunder yesterday. When it was over, the Phillies closer had lasted just two-thirds of an inning, allowed two runs on a hit and a walk, hit two batters and thrown three wild pitches. Here's the outing in its entirety, plus most of his conference with the assembled masses afterward. I had to leave a little before it was over so I could get a quote in the print edition.

Here's Phillies first-round choice (and a would-be Oregon Duck) Jesse Biddle talking about his adjustment to pro life, his repertoire and his experience at the 2008 World Series Game 5 -- parts 1 and 2. He'll more than likely pitch for the Lakewood BlueClaws this year.

Earlier today, I spoke to a very good scout friend who attended both Phillies and Pirates Instructional League action this fall. He had a lot of great stuff to say about both clubs, especially the Phillies, who, despite their paltry returns in the Cliff Lee deal, boast one of the deepest and most talented farm systems in the game.

On Jarred Cosart, who missed most of the year with an elbow issue:

His fastball is back. His breaking ball looks good, but it still needs work.

On Nick Hernandez, a command artist who missed most of the year with a shoulder strain

I was disappointed. He was at 83-86 with the fastball and was all over the place. Something's not right. He walked the park when I saw him.

On Jonathan Singleton, the teenage slugger who is moving the outfield:

Looked very good in left field. Did not look out of place. He has enough of an arm and athleticism to stay at the position. ... The plate discipline impresses me the most, very rare to see that kind of command of the strike zone at such a young age.

On Jesse Biddle, the team's first-rounder from 2010:

Good body. He's got an average fastball, but the 12-to-6 curveball is his signature pitch. He's got a chance to be good, but not top-of-the rotation good.

On Cameron Rupp, a catcher the team took in the third round:

He's got a lot of raw power, but there are a lot of holes in his swing. He's a fringy prospect who can run into a fastball, but he's also very long to the ball.

On Mel Rojas Jr., the Pirates' third-rounder

I'm not really impressed. He's plenty athletic, but I'm not buying the bat.

On Jameson Taillon, Pittsburgh's first-rounder:

He has a chance to be special. If it weren't for Harper, he could have been the No. 1 pick.

Seeing as tonight is the MLB Draft, I figure I'll throw out a few names I think the Phillies and Yankees will take with their first-round choices, Nos. 27 and 32 overall, respectively.

For the Phillies, I will agree with Frankie Piliere's latest assessment, and pick Austin Wilson, a toolsy outfielder (sound familiar?) from Harvard-Westlake High School, in California. Obviously, I am making my choice based the Phils' recent predilections for taking players like Wilson, i.e. Dom Brown, Kelly Dugan, Kyrell Hudson, Anthony Hewitt and Jiwan James (although he was a pitcher to start).

For the Yankees, I'm thinking Gary Brown, another toolsy and lightning-quick outfielder, this time from Cal-State Fullerton. They've gone with a lot of college pitchers lately, and haven't developed a good position prospect in a while. They also took an outfielder first last year, and probably would like to continue stocking the lower minor leagues with something other than pitchers and catchers.