The Case of the Missing Ram

More detailed thoughts of the weekend in the EPL and MLS this evening, but until then, Balompie is putting out a call for all amateur sleuths for a most intriguing missing persons case.

As we all know, newly promoted Derby County (aside: should we henceforth dub Derby "DAAAAARGH-by?") recently signed America's hopeful-savior in the midfield, Benny Feilhaber. Benny, by all accounts, has looked good in practice, and has been in good form for the Nats since summer. Yet, not only did he not see any action in Saturday's brutal loss to fellow-promotee Birmingham, he didn't even dress. What gives? The Rams are, frankly, not looking good thus far, and, logic would suggest that the team would be eager to try out their new (and creative) midfield acquisition.

So, what's the story? I have yet to find an answer, though there are all sorts of curious theories afloat.

In separate Ram news, new-Derby-signee Eddie Lewis, aka "Lazarus", made a pretty good debut against Birmingham. One of the few brightspots, Eddie even notched an assist on a pin-perfect cross from the left flank that should cause all U.S. fans to get all dewy-eyed from nostalgia.

Off to my violin...