Phil Kretschman: 2f VEE +16
Ira 317
Phil 320 AEST
5j AVE +15 is probably better than VEE in that it takes out two of Ira's big J plays, namely 5i TAJ +29 and l3 RAJ +20. VEE takes out the few remaining bingos ending in E as well as JOE for 28, but Ira's endgame rack after the vowel-burning JOE will be much less flexible on average than after TAJ or RAJ, so with the right pull I might be able to tick-tack away in the endgame if he feels JOE is forced.
However, I think both plays fall to 13c TEW +24, which I didn't spot until well after the game had ended (and Kibbitzer didn't recommend at all). Even with the blank, Ira will have a tough time stretching from a8-13. Most of his blank bingos that can utilize the new spot could've been rearranged to play at 2b anyway, so I'm not likely offering him a spot he wouldn't have had otherwise. TEW could be my best chance to steal the game.