Antero Niittymaki recorded a shut-out last night as the Flyers downed the Florida Panthers 1-0. Derian Hatcher put back a rebound off at Stefan Ruzicka shot for the lone goal in the contest. The Flyers were outshot and outplayed, but they're finding ways to win these games again, which should rebuild confidence.
The Flyers are now off until Friday when they travel to New Jersey for a 5:00 PM showdown.
The Philadelphia Eagles finished off their season with a three game winning streak after beating the Buffalo Bills 17-9.
In the game, running back Brian Westbrook set two individual team records. First, he broke Wilbert Montgomery's record of 2006 yards from scrimmage with a total of 2104 yards [1st in the league]. Secondly, Westbrook broke the Eagles single-season reception record with 90; the previous record was held by Irving Fryar with 88.
Back to the game and the defense played great in the red zone again. They also delivered some big hits courtesy of J.R. Reed, Sheldon Brown, Chris Gocong, and the Sav Rocca.
Also, for the second straight week, Kevin Curtis recovered a teammate's [Reggie Brown] fumble in the end zone for an Eagles touchdown.
I will provide an off-season outlook next weekend.
Well that time of year has finally reached. It's that season that leads into the greatest holiday of the year. Many think I'm talking about Advent and Christmas. Wrong. I'm talking about the NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl XLII. I am going to give you a week by week run down of how the playoffs will turn out. Will it be the undefeated Patriots, the defending champion Colts, the seasoned vet Favre and his Packers, the Romo and T.O. show known as the Cowboys, or will a wild card team like the Jaguars upset their way to glory.
AFC: The 6th seeded Titans go into San Diego this week to try and steal a victory from the kid Philip Rivers and the most dynamic back in the NFL, Ladanian Tomlinson. It seems that a rough start didn't phase the Charers as a hot finish to an 11-win season will carry momentum into the playoffs.
Pick: SD over TEN
The 5th seeded Jaguars seem to be the upset favorite in many eyes. They go up against the Steelers who have been inconsistent all year. After getting embarrassed at home, Big Ben will look for revenge against the Jags. Not gonna happen.
Pick: JAX over PIT
NFC: The Redskins snuck into the playoffs after beating the T.O.-less Cowboys, who have been playing terrible to close out their season. The 'Skins go up against Seattle who, like San Diego, have found their grove near the end of the season. Look for a blow out on Seattles part.
Pick: SEA over WAS
In the other game, the Buccaneers after surprising the league by winning the South, will host the Giants. After playing the Patriots close, Eli and crew could find themselves winners as they are definately the better team.
Pick: NYG over TB
I already mentally made out my picks for the remainder of the playoffs but I will just stick with going round by round.
The Philadelphia Flyers have finally won two straight for the first time since November 12th after they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 to start their 6 game road-trip.
Joffrey Lupul continue his hot play by scoring on a penalty shot and adding two assists to post 18 points in his last 9 games.
Mike Knuble, Kimmo Timonen, and Scott Hartnell all added goals as well. Hartnell and Knuble had PP goals which allowed us to extend our streak of Powerplay goals in now 13 straight games.
Martin Biron stopped 31 of 33 shots.
The Flyers travel to Sunrise for 5:00 PM showdown with the Panthers tomorrow.
The Sixers have traded forward Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz for Gordon Giricek and a first-round pick.
Great first move by Stefanski. Though Korver was our top three-point threat, he was extremely overpaid, couldn't play defense and has become expendable with the more athletic play of Rodney Carney and Thaddeus Young recently. The best part of this move is the fact that Gordon Giricek is a free-agent this season, which will give us even more cap room in the offseason.
"We are excited about acquiring a player of Gordan's ability, as well as an additional asset in the form of a first-round draft pick," 76ers general manager Ed Stefanski said. "This move will provide us with increased salary cap flexibility this offseason and also allows us to continue our evaluation and development of the young talent we have on this team."
Is this Kearse's final game as an Eagle? It is quite a possibility especially with the play of Trent Cole. I'd prefer to keep Kearse and drop Darren Howard, however they both have not been great the last two seasons and have large salary cap numbers. The problem is if we cut Kearse, I see Lurie just pocketing the money and not putting it to use like normal.
Philadelphia Eagles:
Kearse said he would "love" to stay in Philadelphia, but understands Sunday could be his last game as an Eagle. Kearse signed with the team during the free agency period prior to the 2004 season.
"Yeah, it did cross my mind, but I'm trying not to look at it like that. If it's reality, it's reality. But I've got to wait and see," Kearse said. "I know the last game is Sunday, then we have our one-on-one meetings with Coach (Andy) Reid and then after that, see where it goes. But, right now, my main focus is really to just get healthy and not give anybody else or any other team a reason or any kind of excuses or whatever."
November 7th - Acquired Brad Lidge and Eric Bruntlett for Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, and Mike Costanzo: I know what you're thinking. Albert Pujols. Lidge has not been the same since the mammoth home run hit off him by Pujols in the 2005 playoffs. However, I change of scenery could be the solution he needs. Lidge is not a terrible closer, but he was once premier and hopefully he can return to form. I don't see us taking a step down from Myers to Lidge. The best part of this move is that it moves Brett Myers back into the rotation. Myers will be the #2 guy behind Cole Hamels. It gives the Phillies a good one-two punch and the likes of generally facing opposing teams #2, it should improve Myers' win total. Myers is what I like to call a 1C. He's not quite another ace, but he is better than your average 2 starter.
Also, with the acquisition of Bruntlett, we have good utility infielder who can play third, short, and second. It is always great to have depth on the team, especially defensive depth.
We did not give up that much. We gave up Michael Bourn who was never really given a chance here, but he was surpassed on the depth chart for center field by Victorino. We all dislike Geary and Costanzo was an alright third-base prospect, but he struck-out far too much and he was terrible defensively.
Grade = B+
November 12th - Signed JC Romero to an extension: I have voiced my opinion on this deal a few times. We signed him to a 3 year, $12 million deal, which now doesn't look too bad. What bothers me with Romero is that his career has been full of high highs and low lows. If Romero remains consistent [not even looking for last year's late numbers] this deal could be great because it gives us a good left-handed arm in the back end of our bullpen. The one thing that scares me about Romero is his high WHIP in his career. Last year had a WHIP of around 1.10 with the Phils. If he can stay between the 1.10 - 1.20 range it is a great move by the Phils. Two different images of himself last year existed, one being with the Red Sox and one with ourselves. I'm not sure if in the middle will be good enough to warrant the contract. Romero and Gordon in the set-up role will be huge to our success this season. Look on the bright side though, LaTroy Hawkins was paid 3.75 million for a year. I would have preferred to have gave Romero 2 years, but 3 years seemed to be the kicker.
Grade = C+
November 20th - Acquired Chris Snelling for cash considerations: Eh, the move does not look that bad anymore for a guy projected to be our 6th outfielder, but he'll likely not even be on the roster. He was a guy with potential but was always injured. He was a low risk, possibly medium to high reward type move. As a 5th outfielder it didn't look to bad, but with the addition of Taguchi, the move now looks pointless. The Phillies however will not able to predict the future that the Cardinals would release So Taguchi. To avoid arbitration, Snelling signed a 1 year, $350,000 contract.
Grade = D
November 28th - Acquired Shane Youman off waivers: I understand the Phillies were looking to add a left-handed reliever, but really...Shane Youman? Maybe, there is something I don't know about him. He is likely to be our left-handed long reliever. Over the last two seasons he has thrown 20.1 innings as a reliever and posted an ERA of 3.54 with a K/BB ratio of 11/4. However, in Citizens' Bank Park, he has thrown 4 innings of 8 hit, 6 ER ball. Maybe our scouts see something, but I certainly don't. Youman can start too, but he is pretty bad at it. There were better left-handed reliever options available.
Grade = F
December 5th - Released Julio Mateo: Last year we traded short stop Jesus Merchant for Julio Mateo. Merchant was a mid-season all star last year. Julio Mateo was great in AAA, but he never wore Phillies pinstripes. Sort of seems like a wasted move. To retain Mateo it would have cost the Phillies $1.5 million. They are still able to re-sign him, but I doubt they'll try especially with Mateo's legal history. He pitched decent for Reading. He could have been a nice steal.
Grade = D, only because we didn't pay him $1.5 million. F because he never saw the majors with us.
December 6th - Selected Travis Blackley and Lincoln Holdzkom in the Rule 5 Draft: Blackley is another left-handed pitcher who could do some long relief. He'll compete with Shane Youman for that spot. Holdzkom is a big-bodied reliever who might turn out to be something. He was not that great in the minors, but he'll compete for a middle relief rule.
Grade = N/A
December 20th - Signed Geoff Jenkins: Jenkins deal is for 2 years worth about 6.5 per season. I like the move. A Jenkins/Werth platoon could very well make-up for the loss of Aaron Rowand. Jenkins can play both corner outfield positions with above average range and a good arm. The only thing I dislike about the move is the fact Jenkins is lefty and I'd prefer to have a consistent right-handed bat in the line-up. Beggers cannot be choosers though. Jenkins offensive numbers should inflate in our park. Hopefully he can cut down on the strike-outs a little.
Grade = B+
December 20th - Signed Chad Durbin: We all know pitching was a top priority and at first glance this move looks terrible for a team trying to improve pitching. Durbin could be a decent middle reliever and gives them some depth at the back-end of the rotation if needed. He's not a great starter, but well he's better than Adam Eaton and could post better numbers in the NL. He had a great 5-1 start to the season, but finished up as 6-6 as a starter. His deal is worth about $900,000 for 1 year. He could turn out to be steal or he could be a pitcher worth $900,000. I'd still like the Phillies to add a real number 3 starter, but it is slim pickings and the free agency class is far better next year. But that is the question? Make a risky move now or a more secure move next season to build a consistent future?
Grade = C only because of his small contract. C- to D otherwise.
December 23rd - Signed So Taguchi: We acquired a veteran outfielder who can spell all three outfield positions, bats right-handed, doesn't strike at whole lot, and can hit for average for $1.05 million for one year. I think this may turn out to be the Phillies best move. It adds great outfield depth to an outfield with a history of getting injured. Also, Taguchi hit .405 as a pinch-hitter last season to lead all major league hitters.
Grade = A
In the big scheme of things, I'd say the Phillies had an alright offseason. They tried for Mike Lowell, but he chose another route. The thing that hurts their grade is that their #1 priority was pitching. They definitely addressed the situation by acquiring a possible premier closer and virtually acquiring a front-end starter in Myers. They still have middle-relief and back end of the rotation holes. I am not sold on Kyle Kendrick repeating his success last year because his numbers outside of ERA do not forecast a similar year. They really need to add a consistent #3 or #4 starter, however there isn't much out there and truthfully there really never was. The Phillies did make some wise decisions and not overpaying for certain players as well in Lohse and Rowand.
OVERALL GRADE = C
The Philadelphia Flyers have snapped a 6 game winless streak with a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Wachovia Center. Tonight's game was a must-win game before the team embarks on a 6 game road-trip, starting with the hated Lightning. The Flyers were lead by two goals from Joffrey Lopul along with goals by Daniel Briere and Jeff Carter.
The Flyers have also extended their streak of scoring a power-play goal now in nine consecutive games.
There's been nothing really to report. Sports in Philly have been boring if not depressing. The Eagles are eliminated from the playoffs, the Flyers are on a 6-game losing streak (2 points), and the Sixers are having another dismal season. The only bright spot is the Phillies can't depress us with blowing it even though their front office has been dormant other than siging Jenkins and Taguchi and trading for Lidge.
Other news...
-Prior signs one year deal to Padres
-Pats/Giants to be aired on national TV
-Blazers are on an 11-game win-streak
-MSU punishes five players from bowl game for accademic violations after 36 from FSU got banned for cheating
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed outfielder Geoff Jenkins for 2 years/$13 million and pitcher Chad Durbin to a one year deal, terms not disclosed.
I like the moves, they're not bad. Jenkins is an above-average fielder who has some power. His biggest problem is his strike-out total, which could lead to more low-scoring games when our line-up slumps as a whole. Jenkins will likely platoon with Jayson Werth and Pat Burrell against right-handed pitching. Jenkins has hit 20 home runs in 7 of his 9 full season and based on our park factors, those numbers should continue if not increase.
The Phillies really needed to add a consistent right-handed bat, but no one is out there.
In signing Chad Durbin, the Phillies added a back of the rotation guy who could also appear in relief. Not a bad move as he has likely came cheap. I feel they still need to drastically add a third starter, but the market is so weak.
The Phillies are out of the running for starting pitcher Kyle Lohse, who will likely sign with the New York Mets. The signing of Jenkins has eliminated the Phillies from signing Mike Cameron as well.
Sorry everyone, I've been pretty busy lately. I will still post news, but I will not be post any game recaps until after the holidays.
You still may see some posts from Roose.
The Philadelphia Flyers have offered Mike Richards a 12 year, 68.7 million contract, which would virtually make him a life-time Flyer.
This deal would eclipse - in money only - the 15-year, $67.5 million contract Islander goalie Rick DiPietro signed in 2006, although neither of these deals rank as the most lucrative in league history.
Obviously, the club values Richards enough they want him around long term to succeed Jason Smith as their next captain.
Don't get me wrong, I love Mike Richards, but the 12 years really makes you scratch your head. We got some hefty contracts locked up long-term. However, if I had to give the deal to any Flyer, I'd give it to Mike Richards, our poor man's Steve Yzerman and future Flyer Captain. If he continues his success from this season, the deal is perfect and it may turn out to be a bargain in the future.
Thursday December 13th 2007
Denver -1.5 o/u 47.5 at Houston
The play: In an almost pick 'em game, I like Denver. They are much healthier than Houston (Matt Schaub is out). My play take DENVER and the OVER.
Saturday December 15th 2007
Cincinnati -8 o/u 43 at San Francisco
The play: If you are picking just one game stay away from this. More than a TD compounded with a weak D sounds like a recipe for a back-door cover however if you are so inclined to take this game I would take Ocho Cinco & Co. giving ocho to the niners. My Play CINCY and the OVER.
Sunday December 16th 2007
Baltimore -3.5 o/u 37.5 at Miami
The Scoop: We know what Miami team will show up (the bad one) but will we see the Ravens who went toe to toe with Goliath or the Ravens who got smoked by Indy? My play: Baltimore and the UNDER.
@ Cleveland -5.5 o/u 43.5 vs. Buffalo
The scoop: What alternate reality are we in when both the Browns and Bills are playoff caliber teams. I think the Browns regroup from the almost fatal collapse in the Meadowlands (the jets almost won that’s a wake up call for your team). My play: BROWNS and the OVER.
@ Dallas -10.5 o/u 48.5 vs. Philly
The scoop: I don’t know what’s hotter Tony Romo’s play or his female friends (Jessica Simpson and old flavor of the month Carrie Underwood). I wish the Eagles could beat the ’boys and have Dawkins rock T.O. so hard he thinks has still in San Fran. Eagles' Nest bet with your head and not your heart. My play: DALLAS and the UNDER.
Green Bay -9.5 o/u 45 @ St Louis
The scoop: Sports betting is like running through a mine field, your one move away from destruction... I personally do not like any play here. Conventional wisdom says GB torches the Rams however I smell a trap/back-door cover so proceed with caution. My play: PACKERS and OVER.
Indianapolis – 10.5 o/u 45 @ Oakland
The scoop: A nicked up Colts team has been firing on all cylinders recently. Oakland has been inconsistent and the double digit spread is safe, parlay worthy that’s the question. My play: INDY and the UNDER (not a typo).
New England -23.5 o/u 46.5 vs. the Jets
The scoop: We know the story spy gate, master vs. protégé, NY vs. NE “the chowder (or chowda if you prefer) war” the former “Man-Genius” (I revoked his status after last weeks dismal clock management). My play PATRIOTS and the OVER (Brandon Lang said on sports unfiltered patriots drop 50 on the Jets)
New Orleans -3.5 o/u 48 vs. Arizona
The Scoop: if you like watching running backs turn this game off the Saints are missing Duce and Reggie Bush; The Edge has been dull since going to ‘Zona. I smell a couple of 300 yard passing games. My Play ARIZONA and the UNDER
New York Giants -4.5 o/u 36.5 vs. Washington
The Scoop: The only result true eagles’ fans want in this game is a daisy cutter bomb reducing the Meadowlands Sports Complex to the pre-historic marshlands they used to be. It’s the battle of the mentally handicapped Eli Manning (the George Bush of QB’s [Choker]) vs. Dan Snyder’s Redskins; The Isaiah Thomas/ James Dolan of the NFL trading picks and giving out big money for a few wins. My play: GIANTS and the OVER.
Pittsburgh -3.5 o/u 37 vs. Jacksonville
The scoop: The “game of the week” featuring two smash mouth teams committed to ground domination. What I’m curious to see is how the sod is at Heinz Field. My play: STEELERS and the UNDER.
San Diego-10 o/u 45.5 vs. Detroit
The scoop: An odd match-up to say the least featuring two inconsistent teams. SD looked bad in September, but appears to have the ship going the right way. Detroit had the game in the bag vs. Dallas and made Romo look like Elway. My play DETROIT and the UNDER.
Seattle -7.5 o/u 37 @ Carolina
The Scoop: Everything about this game is ugly: the stadium, the uniforms, Mike Hologram's mustache, and watching the panthers play. My Play SEAHAWKS (the correct name for a Seahawk is an osprey how intimating dose that sound) and the UNDER.
Tampa Bay -13.5 o/u 39 vs. Atlanta
The scoop: The city of Atlanta is not having a good year; running out of water, Mike Vick, their coach resigned and took the Arkansas job (why would you go from the NFL to Fayetteville?) Oh and they have to play Chuck’s Bucs. My play: TAMPA and the UNDER.
Tennessee -4 o/u 34 @ Kansas City
The Scoop: Eagles cult fan favorite Herm Edwards' Chiefs have Hank Stram and Lamar Hunt rolling in their graves because they have not won since their bye. Conventional wisdom says to take the points at home. My play: TITANS and the OVER.
Monday December 17th 2007
Minnesota -10 o/u 43 vs. Chicago
The scoop: I hate betting on a game involving inconsistent teams; however, since this is Monday Night and people (including my self occasionally) after having a disastrous weekend will chase their money and try to get back to even for the week. Hopefully we are not in this predicament. My play: VIKINGS and the UNDER.
The Mitchell Report - the story
The 409 page report can be read here (pdf)
The list includes big names like Roger Clemens, Eric Gagne, Paul LoDuca, Andy Pettite, and Miguel Tejada. The list also includes old names such as Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, Jason Giambi, Rafael Palmiero, David Justice and Sammy Sosa.
I honestly don't care that much. These guys did it to get money and recognition. Athletes with egos are selfish and they would do anything for wealth, fame, and power. I say fuck 'em.
I'm just glad that we've kept honest and good players off this list like Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Prince Fielder, Derek Jeter, Johan Santana, and Albert Pujols. And even A-Rod, just so he can cleanly take Bonds' name out of the record books. Even Jose Reyes and David Wright, two well-respected athletes on the enemy's side.
I just want this shadow we call steroids to stop interfering with good baseball. -- Roose
I am glad that we do not see any of our favorite Phillies on here, but I don't think this report really shows us much. Much of the information used for the investigation dates back to 2005 and prior. Yes, it involves a good amount of players who played last season, the actual number of people who used performance enhancing drugs over the past season is little to none. So, I still will question some players, but this is a starting point, but I also think it has to be an ending point. There is going to be too many bullshit opinions and too much second-guessing, hearsay and so forth. It is time to move on. -- Justin
Well it's official. We lost a good bat and glove to the Giants in Aaron Rowand. I'm sad to see him go but I'm glad to see Philly saved their money and will hopefully find something worth paying for in the lines of pitching before it's too late. His asking price was too high. Hopefully, Jayson Werth can become a decent everyday starter. -- Roose
The day after last season ended, Bochy used that phrase to describe the passion and abandon he felt the Giants lacked while finishing 71-91. Rowand, who signed a five-year, $60 million deal, appears bound to raise the team's intensity just by striding into the clubhouse. The 30-year-old center fielder has become renowned for his ceaseless hustle during his seven Major League seasons.Aaron on his deal:
"Bottom line was I wanted to get into a place and situation where I knew I wasn't going to be there short-term and bounce around from one organization to another," Rowand said during a conference call. "You know in today's day and age, that's kind of the commonplace. I was never a fan of that. If I felt like I was going to be there the rest of my career, that was the thing I was looking forward to most."
Last night, the Flyers dominated the Penguins with an 8-2 victory. Joffrey Lopul and RJ Umberger each had hat tricks to go with three and two assists respectively. Braydon Coburn and Mike Knuble each added power-play goals. Mike Richards added three assists. Prior to the game, Coach John Stevens made some line-changes by switching Mike Knuble and Joffrey Lopul. Highlights of all the goals are below.
After awhile, the game started getting feisty.
It started early with this:
And later continued by this:
It followed by this:
And then you had this: (Though I thought it was innocent)
Next you had this:
To end with this: (Marlon Anderson should have taken notes)
I hope you enjoyed the clips.
The Sixers had a 35-9 run during much of the second and third quarters to build a tremendous 31 point lead on the Houston Rockets. The Rockets made the score somewhat respectful with the Sixers starters out for much of the fourth quarter as the final was 100-88. With the win, the Sixers extended their winning streak to three games, their longest of the season. Again, the Sixers had balanced scoring to go along with great team defense.
The Sixers will try to continue their win streak on Wednesday when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
I just don't want to talk about the Eagles. They are filled with flaws and I am filled with frustration as a fan.
One positive from this team is Brian Westbrook. The guy is phenomenal.
RICHMOND, Va. -- Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for running a "cruel and inhumane" dogfighting ring and lying about it.Full Article: ESPN
The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback could have been sentenced up to five years by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick, who turned himself in Nov. 19 in anticipation of his sentence, was wearing a black-and-white striped prison suit.
After Vick apologized to the court and his family, Hudson told him: "You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you."
"Yes, sir," Vick answered.
Sorry, I meant to post this yesterday.
With regards to signing Iguchi, it is rumored that the Phillies were told that there will be no chance a waiver will be granted for them to sign him prior to May 15th.
If you were unaware, because of a certain clause in Iguchi's contract, which allowed him to skip arbitration and become and outright free-agent, has messed up the Phillies opportunity to sign Iguchi. Iguchi, who would still prefer to play second-base, cannot sign with the Phillies until May 15th because they failed to release him before his contract ran out. When he was released by his contract, he ultimately was unable to be offered arbitration, which disallows the Phillies to sign him past May 15. It is rare and it is screwy, but it is the case.
Link
For those fans who were looking for a change in the Eagles organization, via quarterback and head coach, don't expect it.
According to Team President Joe Banner,"I can't envision a situation in which (Donovan McNabb) is not our quarterback next year ... I believe there is a very, very sizable silent majority who realize how lucky we have been to have Donovan McNabb. I mean, we are talking about a quarterback who went to four straight (NFC) championship games. There are only four quarterbacks in the history of the league that have done that. You are talking about a quarterback who has had a higher winning percentage in his first seven years in the league than Peyton Manning. You are talking about a quarterback that has one of the highest quarterback ratings over the first seven seasons, one of the best TD-to-interceptions ratios of any quarterback in the history of this game in his first seven seasons in the league ... My expectations, and I can't really even picture a different scenario, is that he'll be the quarterback (next season)."
Banner also discusses if Andy Reid ever considered leaving the team and how they evaluate talent.
Now, I think McNabb is the most talented quarterback we have right now. Also, I think he is likely the most talented quarterback that will be available next year (Derek Anderson and Rex Grossman top the list). I think both McNabb and Reid have to go through a change themselves. They both seem stubborn in their own right, which is the biggest reason why people seem to dislike them. Some of the changes seem so simple that it is hard for us fans to believe that they cannot be done.
There are some nice free agents out there next year as the list is headed by WR Randy Moss and DE Jared Allen. Also, WR Bernard Berrian looks like a good target for the Eagles as he'd be able to stretch the field. Also, I could see the Eagles looking at WR Bryant Johnson.
The Florida Marlins have made an offer for Wes Helms. Though the name of the player does not matter because he will never make the pro team, at least one would hope a prospect traded for Wes Helms would not do such a thing, but his name is Scott Nestor.
I'd accept anything ranging from 3 unrecognizable pennies to a 7 year old newspaper.
Right now, the Marlins are looking at Jorge Cantu. Please, forget Cantu, Florida, get Wes Helms!
Other Phillies notes:
While watching ComcastSportsnet, Pat Gillick mentioned that the Phillies are now likely to have an internal competition for the 5th rotation spot.
Well, where will the under budget money go now? We still need pitching and now we're losing out on relievers. It's not overpaying anymore. It's the market. I agree with the Phillies that they have shied away from certain available starting pitchers, and we do not have enough prospects to pull off a trade, but frankly something has to be done. You now have to UPGRADE the offense again with their lack of pitching, something else they continue to neglect.
The Philadelphia Eagles will celebrate Duce Staley's retirement as an Eagle during halftime of the Eagles-Giants game this Sunday.
Drafted by the Eagles in 1997, Staley compiled numbers ranking him third in career rushing yards and fourth all-time in regular season games played among running backs with 98. Staley amassed 4,807 career rushing yards, 22 career touchdowns on the ground, ranking him eighth on the all-time list for Eagles running backs, and posted a 4.0 career rushing average, tying him for 10th overall.Duuuuuuuuuuce, for old time sake.
At halftime, Staley will be escorted onto the field by former teammates for his retirement celebration featuring a brief ceremony and two highlight videos.
Last night, Villanova went on a 35-13 run against LSU to erase a 21 point deficit and earn a victory at the Wachovia Center. I was there last night and the old saying goes, "its never over until its over". The Wildcats comeback run was led by freshman guard Malcolm Grant who scored 14 points in the final 3 minutes and scored 7 points in 14 seconds. Dante Cunnigham put back a Grant miss with 6 seconds left to give Villanova their first lead of the game, the final score 68-67.
Nova missed 15 of their first 20 shots. They also shot terrible from the first half. Scottie Reynolds and Reggie Redding combined for 3-18 shooting.
It was definitely one of the best first-hand experiences I've ever been a part of. I stick my motto of not leaving a game until it is officially over.
Box Score
Some good news that'll make you Phillies fans happy.
Pat Gillick has told reporters that Tad Iguchi is now open to playing third base and the Phillies might bring him back.
I'd love to see this happen. I am not exactly sold on Iguchi's defense at third base, however, his offense is definitely an upgrade over Dobbs and Helms. I think retaining Iguchi will also allow the Phillies to alter their line-up a little whether he bat 2nd or 6th. I wouldn't mind him hitting 2nd and allowing Victorino to hit 6th to add speed to the back of the line-up. Also, this will free up space for the Phillies to put a little more money into pitching. Hopefully things fall the Phillies way for once.
Update: According the Wilmington News Journal, the Phillies are negotiating with Tadahito Iguchi with the intent of using the second baseman at third. According to the story, general manager Pat Gillick and Iguchi's agent, Rocky Hall, "confirmed the Phillies and Iguchi have mutual interest in a multi-year contract to fill the club's third base need."
I would not advise you to get excited about Bedard. The Phillies have some interest, but not enough to really swing a trade for him. It would deplete the farm system far too much.
The Phillies and Ryan Howard's agent will sit down soon to talk about a long-term deal.
The Phillies have plenty of time to sign Howard to a long-term deal, but it is the right thing to do by rewarding Ryan Howard. I could see Howard getting around a 7 year, 100-110 million deal. A little bit higher than Utley's 7 year, 85 million contract last year.
The Pirates are shopping Nate McLouth and the Phillies are interested.
Eh, he's not that great and I am not sure if he is much of an upgrade over Jayson Werth. Actually, he really isn't at all. However, he did hit well over the final two months of last year's season. He'd be a risk, but he could provide some reward.
The Phillies interest in Kris Benson is confirmed. He'll be throwing in front of quite a few teams a few weeks from now.
As a former pitcher, I would not want to mess with anyone who has had rotator cuff problems. Elbow problems and shoulder problems are a big difference because generally shoulder problems do not go away. For those who get Tommy John surgery, their velocity generally increases because the tendons they use to replace the torn ones are generally tighter. The Phillies are being intelligent this time and looking at all their options before they pull another dumb Adam Eaton-esque move.
Rowand is not out of the picture. Livan Hernandez is not high on Gillick's list. Phillies are still in the mix for Kuroda.
It seems like the Phillies would be willing to pay extra for Rowand if he'd sign a three year deal with an option for a fourth. I can understand Rowand, who is 30, wanting a longer deal for financial security. As if 40 million plus over 3 years would not be enough, but whatever. I cannot blame him for wanting to get paid.
I am very happy that we have very little interest in Livan Hernandez. I don't want him anywhere near the Phillies unless we're playing him.
Rumor has it that Kuroda is looking for a 4 year, 40 million plus deal and some place have said 5 year, 55 million. I think this is far too many year and even far too much money for what the Phillies are trying to do starting pitching wise.
Brandon Inge?
I am assuming that Brandon Inge is now available since the Tigers have acquired Miguel Cabrera (along with Dontrelle Willis) from the Florida Marlins. I think it is safe to assume that the Phillies will inquire about Inge. I am pretty sure the Phillies would definitely prefer Iguchi over Inge. Inge is owed $19.1 million over 3 years.
Comcast Sportsnet just reported the breaking news that Billy King has been fired. The new GM will be Ed Stefanski, who held the GM role with the New Jersey Nets. Maurice Cheeks will remain as head coach.
Update:
I like the move a lot. I wish Stefanski would have been hired prior to the draft, but maybe it is about time Ed Snider finds reason to fix the 76ers. Bring back Croce as the Team President and we'll get back to that beautiful 76ers tradition we used to have. Everyone has said great things about Stefanski and it is definitely nice to have a 'fan' in his dream job making the moves.
Ken Mandel reports,
- Gillick has said that the agents for Carlos Silva and Kyle Lohse have informed him that they want to keep as many teams involved as possible. The Phillies expect to sign neither.
Though I would not mind Carlos Silva, I feel that both he and Lohse are going to demand 4-5 year deals in a very inflated market. We have enough young pitching coming up within a few years that it is not worth wasting money on someone who is not a stud pitcher for the rotation. There are other options out there where we could sign them to a three year deal or less at a cheaper rate.
- The Phillies are considering Pedro Feliz as a third base option.
I like Feliz's defense, one of the best in baseball, but his offense is so atrocious that it makes the deal almost not worth it. I have yet to see what Feliz's demands are, but they could bring back Abraham Nunez likely for cheaper and Nunez defense is right up there with the top third baseman in the league. Nunez offense is actually a little better as well. Feliz has a career OBP of .288.
- The Phillies are still considering Geoff Jenkins.
The corner outfield free-agent market is extremely thin. Most people are saying that Jenkins is likely to land a two to three year deal. I'm not sure what I think, but I believe he will be a little expensive for their liking, and would extremely put a damper on our defense. Also, he's another left-handed bat. We needed a right-handed bat that can hit for average and power (Aaron Rowand...at least in our park).
- The Phillies have interest in Erik Bedard according to Jayson Stark
It sounds nice, but I am not sure what have to offer him. The New York Mets want to make a trade for him as well, and I have a feeling the Phillies name is involved just to raise the Mets offer.
- The Phillies have serious interest in pitcher Livan Hernandez according to Yahoo's Tim Brown.
I do not want him at all. His career numbers against the NL East opponents are not very good at all and I think his heavy workload in the past is finally catching up to him. His WHIP is becoming far too high to add to our rotation where he'd likely be the third starter in the rotation.
- Jerry Crasnik reports, the Phillies might be willing to stretch to four years for Rowand or at least three years with a vesting option for a fourth.
The Phillies almost have to sign Rowand now. He is to valuable to their line-up and everyday defensive lineup.
- Gillick has said it is "50-50" that the Phillies will acquire a pitcher via trade vs. free agency.
Riley Cote was suspended for 3 games for the above hit. Understandable. However, it is now the 5th Flyer suspended this year and they're now under "special watch." I think they've been under watch since the Downie and Boulerice hits, but whatever Bettman. Fix the rest of your joke of a league right now.
I talked to (Bettman) today," Holmgren told the Philadelphia Daily News. "He thinks, like I do, that these are different coincidences, different situations, that have to be viewed differently, but the question was raised about ramifications if it happens again.
"So obviously we're under watch."
...Well maybe he should stop playing like a rookie. The Sixers lost again. 88-79 to the Hawks. I've watched my local high school team put up a better effort.
The Sixers had a 7 game winning streak over the Hawks.
Justin evaluated the Eagles' play yesterday. The team seems lost, especially without their savior. But as unstable the team is, Donovan McNabb is just as unstable.
McNabb is weird. There is so much going through his mind these past years and if he wrote a book, it would sell. Here is what I think is going through his head:
-He couldn't handle sharing Philly with TO. He waited for TO to do something dramatic so McNabb could make TO look like the bad guy.
-He tries to right wrongs too much. When he brought up the race issue w/ QB's, he was right in what he said but wrong in saying it. His timing was bad (Eagles and him were struggling so it looked like he was making excuses). Also he is trying to change the opinions and ideas we as American's have on the black community. There is still prejudice and we don't realize it or admit it. When a prominant black figure points it out, he is made to look like the bad guy for "complaining." Rev. Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are 2 exceptions. They stick their nose in business they shouldn't be a part of. McNabb is trying to right a wrong which in turn is making him look bad.
-He's also afraid of being a stereotypical black QB. He's trying to stay in the pocket and pass first, run as an escape rout. The traditional black QB always had run as an option, including his predecessor perenial starter Randall Cuningham. I bet when Vick got big as a scrambler, McNabb was afraid of being compared to him. He was also afraid of being compared to Brett Favre. He wants to be his own breed but all the unique routs have been covered over the years.
-I think he's finally cracked. He's become the face of the organization and the entire team is put on his shoulders at the ends of games i.e. the Super Bowl and games he's blown since then. The team relies too much on him and will slack because they think DMac can save the day.
In the end. McNabb isn't quitting. He's running out of gas.
I hate Andy Reid with a passion. His playcalling is consistently atrocious. It seems to be the only thing consistent for this teams. You have 4 tries from the 1 and you don't run one qb sneak. Are you telling me your that stupid of a human being to not tell AJ Feeley to just get behind Andrews and go? Props to Seattle's defense for stopping us there, but you definitely gave them the advantage. Feeley's a life-time backup and he sucks, who gives a fuck if someone yanks on his facemask. Maybe he won't stare down a fucking receiver.
AJ Feeley - Read above. Stop staring at your receivers. I am sorry you were consistently forced to pass in these shit conditions, but seriously, you're not the back-up qb in the Pac 10 anymore with a bunch of teams who don't play defense. When you stare down receivers in the NFL, you get picked off 3 times by a fucking linebacker.
Brian Westbrook - I love you (no homo). You are amazing. I hope this cheap ass organization actually pays you what you deserve. Your a top 5, some may include you higher, all around running back in the game.
Reggie Brown - You're a joke. Try to get open for once please. Learn how to run a route.
Lito Sheppard - you're quickly becoming a has been all-pro. Sure you've had some great picks in the past, but more than half your interceptions came against one team (Dallas) and their years of pathetic quarterbacks. You come up with a big game every once in awhile, but you get often burnt in man to man coverage.
Sheldon Brown - way to hit, that whiff sucked and I would have preferred you tried to wrap Morris up, but you seem like the only defensive player who actually cared yesterday.
Dawk - Sorry, but you've seemed to have lost a step. It comes with age and I know you still actually care.
Our special teams as a whole is still pathetic.
We're getting near that time where we have to start over.
According to Ken Rosenthal, Randy Wolf will sign with the San Diego Padres barring a physical.
Thank you San Diego for making the Phillies decision so much easier.
Carlos Ruiz was voted by Major League managers as the best rookie Catcher in baseball. Now, I know Ruiz is great defensively, but I really just think outside of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, there were not many rookie catchers this season.
Here is the rest of the team:
1B James Loney, Los Angeles (N.L) (98 games, 15 HR, 67 RBI, .331) – Unanimous selectionSportsCollectorsDaily
2B Dustin Pedroia, Boston (139, 8, 50, .317)
3B Ryan Braun, Milwaukee (113, 34, 97, .324) – Unanimous selection
SS Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado (155, 24, 99, .291)
OF Delmon Young, Tampa Bay (162, 13, 93, .288) – Unanimous selection
OF Chris Young, Arizona (148, 32, 68, .237) – Unanimous selection
OF Hunter Pence, Houston (108, 17, 69, .322) – Unanimous selection
C Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia (115, 6, 54, .259)
RHP Brian Bannister, Kansas City(165 IP, 12-9, 3.87, 77 K, 44 BB)
LHP Hideki Okajima, Boston (69 IP, 3-2, 2.22, 63 K, 17 BB)
Just in time for the rain and whatever miserable weather is expected, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks will be playing on a brand new playing surface.
Two weeks after re-sodding the playing surface, Lincoln Financial Field is a thing of beauty. The lines are down. The grass is thick and plush and, says Eagles Director of Grounds Tony Leonard, absolutely ready for action Sunday when the Eagles host the Seattle Seahawks.It's about time. That field his looked like shit for awhile now, largely due to two teams playing on it for much of the year.
"It looks great," said Leonard. "We put the sod down two weeks ago and we feel comfortable that it has had time to settle in. We're able to work on it, get it painted and mow it a couple of times before the game.
The Philadelphia Phillies will offer free-agent Aaron Rowand arbitration. If Aaron Rowand signs somewhere else, the Phillies will receive the first-round pick from the team that signs him, unless they were one of the worst 15 teams, they will receive the team's sandwich pick, and a sandwich pick of their own between the first and second rounds.
Phillies.com
David Cohen over at The Good Phight put together a list of players that performed well against the Phillies in 2007.
His list includes:
First Base: Todd HeltonFollow the link to read the rest of the article. It is good analysis.
Second Base: Craig Biggio
Short Stop: Omar Vizquel
Third Base: Chipper Jones
Outfield: Eric Byrnes, Milton Bradley, Corey Sullivan
Catcher: Miguel Olivo
On a night where the 76ers missed all of their 14 three-point attempts, Andre Iguodala missed his last 16 shots (3 for 19), and Kyle Korver shot 2 for 10, they were led by Andre Miller's 18 points, 8 assists, and 0 turnovers to defeat the Washington Wizards 85-84.
Willie Green and Reggie Evans each added 13 to go along with Samuel Dalembert's double-double (19 points, 11 rebounds). Andre Iguodala didn't exactly have a terrible game as he finished with 8 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, and 7 assists.
The 76ers had a season-low 8 turnovers, while forcing 18 by the Wizards.
The 76ers travel to New Jersey to face the Nets tonight at 7:30.
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