philadelphiavoice

The Return of The Blog

2011-08-04T17:53:00.003-04:00

Yawn... Stretch... Blink... I have risen from my slumber. It has been over a year, and while many of our Philadelphia sports teams have welcomed many a new face, your pessimistic, die-hard man with the fan's view is back in action. As a way to welcome back my readers, I figured that there would be no better way of saluting you all, that with a makeshift All-Phillies Mailbag. None of these questions have been posed to me by any actual readers: after all, the readers have most likely been scarce for the last 365-plus days. It does, however, make for a fairly interesting take on the current sports climate of what is now the center of the American Sports Universe: Philadelphia, PA.

What do you think of the Phils' chances at winning the 2011 World Series?

I'm high on the Phillies - go figure. Last year's playoffs were an enormous disappointment to the Phils' Phaithful. The only way to ease the pain of those memories - erase the pain, actually - is to win the World Series in oh-eleven. As of late Friday night, with His Smugness's (RAJ) addition of Hunter Pence, there is no more complete team in baseball. The lineup has performed extremely well since Chase Utley's return to the lineup and Pence should provide the much needed protection and extra "umph" that the Phillies need.

As John Steinbeck has reminded us time-and-again, "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." We saw this well known line come to fruition during the 2010 playoffs; Ryan Howard hit .303 yet failed to drive in a single run in 9 playoff games. Roy Halladay pitched through a boo-boo. Ryan Madson, the most reliable reliever, gave up the series-clinching home run. Charlie Manuel refused to attempt the notion of "small ball," and allowed his hitters to continue to hack at pitches. If the so-called "experts" could go back in time, I would imagine that many of them would pick the Phillies to win the 2010 World Series. That is why predictions mean nothing.

I do believe that the hunger that Hunter Pence has demonstrated thus far (in a fairly small sample size) will put the Phillies over the top. It is hard not to get amped up when watching HP3's wide-open eyes and high socks at the plate. The Phillies will no longer "go about their business" thanks to the new guy in town. The (relatively) young outfielder should provide the appetite that the Phillies seemingly lost in the 2010 Playoffs.

Did the Phillies give up too much in the Hunter Pence trade?

No. Absolutely not. We gave away young, unproven players. Look at what Kyle Drabek is doing for the Blue Jays. He is struggling - for their AAA team. Trade away uncertain prospects for proven players. The Phillies are in "win-now" mode and that is something that should be expected every single year until a down year occurs. We are the big boys now. The farm system will re-tool itself. If we win the World Series, they will come.

Was the demotion to Domonic Brown a good idea?

Yes. The Heir of Slytherin - I mean of Left Field - should benefit from regular playing time rather than irregular at-bats. Remember this - Ryan Howard was 25 as a rookie, while Chase Utley was 26 when he took over Second Base for good. "DoBro" is only 23 (DoBro - does that work?). Things can take time. While Ruben Amaro Jr. has spoiled us with his Santa Claus-ian ways every late July, sometimes the best presents are left wrapped (cus, you know, that's a saying and everything). The man blocking his way in Left Field right now? Well, he's doing just fine even though not many people have cared to notice. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is currently 3rd among all MLB Left Fielders in home runs and 4th in RBI. Not too shabby. Raul must have an endless supply of unicorn blood or Left Field is being occupied by some unforeseen horcrux. Ok, enough with the Harry Potter references.

Have your thoughts and views on Roy Halladay changed at all?

Yes and no. People don't really seem to grasp what my point is on Doc. Is the dude a good pitcher? Yes. Is he one of the best pitchers in baseball? Sure. Is he the BEST pitcher in baseball? No. Halladay is constantly referred to as the best pitcher in baseball. "He had a perfect game! A No-Hitter in the playoffs! Cy Youngs!" Hmm... don't really care. Did he win the game? That's enough for me. Roy Halladay is without a doubt one of the finest pitchers in baseball. His ability to throw strikes and not walk batters is far and away unmatched. His clutch gene, however, has not proven to be top-notch. Halladay was the pitcher that put us behind the Eight-Ball against the Giants in the 2010 playoffs - the only first game of ANY series that we lost. Halladay has some proving to do, which can only be validated in the playoffs - the 2011 World Series hopefully.

A small sample of what I hope to be a return of Philadelphia Voice. Hope you enjoyed my triumphant return.

What the Bleep is Wrong with the Phillies?

2010-06-15T19:53:00.005-04:00

I've been trying to start a research paper for the last half hour, assuming that a CC - Roy Halladay pitching match up would give me plenty of downtime because of a lack of base-runners. Well, 3 innings in, I have gotten nowhere on my paper, and Roy Halladay has struggled with way too many pitches against a team that he has historically dominated. Because most of my attention has been on the Flyers (and deservedly so), and pretending to care about the World Cup, I haven't gotten around to answering the many questions my friends have posed to me over the Phils' struggles.

Well, those of you who know me probably know that I am a bit obsessive and extremely demanding of my sports teams. I have zero patience with most players and only when you have earned my respect and trust do I grant any leeway. This is coming from a guy who hates Peter Forsberg, hated Daniel Briere until he showed me that his true talent lies in the playoffs, yelled at Ryan Howard to get out of Philadelphia when he struck out 3 times in one game in Washington, and of course hated Donovan McNabb. So either take this with a grain of salt or don't - these are my in-game reactions to what is becoming a daily question - What the heck is wrong with the Phillies?

(in no particular order)

1. No Jimmy. As Jimmy Rollins goes, so do the Phillies - yeah, yeah we've all heard that one. At this point, there is no excuse. I don't hear the players making excuses and I'm not sure I can watch a smug Ricky Bottalico say it after every loss as if he invented the saying. I don't expect the Phillies to suddenly lose every single ball game when day comes that Jimmy can't suit up at shortstop anymore. There is way too much talent on this team to rely on one man, even if that one man is the greatest shortstop in Phillies history and one of the best defensive shortstops in the history of Major League Baseball.

2. Roy Halladay. Yes, I believe that Roy Halladay is a problem. I am sure that I'll be taking this one back eventually, but "Doc" has not come here and done what we expected. The Phillies are playing their worst baseball in over 2 years and Doc has done nothing to change that. After the Phils won the World Series in '08 I realized that individual accomplishments only mean something to losers. That's why I don't care about his Perfect Game. It was nice (even though I barely saw any of it with Flyers-'Hawks Game 1 on) and definitely something he should be proud of for himself. At this point, I prefer Cliff Lee. Lee's nonchalance on the mound and his energy when he would dart from the dugout to the mound and then back again after the inning exemplified this team. Roy Halladay looks like he ate one too many Supremo Crunch's from Taco Bell on every pitch. Eyes scrunched up, grimacing, and never smiling - it doesn't look fun. To quote Benny the Jet, "Man, this is baseball. You gotta' stop thinking. Just... have fun."

Doc, this is my message to you - the reason that the Phillies succeed is because they are a group of hard workers, fun individuals, and a plethora of personalities. I know that Chase Utley doesn't smile, but it doesn't look like he's holding in a massive Number 2 either. Relax. Be friends with your teammates - it's a team.

3. Starting Pitching. I'm not terribly worried about Joe Blanton, he has always been a second-half pitcher. Cole Hamels has (statistically) bounced back a little bit. As long as he can get through moments such as his 16-pitch walk to Victor Martinez last Sunday and shut down teams after battles such as those, he should be alright. It's pretty astounding that Jamie Moyer has an ERA north of 5 when he's had 2 Complete Games. Scarily inconsistent eh? Kyle Kendrick is pitching pretty much how he should be expected to - if he can settle down to 6 innings and 3 runs I would take that in advance every single time. Can J.A. Happ come back to this team and be a savior?

3. Raul Ibanez. "I could go on forever baby!" - Home Alone 2. We'll see how many of my childhood favorites I end up referring to once this rant is over with. Raul Ibanez and Carlos Lee are locked in a mortal combat, fighting for the title of "Worst Outfielder in MLB." Lee's 19 million dollars may be 7 more than what Ibanez is making, but Ibanez also gets the nod of making Ruben Amaro Jr. look like a terrible GM. It's not fair to expect Ibanez to hit at the torrid pace that he started at last year, but 12 million dollars is a lot of money to pay to someone projected to hit barely 10 home runs. Every single Phillies game it seems that a few more fans have stopped cheering "RAAAUUUULLLL" every time the veteran steps to the plate. Watching the 38-year-old look like the rubber band man as he hobbles around the outfield is just painful at this point. It's time to cut our losses - drop Ibanez like we did with Adam Eaton and Geoff Jenkins. That way we can see what Dominic Brown has to offer, effectively showing the organization how hard they need to go after retaining Jayson Werth. (Nice 2-0 count, bases loaded ground out, Raul. Nice)

4. Shane Victorino. I know that he's not a prototypical leadoff hitter, but this is hard to watch. Shane doesn't look like he has had a game plan at the plate in over a month. While his free-swinging style leads to some unpredictable homeruns, it just doesn't translate to consistently getting on base. Try looking at a few pitches Shane. The point of a leadoff batter is to get on base.

5. The Bench. Greg Dobbs had his season to remember... although it's sort of getting hard to remember that a man hitting .163 once lead the league in pinch-hitting. Ross Gload is the same exact thing is Greg Dobbs - last year's pinch-hitting success story. Ben Francisco comes in for a pinch hit and seems to swing at the first pitch almost every single time. This is terrible baseball. For a man who is constantly talked about as "a starting outfielder for most teams," you would think that Ben would want to see a few pitches before flying out to center. Just a thought. Oh, and Juan Castro is really old.

6. Tom McCarthy. I miss the good ole days of T-Mac sitting in various empty outfield bleachers with sweat falling down his shiny head. Listening to this man's drone and congested laugh is worse than watching Seth Rogan's laugh on a loop. I never realized what a gem we had in Harry Kalas.

7. Chase Utley, I can't say anything bad about you. <3

How to Fix it? Here are a few bullet point ideas to shake up the team...
- As previously noted, drop Raul Ibanez and bring up Dominic Brown.
- Allow Jimmy Rollins to rest for as long as he needs. And when he says he's ready to come back, make him sit out another week (at least).
- Sit Chase Utley for a few games in a row, just like Charlie did with Jimmy last year.
- Tell Jayson Werth to get Roy Halladay really, super, extra drunk. Then he can open up with his teammates and have some nice inside jokes to share in the clubhouse.
- Trade Greg Dobbs or Ross Gload to another team with a struggling pinch-hitter. Can't hurt.
- Tell Ryan Howard to stop worrying so much about the shift and hit the weight room.
- I REPEAT: Release Raul Ibanez.

Just to reiterate - I know that I am sort of freaking out, and that hopefully I'll look back on this post in a few weeks and chuckle to myself as all of my friends mock me. I hope that is the case.

Go Phillies.

Spring Training Phillies Report: Position Players

2010-03-13T15:45:00.003-05:00

Fresh off my annual trip to Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida, I have returned with some observations that the baseball public might like to be made aware of. I am not a baseball scout, nor am I always separate from my obvious Phillies fandom so take these for what you will. Remember a few things as you read...

1. I only saw 3 games in person.
2. I, just like the rest of you, put a lot of my knowledge and opinion on what the public feeds me. I have tried to abandon these perceptions for this article.
3. I will try my hardest to give you what I believe to be the 100% truth, no fabrications.

Here is my offensive preview based on what I have learned at Spring Training and over the years as a die-hard Phillies fan.

Starting Lineup
Leadoff: Jimmy Rollins - Jimmy's defense appears to be as strong as ever. With a proclamation that he intends on stealing 50 bases this year, it would certainly help if the catalyst took some more pitches. Having a more prototypical two-hole batsman behind him (we will touch on this in a moment) should give Jimmy the confidence to take some pressure off of himself. A leadoff single is as good as a walk, just as a screaming liner that is snared by a glove is still an out. Keeping in mind that spring training games are for getting swings back, we can only wait until the 2010 campaign commences to see if Jimmy changes his approach at the plate. For one thing though, there is no way Jimmy repeats that horrendous first half of 2009.

Two-Hole: Placido Polanco - Lake Placido returns to Citizens Bank Park after a 4 and-a-half year absence. Polanco doesn't need time to adjust to the raucous and demanding atmosphere at The Bank, seeing as he spent parts of 3 years here. Offensively, the Phils need Polanco to keep doing what he has been doing since he became a regular for the Cardinals back in 2000; make contact, don't strike out, move the runner over, come up with some timely hits. All in all - keep the lineup moving. Polanco doesn't need to be an all-star for this team to consistently win. While Polly may not launch as many homers as his predecessor, Pedro Feliz did, his ability to "give himself up" will help the Phillies with something that they have consistently struggled with over the past few years; the old baseball colloquium known as, "small ball." With mashers at the plate up and down the order, the Phils sometimes get a little too happy. This sort of happy isn't necessarily a good thing. Pull happy, home run happy, power happy - they all add up to the same thing - all or nothing. Runs or strikeouts. With Polanco, expect more runners being moved from first to third and across home plate.

Defensively, I have my concerns with Placido. As anyone who has watched the Phillies over the past couple of years has seen, Pedo Feliz has been as defensively sound as they come. Polanco has been as good as you can be at second base, winning 2 Gold Glove awards in the past 3 years. The move to third, however, comes with less reaction time, more balls hit your way, and a longer throw to do it all in. Now it's not like Polanco hasn't played third before, but he was never a gold-glover at the position. On the surface there will be no statistical changes between Feliz and Polanco - Polanco's glove will be just as consistent. The throw is where the newbie may encounter some problems. I'd expect a few more infield singles attributed to our new third baseman.

My predicted verdict? Good signing. Polanco will pick it all up eventually and the textbook precision with which he approaches every at bat will help the Phils atop the National League Runs Scored.

Three-Hole: Chase Utley - The greatest second baseman in baseball shouldn't experience any setbacks. If there is anyone who can be expected to bounce back or fix a mistake, it is Chase Cameron Utley. After some ugly defensive mishaps in the NLCS last year, Chase was able to move on quicker than anybody as evidenced by his record-tying World Series performance. His 5 homers in one World Series tied him with Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson. With a more reliable bench and with a team favored to win basically every game they play, Utley should see a few more days off this summer. Charlie Manuel has stated that he knows the special team he has and he doesn't want to put it in jeopardy by overusing anyone. That said, it's hard to sit down a competitor like Chase because with it go a chance for another amazing hit or perfectly demonstrated base running. Also, the Phillies don't have the most able middle-infielder to back him up. Barring injury, Chase should expect to sit just a handful more games than he has in the past. I'd also expect Chase to cut down on the right field bombs as he makes an effort to spread the field with his bat, thus making the infield play him normally and without the popular as ever shift.

Cleanup: Ryan Howard - If there ever was an unappreciated athlete in Philadelphia, it's Ryan Howard, not Donovan McNabb. We Philadelphians sometimes take for granted that we have the single most powerful hitter in the game. Heck, he may be the most powerful hitter of the past few decades if not for performance enhancing drugs. The questions with Howard as always: Will he cut down on his strikeouts? Will he erase all talk of slow starts with another impressive April? Will he ever come close to his mammoth sophomore season again (.313 average, 58 homers, 149 RBI)? The answer to the last question - it doesn't matter. The Phils don't need Howard to set records year after year, so long as he continues to do what he has done. It is not a question of MVPs, but rather a question of seizing the moment as Ryan showed us so often last October.

The Protection: Jayson Werth - The beard, yeah, I know. Don't say I didn't acknowledge it. As for the contract situation, we will cross that bridge when we get to it. For the moment, expect an even better season out of this athlete. Near the top of the pack in every power category, with speed and excellent fielding in right. The only thing that can slow Werth down is injuries, something he has had plenty of in the past. Barring injuries, Werth has the power to improve upon the 36 homers and 99 ribbies he blasted last year.

Sixth: Raul Ibanez - I would not expect a first half like Ibanez put up last year. If we are treated to half of that we will be lucky. Not only is Raul 37 years old, but he is coming off the longest season of his career. Not to mention, he practically carried the Phillies on his back for a month or so last year. With a full year of Ben Francisco and other bench additions, I would expect Rauuuuuuul to play in about the same number of games as last year, with no injuries. He probably won't match the excitement that he created in his MVP-caliber first half last year, but he will still be more consistent than Pat Burrell. Also, remember this: we counted on Pat the Bat to protect Ryan Howard. Ibanez, his replacement, is protecting the guy that is protecting Ryan Howard. Just some food for thought.

Seventh Heaven: Shane Victorino - Well my grandmother will be a little unhappy when she doesn't get to see Shane's excitable personality in the first inning every single game, but she will experience the continued happiness of Phillies winning. Shane's "demotion" to the seventh spot in the order is anything but that. As one of Major League Baseballs most beloved players, Shane's off-the-wall playing style did him well hitting right behind JImmy Rollins. In pure baseball terms though, Shane is much more suited to be somewhat out of the way. As a free swinger and free spirit, Shane's playing style sometimes didn't take the Phillies exactly where they needed to go. Because of Shane's penchant for swinging the bat and doing everything he can as fast as he can, he wasn't the best player in situational baseball. Sure, he has been a clutch hitter, as we have seen in the playoffs for the past two years. Shane will breathe life into the bottom third of a batting order that pretty much lacked anything unexpected for the past two years. With Pedro Feliz and Carlos Ruiz, teams knew exactly what they were going to get. Not much power, no speed, not a lot of opposite field hitting. Replace Feliz with Victorino and you have a singles hitter that can hit for the same, if not more, power, steal bases and create some excitement while the team waits for Jimmy to start things off again.

Eighth: Carlos Ruiz - Last October, America was treated to a small slice of knowledge that even very few Philadelphians know: Carlos Ruiz is a winner. Ruiz has a knack for getting that big hit when the other team thinks it has the next two batters off. With catalyst number 2 hitting in front of him (Victorino), Ruiz will be granted a lot more chances to showcase his abilities. One question that everyone should be asking themselves is how often Ruiz will be spelled of his catching duties. Will new backup, Brian Schneider, handle an individual pitcher such as Roy Halladay, or will the Ruiz-Schneider tandem be able to work with any pitcher on the Phillies Roster?

Bench: Brian Schneider - Veteren on his third NL East team. Should be an improvement over Coste/Bako.
Ross Gload - a 33 year old with barely any mileage on him. Solid starter for the Royals in '08. Should be another Greg Dobbs of '08 (although asking Gload to lead the league in pinch hitting in back-to-back years is a lot to ask for).
Greg Dobbs - Based on what I've seen in Florida, Dobbs is looking healthy. I saw him hit three balls hard, all went for extra bases, all were to the opposite field. It's unclear if Dobbs will be prone to overuse because of his injuries last year, but expect a bounce back season.
Juan Castro - I would have personally kept Eric Bruntlett over this 37-year-old journeyman, but I guess it's hard to justify keeping a .171 hitter, even if he DID score the winning run of the 2008 World Series. Just sayin'. Castro should be the last option off the bench to pinch hit (other than the second catcher). If an infielder goes down for an extended period of time, it would probably be unwise to use Castro and expect to keep the same production up. I'm not expecting a lot out of him.
Ben Francisco - Ben could start for just about half the teams in baseball, so it is essential that he stays productive with the Phils. As the most important man off the bench, keeping Francisco in game-shape and prepared will be key for the Phils if they expect some consistency out of their 4th outfielder. He will be given more starts in left this year to give Raul Ibanez a break.

Overall, expect a banner year from the boys of summer both on the offensive and defensive side. The bench should be better, which can only help an aging Raul Ibanez. That is all for now my friends, check back in soon for my Pitching Report. Also, check the new poll and feel free to leave comments on facebook, email, or the blog itself.

How the Mighty Have Fallen

2010-02-21T16:01:00.003-05:00

NBA All-Star Weekend is for dunk contests, behind the back passes and putting on a show. This weekend highlights the world's most athletic men and their ability to even soar over one another. That is NBA All-Star Weekend. Every other NBA game should always be business.

As a die-hard sports fan, I try to watch as many sporting competitions as possible. For the past 8 days and for the next 7 I have become Team America's biggest supporter. From snowboarding, a personal hobby of mine, to curling, to even watching Johnny Weir blow two-fingered kisses to his disturbed, yet somewhat amazed crowd, the Olympics have been tons of fun. It's sports. That word, sports" is all that is needed to draw me in. Unless Goodfellas or Transformers are on an HD channel, it's sports all day, every day. So when my favorite basketball player, DeJuan Blair, came to town with the San Antonio Spurs to face my 76ers, I decided that I had to be there. Putting aside the hustle, power and rebounding dominance that Blair shows on the court, it's going to take a lot for me to go to another 76ers game in the near future. What I experienced on Friday, February 19, 2010 deeply saddened me.

The pre-game warmups for the all-world Spurs included layup drills, catch-and-shoots and rebounding drills. The 76ers though, instead decided to wow the half-full arena with the worst preparation I have ever had the misfortune to watch. Andre Iguodala, the Sixers franchise player, the 80 million dollar man, warmed up by throwing himself alley-oops off the backboard. Rodney Carney (so nice we had to sign him twice) threw down windmills reminiscent of a street-baller. "Slammin" Sammy Dalembert missed a dunk and proceeded to follow up his rebound by air-balling a fadeaway 10-foot jumper. The dichotomy between these two shoot-arounds was really all one would need to know about the state of each franchise.

As a little history lesson, here are some surprising facts about the NBA:

-Just 13 out of 30 current franchises have won a Larry O'Brien Trophy (The NBA's lame championship trophy)

-Just 8 of those 13 teams have won multiple Championships. 8 out of 30 teams. The 76ers are one of them. So are the Spurs.

The Philadelphia 76ers aren't just another franchise searching for an NBA identity. No matter how many Conference Finals the Nuggets or Cavaliers make, they do not have the hardware. There are plenty of teams with continued regular season success such as the Suns or Jazz, but they have repeatedly failed to seal the deal. In a league that is disguisedly dominated by a few teams, it is easy to forget that the Sixers were once a proud member of the select few successful NBA teams.

Attending the Sixers-Spurs game on Friday night truly opened my eyes to what has frankly become a breeding ground of bedlam. The nonstop circus routine that lasts from before tip-off until Willie Green's last contested three is sickening and extremely tiring. Blaring rap music with the heaviest bass imaginable invades my ears and blocks any coherent thoughts from formulating in my head. Having a conversation becomes a game, with constant interruptions to allow Sixers PA Announcer, Matt Cord, scream, "Aaaandreee Eeeeg-ah-dala-dala-dala-(dala)-(dala)." Samuel Dalembert's rare 2-point basket becomes a cause for celebration - "Slllaaaaammmin Sammmmy Dal-um-bear." Slammin? Really? Does 7 points per game constitute a nickname such as "slammin?" Let's wait for some new accomplishments before we start lauding a collective group of losers with nicknames.

Hip-Hop, the 76ers obnoxious, ghetto-themed mascot, is constantly in the crowd's face. With a high-pitched whistling noise attached to his mask, you are guaranteed to hear Hip-Hop from almsot anywhere in the stadium. I put up with 5 minutes of the fake-muscled bunny rabbit spraying silly-string at 3 children. What ensued was the entire section smelling like aerosol for the rest of the quarter.

Through this unceasing noise and mayhem are people that just want to watch a good, competitive game of basketball. A middle-aged man sat alone in front of my friend and I pointing at players, shouting instructions, and throwing his hands up in disbelief as Andre Iguodala settled for in-your-face clankers with 15 seconds left on the shot clock. This poor man, he spends money to come and watch professional basketball on a Friday night and is instead treated to a game lacking planning, defense, or strategy.

In short, this isn't basketball. This is a spectacle, something that can be out-done by most minor league hockey teams and almost any competitive high-school sporting event. If the Sixers want to end up like the Phantoms and move to Adirondack, effectively into obscurity, they need only to continue this never-ending circus. Coach Eddie Jordan gets my vote if the organization is looking towards a ringleader to lead a team of clowns.

If a circus is not the Philadelphia 76ers goal, then drawing families out to witness insufferable acts and stunts needs to end today. Putting a team on the floor to win basketball games should be the goal. Winning brings crowds, winning brings revenue - not bunnies on steroids or cranked up PA systems. Just 9 years ago, a time that feels like an eternity, this was a franchise on the rise. With an inspired season and a crushing loss to the Lakers, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the Sixers recaptured the glory days of old.

The Sixers basketball identity isn't gone, it's just lost.

Week 17 NFL Picks

2010-01-03T11:50:00.002-05:00

We have finally arrived at week 17 after a season of terrible teams, dominant teams, mediocre teams, and personal fantasy meltdowns. We have gone from a discussion of a probable Super Bowl matchup between two undefeated teams to unsure of who the favorite from each conference is. The NFL is always exciting and while I poke fun at the league sometimes, at the end of the day it consistently provides storylines and interesting plot twists. Again my beloved Eagles have a meaningful game on the last day of the season, something I don't give Andy Reid and Company all that much credit for. It's been a quick regular season, so without further ado, my last picks of the regular season.

(Home team in CAPS)

Indy over BUFFALO

Here's my question: If you're going to rest your starters at all, why not rest them the whole game? Isn't there just as much chance of a player getting hurt in the 1st quarter as there is in the 4th? If the argument is for the rest and subsequent improved health of your starters, don't play them at all! Other than that, to quote Herm Edwards, "You play, to win, the game."

Jacksonville over CLEVELAND

The Jags need more to happen to get into the playoffs than the Eagles needed last year. I can't imagine two years in a row where three or more teams lose thus propelling an undeserving team into the wildcard round. That being said, Jacksonville still needs to win.

Chicago over DETROIT

Know what Brett Favre said to Jay Cutler in their little fraternity of quarterbacks talk after last weeks upset win over the Vikings? "Jay, I know it feels good to win this game right now. And that's all that matters, that YOU won the game. You made the right choice by leaving Denver on your own terms and throwing interceptions that you thought might be miraculously pulled down by one of your unworthy receivers. It's all about you Jay, the team doesn't matter. Way to go. Wrangler jeans."

San Fran over ST. LOUIS

So is Mike Singletary really that good of a coach? I mean the team didn't make the playoffs in his second year and have juggled starting QB's. Is anyone outside of Missouri and California's Bay area going to watch this game or even remember the outcome?

Pittsburgh over MIAMI

Steelers are getting into the playoffs. It's really not that difficult. Houston will lose to New England. The Jets will lose to Cinci. Steelers become "the team that nobody wants to face" and it's basically all we here about next weeks AFC Wild Card round. Jim Rome, Skip Bayless, Woody Paige - rev up your Steelers engines.

MINNESOTA over NY Giants

Two teams that are as cold as ice. The Giants have nothing to play for except whatever pride they have left from their 2008 Super Bowl team. Shootout ensues, the slightly less cold Vikings prevail.

TAMPA over Hotlanta

Really not much to say on this snoozer.

Naaaahlins over CAROLINA

Should be closer than expected. Is Matt Moore playing solid for the Panthers? By all means, yes. Is he the answer? No.

New England over HOUSTON

Oh Texans. 90% of America picked you as the "surprise" Wild Card team of the year. So many people picked you, in fact, that it was no longer a surprise. You are hanging on by the thinnest of threads. I don't want you getting in though. It would just be boring.

Green Bay over ARIZONA

One of the most interesting match-ups of the final week. Arizona hasn't looked stable for a long period of time this season. The Packers ripped off a 5 game winning streak against a bunch of nobody's. A secret that most football fans have failed to realize - neither of these teams is really that good.

SAN DIEGO over Washington

What is the longest winning streak that a Super Bowl team has had before hoisting the Lombardi Trophy? Might that answer be made irrelevant by the Chargers?

Tennessee over SEATTLE

Well it was fun while it lasted Titans. Sort of like the first 10 minutes of the Temple-Kansas basketball game yesterday.

Baltimore over OAKLAND

Whooooo are you (Ra-vens, Ra-vens), I really wanna know, Whoooooo are you (Ra-vens, Ra-vens)

Eagles over DALLAS

Round 2. Last year the Eagles put on the worst beating in the history of this legendary rivalry. 44-6. Will this years triumph be as one-sided? No, but it will be convincing. The Eagles have historically been made for December and early January, we all know that. We also know the Cowboys' side of the December - early January story. The real question is: does this win propel the winner onto greater things?

Kansas City over DENVER

After watching the Eagles-Broncos game last week, I realized that the Broncos entire offensive game plan goes through Brandon Marshall. He had about 13 targets and 8 catches, dropping the other 5 balls because he was scared of Sheldon Brown laying the smacketh down on him. Denver can only hope that the Chiefs hand them countless turnovers or this one could look mighty similar to Broncos fans.

Cinci over NY JETS

Lots of field goals in this one, the trademark for the Bengals. Which is also why they will lose in the first round of the playoffs.

Season: 157 - 80

**Check out the New Poll**

A Christmas Story of Awards

2009-12-24T15:44:00.006-05:00

It's that time of year again folks, time for my annual, traditional, once-a-year, yuletide Christmas Story of Awards. Time to take a step back in time to the 1940's or maybe even early 1950's - no one really knows. Time to rejoin the Parkers for yet another quirky 24 hours of a Christmas Story. Here at PhiladelphiaVoice we will take a look back on the year in sports, more specifically Philadelphia sports. So drink your cup of Ovaltine and enjoy: A Christmas Story of Awards.

The Broken Leg Lamp Award

This one goes to Flyers General Manager, Paul Holmgren. You traded draft picks, 19-year-old defenseman Luca Sbisa, and power play extraordinaire Joffrey Lupol for what appeared to be a healthy, dynamic 36-year-old defenseman in Chris Pronger. So you seem a bit surprised when your major addition plays like - surprise! - a 36-year-old defenseman. Pronger was brought into Philadelphia to be the puck-clearing defenseman that could put a body on Sidney Crosby and provide the necessary leadership to get the Flyers over the proverbial hump. Whoops. What happens when you place your entire season on an aging defenseman? Derian Hatcher all over again - that's what happens. Only with a 7 year contract instead of a 4 year contract. After spending a few days glowing in the window in the earlier parts of the season, the leg came crashing down. The Flyers are 0-3 against Crosby and the defending champs and the Kid has tallied goals in the past two games. So much for shut down defenseman.

The Aunt Clara's Bunny Costume Award

Cole Hamels - step on up! After enjoying all the honors that come with being World Series MVP - TV commercials, Late Night appearances, being heralded as the next "big thing," Cole Hamels. Another new situation in his life - reality star wife, Heidi Hamels. After reading an article in Sports Illustrated called "The Fabulous Life of Cole Hamels," my dad subsequently decided that his career was at least temporarily put aside. And boy, was he right. Hamels' new wife might has well have forced a pink bunny costume on Hamels because some of the comments that he made and the way he behaved were more like the way you'd expect a SoCal 25-year-old to act, not the World Series MVP. We were treated to rolled ankles that lead to frustration and thrown gloves. Struggles on the field that allllmost went away but came crashing back with home run ball after home run ball. Hamels behaved like the ultimate pink bunny when he expressed his desire for the season to "just end already" during the middle of the World Series. All that being said, I expect Hamels to step out of Aunt Clara's pink bunny suit in 'oh-ten. After all, the dude is only 25 and on the Phillies - life can't be that easy all the time right?

The You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Award

Last year Andre Iguodala was the recipient of this unfortunate award. This year he has the honor passing it to - himself! That's right ladies and gents! The first ever two-time award winner. Andre has the distinction of leading the team with the 3rd-worst record in the NBA. He has refrained from making any of his teammates better. Is it ever a good sign for the future when your star player puts up less than 15 points in a game through a quarter of the games in a season? (Let's not mention Elton Brand...) Iguodala's field goal percentage is the worst of his entire NBA career, and his three point percentage is his third-worst. Not very inspiring. So grab that Official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time, and get to work Andre!

The Ooohhh Fudge Award

Chase Utley and his potty mouth were a perfect fit for this award last year. This year it goes to none other than Gary Matthews Sr. Sarge got a little off topic during a Phillies radio broadcast. I'll leave the laughs to you.

The Scut Farkus Affair Award

To the Philadelphia Eagles, for rising up against the NFL playoff system and sneaking in at 9-6-1. After crushing teams for years, it turned out that a 9 win season and a tie against the lowly Bengals was enough to propel the Eagles to the NFC Championship game. Way to triumph over the NFL playoff system Eagles! Just don't get too far after the Championship game.

The It's a beautifulturkey, it really is, but it's smiling at me Award

The Bumpass's Dogs Award and the But it was gone, all gone! No turkey! No turkey sandwiches! No turkey salad! No turkey gravy! Turkey hash! Turkey a la King! Or gallons of turkey soup! Gone, ALL GONE! Award

The Philadelphia Phillies. While returning to the World series for a second straight year can be considered a successful season, all the pride and glory was snatched away by those neighbors to the north, the New York Yankees. After a 1-0 series lead thanks to a beautiful Cliff Lee performance to be remembered for the ages, the Bronx Bombers put on a show with their bats. They tore Cole Hamels to shreds, put a fitting end to Brad Lidge's season, and tore Pedro a new one in game 6. So close, and ripped away. Let's not deprive the Old Man of his turkey this year fellas. Remember how good that turkey tasted in '08? A second helping in three years would be nice.

The Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra Award

To Arron Asham and Chan Ho Park

The Santa Boot in The Face Award

To Cliff Lee. Thanks for those memorable games in late July, August, and September. And, oh yeah, those wins in October and the complete game against the Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series was nice too. Bye!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Week 16 NFL Picks

Home team in CAPS

San Diego over TENNESSEE

HOTLANTA over Buffalo

CINCI over Kansas City

Oakland over CLEVELAND

GREEN BAY over Seattle

PITTSBURGH over Baltimore

MIAMI over Houston

NEW ENGLAND over Jacksonville

NAAAAHLINS over Tampa

Carolina over NY GIANTS

SAN FRAN over Detriot

ARIZONA over St. Louis

INDY over NY Jets

EAGLES over Denver

Dallas over WASHINGTON

CHICAGO over Minnesota

Season: 145 - 76

**Check out the new poll**

Week 15 NFL Picks

2009-12-20T09:46:00.003-05:00

I am currently in Vermont and want to get out on the slopes sooner rather than later, so my picks today are for history's sake rather than mine and your entertainment value.

Indy over JACKSONVILLE

NAAAAHHHLINS over Dallas

New England over BUFFALO

Arizona over DETROIT

TENNESSEE over Miami

KC over Cleveland

Houston over ST. LOUIS

NY JETS over Hotlanta

DENVER over Oakland

SAN DIEGO over Cinci

Tampa Bay over SEATTLE

BALTIMORE over Chicago

IGGLES over San Fran

(thank you for the 4:15 start snowstorm!)

PITTSBURGH over Green Bay

Minnesota over CAROLINA

NY GIANTS over Washington

Season: 134 - 71

Week 14 NFL Picks

2009-12-13T11:21:00.002-05:00

Well the holiday that explains all miracles, Hanukkah, certainly falls at an opportune time for the Birds this year. The last game at Giants Stadium would certainly seem like a perfect opportunity to repeat the Miracle at the Meadowlands and effectively sever the Giants playoff hopes. We will get to that prediction in just a little bit. First let's get to my Week 14 NFL (a.k.a. the start of fantasy playoffs) picks.

Pittsburgh over CLEVELAND

Yet another wrong Thursday night pick. Isn't it time to abandon this whole Thursday Night Football thing? No one looks forward to watching these games, it hurts teams that need normal rest towards the end of the season, and I get almost every one of them wrong. This needs to end.

Naaaaahlins over Atlanta

We saw what the Falcons did without their starting QB and running back, and now their best pass rusher in Justin Babineaux was charged with possessing 1 and 1/2 ounces of the finest Hotlanta herb. Not exactly inspiring for a potential playoff team? This is the game that finally ends their back-to-back playoff dreams.

Green Bay over CHICAGO

The Packers are finally rounding into form while the Bears are surprisingly only 5-7. That has to be somewhat inspiring given Jay Cutler's Jake Delhommeian achievement, carrying more interceptions than touchdowns into Week 14.

TAMPA BAY over NY Jets

Not really an upset since the Jets will be starting Kellen Clemens for the first time since 2007.

Miami over JACKSONVILLE

MoJoDrew seems like he's dropped off the face of the earth huh? I see a return of his fantasy impact this week despite a convincing W by Chad Henne and co.

BALTIMORE over Detroit

Make or break game for Baltimore's withering playoff hopes. I say it's make.

HOUSTON over Seattle

Thank the football gods that there is fantasy football or I doubt anyone would think to watch this one.

INDY over Denver

This loss should make for a very interesting AFC wildcard picture. I think it gets even more interesting in the manner in which the Broncos will lose. After today they will not appear deserving of a playoff spot.

Buffalo over KC

And the winner for "Weekly Worst Game of the Week" goes to...

MINNESOTA over Cinci

I'd pick this to be an upset if the visiting team wasn't called the Cincinnati Bengals.

NEW ENGLAND over Carolina

Who would have thought that the AFC East would be the definition of Mediocre. After the Steelers' stream of horrendous gut-check performances this year, I don't think any legendary team or coach is safe. Given that, I think the Patriots eek this one out.

Oakland over WASHINGTON

Don't bet against the Raiders at home against another bad team.

TENNESSEE over St. Louis

Another dominating win by Vince Young even though he'll look like crap in doing so.

San Diego over DALLAS

Come on fantasy players on San Diego! (Rivers, Kaeding, Defense, LT) unless I make further adjustments

Eagles over NY GIANTS

The dominance continues. The Eagles secondary is too good for Eli. The Eagles receivers are too good for the Giants' secondary. Giants O-line is hurting, Eagles linebackers seem to be forming some continuity. The only thing that can stand in the Eagles way of victory is the wind and rain that will surely douse the stadium and potentially David Akers' kicks.

Arizona over SAN FRAN

The Cardinals are peaking at the right time. This is not a team anyone wants to play come playoff time.

Season: 122 - 67

Keep an eye out for my annual Christmas Story of Awards to come in the next week.

**Check out the new poll**

Week 13 NFL Picks

2009-12-06T11:54:00.002-05:00

After the most compelling week in Philadelphia sports in the past month, the Eagles have received zero attention despite a very lame two-game winning streak. The return of Allen Iverson and Placido Polanco coupled with the Flyers firing their 56th coach since Terry Murray has left very little room for any Eagles-Falcons talk. To be honest, I haven't thought about it even once other than the devastating news that Desean Jackson is out for my fantasy team.

So without further ado, Week 13 is upon us.

(Home team in CAPS)

NY Jets over BUFFALO

Told you Mark Sanchez sucks. Everyone loved him after 2 weeks but it was only too plain to see that HE LEFT COLLEGE TOO EARLY AND HE PLAYS FOR THE JETS. Duh.

Eagles over HOTLANTA

No Matt Ryan or Michael Turner makes the Falcons a very dull boy, er - team. Despite Hotlanta's perfect record at home, it would be an enormous upset if they can defeat the Eagles. Jason Avant has picked his game up, proving that he was the right choice over Hank Baskett. No Desean does add a little shake-up to an inconsistent offense, but Brent Celek is due for a big game isn't he? And Shady McCoy has looked more dominant each week.

CHICAGO over St. Louis

Jay Cutler is a spoiled baby.

CINCINNATI over Detroit

I am a big believer in "if you have never been good, there is no truth to your supposed "good" record right now. Yes, I am picking the Bengals, but it will be ugly. No team where 1 in ever 5 players has been charged with a felon should ever win in a division with the Steelers and Ravens.

PITTSBURGH over Oakland

After the Steelers last Super Bowl victory they failed to make it back to the playoffs. Looking like we may see a repeat performance.

INDY over Tennessee

Vince Young is riding high, but if anyone can steal the spotlight from him it is Peyton Manning. He has found a way to completely steal the moment in any NFL game, that is when he is not too bothered by Justin Timberlake's googly eyes.

Denver over KC

Kansas City has a slight gleam of hope after winning 2 out of their last 3. Denver had a dominating win over the Giants, but hey - Eli Manning will probably be out for the season after the G-Men lose their next few games. This is a meaningless game in the end, because Denver will finish a win or two short of the playoffs. Josh McDaniels' enthusiasm is cute though.

New England over MIAMI

I recently realized that Tom Brady has the same chin dimple as Andy Pettitte. The only reason I know this? Because whenever either of them is on TV, the HD really feels the need to zoom in on their faces every opportunity they get.

Naaaahlins over WASHINGTON

Is there any way that we won't see a Colts - Saints Super Bowl? It really doesn't look like any single team could really stand in the way of this happening. It will be sad to see how bad the Eagles are when the Saints tear apart the Redskins, a team the Eagles beat by 3. But hey - a win's a win.

Tampa over CAROLINA

No Deangelo Williams and a continuation of the Jake Delhomme era doesn't leave a lot of hope for the Panthers' future. I look for a letdown against the Bucco's this weekend.

Houston over JACKSONVILLE

Houston has to win an important game sometime don't they?

San Diego over CLEVELAND

The Chargers are the only team that can challenge the Colts in the AFC, but that is only if LT stays healthy. He hasn't played in the playoffs seemingly in years, can he make it this year?

NY GIANTS over Dallas

One last win for the Giants before it all comes crumbling down. This also creates a very big mish-mash atop the NFC East with confusing tie-breakers and match-ups still left to be played against each of the three teams.

San Fran over SEATTLE

The Niners' last chance to save their season with a potential division-taking game with the Cardinals next week. Put up or shut up Mr. Singletary.

Minnesota over ARIZONA

Yet another road win this week, bringing my grand total to 10 road wins this week. Don't know if I've ever done that. The-Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named continues his MVP campaign.

GREEN BAY over Baltimore

Interesting Monday Night game isn't it? Two playoff hopefuls from different conferences in a very important game for both teams' seasons. A great young quarterback matchup. Home team wins this one.

Season: 112-61

**Check out the poll**

The Call

2009-12-02T19:57:00.004-05:00

No, not The Backstreet Boys' 2001 hit song.

No, not Babe Ruth's called shot in the 1932 World Series.

Not even Ed Stefanski's call to agent Leon Rose asking if a certain free agent was interested in a place called home.

This call, my friends, was a call made by yours truly on Saturday, November 28th at 12:09 P.M. The recipient of the call? Well, technically an automated system. But the eventual recipient was Brian, a ticket salesman working for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers... remember them? They run up and down a court with a basketball and actually play right here in Philadelphia! Whats that? They don't sound familiar? I don't blame you, I don't see how anybody could pay much attention these days. Ranking second-to-last in attendance for the 2009-2010 season is the result of a pretty thrill-less team.

Here's an actual transcript of my little chit-chat with Brian.

Brian: This is the 76ers box office, my name is Brian how may I help you?

Zach: Hey Brian, how's it going? (I'm genuine, what can I say?)

Brian: Uh (obviously not expecting my bona fide sincerity), good. Yourself?

Zach: Can't complain. I'm actually calling for one reason. I want to buy tickets to a Sixers game, but only if you guys sign Allen Iverson.

Brian: Oh, well do you want to buy some tickets now in case they sign him?

Zach: No, I have no interest in the Sixers right now. I can guarantee you though, that if the Sixers re-sign Iverson, I will buy tickets. If you happen to talk to the front office tell them that. I'm dead serious.

Brian: Ok, can I write down your name and number?

Zach: Zach Leon, 215 603 8925. Hope to hear from you soon.

Let's flash forward to today, Wednesday, December 2nd at 3:30 PM.

(I'm sitting in an appointment with my advisor)

Zach: Can't I petition to have that class count for International Studies? (Sudden jolt as I feel a vibration in my pocket.) Sorry, can I take this?

Phone: Jack?

Zach: Do you mean Zach? This is Zach.

Phone: Yeah, sorry. Zach. This is Brian.

Zach: ...Brian...

Brian: Brian from the Sixers. You said that you'd buy tickets if we signed AI.

Zach: Oh yeah, I'm in a meeting. I promise I'll call you back.

Brian: I look forward to hearing from you.

So is that all it takes? A little determination from a fan to call the team instead of the sports radio airwaves? Hardly. I know that my plea for the return of Allen Iverson had at least a stake in his homecoming. I, along with the rest of Philadelphia, am bored of watching a bunch of second-tier draft picks run around the floor, dunk miss wide open three's, and allow anyone who knows how to dribble a basketball blow by them on the way to the cup. Turns out that a little effort by the fan base can really go a long way.

The 76ers are a team in desperation. Without a single player averaging over 20 points per game since Iverson's departure, this team hasn't had a single player with the ability to take over a game. And after watching years and years of basketball, that is huge. The absence of a go-to-guy has resulted in just 13 playoff wins since that memorable championship run in '01. Now that statistic wasn't meant to depress you, after all there are teams with much worse stretches than that over the past 8 years. Add Allen Iverson to a playoff team that is on the bubble of a series win and the Sixers are back. Back in the news, back in the game, back in contention. The fact that we had 13 playoff wins in that time without a single All-Star? That is unbelievable! How can we expect to win a playoff series when Andre Iguodala is your franchise player? I mean, he's been a Sixer for 5-plus years and I still rely on the Google Search bar at the top righthand corner of my web browser to spell his name! Things aren't allowed to go well when your star player has an un-spellable name 5 years after he was drafted. There's got to be a formula for that somewhere...

Think about this for a minute, the last time Allen Iverson was given free rein to do whatever he wanted when he was on the floor was a little over a year ago when he played every. single. game. All 82. That season Iverson averaged 26 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 rebounds a game. Vintage AI. After that season he ventured to Motown where he started a game, sat on the bench the next, back and forth until a "back injury" forced him to sit out the rest of the season. I don't think there is anyone out there who believes that Allen would quit a season if he was starting and getting his shots. Iverson was unhappy, didn't get what he wanted on the court and thus pouted and let what I am sure was a real injury become more than it really was.

The argument against bringing back Iverson is that it will hinder the development of our younger players. Well, this just in people: we are in "Win Now Mode." That's why Iggy and Elton Brand are making 13 and 14 million dollars this year respectively. Either that or our front office is even more inept than it was during the Billy King era. I tend to believe that fielding back-to-back playoff teams that took each series to 6 games (one against the eventual Eastern Conference Champs) points towards something positive.

A 5-13 record to start off the 2009-2010 campaign is not the something positive I, or anybody else, had in mind. Is the development of our younger players really supposed to override making the playoffs? Could we really be doing any worse at this juncture in the season? 2 of our 5 wins are against the winless Nets (who as of Wednesday, December 2nd stand at 0-18, the worst start to a season in NBA history). They didn't even start their All-Star point guard, Devin Harris, in either of those games. And, oh yeah, the Sixers topped off those wins by a combined 6 points! I'll let that sink in...

So I ask you: is taking shots away from Willie Green, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young and "Slammy" Dalembert really a bad thing? Shouldn't we be rejoicing? For God's sake - Allen Iverson is back! He has arguably a better supporting cast than any one of his first 10-plus seasons in Philadelphia. His legs, back, body (and mouth) are completely fresh. This man is not even 6 feet tall, only 165 pounds and is 34 years old. His knees aren't causing him problems like many aging 6 foot 6 stars. Iverson's most recent complete season produced the numbers that Philadelphia is accustomed to seeing out of "The Little Guy" as Larry Brown affectionately called him. The man who goes out on the court for "the game I die for" has returned. And with his reemergence maybe we will be treated to what few have witnessed so far. Check out this article on the real AI, something that has stuck with me since it's publication nearly 6 years ago.

He's back folks. Get ready for some jersey-logo thrusting. Some ear-cupping to the crowd. Some drives to the hoop that will resemble David versus Goliath. Some practice (key word there - some practice).

My goal with my conversation with Brian? To bring back The Answer. And guess what? It worked.

Week 12 NFL Picks

2009-11-29T12:09:00.003-05:00

My Week 12 Picks. Be on the lookout for an article on fighting in the NHL soon to come.

(Home team in CAPS)

Thanksgiving Games

Green Bay over DETROIT

DALLAS over Oakland

Giants over DENVER

The rest...

HOTLANTA over Tampa

Not sure anyone saw such a up-and-down year for Matt Ryan and the Falcons but they are not looking good to make the postseason. A win over Tampa will at least ease the suffering.

Miami over BUFFA...

Snooze, Yawn. Woah, excuse me - I didn't realize that I dozed off while typing that one.

CINCI over Cleveland

Still don't believe in Cinci, just too many field goals. I'll give their defense some credit though.

Seattle over ST LOUIS

Another "Worst Game of the Decade" nominee.

Carolina over NY JETS

The Jets are falling, the Panthers are rising. Simple as that.

EAGLES over Washington

After consecutive wins over the Bears and the Redskins, 610 and 950 will finally have callers with confidence, false confidence mind you. These two wins only count in the win column as far as I am concerned. They do nothing to make me feel better about the Eagles. Did anyone else realize that if Jay Cutler had connected with 2 of those 5 home run balls he missed last Sunday night that the game wouldn't have been close? His receivers were WIDE open.

Indy over Houston

I guess this is fun since the exact same matchup went on 3 weeks ago, and a good one at that. Can't imagine Indy not having figured out the Texans after playing them once and barely escaping with a win.

SAN DIEGO over kc

Other than the unbeatens, the Chargers are the hottest team in the NFL. Don't hold your breath on LT because he's having his best stretch of games in more than a year.

Jacksonville over SAN FRAN

The 'Niners are crumbling and it's happening fast. After a promising start, they showed that they are not f'real.

MINNESOTA over Chicago

I'd look for a closer game than anticipated. I know Jay Cutler is currently the worst QB in the NFL, but I'm a big believer of breaking out of slumps at the wrong time. Cutler is due for a good one at some point.

Arizona over Tennessee

This is where Vince Young's perfect record must come to an end, as will the Titans' slim playoff hopes.

Pittsburgh over BALTIMORE

I'm sure I will have jinxed this one. Away, no Big Ben, no Troy Polamalu - it all adds up to a definite loss at Baltimore right? No. I'll take the defending champs tonight. The Ravens have proved to be a lot softer than we all thought and if there is any NFL team that defines the word "team," it has to be the Steelers.

New England over NAAAAHHHLLINS

It's time. Poetic justice right? The last perfect team upsets the weaker of the two current unbeatens. The Saints have just been playing too flukey to keep this one going.

Season: 103-54

**Check out the new Poll!**

Keep an eye out for that fighting post, should be up by either late today or sometime tomorrow.

Week 11 NFL Picks

2009-11-22T10:34:00.004-05:00

CAROLINA over Miami

These Thursday games just aren't happening for me. Two admittedly wrong picks announced 3 days after the fact.

DALLAS over Washington

Just when you think Washington is completely hopeless, they beat the Denver Broncos. But I remain under the impression that the Broncos are actually deceiving everyone, evidenced by their 3 straight losses. Dallas wins at home to remind us how bad the Broncos actually are.

DETROIT over Cleveland

It seems to be getting just a little old; every week I proclaim that there might not be a worse game in the history of the NFL. Again, we are treated to a pair of 1-8 teams vying for "worst team in the NFL." This 2009 season has officially been a painful one to watch for just about any NFL fan.

GREEN BAY over San Fran

And suddenly Green Bay is back in the game. Thanks to the Eagles, the Giants and - you guessed it, San Fran - the Packers are very much alive for a playoff birth. The Packers can crush the 'Niners season with back-t0-back home W's.

Pittsburgh over Kansas City

"The day that Marvin Lewis sweeps a season series from the Steelers when the division lead is up for grabs is the day that Elton Brand ever comes close to averaging a double-double again (9 points and 5 rebounds per game as of today)." Yep, I said that a week ago. The good news - looks like Elton Brand is on his way back to being an All-Star!

NY GIANTS over Hotlanta

Can the G-Men really lose 4 games in a row? This one is sure no gimme, in a potential game of the Wildcards, this one is important for both teams, but probably a little more important to the Giants with Divisional Title hopes still in grasp. That's why the Giants pull this one out at home.

Nahhhhhlins over TAMPA

The Saints only have 1 game that they could lose (on paper) for the rest of the season, which is next week versus the Patriots. On other words: they have a really good chance of going undefeated in the regular season

JACKSONVILLE over Buffalo

Dear Buffalo,

When you lose this week you will officially be in discussion for "Worst Team in the NFL" along with Detroit, Tampa, Oakland, Washington, and Kansas City, quite an extensive list. No one really seems to know just how bad you actually are, but fear not because you have the chance of showing off your stink-ability (yes, I wrote that) in Jacksonville today.

Love,

Zach

Indy over BALTIMORE

If ever there was a game that could save a season and ignite a fire under Ray Lewis and company, this would be the one. Lose this, and the playoffs are going to be a stretch for what originally looked like a sure-thing. Having the home crowd could really affect this game, but what will affect it further is the fact that Peyton Manning is on the other side. Will this man ever lose another big game? The only question here remains - just how big of a game is this for the Colts?

MINNESOTA over Seattle

While watching the Lions hang around with the Vikings last weekend, the Vikings showed just how good they are. They managed to turn a relatively close game for 3 quarters into a 17 point blowout. Even on a not-so-hot day, the Vikings didn't even make it close.

Arizona over ST LOUIS

Can the Cardinals pull away at last? Now that their running game is taking shape with Beanie Wells, they are looking much more formidable.

NEW ENGLAND over NY Jets

Bye-Bye Jets season.

Cincinnati over OAKLAND

Is Cinci actually for real? The team with 8 arrests in one season can't possibly be a first place team over the Steelers and Ravens can they? When will they lose a stinker?

San Diego over DENVER

The Chargers are hot, the Broncos are not.

Eagles over CHICAGO

I don't have much to say on the Eagles right now. All I know is that last weeks loss wasn't that bad because Dallas lost too.

TENNESSEE over Houston

The Vince Young experiment is looking good for right now. But all Vince Young-isms aside, how is this the Monday Night Game? I could understand a 4:15 game because of the "you stole our team" rivalry thing, but... Monday Night Football? Really NFL schedule-makers? Really?

Season: 90-51

Week 10 NFL Picks

2009-11-14T13:21:00.007-05:00

Well it's been 10 days since the end of the 2009 MLB season and maybe it will finally culminate in my sanity sooner rather than later. Maybe I won't have dreams like last night's where down 8-6 in the top of the ninth against Mariano Rivera, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez come in and hit respective home runs off him to make the game 10-8 and eventually forcing a game 7. What can I say folks? I bleed red. Well, like Phillies-red... you get the picture.

Moving on to the Eagles; this team more or less the antithesis of the Phillies. Just when they can win back an entire city that is fresh off a World Series defeat, they blow their biggest game of the year (thus far) at home to their biggest rival. Just doesn't bode well does it? Yet another prime example that this Eagles team is one that can't get it done in the big moment, when it counts most. I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune come December, as always, but for right now the Eagles have shown that they have a whole lot to prove.

Week 10 of the NFL has arrived, a pivotal week to those second place, 5-3 teams, such as our Eagles, where they can boost their playoff hopes by going 3 games over .500 or taking one step closer to the dreaded .500 mark. There are some interesting match-ups this week, many that could be the deciding games in eventual playoff births. Let's take a look at those who I deem worthy...

(Home team in CAPS)

Chicago over SAN FRAN

I'll be honest here, I picked the game and didn't write it down or post it. I thought that San Fran was on the slide and hey - Jay Cutler couldn't really be this bad, could he? Turns out he is much, much worse. 5 picks in a game!?

Naaaahhhlins over ST. LOUIS

New Or-lee-ans has it locked up until week 13 against the Patriots.

MIAMI over Tampa

I am a big believer in momentum, but no 1-7 team that has used three starting Quarterbacks in 8 games will win two in a row, especially on the road.

MINNESOTA over Detroit

Is this the game that Brad Childress leaves The-Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in the game for a series too long and he finally throws out his back like any normal, grey-haired/faced 40-year-old would and inevitably refuses to forfeit his consecutive games played streak and continues to play, leading to a .500 second-half for a top-4 team, opening up questions as they face a hot Atlanta Falcons team who demolished the Cardinals in round 1 of the playoffs? Why yes, I think so.

NY JETS over Jacksonville

The Jets keep their slim playoff hopes alive for just one more week before they get crushed by the Pats.

Buffalo over TENNESSEE

This is the game that saves us from a 1st and 10 frenzy on ESPN wondering if Vince Young has finally matured and is ready to take over the helm and lead the Titans into the future. The answer, as provided by this matchup: no, he isn't. He's really stupid, really big, and really not good.

PITTSBURGH over Cincy

They day that Marvin Lewis sweeps a season series from the Steelers when the division lead is up for grabs is the day that Elton Brand ever comes close to averaging a double-double again (9 points and 5 rebounds per game as of today). In short, that day will not dawn. The Big Ben Show marches onward.

Denver over WASHINGTON

This will mark the first time that I have picked the Denver Broncos all season. Do I believe in Josh McDaniels and that liar Brian Dawkins? - No. But I believe much less in the Redskins. This should be one of the Broncos last easy wins.

Hotlanta over CAROLINA

Matt Ryan was named the second-best QB in Southeastern PA (my highschool football area) over the past decade. Pretty astonishing to see in the Philadelphia Inquirer. This one should be closer than it looks at first glance, as the Panthers have been playing decently as of late. Atlanta will prevail as our first 5-3 team to take a step closer to the postseason (is it ever called the postseason in the NFL? No? Why not? It is in the other 3 major sports. I will start to use this term for the NFL.).

OAKLAND over kc

Week 8 featured Detroit vs. St. Louis. Week 9 treated us to Jacksonville vs. KC and Seattle vs. Detroit. This week our fandom is rewarded even further with the worst offense in the NFL vs. the 3rd-worst offense in the NFL. I won't even mention their defensive rankings.

ARIZONA over Seattle

Will the real Arizona Cardinals please stand up? A 5-3 team that stands alone in first in the worst division in football, this isn't do-or-die for the Cardinals. Pencil them in.

GREEN BAY over Dallas

My upset of the week. It's time for Dallas to lose. They have quietly, and then not so quietly won 4 in a row. On the road in Green Bay is always a tough place to play and Romo is due for a horrendous performance isn't he? The national spotlight is suddenly on the Cowboys again. Not Romo's specialty.

Eagles over SAN DIEGO

I know, I know - I'm biased towards the Eagles to say the very least. But just when everyone gets down on us is when we make our comeback. Right? Right? Somebody? Anybody? Does anyone want to play defense for the Eagles? Or offensive line for that matter? Somebody wake up!

INDY over New England

Still don't understand the inter-division scheduling in the NFL. How do we get to see such a marquee matchup every single year? I'm going to go ahead and pick the undefeated team against the Patriots, who have undeniably been on a roll for the past month. I'm going to predict a defensive battle. Ready for it? Ok, here it comes. I predict a defensive battle.

Baltimore over CLEVELAND

If Baltimore wins this game, as expected, we could very realistically see three teams in the postseason from the AFC North. Only Denver/San Diego pose a major threat to this occurring.

Season: 83-43

**Check out the new poll**

The 2009 Phillies Wrap-Up

2009-11-07T19:33:00.003-05:00

1 year and 9 days later I celebrate my newfound persona as a sports fan. I am no longer just another obsessed, passionate sports fan who allows his team to grab ahold of him only to know that deep down in his heart, the feeling of losing and disappointment will overwhelm once again. Brad Lidge's 3-pitch strikeout of Eric Hinske changed all that. Brad and the 2008 Phillies transformed Philadelphia into a group of winners, a fan base that expects victory and superiority. To some, that previous statement explains why last Wednesday's Game 6 loss to the Evil Empire stung so bad. Losing to the bigger, badder New York adds insult to injury, some say. After having three plus days to reflect on that loss and in addition, the 2009 season, I am here to say that we should be damn proud of the Philadelphia Phillies. And here's why:

Heart - if any team is going to come back from a 3 games to 1 deficit, its the Phils. This is a team who has embodied the word "comeback." The Phillies have made a living for the past few years having abominable Aprils complete with ice-cold Ryan Howard's and Tom Gordons serving away wins on silver plates. They have consistently had the best second-half record over the past few years, emphasized by shattering the Mets hearts two years in a row. Now while I just dished out some great memories and some head-shakers (good and bad), it all adds up to one sad truth - if the Phillies couldn't defeat the Yankees, no one could. As painful as it was to watch Shane Victorino ground out to second to close the 2009 season and effectively dethrone us from the title "champs," that last at-bat was sadly heroic. After 10 pitches, including 4 consecutive foul balls off the greatest closer ever, the Yankees reclaimed the throne that they bought, whoops I mean that they are sadly now (rightfully) entitled to. Be proud of sending it back to New York, of the heart that our Phils showed for the past year and more importantly, for the past few years.

Class - Mainly Brad Lidge. Love him, hate him, thank him, had enough of him, there is one thing you cannot argue with - Brad Lidge never lost his cool. While you may think that showing emotion can be a good thing, that losing your temper and throwing a cooler, or cursing off a reporter, or leaving your locker stall before the press is allowed in, or blaming your failures on injuries, that any of these are acceptable, well allow Brad Lidge to prove you wrong. After having the single greatest closer's year in the history of baseball (not an exaggeration), Lidge turned a 180. I don't need to remind anyone of the statistics, we all went through the 2009 season with Brad. Not to steal Sports Illustrated's thunder, but we as fans should feel honored to have such a distinguished man representing our city's team. Never once did Lidge shy away from reporters when they asked him why his slider wasn't sliding or why is fastball just wasn't fast enough to pass a batter's bat. Lidge never discredited our intelligence and devotion as fans by ignoring what was being said about him. He knew he was getting paid the big bucks to shut the door on opponents and never once did he back down from the challenge. So thank you Brad Lidge. While what you helped bring us in 2008 is what will be remembered, but the lesson you taught us in 2009 is an important one - that you may be a baseball player being paid millions, but you are a man playing for a city and you are no bigger than any of the fans that count upon you whenever you toe the rubber.

Coaching - Coaching to win, actually. When the aforementioned Brad Lidge blew his first save in 54 chances back in April, Charlie allowed it to happen. In a sports era that is so dominated by personal records and achievements (Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, The-Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named), Charlie Manuel chose to forget that Brad Lidge was in the midst of one of the greatest stretches in MLB history and instead decided to allow the tying run to score in exchange for a double play. While it may not have ended the way we wanted, we should remember that Charlie ended the record in the name of the team. There are many managers who give in to the constant catering of their superstars. For instance, Larry Bowa never had the guts to force Bobby Abreu into the leadoff spot because Bobby wanted to produce runs. The-Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was never once benched during his meltdown with the Jets because of his consecutive games records and because of his name. Be proud of a manager who coached to win, not to set records.

Grit - Chase. Effing. Utley. I find it hard to believe that I can love a man who I don't even know much more than this. The reason that everyone falls in love with Utley and his playing style is simple - everyone wants to believe that this is how they would play the game if they were given the chance and an 85 million dollar contract (albeit with a little more smiling. Seriously has anyone ever seen Chase Utley smile during a game? Ever?). When Charlie Manuel actually feels that the time has come to give Chase a day off from the daily grinds of second base, we are told that Utley gets pisssssed. Why do we never hear him complain? Because he is the ultimate team player. Only once has Chase ever said anything of controversy... and boy oh boy what wonderful words they were... (everyone can take as long as they want to reminisce. Actually - let me aid you).

Ok, so he also layed an F-bomb at the 2008 all-star game in the Bronx. But other than that the man is all business.

Talent - It's hard not to appreciate the fact that we are currently witnessing some of the greatest baseball players to ever pick up a glove and bat play for our team 162 games a year. That's right, I said greatest players ever, not just greatest Phillies ever (which they are too). Jimmy Rollins has the highest fielding percentage of any National League shortstop in history - and yes that's including "The Wizard" himself, Ozzie Smith. Ryan Howard has put together the most impressive power surge in the start of a career not seen since Babe Ruth, that's right the Great Bambino. Ryan Howard is being compared to the Sultan of Swat. Let that sink in. Bash Cole Hamels all you want (and many others will join you) but the man enjoyed one of the greatest postseason performances by any starting pitcher ever. And remember that he is 25! Most aces don't reach their potential until their late 20's, so don't discredit Hollywood just yet. Chase Utley is putting on a clinic for second basemen on a level with Ryne Sandberg. Jayson Werth has one of the meanest chin beards that anyone has ever seen, not to mention the man launched a ball into the fifth deck in the Rogers Centre/SkyDome. I notice that I am repeating the phrases "best ever," and "in MLB history" and folks, I wouldn't say it if it weren't true.

Respect - For the fans and for the game. Watching Alex Rodriguez run in to the pitchers mound from third base was the worst part of losing this World Series other than the actual loss itself. This is a man who is out for numero uno and is now celebrating the ultimate team accomplishment. A-Roid first lied to America by having us believe that he was our National Pastime's vindication for Barry Bonds, only to find out that he "played in a loosey-goosey era" (his offbeat words, not mine) and had his cousin Yuri inject his 275 million dollar ass with steroids. Then we come to find out that he threw his teammates under the bench by trading signals with other teams in order to boost his own stats and in essence, "get his." A-Roid collected 3 MVP awards and elevated his salary to the highest in baseball history thanks to what could be even more cheated stats than we know. He even cheated on his wife with Madonna! I have no problem with Derek Jeter other than the fact that he is a Yankee and he sucks. But having two admitted cheaters on a team that beat some of the classiest guys in sports is something that doesn't sit well with me. None of our Phillies have been accused of taking steroids or blatantly stealing signs to boost their own stats while giving up their own pitchers. We have respect for our fans and for the game.

So, ladies and gents, lament about the Phillies World Series defeat at the hand of the Bronx Bombers. Try to latch on to the Flyers, Sixers and Eagles as they go through the motions and seemingly wait for the playoffs to be handed to them (a topic of conversation for another blog post). Realize that the Phillies are one of the very few National League teams to even have a chance to defend their title down to the very last series of the year. Realize that we haven't seen a Phillies team this consistent ever. Realize that Philadelphia hasn't seen a team like this arguably in 30-plus years. I will be the first to tell you that the success of a season is determined by being the last team standing. Thanks to our 2009 National League Champs I can say that while I wanted a repeat, I hold no grudges, I don't feel cheated, and I don't consider the 2009 MLB season a failure. Thank you Philadelphia Phillies, for all your hard work and for capturing and captivating a city day in and day out.

Just under 120 days until pitchers and catchers report.

(So as not to take away from the importance of this post by quickly posting another one for my Week 9 NFL picks tomorrow morning, I have decided to briskly make my picks right now.)

(Home team in CAPS)

HOTLANTA over Washington

Arizona over CHICAGO

Baltimore over CINCI

INDY over Houston

NEW ENGLAND over Miami

Green Bay over TAMPA

JACKSONVILLE over Kansas City (snoozefest Number 1)

NAAAAHHLINS over Carolina

SEATTLE over Detroit (snoozefest Number 2)

SAN FRAN over Tennessee (potential snoozefest, so let's call this 2.5)

NY GIANTS over San Diego

Eagles over DALLAS

There are at least 2 absolutely atrocious games every single week. It's like the NFL can't keep from outdoing itself.

Season 76-38 (easiest Week 8 ever)

**Check out the new poll, I really want to know what you think on this one**

Week 8 NFL Picks

2009-11-01T12:24:00.002-05:00

With such an unpredictable NFL season where some bad teams are dominant (Cinci, Denver...) and some bad teams are atrocious (Washington, KC, Tennessee, St. Louis, Detroit...) I thank the baseball gods for our Phillies being in the World Series every day. Not that I am satisfied with just a World Series appearance. That being said, let's get some picks going for what will probably prove to be another boring NFL Sunday.

(Home team in CAPS)

Houston over BUFFALO

Is this really the end of TO? I tend to think not. As I and many other fans have said, if TO had problems with McNabb, Romo, and Garcia, he's not gonna be thrilled with Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick. I think he has one more productive season in him with a competent QB. Do I have anything to say about this game? No, it will be boring.

CHICAGO over Cleveland

Time to fire Lovie Smith. This Bears team shouldn't be dominant by any stretch of the imagination, but a beat down by Marvin Lewis really has to get that seat hot doesn't it? I'm not the biggest Jay Cutler fan in the world but 3-3 just ain't cutting it. Talk about poetic justice in Denver eh?

DALLAS over Seattle

The Cowgirls are quietly playing some pretty good football and they are doing so as more of a team than the shows that their great teams of the past have put on. Romo hasn't been as dominant as his old flashes of brilliance, but he is not the key to this team winning. They have better than mediocre parts at every position and have found a way to win. Hard to bash the 'Girls for being taken to OT by the Chiefs after the Eagles uninspiring play against the Raiders and Redskins in successive weeks. That Raiders game was, by the way, among the 3 most boring football games I have ever seen. It's up there with the Eagles tie of the Bengals last year and the 2008 Brut Sun Bowl where Oregon State "beat" Pitt 3-0. It wasn't raining, snowing, or doing anything with an "ing" at the end. NOTHING happened.

DETROIT over St. Louis

Why do we have another game every week that looks on paper as if it might be the least intriguing game of all-time? It's probably not a good thing for the NFL when this game will most likely be topped by another matchup in the second half of the season... or 2, or 12.

BALTIMORE over Denver

I haven't picked Denver this year. And I don't intend on picking them any time soon. This canNOT be a good football team, it just can't. Flacco, please torch Dawkins.

INDY over San Fran

Could be potentially interesting as long as Indy doesn't grab a huge lead in the first quarter. San Fran has the mental toughness to hang in this game, though I don't think the final box score will show that.

Miami over NY JETS

The Jets may have beaten up on the Raiders last week, but the Jets should be defined by the inconsistent play of Mark Sanchez. He hasn't put together successive wins since Weeks 2 and 3. Oh and he has 4 more interceptions than TDs.

EAGLES over NY Giants

I put this one on Eli Mannings' shoulders. He hasn't lost at Lincoln Financial Field but his injured heel thing may cause him to throw a few errant passes thanks to some Trent Cole dynamo. If Manning has a good game, the Giants win. I personally don't think that Manning will have a good game which by my definition should lead to an Eagles win. Looking for that Philly over New York sweep today!

TENNESSEE over Jacksonville

It's happening today. The return of the Madden 08 Cover Boy. The, and I quote "future Hall of Famer and Super Bowl winner," Vince Young! Another drawl of a game.

SAN DIEGO over Oakland

This might be the last chance for LT to stay relevant. Seems like we're saying that every week. This is actually the week though.

ARIZONA over Carolina

Is Arizona back? I think we can expect a quietly dominant run from the Cardinals that will at first be quiet, then everyone will label it quiet, then it will be so loud that they lose in the first round of the playoffs because they will be playing the Bill Simmons "Nobody Believed in us!" card, only they know that they will be playing this card. By the way, got to meet Bill Simmons - one of the inspirations of this blog - at a book signing for his new book "The Book of Basketball" last Tuesday. There must have been 1000 people there - for a dude writing about other people play sports! This man is living the dream!

Minnesota over GREEN BAY

This is the reason that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named came out of retirement. He wants to stick it to his old team and he will probably thrive off of the boos in Lambeau.

NAAAAHHLINS over Hotlanta

40 seconds til the Eagles game!!! DrewBreesgoeswildonAtlanta'sdefense.

Go Phillies!

Season: 65-36

GOOOO PHILLLLLIIIIEEEEESSSS

Week 7 NFL Picks

2009-10-25T12:31:00.002-04:00

Quickly before I head off to NYC with the family...

(Home teams in CAPS)

Green Bay over CLEVELAND

Indy over ST. LOUIS

PITTSBURGH over Minnesota

New England over TAMPA

San Fran over HOUSTON

CAROLINA over Buffalo

No way the Bills can win two weeks in a row...

NY Jets over OAKLAND

No way the Raiders can win two weeks in a row...

Hotlanta over DALLAS

Chicago over CINCI

Naaaahlins over MIAMI

NY GIANTS over Arizona

Eagles over WASHINGTON

Could we possibly witness the first domination of the Redskins in a few years? The 'skins always play the birds close, something tells me that we are due for a bounce back week from our Iggles.

I think the Yankees close it out tonight to set up an old Indians aces game one of CC Sabathia vs our very own Clifton Phifer Lee.

Week 6 NFL Picks

2009-10-18T12:23:00.002-04:00

Not to complain, but can the NFC East schedule get any more boring? I found myself almost wishing that the Bucs would score last week so I could stop staring at the grass on the field in HD - that was the most exciting part of lasts week's Eagles win. Probably more of the same today versus the dysfunctional Raiders.

(Home teams in CAPS)

CINCI over Houston

It's not that I'm a believer in Carson Palmer all of the sudden, it's just that Houston stinks.

GREEN BAY over Detroit

I'm gonna say closer than we might initially think as long as Stafford plays. They have too many weapons to not put up some pointage.

NY Giants over NEW ORLEANS

Yes, Drew Brees is due for a fantasy "carry-a-team-on-his-shoulders" type week, but I don't think he'll benefit much from the Giants defense. Lower scoring game.

PITTSBURGH over Cleveland

Not looking too good for the Steelers. Not even their annual home trouncing of the fourth worst franchise in the NFL will do a lot to dispel any worries the Steeler faithful might have about this team.

Carolina over TAMPA BAY

An iffy call, especially because Tampa almost had the Eagles a few times last week if not for a few turnovers. They can move the ball as long as Winslow's on his game. I'm expecting a huge day for DeAngelo Williams.

WASHINGTON over kc

Kansas City doesn't deserve capitals even when I abbreviate their name. This NFL season - well the schedulers didn't do a very good job did they? Every week it seems like we are put through watching snoozarama after a snoozefest. This week we have 3 almost guaranteed horrible games. This should be the worst one.

JACKSONVILLE over St. Louis

Hard to pick any team that loses by 41 points and doesn't score at all. But that is how bad the Rams are this year. How is Rush Limbaugh even in discussion with the NFL?

Arizona over SEATTLE

Will Matt Hasselback actually continue his potential reemergence? No.

Eagles over OAKLAND

Just take McNabb out after the first half, please. And Westbrook too. And all major defensive weapons. This is a day for Michael Vick, Eldra Buckley, Kevin Curtis and friends.

NEW ENGLAND over Tennessee

The Patriots are very comparable to my first Atlantic City Casino trip yesterday. They walk in and seem a little unsure of themselves until Tom Brady wins them a game or two, the fans are back on their high horses completely thinking that football was made for Tom Brady to dominate. That's until the offense takes what they think is a well-deserved break on the sideline only to lose a collective $1600 in an hour when they find out that Blackjack is really not the easiest game in the world, and $360 dollar steak dinner extravaganza dinners at Mortons isn't a preconceived reservations every time you step on the casino floor. Phew - got that out of my system.

NY JETS over Buffalo

Last week to trade TO! Still don't think the Jets should be praised for much, but this week should at least get the analysts stirring about Mark Sanchez again. Not that they should.

ATLANTA over Chicago

Matt Ryan will stay hot and Michael Turner will have another great week. Chicago will probably come out slow on the road after the bye week.

SAN DIEGO over Denver

I've picked against Denver every week. That means that the Broncos account for 1/5 of my losses. And I'm not changing. They just CAN'T be this good! They had a horrible offseason! They have a young, over-his-head coach, a crappy QB. They can't possibly be 6-0... can they?

Go Phillies. Should be a pitcher's duel today with Cliff Lee and Hiroki Kuroda. Phils have a good chance seeing as Kuroda hasn't pitched in over 2 weeks and got shelled by Pittsburgh his last time out. Let's go Phillies!

Season: 51-25

Week 5 NFL Picks

2009-10-11T11:01:00.003-04:00

Before I make my picks for this week, let me just put a desire of mine out there. I want to see Christopher Moltisanti's Cleaver in actual production. It looks like it could possibly be the worst movie ever made. I think I'd probably enjoy this over a real life production of Aquaman.

I'll get on with Week 5 now.

(Home teams in CAPS)

BUFFALO over Cleveland

Cleveland plays its heart out and loses in overtime to the Bengals. Not exactly inspiring for the second coming of Derek Anderson. Losing Braylon Edwards can't help either. Give me a good game for Beast Mode himself, Marshawn Lynch

Dallas over KC

After watching Tony Romo make the Dallas offense look even more anemic than it probably is last week, it might be generous to go with a Cowboys win on the road. Only the fact that KC has absolutely nothing going for it right now is keeping Dallas's hopes alive for the season.

Minnesota over ST. LOUIS

I'm officially scared of the Vikings. And as my friend pointed out last week, it might be St. Louis who is now officially the worst team in football. If only KC and St. Louis went up head to head, it might be the most unpredictable game of the year.

NY GIANTS over Oakland

Oakland just keeps getting worse. After an inspiring first two weeks, Darren McFadden looks like he could be the biggest bust since Jamarcus Russel.... or is it the other way around?

EAGLES over Tampa Bay

While it should be a blowout, the Bucs have historically played the Eagles tough. Who knows what will happen with the reemergence of Donovan McNabb. Could it possibly be a game after the first half? I say yes. I think we'll see a healthy McNabb on the bench laughing about corny jokes as Kolb looks like crap in the fourth.

Pittsburgh over DETROIT

Not much to say here. Probably no Matthew Stafford and even with Kevin Smith playing like a fantasy hero, this shouldn't be close. The true test is whether or not the Steelers go blowout like the champs they are or if they play this one close to the chest.

CAROLINA over Washington

Probably close scoring, and potentially the second worst game of the week. Decent defenses with awful QB's doesn't sound promising. I'll take the home team with the better offense, if you can call it that.

BALTIMORE over Cinci

Cinci is looking good, yes. Baltimore is looking ferocious. Can't imagine this one is close after even a quarter.

Atlanta over SAN FRAN

This is why Atlanta acquired Tony Gonzalez. For when people pick San Fran to beat a contending sleeper. I think this is a week that San Fran doesn't show up. We haven't seen a Matt Ryan explosion and we are due for one.

Jacksonville over SEATTLE

Hasselback is... well, back. But it won't make much of a difference.

ARIZONA over Houston

Probably a shootout with the receives that these teams possess. Can't see anything less than a score in the high 20's.

New England over DENVER

Here's my question - what if Dallas isn't that good? Denver hadn't beaten anyone before the Cowgirls and this might be their first legitimate test. Kyle Orton vs. Tom Brady - I don't care if Tom Brady is 45 with one knee left, he cannot lose this game. Oh and Brian Dawkins, I think I hate you.

Indy over TENNESSEE

Time for the return of Vince Young. At least see what you have left in your first round pick, Titans. If not this week, it'll have to happen soon enough. Peyton Manning is out to prove something this year. Scary to think that he was hurt last year and won the MVP. Won't get to see much of this because the Phillies will be on. Go Phillies!

NY Jets over MIAMI

This will be a good game. But I won't be watching because the Phillies are on! Go Phillies!

Go Phillies!

Season: 42-20

Week 4 NFL Picks

2009-10-03T16:36:00.007-04:00

Looks like I'm back to my Week 1 ways. 12-4 last week. That's the stuff of champs my friends. Onto Week 4, where it is never a good idea when you are HAPPY that your favorite team has the bye week. That's right, week 4 and we are already thanking the league for giving us our injury rest. Oye.

(Home team in CAPS)

CHICAGO over Detroit

Who called the Lions' first win in almost two years? Who was it again? Oh yeah - it was ME. Not that I think that success will carry onward to the windy city.

Cinci over CLEVELAND

As someone who would never bet on Marvin Lewis to win anything, it is hard for me to pick this man on the road. Yet against a team that thinks replacing their first round draft pick with a QB who threw three picks in one half is a good idea, I'll take Team Ochocinco.

INDY over Seattle

Looks like no Matt Hasselback again, not that it matters. Peyton Manning looks like he found a solid replacement for Anthony Gonzalez and they should be a shoe-in at home.

NY GIANTS over KC

Kansas City is officially the worst team in football over the past few years after Detroit won last week. Todd Haley stinks - the man ran the ball non-stop in the 3rd quarter down by 3 scores.

Baltimore over NEW ENGLAND

I'm doing it, I am finally off of the "I-will-pick-New-England-every-week-regardless-of-what-they-did-last-week-or-the-week-before-because-they-have-Belichick-and-Brady" bandwagon. I'm off (for now anyway). Baltimore looks plain scary. Flacco looks like a dark-horse MVP candidate and the defense looks flawless. Surprised this isn't a primetime game, no?

WASHINGTON over Tampa Bay

I REMEMBERED! Byron Leftwich! That's the starting QB for Tampa. I almost had to look it up again. Phew.

Tennessee over JACKSONVILLE

Mo-Jo-Drew can't really be this good can he? And the Titans can't really be this bad can they? Jeff Fisher needs to win this game to avoid a QB controversy between the "future hall-of-famer," Vince Young, and Kerry Collins.

Oakland over HOUSTON

Call me crazy, but then again I have no problem calling everyone who picked Houston to make the playoffs before the season started. Oakland will have to put it all together for a full game sooner or later, rather than just the glimpses that we have been witnessing.

NAAAAHLINS over NY Jets

Well... Mark Sanchez is looking pretty good. I'll admit it. This coming from the guy who said there would never be another good drafted QB after Rivers, Manning #2 (or 3?), or Roethlisberger. I see this being the meltdown of the Jets heralded defense. Look for a high scoring convincing win by the Saints. And by the way, that doesn't mean that I believe in the Saints. It means that I don't believe in the Jets.

Buffalo over MIAMI

Poor Chad Pennington. The kid has such a sweet name and his arm just can't live up to it. After such a horrendous start to the season, Chad Henne's first start should to little to quell the diehard's fears. The TO Show isn't looking deserving of popcorn just yet, but I think this week will change that.

SAN FRAN over St. Louis

San Fran continues to look like the real deal. If the Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named didn't pull that throw out of his yoo-hoo then the niners would be sitting as pretty as can be. No Frank Gore might hurt them eventually, but not against St. Louis.

Dallas over DENVER

I'll give Josh McDaniels credit - he's right. The Broncos cannot be any better than 3-0 right now. I'm not saying that I'm putting my money on Romo to tear up what has been a stupendous Denver D, but... well I guess I am. Dallas wins convincingly.

PITTSBURGH over San Diego

This should be one hell of a game. I'm sure everyone in Pittsburgh is wondering how that final Carson Palmer drive would have ended if Troy Polamalu was playing and unfortunately for them they are going to keep on wondering for a few more weeks. That being said, Big Ben won't lose a home game against a rival AFC Qb picked 7 spots higher than him. Higher scoring than one would initially think though.

MINNESOTA over Green Bay

Yeah, it's a pretty fun matchup, but it won't compare to when The Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named plays in Lambeau. If Minnesota can win when AP doesn't score a touchdown, we should probably be very scared indeed. Not looking forward to the media circus leading up to this game. I feel like we have been listening to this talk for the past two seasons as if this was inevitable.

Biggest winners though - the Philadelphia Phillies. Getting rested, healthy, and a home field advantage for the first round. 3 straight division titles.

Season: 33-15

Week 3 NFL Picks

2009-09-25T13:10:00.005-04:00

After the easiest week 1 in recent memory, Week 2 brought me back down to earth to the tune of an 8-8 record. In hopes of getting my predictions out sooner and to more eyes, my week 3 picks will be happeninnnnnnggggg... NOW.

(Home team in CAPS)

DETROIT over Washington

What a way to start off eh? Detroit hasn't won a game in 19 straight attempts. What better to snap that trend than a home game against an uninspired Washington team with a head coach who doesn't seem to have a handle on his team? I can't imagine Jason Campbell tearing apart any defense. This is as far from a sure thing as you can get, but I'll still take the Lions to be one of ESPN's top stories from Week 3.

Green Bay over ST. LOUIS

Green Bay losing to Cinci last week. Not many saw that coming, especially in the cheesy confines of Wisconsin. Bounce back time for Aaron Rodgers and company.

MINNESOTA over San Fran

I'm rooting for San Fran so we can hear more about Shaun Hill and his game management skills. The last thing I want to hear about is that He Who Must Not Be Named and Peterson's Vikings might be the best team in the NFL, which is a real possibility depending on the outcome of this game. Save me from overanalyzing + He Who Must Not Be Named + Purple Jerseys = ESPN having a field day.

(On a side note, with Peter Forsberg's announcement that he is attempting another comeback, he has quietly distinguished himself as He Who Must Not Be Named's likeness for the NHL. If hockey was a bigger sport people would be talking about how Forsberg is a diva. How he announced his latest retirement on the day of the trade deadline to overcome all the NHL attention and focus it on himself. How his injuries are because his "boot doesn't fit." Has anyone heard of such an injury before? Anyone? Anyone?)

NEW ENGLAND over Hotlanta

Bill Belichick is too good of a coach to allow his team to keep underperforming like this. A home game against a somewhat inexperienced team should help his cause. The Brady-Moss connection is due for a honeymoon sometime soon aren't they?

Tennessee over NY JETS

I haven't made up my mind on Rex Ryan yet; he has backed up his talk so far and doesn't appear to be shutting up any time soon. Much like my New England prediction, Jeff Fisher will not allow his team to start the season off 0-3 and crush any historical chance of winning the Super Bowl (it has never been done before). I'll put my money on Kerry Collins over Mark Sanchez for this one.

EAGLES over Kansas City

Dorothy Gale of Kansas once said "there's no place like home." This will ring true this week for my Eagles. It looks like McNabb will not play (and he shouldn't), Brian Westbrook will pull the classic "no practice but I'll play anyway" gag, Desean Jackson is nursing the first semi-serious injury of his career, and Kevin Curtis will probably be out too. Todd Haley has overstepped his boundaries already, just two weeks into his first head coaching gig. Threatening the 63 million dollar QB's job already doesn't appear to be the best start to the season. The Philly crowd will push the Eagles to a victory that will be amplified by the triumphant return of Michael Vick. Go Iggles.

NY Giants over TAMPA BAY

I already forgot that Byron Leftwich was the Bucs starting QB. Giants win.

BALTIMORE over Cleveland

I believe in Joe Flacco. I really do. I do not believe in Brady Quinn. Or Braylon Edwards. Or Jamal Lewis. Or Eric Mangini.

HOUSTON over Jacksonville

I don't really like either one of these teams. So when in doubt I'll go with Andre Johnson and co.

New Orleans over BUFFALO

I'm still not a huge fan of the Saints. Sure they absolutely demolished the Eagles last week, but that was without McNabb and with the worst special teams performance in recent memory. Give Drew Brees a short field and it's basically automatic. With all that said, I think they still take care of business over the Bills, despite a strong performance from Trent Edwards and TO.

Chicago over SEATTLE

Well I was wrong about Jay Cutler. Hard to make a stronger first impression for your home crowd than beating the defending Super Bowl champs.

SAN DIEGO over Miami

This is where the season ends for Miami. After a strong showing on Monday Night Football, traveling to San Diego won't be kind to Tony Soprano, whoops I mean Sparano. I still can't trust the San Diego defense which I was so pumped to draft and don't think they will cause the Dolphins must strife. Rivers will be too pissed off to lose another one. Love that dude.

Pittsburgh over CINCI

I have a secret crush on the Steelers. I just love the way they operate. It will be interesting to see if Troy Polamalu's absence has that much of an effect on the Steelers.

OAKLAND over Denver

The battle of the two must currently dysfunctional teams in the NFL. There's no way JaMarcus Russel can go 7/24 again right? Right?...right?

Indy over ARIZONA

What a matchup huh? Should be a high scoring, shootout kinda' game. While Kurt Warner may have more weapons thanks to Anthony Gonzalez's injury, I'll put my money on Peyton Manning.

DALLAS over Carolina

Will Romo step up and be the media-created star that he has been portrayed as? Or will he continue to find the opposing team's secondary more easily than his own receivers? Only the second straight night game at the Jerry Jones's new stadium will tell.

Season: 21-11

Week 2 NFL Picks

2009-09-20T11:44:00.005-04:00

I will spare you the rehashing of my Week 1 picks which I did not post but wrote on a piece of paper and had validated by my dad. I went a ridiculous 13-3 to start off a beautiful 2009 campaign. Today, the start of the Jewish New Year, marks the return of my weekly picks.

(Home team in CAPS)

HOTLANTA over Carolina

Don't expect another horrendous week from Jake Delhomme but the Falcons balanced offense should overcome a stellar Panthers running attack.

Minnesota over DETROIT

We will probably be shown a lot of "The Quarterback Who Must Not Be Named" on ESPN highlights this week. After allowing Drew Brees to pick apart their secondary, the undecided one should do half as well.

GREEN BAY over Cinci

This year spells the end for Carson Palmer. Look for quite a few Lambeau Leaps.

TENNESSEE over Houston

I'm not expecting another 13-3 season from the Titans, but then again I'm also not a supporter of the "Houston will make the playoffs" statement made by everybody and their mother this year. Houston has never won and they certainly won't do it now.

Oakland over KC

After seeing a pretty nice defensive performance against the Chargers last Monday night, I'm a believer in more than 5 wins for the Raiders. Count this as one of them.

New England over NY JETS

How can anybody call Mark Sanchez a "rookie sensation" one game into the season when he threw one TD and one INT against a crappy Houston team? This is a team with a head coach whose mouth has so far outweighed his stomach (a difficult accomplishment). Don't tell me that the Jets defense is really good enough to shut down Brady, Moss, Welker and maybe even Watson.

EAGLES over Naaaahlins

No McNabb, no problem. I remember when McNabb went down with his first injury and Koy Detmer was given the responsibility of matching Jeff Garcia and TO (just as he hit his TO years). Detmer even got injured and AJ Feeley came in to lead the Eagles to victory. I may not be an Andy Reid supporter, but the man can win in the regular season. A home game against a Saints team that beat the Lions? - give me a break. I look for the Eagles to contain Drew Brees as well as they contained LT in 2005 when he was going for his umpteenth straight 100 yard running game and he instead ran 17 times for 7 (that's right SEVEN) yards. The Eagles defense have a knack for showing up to play at home and this should be no different. Eagles 27 - Saints 14.

WASHINGTON over St. Louis

St. Louis away? Can't even pick them to win at home.

JACKSONVILLE over Arizona

This will be the mini-storyline of Week 2. "Defending NFC champs open season 0-2." Reminder, Kurt Warner is now 38 and they are the Cardinals for crying out loud. The last time they had any success before Super Bowl XLIII was in Jerry Maguire when Rod Tidwell helped to upset Troy Aikman and the Cowboys for a playoff spot.

BUFFALO over Tampa Bay

Trent Edwards needs to find TO or this season will self-destruct before Marshawn Lynch even gets a taste of the field for the first time. After Romo tore the Bucs' secondary apart last week, a home team should take care of Byron Leftwich.

SAN FRAN over Seattle

My semi-upset pick of the week. Seattle may have some weapons and a healthy Matt Hasselback, but Frank Gore and Shaun Hill should be enough to pull a close one out at home.

Pittsburgh over CHICAGO

It should be fun to hear the ravenous Bears fans boo Cutler at his first home start.

SAN DIEGO over Baltimore

I can't imagine Joe Flacco putting up those insane numbers 2 weeks in a row. And I can't imagine Phillip Rivers putting up those lackluster numbers 2 weeks in a row. Chargers win a nailbiter.

Cleveland over DENVER

Last week's win was a fluke for Denver. Law of averages will catch up with the Broncos and their dysfunctional team.

DALLAS over NY Giants

New stadium + dark horse team + No Plaxico Burress = Cowboys win.

Indy over MIAMI

Miami had a nice season last year, but it all fell apart in the playoffs. I see most games going like that for Chad and his Dolphins. Manning should find a way to win even though Anthony Gonzalez is down with a booboo.

Season: 13-3

**Check out the new poll**

New Idea

2009-08-27T21:45:00.003-04:00

Dear Readers,

This is not a new post but rather an announcement. Over the next few days I will be taking questions that are related to sports/somewhat related to sports/can be related to sports. This is to form my first "Mail-Bag," similar to what popular columnists (most notably Bill Simmons) do. You can ask me anything you want. Either use my email (suaveboy@comcast.net), comment on this post (below), write on my Facebook wall, send me a Facebook message, or if you come up with a question on the go - text me.

Any and all questions are appreciated.

Hoping this works,

-Zach

Jailbird

2009-08-15T20:25:00.011-04:00

No need for much of an introduction to this entry. Everyone knows what this will be about, and while Brad Lidge's struggles are one hot topic, it amazingly doesn't even compare to the insanity that has reentered Philadelphia, something sorely missing since the days when T.O. did shirtless pushups in his front yard and Howard Eskin started a canned food drive to help feed Terrell's family. I am of course talking about the controversial signing of our new "jailbird," Michael Vick.

While many have argued and will continue to argue the basis of this signing in terms of the reason, the football sense, and morals, I will try to deviate from this popular argument. I will introduce more or less a point of view that I have carried with me for the past year and a half, all starting with more controversy - Sypgate, as it has come to be known.

When the New England Patriots were caught stealing signs from the New York Jets with a camera during a Week 1 game, I found myself disgusted. Having always been a reluctant admirer of Brady and Belichick's, shaking my head with utter amazement at the way they had produced wins and Vince Lombardi trophy's like nobody's business, I felt cheated. To discover that the team of the decade, the team that beat my beloved Eagles in Super Bowl 39 by a mere 3 points was not even playing the game the right way, tarnished my feelings for them. When you take away honest competition, you are taking away everything that makes professional sports enjoyable; integrity, fair play, and virtue. We turn on the TV every Sunday to watch the best in the world go head to head without knowing what the outcome will be at day's end. When one team feels the need to gain an illegal edge, the whole point of competition has gone to waste.

Now how does this relate to Michael Vick, you may ask me. Let's review Michael Vick as a player and a person. Michael Vick was the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft and was revolutionizing the quarterback position on a weekly basis. He passed further than anyone, ran more than any quarterback could run, and left defensive coordinator's heads spinning. He was able to do all of this while flipping off his home fans in Atlanta, getting caught with marijuana, and distributing genital herpes under the "pen(is) name" of Ron Mexico. Not too shabby for someone who has yet to even celebrate their 30th birthday. But that's not all, oh no. For years and years Michael Vick operated a secret dog fighting ring where people would gamble on the outcome of dog fights, many of the dogs who lived through the fights were ordered to be killed by Vick. Even just this last incident left a horrible taste in my mouth. However, I found myself able to turn on the TV on Sunday and enjoy (for lack of a better word) my Eagles games with no problem.

We have a player here who has paid his debt to society for horrendous and inhumane crimes to "man's best friend" and forfeited his career for years. Now that he is out of jail and has done his time, does he not get back the right to earn a living like so many other criminals and convicts? Watching Michael Vick juke out and allude the likes of Demarcus Ware and Albert Haynesworth bothers me a whole lot less than allowing a man who cheated millions of NFL fans out of sheer, wholesome competition for years to continue coaching.

Don't get me wrong - I am a dog lover. I have a dog and enjoy his company more than I probably should. I find Michael Vick's complete lack of respect and appreciation for dogs a horrible crime. Seeing that he has paid his debt and lasted over a year in jail has me feeling fine about having him don the midnight green, much more than I would if I were a fan of the Dolphins, Jets, or Bills - teams in the Patriots division.

Michael Vick's lack of respect for beings that are not human did enough to throw him in jail. On the other hand, it did nothing to effect the National Football League. It is for this reason that my conscience is not weighed down at all, nor am I burdened or torn by the fact that I will be rooting for one of the NFL's "bad guys."

Go Michael Vick, and Go Eagles.

**Check out the new poll**

Clifford the Big Red Phillie

2009-08-05T18:45:00.008-04:00

Right off the bat, I will admit that the title of this piece was not my clever pun but rather a text message I received from a friend shortly after the blockbuster deal. Nor does it necessarily work (his full name is Clifton). But the most important part is the second part of the title - we have ourselves a brand new Ace to add to our somewhat unsettling array of arms. While they range from your Average Joe's (Blanton) to your grandfatherly type (Moyer) to a super Hollywood style World Series MVP (Hamels) to your season surprise (Happ) to potentially one of the most dominant pitchers of my era (Pedro) to somewhat of a no name (Lopez), one thing is for sure - they have all gotten the job done. I will attempt to analyze to the best of my ability what I think our five-man rotation should look like after this coming Sunday, when the young but balding Happ is scheduled to start again.

1. Cliff Lee - This one is no shocker. There could, perhaps be a strong argument for the reigning World Series MVP in Hamels, given his tremendous success in October of 2008 and at scattered times during the 2009 season. Looking at what Lee brings to the table (was anyone else positively giddy after watching a 3-pitch strikeout of the first batter he faced as a Phillie? (oh yeah, there was that complete game win later that night too)), it is apparent that the Cy Young winner should lead this team into the dog days of the summer.

2. Cole Hamels - As stated above, his success speaks for itself. However there is some cause for concern. Looking at another young, World Series winning ace who suffered from a potential innings in

crease, Hamels doesn't look that much different than Josh Beckett. I won't get into the numbers here, but Beckett was dominant during the Red (Black) Sox (Pt. 2?) 2007 World Series run and fell off in a big way the following year - even during the playoffs. Putting this argument aside, Hamels has proven that he can succeed on the big stage (he would probably do pretty well on American Idol too come to think of it).

3. Joe Blanton - Besides having a mind boggling blonde hair - black

goatee combo, Blanton has been the Phillies most consistent starter this year. Even in his losses and no decisions, Blanton always keeps the Phils in the game. Oh yeah, remember that home run in game 4?!?!

4. J.A. (pronounced Jay) Happ - After missing out on the final spot for the rotation during Spring Training, the Happ-ster proved the front office wrong and has since been one of the National Leagues best starting pitchers. Whether his success is reminiscent of Kyle Kendrick's 10 win explosion in 2007 has yet to be determined. Most, however would agree that Happ looks to be a much better pitcher than Kendrick, as he doesn't tend to rely on run support to get him his W's. The only problem with Happ is just how good he is. He posted excellent numbers as a long arm in the bullpen, not to mention that he is a lefty, something the Phillies have not had consistently in the pen all year (see injuries/suspension to Scott Eyre and J.C. Romero). Happ has shown his dominance as a starter, but also his value as a reliever. Thanks to Ruben Amaro's announcement that Happ will stay in the rotation, that makes this past paragraph somewhat of a moot point. This leads us to the most discussed topic in Philadelphia over the last few weeks...

5. The 5th Starter. Rodrigo Lopez has already been ousted to the bullpen which came as a surprise to no one. The fight for the fifth spot is between the eccentric Pedro Martinez and the grandfather clock himself, Jamie Moyer. What to do, what to do? Jamie leads the team in wins. But Pedro is, after all, Pedro. Jamie's ERA has been sky high and, like his age, shows no sign of going down. Pedro Martinez on the other hand has hurled to mixed reviews in the minors. Before we go any further, I will say that I support the Pedro signing 100%. To sign a pitcher of Pedro's caliber for chump change is a no brainer. If he gets injured or doesn't even make it up to the major's, no sweat off our brow. Back to his performance: Pedro has shown flashes of brilliance, such as an 11 strike out performance on Wednesday night. On the other hand, he also let up 4 runs. Which side do you look at here? Pedro has been a strikeout pitcher for his entire career and to see him make youngsters fan at his stuff can only mean good news. The bad news that this could spell is for Mr. Moyer. After a 16 win season in '08 he has duplicated his knack for putting numbers in the win column. He has failed to match his ERA numbers and has looked beatable way too often. But he wins. And while he has been a Phillie we have only seen our team get better. Is there a solution?

Yes. 6 man rotation - hold it, stop your yelling and quit shaking your head at me. 6 man rotation for the present. Slot Pedro in somewhere when one of our regular's might need an extra day. Go through the rotation a few times and go from there. There is no reason to make any rash decisions now, while the team is coasting away with the division in their pocket and their eyes on October. Sounds simple enough right? Now, there are some things that this team needs to stay away from...

- Do NOT put Moyer in the bullpen. The man felt more than slighted when the Phillies refused to overpay for his services after he helped end the quarter century title drought. He wanted his money and he got it. We all love Jamie Moyer, but hurting his feelings or asking him to do something that he basically has never done (he hasn't pitched out of the bullpen in 13 years) may not bode well, especially if the Pedro experiment fails. Pulling Moyer back out and telling him that "we really believed in you all along, now go throw 80 mph fastballs by Hanley Ramirez again" may not seem so believable.

-Do NOT put Happ in the bullpen if he fails to duplicate his 4 hit shutout of Wednesday night. Give the guy some room to work. He has already overcome three obstacles in 2009:

1. Losing out on the starting job to Chan Ho Park

2. Pitching excellently through trade rumors

3. Shutting out the Rockies to save his rotation life

The man has shown that he can handle pressure.

A 6 man rotation can save arms and rest this pitching group for what is looking like a realistic possibility at another exciting playoff run. To take a page out of Charlie Manuel's book...

This team is playin' good, pitching good, hittin' good and fieldin good. Looks like a good ballclub to have.

In other words - they're playing very...good. No reason for alarm or that much change.

*Check out the new poll*

June-isms

2009-06-28T18:38:00.004-04:00

Thought I had faded into Bolivian? Never fear Mike Tyson and friends, I have simply been working hard during the day and watching way too much television at night. I know how much all of you have missed my bumbling and off-the-track thoughts on sports so I will again lazily provide you with a bullet point formatted listing of the recent goings on.

-Kobe Bryant has finally captured that elusive Shaq-less NBA title. I rooted very hard against him, as I remain bitter that he has basically destroyed the early 2000's "Iverson or Kobe?" argument. Barring a late career jump from Iverson winning a few Championships, the argument will remain in Kobe's favor and will continue to be "Kobe or LeBron?" I'm pulling for LeBron. Although, I was satisfied with Kobe's awkward interview on Conan a few nights after the '09 season concluded. His track suit and knack for trying to be too 'hood made me smile.

-The Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup months after they were not even a surefire bet to make the playoffs. While I did not want to see the Red Wings get engraved onto Lord Stanley's for the dozenth time, I would have rather had them suck the life out of Sidney Crosby and his Pens repeatedly. The only solace I could take in the Penguins victory was at least it was in Detroit where the eighteen thousand fans could only stare at the ice in silence as the Penguins had no audience to feed off of while taking mini-laps with the trophy in front of a camera.

-Is it just me, or did this NBA finals paired with the NHL's Stanley Cup make you realize how lame the NBA Championship trophy is? Even compared to the Super Bowl and the World Series, I just feel that the NBA trophy is somewhat anti-climactic. Can't explain it.

-Up until yesterday the Phillies had lost 8 of 9 and 11 of 13. All the while I remained relatively calm, texting my friends who had bombarded me with misery and loss of faith. Most seem to have given up the season as a lost cause. I would think that the true mark of a good team is where they stand when the going gets rough. It can't get much rougher than losing 11 out of 13, and all the while the Phillies remained in first place. A Yankee sweep over the Mets tonight would put the Fightin's 2.5 up despite the fact that they have only managed to win one series out of the last five. Pessimists may remind you that we can only thank the competition for beating down the Mets, Braves, Marlins, and the lowly Nationals but let me remind you, you can only play the cards you are dealt. It doesn't matter how bad the Phillies play if the Mets and everyone else in the NL East continue to play even worse.

-Also, Raul Ibanez was put on the DL, Brad Lidge joined him, as well as Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey. Ryan Howard had a 104 degree fever, Brett Myers was lost for the season, our fifth starter is Antonio Bastardo who was not even drafted. Things can only get better as Lidge notched a one-run save today and Ibanez is set to comeback against the Mets (could there be any better timing?).

-The Flyers traded for Chris Pronger, a "puck clearing defenseman" as defenders of his size have come to be known. He will give us at least 40 points and should team up nicely with Timonen and Coburn to protect the puck in front of the net while Ray Emery ponders which Flyers coach to punch after the game and on which highway he will hit 130 mph. Paul Holmgren mortgaged the future of the Flyers with this move and the only way he will not take a huge bashing is if the Flyers can return the Cup to Philly and tie up the Cup race with the hated Penguins. 2 first round picks, a 25 goal scorer and a promising defensive star is too much to give up for an aging defenseman with one year left on his contract. On a COMPLETELY unrelated note, Jay Boumeester was had for a third round pick and below average free agent Jordan Leopold. Does that make any sense? No? Didn't think so.

-Never pieced together that McNabb's touchdown celebration dance moves were a tribute to His Popness. Five reminded us that his leg kicks and attempted moon walks were meant to impersonate the Prince of Plastic, the Sultan of Race Changing, the Master of Molesting, and the Colossus of Crotch-Grabbing. Michael Jackson, if you couldn't get the Babe Ruthian hints (to all of my Sandlot junkies out there, I solute you).

-Brett Favre: you win. I will write nothing about you in this post. Just know that you win. Now go home, chew some tobacco, and fish. And for God's sake please leave us the hell alone.

-How is sports gambling actually supposed to be illegal when the newspapers publish the lines for every game?

-Who caught the moment when Fox picked out a black man in the stands of the Phillies-Yankees game back in May and promptly decided that he must be John Mayberry Sr. Any idea if Fox got in trouble for this bit of hilarity?

-I used DVR for sports for the first time. I managed to record the entire Monday of the U.S. Open and stayed away from the results (phone, computer, told people not to talk about it) and experienced the (lack of) thrill of seeing Lucas Glover win the silver trophy. Phil Mickelson, you truly have taken choking to a new level. Oh, and Tiger Woods apparently stinks at putting.

-Sticking with the Country Club sports, I enjoy how ESPN continues to compare Tiger with Roger Federer as if the argument held any actual validity. One plays golf while the other plays tennis. Just because they both dominate their respective fields has nothing to do with each other. Except for the fact that America is only interested in watching dominance in two sports that are basically off the map.

-The second half of the Confederation Cup today was a rude reminder as to why America has not embraced soccer. It was as if they fielded the U.S. team from 1984-2008 Philadelphia or a pre 2004 Red Sox team. On Bill Simmons' "levels of losing", this has to be up there. Hopefully the nation does not accept the defeat of soccer as easily as the U.S. accepted 45 minutes of Brazilian offensive occupation in the second half. Brutal, just brutal.

-I currently am at a streak of 1 for ESPN's Streak for Cash.

-I visited a sports card and memorabilia show yesterday for the first time in seven years. Hoping that my childhood passion would ignite again, I was sorely disappointed, as were my cousin and uncle. The 10 cent card boxes just aren't appealing anymore. Check back with me in another seven years and maybe I will have had a change of heart.

-How did Dejuan Blair fall so far in the draft? Is it even conceivable that a team would rather have an unknown entity from the Congo than a player that, as Jay Bilas so eloquently put it, "beasted" Hasheem Thabeet (pick number 2)? Blair should put the Spurs back into title contention, as they have also added Richard Jefferson to make a formidable bunch of weapons.

-Not much to say on the Jrue Holiday draft pick by the Seventy Suxers (clever I know), other than on paper it is utterly, completely, visibly, obviously, totally moronic and wrong. But what else can we expect of a franchise that has time and again proved to be inept with running a basketball team? So when it comes down to it, it wouldn't make sense for the Sixers to pick the proven winner in Ty Lawson.

-Is it possible that Ricky Rubio and his agent can be even more greasy than RickRubs hair?

-David Akers was recently named the 17th most underrated player in the NFL. Does that make you feel better?

-Me neither.

-My first trip to Citi Field with my dad resulted in a 5-4 11-inning victory. My dad also enjoyed a personal victory when I pointed out that the drunk [expletive]...err girl who had forcefully tried to remove him from a seat that wasn't even hers was being ticketed for underage drinking in the eating area. He walked up to her, pointed at her and laughed and when she asked what he was laughing at, he of course said "you" and continued to double over in laughter.

There it is, sports as I know it over the past two months. I am sure that I have not accounted for a thousandth of what I should have written about (Manny Ramirez, Manny Ramirez, and Manny Ramirez) but have no fear. I shall be back.

**Check out the new poll**

Hectic Thoughts from Finals Week and the First Days of Summer

2009-04-22T17:09:00.011-04:00

Here is an incoherent post put together over the past week - finals and now the sweet taste of summer.

- Mel Kiper Jr. has become a cross between Wolverine and John Travolta. The hair just seems to grow "bigger" and more poofy, while his mouth is somewhere around the Rosie O'Donnell level. He needs to take some Tylenol PM before every argument with Todd McShay.

- Speaking of Kiper and McShay, thank the lord that the NFL draft is over. Every year I wish there was more on ESPN about the NHL playoffs and less on the draft. There has been exactly one hyped player that is any good in the past few years: Matt Ryan. Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Vince Young, Alex Smith all stink. There are a few great ones out there, but most of the time the analysts miss them. I would like all of the time back in my life for watching PTI talk about Reggie Bush. And I would like to make a prediction and another plea for my wasted time back - Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford will both stink. I think Stafford will be worse than Sanchez because 1. He is playing for a horrible organization that drafts offensive players such as Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew to "protect their franchise QB" instead of the actual protection - an offensive line and 2. Have you seen the Lions "new" logo? They sketched in an additional 7 lines to make it look, ah... fiercer? I'm predicting another miserable season, albeit not 0-16 if that is where team management thinks this bunch needs the most work. New logo and new quarterback = 2-14.

- On the other hand, this draft has the potential to be the best ever for the Andy Reid era. Drafting two playmakers in the first two rounds? One of which I was schoolmate of, no, sophomore with, no, um... watched on the football field for Pitt. Shady McCoy is the real deal, a replica of Westbrook and not even the image of a snarling Drew Rosenhaus standing beside him as he donned his Eagles hat for the first time could sour my day. What could sour my day however was...

- The Flyers stinking up the ice. Although I must admit (and shove in everyone's face) that I was no where near surprised. Shocked by the turn of events during the game? Yes. Surprised, no. I have maintained since the all-star break that this team is merely a collection of talent with no team aspects. Jeff Carter hasn't played defense since February, Mike Richards has been so obviously hurt, Joffrey Lupol has disappeared, Danny Briere - well I won't get started on him. I don't think I have ever seen such talent translate into a such a mediocre team. Last year we suffered a 10 game losing streak and still managed 97 points. This year? A team coming off a Conference Finals run with six 25 goal scorers and much more steady goaltending managed just 99 points, 2 more than the year before. For the past two years I have given Marty Biron a hard time and I am now at peace with him. Of all the goalies on the free agent market, he is the one that makes our team the best. My targets in the offseason are...

- Get rid of Joffrey Lupol

- Make it so I never have to hear the words "Flyers" and "Randy Jones" in the same sentence again.

- I know they won't do this now, but fire John Stevens. I don't think he is a bad coach but he is in no way the coach for this team. We need a mean coach to go along with our mean style of play. Some may say that it is hard to argue that a 99 point season is a disappointment, but I've never seen a worse "good" season from the orange and black.

- It used to be that the other organizations were compared to the Flyers. When the Phillies, Eagles, or Sixers lost, people said, "can't they learn anything from the Flyers?" They most competitive team, constantly signing the biggest stars... are now being compared to the Phillies. After the elimination I wondered aloud, "Haven't they learned anything from the Phillies? Any of their heart?" Looks like we have officially passed into another realm...

- WIP smartly pointed out that this draft could not have come on a better day. Any time the Flyers are eliminated from the playoffs the city is in a pretty bad mood. Luckily Jeremy Maclin was picked 10 minutes later and Shady a few hours after that. Mix in a Phillies 9th inning comeback and it turned out to be not such a bad sports day. I'm not completely over the Flyers...

- My Flyers playoff beard is still holding up pretty strong. 3 weeks and counting and I just can't let it go. The players shaved theirs after the game. Eventually...

Moving on...

- As pointed out by my cousin, Raul Ibanez does share a striking resemblance Harry's archnemisis and everyone's favorite dark lord. As long as he keeps playing like he wants to take over baseball, I'm fine with any spell he is doing (as long as steroids is not involved).

- Jimmy Rollins predicted a .400 month for his batting average in the next month. Last time he predicted this he went on what would be the start of a 38 game hitting streak while batting over .400. Thanks to Philly.com for this - not my original idea. Just want to let it be known.

- Theo Ratliff is averaging almost 18 minutes per game in the playoffs. The man formerly known as "the expiring contract" has been a better defender and a better player on the court than "Slammy" Dalembert who is making 10 times as much. But hey, on the bright side, they are both much more productive than Elton Brand, who is making more than both of them combined.

- I am now embarrassed to be associated with Lenny Dykstra. The man is millions of dollars in debt, bought Wayne Gretzky's house for 18.5 million, can't sell it, and claims that everyone owes him money. In reality he owes everyone money and has 24 lawsuits filed against him. It's not light reading but it's worth knowing who represents your franchise.

- OMG! The Marlins lost 7 games in a row! They are suddenly no longer ESPN's main story, on the ESPN "slash" commercials, and everyone's pick to win the World Series. Apparently two weeks of baseball in April really isn't enough time to judge your contenders from your pretenders. Who woulda' thunk it?

- An argument about Cole Hamels. Is he a pussy? No. Is he a 24-year-old kid from California? Yes. He emulates diva in the same way that Peter Forsberg did. He is a little hurt and comes out of games. Hamels, however, put the team on his back and won the World Series for Philadelphia. Forsberg ate our money and moved the Flyers towards their worst season in franchise history. Right now Hamels is just going through a string of bad luck. I'd rather the Phillies take him out of these games and leave it up to the bullpen. In the end - it saves Hamels' arm for later in the season when many pitchers burn out.

- I have played 1 and a half full seasons of Tiger Woods Golf and have made exactly 2 cuts. Hooray for video game expertise.

**Check out the new poll**

Catch you on the flip side.

A Fond Season

2009-04-07T18:46:00.003-04:00

This is for my mental wellness. This is for my sanity. This is for the ability to move on. When Scottie Reynolds convulsed himself to within 12 feet of the basket and threw up an off-balance desperation shot, he sank more than the basket – he sank my heart.

I am in unfamiliar territory as a sports fan – not in the sense of losing; as a Jewish Philadelphian I have tasted the Passover bitter herb countless times in the form of sports. The unfamiliarity I am dealing with at the present is as a college sports fanatic. Sure, I watched the big games throughout the year on a Tuesday or Wednesday when the Phillies, Flyers, or Sixers weren’t on. I filled out my March Madness bracket(s) with every intention of winning, reciting smart facts and tid-bits presented to sports nation by Andy Katz and Doug Gotlieb on ESPN. Villanova won my allegiance pretty early on, but the passion I held for them was practically nothing compared to my affinity for our professional sports teams. That all officially changed when my collegiate sports cherry popped, no burst, around 10:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2008.

Let us rewind to November of 2007, my first PITT basketball game. I unknowingly donned my gray Pitt Basketball shirt, unaware that I was about to enter a zoo of gold – The Oakland Zoo. At halftime I was part of the Zoo, another 6^th man of the basketball team that has guided the team to an unprecedented 110-10 record in our home stadium, the Petersen Events Center, since it opened in ’02. One Big East Championship later and a freshman year wiser – I was completely prepared for the 2008-2009 season. All year long I jumped, screamed, and continued to wait in line for games. Add two number-one-rankings and two defeats of number-one UConn, and we were on our way to the best season in Pitt basketball history.

After many heart palpatations in the first round against East Tennessee State, I made the decision to embark on a four hour road trip to Dayton, Ohio for our second round matchup with the Oklahoma State Cowboys with my friend Bird. Many thanks to my parents who graciously dished out the cash to treat us to a night in the Holiday Inn, which might as well have been the Ritz-Carlton of Dayton. The hotel bartender gave us the number of a man with tickets and an hour later, albeit 120 dollars lighter in the wallet, Bird and I held shiny tickets to the games the following day.

More late game heroics from Levance Fields and another career game from Sam Young led to a win and a sweet 16 berth, and a much calmed down heart. Levance took care of business down the stretch against Xavier and marched us into elite status, the Elite 8 that is. And who should we be playing but my old favorite team, the Wildcats of Villanova.

After a game of lead changes and up-and-down performances by both teams, the season was over. Levance finally made two free throws when it counted most, yet our defense couldn’t hold them off. Ironically, the one time Philadelphia defeated Pittsburgh when it mattered, I was completely miserable.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. I woke up at 730 – something I haven’t done since I had a summer job. I drove myself into Squirrel Hill, a little Jewish town reminiscent of the Main Line. I bought a book, ordered a fish platter and matzo ball soup at a Jewish Deli and read. After that I made my way back across the street to Barnes & Noble and read some more. After unnecessarily feeding the parking meter (free on Sundays) I treated myself to a matinee viewing of The Reader. Some nude Kate Winslet to brighten my day. This day of mourning came to a close. I was at peace with the end of the Sam Young, Levance Fields, and Tyrell Biggs era in Pitt basketball and I was damn proud of them. Watching the student athletes on and off the court as they succeeded and failed and received more attention than any normal college student filled me with pride. Levance Fields is a 5 foot 10, chubby point guard with the purest passing and dribbling ability and leadership that can be found. He has not been mentioned in any NBA draft talks. He worked and played hard and will go down as the greatest point guard in the school’s history. Watching the work ethic of this team along with Coach Jamie Dixon’s heavy heart of a lost sister and a forced end to his surprising playing career added yet another spot in my heart for sports.

My dad said, “…pot of gold…how you get there…” and it spoke to me. We will win a National Championship one day. I am sure of it. And until that time, I will continue to watch, support, and emotionally invest in this team. However, I’m hoping to not make this Jewish Deli trip an annual event.

I Got Jamie Moyer's Autograph for the Umpteenth Time

2009-03-17T22:35:00.011-04:00

Happy belated St. Patty's one and all! Coming to you from room 625 in the Hilton Clearwater Beach Hotel in Clearwater in Tampa, Florida it is my World Champion Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training Report. It is my final night in this beautiful weather and summer atmosphere and I am not ready to leave. Days of 83, 85, and 78 degrees leave me pining for summer. Oh wait, let me get the sand out of my shoe, such a burden, I know. And putting on all of this sunscreen - woe is me. Onto some baseball! I will leave you, my hopefully faithful readers, with my general and somewhat specific thoughts on how our first spring training as defending champs is going.

First on the Cole Hamels elbow crisis that I, along with many other Phillie fans, am losing sleep over. I know nothing on the subject other than what I have read. I saw him signing autographs at the game today against the Blue Jays but did not get a chance to ask him anything. So no free insider information on that subject from yours truly. Other than the non-stop comments on how much my dad thinks that Cole Hamels' wife is controlling him after reading that sports illustrated article. "When I met him he was so mature, I thought we were the same age!" Really Heidi? Being five years older than him, being on survivor, and showing your body to the world in Playboy gives you the room to call Cole Hamels mature?" They got a lot funnier and dirtier than that.

Second, on Chase Utley... he is making his way back more quickly than anticipated. I personally do not want him to re-aggravate his hip by being lured by the statistical wonder of a 162 game season. He has been batting lead-0ff and is getting his hacks. His starts at second base also seem to be going well. Knock on wood. And pull your left ear if you're Jewish.

In between listening to my dad's perverted jokes that have no actual punchline and his jokes that do have punchlines that aren't funny to anyone except for him... I got to see some baseball games. One thing I immediately noticed is that Raul Ibanez seems to be a pretty adequate alternative to Pat Burrell. Up until Sunday, I had never seen the man play in person and never really paid attention to his games as an AL player on the Mariners. Things we have all heard about Ibanez are that his defensive skills are comparable to Pat's and he will add a little more consistency to our already potent lineup. From what I have seen, Ibanez is surprisingly more agile and faster than his predecessor. Watching him run up the first base line and take turns going to second, he has a little more juice in him then we were all told to expect. To put this into terms that we can all expect to see translated on the field: If Burrell hit a double play ball to short, he was out at first 9 out of 10 times. I would say that if Ibanez hit that same ball, he will be thrown out 8 times out of 10. This may not seem like news to take a St. Patty's day shot of Irish whiskey to in celebration, but it improves our champs. This little bit of extra speed will also most likely mean that Ibanez stays on base and is not replaced for Eric Bruntlett in the later innings, giving us more options off the bench (by the way, Bruntlett's beard is the blondest bush of playoff hockey I can every hope to achieve).

Speaking of options off the bench, Charlie may be hard-pressed to use Brett Myers in some hitting situations after his playoff performance at the plate last year. He followed it up by smacking a single down the first base line today and then moving a runner over on a short chopper. The dude has slimmed down in a major way and hopefully he can keep the weight off this time and not let his drunk munchies get the best of him as they did back during the 07 season when his 30 pounds crept back on as the dog days of summer progressed. Brett pitched 5 innings of 4 hit, no run ball and was in command at all times today. I'm looking for a career year from B-My. Ryan Howard also dropped some weight and it is very noticeable. I watched the big man take ground balls at first base for half an hour at a practice facility before today's game (Tuesday) and he is moving more quickly from side to side and to the base.

I've seen numerous games at Bright House Networks Field, the Phillies home away from home, and a few away games here and there. The away game this year was at Legends Field, or as the most obnoxious franchise in sports decided to rename it's field - George Steinbrenner Field. I've heard the grumblings about Yankees fans through the grapevine, most notably in Bill Simmons' works, but they were in full force at this game. There were the countless senior citizens there just like every other spring training game, but there were also people you could only find at a Yankees game. I'll let you use your imagination. I was hearing things like "that championship was a fluke," which I just brushed off. The Steinbrenner faithful are just suffering from not winning a ring in 9 years that they want to take it out on us. Fine. I guaran-damn-tee that their 400 million dollar plus shopping spree does not bring them another championship any time in the near future.

As for some of the long-shots, I have been very impressed by John Mayberry Jr. This kid is an inch taller than Ryan Howard and has some power along with speed. Speed that makes my 150 dollar poker stack all-in hand loss look slower than Manuel's hobble to the pitcher's mound (no I'm not bitter). Speed that makes my two poker losses in Canada look slower than Dikembe Mutumbo running up and down the court while wagging his finger (screw electronic poker tables). Anywho, Mayberry looks like he can be a complete package. Other future Phils include Jason Donald, who seems like a feisty Utley and Pedroia type. Lou Marson looks less like a catcher and more like an middle infielder, which is great news. Some speed and athleticism can really help out a catcher.

This also marks the first year out of the three that I have attended spring training that I have gone to the practices and workouts in the morning. With five baseball fields other than the one inside the ballpark and a few specialty fields, such as only infields and extra bullpens and batting cages, there is plenty of baseball to be seen if you arrive early enough. Every single player in the Phillies organization was there - all the way down to the possibly and probable 16 year olds from other countries. Watching the workouts on all of the fields made me realize how competitive the major leagues really are. There were 5 catchers on one field, none of which I had ever heard of and all of which had probably never heard of Clearwater or Tampa before they arrived here this spring. Besides the five catchers on that field, there were at least 10 more. There are position battles just to get to be the back up's back up's back up's back up. And you have to be one hell of a ballplayer just to make it there.

Another cool thing about these morning workouts is the free-for-all that applies to stuff you can get. My uncle would be having a field day down here with the balls stuck on top of the mesh of the batting cages. I personally grabbed a bat and two broken bat heads from the trash can of the minor league batting cages. I also found two balls and bought a ball for 5 dollars before I knew I would be so lucky as to retrieve two. Talked to Anthony Hewitt for a minute, he was our first round pick and is only 19 years old. He seems to be a pretty nice guy and doesn't seem to be overtaken by the limelight that he will soon be under.

Quick rant... enough about the World Baseball Classic. As soon as I saw that David Wright hit a walk off double to eliminate Puerto Rico and keep the U.S. a-rollin, I had a twinge of excitement, before realizing that Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino will spend more time away from the Phillies and have more of a chance of getting injured. Can't we just have college kids play in these contrived tournaments? Do we really need to risk players like Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis to win some meaningless competition that is a tune-up for the regular season? I'd like to read a Red Sox blog on how they feel about this. I feel the same way about the Olympics. What was the greatest moment in Olympic history and maybe even sports history? The Miracle on Ice. That is 20 college kids beating the Soviet Union, winners in '64, '68, '72, and '76. Do we really need to have our professionals playing basketball and hockey at these games? And hockey is during the NHL season. World Baseball Classic? If 162 games plus the playoffs isn't enough baseball then extend the season (I would have no objection to more baseball), but these competitions will only blow out pitchers' arms more quickly and injure players at a higher rate. I feel pretty strongly about all of this. Feel free to comment if you feel differently.

Be sure to check out the new poll!

So that is all with regards to spring training, if i missed anything in there I will be sure to let you know. Back to the dreary weather of Pittsburgh. Go Pitt!

Disgusted By Dawkins

2009-02-28T18:13:00.005-05:00

"Everything you did and everything you said is bullshit." - This is a not so memorable quote from Rudy, as stated by the scrub, Jim, that Rudy eventually replaces on the roster. Unfortunately I am applying this not so memorable quote to quite possibly the most memorable Eagle in recent memory - Brian Dawkins.

Dawk was a man who left his heart and soul out there on the field, and one of the few that brought it with him into the locker room too. He cried when he signed contract extensions, cried when he thought about retiring, and seemed to be the opposite of a prototypical professional football player. He made the Philadelphia Eagles synonymous with his name and vice versa. While not unheard of, there aren't many players who have the loyalty and passion that Dawkins showed year in and year out.

Personally, I have given Dawkins a hard time for being old and losing a step. I went off on him in our first loss of the year to Dallas and his inability to cover TO or Jason Witten. I forgave him and apologized (as I do to the TV pretty often) and learned to appreciate his "big game" tendencies. He forced fumbles, intercepted passes, and flung through the air like his alter ego Wolverine to tackle the opposing team time after time.

But that is over now. The man that we thought bled green actually did end up bleeding green - it’s all about the Benjamin’s. Dawkins, an emotional, spiritual, and Philly-type-of-a-character signed his legacy away when the Denver Broncos signed him. I can understand a veteran signing with a perennial champion to chase that elusive Super Bowl ring, but this does B-Dawk no good. The Broncos finished 8-8 and should have been 7-9 if not for a bad call against the Chargers. Brian Dawkins will find himself in a crappy division with a brand new head coach and a hot and cold quarterback. Don't let anyone tell you this is about winning - it's about money.

Many blame the Eagles for not showering him with the dough, but remember - Dawkins is almost 36, well past the normal expiration date for any football player. With regards to his recent Pro-Bowl season, he deserved it based on merit. Quinten Mikell had better numbers and was more reliable that Dawkins, but I'm sure Mikell would be the first to tell you that Dawkins deserved the pro-bowl because of his heart and passion. No arguments there.

While this may be a sad day for Eagles fans, try to look at it as a step forward. Dawkins instilled his wisdom to the rest of the secondary and they have become a feared group for it. Look for Mikell to take over part of Dawkins' prior role of motivator. Dawkins resurrected himself at the end of last year. Let's not forget the beginning of the year where we thought it might be 2 years too much for Wolverine. He has not been consistent, has missed training camp over and over, and is not an investment. 1 year, yes of course. 5 years from the Broncos? Gimme a break.

2/3 of the world is covered by water; the other third is covered by Brian Dawkins. What a statement. Perhaps in 10 years we can look back on a statement like that and appreciate him for what he was. For right now, and for the rest of his career, Brian Dawkins is a liar and a name that will draw deep sighs and head shakes from the always-disgruntled Philadelphia fans - you know the ones that actually bleed green.

Are the Flyers For Real?

2009-02-21T14:33:00.006-05:00

I don't enjoy writing this any more than you will enjoy reading it. But it is something that needs to be said. The Flyers are not that good. Sure they are 4th in the conference and have a shot at overtaking the Devils for the Atlantic Division title. Sure they have 6 players with 17 or more goals. Sure they have far and away the most shorthanded goals in the NHL. Sure Daniel Briere has not even played this season.

Here are my main gripes with the Orange and Black thus far.

My problem with the Flyers is that they are a "points" team, not a "win" team. 31 wins is just alright. It is the 9 overtime losses that kill me. Take away those 9 overtime loss points, and we are tied with Pittsburgh for 10th in the Eastern Conference. And folks come playoff time, points don't win you playoff series. An overtime loss in the playoffs means that you are one game closer to elimination. This team needs to start solidifying their dominance from start to finish and stop with the uninspired fluky play. The past two games the Flyers and "hot handed" Martin Biron have given up 3 goals in the second period alone. This is after taking leads and being given opportunities to score. Good teams just don't allow slides like this to happen. I will give the Flyers credit however, for coming back to dominate the third period against the Sabres. But why put yourself in that position?

Goaltending. Now I am not in any way, shape, or form for trading our number 2 overall draft pick James vanRiemsdyk for inconsistent Kari Lehtonen of the Hotlanta Thrashers. That would be one of the worst moves in Flyers history. But one of our two underachieving goalies needs to step up. I vote for Antero Nittymaki. This is the MVP of the '06 Winter Olympics and a Calder Cup winner for the Phantoms. I think that he needs to be shown the confidence to be the number 1 starter for the team, without having to look behind his back. As for Biron, there isn't a nicer guy on the team. His personality and kindness really speaks a lot about this man as a person. But as a goalie he flat out sucks. He doesn't have a strength and in my eyes he has never proven himself. Two good playoff rounds last year isn't enough for me to have full trust in a career backup. Biron doesn't control rebounds, makes saves that not even he realizes he's making, and as soon as he lets one goal in the rest of the cards that hold up the house crumble. I am nervous with him in net because he is flat out not dominant. He gets hot, but you never know when he'll start to cool off. Sorry Marty.

Defense. Kimo Timonen may get the points, but I haven't seen the premiere defenseman that we saw from him last year. His shot isn't there and he hasn't been shut-down for long stretches of time this year. Randy Jones is probably the most frustrating blue-liner this team "boasts." This man makes too many bone-headed passes in our own zone and has trouble controlling the puck in the offensive zone. He just doesn't seem all there at times.

Just some notables and desires from a passionate fan...

Not to get too nit-picky but... where has Jeff Carter gone? 0 goals in his last 5, and just 2 goals in his last 9. Those wristers just don't seem to be finding the lanes that they were earlier in the year. I love you Jeff, and I've always supported you. But please don't fall into your streaky play that has defined you over the past 3 years. Personal goals can be unhelpful to teams, but putting this team on your shoulders can help elevate you to 50 goals. Give yourself a bar to meet and work towards it.

Let's get Braydon Coburn some more shots on goal. I see a powerful slapshot with some accuracy on days when he's feeling it. Some better designed power play shots for him might help break the slump that the 3rd ranked power play has been experiencing.

I'm not denouncing my support and belief of this team by any means. I am simply stating that they are not playing up to their potential. More goals, more power play goals, and Nittymaki stepping up.

Elton Bust

2009-02-05T23:28:00.003-05:00

The big news on the front that shouldn't have shocked anyone is that Elton Brand, the 80 million dollar man, is out for the rest of the season - playoffs included. As I have spent a lot of time complaining about Brand ever since we signed him, it got me thinking... is this the worst big name signing in recent memory of Philadelphia sports? I'll be going down what is an unfortunately long list of big name signings and trades that haven't, ah, panned out is the term we will use here. In terms of "recent memory," I will only be including athletes from the past decade.

Elton Brand was the prize of the offseason. When the Sixers locked him up for 5 years and maxed out their salary cap with a cool 82 million dollar deal. Fans were somewhat excited to see the former College Player of the Year, but also a little worried about his ruptured Achilles tendon that he was apparently recovered from. Reason to worry? Hell yes, we just learned. This man is injury prone as can be. His numbers are down from his career averages and the Sixers record has been better without him than with him. Iggy was a different player with him on the court, and not for better. With 4 years left to prove something before his career is over, the verdict is not out on Brand yet. I'll tell you one thing though - Philadelphia is not a place where you are welcomed with open arms when you sustain injury after injury with a contract like Elton has.

Peter Forsberg signed a 2-year 11.5 million dollar contract to bring the Cup back to Philadelphia and finish what he never got a chance to start, when he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques (who later became the Colorado Avalanche) along with Ron Hextall, Mike Ricci, Chris Simon, Kerry Huffman, Steve Duchesne, a 1st round pick in 1993 and 1994, oh and a cool 15 million dollars all in exchange for Eric Lindros. The return of Forsberg, who won two Cups with the Avalanche proved to be a failure, as the Fly Guys lost in 6 games to the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the playoffs. The following year the Flyers had their worst season in team history. Forsberg complained, and I quote, that "my boot doesn't fit." The center's chronic foot problems allowed him to play in just 40 games in the season to forget. I am far from a fan of this diva. Philadelphia is a place for the Chase Utley's and Allen Iverson's who play through injury after injury and give it their all. Peter - a "boot" that doesn't "fit" is not a good excuse to not play for the team that is playing you over 5 million dollars. The only solace in Forsberg came in Scottie Upshall and Ryan Parent, who the Flyers received when they traded "Foppa" to Nashville. Verdict: BUST

Glenn Robinson was brought to the Sixers to be the second option behind Allen Iverson. That sentence recurred a lot over A.I.'s tenure in Philly eh? "Big Dog" posted career lows in points, games, and rebounds in his only season with the Sixers. He was traded to the Hornets the next year. Verdict: BUST

Takeo Spikes was once a big name linebacker for the Bengals and the Bills. When he decided he didn't want to be a part of the rebuilding process in Buffalo, he was shipped here. While his stats were decent, he lived up to his injury prone stamp when he tore his rotator cuff in week 14. No playoffs, no pro bowl, no great memory of Takeo. Verdict: Waste

Freddy Garcia came to the Phillies in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for deemed head case and underachiever Gavin Floyd. Just a year after leading the "other Sox" to their first World Series Championship in 88 years. Add him to an inexperienced and unproven Phillies rotation and hey - what could go wrong? Everything. Freddy started just 11 games. He brought us the infamous 10-million-dollar win, as he went 1-5 before being shut down with a shoulder injury for the rest of the season. Two years removed, Gavin Floyd picks up 17 wins for the Sox and boasts an era in the 3's. Verdict: MEGA-BUST - but I'm not complaining. World Champs baby.

Other names to consider who were not considered stars when they came here...

Adam Eaton - We basically shoved 24 million dollars in his face and told him he was starting. Now in his final year of the contract, he may not even be at spring training.

Chris Webber - Knee problems and dwindling speed and numbers added up to boo induced career with the Sixers.

David Bell - A 4 year 17 million dollar contract for someone who didn't shave, didn't play, looked like a drunken mess at the plate, and was not good enough in the field.

Kevin Millwood - Coming off an 18 win season for the Braves, the Phils traded for this country man. He went 23-18 over two years for the Phils. It seems we paid Millwood enough money throw a no-hitter in the Vet. And that's it. The only memory he provided.

Keith Van Horn - One season, no defense... and yeah. That about sums him up.

Steelers Parade

2009-02-03T13:00:00.005-05:00

I have an hour-and-a-half break in between classes and I was not intending to write a post. I was intending to prepare for a presentation for my Business Communications class. But turning on the television while I had some Special K, I flipped to the Steelers Super Bowl victory parade. I did not attend, because I am not a Steelers fan. I do not want to feel worse about my football team. That is the same reason I did not even look at the riot just two blocks from my apartment, I want my first football riot to be for the Eagles, not for jealousy.

First and foremost, congratulations to the Steelers. I am more than jealous, despite the Phillies high that I am still coming down from. Being in Pittsburgh for (another) Steelers Super Bowl victory really made me realize that we need a championship. More on that in another post. What I want to comment on, is how the Phillies parade dwarfed this one.

Pittsburgh is a tiny city in comparison to the millions that inhabit Philly, so it stands to reason that the 250,000 that showed up for the '06 parade wasn't anywhere close to the 2 million plus that swarmed Broad Street.

Having said all of that, Pittsburgh did create an intimate feeling with their fans at the parade. Rather than using giant vehicles and buses, they used small cars and SUVs. Not to belabor the point, but it was sorta cute. The street that the steelers paraded down was much smaller than Broad Street and the fans were much closer to the players. The players did get to talk into microphones so everyone could hear at the parade, but I haven't heard anything inspired. It has basically been the same phrases over and over...

"One for the other thumb!"

"Here we go Steelers, Here we go!" (which was said so many times that the crowd stopped chanting along)

"We have six Super Bowls!"

"This one is for the fans!"

Personally, I excuse them, because the truth of it is that the Steelers are used to winning. It's hard to say anything noteworthy or memorable when everything has already been said. These players are basically adding to their legends, building on their foundation. Most of this team has already won the Vince Lombardi Trophy. This championship did not get any monkeys off the city's back, nor did it end a combined drought longer than any other city's sports put together. One more Super Bowl with this core and it will become known as a dynasty.It is a luxury that I would very much like to have - who wouldn't love to have championship parades become old hat? I know I would never get sick of championship after championship. Good for Pittsburgh, I am officially jealous of your football success. Without the Steelers, the city's identity is largely taken away, and that is no slight to the city. They have a tremendous fan base and they care just as deeply about their football team as Philadelphians do. In my opinion the top football "nations" of America are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay. The teams Sunday performance every week dictate these city's moods for the rest of the week. It's a fact. Without the Eagles, Steelers, and Packers, the characteristics of the city changes.

Maybe if the Phillies win it all again, we won't have anything memorable than "just another ring." Maybe Brett Myers won't cry at the podium, Chase Utley won't swear on live TV, Pat Burrell (obviously) won't feel the tension of the city taken off of his shoulders. Who knows? Hopefully we get to find out. I do know that if the Eagles become World Champs, that the parade would be just as dramatic and emotional as the Phillies. There would be moments hard to duplicate, tears cried that can never fall down the cheek the same way again. An Eagles Super Bowl parade would be like no other NFL franchise. We have never won it all, we have never experienced the Super Bowl elation.

We need a Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XLIII

2009-02-01T17:31:00.005-05:00

Not much time to write this post but I'll offer some quick thoughts and predictions, and ultimately my game score.

-Most importantly, the coin toss will be heads.

-Steelers need to put double coverage on Larry Fitzgerald and let Boldin beat them.

-Steelers do not need to blitz a lot, Warner is the best QB in the league against the blitz, and that's by far.

-Blitz Roethlisberger and hit him hard. He gets thrown off his game if he is hit a lot. He is great game manager when asked to be, but not when he is hit a lot. Look at the Eagles game earlier this year, 8 sacks.

My score 27-24 Steelers.

One defensive TD by the Steelers, two offensive and two field goals.

Three Offensive TD's by the Cardinals and one field goal.

I am rooting for the Cardinals for my own sanity here at the University of Pittsburgh.

Something is Right Around the Corner...

2009-01-26T02:18:00.014-05:00

So the Eagles season is over. The Flyers or Sixers or Number 4 ranked Pitt basketball seem to be next in line for my sports concentration. So what will I write about? The Phillies of course!

I am one of the rare youths that still read the paper. When I am home I read the sports page every morning. When one of our beloved teams had a bad loss the night before, I usually don't do as much reading as harshly turning pages, shaking my head, and trying to bite on my oatmeal as hard as humanly possible before giving up the paper as a bad habit for the day. While in Pittsburgh, I go to a sleezy little news store about 4 blocks from me where they get the Inquirer. Since today was Sunday and I was bored I figured I'd walk in the 16 degree weather and quickly accumulating snow to pick up the Sunday paper. Why? Because my mom told me that there was going to be a section on Spring Training in the travel section! Ahhh Spring Training. Days of players with numbers higher than Madson's 63 taking the field and playing the positions of our beloved Utley, Rollins, and Howard. What great timing for a section on Spring Training because me and my dad recently purchased our plane tickets and made our hotel accommodations for year 3 of our annual Clearwater trip to visit the Phils.

Here are some of my favorite things about Spring Training...

-The weather. In Philly and Pittsburgh it's usually a little above freezing in mid-March. In Florida? High 60's, low 70's. I get to whip out my checkered shorts, turned-pink Phillies shirt with a Madson autograph across the front, and floppy pale blue 1977 Phillies hat, and a tube of sunscreen (or as my dad calls it "sun cream"). What's better than getting that first sweat in your old disgusting hat and way-too-worn-in shirt? I'll tell ya what...

-Autographs. The players love to sign in Spring Training. Maybe it's because they forgot the taste of what it's like to stand on a baseball diamond while people scream their names repetitively. Maybe it's because they feel like they owe something to the fans who came all the way down to Florida to see their favorite team. Whatever the reason, they sign. And my friends, I will freely admit that I am an autograph hound. I don't care who is signing - I am getting their signature. The starters usually leave the game in the 4th or 5th inning and tend to leave the dugout. When they leave in the middle of an inning they will sign on the 3rd base line for a few minutes. It's pretty cool to see them do that in the middle of a game. After the game I will stand at their gated parking lot while the players come out. I get my program signed by players like T.J. Bohn, Brian Mazone, John Suomi and other hopefuls. Don't know who they are? Me either! But I have their autograph long before anyone else and long before they become remotely relevant. One of my favorite autographs was when bench coach Jimmy Williams signed and my dad decided that he is indeed drunk every game. He said that no one's nose can always be that red.

-The Berm. This is the outfield seating. For 11 bucks, bring a beach towell, or a lawn chair and sit on the grass where outfield seats usually are. It's like a picnic at a baseball game. Me and my dad's greatest experience on the berm was during the Yankees batting practice. A father seemingly from the Bronx decided to treat his entire family to a Yankees-Phillies game. Now when I say entire family, I mean that this guy had about 11 kids. And boy did he have a system of keeping them in line. It was pretty amazing to watch actually. He would shout, "Hey who wants some chickin fingas and who wants a haat dog?" When all the kids started screaming he would go "ok if ya want a haat dog get in a line ova hea, and if you want chickin fingas get in a line ova hea." And without hesitation the kids formed into their respective lines. This worked for every type of option at a baseball game. When some kids wanted to go to the fast pitch, that's how it worked. On a side note, one of his kids asked a Phillies relief pitcher for a baseball. When the pitcher threw one up, the father said "we don't want no Phillies baseball. What do we want?" And the kid replied "a Yankees baseball!" This man sure taught his kids.

- Time for a new Brett Myers tattoo. What do you do when as a starting pitcher, you only start one out of every 7 games or so and don't really go past the first 4 innings? In Brett Myers' case, you get a new tattoo. Check out this quick article about Brett's tattoo from last spring. It's around the bottom of the short blurb. This is why I love Brett Myers - he brings a touch of everything to the team.

- Other stadiums. The great thing about catching these Spring Training games is that you can go to the road games with ease. All the stadiums are in Florida and the farthest you'd have to travel is two hours give or take. We drove a little over an hour to see the Phillies take on the Reds at Ed Smith Stadium. Completely worth it. You feel like you're watching baseball in the 60's. It's as close as you can get. Ed Smith isn't a new feel kind of ballpark like the Phillies home away from home Bright House Networks Field, it's a small old fashioned place to watch a game. Ed smith boasts 3 bathrooms, 3 concession stands, 2 ticket booths, and seats 7,500. If you are going this year try to get there - this is the Reds last year at Ed Smith before moving to Arizona for 2010. I also saw a Tigers-Twins game in '07 at the Tigers Joker Marchant Stadium. Another small beauty recently redone. Bottom line, go to some away games, even if the Phils aren't playing.

Ed Smith Stadium - Reds

-Old People. There is no greater truth in Florida than the fact that it is inhabited by 99% old people. Spring Training must be the only time they get people under the age of 60 to come to the state. Old People are everywhere. They are at every game sitting in front, next to, and behind you. And not only are they there - they know what they are doing. I sat next to a lady who must have been at least 75 keeping score of the entire game last year - much harder than keeping score at a Major League game. There are substitutions every inning with unheard of players and many more errors because of the lack of professionals playing every inning. The fact that this little old lady was able to sit through an entire three-hour-long ballgame and keep score made me think that she was a better person. Why? I really don't know. Experience it for yourself.

Old people love baseball

-More Old People. Not only do Old People attend every game. They work at every game too. The people who work the aisles are Old People. The ticket takers are Old People. The man who makes sure there are not too many people in the concessions store, you guessed it an Old People, er Person. If there is any place to move when you are older, it is Florida. At least for March. You can get a job at baseball games! Talk about a dream job for a retired Old Person.

-Once again, getting to watch obscure minor leaguers play the second half of the games. Last year at the away Phillies games versus the Reds, we listened to a group of 20 something-year-olds shout, "give 'em the Boner!" whenever T.J. Bohn came up. One of them even had a four-year-old son shouting it. When a mother behind them looked at her daughter (probably around 20 with a dark tan and a tongue ring) and hit one of the guys on the back, telling them to stop it. She was so fearful that her daughter had never heard such utterances! I can go so many places with this but I'll let you use your imagination. If you think of anything funny enough, put it in the comments!

-Where the Hell Am I? Clearwater? Sweet little town. Normal people. But when you are driving to these other ballparks and restaurants, you realize that Florida isn't just South Beach, its south. There are stores you have never heard of, trailer parks on the side of the road, random fishing shops, and lots of motorcycles. Florida is beautiful, but people don't seem to realize that it is a different lifestyle down there. It's not just partying in Miami and hanging out on the beach, they were part of the Confederacy. Blows my mind.

If you can get to Clearwater for Spring Training, DO IT. There are only so many more spring breaks college students have before you get a job and only have that extra day off for Easter. So book a flight and stay at a sleezy motel if need be.

18 days until pitchers and catchers report. And 47 days until I do.

Welcome Raul, Thank You Pat

2009-01-22T20:45:00.016-05:00

Who remembers the Red Sox 2004 World Series team? Everyone does, of course. Remember the shortstop? No, it wasn’t Nomah Garciaparra the hook nosed, media bashing, OCD at the plate next coming of Ted Williams. It was Orlando Cabrera, a player who has since moved teams twice and is about to sign with a third franchise. I remember me and my dad arguing for the next year and a half why on earth they would remove the infield captain to the team that brought Bean town its first World Series title in 84 years. “Idiots,” we proclaimed. “They just didn’t know what they had.” Well, five years later and I take that back. Back-to-back titles don’t happen all that often folks. There hasn’t been one since the Yankees won four out of five at the turn of the millennium (yes won, not bought. This was back when the Yankees developed from within the organization). There have been 8 World Series Trophies handed out since then, and 7 of them have gone to different teams. The one team who got seconds of the ice cream sunday with champion-chips on top? The Red Sox. They evaluated their talent and built a team that would be able to compete in the next few years. And their second World Series trophy in four years was due thanks in large part to an overhaul in the roster. A new closer, four out of five new starting pitchers, a nice Jewish first baseman with a bushy goatee, a part Indian centerfielder gone to the Yankees where he has not lived up to his mammoth contract and in replace another part Indian centerfielder who might steal the most bases ever in a Boston Red Sox uniform.

Speaking of the Red Sox, the one part of the team that needs replacement is the catcher. People are saying to give Tek the credit and respect that he deserves. But batting 220 is not reason enough to keep him and a certain bloated salary around for the foreseeable future when the Sox have such a great farm system and can seemingly trade for an established big league catcher or trade for a prospect. Jason Varitek deserves all the respect in the baseball world. He and Jeter are the only official team captains and Varitek has done enough to warrant a lifetime membership to Fenway and a free beer to any Boston bar he shmoozes at. Varitek will have his respect when he comes back to Fenway in a few years with 4o more pounds packed on, hosting pre and post game shows for all of Boston to enjoy. Think of a Greg Luzinski or Mitch Williams who actually accomplished something.

Why am I talking about the Red Sox and their championships and rosters? It’s more than yesterday’s news, its years old news. The 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies (ahhh it never gets old seeing that in print) let go their longest tenure player. Number one pick of the Major League Baseball 1998 Amateur draft, Patrick Brian Burrell the Third. Replacing number five in left field is an older, yet more consistent lefty – Raul Ibanez. Was this the right move? Only time will tell, but to follow the Championship format, it is the acceptable move.

Now let us get one thing straight – I love Pat Burrell. Just like the rest of Philadelphia, I have given him a hard time, but continue to cheer when he stepped up to the plate for his next at bat. I’ve always said that it’s a draw between who has the prettiest swing in the game – Pat Burrell or Manny Ramirez.

Burrell did what he came to do unlike many others. He ended the drought and brought happiness to people who thought they might never live to see the day. He and his wife along with dog Elvis lead the champs down Broad Street in a day that no one will ever forget. Burrell had the double off of the center field wall that lead to the winning run of the World Series. It’s hard to top that. What a tremendous way to go out.

On the other hand, it was Pat the Bat’s first hit of the entire World Series. If there is a definition of a hot-and-cold player, look no further than Pat. When he’s on, he will either mash a homerun, hit the longest double off the wall you have ever seen, or work the pitcher until he does his awkward jog to first base, where he usually gets replaced by a pinch runner. But when he’s cold…oh he’s cold. He doesn’t have much of a penchant for swinging the bat unless he puts the ball in play and watching called strike out after called strike out sure gets tiresome.

Burrell hit just over 250 and popped over 30 home runs and drove in close to 100 runs over the past few years. Ibanez has done basically the same power numbers and has batted just below 300, in one of the ultimate pitcher’s parks. Put him in the bandbox that is Citizens Bank Park and it should be an RBI cuddlefest for all Phillies fans to enjoy.

It's time to move on my friends. Pat Burrell will always hold a special place in our heart, and hopefully so will Raul Ibanez. Embrace Ibanez and don't give him the hard time that we have so often welcomed our newcomers with. Make him feel like he is at home as he stands on the worn out patch of grass in left field. Ibanez may be an old head, but let's not forget where he played ten out of his thirteen professional years - Seattle, the same team which Pat Gillick general managed for four years and led to back to back ALCS appearances. Gillick just led the Phils' to a World Series victory after only three years with the team. And remember, he is staying on as a consultant. Think signing a player from his old stomping grounds has anything to do with Gillick's involvement in the Phils?

And anyone who knows the politician of the Phillies, Greg Dobbs, has seen that he fully endorses the signing. He affirms that Ibanez will bring leadership and hungriness to a team that is already out to prove itself to be the first back-to-back champions since the Yankees. Using his graduate college professor vocabulary, his endorsement should bring joy to Philadelphia's ears.

So fare thee well Pat Burrell. You did what you came to do, what athletes of 25 years before you failed to do. You brought us a Championship.

*Oh, and 23 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training

**Take note of the new poll

***Feel free to comment, you do not need an account and if you do not want to be known, you can comment anonymously

A Little Variety Please?

2009-01-17T13:16:00.004-05:00

Sports analysts need to start taking a new view on the NFL Championship games this weekend. How many more times do I need to hear the “no team can beat another team three times in one season” theory? When will ESPN change the bottom line NFC headline from “first time in a non-lockout season two teams with less than 10 games meet in Championship game?” I enjoy listening to Skip Bayless because of his propensity to favor Philadelphia sports, but I don’t know how much more I can hear of his assertion that the Cardinals are better off without Anquan Boldin starting. And wait… Donovan McNabb got benched!? When was this? What has it done to him mentally? Did it turn his season around and resurrect his play? And what is this I hear about a tie against that team in Cincinnati? However, the one thing I will never get sick of is the clip of Andy Reid admitting that “that cheese whiz” is the stuff that gets stuck in his playoff beard the most. I wonder if he’s eating “that cheese whiz” with chopped up steak, or just slurping down cups of it by itself.

What would I like to see more of, you may be asking. How about some Correll Buckhalter? The man only gets a few plays every game, yet he always seems to have one drive where he picks up bundles of yardage.

Why not hear more about the young core of Eagles linebackers that have matured so much this season, most notably after Akeem Jordan took over the weak-side position from Omar Gaither, the heir to Jeremiah Trotter. Stewart Bradley seems to have about 11 tackles a game and lead the team with 108. This group has become professional run stoppers – not just professionals who get paid to stop the run.

How about something different from the players? I’m not asking for trash talk, but it seems like every player from all four remaining teams give the same interview: “It’s gonna’ be a dog fight. Both teams are playing so well right now. We’re really gonna’ have to buckle down. The name of the game is turnovers. I’m real excited to get this thing goin’.” It’s starting to sound like Conan O’Brien and every single show he does. Now don’t get me wrong, I love me some Conan, but shouldn’t his excitement level about a show with Jennifer Aniston be a whole lot more enlivened than say, a show with a rare Guatemalan lizard expert? Every night it’s, “We got a great show for you tonight folks. I’m very excited. Heh heh heh heh, no but seriously gonna’ be a good one tonight!” Changing it up a little wouldn’t hurt. Give me a little spice NFL players! (And the trash talk from the Steeler’s punter Mitch Berger doesn’t count)

And PLEASE stop talking about a potential all-PA Superbowl. It hasn’t happened yet, and I guarantee that’s not what the teams are talking about. The Eagles aren’t thinking about a prospective Cheesesteak vs. Primanti ultimate showdown (and based on living in Pittsburgh for the past two years, even the ‘burghians would grant the cheesesteak the victor). The Steelers are focused on the Ravens, and the Eagles on the Cardinals. Just give all potential Superbowl match up talk a rest until late Sunday night.

For those of you who missed my last post, or have just not gotten around to reading it yet, I predicted a 31-17 Eagles victory.

As for the AFC Championship game, with some snow showers and a temperature around 19 degrees at kickoff, I imagine this will be a game won on the ground or “in the trenches” as fancy football analysts tend to put it. I see little or no scoring in the first half, just as the last meeting went. I don’t think it will come down to a last minute Santonio Holmes-esque did-he-cross-or-didn’t-he game winning touchdown or field goal. I predict bad games by both quarterbacks, with the rookie playing like a rookie for the first time in a very long time. Steelers 17 Ravens 13

Is it the early 2000's or 2009?

2009-01-13T23:41:00.009-05:00

I am in a state of disbelief. My prediction for the Eagles game, as many other Philadelphians, was that the Eagles would topple the Giants. I felt better about that game than the Vikings game believe it or not. Did I actually believe that the resurgent Eagles could take down the defending Super bowl champions? Yes. I actually did. You may be asking yourself how on earth I could possibly be predicting an Eagles victory with Donovan McNabb at the helm and Andy Reid calling plays, after writing a piece called "End of an Era and Week 13 Picks Part 1." Well every other NFL journalist is asking themselves precisely the same question. If you have watched an ounce of ESPN this week or read anything on football you will have read something like "everyone counted the Eagles out" or "who woulda thunkit after McNabb was benched in week 12?" So I will no reiterate the point. You get it. McNabb was benched, people called for Reid's head, the season was over, yadda yadda yadda.

That is all over and done with. It's in the past. Know what else is in the past? The Eagles 48-20 demolishing of the very same Cardinals they are playing in the NFC Championship game this Sunday at 3 pm. Except one thing. These aren't the very same Cardinals. They beat the coach of the year and the rookie of the year two weeks ago and won their game versus the Panthers in the first quarter. And what is the big revelation that Ken Whisenhunt had about the offense? To run the ball (sound familiar Eagles fans?)

Well I am here to tell you to put your fears aside. The Arizona Cardinals may have started to run the ball, but not terribly effectively. All this talk of Edgerrin James and his "fresh legs" is nothing to fret about. I drafted this loser three years ago in the first round of my fantasy draft and he had a majorly disappointing season. So while I may hold a grudg-errin against Edgerrin it has nothing to do with my feelings on his 2009 playoff performance. The man couldn't win the big one for the Colts during his tenure in Indy and he sure as hell won't do it in Arizona.

Another big point. For those analysts and Cardinals believers who continue to point to the run game as the reason for their success, look no further than the Eagles playoff success versus the run. The best back the league has to offer, Adrian Peterson was nonexistent in the second half. Brandon Jacobs may have gained 92 yards on the ground, but he (and the rest of the Giants) were kept out of the end zone. The Iggs also stuffed him twice on 4th and short situations. Stopping Edge shouldn't be a problem after the running backs we experienced the first two rounds.

For all the talk of the Cardinals newfound running game, it's nothing special. Bear with me for some stats here. During the season the Cardinals ranked last in rushing yards per game and second last in yards-per-carry with 3.5. Their playoff rushing numbers yield an underwhelming 3.2 yards-per-carry which would drop them down to the only spot below them in that category - last.

The truth about the Cardinals is that they are a good team. Good but not great. They beat a rookie Quarterback and rookie Coach with their experienced old man Warner leading the pack. They beat a team coming off a bye week (one of three bye teams to lose this weekend), a Panthers team with the 18th ranked defense. Impressive win? Of course. Match this dynamic offense against the 3rd ranked defense and a different old man wins this matchup - Jim Johnson. Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown are better than the Panthers' Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas. Brian Dawkins over Carolina's Chris Harris any day, not that either of those comparisons needed to be made. Fitzgerald and Boldin will get their catches, but not the ones that matter most.

Some things that need a-fixin' from the Giants game...

-Brent Celek needs to make wide open catches

-Kevin Curtis needs to make wide open catches

-McNabb needs more consistent protection

-The offensive line needs to open up some holes for Westbrook

-More Buckhalter!

-8 penalties for 61 yards is too much. Cut it in half.

-David Akers cannot be counted on to make midfield tackles

My crystal ball shows me an Eagles victory. 31-17

Go Eagles!

Believe in Hope

2009-01-05T21:37:00.012-05:00

With a new year brings an all new reason to hope for the city of Philadelphia. Coming off the city's first championship in 25 years, who is to say that it cannot be done again? Exhibit A: The Philadelphia Eagles.

2008 went down as perhaps the most up and down season in Eagles History. Sure, they have started hot before and gone cold. But never have we seen such such unbalance. The 08 Birds never won more than 3 games in a row. They lost 2 in a row once and had a three game skid which included two losses and a tie. They scored less than 10 points twice, and more than 40 points three times. No one really knows what to expect. Something that those of us who don't quite believe can do however, is to hope. I believe in hope.

We turned the corner when McNabb came back from his benching and won three straight. Then a 3 point offensive showing to a couldn't-be-colder Redskins team? Then, of course, a 44-6 domination over a team so embodied by its singular personalities, the Dallas Cowboys.

After a sloppy first half with classic Andy Reid 3rd and 2 long passes leading to a few punts, the Eagles completely dominated the Vikings in the final 30 minutes, holding their running game to just 17 yards on 8 carries. The defense made the stops when it needed to make them.

On to the next contest. Those New York Football Giants. Defending Super Bowl Champions and current NFC Regular Season Champs. Who is the favorite? By all means the Giants. Who is going to win? The Philadelphia Eagles. What kind of ludicrous statement is that to make, you may be asking. Why would I pick the Eagles over the Giants at the Meadowlands? Besides the green that runs through my veins, there are quite a few reasons. I will lay them out for you here...

1. Playing at the Meadowlands. So far this season the two contests between these bitter rivals has been won by the visiting team. Eagles won in NY, Giants won in Philly. This is one theory that offers up an Eagles double-you, but not one that I would put too much stock into.

2. The Giants have lost 3 of their last 4 games. Albeit one took place in the week 17 resting of their starters in the second half. Make that a win and they are still only 2-2. Anyone watching Eli play the first half in the Giants week 17 loss to the Vikings could see that Manning was not his usual self. In the last four games of the season, Manning threw just 2 touchdowns and two picks, was sacked 12 times, and fumbled twice.

3. Try to think back to last year. This wasn't much of a story line at this moment in 2008 as the Giants snuck into the playoffs without too much noise. There was tremendous support from the Giants' fans to have their franchise quarterback traded and their moody coach fired. Fans wanted the Giants to lose even though they were in the playoffs. Does this sound familiar my fellow Philadelphians? For how long have we been dialing WIP's number and calling for McNabb's head? After how many called passing plays on 3rd and 1 have we wanted Andy Reid out of our beloved city? Hey, I'll admit it. I have never been shy to bash the Eagles - namely McNabb and Reid. Many are still not satisfied with our position now. Again, I am not. I always want a Super Bowl. But at the same time, I am realistic. Big Red and Five will be back next year, and it seems like they both give us the best chance to win.

So while those in New York were throwing Tom Coughlin under the proverbial bus, we have done the same to Reid. The Giants have made the "sneaking into the playoffs quietly and winning the Super Bowl" story quite old to everyone already. How many times have you heard the phrase, "this year's Giants?" And how many times have the Eagles been attributed to that phrase? Almost every time. We are in a great position heading into Sunday's game.

4. And last but not least, just as you thought I wouldn't mention it - Plaxico Burress. This man has been the definition of an Eagles Killer. Look at his career stats versus the Eagles (as a Giant, not a Steeler). 7 games, 32 receptions, 516 yards, 5 touchdowns. In last years playoffs, Eli Manning trusted Burress with 25% of his completions, more then 25% of his yards, and added a touchdown in the biggest game to take down the all-mighty Patriots in Super Bowl 42. Without Plax, the Giants went a mediocre 3-3 in their last 6 games. Before? 9-1. 2 of the three wins were legitimate, beating the number 2 seed Carolina Panthers in overtime and the opponent of the Panthers this Saturday - the Arizona Cardinals.

Without Plaxico, a receiver who has shredded the Eagles Secondary apart for the past 3 and a half seasons, the Giants become much less scary. Their offense now has to rely on Domenik Hixon as their number 1 wideout which puts more pressure on banged up monster running back Brandon Jacobs.

So I will ignore the obvious reasons why we may not win this game (Akers can't kick for squat against the G-Men, we never know when Reid will abandon the run, it IS a home game for the Giants, and the Giants are supposed to win)

Now let us take a look at the weather conditions for the game. It will be a high of 33 and a low of 21 with only a 10% chance of precipitation. The wind impact is one to take notice of, right now being listed as 13 miles per hour North/Northwest. Should make for an interesting day of passing and kicking.

My prediction for the Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants playoff game for a trip to the Conference Finals: Eagles 27 Giants 20

Do I believe? I don't know. But I can sure as hell hope.

Go Eagles

A Christmas Story of Awards

2008-12-24T23:38:00.037-05:00

It is Christmas Eve (soon to be Christmas) and to honor everyone's favorite Christmas Classic, A Christmas Story, I will give out my year-end awards with regards to Ralphie and his world.

The Leg Lamp Smash Award:

Did the old man really think that he would be able to get away with showcasing his beloved leg lamp in his window for all of Cleveland Street to see? He had to know that one day soon his "major award" would come to a major downfall. The Eagles were just playing too well. We were running the ball like a normal team. We were beating the teams we were supposed to beat, and even ones we weren't (the Giants). All we had to do was win our two last games. We were looking forward to playing the Cowgirls next sunday to decide our playoff berth. We shouldn't be concerned the the Redskins. Losers of 5 of their last 6? The self-proclaimed "worst coach in the world" in Jim Zorn? Come on. We went down to the basement to play with that dadgummit, blasted, stupid furnace. As soon as we got into our fight with the furnace, Andy Reid decided to play the part of Ralphie's mom. He picked up his water can and smiled a sly smile and walked to the living room. Sure, he wants his team to grow emotionally and intellectually. Why not pour some water on them to further their growth? While "watering" his team he accidentally smashes the leg lamp. And with the lamp goes the Eagles' playoff hopes.

The Aunt Clara's Bunny Costume Award:

Sunday, November 23, 2008. Andy Reid brings in Kevin Kolb to replace Donovan McNabb. Philadelphia freaks out. ESPN freaks out. The sports world freaks out. Is the McNabb era finally over? Is this is how it is going to end? Yep, Ralphie has to wear the costume. We are forced to see our beloved protagonist wear an energizer bunny costume - the same 9-year-old who we see as a cowboy brandishing Red Ryder's peace-maker in his kitchen. Frankly, it is demeaning. Ralphie barely has time to say a word before the old man asks him if he wants to take it off. Andy Reid gives Kolb 2 quarters of misery before pulling the plug. McNabb comes back in and leads the team to victory three straight weeks. Ralphie gets his BB Gun.

The You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Award:

This is presented to Andre Iguodala. Rather than taking that step forward that we all expected after the great second half run the Sixers had last year, Iggy melted away in the playoffs. No matter though. Iggy was able to shoot our eyes out - it became hard to watch - and come up with a great icicle lie to keep his days in Philly for 5 more years, just as Ralphie was able to keep his BB-Gun. One new contract later, Iggy has continued to shoot our eyes out, it becomes more painful to watch each and every day. Congratulations to Andre Iguodala.

The Ooohhh Fudge Award:

Here's to Chase Utley. "World Champions.

World FUDGING Champions!" Only he didn't say fudge. He said

the word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the

F-dash-dash-dash word. But as Utley later said, kids shouldn't curse, but if they are 29 and won the World Series, they can say that (and just to clarify, it wasn't Ralphie's fault that the nuts and bolts went flying everywhere. His dad knocked them out of his hand).

The Scut Farkus Affair Award:

If the sports Gods are Scut Farkus, Ralphie is our Phillies. Scut Farkus has been the Penguins, Devils, Red Wings, Patriots, Cowboys, Mets, Marlins, Rockies, Lakers, Pistons, etc. over the years. The Phillies finally stood up to Scott Farkus and looked him in his yellow eyes. He had yellow eyes. SO HELP ME GOD YELLOW EYES! The Phillies beat the odds after Johan Santana was brought to New York to bring the Mets back to the top. They beat the unbeatable C.C. Sabathia with the most crushing grand slam in Phillies history. They beat the Dodgers with an entire team effort, capped by the moment Matt Stairs drove the ball deep into right field - also the moment blood was drawn by Ralphie from Scut's nose. And they beat the team of destiny when Ralphie raised his Red Ryder BB Gun in his living room - the World Series Trophy in Citizens Bank Park.

The It's a beautiful turkey, it really is, but it's smiling at me Award:

Alexander Ovechkin had himself one hell of a year. A year for the record books. 65 goals. Good job. But as soon as the playoffs started and every analyst possible picked Alexander the Great and his Capitals to win the series, a fire was lit under the Flyers. By the time game 7 rolled around, they had enough of Ovechkin's toothless smile. "It's a beautiful turkey, it really is, but it's smiling at me..." said thousands of Philadelphians. Joffrey Lupul and the Flyers listened carefully, took a knife and chopped that Turkey's heads off. Montreal Canadians, here we come.

The Bumpass's Dogs Award and the But it was gone, all gone! No turkey! No turkey sandwiches! No turkey salad! No turkey gravy! Turkey hash! Turkey a la King! Or gallons of turkey soup! Gone, ALL GONE Award:

To the Penguins and Flyers respectively. Game 5 of the 2008 NHL Eastern Conference Finals. The Penguins had picked at our turkey for days. They took little bits of it while we were out of the room tending to BB Gun shot out eyes.

Then we sat down to read the paper. We should relax right? We just won game 4 in convincing fashion, a 4-2 win. The Bumpass's dogs came in while we were reading the paper and scored a quick goal or two. Did we notice? No, we continue to read the paper. Then the rest of the Bumpass's Dogs come in and tear the turkey apart. We get torn apart to the tune of 6-0 and that is the end of the Flyers season. While we may have been introduced to Chinese Turkey, we didn't get all of those damn delicious leftovers.

The Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra Award:

To Tadahito Iguchi, So Taguchi, and Arron Asham.

The Santa Boot in the face Award: To injury prone and career loser, Elton Brand. Baron Davis decides to sign with the Clippers, seemingly to play with one of the best power forwards in the game. One would not just sign with the Clippers for fun, it just doesn't happen. Brand puts on Santa's shiny black boot and kicks the franchise in the face. He signs with the Sixers and a few months later he finds himself in that poofy pool of fluff that Ralphie finds himself in. The injury bug has kicked him in the face with that same boot. Ho! Ho! Ho! Not so jolly.

Feel free to offer up your own awards by commenting on this post. I hope everyone has themselves a great 24 hours of A Christmas Story, a great Christmas, some tasty food, not too many bellyaches, some useful presents, and a Happy Chanukah as well.

Week 16 NFL Picks

2008-12-21T12:18:00.002-05:00

This is the time of the year when those cold weather games really take effect on teams. This is why I am basing a lot of my picks around the cold weather nonsense that we saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers overcome at the Vet in 2002. Cold weather games will be denoted by a *. Snow will have two asteriks **

**CLEVELAND over Cinci

ST LOUIS over San Fran

**New Orleans over DETROIT

*Pittsburgh over TENNESSEE

KANSAS CITY over Miami

**NEW ENGLAND over Arizona

San Diego over TAMPA BAY

Houston over OAKLAND

DENVER over Buffalo

**SEATTLE over NY Favres

**MINNESOTA over Atlanta

Eagles over WASHINGTON

**NY GIANTS over Carolina

CHICAGO over Green Bay

Don't take my word on the snow actually falling - that's just the forecast. There are supposed to be 6 games today with a chance of snow. Should make for a very interesting day of football. Lots of turnovers. Probably a really bad day to bet. A lot of gimmes become games that no one expected to turn out the way they do.

With that, Happy Chanukah, and here in Abington we got ourselves a White Chanukah.

Season: 42-32

School's out for... Chanukah

2008-12-18T17:25:00.010-05:00

In honor of the end of the fall semester I have decided to hand Philadelphia it's report card for all of 2008. My grades have just been posted and while some resemble the Sixers more so than the Phillies, they all count towards my GPA, just as every one of our beloved teams (except the Soul, Wings, and Kixx) represent our beloved city - Philadelphia. It has been a hell of a year, with many ups and downs. While it is safe to say this for just about any year, it's hard to top '08.

First and foremost, more foremost than any team I have ever rooted for, are the World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Offense: The Phils were 3rd in runs, 1st in home runs, 2nd in RBI, 3rd in stolen bases (although 1st in percentage), and 2nd in wins in the entire National League. Add in playoff numbers and it is safe to say that the offense would probably be number one in just about every category. With the most potent infield in the game, Howard, Utley and Rollins are a formidable trio. When one is not hitting, the others are. In most cases however, you will find it hard to get around all three of them in one game. Pat Burrell finally cemented his place in left field for Phillies eternity. Regardless of where he signs, he will be a lifelong Phillie and a fan favorite. More to come on Pat the Glove in another post. Grade: A+

Defense: Adding Pedro Feliz was one of the least publicized moves of the offseason. But what it did for this team was more many can understand. We added the best defensive third baseman in the national league. Add that two now 2-time gold glove winner Jimmy Rollins and one of the best fielding and smartest second basemen in the game in Chase Utley and you have a pretty leather-y infield. Even the DH with a glove on his hand picked up his defense in the final quarter of the season. Pat Burrell may not be fast, but he lets singles be singles. He doesn't turn them into doubles. Oh yeah and he lead Major League Baseball with 12 outfield assists. Boo-ya. Shane Victorino added a gold glove to his resume, and Jayson Werth proved to be a starting right fielder, by no means an easy task. Carlos Ruiz showed in the World Series why batting average is overrated, by calling some of the best games that anyone has ever seen out of Cole Hamels, not to mention an unheard of like Joe Blanton. The Phils finished 3rd in the NL in fielding percentage and 3rd in all of baseball as well. Grade: A-

Pitching: 4th in ERA, 2nd in saves, 1st in blown saves, 3rd in shutouts, and 1st in overall bullpen. Pitching was supposed to be the problem wasn't it? Only having two proven starters in injury plagued Cole Hamels and Senior Citizen Jamie Moyer while relying on a head case to make the switch back from closer to starter, rookie semi-sensation Kyle Kendrick and... the pitcher who must not be named...

...

... fine, I'll say it. Adam Eaton (Lightning crashes). And here come some more parenthesis... (Look, Adam Eaton is a nice enough guy. To bash Gillick on this signing is not fair. Every general manager makes brilliant decisions and some that couldn't be more idiotic. To boo Adam Eaton is not fair. He did not hold out for the most money that he could find. He did not turn down teams offering him money left and right. He was sort of sitting around when the Phillies shoved an unprecedented 24 million dollars in his face. I'm sure he said something along the lines of, "wait you want me to do what with that ball? Pitch it? In a starting rotation? In Philadelphia? For HOW much money? OK sure, but just remember, YOU asked ME." This is not a bad guy. Anyone expecting him to be even a competent fifth starter was expecting too much. This man even got shelled in Single-A ball. Nice guy and I hope he enjoys his paycheck, as long as he is enjoying it far away from the Phillies)

To continue, an unbalanced closer, and the worst bullpen in the league in 2007. Add it all up and... the best rotation in the National League. World Series Champs. Wahoo! Grade: A+

2008 Grade: A+(plus)+(plus)+(plus)+(plus)+(plus) in honor of Ralphie's Red Ryder Carbine Action Two-Hundred Shot Range Model Air Rifle BB Gun Essay

Philadelphia Flyers. The worst team in the league from 2006-2007 couldn't even win at being the worst which is why they received the number 2 draft pick instead of the number 1. We all knew what to expect after that short lived playoff birth in 05-06. We saw that our defenseman pretty much forgot how to skate and that our big signing, Peter Forsberg, was a diva with a "boot-fitting" problem, something unbeknownst to, oh say anyone who has ever watched hockey. Forget about that lost season. It was necessary to bring in the talent that got us to where are now. After an improbable run to the Eastern Conference Finals where we got shelacked by the Penguins, we knew what we had. 2008 has been kind to the Flyers. The rebuilding process is supposed to take a few years, not one year.

Offense: The most consistent power play in the NHL is lethal. Add Simon Gagne, back with vengeance (he can keep the 07-08 season's motto since he didn't really get to use it that much), Captain Mike Richards, ankle-blood-clot-free Kimo Timonen, and newfound MVP Jeff Carter to the equation, they are pretty much a given to score on the power play. The problem comes in the form of 5-on-5 ice time. This team gets its goals, but is pretty reliant on the power play. This can become a problem in the playoffs where the referees are less likely to take over a game. They let the players play, thus subtracting the Flyers main scoring threat. Grade: B+

Defense: Inconsistent? Surprisingly no. The first month of the season saw the Flyers learning how to play with speedster Luca Sbisa and without Ryan Parent or Randy Jones. Throw in Andy Alberts and take away part of the team's heart in Derian Hatcher, the team was out of sync defensively. Trading insane, wanting to hit anything that moves, forgetting that talent is supposed to be used, former first round pick Steve Downie for young defensive stud, Matt Carle, really breathed some life into the Flyers D. The reason that the Flyers lead the league in shorthanded goals is because of their defense-first approach. Worry about stopping the other team and our own chances will come. Richards is playing like the penalty killer that we have always known he is, Gagne is back from injury, and Carter recently learned how to commit his body to staying behind the blue line. Grade: B+

Goaltending: Biron has stepped up his game when he needs to. He seems to defeat his childhood rival team in the Montreal Canadians, and when the going is good, Biron is a steady goaltender. Nittymaki is an above average backup, making up for the average goaltender that Biron is. He can step in and easily dominate the Atlanta Thrashers, and when it comes to real NHL teams he can compete too. Grade: B-

2008 Grade: B

Oh those Eagles. It's always something with them isn't it?

Offense: Donavon McNabb. Based on what we have seen from Five, it is apparent that he might be a little crazier than we all thought. Sure the benching against the Ravens scared him into becoming the QB we've been used to seeing for a decade, but why does an all-pro quarterback need to be scared into losing his job to save himself? When on, McNabb is as good as a passer as he has ever been. He threads the needle and if need be he can run a little bit too.

Westbrook is the monster that we have come to expect out of Route 36 when healthy. We all know that. He can block, run, catch, and apparently run down 98 yard interceptions too. The wideouts don't boast big names besides rookie sensation The Sean Jackson, yet they are not the problem. They get open and give McNabb the opportunity to make plays. The tight end position has a week-to-week success rate. The one thing that never changes is my heart stopping every time LJ Smith runs with the ball... does he not threaten to fumble after every catch? The O-Line seems to be missing Shawn Andrews, but John Runyan has given the Eagles a reason to bring him back for one last contract and maybe another after that. But for the love of God, can we get a real fullback? Grade: B-

Defense: A deep secondary forces the opponent to run in situations where they might pass. Our run defense has been nothing short of dominant for the most part. Removing Omar Gaither for Akeem Jordan has improved the run defense even more. Maybe that 5th round draft pick who was supposed to be the heir apparent to Jeremiah Trotter didn't pan out too well. Lito Shepard has not been a distraction. He is not happy yet has been as professional as a former pro-bowler can be in his situation. He bears no ill will towards Asante Samuel. I'm guessing that he will follow up this season with a starting job on some mid-range team and he will probably do pretty decently. Pro bowl numbers? No, but numbers worthy of a starting position. Trent Cole may not be on pace for as many sacks as he had last year (12.5) but he has not lost an ounce of ferocity in his game. Darren Howard lost some weight and has contributed 8 sacks to the overall 3rd best defense in the NFL. They seem to have dropped that "bend but don't break" label too. Grade: A-

Special Teams: Looks like it's time to draft a new kicker. David Akers is definitely average, and is above average on some days, but his contract does not warrant keeping someone around who does not have the ability to kick a 50 yarder. Our return game is above average on both levels. Desean Jackson needs to learn that taking 8 yards is better than scrambling backwards and eventually falling forward for 2 yards. I respect that he wants to do more than we have become accustomed to in Philly, but a mediocre return is always better than trying to do too much and ending up with nothing. Quintin Demps is a major improvement in the kicking return category. Grade: B

2008 Grade: C Why is this letter lower than ALL of the grades so far? Not that this question needs to be answered by anyone who has watched this team play all season, but this team has not had it together for 2008. Tying the Bengals, benching an all-pro QB, blowing a 14 point lead over the now inept Redskins, losing the game on the goal line to the Kyle Orton lead Bears, and week after week of red zone failures leads to a C grade for the year. And that's being nice.

And the forgotten team. The team that fans forget to buy tickets to enjoy. That fans forget to watch on TV. Why? Because there are no results.

Offense: After getting semi-excited about that first round playoff exit last year, where the games played in Philadelphia were not even closed to being sold out, the team has taken a gigantic step backward. Signing Elton Brand to a 5 year mega-deal and locking up Iguodala for the prime years of his unproductiveness looks like it will only keep us in the basement for another few years. Elton Brand is slow and it looks like out of shape. Anyone who gets injured twice in his first 25 games with the team is not worth a hefty 16 million dollars a year for five years. And for those that argue and say that Iguodala's 4 points in a win over Milwaukee is fine because it led to a win - well it isn't even close to being fine. Paying that much money to someone who shoots 2-14 and cannot get to the line in a win over a bottom 10 team only points towards disaster. Oh and Sammy Dalembert is completely untradable now. Grade: D

Defense: Iggy's defense has shown spurts of life here and now but again, it is not enough to warrant his contract. While only allowing 94.6 points a game, a solid 8th in the league, the team isn't shutting down when it needs to. Sammy Dalembert averaged 2.3 blocks a game a year ago, now that is down a whole block to 1.3. His rebounding is down by more than 2 a game and his points per game have been cut in half, just to keep with the trend of regression. While the beginning of '08 looked nice for Sammy, his shortcomings this year may keep him from ever really breaking out. Grade: C

2008 Grade: C- The team moved in the right direction, but their inability to take another step forward has bad implications for this team. One coach and a star player down less than two months into the season and the few fans that actually care may be in a state of apathy by midseason.

So long 2008. You have been the best sports year of my life thanks to the Phillies. A good quote to look forward to from Jimmy Rollins, ""You don't repeat a World Series," Rollins said. "You don't repeat a game. You don't repeat a pitch. You don't really repeat a swing. You just try to do it again. And that's different."

Lets hope for a "different" kind of year in 2009.

NFL Week 15 Picks

2008-12-14T11:34:00.002-05:00

Here are my picks for Week 15 of the NFL

Tampa over HOTLANTA

Washington over CINCI

INDY over Detroit

San Diego over KANSAS CITY

ST LOUIS over Seattle

MIAMI over San Fran

BRETT FAVRE over Buffalo

Tennessee over HOUSTON

Green Bay over JACKSONVILLE

ARIZONA over Minnesota

CAROLINA over Denver

BALTIMORE over Pittsburgh

New England over OAKLAND

NY Giants over DALLAS

EAGLES over Cleveland

Season: 35 - 24

Random Thoughts

2008-12-12T02:51:00.006-05:00

A different type of post this morning. Rather than a specific topic to be discussed, I'll be going on a rambling tangent of sorts.

- I didn't get to watch the Flyers tonight, as I was attending a post-funeral for Josh Uram, father of Dave Uram who writes for South Broad Street, another blog I write for. Before I go on with this post, I just want to say that Josh will be greatly missed. He was a great man, doctor, father, and community man.

- Having said that, I watched the replay at 1:30 in the AM. The Flyers showed real character coming back from a referee-induced 5-1 deficit last night. While the first few goals could have been saved by Nittymaki, the refs did their best to ensure a 'Canes victory. Midway through the second, just after the Flyers made it look like this could be a semi-interesting game with a Hartnell deflection goal, the refs decided to turn a blind eye to any cheap shots taken by the Hurricanes, and instead punished the Flyers - and heavily. After three fights broke out on the ice, Aaron Asham was slapped with an instigation penalty for his fight with Scott Walekr and Andrew Alberts was given two penalties for roughing Scott Walker. This all resulted in a 5-on-3 advantage for the Hurricanes. After former Flyer Joni Pitkanen scored on the 5-on-3, Eric Staal decided to show up to the NHL. After taking most of the first quarter of the season off, he poked in his second goal of the night on a four minute Carolina Power Play, to go along with an assist. The third period, was quite a different story. Hartnell played like a man with something to prove and skated all over the 'Canes for a hat trick. Adding goals were Scottie Upshall and Simon Gagne. Richards and Gags scored in the shootout after a scoreless overtime to give the Flyers their biggest comeback victory in team history. This shows how scary this team can be if referees don't make every effort to give away the game -although anyone who watched the playoffs last year knows that the NHL has a bias against the Flyers.

-Terrell Owens has decided that Tony Romo and Jason Witten are in together on a plot to keep the ball from TO. They are devising plays together when they share a room on roadtrips. Romo is deliberately throwing the ball to Witten even though TO is open. I could spend the time coming up with a few witty lines to make sense of how moronic this is, but it's just not worth my time. If you have anything clever enough to say on this subject, leave it in the comments.

-The Eagles appear to have a fair shot to make the playoffs. If they can win their final three games they stand a fair chance at grabbing the final playoff spot. And as the Giants proved last year, a hot streak late in the season means anything can happen. And with the potential that this team has, they could be very scary. Key word there: Potential.

-The Mets receieved J.J. Putz in a three-team-trade. This now means that they have two closers. Putz will play the role of set-up man in the eighth, while K-Rod will close out ball games. The Mets really improved their main priority thus far in the offseason - their bullpen. Although the Phillies still had the best bullpen in the league last year and I see no reason why that should change. With the resigning of Burrell, all signs point towards an even stronger season from the Phightins.

-The Panthers are asking for a first rounder, a top prospect, and an everyday player for 24 year old defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. This is a bit ridiculous in my eyes. Maybe a prospect and an everyday player, or a first rounder and everyday player. But for a defenseman who is performing way below the standards he has previously set for himself, the Panthers should consider being a bit more lenient in their demands.

-Trivia Question: What is the Carolina Hurricanes mascot's name? Answer at the end. (The answer is obviously ridiculous)

-Have you watched the Sixers play recently? While I am trying not to be too critical until 25 games into the season (we're at 22 right now), things are looking less than inspiring. Elton Brand seems to play his own game, and the four other players on the court play a different game. There is no cohesiveness. Of course when Iguodala is on the court the formula is Brand playing his own game, Iggy playing his own game, and the other three players playing a different game. Iggy needs to reevaluate his game and fast. Soon it will be too late to change the inevitable first round loss to the Pistons/Celtics coming from our 7th or 8th place seeding.

-I don't know why ESPN is even wasting Bottom Line space by talking about a possible Arena Football League season cancellation. No one watches, no one cares, thus no one wants to read about it on the bottom line. Hell, I'd rather read the same "Yankees and C.C. Sabathia agree to terms on a 7-year 161 million dollar deal" announcement over and over then waste my time being tricked into reading about the AFL.

-Sean Avery is funny. All he did was give the NHL press.

-LeBron James is 6 foot 8, 273 pounds according to ESPN on Wednesday night. This man played wide reciever in high school. Can you imagine a receiver of that size going across the middle? He might be a better receiver than he is basketball player. I can't imagine that is possible, but the thought is just plain scary.

-Pitt basketball is number 3 in the nation, and no one is really caring to notice. Continue to ignore us and we'll somehow sneak our way into the tourney as a #1 seed.

-The Phillies traded former '04 second round pick Jason Jarimillo for former big-league Pirates catcher Ronnie Paulino. Both are young, both haven't panned out. Maybe a change of scenery will help.

-Cole Hamels is completely justified in calling the Mets chokers. Any Mets fan who disagrees is not being truthful about their ballclub.

-I love Scott Hartnell.

-Trivia Answer: Stormy the Ice Hog

The Big Names Are Not Always the Biggest Moves

2008-12-10T01:04:00.011-05:00

If we look back to last year at this time, what had the Phillies done to improve their team? First they allowed Aaron Rowand and his leadership to go San Francisco where the Giants showed why they are one of the worst-run franchises in sports (see Zito, Schmidt...). They decided that Jayson Werth, someone who had cracked 100 games just once in his big league career, a year in which he batted .234, would be starting in right field. The other starter in right field was to be Brett Favre look-alike, Geoff Jenkins, who in the previous season hit .255, his worst average since oh-two. They traded away quite possibly the fastest man in the major leagues in Michael Bourn along with fan favorite Geoff Geary to the Astros. In return? We received a closer who had lost his job three times in the past year, someone known for his inopportune ability to give up a big home run (i.e. Albert Pujols) in Brad Lidge. Sounded perfect for Philly at the time - a city known to get on a player the second something goes wrong. Along with a former star-closer, we received some utility man - a baseball player with a hefty blonde beard.

(Nothing is wrong with a healthy blonde beard... over 40 days long thanks to the Flyers improbable playoff run. Let's hope this year's is longer.)

The Angels signed Tori Hunter to an enormous contract worth 90 mil over 5 years. If a percentage of that money is for his leadership, then I applaud them. If not... well... enjoy your investment.

The Braves picked up Tom Glavine for a cool 8 million dollars. They got a solid 13 starts and 2 wins out of him.

The Dodgers shelled out 36 million over 2 YEARS for Andruw Jones, who apparently worked hard at spending that money on ice cream while batting .158 in 75 games.

The Yankees decided to commit 27.5 million dollars a year on one player, A-Rod. Looks like half of that money will be going to his ex-wife now, as that marriage is not the only thing he lost last year.

Randy Wolf, Carlos Silva, Luis Castillo, the list goes on and on. Looking at the Phils, they hardly made much of a splash in the free agent pool. They made small moves and spent less on a few players than many teams spent on one player. What I'm getting at, is that the big names don't necessarily add up to a World Series Trophy... which we now have.

The Yankees throwing out over 140 million dollars for 7 years of C.C. Sabathia just to make sure that C.C. knows who has the money to top the Santana deal (137.5 over 7 years) may not be the smartest way to spend what is equivalent to more than the Marlins entire team payroll for 2008. The Mets deciding to spend 37 million plus incentives on Francisco Rodriguez may look good at the present. So did signing Barry Zito to what was then the richest contract for a pitcher. "K-Rod" as Francisco has come to be known, is not living up to the K part of his nickname, which stands for strikeout, for those who do not know. His strikeouts per 9 innings dropped dramatically by almost 2 strikeouts last year, and have steadily dropped since 06, which was also his best year with regards to ERA and saves to blown saves ratio. The bottom line, is that this is a good signing. It is the correct move by the Mets organization, just as signing Jevon Kearse in 2003 was the right move. It looks good on paper, but lots of signs point to trouble in the future. K-Rod's '08 postseason line for the best-in-the-AL Angels? A loss and an ERA of almost 8. He walks into New York with the record for most saves in a season, lots of money, high expectations and a slider that isn't doing the wonders that it once did.

What did that blonde bearded dude do for the Phillies in 08? Only scored the game winning run in game 3 of the world series and game 5, which gave Philly its first championship in 25 years. And that head-case, Lidge? Only went 48 for 48 in save opportunities overall including a 1.95 era and 92 strikeouts in 62 regular season games. Pedro Feliz? The signing that no one outside of Philadelphia even cared to notice had the second best fielding percentage in the National League and drove in the aforementioned Eric Bruntlett for the World Series winning hit.

Some big signings work out. Many do not. It's hard to argue with a lot of signings, but the ones that matter are the Bruntlett's, the Feliz's, and the Chad Durbins. They help solidify ballclubs. With all that said, I would love to sign Derek Lowe and keep Jamie Moyer and Pat Burrell, but let's hope that we can pick up another Bruntlett for the departure of So Taguchi and another Scott Eyre for the gone-in-longer-than-a-Flash Tom Gordon. Here's to hoping that K-Rod finds as much success with the Mets has Andruw Jones has with the Dodgers!

NFL Week 14

2008-12-07T12:58:00.004-05:00

Reggie Brown is sitting. He's not hurt, and he apparently didn't do anything wrong. I have said all season that this was probably his last season in green and white, and now that such receivers as greg lewis and jason avant are starting over him, it appears that the Birds will part with him and his bloated salary after this season.

With that said, here are my Week 14 NFL Picks (home team in CAPS)

Jacksonville over CHICAGO

Minnesota over DETROIT

GREEN BAY over Houston

TENNESSEE over Cleveland

INDY over Cinci

Hotlanta over NAHLINS

Philadelphia over NYG

DENVER over KC

BUFFALO over Miami

Brett Favre over SAN FRAN

New England over SEATTLE

St Louis over ARIZONA

PITTSBURGH over Dallas

BALTIMORE over Washington

Tampa over CAROLINA

Season 27-17

Once again the Eagles' season is on the line. If they win, then they stand a much better chance of making it to the playoffs. I had a dream that the Eagles annihilated the Giants, 35-13. So I'm picking my team. Go Eagles

The Many Faces of Scott Hartnell

2008-12-05T15:34:00.007-05:00

If you are a casual hockey fan and watched the Flyers-Lightning game on Tuesday, you saw what you probably consider to be one of the most stupid plays by a player who does not deserve to feel the ice with his skates ever again. If the "casual hockey fan" applies to you, then you don't know Scott Hartnell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt5bb2BZsHs

Right off the bat, I will tell you that Scott is my favorite Flyer. His numbers may not be the flashiest (24 goals, 19 assists in 80 games in 07-08). His fighting may not be the most punishing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt5bb2BZsHs&feature=related). His hair may not be the most well-kept.

But the point is that Hartnell will play in every game, fight against the best, and grow his hair out as long as he wants. And as an added bonus he'll sometimes "forget" how to skate and crash into the opposing team's goalie every once in a while.

Go ahead and laugh at the glove-throw. Hartnell admitted that he was tired and did the first thing that came to his mind to try to save the game for his team. So he threw part of his equipment at Ryan Malone, hoping to distract him on a breakaway that could have potentially stole the W away from the Flyers (apparently Biron felt the need to make up for it by giving away the game to the Devils two nights later). Malone received a penalty shot. Biron got a skate on the puck and sent the game into overtime, where Mike Richards had other ideas.

The point of this post is not about the Flyers and their inconsistencies in net, their ever-changing defense, or their seemingly unstoppable offense - it is about the Hart(nell) of the team. This is a player who has the intangibles - size, skill, personality, fire, and above all, heart. This is a man who is not going to net you 40 goals a year. He's not going to skate coast-to-coast with the Simon Gagne's of the NHL. But the man can play. Just by watching him it is evident that Scott Hartnell is someone who tries his hardest when he is on the ice. He may get sidetracked in exactly what he is supposed to do out there, as evidenced by his recent third period benching against the Islanders, but he is always trying to bring himself to the game. He doesn't allow the game to come to him. His finesse is not what will kill a team, but rather his ability to bring himself and everything that comes with himself, to the game.

Look no further than the NHL's top goal scorer, Jeff Carter, to see how valuable a player like Hartnell is. Carter's 18 goals are the byproduct of the six-foot-two, two-hundred and ten pound man who stands a stride from the crease, throwing his body into the opposition regardless of their size. On the power-play, Hartnell draws bodies to him in front of the net, opening the offensive zone for the rest of the team. If someone takes a cheap shot at a teammate, Hartnell will let them know about it - with force. He may take a bad penalty, or not think sometimes, but you can always count on Hartnell to give you his all.

Hartnell's presence on the ice can always be felt. Whether banging bodies in front of the goal, getting into a fight, "tripping" into a goalie to take him off his focus, or throwing a glove at Ryan Malone on a breakaway that could decide the game - he'll be noticed.

The Rest of Week 13

2008-11-30T12:00:00.003-05:00

Here are the rest of my Week 13 picks.

BUFFALO over San Fran

Baltimore over CINCI

Indy over CLEVELAND

GREEN BAY over Carolina

MIAMI over St. Louis

Naaahhlins over TAMPA BAY

New York Giants over WASHINGTON

SAN DIEGO over Hotlanta

Pittsburgh over NEW ENGLAND

NEW YORK BRETTS

OAKLAND over Kansas City

Chicago over MINNESOTA

HOUSTON over Jacksonville

Season 22-10

End of an Era and Week 13 Picks Part 1

2008-11-27T11:51:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. What a great holiday - everyone in America can celebrate. No worries about religion. No attending church or synagogue. No waking up extra early or not eating all day (although I, along with many, hold out on eating until dinner is served).

It is time for me to address the most talked about subject in Philadelphia right now, maybe the most widely discussed over a ten year period in sports history - Donovan McNabb. Most of you know how I feel on Five. He is an inconsistent passer, throws the ball too hard, doesn't show up for big games, and tends to get sick on the field in crucial situations. That being said, he has done more for this franchise at the quarterback position than anyone that this franchise has seen. 4 Conference championship games and a Superbowl appearance is no joke. The man has a history.

I wanted Donovan benched probably more than anyone else in Philadelphia yet to quote Jerry MaGuire, "I helped build, I'm sorry but it's a fact, but there is such a thing as manners. A way of treating people. These fish have manners. These fish have MANNERS." Our giant walrus who runs this team shows that he is the sort of fish who lacks manners. He relegated the dirty work to the quarterbacks coach. After drafting McNabb and sticking with him through thick and thin after all of the vomit, balls thrown at the feet, racial problems, and injuries, he should have the cajones to bench the man himself. Just as MaGuire helped "build (this company)," McNabb turned this franchise from a joke of a team who could not get the correct number of players on the field (coughrayrhodescough) to a Superbowl contender. To yank McNabb when he starts a game 8/18 with 59 yards and two interceptions is ballsy, yet merited when a horrendous performance such as this occurs. McNabb has shown the poise before to start horribly and turn his play around by firing off a 12/12 for 150 with a couple of touchdowns. He is a streaky player. We have known that for his entire tenure in Philadelphia. Down a field goal going into halftime, a change was warranted, yet looking back it was probably a dopey move to insert a quarterback who was making his first real appearance at the position. Sure Kolb has seen time, but that has been at the tail ends of 38-3 blowout victories over the Rams. To throw him to the Ravens, consistently the NFL's best defense over the past decade is just poor taste. On top of that, to continue to throw on running situations (second and goal on the goal line) with a rookie quarterback and Ed Reed looming in the back of the endzone is just idiotic. What kind of a way is that to introduce a young'n to the league? To put him in positions that 29 out of 30 coaches will never put a quarterback in? Shame on you Andy Reid...

YOU SUCK. Sorry had to get that out of my system.

What we are witnessing with Andy Reid right now is not the downfall of a once-great coach (again I concede credit where it is due), but the ego of an arrogant, unwavering man. Everyone knows Andy's policies - no big name wide receivers, yet a desire to throw to the mediocre bunch more than any team in the league (or NFL history for that matter), no use of a running game despite a pro-bowl back and a better than average back-up, horrible clock management, misuse of timeouts, and an overall ineptness when it comes to running a football team at crunch-time. It was never more apparent with the insertion of Kevin Kolb into the offense. You do not draw up 26 passing plays to 8 running plays with a first-time quarterback running the offense. Read that sentence again. Don't want to? Fine. I'll repeat the key words there: 26 passing plays and 8 running plays. Reid has refused to admit when he is wrong. He has been using McNabb as a Manning/Brady QB for almost the past decade while it is clear that McNabb may be a great quarterback, but he is not a great. Again, he was great, but he is not a great. It is obvious that our best year came with the arrival of Terrell Owens, the greatest receiver of all time save Jerry Rice. It is not McNabb's fault. He has been forced to throw more than any other QB, but not to a Harrison, Driver, Moss, Fitzgerald, or Burress. He has thrown to Thrash, Pinkston, Brown, and Freddie Mitchell. Now listen Andy, when I play Madden I loooove to throw the ball. I throw it as much as you do, yet i do it with capable receivers. I sign wideouts in the offseason. I draft top notch flanker or split end. You cannot continue to play with the Todd Pinkston's of this game or you will waste your Future Hall of Famer Quarterback's best years. Oops, too late.

However, there comes a time when all good things must end. McNabb is starting again tonight. If that is because there is still a mathematical chance that the Eagles can get ousted in the first round of the playoffs then I am all for starting the man who got us here. If that is the reason. Mathematical uncertainties aside, Kolb should be starting this game. I would rather see what the future has to offer now than later. The sooner Kolb is in the quicker the transition will be. Tonight I will cheer for McNabb, because who knows how many more chances we will have to do so?

With that said, here are my Thanksgiving day football picks.

Tennessee over DETROIT

DALLAS over Seattle

EAGLES over Arizona and two receivers that should be sporting green and white.

Season: 19-10

NFL Week 12

2008-11-23T12:40:00.002-05:00

Another must-win game for the Eagles to stay alive for the 16th draft pick. 18th draft pick. Even if the Iggs make the playoffs, a first round exit is looming. I pick the eagles over the Ravens, 24-17

My quick picks for Week 12

TENNESSEE over The New York Bretts

Tampa Bay over DETROIT

Chicago over ST LOUIS

NEW ENGLAND over Miami

DALLAS over San Fran

KC over Buffalo

HOUSTON over Cleveland

MINNESOTA over Jacksonville

EAGLES over Baltimore

DENVER over Oakland

ATLANTA over Carolina

SEATTLE over Washington

GIANTS over Arizona

INDY over San Diego

GREEN BAY over Naaaaahlins

Season: 10-4

Champagne Hangover

2008-11-18T20:26:00.009-05:00

It's not very often when someone can hang a hangover after drinking too much champagne.

Let me rephrase that - it's not very often when a Philadelphia sports fan can have a hangover from drinking too much champagne.

While me and five of my friends emptied 2 bottles of the finest André California Champagne in a matter of minutes, the euphoria felt from that particular alcoholic beverage lasts longer than the time it takes Pat Burrell to get to first base on a single off the wall (an eternity for those who don't know).

Champagne's bubbly essence is one that gives off a different notion than any other drink. It is bubbly - used for a lively, exciting occasion. What better drink to be downed than this particular one on October 29th, the night that Philadelphia won its first championship in 25 years. Although the morning after seems to be lasting a lot longer than we initially expected...

The Eagles capped off their inspiring play in the PDE (Post Draught Era) with a miraculous, thrilling, five quarter overtime tie - yes you heard me right - tie, with the Bengals of Cincinnati, the proud owners of the second worst record in the National Football League at 1-8. Well, Philadelphia Inquirer, prepare to expand the cells in your standings column to include something that hasn't been seen since 2002 (take note that by this time Donavon McNabb had been in the league for four years). Move over "points scored" column and "points allowed" column and make way for the third decision in the NFL, the tie. It may not come around but once every 6 years, and former Pro-Bowl Quarterbacks may not know that this rule even exists, but go ahead and print it. The Eagles have been inspired to the point of scoring 31 against the Giants and flipping those digits around for the lowly Bengals.

If this doesn't spell out the end of the Reid/McNabb era in Philly, then I sure as hell don't know what will. Barring winning out and salvaging a first round playoff victory, the soft spoken, press-conference-grunting walrus who has paced the sideline of the Green and White for 10 years will be told to pack his bags at the end of the year. Zipping his suitcase shut as well will be the Eagles all-time leader in touchdowns and wins, as well as the NFL leader in least interceptions per pass attempt.

Time will tell how Donovan's time is remembered in Philly. Which image of him flashing those pearly whites will we remember? The one after throwing a touchdown? The one after throwing an interception? Or perhaps the one of his oh-too-familiar grimace after suffering an injury? There are two things for certain. 1. There has never been a better quarterback in Eagles History. 2. That is unfortunately not saying much.

Those who know me know that I've been a McNabb hater ever since he came back too quickly for the 2002 playoffs. I have been on his case for every mistake and I have been reluctant to praise him. The truth is - I hold a soft spot for the Syracuse product. I've had a few #5 jerseys in my closet and continue to wear one today. The man has done more for this franchise at the quarterback position than anyone else. I recognize what he is, but unlike Reid, I recognize what he is not. He is not Tom Brady or a Manning (yes that is referring to both of them). He has big play capability but not big game capability. McNabb will be remembered not for his triumphs, but rather for smiling and laughing after each one of those interceptions, throwing up at crucial times on the field, and never getting the win that has eluded all of Philadelphia - the win in the Superbowl.

True to where he came from, Reid is following the Green Bay quarterback model. It appears he has tried to get whatever he can out of McNabb, while grooming Kevin Kolb for the future, just as Aaron Rodgers did behind Brett the Jet. While Brett is putting up better than healthy numbers for the Jets, Rodgers is having one hell of a "rookie" year for the Pack. By keeping him on the bench for 3 years, the Packers may have shaken off the inevitable rookie mistakes that your Vince Young's, Jay Cutler's, and Eli Manning's have all experienced. Rodgers has shown the poise that many veterans (and Matt Ryan) have through their careers. Maybe Philly is done with their Campbell's Chunky Soup and is finally ready for a buttered up corn on the Kolb.

In other Philadelphia team hangover news...

The Flyers look like they are finally ready to play up to their team capability. With points in 3 straight games on the road including a key win in the noisy Bell Centre Arena, and a character building comeback but eventual shootout loss to the Penguins in the 'burgh, the Fly Guys are back on track. The team is showing that it can win not just against the Thrashers, which we have all known since 1999, but against teams that actually have actually been blessed with the talent to compete.

One thing that John Stevens has shown is that the team's successes and failures are not to be thrown on him. In a game that demands more in-game and in-play reactions than any other sport, the Flyers show up some days and decide not to on others. They may want to consider trading some of those offensive goals for the discipline necessary to play tight, unyielding defense. It is up to the hockey players more so than in other sports than coach to determine the outcome of a hockey game.

In the conference formerly known as the Leastern, the Sixers seem to be shaking off their early, young, team rust. While I have said time and again that this team needs about 25 games under their belt before any serious judgments can be made, actually wining some games can erase that time period. The main problems still facing this team are those as expected - an inconsistent 82 million dollar swingman who can't shoot (iggy), no starter who can steadily drain the three, and the most overpaid bench player/gunner on this side of the Delaware (Willie Green). Again, the success of this team remains to be seen, although it can be deemed an early accomplishment if they play .500 ball for the first quarter of the season or so.

The sweetness of the 2008 World Series Champs has not gone bitter in the least bit. Whenever I feel upset at another team I just remember that the thing I have hoped for my whole life has finally happened. I raise my empty André California Champagne bottle to the Phillies, in hopes that these other disappointments known as The Eagles, Flyers, and Sixers can lead to a full bottle again.

NFL Week 11

2008-11-16T02:15:00.000-05:00

I feel like Eagles nation has said this for almost every game this season but... tomorrow's game will show what the Eagles are made of (Throw in a "must-win-game" statement too). If this is the team that at least showed they can play with the Giants and Redskins and beat the Steelers, they will dominate the Bengals tomorrow. This game should look just like the 38-3 ass-whooping of the Rams did. The Eagles are better in every phase of the game and if they do not win by more than 2 touchdowns, they need to look at themselves in the mirror (another overused term applied to the Eagles this year) and do something along the lines of check themselves before they wreck themselves... if they haven't already self-inflicted enough wrecking.

My pick is that the Eagles that we have rarely seen this year will show up. A 31-10 Iggles domination is in place for week 11's gimme game of the week.

As for the rest, I'll take...

-Rookie Sensation that will inevitably be scrutinized for years to come when he "can't win the big one" Matt Ryan and the FALCONS over "the next big QB Jay Cutler and the Broncos

-GREEN BAY over Chicago

-INDY over Houston

-KANSAS CITY over Naaaahlins

-MIAMI over the team that plays like its owners age, the Raiders

-NY GIANTS over Baltimore

-TAMPA BAY over Minnesota

-CAROLINA over Detroit

-SAN FRAN over St. Louis

-ARIZONA over Seattle

-SAN DIEGO over Pittsburgh

-TENNESSEE over Andrew Jacksonville

-DALLAS over Washington

-BUFFALO over CLEVELAND

and I'm also predicting another fantasy loss for me.

... in more leagues than one.

Definitely see Quantum of Solace in theaters. Daniel Craig brings more intensity to the Bond role than almost any role in cinema. Although the movie is definitely just as confusing as the title.

one love.

The Beginning

2008-11-15T02:42:00.000-05:00

The title of this entry, "The Beginning," is significant in more ways than one.

I have been a die hard Philadelphia sports fan for as long as I've been breathing. I've waited my entire life to see a championship team. Every team had fallen short multiple times, some more than others. But after 20 years, and 16 days, the Philadelphia Phillies delivered. The World Series Champions represented Philadelphia, a team more championship-starved than the city itself. 1 championship in 124 years suddenly became 2 championships in 125 years.

The beginning may have began 125 years ago, when Baseball's oldest franchise brought America's first professional sport to America's first capital, part of the original 13 colonies.

The beginning may have began when the Philadelphia Flyers won the city's first championship, Lord Stanley's Cup in 1974 (no real Philadelphia sports fan counts the Eagle's 1948 NFL Championship - The Vince Lombardy trophy is the only one worth counting) and broad street got it's first taste of 2 million plus crowding it's asphalt.

The beginning may have began as soon as Moses Malone and the 1983 Seventy-Sixers fo' fo' fo'ed their way to an NBA Champsionship, the only one in team history. This marked a different kind of beginning - the beginning of the end. Broad Street remained crowded, albeit without parade buses and stands to display sports heros. Cars and businessmen patrolled Broad Street with many of them gladly trading their soul to see one more day of millions packing Broad Street for miles and miles. There were to be no more championships in Philadelphia for 25 years. Counting the Eagles championship in 1960 (which really doesn't count) it had been a combined 134 years since Philly's last excuse for a parade. Let me rephrase that - legitimate parade. No AFL team counts. My dad and I go by this old rule. Would you rather have a professional sports team of your town win a championship or find a 5 dollar bill on the sidewalk? Exhibit A: The Soul. 5 dollars at least buys me a sausage and pepper at a Phillies game. Other teams and leagues to consider; The Kixx - our beloved indoor soccer team that won a championship in 2002. The Wings - a high flying lacrosse team that brought a trophy to town in oh-one. And thank god we don't have a WNBA team, but assuming they would be called the Bells (short for Libery Bells), I would rather have a crumpled up green piece of paper with Honest Abe's face on it than a bi-colored-smaller-than-regulation-ball-trophy gracing the halls of the Wachovia Center. Any of these 5 dollar trophies is mocking to me and anyone who calls themselves a Philadelphia sports fan - strike that, a sports fan PERIOD.

Getting back from my tangent...This is my beginning. I want to put these feelings in writing before they disappear. These feelings are of the 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies. I love them all... yes even So Taguchi (he hit that bases clearing triple against the Mets remember? If it cost us a million dollars to suck the life out of the Mets with a 38-year-old Japanese outfielder who can't hit, run, field, or speak English to save his life, then it's a million dollars well spent in my book).

What exactly happened when the Phillies won the World Series? Well I pretty much lost it. Watching in my apartment with my other displaced Philadelphia fans in Pittsburgh, we each did our own "thing." After spilling 3 cups of chewed up sunflower seeds and spilling cups of water and gatorade all over my rug, each did what hit him at the moment. Some talked on the phone, some jumped repetitively, some smiled. Me? I cried like a baby. I compare my reaction to that of a tennis player winning a Grand Slam. After that last shot he sort of just crumples. He doesn't jump up or raise his arms while standing. He just... falls over. Like he lost all feelings in his legs. I jumped just like Brad Lidge and came down in a heap. I immediately started bawling. Tears came out of my eyes faster than Shane Victorino trying to talk to the media. I soaked a cushion of my couch as 12 dollar bottles of champagne were uncorked and poured into red plastic cups.

The Phillies had finally done it. Ahem, phinally done it. Had to make sure the classic Ph as an F made it in my first post somewhere. We are champions of the baseball world in 2008. It may be an American league, but the best of the best play here. We are the best in the world at baseball.

World, hear Philly roar. It won't get old anytime soon. I can promise you that.

World Champions. World FUCKING Champions. - Courtesy of Chase Utley

-Zach Leon