New Addition To The Philly Sports Phan Family

Please join me in welcoming my daughter, Juliana Kelly D'Angelis, to our world. She was born on 7/31/07 at 1:09 pm. She was 7 lbs 8.6 oz and was 20.5 inches long. She also has a head full of jet black hair under that cute little hat. Both Juliana and the Philly Sports Wife are doing just fine. I, on the other hand, am about to crash from lack of sleep.

I look forward to you all meeting her.

Bad Penny

These Phils will just not go away. They are akin to a bad penny. Just keeps turning up.

I don't know about you guys, but I was certainly ready to write these guys off and turn my attention to the Birds. However, these guys keep winning and force you pay attention. Of course, the fact that the last six were against two of the worst teams in the league sure does help things. Nonetheless, the Phils took care of business and I suppose they'll still be on my radar over the next week or so.

I wish these guys would go away. With a kid on the way any day now, I really don't have time for them.

Random Phils Thoughts:

Although, I can tell you that if the Phils send Chris Coste again, I'm done with this team. He absolutely deserves a place on this team.

It's a shame that Madsen went down with a shoulder injury. He was really pitching well and the pen looked like it may become a little more reliable. His injury adds another question mark to a season long bout of uncertainty.

I always love to see the Phils win a game when they don't hit any homers. Cherish games like this. They don't come often.

We Now Interrupt Your Lives For The Football Season

Football season is here. All should rejoice. Life is good. Things are right in the world. No longer do I have to entertain myself watching some half ass baseball franchise. Yes, football is here. I feel as though my life is complete.

A Window Closes, But A Door Opens

Yes, that gasp you heard earlier this evening was the sound of all Philly phans reacting to getting kicked in its collective crotch. Today's game against the Nats could not have gone any worse for the local 9. Not only did the bull pen prevent the Phils from sweeping the lowly Nats, but they lost their best all around hitter, Chase Utley, for the next three weeks.

Does anyone see this team staying remotely close in the playoff standing while Chase it out nursing his broken hand? Didn't think so.

The Phils' season is over. The quicker you all get used to it, the faster you can get prepared for the Eagles' season.

You know what guys, I'm relieved. I can finally put this team in the rear view mirror and focus on football. We all knew this season was going to end badly. It just happened sooner than expected in true Philly fashion.

Marathon Man

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ryan Howard for putting this game out of its misery. I simply could not bear to watch Uncle Cholly butcher this game any further. We did not witness a game managed by the best and brightest this evening. As my friend Aran would say, Uncle Cholly could eff up a wet dream. What was he thinking bunting with Aaron Rowand up with no outs and men on second and third in the early extra innings. I understand the logic behind it, but you can't always manage by the book.

I cannot believe that me and my 9 month pregnant wife stayed up to watch this game. Although, in true Kelly Moosh fashion, as soon as my wife left the room, Ryan hit the walk off homer.

By the way, how crazy was J Roll's mad dash in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game? It reminded me of one of those plays in my old co ed college softball league where a guy would hit the ball to the outfield and just keep running because he knew one of the chicks on the field would eventually make an error.

This game was so much fun that I almost forgot that the bullpen blew another save opportunity, but I suppose I should just forget about it and enjoy tonight's victory.

Eagles' Question Mark Of The Week

I've saved the most important Eagles issue for last.....

WILL D MAC LAST THE YEAR?

I'm pretty sure we all realize that the fate of the 2007 rests on the health of #5. If he fails to stay healthy, then this team is cooked. I really doubt that this team can repeat last year's performance with AJ Feeley at the helm. I just don't have the same feeling about him that Garcia gave me last year. Anyhow, if D Mac can stay reasonably healthy for most of the season, then I think the Birds have a really good shot of ending the year in Glendale, AZ.

Notice I didn't say the performance of #5 will be the key to the Birds' success. I don't think D Mac has to consistently be a world beater like he was for the first seven games of last year. Hopefully, after last year's six game win streak at the end of the season, Andy has learned that he can rely upon the running game and he can use it this year to allow Donovan to ease back into the season.

I read somewhere that Carson Palmer played last year at 80% and Donovan is already at 85%. If that's the case, then if the Birds can ride a successful run game for the first part of the season, then I really like McNabb's chances to be pretty successful in this offense by mid season. Once that happens, watch out. I really think the Birds' offense has the ability to be one of the most well balanced in the league.

Obviously, the main concern with #5 is another freak injury. It would seem that after missing significant time due to injury in 3 of the last 5 years, the odds are in McNabb's favor that he can make it through the season without suffering some head scratching, bizarre injury like the one suffered last year against Tennessee. I would hope that all his injuries over the years have helped McNabb realize that he simply has to give up on some plays and get rid of the ball instead of scrambling around extending plays in order to find an open receiver.

Overall, I doubt that McNabb will be a Pro Bowler this year, but I have a feeling that if Andy and Morningwheg cater to him early in the year, we could see the best of #5 later in the year.

So what do you guys think? This is a red button issue for this team so I'd love hear your thoughts.

By the way, I had to throw this final picture in for Muller since he thinks McNabb is so damn sexay!

The Reason Why I Love Football

This photo shows exactly why football is our new national past time. (This photo is also reason #10,692 why I love Sports Illustrated, but that's another story for another day.) Baseball and basketball only occupy our time until football gets started. Bone jarring hits like Sheldon's on Reggie Bush are right up there with the best moments in all of sports.

Plus, look at this comment from Sheldon:

"He was lucky. His elbow was pinned against his body, protecting his rib cage, or else I probably would have broken his rib. What did it feel like? That collision, I ­didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."

Did you ever hear a baseball player or basketball player make comments like this?

Before you start adding comments, I realize the Birds lost this game. I could care less. This photo is the essence of football. Christ, the more I look at this photo, I might go to the Eagles' carnival and try to get Sheldon to sign the cover and then frame the magazine.

If you don't understand why I'm so excited by this photo and hits like this, then you are probably a panzy that played non contact sports in high school and never laid out any one like Sheldon did.

By the way, in case you missed it, Eagles' training camp is less than three days away!!!!

What The Eff Do I Know?

Yes, I admit I was wrong about tonight's Phils' game. THey won tonight, 4-3 on the strength of Aaron Rowand's 8th inning homer. Seriously, who knew they'd get clutch hits and a strong bull pen performance to win a game? This type of game happens about four times a year.

If it's ok with you guys, I'll stop handicapping and stick to blogging.

Also, please be advised that my prediction yesterday was purely for entertainment purposes. The writer of this website disclaims any and all potential liability for wagers made based upon on my prediction. I do not legally stand by this prediction and will not accept any requests for recovery of losses incurred by anyone placing a bet on Tuesday's Phils game either legally or illegally.

Boucher Is Back!

Today, the Flyers brought former goaltending phenom, Brian Boucher, back into the fold. Boosh has been signed to play with the Phantoms, but he's one small injury away from being back with the big club. I like the move. It makes sense to have some goal tending insurance in the or-GAN-iz-A-shun.

Yeah, I'm not all that excited about the move either. For some reason, my buddy George still loves the guy. I figured I'd throw him a bone and post the story as his wife is about to go into labor with their second kid and I'm sure he could use a break from the seriousness of child birth.

STONE COLD MORTAL LOCK

Yes, I'm throwing out the Howard Eskin Stone Cold, Mortal Lock for tomorrow night's Phils game against the Nats. However, don't get too excited....I'm predicting a loss. How many times over the past couple years have the Phils had a good road trip, only to come home and promptly lose their first game in front of the locals? It has happened far too many times to give this team the benefit of the doubt. As a result, history tells me to expect a similar result even if the Phils are facing off against the lowly Nats.

I just expect the Phils to come out with the general malaise of a team coming off a west coast trip and feeling full of themselves. If the Phils were smart, they would have flown tomorrow's starter, Kyle Kendrick, back to Phillly a day earlier, but I'm sure they were too cheap to do such a thing.

In conclusion, I see a 6-2 loss. Feel free to send me notes of gratitude after you take money off your bookie.

Pure Theater

I hoped you all had a chance to catch the last two holes and 4 hole playoff of today's British Open. It was fantastic theater. Both Paidrag Harrington and Sergio Garcia pulled Jean Van De Velde's on Carnoustie's maddening 18th hole as they both screwed up chances to win their First Major in regulation. Thankfully for my Irish amigos, Harrington was able to pull it out in the Playoff, but I couldn't help but feel a tad bit sad for The Spaniard. It really looked like he was going to shed his choke artist persona, but Sunday meltdown only enhanced this view. One can only wonder if he's doomed himself to becoming the next Greg Norman.

In any event, he sure made things interesting. I have a feeling we'll see him in similar situations in the coming years.

One last point...see that putt pictured above? If that was a Ryder Cup match, there is no doubt in my mind Sergio would have holed it. He's a great team player, but doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to knock down the big ones in individual tourneys.

Dynamic Offense or Hollow Runs?

This is the question that came up regarding the Phils' offense at the birthday party of my buddy Johnny Gold's daughters. Sure, it's easy to say that this is a dynamic offense based upon stats. The Phils lead the NL in runs. Chase and Howard are tied for the most RBI's. J Roll and Utley are 1-2 in runs...Victorino is 7th.

However, I think my man the Capt put it best....there is an awful lot of hollow runs included in their totals. This series was a perfect example. They won 9 to 0 today, 12 to 4 Saturday, and 7 to 3 on Friday. This team is a great front runner. They pile on like no other. However, when facing a tough pitcher and only a run or two is needed, like during Thursday's 1 to nil loss against Chris Young, they just can't score runs in clutch situations.

In any event, all the run scoring is great, but this team can be pitched to in big spots and I don't trust that they are dynamic enough to score runs against top pitching.

Random Thoughts For A Late Thursday Evening

-Philly is a football town, but not on this board anyway. The Eagles' content this summer has pretty much gone ignored. What gives?

-Pat Burrell is a terrible outfielder. I never thought I'd see a worse left fielder than the Dutch Daulton experiment all those years ago, but Pat takes the cake.

-I had the distinct pleasure of listening to Vin Scully broadcast the Phils' game on XM yesterday. He was fantastic....kind of a combo of Harry and Whitie.

-Marlon Anderson had a big hit for the Mets tonight. How is he still in the league???

-The Michael Vick story angers me tremendously. I don't know how he will not end up suspended. It seems like it is undisputed that he was somehow, someway involved in dog fighting. I've yet to hear one piece of information to the contrary. If such evidence was good enough for Goodell to suspend Pacman, why isn't it good enough here.

Another point related to this story is that I absolutely hate Pit Bulls. I do not think there is any reason for these dogs to be bred. I would love to see this breed of dog systematically eliminated.

-Trevor Hoffman is the 2nd best closer of my lifetime. Mo Rivera is the best.

-Is it me or does it seem like the Sixers are going to be brutal next year?

Eagles' Question Mark Of The Week

Over the past few months, I have discussed this week's Eagles' Question Mark several times with my buddy Nick the Greek (not to be confused with St. Joe's Nick). If the 2007 Philadelphia Eagles are to be a big time contender for the Super Bowl, the following two things absolutely have to happen: (1) D Mac absolutely must stay healthy and play to the level that we witnessed through the first 6 games of last year (this topic will be tackled next week in this section); and (2) last year's first round pick, Broderick Bunkley, must become a big time force at DT for this defense to truly become a force.

Clearly, the biggest problem on last year's defense (among many) was the lack of production out of the defensive tackle position. Darwin Walker, Mike Patterson, and Sam Rayburn were pushed around last year like they were on ice skates. An improved Bunkley can change this in a heartbeat. He can be the big dominating tackle that demands a double team, which will open things up for man on man blocking for the other d linemen and also keep the offensive linemen off the linebackers. Bunkley could also have a major hand on improving the pass defense as he could help the pass rush improve which would keep the DB's from being exposed.

Plus, Mike Patterson has the chance to become a much, much better player if he has a bigger, stronger player next to him. If Bunkley plays up to his potential, Patterson will get single blocking and he can use his quickness to disrupt offenses. So, if Bunkley becomes the player he has the potential to be, it will be like having two improved defensive tackles.

How can you guys deny the importance of this issue? If Bunkley plays up to his draft status, the Birds will at least make the NFC Title Game. If not, we could end up scrapping by just like last year.

However, with the luck the Birds have had with players on one year contracts (Shawn Barber I, Donte Stallworth, Jeff Garcia, etc) don't be surprised if Ian Scott becomes the stud DT we so desperately need and then ultimately leaves next offseason.

Aaron Rowand...Should He Stay or Should He Go?

With all the talk about the Phils trading for a pitcher, much of the trade bait speculation has centered on Aaron Rowand. It is believed that the potential free agent is our main bargaining chip as the Phils are pretty much devoid of decent prospects down on the farm which could return any pitcher of value.

Peronally, I think that unless they can trade Rowand for either an above average #2 or, more likely, #3 starter or 2 quality middle relievers, then we should hold onto the guy and do your damnest to re-sign him.

First of all, even if we do include Rowand in a trade package, it doesn't mean that we will be able to obtain the type of pitcher that would make any difference for the rest of the season. Additionally, it doesn't take a baseball genius to realize that this team desperately needs a right handed bat in the middle of leftty mashers, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Therefore, if we let the guy go, we will still need to find a righthanded outfielder to replace him. So, why not just keep the guy and solve the problem? He's well liked by his team and is an above average complimentary player...especially in the National League.

Overall, this team is not going anywhere anyhow, so why give up on a guy that could be a useful piece for the next three or four years in order to obtain a pitcher that likely won't add a whole lot to either short term or long term success.

(One other Phils' note....I'm still up watching the Phils as they enter the bottom of the 4th. They are up 8-1, but the bases are loaded....can they blow this one? The fatalist in me says that with JD Durbin on the mound, it is quite possible.)

Tip Of The Week

Tip #1: If you really want to have a good laugh, I implore you all to check out Uncle Cholly's interview with Wheels during each 1210 AM pregame radio show. It is absolutely exquisite. It usually takes him until about the 3/4 mark of the interview before he puts together a coherent sentence. I'm pretty sure I've passed on this advice before, but if you still haven't checked it out, you're doing yourself a disservice.

Tip #2: Make sure to watch a Jamie Moyer at bat. It will make you feel much better about your own athleticism watching him flail at balls like a drunken farmer swinging at shit in the dirt. Something tells me he preferred the American League where he never had to bad.

By the way, the Phils look lifeless tonight. Moyer just gave up a bomb to the 2nd most hated teammate in the NL, Jeff Kent. I'm going to bed. I doubt the Phils will make up a 5 run deficit against Brad Penny.

10,000

For all those who were stuck under a rock this evening and somehow missed it, the Phils were pounded this evening 10-2 by the Cards. However, more importantly, tonight's loss marked the franchise's all time 10,000th loss. I do have to give this group of Phils some credit for fighting off this monumental loss for 4 games. They could have rolled over like dogs. That would have been the true Phillie way. Additionally, I was actually happy the milestone loss occurred on ESPN. Joe Morgan, John Miller, and John Kruk all commented on the topic and gave the national audience some decent perspective on this accomplishment and the Phillie phan base. Had this broadcast been on Comcast, I think Phils' produced telecast would have mostly blown off the topic.

Plus, I loved how the phans reacted by cheering the team at the end of the game. We showed the entire country how great a phan base we are. The phans were basically announcing to the entire country, "yes, our freakin' team has 10,000 all time losses, yet we're still here selling out the stadium and supporting our team!" They weren't cheering the Phils for losing. We were cheering ourselves for sticking with this team through thick and thin.

Anyhow, everyone else is putting their 2 cents on the Phils' 10,000th loss, so there is no better time than the present to weigh in as well. Surprisingly, think it is not that a big a deal. It is more a reflection of how bad this franchise was for so long from its inception through the 70's. While, I can give this franchise a pass for the 10,ooo, it does not mean I'm not incredibly frustrated by this team. I know I've discussed it ad nauseum, but I completely detest this ownership group and how they run this franchise.

I think just every Phils' phan is annoyed by their unwillingness to do anything that would move the team over the top. It pisses me off how they are afraid to bring anyone into the organization that won't play Mr Nice Guy and tell them what they want to hear. They don't bring in managers or GM who will tell them the truth. They just don't want to hear anything that would rock their safe little world where everything is just fine in their eyes. (By the way, this is exactly why we've had to put up with Uncle Cholly, as Monty and boys were afraid to hire Jim Leyland after he told them that Pat Burrell sucked, Lieby was toast, and two new starters were needed.)

Our owners are completely satisfied being average as long as that means the fans pack the park. As Al Morganti said this week, the Phils are owners are not greedy enough. I agree wholeheartedly with that classification. In fact, if I had to think of one word to describe the organization, it would be complacent. This current team is a perfect description of this group's ideal situation. They have enough big names (Howard, Utley, Rollins and Hamels) to bring in the phans and keep them in contention for the wild card most of the year. However, in the back of their minds, they know they will never spend additional dollars to surround these players to make the team truly a contender.

Even more annoying is that Monty and Company have never found an excuse that they couldn't wrap their hands around. Every winter it seems like we have to hear, "you know we would have made the playoffs last year if (insert name here) had not gotten hurt." Anyone else tired of that excuse?

Therefore, my frustration with the Phils is not w/ the fact that they are biggest losers in baseball history. Let's get something straight before I go any further. I have always loved the Phillies. Some of my best memories as a child is going to Sunday giveaway games with my dad and brother. I have followed this team through the mid to late 80's and mid to late 90's when they were absolutely brutal. Yet, I kept coming back for more. Christ, I even named my cat after my all time favorite Phillie, so I feel I'm fully qualified to rip the franchise.

The frustration has more to do with their "new" identity. That of a team which is "slightly above average, but woefully inconsequential. If the Phils were a basketball/NFL/hockey team, they'd be the Nuggets, Seahawks, or San Jose Sharks, a team that makes the playoffs every year as a 6, 7, or 8 seed and loses in the first round.

I just want to see the Phils change their identity. We have two successful teams in this town. The Eagles and the Flyers, but both go about it differently. The Eagles have utmost belief in their system of talent evaluation and the ability of their coaches to develop these prospects into contributing members of the team. The phans don't always agree with it, but the front office could care less as they have been proven right more times than not. They don't run out and sign
the big free agent because they believe that they have a younger, cheaper alternative that can get the job done. Banner and Lurie's system may not win Super Bowls, but it has kept them a playoff team for most of the Jeffrey Lurie era. What else can you ask for?

On the other hand, the Flyers take the damn the torpedoes approach and goes balls to the wall to make their team a winner. You need to look no further than their team make-over completed in the last couple months to see their or-GAN-IZE-a-SHUN-al philosophy in action. They do not accept losing and will make the necessary moves to improve their team. Their moves don't always work out, but you can't ask for anything more as a phan.

Now, our Phils really don't have a clear organizational approach. You can't say they rely totally on young players, or break the bank to bring in any player that can put them over the top. Mostly, the Phils' brass leaves you with a feeling that somehow they could have done more to help the team win.

Ok, if anyone is still with me, to commemorate the Loss 10K, I figured I'd have a little fun and give my all time worst Phils' lineup. Now, this lineup is not all based upon lack of talent. Some selections are actually huge disappointments due to their incoming hype. Without any further adieu, here is the lineup:

C - Lance Parrish
1B - Travis Lee
2B - Tomas Perez
SS - Juan Bell/Steve Jeltz
3B - David Bell
LF - Pat Burrell ( I would put Gregg Jeffries here, but we'd kill for a guy with Jeffries #'s at this point)
CF - Ricky Otero
RF - Danny Tartabull
Starting pitchers: Andy Ashby, Freddy Garcia, Kyle Abbott, Paul Abbott, Floyd Youmans
Relievers: Mike Jackson, Mike Williams, Arthur Rhodes, Tim Worrell, Robrto Hernandez

D Mac Loses His Beard....And Some Weight

This picture and the accompanying story are promising. He looks like he is in pretty good shape and thank god he shaved down that ridiculous beard.

Don't Get The Big Guy Angry

Remember the WWF's (I refuse to call it the WWE) in the 1980's when Hulk Hogan would get his ass beat for about a half hour, then "hulk up", give the not so fast finger, drop the big leg drop and then pin his opponent? Well, I think Bill Conlin is at that point with the Phils' ownership. He finally went apeshit and started calling out the individual owners by name. (Thank God, huh?)

Check this article out:

Bill Conlin The biggest L0,000SERSIt's time for Phillies' brass to own up to their legacy

OK, CLAIRE BETZ, why don't you and your cute, little dog sit close to the door in case of a sandbox emergency. I don't recognize any of you male partners, but if you raise your hands when your name is called, we can get started.
Let's start with you Tri-Play Associates guys. Alexander K. Buck . . . J. Mahlon Buck Jr. . . . William C. Buck. All present and accounted for.

Now, the Old Money guy . . . Since Bill Giles couldn't be with us today to represent Giles Limited Partnership, you must be John S. Middleton, of Double Play Inc.

I'm sorry if the T-shirt offends you, John. But "I'm Not the World's Biggest Loser . . . I Only Own Them" takes The Phillies Limited Partnership off the hook, if not off the griddle. In case you missed it, Claire, your investment has lost 9,999 games and shortly will become the first team in the history of any sport to lose 10,000 times. No, Claire, Dave Montgomery will not throw a party for the partners. Dave Montgomery is too busy trying to get the Phillies into the NBA, so they can make the postseason every year. That's a joke, Al, a sick one.

First, thanks for coming. You all go back to the original partnership put together by Bill Giles in 1981 in one way or another, and in 26 years, it's the first time I've ever seen you all in one place - or, for some of you, any place. You folks have made yourselves so invisible, a lot of fans think you're some kind of Siegfried & Roy trick. Claire, I saw you and your doggie in Clearwater a few times when the owners were down there being wined and dined. My restaurant buddy, Luigi Gallace, told me you all dined at Villa Gallace with Monty a couple of Marches ago. He said you loved the veal parm.

And I actually sat at the same table in the media lunch room at Jack Russell Stadium one spring with one of you Bucks; can't remember which. Mr. Middleton, I couldn't pick you out of a police lineup. You've aged a little since your Amherst senior picture.

Let me congratulate you all on the new valuation in Forbes magazine. The Phillies' sale price in 1981 was $30 million. Forbes just bumped the ballclub value to $457 million. You Bucks are venture capital investors. Ever imagine in your wildest dreams an investment that would return you 1,400 percent? Harry Truman used to have a sign on his desk that said, "The Buck Stops Here.'' You guys should have one that says, "The Bucks Start Here.''

Now, on a more serious note, you folks realize, of course, you are one loss away from being a national laughingstock. Your "Cheers'' days are about to end because you are the biggest losers and everybody is going to know your names. Everybody but Forbes, that is. In the piece in which they raise the club value to $457 million, they also supplied this bit of crack research: "The Philadelphia Phillies are owned by Bill Giles, who bought them in 1981 for $30 mil.'' I wonder if these financial wizards have heard the news that Nixon resigned.

You obviously went into this in 1981 with eyes wide shut. It seemed like a really neat way to shelter some money and own a piece of the ultimate rich person's toy: a big-league baseball team. In addition to the tax advantages of limited partnership, you got your VIP parking spaces, your seats in the owners' box, that annual spring-training junket where you got to be blown off by Steve Carlton, iced by Mike Schmidt and high-fived by Tug McGraw. And wasn't it great when you went to the World Series in 1983 in only your second full season as owners? Of course, that was the team built by the great baseball men who worked for the Carpenters - that foul-mouthed Paul Owens and loud-mouthed Dallas Green. What a hard-living bunch of lunatics they were.

Then things kind of went to hell. You are riding a postseason 1-for-23 since 1983. Maybe you even noticed, Claire, after your husband passed away and were left with the biggest slice, an estimated paper value of about $180 million. Now you are all about to become the punch line of the sports joke of the year.

And don't throw up your hands and say, "What do we have to do with events that began in 1883?'' Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that history is the lengthened shadow of a man. Well, the shadow of 10,000 losses and all those baad ballplayers has fallen on your watch. The shadow bypassed Al Reach and Gerry Nugent and William Cox and the rest of the lousy owners before the Carpenters. Early on, the Carpenters believed in all the Amendments to the Constitution but the 14th. They thought Dred Scott was a utility infielder. But when Bob and Ruly finally got it right, they built themselves a helluva ballclub.

Paper profits are nice to look at each month, but they can't buy you a top free-agent pitcher who doesn't mind a 4.50 ERA in a dollhouse of a ballpark where the hitter is Ken and the ballgirl is Barbie. Dave Montgomery and his baseball people have spent money like drunken sailors in a liberty port cathouse. And, like those sailors, all they have to show for it is a series of hangovers. Claire, get Dave to tell you about Freddy Garcia, Pat Burrell, Gavin Floyd and your Sahara minor league system.

So, everybody slip on your T-shirts and get ready to face the music.

Like it or not, Teflonics, you really are the biggest losers, and everybody knows your names.

If these guys do decide to sell, I can think of someone with a ton of cash, has prior baseball franchise ownership experience, and is about to have some free time on his hands:

I don't care what you liberals think, he can own my team any time. He can't be any worse than the current group!

The Scene That Gave Rise To The Whole Thing

For those who don't understand the special humor of my buddy Botts, check out this video:



This explains everything, huh?

We Need To Keep This Guy Around

I don't care that this guy is having a career year at the plate and plays a pretty decent center field...this picture says it all as to why we need to keep Rowand in Philly!

Quite Frankly, I Agree With Stephen A.

Truer words have never been spoken by my favorite media whore Stephen A. Smith:

Howard's a stud, not a one-year wonder. Rollins is playing some exceptional baseball. And Utley is fully worthy of his $85 million deal and fully capable of feeding a city's baseball aspirations (with Howard and Rollins) for years to come.

Any team would want these players. Any team would be respectable with these players. Any team would put quality players around these players and, dare we say, win with these players - even if it meant having to pull off a deal for some quality pitching before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline expires.

Any team but the Phillies, it seems.

As I'm sure you have guessed, anyone who rips the Phils and their front office is a friend of mine these days...even it means sharing a bed with the likes of Stephen A.

"Bringing The Heat" Coming Soon?

Last night, I had the joy of watching "The Bronx Is Burning" on ESPN, which details the 1977 New York Yankees World Series Championship team and delves into personalities such as Reggie Jackson, George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin. Monday night was the pilot episode, but it seems pretty decent and I'll be back next week. However, it got me thinking....

If there was to be a mini series made about any Philly team, which team would be the most interesting? After thinking about it for only five minutes, I was easily able to come up with a candidate for each team:

1. The 1993 Phillies - This selection is a no brainer. The Phillies have been incredibly dull forever except for this one blip on the radar screen. I'd love to see a series that featured Macho Row (the Dude, Krukker, Dutch, Inky, Hollins, and the Wild Thing), as well as a young Schill. However, such a series would be laughable if it didn't discuss the steroid allegations and how this was the first team to use the Juice en masse.

2. The 1988-1992 Eagles - What team in this city has had a such a collection of personalities? You could spend half a season of episodes on Randall Cunningham and his wacky personality. There was also other mega-personalities such as Reggie White, the late Jerome Brown and Andre Waters, Seth Joyner, Clyde, B&E, Eric Allen, Mike Golic, Keith Jackson and Keith Byars. Is there any surprise that so many of these guys are now commentators? This series could also feature the interplay between Buddy Ryan and the owner we all loved to hate, Norman Braman. Plus, Mark Bowden's book Bringing The Heat is already in place as a template. Seriously, who wouldn't want to see the infamous fight between Wes Hopkin's wife and goomar captured on film?

3. The Broad Street Bullies - This team needs no introduction whatsoever. Bernie, Clarkie, Moose, Big Bird, the Hound, the Hammer, and the Watson Brothers. A wilder group has never been assembled. While such a series would be incredibly interesting to a Flyers nut like myself, I think we've seen it made already....it was called Slap Shot.

4. The 2001 Sixers - For my money, this series would solely revolve around three people, AI, Larry Brown and Pat Croce with an occasional comedic interlude from Dikembe Mutombo. Would anyone need to see any story lines revolving around George Lynch or Eric Snow? Didn't think so.

Since I loved the book Bringing the Heat so much, my vote goes to the 1988-1992 era Eagles. Although, I could be swayed by any of the three other teams. It just shows that even though we are short on titles as Philly phans, we are long on interesting, character laden teams. For that, we should consider ourselves lucky.

All Star Game Tonight!

"This One Counts", huh? Seriously, does anyone give a sh*t? I don't. If there was anything else sports related on the tube tonight, I would be watching it. In fact, I went to a birthing class tonight and didn't bat an eye when I realized I would be missing the beginning of the game while learning about the joys of the child delivery process.

In any event, this game just shows that the front offices of the National League are as inept as those in the NBA's Eastern Conference. How can the talent gap between two leagues be this large, for so long. I don't see the National League closing the gap any time soon.

Fruitless Search

I've spent the past hour trying to find either a video clip or a transcript of David Montgomery's pompous, non informative interview with John Clark last night on NBC10's "Sports Final". Unfortunately, my efforts were in vain as I could not locate anything to share with you guys. Right now, I feel as frustrated as I did after watching the interview.

Basically, Montgomery rolled out one prepared P.R. answer after another. My favorite was his response to the question of how does he explain the team's lack of success the past twenty three years as the Phils have only made the playoffs once. Montgomery explained that if the Phils played any other sport, they would have made the playoffs the last five years. Well, if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle.

Sorry Dave, but that is the most ridiculous answer I've ever heard. Seriously, how is that an acceptable response? The Phils have play to by the same rules as everyone else in Major League Baseball. They know what is required of them to make the playoffs. Unfortunately for us as phans, the Phils just won't do enough to get themselves over the top. They skimp in areas (bullpen, bench, and starting pitching) that inevitably become huge eyesores and bite them in the ass.

I shared his response with one reader of this site and he was ok with it. I think the phans in this town are getting numb to this team and have just decided to accept the mediocrity. It's better than losing.

I can't be counted in this category. I won't show up to games just because I want to watch some baseball on a Summer evening. I have a mind of my own and won't be brainwashed like the 40K+ that shows up every night. I refuse to give this ownership group any money out of pocket.
Dave, I beg you....please sell the team. I really can't take your nonsense any more.

The Streak Ends

A Phillie no longer lords over the baseball world as the Home Run Derby Champion. Ryan Howard could not get out of the first round of the derby and could not defend his title.

I don't know about you, but I think this is a good thing. Ryan is just starting to get back into a groove. He did not need this ridiculous derby to ruin his swing like it did to Bobby Abreu in 2005.

A Reprieve From the Governor

Just as the clock was about to strike 10,000 losses, the Phils reprieve from the governor....and don't think Karma didn't play a hand in it.

The Phils won today 8-4 today to salvage a win from their three game series against the Rockies. When the Phils were nursing a 5-4 lead in the 7th inning, a rain storm blew into Denver and delayed the game. While the home team headed off to their club house to avoid the heavy stuff, the Phils did a good deed and helped the grounds crew cover the field. Just goes to show that good things can happen to good people.

In any event, I'm glad the Phils won and put off their mile stone loss for another day. I hope the 10,000th loss is a prime time story during the All Star break. Maybe the current owners will be so embarrassed that they will feel compelled to sell the team.

Can we be that lucky?

A Tad Bit Flaky

In case you missed it, the Daily News ran an interesting article on Phils' first round pick, Joe Savery. However, I don't know if the article was all that interesting or it was just a real slow news day. In any event, I was slightly amused by the following comment from Savery:

"I'm a sports-management major, but I like to say I major in life. You can only have one major, but I took a lot of courses. Education. Religion. Economics. I've taken them all."

He majors in life? A 21 year old guy from Rice University majors in life??? He can't be srious, can he? Someone might want to double check and make this Texas native is not some flake from California. I've always heard that lefties are a bit strange. I guess this is more evidence of that premise.

You Da Man!

Thanks to my main man, Andy G, for fixing my computer last evening. He helped me get about another six months out of my old dog computer. Thanks, bro!

Less Than 60 Days Away....

Watching this brings back a ton of great memories. Can't wait for opening night (8/30 against the immortal Bison of Buffalo University) to get here!

Happy Birthday America!

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July.

To everyone that took off Thursday and Friday....You totally suck!

Don't Know About You Guys, But I'm Excited

Check out this video: Flyers Welcome Briere, Timonen, and Hartnell



Add to My Profile More Videos

Can't wait for hockey season. Let's Go Flyers!

Was This Necessary?

I know I'm a few days late on this, but....



Sure, Shane Victorino shows on this play why he is the "Flyin' Hawaiian", but what was this guy thinking? There was no way he was going to catch this ball. To me, this move was a little ridiculous. He risked serious injury and Lord knows we don't have the depth to replace this guy. However, I suppose this is what a team has to resort to when you have absolutely no confidence in your bullpen.

Eagles Question Marks: Part II

Ok, I realize I skipped a week, but let's get back to some unanswered questions currently facing the Eagles as they head into 2007. I was planning on talking about how we are in the midst of a dead period of Philly sports as we're still a month away from Eagles training camp, the Flyers and Sixers drafts have past and the Phils are about to fade out of contention yet again, but I realize that it pretty freakin' boring, so 'll do what every Philly sports outlet does at this time of the year...turn to the Birds

After last year's defensive struggles from about week 7 through the playoff loss in N'Awlins, it became quite evident that the linebackers were flat out just not stout enough to stop the run. So, the question becomes.......

HAVE THE EAGLES' CHANGES AT LB IMPROVED THEIR RUN DEFENSE?

I think we can answer this question with an emphatic YES! Just the fact that Dhani Jones, his bow ties, and air banjo have left town would suffice for me, but the Birds added former Pro Bowler, Takeo Spikes, at the WILL LB spot (who should be a major improvement - if healthy- over last year's starters) and will have Chris Gocong, Stewart Bradley and Tank Daniels competing at the SAM Spot. If you watched the Birds the last couple years, there is no way any of these guys can be worse than the non-existent Bow Tie Man. Obviously, the new starters at both outside spots will be key to this year's run defense. However, since the new starters are much bigger and more aggressive players than their predecessors, I would be shocked if the Bird are not stronger at both outside line backer spots than they were last year.

Plus, the plan is currently to spell Jeremiah Trotter early and often at MLB with last year's WILL starter, Omar Gaither, to keep Trot fresh for when things matter most. Unlike most people, I have not given up totally on Matt McCoy. Most people forget that he was effective early in the year when he was still fresh. If he is kept to limited snaps this year, he has the opportunity to be effective in limited playing time.

Of course, most of the defense's success against the run will be dictated by the play of the d-line, which is another topic for another day. However, I believe this group of linebackers will not compound the problems and be totally nonexistent against the run the way last year's group was.

So there you have it. I'm very bullish on this group to be much better than last year's crew.

Random Thoughts

I have a lot to catch up on so here are some quick random thoughts:

1. Phils beat up by the Mets....Yeah, it sucked to see the Phils knocked around by the Mets, but what did you expect? Hamels lost and the Phils barely had a chance to win games started by Durbin and Happ. I'm not all that alarmed by these losses. On the bright side, the Hendrick kid seems pretty serviceable. However, they still need one more starter. I surely don't want to see Durbin on the mound again anytime soon.

In case anyone was wondering...I predicted that the Phils would go 4-6 over the Cards, Reds and Mets series. I was one game off. Not too shabby, huh?

2. The Flyers add Briere and get rid of Pitkanen....Homer is at it again. He's totally overhauled the lineup in a very short period of time. This team is truly a playoff contender next year. I'm not totally in love with Briere, but he is huge improvement over what is currently on the roster. Plus, what is up with giving the guy an 8 year deal? I know the contract is front loaded and it was the only way we were signing the guy, but jeez....this contract has major potential to really look bad in a couple years. Plus, look at this picture:

This is our savior? Does he scare you in the slightest? He looks like my friggin' pizza delivery guy!

Also, the Pitkanen trade can do nothing but help. Although, the Fly guys may need one other defenseman that can move the puck. By the way, how do the Rangers have enough cash to sign Gomez AND Drury? I thought this league had a salary cap.

3. The Sixers completed their draft....Don't know about you guys, but I was seriously underwhelmed. The big white kid will be a stiff and who knows about the first pick. Sounds like he has a great upside, but he adds to the glut at the 2 and 3. (Does this signal a trade? I sure hope so). Anyhow, I wish they kept the 2nd round Ukranian center. He looked pretty ferocious playing against a bunch of dudes named Sergei and Ivan.

4. Nascar season reaches the half way point....Is this they year Gordo gets one for the thumb? Who knows what can happen once he gets to the chase, but he has to be the favorite as we head towards the second half of the year. By the way, is anyone else shocked to see how well Martin Truex, Jr is doing?