New Alternative Revenue Source For The Phils?

Sure, I love busting on the Phils for their cheapness and always trying to find ways to make a buck, but these proposed new alternative home uniforms aren't so bad.

Although, the Daily News said the plans are to be announced Thursday and this may or may not be alternative uniforms, but no matter what they choose, they can't be worse than the new Flyers jerseys.

Are The Eagles Smoking Crack?

Apparently, someone called the Birds to attempt to trade for Donovan McNabb prior to the trade deadline and received a rather ridiculous response. Profootballtalk.com passed on the following report:

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Philadelphia Eagles were contacted before the trade deadline regarding the availability of quarterback Donovan McNabb.

And the requested price was not one, not two, but three first-round draft picks.

Clearly, the Eagles' must be high. I understand why they would ask for such a high price in the middle of the season as taking anything less would lead to a fan revolt, but three first round picks? Who do the Eagles think they are kidding? They will be lucky to receive one first round pick should they trade McNabb in the offseason.

In any event, it sure seems like the Birds are at least thinking about dealing McNabb. No matter how you look at it, it appears #5's days are numbered here in Philly.

Cowboys Fans: This Is Your QB!

What a complete dork! How is this guy nailing the likes of Jessica Simpson, Carrie Underwood, etc?

Plus, how can we forget this one:

The Broad Street Bullies Are Back!

Ok, maybe that headline is a bit misleading. The Flyers aren't fighting like they used to back in the 70's and 80's, but if you took a poll of NHL fans, the Flyers are once again the league's most hated team because of several suspendable offenses this season.

The latest incident occurred this evening as Scott Hartnell checked Boston defenseman Andrew Alberts head first into the boards when he was on his knees and pretty much defenseless. Thankfully, Alberts wasn't injured so Hartnell which could mitigate the length of any possible suspension, which might be a Godsend since Hartnell has finally started playing better. I wish I had video of the hit, but all I have is the above picture.

The question now becomes whether Hartnell will be suspended. I'm guessing he will be based upon prior instances this season. Plus, from what I could tell, the hit was pretty gratuitous. Hartnell could have eased up and not hit a defenseless player. So, will the NHL let Hartnell slide since Alberts wasn't hurt, or will they try to send a mesage to the Orange & Black in an effort to cut off future incidents. Before we answer that questions, lets look at the prior incidents, which have already led to suspensions.

Randy Jones (3 game suspension):




The sad thing is that while this is the most innocuous hit, Patrice Bergeron may never play again as he recovers from this concussion. That being said, I still say the kid contributed to the injury by how he positioned himself with his face six inches from the boards even before he was hit.

Jesse Boulerice (25 game suspension):




This one was just plain stupid and absolutely vicious. I like physical, take no prisoners hockey, but this hit went over the line. I doubt Boulerice will ever play in the NHL again as he had a similar stick incident back in Juniors.

By the way, my favorite part of that clip is at the one minute mark, when you finally see the hit and Coatesy glumly says, "and, he got him pretty good."

Steve Downie (20 game suspension):




This is actually my favorite hit of the last ten years. If Brian Dawkins had did this on T.O., we'd be holding a parade. The hit reminds me of Tito Santana's flying burrito from the 80's.

In any event, Downie's suspension is nearly over and I wouldn't be shocked to see him take Hartnell's spot should he get suspended.

Now that we are faced with the Flyers fourth offense which could lead to a suspension in only the first quarter of the season, the issue of whether the Flyers are a dirty team is legitimate. However, I'm guessing that in this town, no one really cares. They want to see old time hockey and the Orange & Black sure are delivering this year.

Sure the Flyers played like sh*t and lost tonight to the Bruins, but they are once again making headlines. While a few less clunkers like tonight's game would be nice, I sure don't mind being the scourge of the NHL.

So what do you guys think? How long will Hartnell be suspended.

Where Have We Been Hiding This All Season?

I'm sitting here like most of you: feeling pretty proud of my football team.

However, I won't lie to you. I'm feeling pretty hollow. Not only did the Birds not pull off the upset, but I'm really questioning where this team has been hiding this effort all season.

Is it as simple as the quarterback change? I'm sure that's not the entire story (as the Pats have showed over the years, NFL players really get pumped when they feel no one is giving them a chance), but it has to be a big part of it, right? I was texting my buddy the Captain the whole game and we were astonished at the throws AJ was making and how open our receivers suddenly looked. It kind of reminded me of how efficient the offense looked at the end of last season with Garcia at the helm.

Time and time again, AJ got rid of the ball on rhythm and put the ball in spots where only our receiver could catch it. Of course, the two interceptions by Samuel killed their chance at victory, but AJ showed himself to be a QB that can play in this league.

Plus, it was finally proven to me. Donovan is not the QB to lead this team any longer. We need to move on. Quite simply, Donovan no longer makes the kinds of throws AJ made tonight and in many instances doesn't even attempt them. While we all see the difference AJ made with the offense, it doesn't matter. There is no QB controversy in this town. Big Red just announced in his post game press conference that Donovan will start next week. We'll see how long that lasts.

The defense acquitted itself quite well. It just annoys me to see such an effort because it would have been nice to see them show up against Dallas. I really think JR Reed made a difference in the defensive backfield. He adds another physical element to the position. A group of safeties including B Dawk, JR, and Quentin Mikael ain't so bad. I hope the coaches see the same and don't kid themselves into thinking that Considine deserves another chance.

One last note...the Birds didn't lose this game on the field. They lost it in the offseason. The Pats added three stud WR's last offseason. The Birds pretty much contained two of them (Moss and Stallworth). They didn't contain the third (Welker) because our third corner (Joselio Hansen, a street free agent) couldn't match up with him. If the Birds' cheap front office kept Rod Hood (who left via free agency), we might have seen a different result this evening.

In any event, I'm going to bed. This game drained me. However, I do feel good about the last 5 games of the year. If this type of effort can be duplicated, we might have a shot at the postseason.

Conspiracy?

I've heard various theories on why D Mac didn't come back into the game yesterday. Since the Birds looked so bad yesterday, I've decided to focus on the McNabb issue as it is full of intrigue.

My own personal theory was that if this had two or three years ago, D Mac would have fought to get back on the field. However, now that the Birds are no longer fully committed to him having drafted Kevin Kolb last year and rumors running rampant that he won't be here in '08, he figures why should he risk himself. I favor this theory as it sure seems that the veterans on this team have been alienated by the front office. They don't go the extra mile for them, so why should they go above and beyond. I felt pretty good about this theory until I talked to my main man, Vincent T.

Vinny pointed out that when D Mac came back on the field he sure looked like he was ready to go back in the game. He wasn't wearing a coat, but looked like he was about to pick up a ball and start warming up his arm. His point was that it sure looked like the whole team knew that McNabb was being benched, but D Mac still thought he was going on. He also pointed out that McNabb didn't have ice on his ankle, nor did he put the warm up jacket on until it was pretty clear that he was not going back in. Thinking back on yesterday's events, I think Vin may be right.

Was D Mac benched, told to just sit tight and it was not worth risking further injury, or did D Mac just decide he wasn't going back out there. Personally, I don't think he was benched. I think Reid would have given him more time to right the ship. I also think if my initial thoughts were true, it eventually would have been discovered by the media. I guess that leaves the second option by default.

What do you fellas think?

LIVE EAGLES BLOG

I've been toying with the idea of doing a live Eagles' blog all season. However, it seems like I never get the chance because I always end up watching the game somewhere other than my place. Since the opportunity has finally presented itself, I might as well take advantage of it.

So, here we go. Hopefully, my football genius shines through.

I join you with 2 minutes left in the 1st quarter. D Mac threw a red zone INT and now the Fins are on the move.

-I really loved to see D Mac run earlier in the game. It seems that D Coordinators are no longer respecting his running ability, so he might as well take advantage of defenses neglecting him.

-I knew I should have picked up Ted Ginn in fantasy...he's going to have a big day.

-Thank God the refs bailed out the Birds there.

-LJ is terrible (it hurts me to say that). I think he has ADD.

-This field looks terrible. However, I hate to sound like Joe Banner, but even though it looks brutal, I don't see anyone slipping.

With that we come to the end of the first quarter scoreless. Both teams have mounted one decent drive but come away scoreless. I think my prediction about an ugly game is about to come to fruition...or "fruitation" as a Nascar driver once said.

SECOND QUARTER

-This friggin' song on the I Touch commercial is growing on me like a fungus.

-Lito really needs to catch that potential INT.

-As amazing as Ted Ginn is, these announcers are just as brutal.

-Chris Gocong and Stewart Bradley over ran that punt, but where was the rest of the coverage team?

-This day is shaping up to look very ominous. Dark and foreboding. I was talking about the Birds' offense...not the weather. (Is this thing on?)

-Sorry about that...my mother called and kept me occupied. Since she called, D Mac has thrown an INT and his career looks to have ended. Let the Kevin Kold era begin!

-The Capt's boy AJ comes in. Within 5 minutes he texts me: "AJ has spunk" and then totally changes his mind to say "he looks scared".

-That pick by AJ was why he has been cut by both the Dolphins and Chargers. Just a horrible decision. Where was he throwing that?

-Ankle X Rays for McNabb....is there any doubt that it is not broken?

-I might as well take a nap. We can't protect AJ and he looks about as confident as Cholly Manuel does when he makes a double switch.

- We escape to a half time only down 7-3. Does anyone think either team scores again at this rate?

THIRD QUARTER:

-McNabb comes back on the field with the team. Not one of the announcers mentions it.

-Rich Gannon needs to start his broadcast career doing games at the Prep. He is terrible.

-McNabb looks to be healthy, but they stay with Feeley...could this lead to a Willis Reed like return?

-We are now told McNabbs return is unlikely. Any doubt that we won't see Kolb in the 4th quarter?

-The refs bailed out the Birds. That fumble could have killed this team.

-LJ is brutal. I really don't mind him ending up elsewhere next year. I think he has ADD.

-Wow, Buck really looked inspired on that run and he must have had a rocket booster strapped to his ass. I haven't seen him move like that in some time.

-Here is that god damned I touch song again. There must a subliminal message in there.

-Ok...got called away to talk by the Capt.

-Someone woke up Chris Gocong. It's nice to finally see a sighting of him in the 10th game of the season.

-I love how it takes three entire quarters to realize that we can run behind the left side of our line.

FOURTH QUARTER:

-B West has a career high 132 yards rushing. Seriously, that's his career high? 132 yards? Why do we consider this guy to be an all pro?

-Joey Porter? Wait, he's still in the league? I thought he had joined the UFC or something.

-Yayyyyy, Birds scored! We are now up 10. This is way too much time to leave on the clock for John Beck and this Dolphins offense.

-Is it me or did AJ Feeley seem way to excited by that TD?

-That was the single worst 4 and 1 call I've ever seen. Now only if we can get a first down or two. Then this game would be over and I can watch a real game to be broadcast at 4.

-I didn't think it was possible for an NFL team to go winless over the course of the year. I might be wrong. This Dolphins team sucks.

-That catch by just reminded me...He might be mentally challenged. He is hurting himself in free agency next year with his play.

PSP's EAGLES PICK

Yesterday, I attended the Rutgers/Pitt game and watched the ugliest game I've seen all year. I expect that record to be broken in a couple hours. I'm expecting a new level of ugly this afternoon as our Birds take on the winless Dolphins.

At first I thought the Birds would lose this game, but the more I think about it, I'm starting to feel that they get a 16-13 victory with a defensive TD mixed in along the way.

Enjoy your Sunday.

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

While the jerseys are different and most of the players are different, we learned this evening that there is still one carry over from last year's Flyers. They still suck in the shootout.

For those who might have missed it, the Flyers lost to the Rangers this evening in a shootout after once again failing to convert on all three of their shootout chances. Last year, the Flyers converted two...YES, TWO!....shootout chances all season. Talk about putting pressure on your goalie! They basically know that if they let a single shot in, the Orange and Black are cooked.

I'm still amazed that the Flyers have not identified one guy that they could store away on the 4th line that has better than average skill on the shootout. It is shocking how many points they throw away by bowing out meekly in each and every shootout.

For what it's worth, I absolutely can't stand the shootout. To me, it is akin to using a three point shootout or field goal kicking contest to settle a tied basketball or football game. While perusing Hockeybuzz.com yesterday, I came across a tie breaking system that I do agree with. Let me know what you think:

After a 5 minute overtime, the two teams would then alternate 1 minute power plays. It makes all the sense in the world. If the visiting team scores, the home team has to score, and has the option of pulling their goalie if they want to. (a little home ice advantage)

I believe the intensity of those power plays, the crowd roaring as the puck is cleared, etc., would be FAR more intense than the current shootout. Plus this is a team way of solving ties...

Also should a team score shorthanded, that could automatically end it.

Who Knew Cigars Were So Profitable?

I read the following article from Bill Conlin the other day and frankly, I'm befuddled as to why our front office is once again crying poor mouth:

Eighty-two billionaires were dropped from the 2007 list. Oh, the shame. The cutoff fortune was $1.3 billion. George Steinbrenner was a few bucks from not making the list. The Yankees' said-to-be-ailing owner tied for No. 380 and last with a paltry $1.3 billion, just $100 million more than the current valuation of his ballclub.

John S. Middleton was not on the list. But that is because the 2007 list was published before giant conglomerate Altria (formerly Philip Morris) purchased Middleton's privately held family business, John Middleton Inc., for a breath-catching $2.9 billion in cash. The net after taxes and other expenses was $2.2 billion.

John S. Middleton, part man, part Stealth bomber, is a limited partner in the Phillies' ownership group. Middleton's Double Play Inc. shares rank No. 3 behind those of Claire S. Betz and the Buck Brothers' Tri-Play Associates.

John Middleton Inc. manufactures large, machine-made cigars in two local plants employing approximately 550 workers. It is eminently clear that Altria, seeking to exploit the exploding (no pun intended) cigar market as a hedge against declining sales of its many cigarette brands, is paying that huge sum of cash for the brand, not the company's modest assets - even though it has been a big, fat, cash cow. John Middleton Inc. will have projected sales of $360 million this year, generating operating income - profit to you - of $182 million.

So, take a step back from the staggering numbers, and listen to Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. singing the daily chorus of "Poor Mouth Blues." Sung to the tune of "Rowand, Rowand, Rowand Your Boat." With a third banana, limited partner suddenly and certifiably sitting on an incredible stack of money, we are left with this:

Manager Charlie Manuel will be filling out a lineup that includes a bench-level player at third base, where the Phillies had the feeblest production in the National League last season. Brett Myers is being jerked back into the rotation after making his bones as a feared closer. GM Pat Gillick will pursue another starter and some outfield depth. Carefully. The Phillies will have about $12 million to $15 million to spend on acquisitions after factoring in salary bumps to key regulars like Ryan Howard. In other words, the Phillies will not be trying to buy a World Series title.

Club president Dave Montgomery and his silent partners put together the 2008 budget well before John S. Middleton potentially became the wealthiest fractional sports owner in Philadelphia history.

In a brief statement, Montgomery dismissed any connection between Middleton's windfall and his role as a Phillies investor: "John Middleton is a limited partner with the Phillies and his personal and business interests have no impact on the operation of the ballclub."

Middleton himself makes the Da Vinci code look like a level-1 Sudoku. The 1977 Amherst College graduate flies so low under the radar he should be registered with the Bureau of Mines. He inherited his Phillies piece and the umbrella for the family businesses, Bradford Holdings, from his father, Herbert H. Middleton, also an Amherst alumnus.

When John received the college's Medal for Eminent Service at the 2004 commencement ceremony, the program included this about him:

Middleton values family above all else, and Amherst is well represented among his kin. The proud son of an Amherst father - and brother to an Amherst sister and her Amherst husband - Middleton heads his family business, which include McIntosh Inns, Bradford Holdings, and Double Play, Inc. . . .

I have a professional relationship with a man who informed me recently that he was an Amherst class of '77 grad and knew John S. Middleton fairly well. "John had a small circle of close friends and a somewhat larger group of people he was friendly with," the source said, requesting anonymity. "I was his friend but not what you would call a close one."

A picture emerged of a less than brilliant student who was doggedly competitive in everything he undertook, particularly on the wrestling mat. "I don't recall his weight class, but it was at least 175 pounds. He was powerful and aggressive, actually a little nasty in his matches. John was just determined to be the best he could be in everything. But he was very, very private and always turned away from self-promotion or praise."

Only in Philadelphia can you have a limited owner with more money than George Steinbrenner, but not allow him to use it. I truly hate Dave Montgomery and the rest of the other owners. Can't Middleton just buy these clowns out and infuse the necessary money into this team to push it over the top? Seriously, if Middleton gives a shit about the team, why wouldn't he just commence a Coup D'etat? Everyone involved with this team confuses me to no end.

Plus, I really like the idea of having an owner that was once a "nasty" collegiate wrestler. I think he would be the just the type of hard nosed front office guy that this franchise has lacked for decades.

Anyhow, I know this town freaks out when we talk about how much money the Birds leave under the salary cap every year when they have glaring holes in the lineup. Well, when Wes Helms and the yet to be determined replacement outfielder for Rowand strand Utley and Howard with less than two out a couple times a night, you can thank Dave Montgomery for not putting John Middleton's $3 billion to work.

Thanks, Bill

Taken from an actual letter to Bill Simmons of ESPN.com:

"Mr. Simmons,

Even though you have annoyed me by writing about Boston sports the last three months, I want to thank you for reminding me why I no longer care about the Sixers with this passage from your NBA Eastern Conference Season preview:

NBA-TV should start a show like "Inside the Actor's Studio," only the guest could be an NBA general manager every week. Then we could hire someone like Rick Kamla to pick Billy King's mind for an hour.

"Billy, do you feel embarrassed that the Sixers are carrying nearly $30 million in dead salaries this season? Are you trying to break the record for 'most raw athletes playing the swingman position on a single team?' Instead of giving Sam Dalembert $60 million, did you consider just withdrawing $60 million from the bank and lighting it on fire? On a scale of one to 10, how excited are you to eventually offer Andre Iguodala $20 million more than he's worth? What was the point of trading Steven Hunter's semi-awful contract for Reggie Evans' even-more-awful contract when the Sixers were going nowhere to begin with? Do you feel a sense of pride that you're the only person on the planet except for Willie Green's mother who thought Willie Green was worth $3 million per season? How do you expect Sixers fans to be excited about $15 million in cap space this summer when you're the one spending that cap space? Wait, Billy, where are you going? … "

By the way Mr. Simmons, if you ever decide to name a "Sports Guy" for every city, I ask that you please consider my application. As you can see from the numerous comments on my site, I am beloved by all.

Thank you and keep up the good work.

Your Friend In Sports,
Tony (aka "The Philly Sports Phan")"

Yup, this pretty much sums it up. I just can't get behind this team under any circumstances. The only way you are going to get me to watch a game is if you told me a Pistons/Pacers type brawl would erupt. The only way I'm going to the game is if I was given free tickets and promised an hour long lap dance from one of the Sixers' dancers. Preferably this Sixers dancer from beautiful Sewell, NJ:

Since we all know that ain't happening, odds are you won't be seeing me anytime soon down at the Wachovia Center watching your Philadelphia 76ers.

Sorry, I Can't Just Let This Go

Yeah, it was great to see the Eagles win yesterday and this victory over the 'Skins will probably keeps us all interested a couple more weeks, but I just can't let something go.

James Thrash dominated the Eagles.

Seriously....Jame Thrash.

Yes, that same James Thrash that everyone you know had on their fantasy roster in 2002 and 2003 and cut because he was terribly unproductive.

That same James Thrash that we celebrated when he was finally cut loose by our Birds in 2004.

Yesterday, Mr. Thrash, who is now in his 11th season, caught 5 passes for 85 yards and 2 td's against our beleagured group of DB's. He frolicked through our secondary. Truly, this group is effed. If William James was a horse, he would be put down. Yes, he was that bad. Lito is playing on one leg and looks like he should be shut down for a couple weeks.

Plus, if the Birds can't cover this guy, how do they hope to cover any relevant WR in the NFL?

Honestly, I might pick up Ted Ginn, Jr in my fantasy league this week. I could give a shit that Cleo Lemon is the 'Fins' QB. Our DB's are that brutal.

Sorry guys, had to get that off my chest.

Mike Richards: Hockey God

This Flyers season sure has been interesting so far. Sure, it's been great to see them winning again (including tonight's 3-2 win over the Isles), but my favorite aspect of this young season has been the growth we've seen from Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, RJ Umberger, Randy Jones and Joffrey Lupul.

Mike Richards is really asserting himself with this team. Not only is he showing the leadership skills that he has demonstrated since day 1, but now he's scoring at an alarmingly surprising pace. Jeez, the guy has 10 goals already this season when he only scored 21 goals in his first 138 games. He's scoring pretty goals where he picks a corner with a wrist shot and ugly goals like tonight's game winning short hander. He's winning more faceoffs this year and excelling on "the PK". Plus, he's still getting in scraps like this one and even developing a burgeoning rivalry with the sniveling Sid the Kid. (In case you missed it Saturday night, "Richie" sure seemed to get under Sid's skin.) Yup, he's pretty much done it all so far.

The funny thing is that Richards has always been projected as a John Madden type shut down center with some offensive upside. Of the two, Jeff Carter was supposed to be producing at this clip, but their roles have kind of reversed. Now, it is "Carts" that is taking more of a defensive role.

I'm just going to sit back and enjoy this young squad. Hopefully, they grow together and start winning some big games this Spring.

PSP's EAGLES' PICK

Right now, we're where none of us wanted to be with respect to the 2007 Eagles Season. We're totally 100% irrelevant in the grand scheme of the NFL season. We now know what Arizona Cardinals fans have felt like over the better part of two decades.

Unless this team goes on a highly unlikely 6-2 run over the 2nd half the season, the playoffs are pretty much an impossibility. Basically, that leaves us with a half season of Fox games which will be called by their fifth string broadcast team of Ron Pitts, Tony Boselli, and Kevin McCabe. I'm pretty sure we will also be up to our ears in Daytona 500 commercials starting in week 11. Fox Sports....Feel the Excitement!

Anyhow, today's Eagles/Skins game has the classic Godfather III feel. (You know what I'm talking about):




We have all written this team off after last week, but I have a sneaky suspicion the Birds will pull an upset and get the Joe's from Fishtown and Captain Tullio's of the world back on the bandwagon for at least another couple weeks with a matchup against the winless Dolphins on the horizon for next week.

Don't ask me how the Birds can win this game X's and O's wise as I see plenty of impediments for the Birds moving the ball, but I'm sure our genius coaching staff learned something from that inept Monday night performance back in Week 2. Plus, I believe the loss of Considine is worth at least 3 points in the Birds favor.

For what it is worth, I see a 16-13 Eagles victory. Plus, Hank Goldberg of ESPN just picked them. I feel so much better about my pick now.

Enjoy your Sunday. I feel a victory in the air.

Win if you may, lose if you must, but alway try

Ok, this is a first for the Philly Sports Phan. I'm sitting here with my boy, S. Botts, and he has convinced to me to do a live blog of the 4th Quarter of the RU/Army blow out because everything is ok....with a little Tanquer-AYYYYYYYY.

My man Botts has been to the West Point Campus under the pseudonym of Drunk Rocco. He tells me that this place is a must see of American History, let alone College Campuses. It is absolutely picturesque and the Hudson at West Point puts the Raritan River to shame. There is more history there than we could explain in a simple little drunken post like this. So anyhow, lets do a little recap.

RU gets off to a slow start. They then pull their starting QB in favor of a guy named Jabu and there has no looking back.

It is now the 4th quarter and we have a good load on and pretty bored by the competitive aspect of this game since Army's passing game makes Koy Detmer and Bobby Hoying look like Dan Marino. Anyhow, I'm not real sure if this game is a precursor for the last two RU games, but I'm sure effing hope so because I'd love to take a road trip to the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

If you are are laughing at the prospects of me getting overly excited over a trip to Charlotte, NC, then I suppose you either don't have a kid or have forgotten what it is like to have an infant.

Ok, I'm signing off as I need a refill.

A Virtual Cornucopia of Philly Sports Issues!

Finally, I have found a bright side to my slacking on this blog as of late....

Since I've been taking my own sweet time getting around to writing, a ton of issues have compiled that I want to comment upon. So, I'll try to take these issues on in a PTI style format:

1. Phils trade for Brad Lidge - I'm not sure whether to get excited about this one or not. I've been burned by getting overly excited by the Freddy Garcia, Kevin Millwood and Billy Wagner trades over the last 5 years. So, I'll with hold my judgment at this time.

I liked Lidge a couple years ago before giving up a walk off moon shot by Albert Pujols in the NLCS. It seemed like he hasn't been right since, even losing the closer's job early last year with the 'Stros before regaining it later in the year. However, his stats last year (.218 batting average against, 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings, 3.36 ERA) were ok. I just worry about this guy's psyche. If he had a hard time closing in Houston over the last couple years, then how's he going to survive here?

This trade also means that the Wife Beater is coming back to the starting rotation, which is probably where he fits best on this team. Ruben Amaro commented that Myers is "his No. 2 starter behind Cole Hamels or possibly even a 1A."

By giving up Bourn in the deal, it seems to signal that the Phils are going to try and re-sign Rowand or bring in a cheaper alternative to platoon in one of the outfield spots. (Knowing the Phils, the latter is more likely.)

2. Flyers finally beat the Pens' and Sid the Kid - After tonight's 3-1 win by the Fly Guys, I'm finally starting to believe in the new incarnation of your Philadelphia Flyers. The young guys (Carter, Richards and Lupul) scored again, the faster, more savvy defense shut down Sid the Kid, Malkin, and Co, and Biron turned in another professional goal tending performance. Plus, this team is pretty much winning without much of a contribution from Briere, Gagne and Knuble.

After watching the early part of the season, I'm starting to wonder if there is a hockey equivalent of HGH? If so, then Randy Jones needs to be tested because he might be on something. He appears to be a totally different player this year.

The only downside of the night was when I turned on the post game show and saw Chris Therien's goofy mug. Chris, please, I beg you. Just go somewhere and leave us Flyers phans alone! You tormented us enough as a I player. Seriously, you don't need to continue annoying us as a post game show host, especially since you have a hard time putting together a coherent thought.

3. Sean Considine out for the year - In the span of one hour this evening, I received emails from four people alerting me to the news that Considine was out for the year. Not surprisingly, all four had the same sentiment: This is a blessing.

I have to agree. Considine is just not NFL starter quality. He might know the defense and is usually in the right spots, but he never makes a play on the ball. He's always close to making a play, but never does. Kind of similar to Mike Mamula, huh?

Anyhow, Considine is clearly not carrying to torch of the above average Caucasian safeties the Birds have had over the years. Somewhere, Terry Hoage, Rich Miano, Tim Hauck and Mike Zordich were shaking their heads in disgust watching Considine Sunday evening.

4. Sixers win: Does anyone care? - The Sixers beat the lowly Bobcats this evening and I watched less than a minute of the action. Apparently, I wasn't the only one. The Sixers had 9,317 in the house tonight. However, it appeared that many of the attendees were dressed as empty seats…Is this thing on?

I still have yet to receive a single comment on this blog about the Sixers. I know the Captain is a closet phan, but for some reason he doesn't share his love of the Sixers here.

5. The Big E to retire - My first thought when I heard this news was whether Eric received permission from his parents to make such an announcement.

In all seriousness, Eric Lindros is still my favorite all time Flyer. I have looked forward more to a single Flyer taking the ice for his shift. Almost anything could happen when he was playing. Nothing ever surprised me with him. He could score a finesse goal or deliver the perfect pass. He could hold his own against some of the best fighters in the league. He could absolutely destroy people with body checks as well. At times, he seemed too big, too strong and too skilled for the rest of the league to handle. He was the NHL's answer to Shaq.

Unfortunately, he could also end up injured at almost any point in a game. Plus, the Big E always suffered injuries that seemed to keep him off the ice for weeks at a time. Lindros never suffered a day to day injury. That was the real shame with 88. Had he stayed healthy, I'm sure this franchise eventually would have won a title, but it wasn't meant to be.

(Here's a pretty decent article about Eric from a Flyers phan's perspective. Enjoy.)

In a related story, I think the Flyers’ team doctor better put his malpractice carrier on notice because I think the Flyers are allowing Simon Gagne to play with the lingering affects of his concussion. Did anyone see his comments about Lindros? He must still be woozy and forgot Clarkie and Mr. Snider’s edict that no one mention Lindros for the remainder of man kind. Seriously though, these are by far the most pleasant public comments I can remember from any member of the Flyers or-gun-I-zat-SHUN since the guy was traded to the Rangers.

On a similar note, you might want to take that vacation you’ve been putting off because based upon the following comments from Clarkie, I think the world is about to end:

"I believe [Lindros] should be in [the Hall of Hame]. This was the first big, powerful, dominant forward with the skill, not (Wayne) Gretzky or (Mario) Lemieux, but close."

6. Phils starting offseason plans: no third base and looking to the Far East for pitching help - I hope you are ready for another year of Greg Dobbs and the Wes "The Butcher" Helms at third base because Gillick says he's not doing anything to improve the position.

Additionally, the Phils' must have really enjoyed the Tad Iguchi experiment because they are now looking to pick up a Japanese starting pitcher. (Not sure if tonight's trade puts the kibosh on that move though. I'm guessing it will.)

7. Daily News’ Eagles Report Card - I was going to do one of my own, but would rather just link to this one. (Is it me or does Les Bowen seem awfully bitter in this article?) I generally agree with all the grades except that I would give the coaching staff an F- and an F- to the front office, as well.

8. Rutgers Reeling - I’m still not ready to talk about how this season has turned out after going 1-4 over the past five weeks. Sure, they can get to a decent bowl by winning their last 3 (a decent possibility), but this program has more than lost the buzz it had coming off last year. They need to win these last three and salvage some credibility so one calls them a one year wonder.

If You Are Looking For Some Fun

After last night, I desperately needed something to brighten up my day. Little did I know, but I found it on my I Pod. On the train ride into work today, I was skimming through my old Mike and Mad Dog Podcasts and came across several interview with members of our favorite group of choke artists from Flushing Meadows. I have to admit, I got quite a chuckle out of listening to Willie Randolph, Omar Minaya and Tom Glavine talk about how the Mets completely collapsed down the stretch.

So, if you are looking for something to brighten up your day, take a listen to these:

Willie Randolph:

Mid September, choke is starting
Heading into last weekend of season
After Choke Job Was Complete

Omar Minaya:

Butts are starting to clench
"The Biggest Collapse of all time!"

Tom Glavine:

"I've Lost Sleep Over This Performance

These are pretty long interviews, but they are well worth the listen if you have time.

One other item of note, I wish we had a single radio host in our city that would ask the tough questions like Russo and Francessa. They are a constant reminder of how bad WIP is to listen to at times.

End Of An Era

Some of you may recall the old line from Dandy Don Meredith from Monday Night Football from back in the 70's: "Turn out the light's, the party's over." That line pretty much sums up my feelings on the state of the Donovan McNabb/Andy Reid era Philadelphia Eagles after tonight's game. The Birds simply had no answer for the 'Boys tonight. You likely won't see as complete a domination by any team this year not named the Patriots. However, I'll spare you the gory details as I'm looking at things from more of a "big picture" perspective.

Since the year 2000, the Birds have either been an ascending team or a legitimate title contender in every year but the catastrophic second year of T.O. Unfortunately, those days or over. Clearly, this team just does not have the talent to compete with the elite of the NFC. If tonight's game wasn't clear evidence that this franchise needs to start over, then I seriously question if you are watching the same team that I've been watching the last seven weeks.

Sure, the Reid/McNabb era has had many successes and has been fun at times, but the sad part is that the Birds never cashed in and won a title. Sadly, the 'Boys have passed us by again and will likely get back and win a 'Bowl before we do.

The question now becomes, "where do we go from here"? While that may be the case, I'm not sure it should be done at this moment. I think it's a question for another day because I really feel tonight like we watched a beloved family member pass on. We need to let the grieving process begin.

Rest In Peace, McNabb/Reid Eagles.

(Boy, is it going to be a long eight weeks of football.)