Phils Preview Coming Soon...

Sorry guys, I have been a bit preoccupied the last day or so. As many are aware, I found out my first child will not be of the masculine variety. Plus, I have spent the last day or so trying to clear my mind to finalize my Phils' prediction. I've been letting too much of the recent media negativity cloud my judgment. In any event, look out for my Phils preview this weekend.

Also, I'm kind of pysched about this weekend's Final Four. If anyone remembers, I did pick two of the four teams. However, I'm mainly interested because of all the talent that will be on the floor. Seriously, have you seen the Florida and UCLA cheerleaders?!?! (Is this thing on?) Actually, the decision of Florida's terrific junior class coupled by David Stern's age limitation rule has led to more a bunch of NBA stars being on the floor this weekend. Should be fun. I still believe we are going to see a Florida/G'Town final.

By the way, my buddy the Capt forwarded these very enlightening comments from Big Red in today's Daily News article by Domo:

-- On linebacker Matt McCoy: "For the first four or five games there, Matt played really tremendous football, and then he got banged up, he got hurt, and it really went downhill for him. Matt's a good football player, it's just a matter of him staying healthy."
-- On addition of receiver Kevin Curtis: "I've liked him since he came out of Utah State, I've kind of had my eye on him, and I think he'll be a nice addition. He gives you the speed and the route-running ability that we really haven't had, as far as the precision on the routes."

-- On running back Brian Westbrook's emergence as team leader after Donovan McNabb went down: "I thought that was a neat thing to see. He is a quiet guy, but he stepped up big. I mean big. When he spoke, people listened. I think that was a big step for him. He was able to show his support for Jeff [Garcia] at the same time. He allowed Jeff to feel comfortable coming in and taking over. That's a hard thing to do for a quarterback who's only been around for a year."

-- On right tackle Jon Runyan's comments that it's important for the offensive line to convince you early in games they can run the ball:"That's the challenge I presented to them. Especially the big guys. If you want to do this thing [run the ball], then take care of business. Take care of business up front. Jon's kind of the ringleader of that bunch. They take a lot of pride in being able to run the ball, like most linemen do. [But] you gotta do it. And they did that. The last half of the season, they got after it."

-- On first-round pick Brodrick Bunkley's disappointing rookie season: "It's hard to miss training camp like he did. At that position, if you go back and pull out the stats, I mean, it's nuts. You miss training camp, you lose too much in the technique part of it. Unless you come from [playing in college for] a defensive line coach who's coached in the National Football League, there's lost time in technique there. And he was just getting it coming out of minicamp. I talked to him about it. I talked to his agent about it. I said, you miss training camp, it's going to put you behind. And it did. It was that simple. It's important now that he has a good offseason and has a good training camp and comes in and plays."

-- On tight end L.J. Smith: "I think he did a nice job of blocking that defensive end that last part of the season. He started off a little slow, but that last part of the season, I thought he stepped up his game. Even though he didn't catch as many balls, I just thought he became a more well-rounded player."

-- On defensive end Darren Howard's disappointing season: "I thought he started off great. Pro Bowl-caliber football. Then he got banged up a little bit. His leg went out on him as the season went on, and he never quite got that back. He learned how we practice and how we do training camp and all those things. I think he'll be better for it next year."

Christ, how did Domo get Big Red to open up? Did he pull a Jack Bauer and fill him full of sodium pentathol?

Ok, it's back to work for me. See you this weekend with my Phils' preview.

Hallelujah!

While most people were focused on the introduction of Takeo Spikes and Kelly Holcomb to the Philly media, the best Eagles news of the offseason was revealed today:

* Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who handled the play-calling after Jeff Garcia replaced injured Donovan McNabb at quarterback last season, will continue to do the play-calling in '07.

"I'll probably let Marty call 'em this year," Reid said. "I thought he did a nice job. I have a lot of trust in Marty. You have to remember, Marty and I go way back. I started doing that [giving up play-calling] with Brad [Childress]. And then at end of year, I started doing it with Marty. I stepped back and kind of watched when he was calling [the plays]. I felt real good about it. It freed me up to see a little bit more of what was going on."

* The Eagles will continue to run the ball as much in '07 with McNabb as they did late last year after Jeff Garcia took over. "It will probably be very similar, yeah," Reid said. "It'll probably be very similar to how we finished the season."

Hallelujah! No more 65-35 run/pass ratio. I suppose Andy saw the light during his brief sabbatical away from the team. In any event, I'm ecstatic about this news. Westbrook better get ready. Sounds like he's going to be ridden hard this year and our offense will be so much better for it.

Absolutely Ridiculous

I love the Phanatic just as much as the next guy, but his new red costume is absolutely ridiculous and must be set on fire immediately so he never wears it again. Did the Phillies consult anyone on this? Seriously, who thought this was a good idea? Someone in the marketing department deserves to be fired.

Phanatic, please just stick with the green costume from here on out. You're bound to scare little kids or get shot by a gang banger for wearing Compton Blood colors.

Surprise, Surprise....

Apparently, someone on the phriggin' Phils (yes, I think I like that one..."Phriggin' Phils"; Hopefully, I won't have to use it a whole lot this year, but we all know better) is ready for the season to start.

In his last Spring Training start before opening day, Brett Myers pitched 6 innings of three hit, shutout baseball today against the Devil Rays. I'm glad at least the Wife Beater is ready to go. Maybe he should rub off some of his mojo on his cohorts. Especially the Big Man, who is currently mired in a 1 for 23 slump.

Here's a question to raise some debate...exactly how well does Myers have to pitch this year before he's totally forgiven for the Boston fiasco from last year? Not only did he beat the shit out of his wife last year, but his selfish act pretty much lost us the Wild Card. If he doesn't miss a month of last season, we probably win a couple of those games that were started by Mathieson, etc.

Anyhow, back to my original premise. If Myers goes 17-6 and leads us to the postseason, do we absolve him? What if he wins 20 games, but we miss the playoffs? As for me, I'll never totally forget the incident, but if Myers wins a bunch of pressure packed games in September which helps lead us to October for the first time in 14 years, I think I can develop a case of selective amnesia.

RU Lady Scarlet Knights Rule

As discussed last week, the men's team of my alma mater is flat out brutal, but Hoops at Rutgers is not a total loss. Congrats to the RU Lady Scarlet Knights as they are on their way to the Final Four of the NCAA Ladies Final Four after trouncing Arizona State in the Greensboro Regional Final!

In a related note, I have a new found respect for women's athletics as "The Wife" and I learned yesterday that we will be having a baby girl some time this August.

Biron To Stick Around

The revolving door between the pipes for the Orange & Black may have finally come to a stop. Today, the Flyers signed Martin Biron to a year extension through the 2008-2009 season. Reports indicate that the extension was for $3.4 million per year.

Personally, I'm happy with the deal as I think Biron is a major upgrade in net over both Nitty and Esche. Biron is not a flat out stud, but he can be a top 10 NHL goalie. Plus, I like how Biron does not give up momentum killing goals. Nonetheless, I still think we slightly overpaid for a guy that has sat on the bench for the best year and a half. Obviously, the Orange & Black paid a premium to keep Biron from hitting the open market this July and justify the 2nd round pick we gave to Buffalo at the trade deadline. I just hope Biron's slightly inflated salary does not prevent the Flyers from signing a top line center and top defenseman.

Overall, this signing keeps up the momentum the organ-I-za-TION has shown since the trade dead line. Keep it up boys. Keep working hard, eh!

By the way, hey Marty! Now that Biron you are re-signed, how about starting to wear that new mask and pads you just received! We need a little levity at the end of this torturous season.

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In other Flyers news, it looks like Forsberg wants to come back after the season. Check out this interview:

SUN MEDIA: Speaking of fun, Philly couldn't have been a lot of fun with the constant losing and the endless injures. Then you come to Nashville and pull your groin. How maddening has this season been for you?

FORSBERG: Very frustrating. We struggled in Philly. I didn't try to hide it or anything. I admit I didn't play good hockey. It was a tough situation. It's a hockey town, such a great place to play, then you struggle and the team is struggling. It was hard. It's hard to not look back but I have to look forward. I'm here now.

SUN MEDIA: You're not used to being on a loser. How did you deal with that unfamiliar territory in Philly?

FORSBERG: Yeah, it's been a while since I've been on a losing team. Even as a kid. I don't think you ever get used to it. It's very frustrating. And it was more frustrating because I couldn't really do anything about it. I felt like I didn't play good hockey. It was hard to help the team. That was the most frustrating part. If you play good and you feel healthy, and you lose, that's one thing, but if you feel you could have done better, that's another. It was my toughest year in the NHL by far, especially when you're talking about such a classy organization that's always had a good team. To come along and not win, that was tough.

SUN MEDIA: Any chance you could go back there as a free agent in the summer and take care of some unfinished business?

FORSBERG: I wouldn't close the door on it. I liked playing there. It's a great hockey town. They really care about hockey and have an owner who really wants to win. I definitely haven't closed that door. What happened in the end is what happens to everybody who's in the last year of their contract. We split in a good way.

These comments are respectful and all, but does anyone want him back? I'd rather go with someone younger and who can find skates that fit.

Birds Get TKO'd

By now, I'm sure you all have heard that the Birds traded for Bills' linebacker, Takeo Spikes, along with backup QB Kelly Holcomb. Going to the Bills in the deal was defensive tackle Darwin Walker and a conditional 2008 draft pick.

For once, I'm going to be optimistic. I like the move. Plus, I don't think it is possible that a former pro bowler like Spikes (despite being only a year and a half removed from an Achilles tear) can be any worse than the bow tie wearin', air guitarist we had at the SAM linebacker spot the last three years. Plus, Holcomb seems like a decent insurance policy as a 3rd QB.

However, I'm not so sure that giving up Walker was a great idea. We're now relying an awful lot on Bunkley and Reagor to produce big time for this team at DT.

In any event, welcome to Philly, TKO. With a nickname like that, you'll sure to be loved here in Philly.

Opening Day Is Only A Week Away...How Optimistic Is Everyone Still?

Yup, your Philadelphia Phightin' Phils are about to break camp and head north to start the season in 7 short days. I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty excited. However, despite my best efforts to ignore the Phils' struggles in the Exhibition Season, I'm still a bit nervous.

My Negadelphian partner in crime, Johnny Gold, had the same revelation this weekend. We both desperately want the Phils to break through this year, but did this team do enough to get over the hump?

No one stepped has up in the bullpen to bridge the gap from the starters to Flash Gordon. We haven't been able to trade Lieber for any help and now he's bitching and moaning about being the odd man out of the rotation. Let's not forget that none of the catchers seemed to really show that they are starter material either. I also get the distinct feeling that 7 innings of Wes Helms at the hot corner every night could be an adventure. I am not even going to mention Garcia's injury problems, Eaton's ineffective outings, or Burrell picking up where he left off last year, as I really don't like what I've seen so far from any of them.

Possibly the most frightening thing to come out of Spring Training lately is that the Big Man is getting a tad bit frustrated with his performance so far. I know it's probably not a big deal, but we need Howard to be hot from Jump Street.

With all that being said, I still think the Phils can make the post season, they just need a couple unexpected people to step up. It happens to everyone else. Christ, last year, Endy Friggin' Chavez was a major contributor for the Mets. Why can't that happen here. After 15 post season less years, we are so due for someone to step up for this team in a position of need.

Who that guy will be? Your guess is as good as mine. I just hope this Mystery Man is ready to make himself known April 2nd and beyond.

Rutgers Makes An Appearance In the Sweet 16 and Elite 8

See that block "R" on the floor. Yup, that's the closest my alma mater will ever be to the Sweet Sixteen or Elite 8. That's ok though. We're a football school now, remember?

By the way, I am the proud owner of two season tickets for 8 RU home games this year. Can't wait.

From the Request Line....

My man the Irish Assassin sends this one over:



Yo Aran, thanks for reminding me of our QB's failure to hold his breakfast in warm weather games!

Apparently, Skiers Don't Wear Cups

Sorry Guys

I got nothing tonight. The only two real Philly sports stories that piqued my interest were the Phils receiving "good news" that Freddy Garcia does not have a serious injury and the Birds are interested in trading for Pro Bowl Denver middle linebacker, Al Wilson.

Sorry if I'm a bit pessimistic, but will anyone be surprised if Freddy battles arm problems all year and the Birds don't come close to acquiring Wilson. Yes, I'm in a foul mood.

Tonight's losses by Texas A&M and Southern Illinois pretty much killed any chance of winning my NCAA Hoops Player Pool. Oh well, at least my brother in law paid my entrance fee.

Plus, I'm battling a cold. Life sucks right now.

Eagles Sign DT Reagor

Following up on his Monday visit with the Birds, Montae Reagor agreed to a 3 year $6.5 million deal. I already discussed my problems with the signing yesterday. Now, I have another question. Look at that picture, did he get beat up by the Rangers' Colton Orr also? Or, did he also run into Joey Porter and his posse in Vegas last weekend?

I know, cheap shot. The guy is recovering from a car accident, but I expect Todd Fedoruk to look like that when he regains his senses and steps out into the public again.

Lieber To The 'Pen Experiment Lasts Less Than Twelve Hours

Earlier today, Uncle Cholly announced that Jon Lieber was moving to the 'pen as the Phils decided to go with a starting rotation of Freddy Garcia, Hamels, the Wife Beater, Jamie Moyer, and Adam Eaton. Lieber then bitched and moaned with the decision stating:

"I'm disappointed," Lieber said Wednesday. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. I think I can still start."

"They're going to do what's best for the club," Lieber said. "My hands are tied. I'm disappointed, but I'm going to give it my best."

Well, less than twelve hours later, Freddy Garcia left tonight's exhibition game due to stiffness in his right bicep. Guess who will be coming back to the starting rotation, you guessed it....Jon Lieber.

Hey Lieber, hope you enjoyed your brief stint in the 'pen as much as we did. Now stop bitching and get ready to pitch.

Downright Scary

In case you missed it (and judging by the lack of respect for my hockey articles, you probably didn't), Todd Fedoruk was knocked out cold in a fight with the Rangers' Colton Orr 21 seconds into tonight's game. Thankfully, it looks like he's going to be ok. Accoring to TSN (the ESPN of Canada):

Officials immediately summoned the Flyers' medical personnel to the ice, and a stretcher was brought out moments later. Fedoruk appeared to blink and talk, and he made an OK gesture with his fingers as he was strapped to a backboard, and a brace was affixed to his head.

He was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital for observation.

''Todd is doing fine,'' Rangers neurologist Claude Macaluso said in a statement. ''He is awake. He is having some problems with short-term memory, but other than that he is great. There are no neurological problems at all.

''We scanned him basically from the top of his head right down to the bottom of his neck. There are no fractures, (his) brain looks fine. He is going to be fine.''

Todd, if you didn't learn anything by this whuppin' earlier in the year, tonight's beat down should reinforce to you that it's time to hang it up. You have had more surgery done on your face in the past year than Joan Rivers. Clearly, you can no longer go toe to toe with the heavyweights of the NHL, and if you can't fight, there is no reason for you to be in the league. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you might want to look into other forms of employment.

By the way, the Flyers have totally mailed in the last two games, losing by a combined score of 9-1. Way to set a positive tone for next year, boys.

Poll: Biggest Disappointment

Joni Pitkanen: (2006-07 Stats: 4 Goals, 35 Assists, -25) Joni is generally considered as taking a huge step back this year after showing big strides last season towards becoming a force as an offensive defensive. Plus, my buddy Bob pointed out that he is a dead ringer for Boomhauer from King of the Hill. (See above.)

Pat Burrell: (2006 Stats: .258 BA, 29 HR's, 95 RBI's) Don't let the home run and RBI totals fool you. Pat "Please Swing the Bat" is widely considered a a lost cause and The Master of the Ass Out, Backwards K.

Sammy Dalembert: (2006-07 Stats: 10.6 points, 9.1 Boards, and 2.1 Blocks Per Game) This kid might have the worst hands in the league. It is doubtful he'll ever become anything more than a defensive presence.

Broderick Bunkley: (2006 Stats: Six solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles) Ok, he was only a rookie last year, but the Birds desperately needed him to step up for a team that was getting bludgeoned by the run and his ample ass was stuck to the bench.

Ok, since I have no clue on how to add a poll to this blog, I ask that you post your votes in the comments section. Thanks!

If Anything They're Consistent

Following upon the footsteps of the prior dubious free agent visits, the Eagles entertained Defensive Tackle Montae Reagor formerly of the Indianapolis Colts.

I can hear you now...."What's so dubious about it? Finally, the Birds are going to focus on fixing their porous run defense!"

Well, I hate to break it to you, but a 285 defensive tackle like Montae ain't fixing the problem. He was mainly known for his pass rushing skills while in Indy. Plus, the guy is coming off season ending injuries from a car accident, so he fits into the category of every other free agent we pursue. Undervalued and mostly unwanted by the rest of the league.

Of course, the logical move would be to find a big 325 pound ugly to man one of the defensive tackle spots to help the run defense, but you know our Eagles...they never act conventionally. How dare I forget that they are the smartest guys in the league?

I don't know why I get myself so worked up about the Birds' offseason moves. What do I know about football? I must have forgotten that Andy Reid, Jim Johnson, Tom Heckert, and Joe Banner invented the sport. We can all rest assured that they know what they are doing.

Fat Man Claims We Have "Irrational Exuberance"

Sorry for the lack of Phils articles. I realize I have really neglected the Phils so far in Spring Training. So, in that vain, please find the latest yearly prediction article from everyone's favorite Daily News heavyweight columnist, Bill Conlin. Sadly, Conlin is not as bullish as most Phils' phans. He claims that we are all suffering from "irrational exuberance", a phrase used by Alan Greenspan - former head of the Federal Reserve. Anyhow, here's the Fat Man from Turnersville's prediction:

Bottom line? These Phillies will be a dangerous, interesting and frequently electric team. They will merit your support. Just strap yourself in for a wild, bumpy ride.

Gillick has upgraded Charlie's coaching staff, which underlines the inadequate job of teaching by the organization men the College of Coaches have replaced.

A blow-the-doors-off trade - Aaron Rowand and/or Jon Lieber - could change some things. But buy into the hype at your peril. Exuberance is OK, but be rational. This is, after all, a franchise that will suffer its all-time record 10,000th loss this season.

It will take a little of the 1993, go-to-hell attitude for this team to smooth its rough edges and dethrone the Mets and fight off the Braves - don't forget them. But winning the East is a must. The Cardinals will not stumble to 83 wins this time around and manage to win a World Series.

Mid-to-high 80s appears about right for this team. Nobody said it would be easy to get out of this not-quite-enough rut and end a cruel streak of six straight seasons with between 80 and 88 victories.

I think the Phils can finish in the 90 win range, but I'd feel a hell of a lot better with a more dependable bullpen. I just hope Gillick doesn't make a panic move and gives someone away to pick up the next Mike Williams or Ugeth Urbina.

Dirtiest Players In the Game - Part III

As most of you know, local boy Ron Dayne (aka the NCAA All Time leading rusher and Heisman Trophy winner) was in last Thursday for a free agent visit with the Birds. Also, as you already know, Dayne was not signed by the Birds as they decided to re-sign Buck and his string cheese knee ligaments. However, what most of you don't know is how badly the Birds used Dayne to get Buck to re-sign.

Here's the story I have received from "The Wife" who works with one of Dayne's family members. At the end of Thursday's visit, which by their accounts went very well, Ron was under the impression that a contract agreement had been reached with the Birds. He even showed up to the Nova Care Complex on Friday thinking that the remaining details would be finalized and the contract announced. When he arrived, he was told to go home as the Birds' plans had changed.

Undoubtedly, Banner and the Boys called Buck Thursday evening and told him if he didn't sign on the dotted line right there and then, Dayne would be signed and Buck would be left out in the cold. Realizing there isn't a market for guys with three season ending knee injuries in their career, Buck quickly signed a two year deal to avoid the unemployment line. Much to his chagrin, Ron Dayne, like Jeff Garcia and Donte Stallworth before him, was just a pawn in Joe Banner's evil, manipulative plan.

Whether Ron Dayne is the best big back option for this team is another topic altogether. (I happen to believe he is a more dependable option as compared to Buck.) In any event, quite naturally, Ron Dayne was left hurt and feeling used and abused. Who can blame him? He's just another victim of the dirtiest players in the game.

Finally! Someone Took Me Up On My Offer!

Guys, I've been seeking guest bloggers for a while now and finally someone took me up on the offer. My man St. Joe's Nick checks in with this rant. Enjoy:

PSP - good to have you back. Hope you had a nice week in the Big Easy.

OK, now back to the dreary reality that is our Philly sports teams.

You missed something huge while you were away partying. Eskin had Joe Banner in the studio at 5:00 one day last week. Joe came on and pontificated about how great things are going for the birds in free agency. Mr. Pennypincher took phone calls from various "fans" (using the term loosely - more later) and answered some pretty inane questions from them.

Turns out that the "fans" that were calling in were all pre-screened by the WIP producers before Eskin would put them on the air so that nobody would go too far with Banner. Supposedly Banner knew about the questions that he would be asked by said “fans.” Not only that but many of these "fans" were calling him Mr. Banner as if he was the father of a girl they were dating in high school. Obviously, the people they put on to talk to Joe couldn’t praise him or kiss his ass enough.

The entire piece was utter crap considering that Banner was spewing the same "we're great" drivel that he always does. Combine that with the ridiculously pandering calls from the so-called faithful fans and it made for a pretty nauseating ride home for most people in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area.

There was one good part of the interview. That came when one guy named Jeff slipped through the screeners and really let Banner have it. Jeff has been a season ticket holder for 35 years and has seen the good and bad. Through the “good” (loosely using that term) seasons with Andy Reid (with no Super Bowl rings), and all of the really bad ones with Richie the K, Ray Rhodes and a bunch of awful players that can’t be listed here (too many), this guy was in his seat for every game. Jeff very fervently pushed Banner for answers as to why free agency and drafting has been a bust for them this year (and in years past). He was speaking as one of the biggest Eagles fans in this city by voicing the frustration and passion that every single one of us possesses for this team. For that brief 2 minutes of his life, he was speaking for an entire city. What was Banner’s rebuttal? Banner responded by saying "if you don't like it, don't come to the games any more!"

How is a pompous, holier-than-thou comment like that the example of a "gold standard" organization that cares about its fans? I can guarantee you that Bob Kraft (owner of the oft-compared New England Patriots) would never say that to even the most casual of fans of his team, let alone the die-hards. Many of the true Eagle fans (including everyone who posts on this board) were enraged. This just goes to show you what really matters to the Eagles: It's not about winning or losing, it's just about making more and more money off of the passionate fans of this team and not putting a winning product on the field. And by “winning”, we all know that means a ring and a parade.

I know this is your blog and I didn’t mean to steal the attention, but I couldn’t let this fly under your radar.
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Nicely stated, Nick! Hey man, you're not stealing any attention from me. I want more people to get involved. If you have something to say, let me know and I'll post it!