By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
This may not bring Eagles fans to tears, but it is a bit of a surprise move nonetheless:
Word out of the NovaCare complex is that the Eagles have released linebacker Dhani Jones. And, interestingly enough, Chris Gocong is the current No. 1 strongside linebacker.
The Birds also agreed to terms with the following 11 undrafted free agents on Monday:
DT Jeremy Clark (6-3, 309, Alabama)
WR Zac Collie (5-11, 187, BYU)
WR Dereck Faulkner (6-3, 228, Hampton)
CB Nick Graham (5-10, 191, Tulsa)
G Jacob Hobbs (6-3, 303, Albany)
LB Akeem Jordan (6-1, 226, James Madison)
DE Marques Murrell (6-2, 246, Appalachian State)
T Jonathan Palmer (6-4, 336, Auburn)
S Marcus Paschal (6-0, 201, Iowa)
S Chris Smith (5-10, 215, Florida International)
G Chris White (6-3, 321, South Carolina)
Monday, April 30, 2007
"Eagles Mock Draft"
Phils are finally winning; why Yankees' woes might affect Phillies; and other rantings from the week that was in sports
By Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
Don't fear Philadelphians, that earth-rattling scare that reportedly registered a 6.0 on the Richter Scale Saturday wasn't an earthquake, it was the collective thump of every Eagle fans' jaw hitting the ground when the club drafted Houston quarterback Kevin Kolb with its first draft pick. The aftershock was Donovan McNabb throwing every can of Chucky's Soup he has in his kitchen at the picture of head coach Andy Reid that hangs on his fridge.
Maybe just as surprising as Brady Quinn falling to the 22nd pick in the draft, was the Eagles taking a QB few heard of before his name was announced on Saturday. We all know why it was so surprising -- the Eagles had a number of other needs to fill, they already have a franchise signal caller and two decent backups -- but the question why he was selected still goes partly unanswered.
Yes, the Eagles' brass said that he was the best available talent, but who cares. As someone pointed out to me this weekend, how much can that talent help when he won't even see any significant game action. Players like Utah safety Eric Weddle, USC wide out Dwayne Jarrett and Rutgers fullback/running back Brian Leonard were all still on the board. I'm not a draft expert or NFL talent evaluator, but I have to think that these players might help the team more than a backup/future QB, who most likely won't play anyway even if McNabb isn't ready for the start of the season as he rehabs his surgically repaired knee.
There has to be some underlying issue with McNabb. Whether it is his injured knee, his age or the fact that he has trouble in the "big game," an interesting storyline is going to unfold in the coming weeks.
Regardless, my money is on an organizational error. I bet that the Eagles gave the wrong card to the runner that gives the information to the commissioner, or who ever called out Kolb's name. Right now, we are witnessing the cover up...
By the way, you know you're in the Philadelphia TV market when you're trying to escape the monotony of the NFL Draft by watching the FOX Baseball Game of the Week only to have the annoying text scroll at the bottom of the screen alerting viewers to who the Eagles took with their first draft pick. Thanks for the update!
Don't look now Philadelphia, but your Phillies are surging. The Phils have won seven of nine games and have won their last three series. The team is 11-13 overall, a far cry from the horrid 3-10 start to the season.
The winning must really be getting to the fans, because now they don't have anything to complain about. Not only is the team winning, but the hated Pat Burrell continues to produce, Aaron Rowand is also coming up big at the plate and Jimmy Rollins is an early contender for the MVP honor. The starting pitching is even coming through as the move of Brett Myers to the bullpen has helped secure the late-inning hiccups.
Although, there is one person the Phils fans can have an issue with -- reigning league MVP Ryan Howard. The slugger is hitting just .219 this season with three homers, 12 RBI and 10 runs scored.
It's no secret that Howard needs to produce for the Phillies to make any noise in the NL this season. The problem is that nobody seems to know when Howard is going to start to produce. Every time he shows just a glimpse of breaking out of his slump, he falls right back into it. He's been swinging at bad pitches and pulling off the pitches on the outside of the plate and striking out at the most inopportune times.
There are a number of ways to handle someone in such a slump, but Howard seems to be very fragile and anything too rash might cause even bigger problems.
Remember, this is the guy who wanted a long-term contract prior to the start of the season and not getting that has most likely affected his play.
So, if Charlie Manuel decides to rest his slugger for a few days, or moves him down in the lineup, that might cause irreversible psychological problems. I do think, however, if he moves to the third spot, in front of Chase Utley in the four-hole, then he might start to see some better pitches. The problem is he'll have to lay off the bad ones, something he hasn't been able to do...
Speaking of Uncle Charlie, he has to be happy he is no longer the major league manager on the hot seat. Over the past week he has managed to pass that torch along to Yankees skipper Joe Torre. The Yanks have dropped eight of nine games, including five of six to the rival Red Sox, which can't sit well with owner George Steinbrenner.
If Torre is going to get canned, today might be the day. The Yanks have an off-day before starting a three-game set in Texas and that might be enough time for Torre to empty his office and hand the keys over to either Don Mattingly or Joe Girardi. Both are in the organization currently (Mattingly as a coach and Girardi as a YES Network commentator) and depending on how soon the front office wants to win will determine who gets the gig.
The win-now manager is Girardi. He won the Manager of the Year award last year with the Marlins and can come in right away and get things cooking. Mattingly, on the other hand, has never had managerial experience on the big-league level and is someone who will have work out the kinks before getting the team rocking and rolling.
Why should Phillies fans worry about Torre's job status and who the next manager in the Bronx is? Well, Girardi will be the hot name this offseason to fill a managerial position, and with Manuel in the last year of his contract, Phillies fans should be keeping a close eye on what Girardi is doing. He might be the right guy for the job...
Sticking with baseball, I'm starting to think there is another undetectable steroid on the market. Why? Well, not only is Barry Bonds on pace to break Hank Aaron's home run record before midseason, but Sammy Sosa is hitting again. Sosa is a guy who went in the tank two years ago in Baltimore, and after a season away from the game already has seven home runs. I'm not complaining too much though, I have Sosa on my fantasy team and I hope he keeps sticking that needle in his butt -- until I trade him that is...
Nice showing by the defending NBA champion Miami Heat in the playoffs this week. The squad was swept in four games by the Chicago Bulls, who exploited the aging Heat for the underachieving, over-rated frauds that they are. Yeah, yeah, I know I picked the Heat to win the series, but they are an old team, with an old coach and an injured super-star (Dwyane Wade, not Shaquille O'Neal). They are the first defending champs since the 1984 Sixers to lose in the first round and first to be swept in the first round since the 1957 Philadelphia Warriors. That's the last time I jump on the Heat's bandwagon.
The Bulls are going to be a tough out for Detroit Pistons in the next round. Chicago, which won three of four from the Pistons in the regular season, has a strong perimeter game and despite not having a go-to guy in the post, the team finds ways to score inside. Kirk Hinrich can drive the lane with some of the best in the league, Luol Deng gets to the paint for jumpers and if Ben Gordon is on, there is no other player I want on my team in the fourth quarter in the NBA right now. Gordon has clutch-performer written all over him...
I wish I would've picked the Warriors over the Mavs like my gut told me too...
Oh, yeah. In case you missed it, which you probably did, NBC was to air "Barbaro, A Nation's Horse" on Sunday. But because of the 2OT Rangers-Sabres playoff game, it got bumped. Tell me, though, if Barbaro was the Nation's horse, why would a hockey game with a rating below that of the Kentucky Derby bump it? Talk about adding insult to injury, not only is Barbaro still not buried, but a hockey game cost him a shot at completing his time in the spotlight which needs to come to an end by the way.
Your rantings are always welcome at gwiley@phanaticmag.com.
By Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
Don't fear Philadelphians, that earth-rattling scare that reportedly registered a 6.0 on the Richter Scale Saturday wasn't an earthquake, it was the collective thump of every Eagle fans' jaw hitting the ground when the club drafted Houston quarterback Kevin Kolb with its first draft pick. The aftershock was Donovan McNabb throwing every can of Chucky's Soup he has in his kitchen at the picture of head coach Andy Reid that hangs on his fridge.
Maybe just as surprising as Brady Quinn falling to the 22nd pick in the draft, was the Eagles taking a QB few heard of before his name was announced on Saturday. We all know why it was so surprising -- the Eagles had a number of other needs to fill, they already have a franchise signal caller and two decent backups -- but the question why he was selected still goes partly unanswered.
Yes, the Eagles' brass said that he was the best available talent, but who cares. As someone pointed out to me this weekend, how much can that talent help when he won't even see any significant game action. Players like Utah safety Eric Weddle, USC wide out Dwayne Jarrett and Rutgers fullback/running back Brian Leonard were all still on the board. I'm not a draft expert or NFL talent evaluator, but I have to think that these players might help the team more than a backup/future QB, who most likely won't play anyway even if McNabb isn't ready for the start of the season as he rehabs his surgically repaired knee.
There has to be some underlying issue with McNabb. Whether it is his injured knee, his age or the fact that he has trouble in the "big game," an interesting storyline is going to unfold in the coming weeks.
Regardless, my money is on an organizational error. I bet that the Eagles gave the wrong card to the runner that gives the information to the commissioner, or who ever called out Kolb's name. Right now, we are witnessing the cover up...
By the way, you know you're in the Philadelphia TV market when you're trying to escape the monotony of the NFL Draft by watching the FOX Baseball Game of the Week only to have the annoying text scroll at the bottom of the screen alerting viewers to who the Eagles took with their first draft pick. Thanks for the update!
Don't look now Philadelphia, but your Phillies are surging. The Phils have won seven of nine games and have won their last three series. The team is 11-13 overall, a far cry from the horrid 3-10 start to the season.
The winning must really be getting to the fans, because now they don't have anything to complain about. Not only is the team winning, but the hated Pat Burrell continues to produce, Aaron Rowand is also coming up big at the plate and Jimmy Rollins is an early contender for the MVP honor. The starting pitching is even coming through as the move of Brett Myers to the bullpen has helped secure the late-inning hiccups.
Although, there is one person the Phils fans can have an issue with -- reigning league MVP Ryan Howard. The slugger is hitting just .219 this season with three homers, 12 RBI and 10 runs scored.
It's no secret that Howard needs to produce for the Phillies to make any noise in the NL this season. The problem is that nobody seems to know when Howard is going to start to produce. Every time he shows just a glimpse of breaking out of his slump, he falls right back into it. He's been swinging at bad pitches and pulling off the pitches on the outside of the plate and striking out at the most inopportune times.
There are a number of ways to handle someone in such a slump, but Howard seems to be very fragile and anything too rash might cause even bigger problems.
Remember, this is the guy who wanted a long-term contract prior to the start of the season and not getting that has most likely affected his play.
So, if Charlie Manuel decides to rest his slugger for a few days, or moves him down in the lineup, that might cause irreversible psychological problems. I do think, however, if he moves to the third spot, in front of Chase Utley in the four-hole, then he might start to see some better pitches. The problem is he'll have to lay off the bad ones, something he hasn't been able to do...
Speaking of Uncle Charlie, he has to be happy he is no longer the major league manager on the hot seat. Over the past week he has managed to pass that torch along to Yankees skipper Joe Torre. The Yanks have dropped eight of nine games, including five of six to the rival Red Sox, which can't sit well with owner George Steinbrenner.
If Torre is going to get canned, today might be the day. The Yanks have an off-day before starting a three-game set in Texas and that might be enough time for Torre to empty his office and hand the keys over to either Don Mattingly or Joe Girardi. Both are in the organization currently (Mattingly as a coach and Girardi as a YES Network commentator) and depending on how soon the front office wants to win will determine who gets the gig.
The win-now manager is Girardi. He won the Manager of the Year award last year with the Marlins and can come in right away and get things cooking. Mattingly, on the other hand, has never had managerial experience on the big-league level and is someone who will have work out the kinks before getting the team rocking and rolling.
Why should Phillies fans worry about Torre's job status and who the next manager in the Bronx is? Well, Girardi will be the hot name this offseason to fill a managerial position, and with Manuel in the last year of his contract, Phillies fans should be keeping a close eye on what Girardi is doing. He might be the right guy for the job...
Sticking with baseball, I'm starting to think there is another undetectable steroid on the market. Why? Well, not only is Barry Bonds on pace to break Hank Aaron's home run record before midseason, but Sammy Sosa is hitting again. Sosa is a guy who went in the tank two years ago in Baltimore, and after a season away from the game already has seven home runs. I'm not complaining too much though, I have Sosa on my fantasy team and I hope he keeps sticking that needle in his butt -- until I trade him that is...
Nice showing by the defending NBA champion Miami Heat in the playoffs this week. The squad was swept in four games by the Chicago Bulls, who exploited the aging Heat for the underachieving, over-rated frauds that they are. Yeah, yeah, I know I picked the Heat to win the series, but they are an old team, with an old coach and an injured super-star (Dwyane Wade, not Shaquille O'Neal). They are the first defending champs since the 1984 Sixers to lose in the first round and first to be swept in the first round since the 1957 Philadelphia Warriors. That's the last time I jump on the Heat's bandwagon.
The Bulls are going to be a tough out for Detroit Pistons in the next round. Chicago, which won three of four from the Pistons in the regular season, has a strong perimeter game and despite not having a go-to guy in the post, the team finds ways to score inside. Kirk Hinrich can drive the lane with some of the best in the league, Luol Deng gets to the paint for jumpers and if Ben Gordon is on, there is no other player I want on my team in the fourth quarter in the NBA right now. Gordon has clutch-performer written all over him...
I wish I would've picked the Warriors over the Mavs like my gut told me too...
Oh, yeah. In case you missed it, which you probably did, NBC was to air "Barbaro, A Nation's Horse" on Sunday. But because of the 2OT Rangers-Sabres playoff game, it got bumped. Tell me, though, if Barbaro was the Nation's horse, why would a hockey game with a rating below that of the Kentucky Derby bump it? Talk about adding insult to injury, not only is Barbaro still not buried, but a hockey game cost him a shot at completing his time in the spotlight which needs to come to an end by the way.
Your rantings are always welcome at gwiley@phanaticmag.com.
The Successor
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
I've been on the phone all night and as far as I can tell, there is no truth to the rumors that Andy Reid and Tom Heckert got into Britt and Garrett Reid's stash.
That said, how else can you possibly explain the "no holes" mentality of the soon to be Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles?
Last time I looked guys like Sean Considine, Dhani Jones (editor's note: Jones was still a member of the Eagles when this was written) and Darren Howard were still a top the Birds depth chart. As is the injury-ravaged Jevon Kearse, along with the aging Jeremiah Trotter and Brian Dawkins.
Yet with Super Bowl dreams still dancing in their fans heads, the Eagles felt no need to address any of that and traded down to grab Donovan McNabb's successor, an unequivocal sign that "Big Red" has finally lost confidence in his franchise signal-caller.
And, normally I would give Reid the benefit of the doubt. At some point you have to move on and McNabb has been sidelined by significant injuries in three of the past five seasons. He is also now on the wrong side of 30, a significant milestone in the NFL.
So, the end is near but just how close is it?
"I'm convinced this (the drafting of Kevin Kolb) signals the end of Donovan McNabb's tenure in Philadelphia," ComcastSportsnet's Ron Burke said on my radio show this weekend. "It won't be this season but they drafted Kolb to take over in 2008."
If that's true, it's time to take inventory. Reid has been a good coach for a very long time but let's be honest -- all his success boils down to one definitive moment. Everything else is just window dressing.
If this organization succumbed to Angelo Cataldi and the 30 losers he brought to Madison Square Garden's Felt Forum all those years ago, Reid would be in the Federal Witness Protection Program, likely coaching the offensive line in Tennessee far off any NFL head coaching radar.
Like him or not McNabb carried this franchise to heights it never achieved before. If the team actually picked the hippie-lettuce loving Ricky Williams over DMac, we would all have been watching the Detroit Lions over the past eight years.
That doesn't mean McNabb doesn't have his warts. He is a frighteningly sensitive, unlikable guy with a mouthy mother so many of the louts that follow this team have vilified him on many levels.
If you listen to the detractors McNabb might as well be...Kevin Kolb.
Fortunately he wasn't and you all will get to see that when Kolb takes his place under center.
Welcome to mediocrity and get used to it.
The Phanatic Magazine
I've been on the phone all night and as far as I can tell, there is no truth to the rumors that Andy Reid and Tom Heckert got into Britt and Garrett Reid's stash.
That said, how else can you possibly explain the "no holes" mentality of the soon to be Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles?
Last time I looked guys like Sean Considine, Dhani Jones (editor's note: Jones was still a member of the Eagles when this was written) and Darren Howard were still a top the Birds depth chart. As is the injury-ravaged Jevon Kearse, along with the aging Jeremiah Trotter and Brian Dawkins.
Yet with Super Bowl dreams still dancing in their fans heads, the Eagles felt no need to address any of that and traded down to grab Donovan McNabb's successor, an unequivocal sign that "Big Red" has finally lost confidence in his franchise signal-caller.
And, normally I would give Reid the benefit of the doubt. At some point you have to move on and McNabb has been sidelined by significant injuries in three of the past five seasons. He is also now on the wrong side of 30, a significant milestone in the NFL.
So, the end is near but just how close is it?
"I'm convinced this (the drafting of Kevin Kolb) signals the end of Donovan McNabb's tenure in Philadelphia," ComcastSportsnet's Ron Burke said on my radio show this weekend. "It won't be this season but they drafted Kolb to take over in 2008."
If that's true, it's time to take inventory. Reid has been a good coach for a very long time but let's be honest -- all his success boils down to one definitive moment. Everything else is just window dressing.
If this organization succumbed to Angelo Cataldi and the 30 losers he brought to Madison Square Garden's Felt Forum all those years ago, Reid would be in the Federal Witness Protection Program, likely coaching the offensive line in Tennessee far off any NFL head coaching radar.
Like him or not McNabb carried this franchise to heights it never achieved before. If the team actually picked the hippie-lettuce loving Ricky Williams over DMac, we would all have been watching the Detroit Lions over the past eight years.
That doesn't mean McNabb doesn't have his warts. He is a frighteningly sensitive, unlikable guy with a mouthy mother so many of the louts that follow this team have vilified him on many levels.
If you listen to the detractors McNabb might as well be...Kevin Kolb.
Fortunately he wasn't and you all will get to see that when Kolb takes his place under center.
Welcome to mediocrity and get used to it.
Winners and Losers from Draft Day
By Jared Trexler
The Phanatic Magazine
First, I give a huge round of applause to my colleagues Tim McManus and John McMullen, who orchestrated as in-depth, real-time Eagles draft coverage as anywhere on the Internet. Granted, there were plenty of questions to type once the name "Kevin Kolb" was uttered at the podium following a trade out of the first round, but still I give kudos to my colleagues.
The draft is the second biggest day in the NFL behind Super Bowl Sunday, and after 5 hours the Eagles trading picks within their division had to leave the Green and White faithful in a state of disappointment, especially considering fifth overall draft pick Levi Brown once said at Penn State that Purdue defensive end and Dallas draft choice Anthony Spencer was the best rush end he faced.
The draft took a shocking turn with the slide of Brady Quinn, Miami's selection of Ted Ginn, Jr. that subsequently triggered the plummet and other interesting second round steals.
The following is The Phanatic Magazine winners and losers from the 2007 Draft after plodding through scout views, GM spin and our own untrained eye:
Winners:
Oakland: The Raiders did what they had to do -- drafting JaMarcus Russell with the top overall selection. Scouts salivate over Russell's "tools" -- i.e. arm strength, physical makeup and mobility in the pocket. I'm not so sure Russell NFL's slope won't trend more toward Ryan Leaf and Akili Smith than Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, but it's a roll of the dice Oakland had to take considering its current quarterback structure. The pick that really fascinates me is Louisville running Michael Bush in the fourth round. One has to wonder how healthy the leg is considering he fell to pick 100, but pre-injury Bush had the physical makeup and instinctive cutback ability of a sure fire first-rounder. If, and it's a big if, Bush regains full strength, the Raiders may have found a future rushing champion in the fourth round.
The draft smells risk with the distinct possibility of vast reward. Grade: A-
Arizona: Football is a man's game. It's won in the trenches, someplace all to foreign and yet such a big piece of the Cardinals' recent futility. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm, both former Steelers assistants, took on the philosophy of their old team during the draft, suring up both lines in the first two rounds. I've seen Levi Brown on tape and in person, and more often than not I see a smart, technically sound player who has Pro Bowl written all over him. Also, when you have a franchise quarterback in toe, protecting him should be of the utmost importance. Here's saying Brown covers Matt Lienart's blind side for the next decade. Alan Branch was once seen as a Top 5 pick before a poor combine coupled with closer inspection of film found a player who really wasn't a playmaker. However, no one can argue Branch has the physical tools of a Casey Hampton, another Steeler connection. The Michigan product will likely play nose tackle in the Cardinals' 3-4 scheme.
They improved both lines while taking some risks later in the draft. Grade: B+
Pittsburgh: Bravo to Mike Tomlin for his first draft in the Steel City. If it wasn't for a late trade, Kansas City was prepared to swap picks with Pittsburgh in the first round, likely giving the Steelers another second day selection. The deal didn't come to fruition and the Steelers spent their first two selections on gifted "tweeners." Pittsburgh has a history of turning three-point stance rush ends or pure, undersized athletes into part of a relentless blitzing defense. Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons fits the description of athletic, yet with some flexibility. He was comfortable in a 3-4 alignment at Florida State, yet has the size and versatility to play on the outside in a 4-3 defense.
Regardless of what others say, Tomlin plans to stick with a 3-4 this season, but won't rule out playing some hybrid defenses to confuse opposing offenses. How Lamar Woodley dropped into Pittsburgh's lap I'll never know. Well, actually I do know. Woodley is looked at as undersized for the edge without the stand-up speed of a linebacker. The same could have been said for Gregg Lloyd and Joey Porter. Woodley had one mentality at Michigan -- get to the quarterback, and he excelled to the second most sacks in Wolverine history. That mentality will sit well with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's attack.
The third round pick fits in with Bruce Arians' multiple TE scheme, and a source told me that Pittsburgh envisions using Heath Miller more like Dallas Clark in 2007. Still, there were other pressing needs (RB, offensive line, secondary) on the table when Matt Spaeth was taken in Round 3 and punter (Ray Guy award winner) Daniel Sepulveda was selected in the fourth round. The first two picks were among the best in the draft, the rest left something to be desired. Grade: B+
Cleveland: The Browns rolled the dice and won -- at least on Draft Day. I have always been in the Brady Quinn is overrated camp, but at 22 the value is unquestionably high. Now, the price tag -- this year's third and 2008's first rounder -- may be steep when looked back upon, but Cleveland had to inject its franchise with life. They got a possible franchise quarterback and the draft's best offensive lineman in the first 22 selections, a major coup for GM Phil Savage and company. The Browns also took a gamble on a corner with first-round talent in Eric Wright. The kid has off-field issues, but major upside on the field.
Joe Thomas is a stud with really quick feet for a man his size. Quinn is raw in my opinion and needs to get mentally tougher, but he will likely learn plenty on the job. Grade: A
Atlanta: So, it didn't jump up to take homeboy Calvin Johnson, but the Falcons while not flashy improved both lines and added some toughness to their secondary in the first three rounds. Jamaal Anderson is a coach's dream -- big, strong, instinctive and agile. He was the best defensive player in the draft. Period. Justin Blalock was once thought to be a sure fire first rounder until questions circulated about his muscle mass and toughness. The kid protected quarterbacks at one of college football's best programs --and my cardinal rule is big-program college success is a good indicator of continued success at the next level. Not always, but it's not as risky as a player with eye-popping numbers at a lower-level institution. The complexity of the game is entirely different as is the physical battle in the pros, but BCS conference football is the best preparation if there is any. Chris Houston is only 5-11, but excels near the line of scrimmage and the transition to a new life can only be easier with college teammate Anderson joining him in the Dirty, Dirty South.
The Falcons made good use of their two second-round choices and avoided the temptation of giving away those picks to land Johnson. Grade: A.
Losers:
Philadelphia: The Eagles traded out of the first round to take a quarterback who will be third or fourth on their depth chart. A team with solid starters but little depth in the secondary picked a quarterback with its first selection then a defensive end -- Victor Abiamiri -- from one of college football's most overrated defenses. Abiamiri is a good, smart football player but scouts compare him to the Giants' Justin Tuck. Again, intriguing mid-major corner Usama Young from Kent State and physically gifted corner Marcus McCauley were still on the board. The argument isn't as much Abiamiri's selection as it is a two-fold question without a logical answer. Abiamiri couldn't have been the "best available", could he? And why select a defensive end when you've spent free agent dollars and recent first round draft choices on upgrading the line?
The Kevin Kolb selection was more peculiar, because I think both John Beck and Drew Stanton are better pro prospects. Even so, I couldn't possibly justify picking any of the three ahead of tight end Greg Olsen or the corners listed above. It is possible -- and we can give Andy Reid et al the benefit of the doubt if we must -- that the Eagles were squarely targeting a safety before a rash of Reggie Nelson, Brandon Meriweather and Michael Griffin were selected from picks 19-24. But still, quarterback? Eric Weddle (SS, Utah) or Blalock (OT, Texas) would have been better choices. Grade: C-
New England: I must respectfully yet fervently disagree with my colleague Steve Lienert. One scout penned just before draft day that Brandon Meriweather was the most overrated player in the draft. He has the "U" name going for him, but also carries the Hurricanes baggage as troubled and always in trouble. So, since when have the character-sensitive Patriots turned into Foxboro Correctional Facility? Meriweather is a thug, plain and simple. He has decent range -- not as good as Michael Griffin -- and above average speed -- but not as fast as Florida's Reggie Nelson. He was the third best safety in the draft, and coupled with his off-field issues, may have been a risk in the early second round. Then there is Randy Moss. In my professional opinion, Moss has lost a step, and he wasn't very fast to begin with. He doesn't run geometrically fluid routes, only tries 60 percent of the time and is a square peg in the round hole of New England's short passing, clockwork offense. Moss doesn't excel underneath, and unless Tom Brady plans on heaving jump balls once a quarter -- the move does more harm in the locker room than good on the field. The Patriots won with coaching and team chemistry, coupled with a talent pool in the league's top 10 but nowhere near the top. Talent-wise the selection of Meriweather and the trade of a fourth-round pick for Moss are huge pluses. However, New England's core values were wiped clean -- instead selling its soul for a Super Bowl.
We say here that the soul is gone, but the Super Bowl doesn't follow. Grade: C+
Seattle: Deion Branch killed Seattle's draft before it started, showing on the field this past season that he wasn't worth the first-round pick surrendered to New England. The Seahawks needed help in the secondary and did address the issue by selecting Maryland corner Josh Wilson in the second round instead of taking McCauley -- the cover guy with more tools and a better upside. Wilson plays like a linebacker without the body, resulting in various nagging injuries while in College Park.
Branch needs to show more, or Seattle lost an opportunity to improve its secondary in Round 1. Grade: C.
Miami: I'm not a Quinn apologist, and Beck may turn out to be the better pro, but reports are surfacing that Ted Ginn, Jr. may not be fully healed by the start of training camp. That leaves some to wonder whether the Dolphins medical and personnel staff did its just homework, or plain overlooked the injury while enamored with Ginn's pure speed. I've seen Ted Ginn in person twice, and came away highly unimpressed both times. Teddy Ballgame was visibly frustrated with Penn State's shadow approach in two meetings, jamming him at the line to throw off timing and boxing him in with a linebacker underneath and a safety over the top. Ginn shies away from the middle of the field and doesn't run real crisp routes. He is fast, yes, but football isn't track.
The pass on Brady Quinn may not haunt them more than the selection of Ted Ginn. Grade: C.
Tennessee: I heard scouts in the days leading up to draft day question Griffin's ability to play in space. He can stop the run and play center field, sure, but was he truly worth a first-round draft choice? The Titans thought so, drafting the Texas safety No. 19 overall. He lacks the size to shed blockers in the box and sometimes over pursues, leaving a play susceptible to the cutback home run. Arizona running back Chris Henry shows all the physical tools (6-0, 228 pounds), a physical specimen with shifty hips and a strong upper body. However, he was seldom used in college, which brings questions about his drive and work ethic. Can he stay focused? Does he really want to excel at the next level? Unsure answers leave a lot to be desired for a team that lost Travis Henry to Denver.
Grade: C.
---------
Jared Trexler can be reached at jtrexler@phanaticmag.com
The Phanatic Magazine
First, I give a huge round of applause to my colleagues Tim McManus and John McMullen, who orchestrated as in-depth, real-time Eagles draft coverage as anywhere on the Internet. Granted, there were plenty of questions to type once the name "Kevin Kolb" was uttered at the podium following a trade out of the first round, but still I give kudos to my colleagues.
The draft is the second biggest day in the NFL behind Super Bowl Sunday, and after 5 hours the Eagles trading picks within their division had to leave the Green and White faithful in a state of disappointment, especially considering fifth overall draft pick Levi Brown once said at Penn State that Purdue defensive end and Dallas draft choice Anthony Spencer was the best rush end he faced.
The draft took a shocking turn with the slide of Brady Quinn, Miami's selection of Ted Ginn, Jr. that subsequently triggered the plummet and other interesting second round steals.
The following is The Phanatic Magazine winners and losers from the 2007 Draft after plodding through scout views, GM spin and our own untrained eye:
Winners:
Oakland: The Raiders did what they had to do -- drafting JaMarcus Russell with the top overall selection. Scouts salivate over Russell's "tools" -- i.e. arm strength, physical makeup and mobility in the pocket. I'm not so sure Russell NFL's slope won't trend more toward Ryan Leaf and Akili Smith than Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, but it's a roll of the dice Oakland had to take considering its current quarterback structure. The pick that really fascinates me is Louisville running Michael Bush in the fourth round. One has to wonder how healthy the leg is considering he fell to pick 100, but pre-injury Bush had the physical makeup and instinctive cutback ability of a sure fire first-rounder. If, and it's a big if, Bush regains full strength, the Raiders may have found a future rushing champion in the fourth round.
The draft smells risk with the distinct possibility of vast reward. Grade: A-
Arizona: Football is a man's game. It's won in the trenches, someplace all to foreign and yet such a big piece of the Cardinals' recent futility. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm, both former Steelers assistants, took on the philosophy of their old team during the draft, suring up both lines in the first two rounds. I've seen Levi Brown on tape and in person, and more often than not I see a smart, technically sound player who has Pro Bowl written all over him. Also, when you have a franchise quarterback in toe, protecting him should be of the utmost importance. Here's saying Brown covers Matt Lienart's blind side for the next decade. Alan Branch was once seen as a Top 5 pick before a poor combine coupled with closer inspection of film found a player who really wasn't a playmaker. However, no one can argue Branch has the physical tools of a Casey Hampton, another Steeler connection. The Michigan product will likely play nose tackle in the Cardinals' 3-4 scheme.
They improved both lines while taking some risks later in the draft. Grade: B+
Pittsburgh: Bravo to Mike Tomlin for his first draft in the Steel City. If it wasn't for a late trade, Kansas City was prepared to swap picks with Pittsburgh in the first round, likely giving the Steelers another second day selection. The deal didn't come to fruition and the Steelers spent their first two selections on gifted "tweeners." Pittsburgh has a history of turning three-point stance rush ends or pure, undersized athletes into part of a relentless blitzing defense. Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons fits the description of athletic, yet with some flexibility. He was comfortable in a 3-4 alignment at Florida State, yet has the size and versatility to play on the outside in a 4-3 defense.
Regardless of what others say, Tomlin plans to stick with a 3-4 this season, but won't rule out playing some hybrid defenses to confuse opposing offenses. How Lamar Woodley dropped into Pittsburgh's lap I'll never know. Well, actually I do know. Woodley is looked at as undersized for the edge without the stand-up speed of a linebacker. The same could have been said for Gregg Lloyd and Joey Porter. Woodley had one mentality at Michigan -- get to the quarterback, and he excelled to the second most sacks in Wolverine history. That mentality will sit well with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's attack.
The third round pick fits in with Bruce Arians' multiple TE scheme, and a source told me that Pittsburgh envisions using Heath Miller more like Dallas Clark in 2007. Still, there were other pressing needs (RB, offensive line, secondary) on the table when Matt Spaeth was taken in Round 3 and punter (Ray Guy award winner) Daniel Sepulveda was selected in the fourth round. The first two picks were among the best in the draft, the rest left something to be desired. Grade: B+
Cleveland: The Browns rolled the dice and won -- at least on Draft Day. I have always been in the Brady Quinn is overrated camp, but at 22 the value is unquestionably high. Now, the price tag -- this year's third and 2008's first rounder -- may be steep when looked back upon, but Cleveland had to inject its franchise with life. They got a possible franchise quarterback and the draft's best offensive lineman in the first 22 selections, a major coup for GM Phil Savage and company. The Browns also took a gamble on a corner with first-round talent in Eric Wright. The kid has off-field issues, but major upside on the field.
Joe Thomas is a stud with really quick feet for a man his size. Quinn is raw in my opinion and needs to get mentally tougher, but he will likely learn plenty on the job. Grade: A
Atlanta: So, it didn't jump up to take homeboy Calvin Johnson, but the Falcons while not flashy improved both lines and added some toughness to their secondary in the first three rounds. Jamaal Anderson is a coach's dream -- big, strong, instinctive and agile. He was the best defensive player in the draft. Period. Justin Blalock was once thought to be a sure fire first rounder until questions circulated about his muscle mass and toughness. The kid protected quarterbacks at one of college football's best programs --and my cardinal rule is big-program college success is a good indicator of continued success at the next level. Not always, but it's not as risky as a player with eye-popping numbers at a lower-level institution. The complexity of the game is entirely different as is the physical battle in the pros, but BCS conference football is the best preparation if there is any. Chris Houston is only 5-11, but excels near the line of scrimmage and the transition to a new life can only be easier with college teammate Anderson joining him in the Dirty, Dirty South.
The Falcons made good use of their two second-round choices and avoided the temptation of giving away those picks to land Johnson. Grade: A.
Losers:
Philadelphia: The Eagles traded out of the first round to take a quarterback who will be third or fourth on their depth chart. A team with solid starters but little depth in the secondary picked a quarterback with its first selection then a defensive end -- Victor Abiamiri -- from one of college football's most overrated defenses. Abiamiri is a good, smart football player but scouts compare him to the Giants' Justin Tuck. Again, intriguing mid-major corner Usama Young from Kent State and physically gifted corner Marcus McCauley were still on the board. The argument isn't as much Abiamiri's selection as it is a two-fold question without a logical answer. Abiamiri couldn't have been the "best available", could he? And why select a defensive end when you've spent free agent dollars and recent first round draft choices on upgrading the line?
The Kevin Kolb selection was more peculiar, because I think both John Beck and Drew Stanton are better pro prospects. Even so, I couldn't possibly justify picking any of the three ahead of tight end Greg Olsen or the corners listed above. It is possible -- and we can give Andy Reid et al the benefit of the doubt if we must -- that the Eagles were squarely targeting a safety before a rash of Reggie Nelson, Brandon Meriweather and Michael Griffin were selected from picks 19-24. But still, quarterback? Eric Weddle (SS, Utah) or Blalock (OT, Texas) would have been better choices. Grade: C-
New England: I must respectfully yet fervently disagree with my colleague Steve Lienert. One scout penned just before draft day that Brandon Meriweather was the most overrated player in the draft. He has the "U" name going for him, but also carries the Hurricanes baggage as troubled and always in trouble. So, since when have the character-sensitive Patriots turned into Foxboro Correctional Facility? Meriweather is a thug, plain and simple. He has decent range -- not as good as Michael Griffin -- and above average speed -- but not as fast as Florida's Reggie Nelson. He was the third best safety in the draft, and coupled with his off-field issues, may have been a risk in the early second round. Then there is Randy Moss. In my professional opinion, Moss has lost a step, and he wasn't very fast to begin with. He doesn't run geometrically fluid routes, only tries 60 percent of the time and is a square peg in the round hole of New England's short passing, clockwork offense. Moss doesn't excel underneath, and unless Tom Brady plans on heaving jump balls once a quarter -- the move does more harm in the locker room than good on the field. The Patriots won with coaching and team chemistry, coupled with a talent pool in the league's top 10 but nowhere near the top. Talent-wise the selection of Meriweather and the trade of a fourth-round pick for Moss are huge pluses. However, New England's core values were wiped clean -- instead selling its soul for a Super Bowl.
We say here that the soul is gone, but the Super Bowl doesn't follow. Grade: C+
Seattle: Deion Branch killed Seattle's draft before it started, showing on the field this past season that he wasn't worth the first-round pick surrendered to New England. The Seahawks needed help in the secondary and did address the issue by selecting Maryland corner Josh Wilson in the second round instead of taking McCauley -- the cover guy with more tools and a better upside. Wilson plays like a linebacker without the body, resulting in various nagging injuries while in College Park.
Branch needs to show more, or Seattle lost an opportunity to improve its secondary in Round 1. Grade: C.
Miami: I'm not a Quinn apologist, and Beck may turn out to be the better pro, but reports are surfacing that Ted Ginn, Jr. may not be fully healed by the start of training camp. That leaves some to wonder whether the Dolphins medical and personnel staff did its just homework, or plain overlooked the injury while enamored with Ginn's pure speed. I've seen Ted Ginn in person twice, and came away highly unimpressed both times. Teddy Ballgame was visibly frustrated with Penn State's shadow approach in two meetings, jamming him at the line to throw off timing and boxing him in with a linebacker underneath and a safety over the top. Ginn shies away from the middle of the field and doesn't run real crisp routes. He is fast, yes, but football isn't track.
The pass on Brady Quinn may not haunt them more than the selection of Ted Ginn. Grade: C.
Tennessee: I heard scouts in the days leading up to draft day question Griffin's ability to play in space. He can stop the run and play center field, sure, but was he truly worth a first-round draft choice? The Titans thought so, drafting the Texas safety No. 19 overall. He lacks the size to shed blockers in the box and sometimes over pursues, leaving a play susceptible to the cutback home run. Arizona running back Chris Henry shows all the physical tools (6-0, 228 pounds), a physical specimen with shifty hips and a strong upper body. However, he was seldom used in college, which brings questions about his drive and work ethic. Can he stay focused? Does he really want to excel at the next level? Unsure answers leave a lot to be desired for a team that lost Travis Henry to Denver.
Grade: C.
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Jared Trexler can be reached at jtrexler@phanaticmag.com
Sunday, April 29, 2007
And Another Thing…
By Jeff Glauser
The Phanatic Magazine
The Phanatic Magazine
(As much as I had hoped my previous column would have served as a catharsis of sorts, I realized I wasn’t done yet. Bear with me…)
I’m quite sure there’s a more effective strategy to run the draft in absentia, but like I said, I’m an amateur.
In the meantime, I get someone like Kurt Warner as my starting quarterback (2006 version, not 2001), a Donte Stallworth, injury-waiting-to-happen type as my No. 1 receiver, a starting tight end more known for his blocking, and the
The more I think of how this Eagles draft turned out, the more I wonder if Andy and pals had to attend a family function, or perhaps were guilted into spending more time with the better half (“You’re watching film on football players again? Isn’t there a rerun of Sex and the City on?”), and simply ran an auto draft.
Look back on this week and tell me if you don’t notice a similar pattern as my fantasy ineptitude.
Jeff’s columns run here every Sunday – and sometimes twice when he’s especially pissed off about something. Feel free to email him and share in his misery: jglauser@phanaticmag.com.
The ‘Best Available’ Draft
By Jeff Glauser
The Phanatic Magazine
After almost seven hours of waiting, wondering, and monitoring an day-long beer buzz, after suffering through the interminable filibustering of the media between picks, after nearly a full day of watching our lives pass before us (especially if our name ends in “Quinn”), after watching our boys in green delay the inevitable (by trading down with the Cowboys, which, in hindsight, should have been the first foreboding sign of things to come), the moment had arrived:
Quarterback.
Some guy named Cobb (or is it Kolb? Or I think it’s one and sounds like the other).
And then, less than an hour later, a defensive end with a name I won’t even bother to try to pronounce. The D-Line members already on the roster – still holding regular icebreakers to learn each other’s name – will now add another to the masses.
Instantly, the Eagles placed itself in a position to contend for the ever-elusive championship.
In 2010.
Maybe.
And while other contending teams pride themselves on adjusting to how the board pans out, filling glaring holes and immediate needs, putting their chips to the center to get over the top, our Iggles continue to stay the course.
“Dubya” would be proud.
Stockpiling for depth is fine – when you’re several weeks removed from raising the Lombardi Trophy and kept the nucleus of the team together. Dem Birds, however, do not fit that profile.
In the coming days, the most overused two words you’ll hear from management will be “best” and “available.” As in, “We chose Kolb because he was the ‘best available’ player when our turn came around.”
The “best available” will now – barring any unforeseen circumstances – be holding a clipboard for at least the next several years.
And, truthfully, that’s even if he makes the team! Remember, the Eagles spent the offseason giving Jeff Garcia money to newly anointed No. 2 man A.J. Feeley and traded to get presumed third-stringer (and former NFL starter) Kelly Holcomb.
(Oh, and by the way, there’s a very good chance the “best available” would have remained on the board by the time they picked again at 57)
(Furthermore, earlier today, the Patriots traded its fourth round pick – well into the 100’s - to the Raiders for Randy Moss. So I guess our “best available” – destined to hold a clipboard or lead the practice squad - is better than a probable Hall of Famer)
According to ESPN.com, Donovan McNabb expressed “befuddlement” at the choice.
Can you blame him? Regardless of the team’s soon-to-be stale alibi that this is, by no means, a testament to the lack of faith it holds in its franchise QB and alleged team leader, how can it not be? Could we perhaps be missing something in all of this? Slow progress on his rehab? A major trade on the horizon?
In a way, I hope so. At least then my afternoon which lasted eternity - and my buzzkill, which occurred in an instant - will be somewhat justified.
Jeff Glauser’s “best available” columns can be read here every Sunday. Reach him at jglauser@phanaticmag.com.
The Phanatic Magazine
After almost seven hours of waiting, wondering, and monitoring an day-long beer buzz, after suffering through the interminable filibustering of the media between picks, after nearly a full day of watching our lives pass before us (especially if our name ends in “Quinn”), after watching our boys in green delay the inevitable (by trading down with the Cowboys, which, in hindsight, should have been the first foreboding sign of things to come), the moment had arrived:
Quarterback.
Some guy named Cobb (or is it Kolb? Or I think it’s one and sounds like the other).
And then, less than an hour later, a defensive end with a name I won’t even bother to try to pronounce. The D-Line members already on the roster – still holding regular icebreakers to learn each other’s name – will now add another to the masses.
Instantly, the Eagles placed itself in a position to contend for the ever-elusive championship.
In 2010.
Maybe.
And while other contending teams pride themselves on adjusting to how the board pans out, filling glaring holes and immediate needs, putting their chips to the center to get over the top, our Iggles continue to stay the course.
“Dubya” would be proud.
Stockpiling for depth is fine – when you’re several weeks removed from raising the Lombardi Trophy and kept the nucleus of the team together. Dem Birds, however, do not fit that profile.
In the coming days, the most overused two words you’ll hear from management will be “best” and “available.” As in, “We chose Kolb because he was the ‘best available’ player when our turn came around.”
The “best available” will now – barring any unforeseen circumstances – be holding a clipboard for at least the next several years.
And, truthfully, that’s even if he makes the team! Remember, the Eagles spent the offseason giving Jeff Garcia money to newly anointed No. 2 man A.J. Feeley and traded to get presumed third-stringer (and former NFL starter) Kelly Holcomb.
(Oh, and by the way, there’s a very good chance the “best available” would have remained on the board by the time they picked again at 57)
(Furthermore, earlier today, the Patriots traded its fourth round pick – well into the 100’s - to the Raiders for Randy Moss. So I guess our “best available” – destined to hold a clipboard or lead the practice squad - is better than a probable Hall of Famer)
According to ESPN.com, Donovan McNabb expressed “befuddlement” at the choice.
Can you blame him? Regardless of the team’s soon-to-be stale alibi that this is, by no means, a testament to the lack of faith it holds in its franchise QB and alleged team leader, how can it not be? Could we perhaps be missing something in all of this? Slow progress on his rehab? A major trade on the horizon?
In a way, I hope so. At least then my afternoon which lasted eternity - and my buzzkill, which occurred in an instant - will be somewhat justified.
Jeff Glauser’s “best available” columns can be read here every Sunday. Reach him at jglauser@phanaticmag.com.
Tony Hunt speaks to the media
***Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles***
On whether he feels he can be the big running back many feel the Eagles need:
“I feel like I’m a big back and I think that’s why they drafted me. Hopefully, I can bring something to the table that this team is looking for.”
On how much playing time he expects to receive with the Eagles:
“To be honest, I don’t really have a clue about that. I haven’t heard anything yet about anything like that [about how much playing time I’ll receive]. I’ll have to wait and see.”
On where he thought he would be taken in the draft:
“I was thinking anywhere from [rounds] two to three. I went late three. I was just happy to go to Philly. I think it was getting a little long late in the rounds, and I ended up going to Philly. So, we’ll make it work.”
On whether the Eagles were one of the teams that expressed interest in him prior to the draft:
“They were one of the teams I visited, so, yeah, I’d say so.”
On what role teams he visited with prior to the draft wanted him to play:
“Basically the ‘big back’ role- the role I played my whole college career. That’s what I can do.”
On why he has become known as what people label “a big back”:
“It just kind of happened. I didn’t necessarily say ‘[I’m a] big back.’ I just did some hard running. You don’t necessarily have to be big to do that. I just go after the yards that other guys kind of don’t want to get.”
On whether it was important for him to be drafted by a successful franchise:
“I think that’s definitely a positive thing about it, to go to a good football team that’s going to get better.”
On whether there was too much emphasis placed on his 40-yd. dash time at the combine:
“Yeah, I think that’s the truth. I kind of knew that that would be the case. So, it didn’t bother me as much as I expected it [to].”
On whether he feels he can be the big running back many feel the Eagles need:
“I feel like I’m a big back and I think that’s why they drafted me. Hopefully, I can bring something to the table that this team is looking for.”
On how much playing time he expects to receive with the Eagles:
“To be honest, I don’t really have a clue about that. I haven’t heard anything yet about anything like that [about how much playing time I’ll receive]. I’ll have to wait and see.”
On where he thought he would be taken in the draft:
“I was thinking anywhere from [rounds] two to three. I went late three. I was just happy to go to Philly. I think it was getting a little long late in the rounds, and I ended up going to Philly. So, we’ll make it work.”
On whether the Eagles were one of the teams that expressed interest in him prior to the draft:
“They were one of the teams I visited, so, yeah, I’d say so.”
On what role teams he visited with prior to the draft wanted him to play:
“Basically the ‘big back’ role- the role I played my whole college career. That’s what I can do.”
On why he has become known as what people label “a big back”:
“It just kind of happened. I didn’t necessarily say ‘[I’m a] big back.’ I just did some hard running. You don’t necessarily have to be big to do that. I just go after the yards that other guys kind of don’t want to get.”
On whether it was important for him to be drafted by a successful franchise:
“I think that’s definitely a positive thing about it, to go to a good football team that’s going to get better.”
On whether there was too much emphasis placed on his 40-yd. dash time at the combine:
“Yeah, I think that’s the truth. I kind of knew that that would be the case. So, it didn’t bother me as much as I expected it [to].”
Drafting Kolb signals trouble
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
This pick is disconcerting.
If there is anything to say about the relationship between Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb over the years, it's that it has been drenched in loyalty.
Reid was forced to defend McNabb from the moment he drafted him, and has continued to do so throughout their eight-year tenure together. That includes internally as well, not just to the hard-nosed fans and their representatives in the media.
Any time there has been dissension, a struggle for power, or even a threat of a threat to McNabb, Reid has swooped in to grab his star quarterback's back. The best example lies in very recent history, when the Eagles didn't even tender an offer to Jeff Garcia despite his efforts late last season.
The message from Reid, as always: Let there be no doubt, McNabb is the guy.
That mantra has been beat in with an iron fist, often in the name of quality talent and tender egos.
Why now, then, would there be such an egregious departure from that philosophy?
Houston's Kevin Kolb was on absolutely no one's radar when it came to the Eagles. After all, Kolb was a top-five signal caller in the draft by most accounts, and the Birds obviously had more pressing needs. Plus they had just recently traded for Kelly Holcomb while locking up A.J. Feeley with a long-term deal.
No room for another QB, really -- but now they're going to have to find some.
And the question I ask, along with thousands in the Delaware Valley today, is -- Why?
The most likely answer (close your eyes if you're not ready to accept this) is that the Eagles have little faith that McNabb will be the steward for both the immediate and distant future. More specifically, this certainly brings his health into question, and makes you wonder if there's information regarding his rehab that hasn't been divulged publicly.
"When your time comes, you have to be ready to jump in there and that could be any time," Kolb said in a conference call yesterday. "With injuries and football, you have to be ready at the flip of a switch."
Reid explained the pick afterwards as simply a matter of choosing the best player on the board.
With that decision, though, the Eagles neglected some very glaring holes to address a position that isn't expected to be vacant for a half-decade at the earliest. And, as this piece proves, the selection invites scrutiny of a man that Reid has spent his entire head-coaching career passionately protecting.
It doesn't make sense, unless there is another part of the story that has yet to come to light.
Tim can be reached at tmcmanus@phanaticmag.com
The Phanatic Magazine
This pick is disconcerting.
If there is anything to say about the relationship between Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb over the years, it's that it has been drenched in loyalty.
Reid was forced to defend McNabb from the moment he drafted him, and has continued to do so throughout their eight-year tenure together. That includes internally as well, not just to the hard-nosed fans and their representatives in the media.
Any time there has been dissension, a struggle for power, or even a threat of a threat to McNabb, Reid has swooped in to grab his star quarterback's back. The best example lies in very recent history, when the Eagles didn't even tender an offer to Jeff Garcia despite his efforts late last season.
The message from Reid, as always: Let there be no doubt, McNabb is the guy.
That mantra has been beat in with an iron fist, often in the name of quality talent and tender egos.
Why now, then, would there be such an egregious departure from that philosophy?
Houston's Kevin Kolb was on absolutely no one's radar when it came to the Eagles. After all, Kolb was a top-five signal caller in the draft by most accounts, and the Birds obviously had more pressing needs. Plus they had just recently traded for Kelly Holcomb while locking up A.J. Feeley with a long-term deal.
No room for another QB, really -- but now they're going to have to find some.
And the question I ask, along with thousands in the Delaware Valley today, is -- Why?
The most likely answer (close your eyes if you're not ready to accept this) is that the Eagles have little faith that McNabb will be the steward for both the immediate and distant future. More specifically, this certainly brings his health into question, and makes you wonder if there's information regarding his rehab that hasn't been divulged publicly.
"When your time comes, you have to be ready to jump in there and that could be any time," Kolb said in a conference call yesterday. "With injuries and football, you have to be ready at the flip of a switch."
Reid explained the pick afterwards as simply a matter of choosing the best player on the board.
With that decision, though, the Eagles neglected some very glaring holes to address a position that isn't expected to be vacant for a half-decade at the earliest. And, as this piece proves, the selection invites scrutiny of a man that Reid has spent his entire head-coaching career passionately protecting.
It doesn't make sense, unless there is another part of the story that has yet to come to light.
Tim can be reached at tmcmanus@phanaticmag.com
When did George Steinbrenner take over the Patriots?
By Steven Lienert
The Phanatic Magazine
After sleeping on it, I finally figured out why the Eagles drafted Kevin Kolb.
They obviously had inside information that Randy Moss was about to become a Patriot, so they figured the 2007 season was washout anyway.
If it's possible to win a Lombardi Trophy in April, the New England Patriots have accomplished it.
Sports Illustrated has already starting running commercials for fans to get their 2007 and 2008 New England Patriots Super Bowl Champions commemorative DVD's with any paid subscription.
Coach Bill Belichick liked coaching the AFC Pro-Bowl team so much last season, he decided to make them all Pats.
Wide receiver Kevin Curtis, the Birds' answer to the departure of Donte Stallworth (who went to the Pats), would have to battle just to make New England's roster.
Oh, wait a second.... this just in... The Phanatic has learned the Patriots just acquired Reggie Bush from the Saints in exchange for an old Corey Dillon jersey.
I blame all this on Peyton Manning. If he didn't rally the Colts past the Pats in last year's AFC championship game, the Patriots would have won another Super Bowl and not gone all Yankees on the NFL.
Maybe the Eagles should consider putting Donovan McNabb on the IR for the season and let Kolb earn his wings. After today, the end result seems like a foregone conclusion.
The Phanatic Magazine
After sleeping on it, I finally figured out why the Eagles drafted Kevin Kolb.
They obviously had inside information that Randy Moss was about to become a Patriot, so they figured the 2007 season was washout anyway.
If it's possible to win a Lombardi Trophy in April, the New England Patriots have accomplished it.
Sports Illustrated has already starting running commercials for fans to get their 2007 and 2008 New England Patriots Super Bowl Champions commemorative DVD's with any paid subscription.
Coach Bill Belichick liked coaching the AFC Pro-Bowl team so much last season, he decided to make them all Pats.
Wide receiver Kevin Curtis, the Birds' answer to the departure of Donte Stallworth (who went to the Pats), would have to battle just to make New England's roster.
Oh, wait a second.... this just in... The Phanatic has learned the Patriots just acquired Reggie Bush from the Saints in exchange for an old Corey Dillon jersey.
I blame all this on Peyton Manning. If he didn't rally the Colts past the Pats in last year's AFC championship game, the Patriots would have won another Super Bowl and not gone all Yankees on the NFL.
Maybe the Eagles should consider putting Donovan McNabb on the IR for the season and let Kolb earn his wings. After today, the end result seems like a foregone conclusion.
Stewart Bradley thoughts on being drafted
***Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles***
On how he sees himself fitting in with the Eagles defense:
“I spoke with the defensive coordinator [Jim Johnson] and he thinks the SAM linebacker spot, but I played all three spots in college. I will play wherever they need me to play.”
“I got cleared by the medical staff in about 4 ½ months, so it was a really fast recovery. I think I played very well before my senior year. In my senior year, a game or two in, having a big guy land on it, getting in an uncomfortable position, before mentally I was able to handle it. I feel great now and it feels good.”
“I met with some of the scouts at the Senior Bowl and then I spoke to [Jim Johnson] on the phone, but not a ton.”
“I am a fan of [head coach] Andy Reid because I am from
“I heard all different things. I heard higher and lower. I thought I was going to be picked in the first day and I am happy to be an Eagle.”
“Yeah, they talked to my agent and I heard they were interested. So, I was excited and hopeful.”
Victor Abiamiri talks
***Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles***
On what today was like for him:
“I was back home in
“I have been hearing many things from the late first to the second [round]. The general consensus was that I would go somewhere in the second round, possibility slipping into the third. I headed into this weekend with an open mind. Hopefully I would go wherever and play. I wanted to get the draft behind me and go to my new team and help them win championships.”
On whether he was surprised the Eagles chose him:
“To be honest, I wasn’t. I just wanted to keep an open mind about everything. Going into the day, I knew the draft was filled with a bunch of different possibilities. Whatever happens, happens. I could end up anywhere. I really didn’t know that the Eagles were going to select me, but I knew that anything could happen and that is what happened today.”
On whether he interviewed with the Eagles:
“Slightly, I did interviews throughout the whole combine and Senior Bowl, but I never took a visit to Philly or anything like that.”
On whether he has a sense of where he will fit in with the team and whether he is ready for competition at the position:
“Yeah, I just wanted to go to a situation where they had a lot of veteran players that I can learn from. That is where the Eagles are at right now. They have a lot of veteran guys like [DE Jevon] Kearse and [DE] Trent Cole who have experience playing that position. I want to go in and help the team win football games and compete early.”
On whether he feels like he will be ready to play early:
“I believe so. I am going to go into the season with high expectations in myself. I am going to go in ready to compete and learn from the older guys. Hopefully, I will see the field on Sundays.”
On whether he would rather have gone to a team with less competition at the DE position:
“I think this situation is great for me to be able to go in and learn from guys that have played the position so well for so long. I will take in that information and mix that in with my own game, so I can go out and perform to my best.”
On what changed for him between his sophomore and junior years at Notre Dame:
“We had a coaching change from our sophomore to our junior year. It was not just myself, but the whole team bought into [head] coach [Charlie] Weiss’ attitude and mentality of being confident in yourself and your playing abilities. We all just took to that, played hard and played well. I certainly grew in the weight room, worked on my speed and other things like that. It helped me out on the field and the results showed.”
On what he thinks is the strongest part of his game:
“I think I have a good combination of size, speed and power that lets me be versatile enough to be an every down defensive end. I can play the run, pass and you don’t have to take me off the field in any situation.”
On what coach Weis told him about the draft process:
“He told me to keep an open mind about the whole thing and that’s what I did. He told me that I was a good football player and that I would end up in the right situation. He told me to go somewhere and play and that is what I am planning on doing.”
Kevin Kolb speaks to the media
***Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles***
On whether he spoke to the Eagles before the draft:
“For the most part, I knew that the interviews went really well. I knew that there was some good chemistry between us too, but you never get a real good feel that you are going to be drafted this early. So, I just tried to take a conservative route with it and I just had no idea it was going to be this early.”
On whether his meeting was with head coach Andy Reid:
“Yes, it was with Andy, [offensive coordinator] Marty Mornhingweg and [quarterbacks] coach [Pat] Shurmur. All the meetings went really well. I had a great feeling coming out of there. I even called my parents and told them it felt great and hopefully it would work out. But you never know how the draft is going to turn out and you can’t get sold on something because you are going to get let down. I was lucky enough to have it happen today.”
On whether he believes his style of play will fit with the Eagles offensive system:
“I think to a T, absolutely. If I could pick out one team from the very beginning, I would have chosen this one because they move a lot of guys around. They get mismatches, they line up in different formations, they go a bit of shotgun and we did a lot of that stuff at the
“Yeah, absolutely. That is the reason they took me, that’s the reason they had faith in my skills in what I do and I am anxious to get behind these older guys and get to learn from them over the next however long. I want to learn the ropes and get them to teach me and soak up everything I can. Be a sponge for however long it takes to get my turn and then get in there and win ball games when I get the chance.”
On how long he thinks he will be a backup:
“I have no idea. I haven’t spoken to the coaches about their plans and what they are looking to do. For me, it’s just getting in there and competing every single day. I think that is what every athlete has to do. When your time comes, you have to be ready to jump in there and that could be any time. With injuries and football, you have to be ready at the flip of a switch. That is what I will try to do and keep my mind right from day one and hopefully it will work out great.”
On whether he can be patient, knowing the Eagles have a franchise quarterback in Donovan McNabb:
“Yeah, I think you have to be. I think you have to take that mindset into it; otherwise you are going to get frustrated. So, I am a pretty patient guy. I understand the situations that I am in and I know I will do fine with this one.”
“It was a shock. Obviously, as an athlete you feel you are as capable as anyone else on the board, but in the draft it has to be the right team, the right selection at the right time and God was on my side today. He made it work and for our family it was a surprise. There is no doubt about it. But now that it has happened, I can see why they did it. I can see the fit. I have started to settle into the feeling and I am elated to have this opportunity.”
On how it felt to see other quarterbacks rated above him:
“It’s a little bit frustrating, because, like I said, you try to compare yourself and you feel like you are the better quarterback of the bunch. I thought I could play as well as any other quarterback on the board, but I am from a smaller school and I am used to being overlooked. I am used to not getting all the hype. I think that helped me out through this process. I kept my mouth shut, did my work, stayed right and it paid off.”
On whether working under center will be an easy transition for him:
“I am not very worried about that. I have been working on it throughout this entire process and it’s a thing that once you do it, it’s just repetition. I am a hard worker. If I don’t feel comfortable, I get out there before and after practice and in between to make sure I do feel comfortable the next day. That is the approach I take to things, so I am not worried about the transition from shotgun to underneath at all.”
On whether he is apprehensive about interacting with QB Donovan McNabb:
“No, I have heard only good things about Donovan and even though it is a business and we are competing, I hope we can take the right steps to building a relationship. As long as he’s producing, that is there franchise guy, so I think it will be a real good situation. We don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but I do have the right attitude going into it, being patient and waiting my turn.”
On where he spoke to the Eagles coaches:
“I was brought in and they came to work me out. I got in late; I think it was a Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. I had an interview with everybody and had very good interviews. I got to know the coaches real well.”
On whether he has any special memories of watching Eagles football while growing up:
“Well, I was a Cowboys fan growing up, so obviously, there was some controversy there. With out offense the past four years, I picked out theirs as one of ones I could be matched up with. We did a lot of the same things and we are very similar in various aspects. I like the way they moved [RB Brian] Westbrook around. They use their TE LJ Smith quite a bit and Donovan gets a chance to roll out and do a lot of things. I like throwing on the run. I like to move around a bit and hopefully, when it gets to me, I will fit in perfect.”
“We have a farm in south
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Eagles trade top pick to Cowboys
The Eagles traded their top draft choice in the NFL Draft today (26th overall), sending the pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for picks in the second, third and fifth rounds.
Philadelphia got the 36th, 87th and 158th selections in return.
Dallas used the pick to draft Purdue defensive end Anthony Spencer.
Join us on the radio
Join The Phanatic Magazine's John Gottlieb and John McMullen at 6:00 p.m. (et) for Johns on Sports on WTBQ.com. Ron Burke from Comcast SportsNet will be on at 7:30 to breakdown the first round of the draft. Join us for an action packed version of Johns on Sports. Call in at (845) 651-1110 or you can write an e-mail to johnonsports@hotmail.com.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Tale of two quarterbacks; the 2007 NFL Draft
LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell is widely expected to cap a meteoric offseason rise by being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders on Saturday.
Despite revisionist football observers saying Russell was always on the NFL's radar, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound playmaker didn't vault to the top of most draft boards until his dominating performance in the Sugar Bowl, against high profile Notre Dame.
The athletic Russell threw for 332 yards and a pair of touchdowns in LSU's easy 41-14 win over the Irish. That performance helped him leapfrog Notre Dame's own quarterback, Brady Quinn, and a plethora of other talented players who had more consistent and accomplished college careers.
The Raiders are expected to take Russell despite the presence of Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The 6-foot-5, 239-pound Johnson is regarded by most as one "can't miss" prospect in this year's draft, but the importance of the quarterback position seems to be trumping Johnson's scary skills in the Bay Area.
Russell, Quinn and Johnson join Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas, Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams and Russell's teammate with the Tigers, safety LaRon Landry, at the top of most draft boards.
The Detroit Lions and much-maligned general manager Matt Millen are in the second slot and are considered to be a wild card in the process. The franchise seems enamored with Adams, but may trade out of the slot for more value.
The Cleveland Browns are weighing Quinn and Peterson with the No. 3 pick while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like they will lock in to Johnson with the fourth choice. The Arizona Cardinals round out the top five and may snag Thomas to help protect its first round pick from a year ago, Matt Leinart.
The Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans finish out the top 10.
The 2007 NFL Draft kicks off at noon (et) from New York City's famed Radio City Music Hall.
Despite revisionist football observers saying Russell was always on the NFL's radar, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound playmaker didn't vault to the top of most draft boards until his dominating performance in the Sugar Bowl, against high profile Notre Dame.
The athletic Russell threw for 332 yards and a pair of touchdowns in LSU's easy 41-14 win over the Irish. That performance helped him leapfrog Notre Dame's own quarterback, Brady Quinn, and a plethora of other talented players who had more consistent and accomplished college careers.
The Raiders are expected to take Russell despite the presence of Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The 6-foot-5, 239-pound Johnson is regarded by most as one "can't miss" prospect in this year's draft, but the importance of the quarterback position seems to be trumping Johnson's scary skills in the Bay Area.
Russell, Quinn and Johnson join Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas, Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams and Russell's teammate with the Tigers, safety LaRon Landry, at the top of most draft boards.
The Detroit Lions and much-maligned general manager Matt Millen are in the second slot and are considered to be a wild card in the process. The franchise seems enamored with Adams, but may trade out of the slot for more value.
The Cleveland Browns are weighing Quinn and Peterson with the No. 3 pick while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like they will lock in to Johnson with the fourth choice. The Arizona Cardinals round out the top five and may snag Thomas to help protect its first round pick from a year ago, Matt Leinart.
The Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans finish out the top 10.
The 2007 NFL Draft kicks off at noon (et) from New York City's famed Radio City Music Hall.
Mets caught in latest steroid scandal
-Courtesy of United States Department of Justice
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Kirk J. Radomski (a former New York Mets clubhouse employee) pleaded guilty today to Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Anabolic Steroids) and Money Laundering. This guilty plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In pleading guilty, Mr. Radomski admitted to distributing anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs, including Human Growth Hormone and Clenbuterol, as well as amphetamines, to dozens of current and former Major League Baseball players, and associates, on teams throughout Major League Baseball. He deposited the payments for those anabolic steroids into his personal bank account and then used the proceeds to finance his residence, which was the base of operation, warehouse, and communication center for his anabolic steroid-dealing business. During Radomski’s past employment in Major League Baseball he developed contacts with Major League Baseball players throughout the country to whom he subsequently distributed anabolic steroids and athletic performance-enhancing drugs. Radomski had personal contact with some of his baseball drug clients, but consulted and conducted drug transactions with others over the telephone and through the mail.
"The distribution of anabolic steroids to professional athletes cheats both the paying public and the clean athletes and is a serious crime," said United States Attorney Scott N. Schools. "This investigation shows that distribution of performance-enhancing drugs continues to be an issue for sport in America. This office is dedicated to pursuing those who benefit from such crimes."
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that Kirk J. Radomski (a former New York Mets clubhouse employee) pleaded guilty today to Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Anabolic Steroids) and Money Laundering. This guilty plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In pleading guilty, Mr. Radomski admitted to distributing anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs, including Human Growth Hormone and Clenbuterol, as well as amphetamines, to dozens of current and former Major League Baseball players, and associates, on teams throughout Major League Baseball. He deposited the payments for those anabolic steroids into his personal bank account and then used the proceeds to finance his residence, which was the base of operation, warehouse, and communication center for his anabolic steroid-dealing business. During Radomski’s past employment in Major League Baseball he developed contacts with Major League Baseball players throughout the country to whom he subsequently distributed anabolic steroids and athletic performance-enhancing drugs. Radomski had personal contact with some of his baseball drug clients, but consulted and conducted drug transactions with others over the telephone and through the mail.
"The distribution of anabolic steroids to professional athletes cheats both the paying public and the clean athletes and is a serious crime," said United States Attorney Scott N. Schools. "This investigation shows that distribution of performance-enhancing drugs continues to be an issue for sport in America. This office is dedicated to pursuing those who benefit from such crimes."
Eagles can go with the flow on draft day
By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine
Very few people know how the Eagles will approach the 26th pick of Saturday's draft. Could it be because Philadelphia still doesn't know?
Think about it. Outside of safety, the Birds don't have a real need this weekend. After all, as most women forget while shopping, there is a big difference between a need and a want.
The Eagles could use depth in the secondary, would like to add to their linebacking core, and would benefit with the addition of a big back. However,all are luxury requests, not pressing concerns.
Is there any position (again, outside of safety) that you don't feel comfortable about heading into next season, as far as the starters go? In actuality, the addition of Takeo Spikes really changed the complexion of the Eagles impending draft, as many thought the Eagles had to take a linebacker with their selection.
Even signing Kevin Curtis gave the Birds some flexibility this weekend, giving the Eagles a starter at a spot where they took the biggest hit this offseason.
Does that mean the Eagles should just trade away all of their upcoming picks?Of course not, but it is going to allow Philadelphia to draft the best player available without the annoying "need factor." Perhaps that is why it is hard to guess what direction the Birds will go in.
Take a healthy chance if Ted Ginn Jr. is available, or grab Brandon Meriweather if he is still around. Don't like the secondary help available by the time pick 26 rolls around? Take a depth-adder like Jarvis Moss, Paul Posluszny or Lawrence Timmons, if any of them are left.
No matter what happens, the Eagles are most likely going defensive. Based on the above philosophy, Philly can use their picks to begin grooming long-term replacements for some of their elder statesmen: Brian Dawkins, Jeremiah Trotter and Jon Runyan. However, the selection of both Winston Justice last year eliminates the need for an offensive lineman.
Still, while other teams are scrambling to decide which player available fills their biggest need, the Eagles can just sit back and let the help come to them.
But for what it is worth, I still expect them to make the safe(ty) pick.
Michael Rushton can be reached at mrushton@phanaticmag.com
Phanatic Magazine
Very few people know how the Eagles will approach the 26th pick of Saturday's draft. Could it be because Philadelphia still doesn't know?
Think about it. Outside of safety, the Birds don't have a real need this weekend. After all, as most women forget while shopping, there is a big difference between a need and a want.
The Eagles could use depth in the secondary, would like to add to their linebacking core, and would benefit with the addition of a big back. However,all are luxury requests, not pressing concerns.
Is there any position (again, outside of safety) that you don't feel comfortable about heading into next season, as far as the starters go? In actuality, the addition of Takeo Spikes really changed the complexion of the Eagles impending draft, as many thought the Eagles had to take a linebacker with their selection.
Even signing Kevin Curtis gave the Birds some flexibility this weekend, giving the Eagles a starter at a spot where they took the biggest hit this offseason.
Does that mean the Eagles should just trade away all of their upcoming picks?Of course not, but it is going to allow Philadelphia to draft the best player available without the annoying "need factor." Perhaps that is why it is hard to guess what direction the Birds will go in.
Take a healthy chance if Ted Ginn Jr. is available, or grab Brandon Meriweather if he is still around. Don't like the secondary help available by the time pick 26 rolls around? Take a depth-adder like Jarvis Moss, Paul Posluszny or Lawrence Timmons, if any of them are left.
No matter what happens, the Eagles are most likely going defensive. Based on the above philosophy, Philly can use their picks to begin grooming long-term replacements for some of their elder statesmen: Brian Dawkins, Jeremiah Trotter and Jon Runyan. However, the selection of both Winston Justice last year eliminates the need for an offensive lineman.
Still, while other teams are scrambling to decide which player available fills their biggest need, the Eagles can just sit back and let the help come to them.
But for what it is worth, I still expect them to make the safe(ty) pick.
Michael Rushton can be reached at mrushton@phanaticmag.com
Eagles NFL Draft 2007: Predictions
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
Pre-Draft for NFL executives is one giant mind game.
Sometimes, the acts are overt -- like when a team leaks that several first-round prospects, including Calvin Johnson, admitted to smoking marijuana.
Usually, though, the tactics are much more subtle. Higher-ups will purposefully spill information to reporters to create a story that is usually more smokescreen than substance. Take the Oakland Raiders, for example, who are leaning toward JaMarcus Russell one day, Calvin Johnson the next, then gush over Brady Quinn on the eve of the draft.
The purpose? To alter the value of a player to where the teams want it to be.
The Eagles play this game as well as anyone.
Amidst all the misinformation, journalists are forced to sift through a few tons of sand to find one pebble of truth; it's more or less an art form, really.
We'll have to wait until late Saturday to see how we fared, but here's The Phanatic Magazine's take on who the Eagles will walk away with once talk turns to action:
EAGLES FIRST-ROUND CHOICE -- PREDICTIONS
Jeff Glauser: Brandon Meriweather, safety, University of Miami.
As an alumnus of the 'U,' I'm somewhat torn about this prospective choice. On one hand, Meriweather is a Dawkins clone in many ways: A hard hitter who can play in the box and has great open field instincts. However, like many of his Hurricane brethren, there are serious character questions that come with him. Plus, recent Miami picks haven't fared too well in Philly (See:McDougle, Jerome; or Green, Jamaal). Regardless, it has become quite apparent that safety is the biggest position of need heading into this draft, but don't be surprised if the Eagles decide just to trade down to add more first-day bodies.
Steve Lienert: Brian Leonard, running back, Rutgers.
The first pick the Eagles will take is Leonard, although it will be in the second round. The Birds, after seeing both Michael Griffin, the safety from Texas, and Reggie Nelson, the safety from Florida, are already gone at No. 26, they'll trade down to the 35-36 range and nab Leonard. According to all reports, most notably from Trenton Times Eagles' beat reporter Mark Eckel on his 610 WIP radio show on Wednesday night, Andy Reid absolutely loves Leonard. If Griffin and Nelson are gone, the Eagles will/should trade down and hopefully land Leonard, who should still be on the board. If Griffin and/or Nelson are available, the choice becomes infintely more difficult, because Reid can't be blind to Brian Dawkins' age. If they don't get someone to replace Dawk this year, it may be too late to groom a replacement. But let's be honest -- no NFL roster can have enough Rutgers football players (see Smith, L.J.).
Michael Rushton: Michael Griffin, safety, Texas
Griffin fits the Eagles defensive mold. Aggressive and quick, he led Texas in tackles this past season with 126, and also blocked eight punts in his Longhorns career. At 6-foot, 205-pounds, it would be great to see Griffin learning under the 6-foot, 210-pound Brian Dawkins. Griffin is big enough to handle the big wide outs of the NFL, and as evidenced with his blocked punts, can penetrate, meaning he could be a solution to stopping the run.
John McMullen: Meriweather
Brian Dawkins will be 34 this season, Michael Lewis will soon be indicted for stealing money in San Francisco and The Phanatic Magazine has learned that Sean Considine is not the answer. So, with their first pick in the NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles will take a safety. The team seems enamored with Miami's Brandon Meriweather but, based on pure talent, Meriweather should be long gone by the time Andy Reid and Tom Heckert flex their muscles. Character concerns involving the famous fight with Florida International will work in the Birds favor, however, and Meriweather will slip. He's a bit undersized but Meriweather can play either safety position which is important. He would break in as the strong safety opposite Dawkins while being the heir apparent to the veteran Pro-Bowler at the free safety spot.
McManus: Meriweather
Tom Heckert made a small media tour this week, inventing new ways to say next-to-nothing at each stop. Interesting, though, was how Heckert rose up and defended Meriweather at every turn. He couldn't help but say how impressed the staff was with him, and how his checkered past was not a big concern once the organization got to know him. This may be early PR for a team about to take a risky but high-reward talent.
Easy to see why the Eagles think he would be a good choice: Meriweather is considered the best cover safety in the draft by many experts, and is also renowned as one of the hardest hitters despite his 5-11, 195-pound frame. And here's a tantalizing stat: Of his 31 career starts at Miami, Meriweather started 21 games at strong safety, six at free safety, two at right cornerback, one at left corner and one at nickel back. That's some serious versatility that the Birds could desperately use.
If his character issues are in fact behind him, the Eagles will be getting a gift at No. 26. Don't expect them to refuse it.
The Phanatic Magazine
Pre-Draft for NFL executives is one giant mind game.
Sometimes, the acts are overt -- like when a team leaks that several first-round prospects, including Calvin Johnson, admitted to smoking marijuana.
Usually, though, the tactics are much more subtle. Higher-ups will purposefully spill information to reporters to create a story that is usually more smokescreen than substance. Take the Oakland Raiders, for example, who are leaning toward JaMarcus Russell one day, Calvin Johnson the next, then gush over Brady Quinn on the eve of the draft.
The purpose? To alter the value of a player to where the teams want it to be.
The Eagles play this game as well as anyone.
Amidst all the misinformation, journalists are forced to sift through a few tons of sand to find one pebble of truth; it's more or less an art form, really.
We'll have to wait until late Saturday to see how we fared, but here's The Phanatic Magazine's take on who the Eagles will walk away with once talk turns to action:
EAGLES FIRST-ROUND CHOICE -- PREDICTIONS
Jeff Glauser: Brandon Meriweather, safety, University of Miami.
As an alumnus of the 'U,' I'm somewhat torn about this prospective choice. On one hand, Meriweather is a Dawkins clone in many ways: A hard hitter who can play in the box and has great open field instincts. However, like many of his Hurricane brethren, there are serious character questions that come with him. Plus, recent Miami picks haven't fared too well in Philly (See:McDougle, Jerome; or Green, Jamaal). Regardless, it has become quite apparent that safety is the biggest position of need heading into this draft, but don't be surprised if the Eagles decide just to trade down to add more first-day bodies.
Steve Lienert: Brian Leonard, running back, Rutgers.
The first pick the Eagles will take is Leonard, although it will be in the second round. The Birds, after seeing both Michael Griffin, the safety from Texas, and Reggie Nelson, the safety from Florida, are already gone at No. 26, they'll trade down to the 35-36 range and nab Leonard. According to all reports, most notably from Trenton Times Eagles' beat reporter Mark Eckel on his 610 WIP radio show on Wednesday night, Andy Reid absolutely loves Leonard. If Griffin and Nelson are gone, the Eagles will/should trade down and hopefully land Leonard, who should still be on the board. If Griffin and/or Nelson are available, the choice becomes infintely more difficult, because Reid can't be blind to Brian Dawkins' age. If they don't get someone to replace Dawk this year, it may be too late to groom a replacement. But let's be honest -- no NFL roster can have enough Rutgers football players (see Smith, L.J.).
Michael Rushton: Michael Griffin, safety, Texas
Griffin fits the Eagles defensive mold. Aggressive and quick, he led Texas in tackles this past season with 126, and also blocked eight punts in his Longhorns career. At 6-foot, 205-pounds, it would be great to see Griffin learning under the 6-foot, 210-pound Brian Dawkins. Griffin is big enough to handle the big wide outs of the NFL, and as evidenced with his blocked punts, can penetrate, meaning he could be a solution to stopping the run.
John McMullen: Meriweather
Brian Dawkins will be 34 this season, Michael Lewis will soon be indicted for stealing money in San Francisco and The Phanatic Magazine has learned that Sean Considine is not the answer. So, with their first pick in the NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles will take a safety. The team seems enamored with Miami's Brandon Meriweather but, based on pure talent, Meriweather should be long gone by the time Andy Reid and Tom Heckert flex their muscles. Character concerns involving the famous fight with Florida International will work in the Birds favor, however, and Meriweather will slip. He's a bit undersized but Meriweather can play either safety position which is important. He would break in as the strong safety opposite Dawkins while being the heir apparent to the veteran Pro-Bowler at the free safety spot.
McManus: Meriweather
Tom Heckert made a small media tour this week, inventing new ways to say next-to-nothing at each stop. Interesting, though, was how Heckert rose up and defended Meriweather at every turn. He couldn't help but say how impressed the staff was with him, and how his checkered past was not a big concern once the organization got to know him. This may be early PR for a team about to take a risky but high-reward talent.
Easy to see why the Eagles think he would be a good choice: Meriweather is considered the best cover safety in the draft by many experts, and is also renowned as one of the hardest hitters despite his 5-11, 195-pound frame. And here's a tantalizing stat: Of his 31 career starts at Miami, Meriweather started 21 games at strong safety, six at free safety, two at right cornerback, one at left corner and one at nickel back. That's some serious versatility that the Birds could desperately use.
If his character issues are in fact behind him, the Eagles will be getting a gift at No. 26. Don't expect them to refuse it.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Eagles NFL Draft 2007: Defense
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
Donovan McNabb injuries and Terrell Owens intrusions included, the biggest factor in the Eagles' recent fall from supremacy has been a decline in play on the defensive side of the ball. And the main reason for the recession has been poor performance in the last four NFL Drafts .
The Eagles' 2002 strategy may have caused a lot of head scratching at first, but it produced a strong defensive backfield with the additions of Lito Sheppard, Michael Lewis and Sheldon Brown.
Since then, the organization has completely whiffed with their high draft picks from a defensive perspective, taking the likes of Jerome McDougal (15th overall), Matt Ware (third-round) and Jamaal Green (fourth round). Names like Broderick Bunkley, Matt McCoy and Chris Gocong are also littered across the landscape -- players who are too early in their careers to pass full judgement on, but that certainly did not leave good first impressions.
And so the Eagles sit just hours away from another chance to infuse some much-needed ability into the area that is normally the source of strength -- their defense.
Here's how they might do it:
Safety: Undoubtedly the most pressing need for this team right now. Sean Considine is a flat-out liability, Lewis is gone and there is no back-up plan in place for Brian Dawkins, who can't be counted on forever despite is heroic performance in the second half of last season. Several sources from within the NovaCare complex have intimated that the Birds are not high at all on Florida's Reggie Nelson, and two experts whose opinion I highly value have suggested that Texas' Michael Griffin is not a first-round player, no matter what the mock drafts may tell you. By all accounts, though, the Eagles are enamored with Miami's Brandon Meriweather. They were pleased with one-on-one discussions, which apparently quelled any fears that his sometimes questionable behavior produced. Expect the Birds to take Meriweather if he's available, and possibly even move up to get him.
Cornerback: This is a position that looks like a strength at first glance, but is razor-thin upon further inspection. Once you get past Brown and Sheppard, William James is next and line -- a thought that should scare any Eagles fan. A nickel back and emergency starter is desperately needed, so expect the Eagles to address the position early. Depending on how things fall, they may snag Texas' Aaron Ross in the first round, and possibly Arkansas' Chris Houston. Cal's Daymeion Hughes and Maryland's Josh Wilson are two other names to look for in the second round.
Linebacker: Not a big need for the Eagles in the grand scheme of things. Could they use a reliable building-block, given Jeremiah Trotter and Takeo Spikes' age and injury concerns? Absolutely. But with those two and Omar Gathier providing a serviceable starting corps and Matt McCoy and Chris Gocong as backups, the Birds likely won't pick up an LB until the fourth round or so -- assuming there isn't a steal out there.
Defensive line: Like the LB position, the defensive line could certainly use a boost but isn't a primary need. The Eagles have spent their last two first-round picks on the interior line (Bunkley, Mike Patterson) and shelled out good money for starting defensive ends Darren Howard and Jevon Kearse. That, coupled with decent reserves in Juqua Thomas, McDougal and Trent Cole, will prevent them from going for a D-lineman until the third round or later. Utah's Paul Soliai, Ohio State's Quinn Pitcock and Texas' Brian Robison are possibilities there.
***Coming Friday: The Phanatic Magazine Staff selections***
Eagles NFL Draft 2007: Offense
The Phanatic Magazine dives into full-scale Eagles NFL Draft coverage, starting with an extensive look at the Birds' needs on the offensive side of the ball.
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
With the 26th pick of the 2007 NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles might take a safety. Or the Birds might take a cornerback. They might even select a defensive end or a linebacker.
OK, stop chuckling, maybe not a linebacker but you get the point. Few things in life are certain. Death, taxes and the fact that the Eagles are going defensive at the top of this year's draft are.
That makes things a little less interesting on the offensive side of the ball but knowing Andy Reid, he will get antsy at some point and pull the trigger for some offensive help.
So let's take a look at where the Eagles stand heading into the weekend.
Quarterback: When you look at the injury history and the fact that Donovan McNabb is now on the wrong side of 30, some believe that the Eagles should select a young quarterback to groom. But, the decisions for 2007 have already been made. The Eagles extended A.J. Feeley and, in doing so, waived goodbye to one of the league's best backups in Jeff Garcia.
Despite the bravado it took to make that move, the team was far from sold on Feeley, who has already flamed out in both Miami and San Diego, and acquired another veteran with some starting experience -- Kelly Holcomb -- in the Takeo Spikes deal.
"We think Donovan is coming back healthy, he looks great, and we have A. J.," said general manager Tom Heckert in a recent roundtable with reporters. "Even last year, he played great until he got hurt. He's still a heck of a player."
No argument but it's also fair to say, you can't count on Donovan suiting up 16 times a season and it's really hard to believe Reid or Heckert could be comfortable going with Feeley or Holcomb for an extended period of time so it would be prudent to start looking for McNabb's successor now, while you actually have the luxury of time to groom a young quarterback. A first day signal-caller is out of the question so forget about guys like JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Trent Edwards, Kevin Kolb, Drew Stanton and John Beck. A project with some upside on the second day may be hard to pass up so look out for names like Jordan Palmer of UTEP (Carson Palmer's brother) or Jared Zabransky of Boise State.
Running back: Despite persistent questions regarding durability, Brian Westbrook finally proved he could carry the load and be the focal point of the Eagles offense last season. Meanwhile, Correll Buckhalter re-signed after actually staying healthy and doing a solid, if unspectacular job as the No. 2 back.
Still, it's not exactly like Westbrook is Earl Campbell is his prime or Buckhalter has turned the corner as a consistent threat so a back has to be in the Eagles thinking. The fact that Thomas Tapeh isn't exactly a top-tier fullback makes a guy like Brian Leonard of Rutgers, who can play either running back position, that more appealing.
But, you can't justify Leonard at No. 26 especially with the holes on defense and there is simply no way he will be around for the Birds in the second round. Unless the Eagles trade up in Round 2, forget about Leonard. Taking a chance on a guy like Michael Bush, who has first round talent but injury concerns will push him to the second day, might be worth the gamble.
Wide receiver: You really couldn't question the Eagles reluctance to get in a bidding war for a guy who was nicknamed "Street Clothes" by the New Orleans media. And, if you are being honest, Donte Stallworth did little to change his reputation in Philly last season but after seeing the deal he got from New England you have to wonder why Philly didn't bring him back.
If you break it down, the team's braintrust simply chose Kevin Curtis over Stallworth and while Curtis did a nice job as the No. 3 receiver in St. Louis and doesn't bring the baggage that Stallworth does, he also doesn't offer the same upside. Understand that Curtis played in the shadow of two Hall of Famers while with the Rams. He has never seen a double team in his life and the Eagles brought him in to be a No. 1 receiver? Anyone remember Az Hakim? It's just not going to happen, Curtis doesn't have the size or strength to beat press coverage from the league's top corners. That leaves Reggie Brown as the top option and the jury is still out on whether he has the skills to be a No 1.
The Eagles have gone out of their way to talk up Hank Baskett and Jason Avant as options for the third and fourth spots but there is no deep speed to stretch the field there. Wide receiver is clearly the deepest position in this year's draft so the Birds might be able to snag a player with speed but I can't see them making a move here until the third round at best. At that stage you should keep an eye on names like Jason Hill of Washington State or Fresno State's Paul Williams.
Tight end: L.J. Smith is what he is: An average blocker who is a solid receiving threat that will always drop more than you would like. Since Smith is a free agent after next season and Matt Schobel failed to impress, some have speculated the Eagles may be looking for a replacement and Delaware's Ben Patrick is a name to look out for. The Eagles brought Patrick in for a pre-draft workout and would likely invest a fourth-round choice on the former Blue Hen. Since most have Patrick rated as the third best tight end in the draft, I can't see him lasting until Sunday. If he's off the board, 6-foot-7 Matt Spaeth of Minnesota would be a nice option.
Offensive line: The offensive line played great for the Eagles down the stretch last season but it's a bit overrated in this town with the exception of Shawn Andrews, who is probably the second best guard in all of football. Jon Runyan and William Thomas are both aging on the outside and Jamaal Jackson and Todd Herremans are a tad overvalued in the interior. That said, the Eagles addressed this situation last season and will likely stay away from the offensive line unless a player they love is on the board late. Winston Justice and Max Jean-Gilles didn't get on the field last year and there is never a guarantee they will be able to step in if needed but both players are still considered top-tier prospects with a nice upside.
***Coming soon: Tim McManus' look at the Eagles' defensive needs.***
Santa Claus isn't real
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
I am about to borrow from Kevin Smith's film Chasing Amy -- with a slight adjustment -- to illustrate a point.
In the movie, Banky Edwards, played by Jason Lee, and Holden (Ben Affleck) are having a discussion.
Let's begin...
Banky Edwards: "Alright, now see this? This is a four-way road, OK? And dead in the center is a crisp, new, hundred dollar bill. Now, at the end of each of these streets are four people, OK? Are you following?"
(Editor's note: For the purpose of this exercise please suspend disbelief and pretend Curt Schilling's famous bloody sock is an animate object)
Holden: "Yeah."
Banky Edwards: "Good. Over here, we have Curt Schilling's bloody sock. Down here, we have a man-hating, angry as f*&%, agenda of rage, bitter dyke. Over here, we got Santa Claus, and up here the Easter Bunny. Which one is going to get to the hundred dollar bill first?"
Holden: "What is this supposed to prove?"
Banky Edwards: "This is a serious exercise. It's like an SAT question. Which one is going to get to the hundred dollar bill first? Curt Schilling's sock, the man-hating dyke, Santa Claus, or the Easter bunny?"
Holden: "The man-hating dyke."
Banky Edwards: "Good. Why? "
Holden: "I don't know."
Banky Edwards: "Because the other three are figments of your f*%$king imagination!"
I'm not exactly the first to call Curt Schilling a fraud for perpetrating the immature act of soiling a sock with a foreign substance so the rest of the world would amp up its adulation.
It's a sad, comical act by a man so self-involved, regular people couldn't fathom it. And that's why Schilling could sell it.
For those who don't remember. Schilling, who had a right ankle tendon injury, had sutures stitched into his ankle so he could pitch in Game 6 against the New York Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series. A red stain, presumably blood, could be seen on the sock during the game, which the Red Sox won.
Curiously the stain never spread.
Now move ahead to Wednesday night's Mid-Atlantic Sports Network's telecast of Red Sox - Baltimore Orioles game.
In the bottom of the fifth, Orioles play-by-play man Gary Thorne said, matter of factly, on the air that he had been told by Red Sox catcher Doug Mirabelli that the substance was paint, not blood.
"The great story we were talking about the other night was that famous red stocking that he wore when they finally won, the blood on his stocking,"Thorne told color man Jim Palmer. "Nah," Thorne continued. "It was painted. Doug Mirabelli confessed up to it after. It was all for PR."
Thorne seemed oblivious to the bomb he just dropped and I suppose he could have been on his 12th gin-and-tonic but a lot of us who have dealt with Curt in the past just laughed.
Of course, after the game, Mirabelli denied everything. "What? Are you kidding me? He's lying. A straight lie," Mirabelli told the Boston Globe. "I never said that. I know it was blood. Everybody knows it was blood."
A host of others then tried to fall on their swords for the embattled Schilling.
"I am just floored," his manger Terry Francona said. "Schill takes his share of shots, and this one is so far below the belt that I'm embarrassed and I wish somebody would have had the good conscience to ask me."
But my favorite denial of all came from ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian.
"Everyone knows Curt is an egomaniac and if anyone is capable of doing this, it's Curt," Kurkjian said on ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning. "But, I don't think he did."
No word on whether Kurkjian is set to take over all of Curt's public relations work but I certainly understand his line of thinking.
After all why would a grown man do such a thing?
Of course, the answer is even simpler. A grown man didn't -- Curt Schilling did.
Phils send Smith to Ottawa
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
The Philadelphia Phillies optioned pitcher Matt Smith to their Triple-A affiliate in Ottawa and recalled pitcher Fabio Castro on Thursday.
The 27-year old Smith recorded a dismal 11.25 earned run average in nine games for the Phillies this season. He was acquired by Philadelphia last summer as part of the trade that sent Bobby Abreu and the late Cory Lidle to the New York Yankees.
Smith had a 2.08 ERA in 14 games with Philadelphia in 2006.
Castro, 22, was 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in six appearances for Ottawa this season.
The Phanatic Magazine
The Philadelphia Phillies optioned pitcher Matt Smith to their Triple-A affiliate in Ottawa and recalled pitcher Fabio Castro on Thursday.
The 27-year old Smith recorded a dismal 11.25 earned run average in nine games for the Phillies this season. He was acquired by Philadelphia last summer as part of the trade that sent Bobby Abreu and the late Cory Lidle to the New York Yankees.
Smith had a 2.08 ERA in 14 games with Philadelphia in 2006.
Castro, 22, was 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in six appearances for Ottawa this season.
It's Early Until It's Late
By Jared Trexler The Phanatic Magazine
It's just five games. Just like it was only 15 games in baseball's worst start of 2007.
From sharing a spot in the cellar with the Royals to climbing the rung to join Alex Rodriguez and his underachieving Bronx friends, five games is the perfect medicine during baseball's first month.
It keeps everything in perspective. Like possibly the Phillies aren't as bad as they started. And likely, aren't as good as they have shown recently.
Perspective points at two wins or mediocre Cincinnati, a rain-date victory over Houston with Chris Sampson on the mound and a pair of W's against the worst team in baseball. So, the Phillies haven't exactly been steamrolling the Glory Day Yankees.
Hell, they haven't even been playing team's their equal.
Yet, there is comfort to find in every victory. The Phillies had a tendency to play down to their competition last season, but during this win streak have battered and beaten down teams not matching their talent.
You look at the ever-changing early season baseball statistics and Aaron Rowand, a career .282 hitter who batted just .262 a season ago, is tied with Todd Helton for fifth in batting average. Pat Burrell leads the league in on-base percentage at an astounding .485 clip. Jimmy Rollins leads the league in total bases and home runs -- yes, lead-off hitter Jimmy Rollins. Chase Utley already has a league-leading 13 doubles.
Cole Hamels has already struck out 15 batters in a game. Freddy Garcia picked up his first win in just his second start.
And yet the rosy picture painted during the last five games only masks this team's still glaring deficiencies. Their Opening Day starter was moved to the bullpen because, well, the bullpen stinks.
Outside of Antonio Alfonseca and his minuscule 0.77 ERA in 10 games, Ryan Madson blew two early games and needed three straight flawless performances to lower his ERA to 4.26. Francisco Rosario has been underwhelming since coming over from Toronto. Matt Smith -- the centerpiece of the Bobby Abreu trade last summer -- has an 11.25 ERA, a WHIP of 3.75 and he can't retire left-handers, which is a problem as the only southpaw in the bullpen.
And then there is Tom Gordon, who just recently started throwing his curveball, has already blown two saves and questions about shoulder stiffness and age persist.
The bench may be even worse. Gregg Dobbs is batting .174, Rod Barajas clubbing to a grand total of .182, Jayson Werth at .250. Abraham Nunez (.136) and Michael Bourn (.236) so bad at the plate they are usually entered into the game as bunters, pinch runners or defensive replacements.
With the game on the line and the pitcher's spot due up, which player above evokes confidence? The guy who missed all of last season with a wrist injury?
So, there are still problems. Rowand, Rollins and Burrell will likely come back toward their career means. The good news is Utley is starting to hit, and Carlos Ruiz has shown enough that the cringing thought of a platoon with Barajas has gone by the wayside.
Ryan Howard, he of the .213 batting average, three homers and 12 RBI needs to start making contact. Granted he's struggled, yet is still on pace for 28 homers and 112 RBI with a ridiculous OBP in the mid 4's. He's batting 131 points behind Burrell and only trails him in OBP by a count of .481 to .417. So, once the big man starts using the entire field instead of opening his shoulder and trying to pull a pitch on the outside black, the hits and likely more homers will come.
They must.
Several career starts have kept the Phillies afloat long enough to salvage a decent first month. They've given Howard time to figure it all out. And they've given GM Pat Gillick the opportunity to shore up the bullpen and bench.
It's only five games just like it was only 15. Overreaction comes if glaring holes aren't filled by summer's march toward the playoffs.
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Jared Trexler can be reached at jtrexler@phanaticmag.com
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
NFL Mock Draft
The Phanatic Magazine will kick its NFL Draft coverage into full gear now that the weekend is on the horizon, so make sure you check in for in-depth Eagles analysis in the coming hours.
For a national perspective, we turn to our friends at footballsfuture.com for their take on the first round:
1. Oakland - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU Johnson is a consideration, but they have to grab the QB.
2. Detroit - Gaines Adams, De, Clemson Maybe not worthy of #2 overall, but he appears to be their target.
3. Cleveland - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame Peterson is tempting, but the Browns take the QB to build around.
4. Tampa Bay - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech TB and Detroit could swap picks, and end up with the same players.
5. Arizona - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin As its shaping up, the Cards may be very lucky and get their #1 guy at #5.
6. Washington - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville A stud and still growing.
7. Minnesota - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma Simply too good to pass up at this point.
8. Atlanta (from HOU) - LaRon Landry, S, LSU Should step in and provide an immediate impact.
9. Miami - Levi Brown, OT, Penn St. The Phins have to upgrade their tackle spot, and there is a major drop off in rounds after the first.
10. Houston (from ATL) - Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio St. After being criticized for passing on Reggie Bush last year, they get a player that may be just as explosive.
11. San Francisco - Adam Carriker, DL, Nebraska Brings all around talent and versatility to the 9er line.
12. Buffalo - Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss Willis would be a tremendous pick and provide an immediate upgrade at linebacker.
13. St. Louis - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan Stopping the run is a priority, and Branch should clog lanes from the outset.
14. Carolina - Greg Olsen, TE, Miami Having a receiving target at TE would help open up the offense more.
15. Pittsburgh - Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St. His aggressiveness would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh, and he has big time upside.
16. Green Bay - Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal Steps into a starting job immediately.
17. Jacksonville - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas Major upside and just too much value at this spot.
18. Cincinnati - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan The offense has enough talent, it’s time to upgrade the defense.
19. Tennessee - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pitt With PacMan’s future in doubt, the Titans upgrade the secondary.
20. N.Y. Giants - Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan Continues to rise, and could be gone at this point.
21. Denver - Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida Always in search of a big time pass rusher, they hope the search ends here.
22. Dallas - Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC Jarrett won’t fall as far as many anticipate.
23. Kansas City - Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee Would do wonders opening up the offense to give LJ some room to operate.
24. New England (from SEA) - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas With or without Asante Samuel, the CB spot needs to be addressed.
25. N.Y. Jets - Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue Would provide an immediate boost to the pass rush.
26. Philadelphia - Michael Griffin, S, Texas If he’s available, Griffin makes too much sense at this spot.
27. New Orleans - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas Despite extending an offer sheet to Jason David, the CB spot still needs more help.
28. New England - Jon Beason, LB, Miami After addressing the secondary with the first pick, the Pats get more speed at linebacker.
29. Baltimore - Ryan Kalil, C, USC While he isn’t the answer for Ogden’s replacement, he could lock up the C spot for a long time.
30. San Diego - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida Nelson would be excellent value at this point.
31. Chicago - Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St. Could step in and replace Briggs right away.
32. Indianapolis - Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee A weak DT crop after the top two has Harrell rising into the first round.
For a national perspective, we turn to our friends at footballsfuture.com for their take on the first round:
1. Oakland - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU Johnson is a consideration, but they have to grab the QB.
2. Detroit - Gaines Adams, De, Clemson Maybe not worthy of #2 overall, but he appears to be their target.
3. Cleveland - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame Peterson is tempting, but the Browns take the QB to build around.
4. Tampa Bay - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech TB and Detroit could swap picks, and end up with the same players.
5. Arizona - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin As its shaping up, the Cards may be very lucky and get their #1 guy at #5.
6. Washington - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville A stud and still growing.
7. Minnesota - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma Simply too good to pass up at this point.
8. Atlanta (from HOU) - LaRon Landry, S, LSU Should step in and provide an immediate impact.
9. Miami - Levi Brown, OT, Penn St. The Phins have to upgrade their tackle spot, and there is a major drop off in rounds after the first.
10. Houston (from ATL) - Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio St. After being criticized for passing on Reggie Bush last year, they get a player that may be just as explosive.
11. San Francisco - Adam Carriker, DL, Nebraska Brings all around talent and versatility to the 9er line.
12. Buffalo - Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss Willis would be a tremendous pick and provide an immediate upgrade at linebacker.
13. St. Louis - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan Stopping the run is a priority, and Branch should clog lanes from the outset.
14. Carolina - Greg Olsen, TE, Miami Having a receiving target at TE would help open up the offense more.
15. Pittsburgh - Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St. His aggressiveness would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh, and he has big time upside.
16. Green Bay - Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal Steps into a starting job immediately.
17. Jacksonville - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas Major upside and just too much value at this spot.
18. Cincinnati - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan The offense has enough talent, it’s time to upgrade the defense.
19. Tennessee - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pitt With PacMan’s future in doubt, the Titans upgrade the secondary.
20. N.Y. Giants - Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan Continues to rise, and could be gone at this point.
21. Denver - Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida Always in search of a big time pass rusher, they hope the search ends here.
22. Dallas - Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC Jarrett won’t fall as far as many anticipate.
23. Kansas City - Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee Would do wonders opening up the offense to give LJ some room to operate.
24. New England (from SEA) - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas With or without Asante Samuel, the CB spot needs to be addressed.
25. N.Y. Jets - Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue Would provide an immediate boost to the pass rush.
26. Philadelphia - Michael Griffin, S, Texas If he’s available, Griffin makes too much sense at this spot.
27. New Orleans - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas Despite extending an offer sheet to Jason David, the CB spot still needs more help.
28. New England - Jon Beason, LB, Miami After addressing the secondary with the first pick, the Pats get more speed at linebacker.
29. Baltimore - Ryan Kalil, C, USC While he isn’t the answer for Ogden’s replacement, he could lock up the C spot for a long time.
30. San Diego - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida Nelson would be excellent value at this point.
31. Chicago - Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St. Could step in and replace Briggs right away.
32. Indianapolis - Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee A weak DT crop after the top two has Harrell rising into the first round.
Wearing blue at the Linc is a sacrilege
By Steven Lienert
The Phanatic Magazine
What are the Eagles thinking?
Thank goodness the uniform switch is for just one game, because it, like their 75th anniversary logo, is terrible.
First, the uniform -- blue and gold? Ugh.
I realize that those were the colors that the original Eagles wore in 1933. It was as bad then as it is now.
Eagles fans wear green at the Linc. Yo, not for nothing, but the Detroit Lions, who the Eagles will be playing in their designated “throwback” game on September 23rd, wear blue and silver.
People that come to the Linc and wear blue usually leave with the chant ‘A$$-HOLE” ringing in their ears. Eagles fans do not wear blue. Why? Because Dallas sucks. Period.
That, in my opinion, should have been enough reason for the Birds to move on and, say, use the Buddy Ryan-era kelly green uni’s. Those jerseys have been on the shelf long enough for it to be a novelty and some fans still have some old merchandise in the closet they can pull out.
Instead, the fans got the Frankford Yellow Jackets.
It must be a happy day at the Bridge and Pratt El stop.
And the 75th anniversary logo – Wow.
Anybody see Borat?
Because the logo practically leaps off the jersey in celebration of 75 years of Eagles football! Pause. Not.
Rumor has it that C-Span has contacted the Eagles to see if they can use it after the season’s over.
A black circle surrounding the Eagles logo with a small silver ‘75’ underneath of it. Bo-ring.
I mean, how about blowing up the ‘75’ a bit or incorporating some sort of association to diamonds because, I don’t know, it’s the Diamond Anniversary?
What the Eagles fed the fan base today was weak. The 75th season has already gotten off on a sour note and it’s not even draft day yet.
Lienert moans and groans about this time on most Wednesdays. Contact him at slienert@phanaticmag.com.
The Phanatic Magazine
What are the Eagles thinking?
Thank goodness the uniform switch is for just one game, because it, like their 75th anniversary logo, is terrible.
First, the uniform -- blue and gold? Ugh.
I realize that those were the colors that the original Eagles wore in 1933. It was as bad then as it is now.
Eagles fans wear green at the Linc. Yo, not for nothing, but the Detroit Lions, who the Eagles will be playing in their designated “throwback” game on September 23rd, wear blue and silver.
People that come to the Linc and wear blue usually leave with the chant ‘A$$-HOLE” ringing in their ears. Eagles fans do not wear blue. Why? Because Dallas sucks. Period.
That, in my opinion, should have been enough reason for the Birds to move on and, say, use the Buddy Ryan-era kelly green uni’s. Those jerseys have been on the shelf long enough for it to be a novelty and some fans still have some old merchandise in the closet they can pull out.
Instead, the fans got the Frankford Yellow Jackets.
It must be a happy day at the Bridge and Pratt El stop.
And the 75th anniversary logo – Wow.
Anybody see Borat?
Because the logo practically leaps off the jersey in celebration of 75 years of Eagles football! Pause. Not.
Rumor has it that C-Span has contacted the Eagles to see if they can use it after the season’s over.
A black circle surrounding the Eagles logo with a small silver ‘75’ underneath of it. Bo-ring.
I mean, how about blowing up the ‘75’ a bit or incorporating some sort of association to diamonds because, I don’t know, it’s the Diamond Anniversary?
What the Eagles fed the fan base today was weak. The 75th season has already gotten off on a sour note and it’s not even draft day yet.
Lienert moans and groans about this time on most Wednesdays. Contact him at slienert@phanaticmag.com.
Eagles Unveil 75th Anniversary Plans
The Philadelphia Eagles unveiled plans Wednesday to celebrate 75 seasons of Eagles football in Philadelphia, including a designated throwback game complete with the uniform colors of 1933.
"We will celebrate 75 years of Eagles football and the most passionate fans in the NFL during the 2007 season," Eagles chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie said at a press conference held at the NovaCare Complex.
Joe Pa talks Blue and White, VA Tech
Are you surprised at, or can you comment on, the support of Virginia Tech over the last week?
I am pleased, obviously (with the Penn State student response). I think that all of us who are in this business are trying to do a job for our youth. They are under an awful lot of pressure these days because of a lot of things. I think when somebody has to struggle with that whole group of students, faculty, supporters and anybody who is connected with higher education, you all look out for each other and I am glad that our student body responded the way they did. I think it is fitting.
Have you talked to Frank Beamer?
I tried to get him the day after and, obviously, everybody was trying to get some kind of contact done so I backed away from it. I figured whenever it settles down, I will try to get a hold of him. One of the families apparently was wearing a t-shirt and Frank autographed the back of it.
Did you know the family of Jeremy Herbstritt?
I did not know the family. I was talking with Jeremy’s girlfriend who was out here. She is a Virginia Tech girl and a 'Hokie' and her mom was there and her mom said, “I just want you to know that I am a diehard ‘Hokie’,” and I said, “That is fine. I was on the Blacksburg campus before you were born. I was there when Jerry Claiborne was the head coach.” I took a couple of coaches down there to watch them practice.
What have you seen from Austin Scott this spring?
I think he has to stay healthy. He has had a tendency to let nicks and bruises bother him a little bit with an ankle here and a pulled muscle there. The thing about some of the really good backs that we have had and the ones that I see doing really well are durable. He has to be able to go out there everyday and get the job done and practice a little. He has had a good spring and did a great job in the fall being the foreign team tailback. He went at it and gave the defense a great look. I think both he and (Rodney) Kinlaw, I don’t want to overlook Kinlaw, give us good tandem. I know a lot of people are concerned about, “Hey, Penn State looks pretty good, where is the tailback”? and all that kind of stuff. There is always somebody concerned. I think both of those kids are really going to have good years. They both had a great spring.
Are you satisfied with what you have accomplished this spring and how the team has progressed?
You are never satisfied. I think we had a good spring. Obviously, you always wish you could do a couple of things a little better. I think we were fortunate that we didn’t have a lot of injuries. We lost six kids who will not go today. A couple of them were hurt prior, (Tom) McEowen was hurt in the winter program, (Kevin) Cousins has been hurt and didn’t do anything all spring, (Anthony) Scirrotto got hurt about a week ago with a pinched nerve and doesn’t have a lot of strength so they didn’t want to let him go, and a freshman, Jon Ditto had to have an operation on his shoulder and we did not see much of him in the spring. There were six of them. Elijah Robinson got a neck injury.
What have you seen out of Anthony Morelli this spring and is his improvement as good as his teammates have been saying?
I think he is pretty good. I don’t know how good they said he is. He came out at the end of the year and showed what he can do. I think there has been some momentum carried over and he had a heck of a spring. I am anxious to see how they do today, obviously. I think Anthony is a really good quarterback. When he started out, a lot of people didn’t realize just how inept we were in some areas because of inexperience and because we hadn’t forecast some injuries and a couple of people left the football team that we had hoped would have been available to help us with the offensive line. Overall, Anthony did a really good job even earlier in the year if you take back a couple of passes.
Could you assess the other quarterbacks? Is Daryll Clark the solid No. 2?
Clark would be No. 2 right now. The other kids, (Pat) Devlin, (Paul) Cianciolo, and young (Kevin) Suhey, it is hard to give everyone enough reps to really give them an honest shake, but I think we are in pretty good shape at quarterback. Clark would be further along than the rest of them, but Cianciolo has ability and I think the young Devlin kid, we probably would have played a little bit last year, except he got mononucleosis right in the middle of pre-season practice, so he lost four or five weeks. Then it was a question of whether you redshirt him or try to get him caught up, so we redshirted him. I think we are in pretty good shape at quarterback.
How has Dan Connor looked in the middle?
I think he is where he should be. I think Dan is a natural inside linebacker and I think he will be fine. He has had a good spring.
Could you talk about the loss of Chris Auletta?
Sure, you would like to keep him, but he just felt that he wanted to get on with his life and that was fine with me. I don’t know what else I can say about that.
What have you seen from Jeremy Boone and how do you feel about him replacing Jeremy Kapinos?
I am pleased with Jeremy. Two or three of the last five or six practices we have put him under a lot of pressure to kick from the end zone and things like that. I think he has done well. I think he is going to be OK. You never know until you get into the season, but anything we have asked him to do this spring he has done.
Do you like to hear talk about a national championship this early?
There is nothing I can do about it. I sure as heck don’t want to tell them, “don’t think about being good.” As long as they understand what it is going to take to be a contender, not necessarily in the national championship, but to be able to do some things that will give you a chance to do the things they are talking about. We have a long way to go. You guys may not like to hear me preach, but I will tell you exactly what I tell them, “Before you start a game you have four seasons prior to that…the winter program, spring practice, summer workouts, preseason and then you go to play after you do all the hard work.” We have had two good segments. I think the winter program was one of the better ones we have had. We have had a good spring practice. We are allowed eight weeks to wear equipment in the summer and most of them will be here this summer. I would like to see how they return the request to that and then, obviously, preseason is crucial. I am glad they are thinking big as long as they understand that it takes more than talk.
How has the leadership evolved so far?
I think that (Anthony) Morelli is the guy that has stepped to the front the most, which is really something you would hope would happen. We will have to see. If I told you I thought we had enough, I don’t know, we will have to see. I would like to see a couple of other kids that I think are going to be really good athletes understand that there is a little bit more than just what they think and they have to have some kind of commitment to help everybody get a little better. I think we are OK, but I am not enthusiastic about that area yet.
Did you accomplish what you wanted at the defensive tackle position?
They haven’t stepped up because none of them have a lot of experience. None of those kids are seniors. I think we are going to be alright there, but I don’t know. There is certainly enough ability there. There are some strong kids. I don’t think it would be fair for me to mention them by name, but there are a couple of them that could be really, really good that are kind of pacing themselves. They have to learn how to go all out every play, but there is potential there. I think that we have three, maybe four kids that can play inside and are strong enough and quick enough to be really good. There again, you have to see them when they have to carry the load in the ball game. They are young. It is going to be a very young defensive football team. Outside of Connor, I don’t think there is a senior that you could project on the first two teams.
The State College police said they are going to interview members of the team regarding an off-campus incident that happened earlier this month? Has this been a distraction?
You know more about it than I do. It hasn’t been a distraction yet. I don’t know what is going to happen because I don’t know anything that is going on. I am trying to concentrate on the football squad. I never try to worry about things until I have to worry about them. I am not sure I have anything to worry about here. I am not sure. I don’t know one way or the other.
How closely do you follow your former players in the NFL?
I don’t follow them…I will know who got drafted. When is the draft, next week or this weekend? The guys on the staff will talk about it and some of the kids will come around. To me, the draft is something that is like recruiting. I get tired of hearing people talking about who the guys are that you are supposed to recruit. Every once in awhile I turn the television on trying to find something to put me to sleep and you get ESPN this or ESPN that or FOX this or FOX that and there is always some guy saying, “Well, this guy is going to be OK because this club needs that.” I don’t pay any attention to it. The draft to me is when they get drafted, they go and I wish them luck and hope they make it and it is going to be a tough job. Hopefully, it will work out for them. Hopefully, they will leave with a degree and if it doesn’t work out with football, they can make another life.
How much are you looking forward to being back on the sidelines next year and how much did you miss that at the end of last season?
Last year, I was just glad that I could sit upstairs. I tried to get on the field for the Outback Bowl and started walking around a little bit with that cane, I got a little nervous and didn’t think I could get out of the way if I had to because the ground was soft and a couple of other things. It will be good to be down there. In fact, I debated on whether I wanted to do this radio thing today and try to get down on the field and then I didn’t want to make a big deal about it. This is the players’ game. This is a bunch of kids out there that some of the kids have never played in any kind of a crowd like that. There are a lot of redshirt freshmen kids that have never been on the field with a crowd like that. They have been on the sidelines, but have never been involved in a game. I have debated on whether I would enjoy being on the sidelines, but then I said, “Hey, the first thing, all of you guys with cameras, and I would be a story because I would be on the sidelines.” So, I am going upstairs and second-guess everybody on radio.
How have your receivers looked and has anyone else stepped up there?
I think all of them have had some experience. We have a good group of receivers. It will be interesting watching today because they will probably throw the ball a lot today. I think we have good wideouts. I think we have good wideouts and good tight ends. A couple of the younger kids at tight end are starting to learn how to block a little bit, which is some of the things that I worried about that we didn’t do necessarily a great job last year with one or two of the younger tight ends. I think that as far as offensively catching the football, I think we are in pretty good shape. I don’t know any young guys. Did we play (Chris) Bell last year at all? He would be the only young guy. There are a couple of kids there who are walk-ons who have done a really nice job such as (Jesse) Alfreno and (Graham) Zug who are good, solid kids, but they will have a tough time beating out some of the older guys.
How has A.J. Wallace looked in practice?
He has been nursing a hamstring for a little bit so he hasn’t had a lot of spring practice. When he is healthy, he is a very, very gifted athlete. If I were to be critical of A.J. at all, every once in awhile he is a little loosy goosy out there. When you are playing corner, loosy goosy might be six points, but he certainly has ability.
How much time are you spending at the Lasch Building since your injury? Are you satisfied with how much you can give the program?
I suppose that will be up to somebody else to make that kind of a critique on what I have done. I don’t think I have done anything differently. I have never been much to stay in Lasch Building because I don’t like the office. It is a great big, fancy office. It is a great facility with the academic support, the weight room, locker room and our coaches so, it is all in there close together and it is easy for the kids to come up and visit. We have a lounge downstairs where they can go and a room with computers so it is really a very, very practical thing. I don’t stay there because if I am in that office and everybody who comes into town and has any association with me, and when you are in one place as long as I have been, obviously, there are a lot of people you have gotten to know. So I work mostly out of my house, which is only three blocks away from campus. If I have to get into the office, they call me up and I am in the office within five minutes. I have a fax machine, all of my tapes, private business telephone and university phone there so they can get to me. If I need to get the staff together and I don’t feel like running up there because of one thing or another and I just need one or two things, I can get them on a conference call. I think I am getting about as much done as I have gotten done before. That was the way it was before I got hurt. Five or six years ago I had to make up my mind because every time if I stayed in the office, the people who handled the office would have to lie and say, “He’s not in” or if I am in, people’s noses get out of joint if they can’t get in to say “Hello” to their son or sign a book or do something. So I have tried to be able to sit down and look at a tape for three or four hours and not get interrupted and I can do that at home. I make my own coffee and have a cup of coffee and I can work three, four, five or six hours in a row without any interruptions. I think maybe in the sense that I am not there, I am a little bit more productive. At least I feel like that. Again, I go back to what I have said many times. With the staff that I have and the fact that we have been able to keep these guys here, there is just so much that we have come together when we have to make decisions and we may sit around for four or five hours trying to argue out different points and those kinds of things. I think I spend enough time with them and just let them go and coach.
Can you talk about your new junior college players?
I don’t like junior college (recruiting). I don’t like to recruit a junior college player only because I have always felt that if you bring a kid in who works a couple of years and then all of a sudden you go out and get somebody, it is almost like you are making a trade to bring somebody in. We went and got two junior college kids this year, one who came in January and one who is coming this summer because we really felt that we needed some depth on the offensive line. They would be a little further along physically and maturely than, maybe, some of the kids we are bringing in as true freshmen, but we needed some depth. I debated it. The two kids that are coming in are both kids that are solid kids. The one (Ako Poti) has been here since January and has done a good job and a good job academically. It is not easy to learn a system when you are an offensive lineman. I think it was good that we did that, but that doesn’t mean that I am not a junior college fan. That is not to say that I am against junior colleges. I am not saying that it is not for somebody else to recruit them. That is their business. I have just felt that if you bring kids in as freshmen and sophomores and then all of a sudden you bring somebody in and put them ahead of them. That has never lit me up.
Besides Brendan Perretta, who else has changed positions?
Perretta has looked fine as a corner just to get a better feel for him because he is a good football player and let’s see if he is better than some of the others some place else. I doubt very much if he will stay on defense. In fact, he will play a little of both today. The only other guy probably will be (Larry) Federoff, who we had at fullback who is a transfer from Edinboro, a good, tough kid and I want to take a look at him as a linebacker. He played fullback and now we are taking a quick look at him at linebacker. There is a young freshman, Brent Carter, we are going to take a look at him at safety, but he will play both ways today, too. He will be the same as Perretta. It gives you a chance when you come back in the fall to maybe line them up a little bit.
Could you talk about why you moved John Shaw to guard?
We thought we had three tackles and a young freshman kid we liked who we recruited last year but because he had a knee operation, he didn’t start (school), a kid by the name of (Johnnie) Troutman. We felt we needed a little bit more bulk at guard and we had (Dennis) Landolt and (John) Shaw to go in playing tackle and we thought Landolt at guard, and the consensus was that Shaw might be easier to make the adjustment to guard because he is a fifth-year guy. That is the reason he is playing guard. Whether he stays there or not, I honestly am going to say that I don’t know. We will look at all the tapes over the summer and evaluate them through the summer program and see how far Troutman has come. With Landolt, Troutman and (Gerald) Cadogan, we have three good-sized tackles and with Shaw at guard that gives us a chance to have three or four guards. We are still a little worried about the center spot, but we will go from there.
What are your thoughts on the secondary as a whole as they seem to be very athletic?
That is about right. That is a very athletic group. It is not a question of this guy runs :4.5 or this guy runs :4.4 or this guy runs :4.6. The way the game is played today, when you talk about past defenses, it is not a question of how quick you are, it is how fast you play. You have to have a little sense. (Anthony) Scirrotto has turned out to be a really outstanding safety. He is one of our better players, but he isn’t a great guy with the clock. He is tough, smart, anticipates things, studies quarterbacks, splits and receivers, certain things they can do when they split a certain way and the whole bit. He is in the game. He plays a step or two faster than he actually is. We have a lot of guys that are faster than he is, but they are not better. Until they can get to that state of mind, they will be good, but they may not be as good as they can be. I think what you said is right, and if they are very athletic, whether they are great defensive players right now outside of maybe (Justin) King and (Tony) Davis. The other kids are all young. They are tough and can run. I think eventually they are going to be pretty darn good. Right now, they are OK.
Can you talk about your freshman running backs – Brent Carter and Evan Royster?
I like Royster, too. I think both Carter and Royster have a chance to be pretty good backs. You have to see them in some situations where they have to improvise a little bit and make somebody miss and do some things. Right now, we have not done enough tough work with those two kids. I like both of them. They both are good athletes who work hard. They are both good students and good kids. I think, eventually, both of them will be good running backs.
What are your expectations of Kevin Kelly next season and what are some things he needs to do to be more consistent?
He has to be more consistent. That is a mental process. He can go out there and kick that ball and look like he is as good as anybody. He can kick a 55-yard field goal and put the ball in the end zone and the whole bit. Right now he still is not as consistent as he could be. We may be expecting too much of him, but I think that he just has to be a little bit more consistent.
Talk about how this game has become such a big event.
As I said, to me it’s a scrimmage. It’s a scrimmage with a lot of people. Some of us get, I get, maybe more than you people do and I gotta be careful, you get wrapped up so much in the little things and the details. I have an old saying, ‘We’re only as good as the poorest guy we’ve got.’ I worry. I come in there with drills for the poor guys. I don’t come in with drills for guys who are good. We gotta figure out a way to get this guy better so that we can better as a team. Then all of a sudden you come to a day like today and you see all those Penn State kids running around with Virginia Tech colors on. Wait till you see how many have on Virginia Tech t-shirts. My wife (Sue) walked in the room and she’s wearing maroon and orange. Between you and me, she looked like hell (laughter). She had to go down and dig around to find something maroon and orange. I’ve never seen her in maroon and orange. She said, “How do I look?” I said, ‘Oh you look great honey, you look wonderful.’ (laughter). But to see all those kids come across campus and to see all these people, you realize there’s something about intercollegiate athletics that is special. It’s special, it really is. It’s special at Virginia Tech, it’s special here. The Oklahoma spring game was on, I watched a little of that on television. You’re almost fascinated by it and proud to be part of it. I’m proud of this campus and the way they have responded to the Virginia Tech situation. The students and everybody else. I’m a little closer to the Virginia Tech family than you might realize. The guy who wrote the biography that’s important on Stonewall Jackson; I think all of you know who Stonewall Jackson was, the great confederate general. When Stonewall got killed….that was probably the end of the Civil War when Jackson was down. Jackson was a very religious man. Before he went to the war, he was a deeply religious man. A man by the name of (James) Robertson wrote the biography and he’s a Virginia Tech professor. He and I were on a CFA committee together and we spent a lot of time together and I got to like him very much. He liked me and I got to know Frank Beamer very well. I like Frank very much, he and his wife (Cheryl). His wife sent me a copy of Robertson’s book on the life of Stonewall Jackson. And in it, professor Robertson put in a statement about me. I always appreciated that. It’s really a great book about a great man. When all was said and done, he may have been one of the greatest generals we ever had. And when this thing happened, I went to the book because there was a poem in it that hit me. I had forgotten about it. When Jackson died, as I said he was a very religious man, there was a poem in there that eulogized him. It goes this way:
A hero came among us as we slept.
And first he lowly knelt and rose and wept.
And gathering up a thousand spears,
He swept across the field of Mars,
And fought forever and walked among the stars.
In the land where we were dreaming.
That struck me a long time ago and it struck me here. You know, we have a bunch of guys carrying spears out there going across Mars. I think about the kids going to college, going with their spears to conquer the world. All of a sudden they’re shot down. That’s kind of tragic. Not kind of, it is tragic. But anyway, I think it is a great thing (Penn State student response). It is a great day for college athletics, a great day for college institutions. When you guys go out there and see all those kids wearing Virginia Tech colors, and a bunch of kids going after each other trying to knock the crap out of each other, all because they love the game. They love this football game. And all those people [are in the stadium] because they love the game, and they love this place. Yet their love is deep enough it carries across two states, to another state. So I think it’s a great thing. It is a great thing and I’m proud to be a part of it.
I am pleased, obviously (with the Penn State student response). I think that all of us who are in this business are trying to do a job for our youth. They are under an awful lot of pressure these days because of a lot of things. I think when somebody has to struggle with that whole group of students, faculty, supporters and anybody who is connected with higher education, you all look out for each other and I am glad that our student body responded the way they did. I think it is fitting.
Have you talked to Frank Beamer?
I tried to get him the day after and, obviously, everybody was trying to get some kind of contact done so I backed away from it. I figured whenever it settles down, I will try to get a hold of him. One of the families apparently was wearing a t-shirt and Frank autographed the back of it.
Did you know the family of Jeremy Herbstritt?
I did not know the family. I was talking with Jeremy’s girlfriend who was out here. She is a Virginia Tech girl and a 'Hokie' and her mom was there and her mom said, “I just want you to know that I am a diehard ‘Hokie’,” and I said, “That is fine. I was on the Blacksburg campus before you were born. I was there when Jerry Claiborne was the head coach.” I took a couple of coaches down there to watch them practice.
What have you seen from Austin Scott this spring?
I think he has to stay healthy. He has had a tendency to let nicks and bruises bother him a little bit with an ankle here and a pulled muscle there. The thing about some of the really good backs that we have had and the ones that I see doing really well are durable. He has to be able to go out there everyday and get the job done and practice a little. He has had a good spring and did a great job in the fall being the foreign team tailback. He went at it and gave the defense a great look. I think both he and (Rodney) Kinlaw, I don’t want to overlook Kinlaw, give us good tandem. I know a lot of people are concerned about, “Hey, Penn State looks pretty good, where is the tailback”? and all that kind of stuff. There is always somebody concerned. I think both of those kids are really going to have good years. They both had a great spring.
Are you satisfied with what you have accomplished this spring and how the team has progressed?
You are never satisfied. I think we had a good spring. Obviously, you always wish you could do a couple of things a little better. I think we were fortunate that we didn’t have a lot of injuries. We lost six kids who will not go today. A couple of them were hurt prior, (Tom) McEowen was hurt in the winter program, (Kevin) Cousins has been hurt and didn’t do anything all spring, (Anthony) Scirrotto got hurt about a week ago with a pinched nerve and doesn’t have a lot of strength so they didn’t want to let him go, and a freshman, Jon Ditto had to have an operation on his shoulder and we did not see much of him in the spring. There were six of them. Elijah Robinson got a neck injury.
What have you seen out of Anthony Morelli this spring and is his improvement as good as his teammates have been saying?
I think he is pretty good. I don’t know how good they said he is. He came out at the end of the year and showed what he can do. I think there has been some momentum carried over and he had a heck of a spring. I am anxious to see how they do today, obviously. I think Anthony is a really good quarterback. When he started out, a lot of people didn’t realize just how inept we were in some areas because of inexperience and because we hadn’t forecast some injuries and a couple of people left the football team that we had hoped would have been available to help us with the offensive line. Overall, Anthony did a really good job even earlier in the year if you take back a couple of passes.
Could you assess the other quarterbacks? Is Daryll Clark the solid No. 2?
Clark would be No. 2 right now. The other kids, (Pat) Devlin, (Paul) Cianciolo, and young (Kevin) Suhey, it is hard to give everyone enough reps to really give them an honest shake, but I think we are in pretty good shape at quarterback. Clark would be further along than the rest of them, but Cianciolo has ability and I think the young Devlin kid, we probably would have played a little bit last year, except he got mononucleosis right in the middle of pre-season practice, so he lost four or five weeks. Then it was a question of whether you redshirt him or try to get him caught up, so we redshirted him. I think we are in pretty good shape at quarterback.
How has Dan Connor looked in the middle?
I think he is where he should be. I think Dan is a natural inside linebacker and I think he will be fine. He has had a good spring.
Could you talk about the loss of Chris Auletta?
Sure, you would like to keep him, but he just felt that he wanted to get on with his life and that was fine with me. I don’t know what else I can say about that.
What have you seen from Jeremy Boone and how do you feel about him replacing Jeremy Kapinos?
I am pleased with Jeremy. Two or three of the last five or six practices we have put him under a lot of pressure to kick from the end zone and things like that. I think he has done well. I think he is going to be OK. You never know until you get into the season, but anything we have asked him to do this spring he has done.
Do you like to hear talk about a national championship this early?
There is nothing I can do about it. I sure as heck don’t want to tell them, “don’t think about being good.” As long as they understand what it is going to take to be a contender, not necessarily in the national championship, but to be able to do some things that will give you a chance to do the things they are talking about. We have a long way to go. You guys may not like to hear me preach, but I will tell you exactly what I tell them, “Before you start a game you have four seasons prior to that…the winter program, spring practice, summer workouts, preseason and then you go to play after you do all the hard work.” We have had two good segments. I think the winter program was one of the better ones we have had. We have had a good spring practice. We are allowed eight weeks to wear equipment in the summer and most of them will be here this summer. I would like to see how they return the request to that and then, obviously, preseason is crucial. I am glad they are thinking big as long as they understand that it takes more than talk.
How has the leadership evolved so far?
I think that (Anthony) Morelli is the guy that has stepped to the front the most, which is really something you would hope would happen. We will have to see. If I told you I thought we had enough, I don’t know, we will have to see. I would like to see a couple of other kids that I think are going to be really good athletes understand that there is a little bit more than just what they think and they have to have some kind of commitment to help everybody get a little better. I think we are OK, but I am not enthusiastic about that area yet.
Did you accomplish what you wanted at the defensive tackle position?
They haven’t stepped up because none of them have a lot of experience. None of those kids are seniors. I think we are going to be alright there, but I don’t know. There is certainly enough ability there. There are some strong kids. I don’t think it would be fair for me to mention them by name, but there are a couple of them that could be really, really good that are kind of pacing themselves. They have to learn how to go all out every play, but there is potential there. I think that we have three, maybe four kids that can play inside and are strong enough and quick enough to be really good. There again, you have to see them when they have to carry the load in the ball game. They are young. It is going to be a very young defensive football team. Outside of Connor, I don’t think there is a senior that you could project on the first two teams.
The State College police said they are going to interview members of the team regarding an off-campus incident that happened earlier this month? Has this been a distraction?
You know more about it than I do. It hasn’t been a distraction yet. I don’t know what is going to happen because I don’t know anything that is going on. I am trying to concentrate on the football squad. I never try to worry about things until I have to worry about them. I am not sure I have anything to worry about here. I am not sure. I don’t know one way or the other.
How closely do you follow your former players in the NFL?
I don’t follow them…I will know who got drafted. When is the draft, next week or this weekend? The guys on the staff will talk about it and some of the kids will come around. To me, the draft is something that is like recruiting. I get tired of hearing people talking about who the guys are that you are supposed to recruit. Every once in awhile I turn the television on trying to find something to put me to sleep and you get ESPN this or ESPN that or FOX this or FOX that and there is always some guy saying, “Well, this guy is going to be OK because this club needs that.” I don’t pay any attention to it. The draft to me is when they get drafted, they go and I wish them luck and hope they make it and it is going to be a tough job. Hopefully, it will work out for them. Hopefully, they will leave with a degree and if it doesn’t work out with football, they can make another life.
How much are you looking forward to being back on the sidelines next year and how much did you miss that at the end of last season?
Last year, I was just glad that I could sit upstairs. I tried to get on the field for the Outback Bowl and started walking around a little bit with that cane, I got a little nervous and didn’t think I could get out of the way if I had to because the ground was soft and a couple of other things. It will be good to be down there. In fact, I debated on whether I wanted to do this radio thing today and try to get down on the field and then I didn’t want to make a big deal about it. This is the players’ game. This is a bunch of kids out there that some of the kids have never played in any kind of a crowd like that. There are a lot of redshirt freshmen kids that have never been on the field with a crowd like that. They have been on the sidelines, but have never been involved in a game. I have debated on whether I would enjoy being on the sidelines, but then I said, “Hey, the first thing, all of you guys with cameras, and I would be a story because I would be on the sidelines.” So, I am going upstairs and second-guess everybody on radio.
How have your receivers looked and has anyone else stepped up there?
I think all of them have had some experience. We have a good group of receivers. It will be interesting watching today because they will probably throw the ball a lot today. I think we have good wideouts. I think we have good wideouts and good tight ends. A couple of the younger kids at tight end are starting to learn how to block a little bit, which is some of the things that I worried about that we didn’t do necessarily a great job last year with one or two of the younger tight ends. I think that as far as offensively catching the football, I think we are in pretty good shape. I don’t know any young guys. Did we play (Chris) Bell last year at all? He would be the only young guy. There are a couple of kids there who are walk-ons who have done a really nice job such as (Jesse) Alfreno and (Graham) Zug who are good, solid kids, but they will have a tough time beating out some of the older guys.
How has A.J. Wallace looked in practice?
He has been nursing a hamstring for a little bit so he hasn’t had a lot of spring practice. When he is healthy, he is a very, very gifted athlete. If I were to be critical of A.J. at all, every once in awhile he is a little loosy goosy out there. When you are playing corner, loosy goosy might be six points, but he certainly has ability.
How much time are you spending at the Lasch Building since your injury? Are you satisfied with how much you can give the program?
I suppose that will be up to somebody else to make that kind of a critique on what I have done. I don’t think I have done anything differently. I have never been much to stay in Lasch Building because I don’t like the office. It is a great big, fancy office. It is a great facility with the academic support, the weight room, locker room and our coaches so, it is all in there close together and it is easy for the kids to come up and visit. We have a lounge downstairs where they can go and a room with computers so it is really a very, very practical thing. I don’t stay there because if I am in that office and everybody who comes into town and has any association with me, and when you are in one place as long as I have been, obviously, there are a lot of people you have gotten to know. So I work mostly out of my house, which is only three blocks away from campus. If I have to get into the office, they call me up and I am in the office within five minutes. I have a fax machine, all of my tapes, private business telephone and university phone there so they can get to me. If I need to get the staff together and I don’t feel like running up there because of one thing or another and I just need one or two things, I can get them on a conference call. I think I am getting about as much done as I have gotten done before. That was the way it was before I got hurt. Five or six years ago I had to make up my mind because every time if I stayed in the office, the people who handled the office would have to lie and say, “He’s not in” or if I am in, people’s noses get out of joint if they can’t get in to say “Hello” to their son or sign a book or do something. So I have tried to be able to sit down and look at a tape for three or four hours and not get interrupted and I can do that at home. I make my own coffee and have a cup of coffee and I can work three, four, five or six hours in a row without any interruptions. I think maybe in the sense that I am not there, I am a little bit more productive. At least I feel like that. Again, I go back to what I have said many times. With the staff that I have and the fact that we have been able to keep these guys here, there is just so much that we have come together when we have to make decisions and we may sit around for four or five hours trying to argue out different points and those kinds of things. I think I spend enough time with them and just let them go and coach.
Can you talk about your new junior college players?
I don’t like junior college (recruiting). I don’t like to recruit a junior college player only because I have always felt that if you bring a kid in who works a couple of years and then all of a sudden you go out and get somebody, it is almost like you are making a trade to bring somebody in. We went and got two junior college kids this year, one who came in January and one who is coming this summer because we really felt that we needed some depth on the offensive line. They would be a little further along physically and maturely than, maybe, some of the kids we are bringing in as true freshmen, but we needed some depth. I debated it. The two kids that are coming in are both kids that are solid kids. The one (Ako Poti) has been here since January and has done a good job and a good job academically. It is not easy to learn a system when you are an offensive lineman. I think it was good that we did that, but that doesn’t mean that I am not a junior college fan. That is not to say that I am against junior colleges. I am not saying that it is not for somebody else to recruit them. That is their business. I have just felt that if you bring kids in as freshmen and sophomores and then all of a sudden you bring somebody in and put them ahead of them. That has never lit me up.
Besides Brendan Perretta, who else has changed positions?
Perretta has looked fine as a corner just to get a better feel for him because he is a good football player and let’s see if he is better than some of the others some place else. I doubt very much if he will stay on defense. In fact, he will play a little of both today. The only other guy probably will be (Larry) Federoff, who we had at fullback who is a transfer from Edinboro, a good, tough kid and I want to take a look at him as a linebacker. He played fullback and now we are taking a quick look at him at linebacker. There is a young freshman, Brent Carter, we are going to take a look at him at safety, but he will play both ways today, too. He will be the same as Perretta. It gives you a chance when you come back in the fall to maybe line them up a little bit.
Could you talk about why you moved John Shaw to guard?
We thought we had three tackles and a young freshman kid we liked who we recruited last year but because he had a knee operation, he didn’t start (school), a kid by the name of (Johnnie) Troutman. We felt we needed a little bit more bulk at guard and we had (Dennis) Landolt and (John) Shaw to go in playing tackle and we thought Landolt at guard, and the consensus was that Shaw might be easier to make the adjustment to guard because he is a fifth-year guy. That is the reason he is playing guard. Whether he stays there or not, I honestly am going to say that I don’t know. We will look at all the tapes over the summer and evaluate them through the summer program and see how far Troutman has come. With Landolt, Troutman and (Gerald) Cadogan, we have three good-sized tackles and with Shaw at guard that gives us a chance to have three or four guards. We are still a little worried about the center spot, but we will go from there.
What are your thoughts on the secondary as a whole as they seem to be very athletic?
That is about right. That is a very athletic group. It is not a question of this guy runs :4.5 or this guy runs :4.4 or this guy runs :4.6. The way the game is played today, when you talk about past defenses, it is not a question of how quick you are, it is how fast you play. You have to have a little sense. (Anthony) Scirrotto has turned out to be a really outstanding safety. He is one of our better players, but he isn’t a great guy with the clock. He is tough, smart, anticipates things, studies quarterbacks, splits and receivers, certain things they can do when they split a certain way and the whole bit. He is in the game. He plays a step or two faster than he actually is. We have a lot of guys that are faster than he is, but they are not better. Until they can get to that state of mind, they will be good, but they may not be as good as they can be. I think what you said is right, and if they are very athletic, whether they are great defensive players right now outside of maybe (Justin) King and (Tony) Davis. The other kids are all young. They are tough and can run. I think eventually they are going to be pretty darn good. Right now, they are OK.
Can you talk about your freshman running backs – Brent Carter and Evan Royster?
I like Royster, too. I think both Carter and Royster have a chance to be pretty good backs. You have to see them in some situations where they have to improvise a little bit and make somebody miss and do some things. Right now, we have not done enough tough work with those two kids. I like both of them. They both are good athletes who work hard. They are both good students and good kids. I think, eventually, both of them will be good running backs.
What are your expectations of Kevin Kelly next season and what are some things he needs to do to be more consistent?
He has to be more consistent. That is a mental process. He can go out there and kick that ball and look like he is as good as anybody. He can kick a 55-yard field goal and put the ball in the end zone and the whole bit. Right now he still is not as consistent as he could be. We may be expecting too much of him, but I think that he just has to be a little bit more consistent.
Talk about how this game has become such a big event.
As I said, to me it’s a scrimmage. It’s a scrimmage with a lot of people. Some of us get, I get, maybe more than you people do and I gotta be careful, you get wrapped up so much in the little things and the details. I have an old saying, ‘We’re only as good as the poorest guy we’ve got.’ I worry. I come in there with drills for the poor guys. I don’t come in with drills for guys who are good. We gotta figure out a way to get this guy better so that we can better as a team. Then all of a sudden you come to a day like today and you see all those Penn State kids running around with Virginia Tech colors on. Wait till you see how many have on Virginia Tech t-shirts. My wife (Sue) walked in the room and she’s wearing maroon and orange. Between you and me, she looked like hell (laughter). She had to go down and dig around to find something maroon and orange. I’ve never seen her in maroon and orange. She said, “How do I look?” I said, ‘Oh you look great honey, you look wonderful.’ (laughter). But to see all those kids come across campus and to see all these people, you realize there’s something about intercollegiate athletics that is special. It’s special, it really is. It’s special at Virginia Tech, it’s special here. The Oklahoma spring game was on, I watched a little of that on television. You’re almost fascinated by it and proud to be part of it. I’m proud of this campus and the way they have responded to the Virginia Tech situation. The students and everybody else. I’m a little closer to the Virginia Tech family than you might realize. The guy who wrote the biography that’s important on Stonewall Jackson; I think all of you know who Stonewall Jackson was, the great confederate general. When Stonewall got killed….that was probably the end of the Civil War when Jackson was down. Jackson was a very religious man. Before he went to the war, he was a deeply religious man. A man by the name of (James) Robertson wrote the biography and he’s a Virginia Tech professor. He and I were on a CFA committee together and we spent a lot of time together and I got to like him very much. He liked me and I got to know Frank Beamer very well. I like Frank very much, he and his wife (Cheryl). His wife sent me a copy of Robertson’s book on the life of Stonewall Jackson. And in it, professor Robertson put in a statement about me. I always appreciated that. It’s really a great book about a great man. When all was said and done, he may have been one of the greatest generals we ever had. And when this thing happened, I went to the book because there was a poem in it that hit me. I had forgotten about it. When Jackson died, as I said he was a very religious man, there was a poem in there that eulogized him. It goes this way:
A hero came among us as we slept.
And first he lowly knelt and rose and wept.
And gathering up a thousand spears,
He swept across the field of Mars,
And fought forever and walked among the stars.
In the land where we were dreaming.
That struck me a long time ago and it struck me here. You know, we have a bunch of guys carrying spears out there going across Mars. I think about the kids going to college, going with their spears to conquer the world. All of a sudden they’re shot down. That’s kind of tragic. Not kind of, it is tragic. But anyway, I think it is a great thing (Penn State student response). It is a great day for college athletics, a great day for college institutions. When you guys go out there and see all those kids wearing Virginia Tech colors, and a bunch of kids going after each other trying to knock the crap out of each other, all because they love the game. They love this football game. And all those people [are in the stadium] because they love the game, and they love this place. Yet their love is deep enough it carries across two states, to another state. So I think it’s a great thing. It is a great thing and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Quest for the Cup contines
By Eric Redner
The Phanatic Magazine
The first round is finished and I'm sure you're all wondering how I did on my picks. Six of eight correct. I honestly thought Sidney Crosby might have had it in him to give the Penguins at least one series win and considering some of Ottawa's lackluster playoff performances I thought this series had the making of an upset, albeit not much of one. However, the Senators came out and shut down Pittsburgh in five games, not the six game Penguins series victory.
Better luck next year Sid.
My other mistake was Anaheim. Minnesota was playing very well down the final stretch of the season and I thought they matched up well against the Ducks. Anaheim and its potent special teams, however, allowed the team to dominate Minnesota through the series.
The beards are getting longer as the chase for the Cup heads into the semifinals. The Elite Eight of the league are left so lets take a look at what might be expected.
Eastern Conference
1. Buffalo (53-22-7) versus NY Rangers (42-30-10)
Season series - Buffalo won 4-0 (two wins in overtime and one in shootout)
Both teams had relatively easy first round series, with the Rangers sweeping a series for the first time since 1994. This series features two very good offensive teams with goaltenders who are starting to garner a lot of attention in the league. Buffalo swept the season series, but these teams have not faced each other since December 1. Also, this is the first playoff series between
these teams since 1978.
Is Henrik Lundqvist starting to emerge as a star goaltender? It's still to early to start asking such questions, but a big series win, such as beating Buffalo, will go a long way to seeing such banter thrown about. Lundqvist was very good in the opening series against Atlanta, posting a fourth-best 1.50 goals-against average with a shutout against a high-powered attack.
Ryan Miller raised a lot of eyebrows in last year's playoff run for Buffalo, but has he lived up to the hype in his sophomore playoff run? In the first round against the Islanders, Miller played good enough. But, good enough will not cut it against the Rangers, who have some well-seasoned offensive talent that is coming off a long rest.
Another big question in this series is how will the Rangers handle Buffalo's speed?
The Rangers proved that they are playing a better team defense than in previous systems, but the Sabres are much more talented than the Thrashers. Buffalo can wear down a team by rolling lines with players who have a knack for getting the puck in the net. Also, Buffalo's speed allows the team to generate power play opportunities. Among the teams remaining in the playoffs,
only San Jose had more power play chances in the regular season.
Still, New York will get its opportunities to score and should Miller falter, or Lundqvist plays spectacular, the Rangers stand a very good chance of playing in the Conference Finals.
New York in six games.
2. New Jersey (49-24-9) versus Ottawa (48-25-9)
Season series - New Jersey won 3-1 (one win in the shootout)
While Ottawa will be seeing a different team than its first round opponents, New Jersey will be facing a similar style team, but one with much more talent.
The Senators completely dominated Pittsburgh in their five-game series win. Chris Phillips, Anton Volchenkov and Zdeno Chara highlight possibly the best defensive corps in the league and they contained the amount of damage from Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. New Jersey doesn't have anyone with the raw talent of the Penguins top two players, but the Devils do have good forwards who know how to find the back of the net.
The Devils faced the league's third and fifth best scorers in the regular season in Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis in the first round. While the Lightning did some damage, the Devils were able to persevere and limit the rest of Tampa Bay to just six goals. Martin Brodeur looked a little sluggish at the beginning of the series, but bounced back with a shutout in Game 5 and 30-plus save efforts in the final three games.
If Ottawa's trio of Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza can cause some pressure in the New Jersey end the team will get its goals.
These are two very talented teams that match up reasonably well against each other. The Devils and Senators will both have a big fight on their hands if they want to make it to the Conference Finals.
The last time the teams faced each other in the playoffs, New Jersey knocked out Ottawa in seven games in the finals in 2003 and went on to win the Stanley Cup.
I picked against Ottawa in the first round because of the tendency for this club to choke in the playoffs. This time I'm going to pick against them because of Brodeur.
New Jersey in six games.
Western Conference
1. Detroit (50-19-13) versus San Jose (51-26-5)
Season series - San Jose won 3-1
San Jose looked very strong in its first round dismantling of a strong Nashville team. Detroit started out strong, faltered a bit on the road, but bounced back with two convincing wins to take its opening round series against a much weaker opponent in Calgary.
These two teams have not met each other since January 4 when the Sharks demolished the Red Wings, 9-4. Still, despite, the regular season results, these two teams are very evenly matched.
San Jose has a good defensive corps and strong players up front, but the team will find it much harder to generate offensive pressure against Detroit's well-experienced defensive squad. Joe Thornton and the other big scorers for San Jose will have to step up their play and put some pucks in the net if the Sharks hope to advance to the finals for the first time since 2003.
I thought the Red Wings would drop a step this year after losing Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan. However, other players filled the vacancies and the veterans assumed some of the leadership duties and the team again had a successful season and fought through a rough spot to dispatch Calgary in six games. Todd Bertuzzi played the final four games of the quarterfinal series and posted three points and could be that added boost that the Wings will need
to get past a much better opponent than what they faced in the first round.
If this series comes to a Game 7 I don't believe that Detroit will lose it at home. However, I don't see this series coming down to seven games.
San Jose in six games.
2. Anaheim (48-20-14) versus Vancouver (49-26-7)
Season series - Anaheim won 3-1
Poor Vancouver can't even get a Thursday series start after playing close to nine games (counting overtime) to knock out Dallas. Anaheim, on the other hand, is well rested after easily handling Minnesota in five games.
All that Anaheim has to do to win games is score a goal or two and let its fantastic defense and solid goaltending take over from there. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer are a fearsome pair of blueliners for opposing teams to face and they proved that in the opening series against Minnesota as they helped limit the Wild to nine goals, four in Anaheim's only loss in the
series. Should Anaheim's big line of Teemu Selanne-Chris Kunitz-Andy McDonald generate some chances, especially on the teams potent power play, it will be a solid lock to advance to the finals.
Vancouver has to be somewhat depleted after a series that featured three overtimes, including Game 1's four overtime thriller, the sixth longest game in NHL history. Vancouver has a strong defensive corps and one of the game's better goaltenders in Roberto Luongo. However, the team does not have that strong of an offensive punch as the three games the Canucks lost to the Stars
they were shutout. The Sedin twins and Markus Naslund will have to contribute more than they did in the first round if Vancouver wants to advance.
The Canucks need some luck if they want to beat the Ducks. I don't see that happening and I'm going to call it a California Conference Final.
Anaheim in five games.
The Phanatic Magazine
The first round is finished and I'm sure you're all wondering how I did on my picks. Six of eight correct. I honestly thought Sidney Crosby might have had it in him to give the Penguins at least one series win and considering some of Ottawa's lackluster playoff performances I thought this series had the making of an upset, albeit not much of one. However, the Senators came out and shut down Pittsburgh in five games, not the six game Penguins series victory.
Better luck next year Sid.
My other mistake was Anaheim. Minnesota was playing very well down the final stretch of the season and I thought they matched up well against the Ducks. Anaheim and its potent special teams, however, allowed the team to dominate Minnesota through the series.
The beards are getting longer as the chase for the Cup heads into the semifinals. The Elite Eight of the league are left so lets take a look at what might be expected.
Eastern Conference
1. Buffalo (53-22-7) versus NY Rangers (42-30-10)
Season series - Buffalo won 4-0 (two wins in overtime and one in shootout)
Both teams had relatively easy first round series, with the Rangers sweeping a series for the first time since 1994. This series features two very good offensive teams with goaltenders who are starting to garner a lot of attention in the league. Buffalo swept the season series, but these teams have not faced each other since December 1. Also, this is the first playoff series between
these teams since 1978.
Is Henrik Lundqvist starting to emerge as a star goaltender? It's still to early to start asking such questions, but a big series win, such as beating Buffalo, will go a long way to seeing such banter thrown about. Lundqvist was very good in the opening series against Atlanta, posting a fourth-best 1.50 goals-against average with a shutout against a high-powered attack.
Ryan Miller raised a lot of eyebrows in last year's playoff run for Buffalo, but has he lived up to the hype in his sophomore playoff run? In the first round against the Islanders, Miller played good enough. But, good enough will not cut it against the Rangers, who have some well-seasoned offensive talent that is coming off a long rest.
Another big question in this series is how will the Rangers handle Buffalo's speed?
The Rangers proved that they are playing a better team defense than in previous systems, but the Sabres are much more talented than the Thrashers. Buffalo can wear down a team by rolling lines with players who have a knack for getting the puck in the net. Also, Buffalo's speed allows the team to generate power play opportunities. Among the teams remaining in the playoffs,
only San Jose had more power play chances in the regular season.
Still, New York will get its opportunities to score and should Miller falter, or Lundqvist plays spectacular, the Rangers stand a very good chance of playing in the Conference Finals.
New York in six games.
2. New Jersey (49-24-9) versus Ottawa (48-25-9)
Season series - New Jersey won 3-1 (one win in the shootout)
While Ottawa will be seeing a different team than its first round opponents, New Jersey will be facing a similar style team, but one with much more talent.
The Senators completely dominated Pittsburgh in their five-game series win. Chris Phillips, Anton Volchenkov and Zdeno Chara highlight possibly the best defensive corps in the league and they contained the amount of damage from Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. New Jersey doesn't have anyone with the raw talent of the Penguins top two players, but the Devils do have good forwards who know how to find the back of the net.
The Devils faced the league's third and fifth best scorers in the regular season in Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis in the first round. While the Lightning did some damage, the Devils were able to persevere and limit the rest of Tampa Bay to just six goals. Martin Brodeur looked a little sluggish at the beginning of the series, but bounced back with a shutout in Game 5 and 30-plus save efforts in the final three games.
If Ottawa's trio of Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza can cause some pressure in the New Jersey end the team will get its goals.
These are two very talented teams that match up reasonably well against each other. The Devils and Senators will both have a big fight on their hands if they want to make it to the Conference Finals.
The last time the teams faced each other in the playoffs, New Jersey knocked out Ottawa in seven games in the finals in 2003 and went on to win the Stanley Cup.
I picked against Ottawa in the first round because of the tendency for this club to choke in the playoffs. This time I'm going to pick against them because of Brodeur.
New Jersey in six games.
Western Conference
1. Detroit (50-19-13) versus San Jose (51-26-5)
Season series - San Jose won 3-1
San Jose looked very strong in its first round dismantling of a strong Nashville team. Detroit started out strong, faltered a bit on the road, but bounced back with two convincing wins to take its opening round series against a much weaker opponent in Calgary.
These two teams have not met each other since January 4 when the Sharks demolished the Red Wings, 9-4. Still, despite, the regular season results, these two teams are very evenly matched.
San Jose has a good defensive corps and strong players up front, but the team will find it much harder to generate offensive pressure against Detroit's well-experienced defensive squad. Joe Thornton and the other big scorers for San Jose will have to step up their play and put some pucks in the net if the Sharks hope to advance to the finals for the first time since 2003.
I thought the Red Wings would drop a step this year after losing Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan. However, other players filled the vacancies and the veterans assumed some of the leadership duties and the team again had a successful season and fought through a rough spot to dispatch Calgary in six games. Todd Bertuzzi played the final four games of the quarterfinal series and posted three points and could be that added boost that the Wings will need
to get past a much better opponent than what they faced in the first round.
If this series comes to a Game 7 I don't believe that Detroit will lose it at home. However, I don't see this series coming down to seven games.
San Jose in six games.
2. Anaheim (48-20-14) versus Vancouver (49-26-7)
Season series - Anaheim won 3-1
Poor Vancouver can't even get a Thursday series start after playing close to nine games (counting overtime) to knock out Dallas. Anaheim, on the other hand, is well rested after easily handling Minnesota in five games.
All that Anaheim has to do to win games is score a goal or two and let its fantastic defense and solid goaltending take over from there. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer are a fearsome pair of blueliners for opposing teams to face and they proved that in the opening series against Minnesota as they helped limit the Wild to nine goals, four in Anaheim's only loss in the
series. Should Anaheim's big line of Teemu Selanne-Chris Kunitz-Andy McDonald generate some chances, especially on the teams potent power play, it will be a solid lock to advance to the finals.
Vancouver has to be somewhat depleted after a series that featured three overtimes, including Game 1's four overtime thriller, the sixth longest game in NHL history. Vancouver has a strong defensive corps and one of the game's better goaltenders in Roberto Luongo. However, the team does not have that strong of an offensive punch as the three games the Canucks lost to the Stars
they were shutout. The Sedin twins and Markus Naslund will have to contribute more than they did in the first round if Vancouver wants to advance.
The Canucks need some luck if they want to beat the Ducks. I don't see that happening and I'm going to call it a California Conference Final.
Anaheim in five games.
Rumor: Clarke to Blue Jackets?
Phillyburbs.com's Wayne Fish reported on Tuesday that former Flyers GM Bob Clarke is on a short list of candidates to fill the open general manager position in Columbus.
Clarke, who has been serving as a senior vice president and consultant since his resignation in October, who be reunited with Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock. Hitchcock was let go by Philadelphia the same day Clarke resigned.
Clarke, who has been serving as a senior vice president and consultant since his resignation in October, who be reunited with Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock. Hitchcock was let go by Philadelphia the same day Clarke resigned.
Are you ready for some football?
By John Gottlieb
5) Arizona Cardinals (5-11) – T – Joe Thomas – Wisconsin – With the loss of Leonard Davis the Cardinals need someone to play left guard. Thomas is the best O-lineman in the draft and would fit in nicely, despite the right being Matt Leinart's blind-side. Thomas is a safe pick, especially with a young quarterback.
The Phanatic Magazine
It’s Christmas morning for the true NFL fan. In between the NHL and NBA playoffs and pre-Derby chatter every April brings us a new football season, reminding us that training camp is just three short months away. It’s like the football season never ended.
It doesn’t matter that it’s a beautiful, sunny 80 degrees outside because you have a date with your television. You want to see who’ll be drafted first but you can’t just get up and leave after that. Where will Brady Quinn or Adrian Peterson go? Will the Vikings space out and skip their pick? Which players are going to fall, and what teams are going to get lucky that they did?
By the time the Eagles pick it’ll be 5:30 and the day is shot…or is it? Will they take a lineman or will they go after a safety? It’s one of the few spring Saturdays each year that you can veg on your couch all day and nobody can call you a bum. (Well they can but who the hell cares, it's the NFL Draft.)
After a six-plus hour first round the real draftniks come out and stay excited because there is still another full day and six more rounds of selections. You don’t get annoyed at Mel Kiper, Jr. anymore because this is his one day to shine; Chris Berman’s nicknames and waxing poetic about how long he’s been covering the draft seem tolerable; and we hold our collective breaths until Roger Goodell comes out and announces that there has been a trade.
We’ve been bringing you the latest mock drafts from reputable Web sites, but why not do our own? I’ve read everything there is to read and looked at all the scouting reports that I can find, and with that I bring you my second mock draft.
With the first pick in the 2007 NFL Draft…
It doesn’t matter that it’s a beautiful, sunny 80 degrees outside because you have a date with your television. You want to see who’ll be drafted first but you can’t just get up and leave after that. Where will Brady Quinn or Adrian Peterson go? Will the Vikings space out and skip their pick? Which players are going to fall, and what teams are going to get lucky that they did?
By the time the Eagles pick it’ll be 5:30 and the day is shot…or is it? Will they take a lineman or will they go after a safety? It’s one of the few spring Saturdays each year that you can veg on your couch all day and nobody can call you a bum. (Well they can but who the hell cares, it's the NFL Draft.)
After a six-plus hour first round the real draftniks come out and stay excited because there is still another full day and six more rounds of selections. You don’t get annoyed at Mel Kiper, Jr. anymore because this is his one day to shine; Chris Berman’s nicknames and waxing poetic about how long he’s been covering the draft seem tolerable; and we hold our collective breaths until Roger Goodell comes out and announces that there has been a trade.
We’ve been bringing you the latest mock drafts from reputable Web sites, but why not do our own? I’ve read everything there is to read and looked at all the scouting reports that I can find, and with that I bring you my second mock draft.
With the first pick in the 2007 NFL Draft…
1) Oakland Raiders (2-14) – QB JaMarcus Russell – LSU – Amidst the question as to whether it's Russell or Calvin Johnson to begin the Lane Kiffin era I'm sticking with Russell. Johnson is the sure thing but you can't build your franchise around a wide receiver, just ask...the Raiders.
2) Detroit Lions (3-13) – DE – Gaines Adams – Clemson – The Lions are actively trying to trade down since taking Adams here is a bit of a reach. That being said Adams has shot up the board since the last mock draft, and it seems as if Rod Marinelli has convinced Matt Millen that defense is the best way to mold the team.
3) Cleveland Browns (4-12) – QB – Brady Quinn – Notre Dame – Quinn's status in the draft reminds me of a roller coaster. One day he's a lock in the top three and the next he's overrated and just a top-10 pick. He's made it known he wants to play near his hometown for the Browns and he will get his wish.
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) – WR – Calvin Johnson – Georgia Tech – It's unusual the consensus best player in the draft isn't taken with the first pick, but Johnson will fall to the Bucs, who are in desperate need of overhauling the receiving corps. Years from now people will think that Tampa Bay got the steal of the draft.
5) Arizona Cardinals (5-11) – T – Joe Thomas – Wisconsin – With the loss of Leonard Davis the Cardinals need someone to play left guard. Thomas is the best O-lineman in the draft and would fit in nicely, despite the right being Matt Leinart's blind-side. Thomas is a safe pick, especially with a young quarterback.
6) Washington Redskins (5-11) – DT – Amobi Okoye – Louisville – He’s young (19), but there is tremendous upside as he hovers near 300 pounds. The Redskins got to the quarterback a league and franchise-worst 19 times and need a difference maker on the line. With Adams already gone Okoye has the biggest upside.
7) Minnesota Vikings (6-10) – RB – Adrian Peterson – Oklahoma – There are a lot of positions that the Vikings need to address, including wide receiver and defensive end, but this will be a case of taking the best player available. When it comes to potential All-Pro type players in this year's draft, the conversation begins with Calvin Johnson and Peterson, who will have to shed the durability concerns. This would be a steal at No. 7. There is talk that Peterson won't make it past the Browns at No. 3.
8) Atlanta Falcons (from Houston) (7-9) – S – LaRon Landry – LSU – He is an excellent defender against the run and the pass. His 40 time of 4.35 has solidified him as a top-10 player. They would like to get bigger on the offensive line so Levi Brown seems like a good pick, but Landry is tops in the draft for safeties and that is another need position for the Falcons.
9) Miami Dolphins (6-10) – OT – Levi Brown – Penn St. – The Dolphins need to replace tackle Damion McIntosh, who signed with Kansas City, and Brown would fill the need on the left side. If Quinn somehow begins to drop look for Miami, which has three picks in the top 60, to make a strong push.
10) Houston Texans (from Atlanta) (6-10) – DE – Jamaal Anderson – Arkansas – As long as last year’s top draft choice, Mario Williams, pans out to be the superstar the Texans thought they were getting, this would make for an intimidating defensive line for years to come. If Peterson is available he’ll be the pick but he shouldn’t slide that far. Houston is in more need of a defensive tackle but Anderson has a huge upside.
11) San Francisco 49ers (7-9) – DT – Alan Branch – Michigan – After throwing a lot of money around in the free agent market the 49ers can choose the best player available. They need help on the offensive line, but after Thomas and Brown there is a huge drop-off. Mike Nolan will look for Branch to be the anchor in the middle of the 3-4 defense.
12) Buffalo Bills (7-9) – CB – Leon Hall – Michigan – The loss of Nate Clements was big for the secondary so look for the Bills to improve that area of need. This secondary class is very deep and Hall is a good cover guy that also excels at stopping the run. A 4.4 in the 40 has his stock rising.
13) St. Louis Rams (8-8) – DE-DT – Adam Carriker – Nebraska – The Rams putrid defense was the worst in the league against the run, giving up 2,327 yards for 145 yards per game and 4.9 per carry. They need help in the front seven and Carriker, who had seven sacks and 16 tackles for a loss last year, can be a addition to a defense that will be a big focus for the Rams on Saturday.
14) Carolina Panthers (8-8) – TE – Greg Olsen – Miami (Fla.) – At 6-6, 240 Olsen runs good routes and has excellent hands. He needs to improve his blocking techniques, but should be a good addition to John Fox’s offense, which will utilize the tight end more this season. He took a step back last season, averaging only 12.2 yards per catch, but he has decent speed for a tight end and will be used to free up space for Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson.
15) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) – LB – Patrick Willis – Mississippi – Under new head coach Mike Tomin the Steelers are moving from a 3-4 to the Cover 2 defense and need a linebacker that can get to the quarterback from the outside. Willis is a very good pass rusher (11 career sacks at Ole Miss) and can go sideline-to-sideline (career-best 137 tackles last season). However, he’ll need to get a bigger (242 pounds) to succeed at the next level.
16) Green Bay Packers (8-8) – RB – Marshawn Lynch – California – The Packers need a playmaker in the running game now that Ahman Green signed with the Texans. There are only two surefire first round running backs and Peterson will already be gone. Lynch is the next best thing. At 215 pounds Lynch is not easy to bring down whether it’s inside or outside. He runs good routes out of the backfield and should be a big weapon for Brett Favre.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8) – S – Reggie Nelson – Florida – Nelson excelled in his second Division I campaign last season with the champion Gators. He is a big-time hitter within his six-foot, 200-pound frame. He reminds me a lot of Rodney Harrison, who makes opposing players know where he is on the field at all times. He’s also not afraid to come up and help stop the run. This is a solid pick after the loss of Deon Grant.
18) Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) – CB – Darrelle Revis – Pittsburgh – After picking off four passes in 2005, Revis took a step back last season, making only two interceptions. He may be too good for Pittsburgh to pass up at No. 15, but Revis will be a big addition to the 31st rated pass defense of the Bengals. The addition of Revis means the Bengals can keep Madieu Williams at free safety.
19) Tennessee Titans (8-8) – WR – Robert Meachem – Tennessee – Wide receivers Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade are both gone and the Titans need someone to pair with Vince Young to make the offense explosive. At 6-2, 214 with 4.39-speed, Meachem is a perfect deep threat for Young. The two can become a dominant force under Norm Chow.
20) New York Giants (8-8) – OT – Joe Staley – Central Michigan – With the release of Luke Petitgout the Giants are in need of some help on the offensive line. Staley, 6-5, 306 pounds, can fit right into to protect Eli Manning’s blind-side. He’s got fantastic footwork and good speed for a player that transferred over from tight end just a few years ago.
21) Denver Broncos (9-7) – DE – Jarvis Moss –Florida – Moss had 11 tackles for a loss and 7 ½ sacks last season for the Gators. The Broncos added Dre’ Bly opposite Champ Bailey and need to start adding young, big bodies to the D-line. He’s a raw product, but if he adds weight (250), he can become a solid end.
22) Dallas Cowboys (9-7) – CB – Aaron Ross – Texas – The addition of Ross will free up the Cowboys to move Anthony Henry to safety, where the Cowboys have a weakness. Ross isn’t as fast as you would like but he’s big enough that receivers won’t tower over him. Ross won the Thorpe Award as the top defensive back after starting for only one year. He’s also a sensational talent returning kicks on special teams.
23) Kansas City Chiefs (9-7) – OT – Tony Ugoh – Arkansas – The Chiefs have lost Will Shields and Willie Roaf in back-to-back years and now are hurting on the offensive line. It’s a weak year for offensive lineman so the Chiefs will take a reach on a lineman. He’s great at opening up holes and went up against top competition in the SEC week-in and week-out. However, he’ll have to bulk up from just over 300 pounds.
24) New England Patriots (from Seattle) (9-7) – LB – Jon Beason – Miami – He can play inside or out, which should help spell an aging linebacker crew. Tedy Bruschi will be 34, Rosevelt Colvin 30 and Mike Vrabel will turn 32 as of next year. The Pats have to start getting younger so they aren't hit with a defensive crisis. He’s got good speed and has a nose for the ball. He’s always around the action, making 92 tackles, including 10 for a loss, last year. If Beason is gone the Pats may go after Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny.
25) New York Jets (10-6) – CB – Chris Houston – Arkansas – The Jets need a good cover guy and Houston fits that role. He has excellent speed but may be a little too short to become a shutdown corner. He broke up 13 passes and picked off three balls last season. Houston was counted on to go against the top wideouts in the SEC and did a very good job. His lack of size makes him a liability against the run.
26) Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) – S – Michael Griffin – Texas – Griffin is quickly moving up the board at the right time. He hits like a Mack truck and has got 4.45-speed to make up ground. The loss of Michael Lewis makes this a need position for Philly. He also is a fantastic special teams player that is adept at blocking kicks. His big hit ability also makes him good against the run.
27) New Orleans Saints (10-6) – DT –Justin Harrell – Tennessee – This a down year for defensive tackles which means that teams may take a leap. The Saints need help in the secondary but all of the best prospects will be gone. Harrell missed most of his senior season with a torn biceps but he is healthy and will be a run-stopper for the Saints. Due to a deep class for the secondary there will be some playmakers when New Orleans picks in the second round.
28) New England Patriots (12-4) – S – Brandon Meriweather – Miami (Fla.) – This is another area of concern for New England since Harrison is injury prone. Meriweather saw his stock drop after playing a big role in the brawl with Florida International as well as some other legal issues, but he’s got the talent and the speed (4.47) to keep him in the first round. He can play corner as well as safety. However, don’t be surprised if the Pats take a stab at Ohio State wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez with this pick since Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick really like his talent.
29) Baltimore Ravens (13-3) – OT – Justin Blalock – Texas – He is a monster of a man at 6-3, 320, and will be the first step in rebuilding an offensive line that is getting older. Blalock was a guard for most of his career but he’s a versatile lineman and should be able to make the transition to tackle. He’ll have to improve his footwork and become a better pass protector. If the Ravens don’t want to take Blalock so high they may go after the best available cornerback (i.e. Tennessee’s Jonathan Wade or Fresno State’s Marcus McCauley).
30) San Diego Chargers (14-2) – WR – Dwayne Jarrett – USC – This is a deep class for wide receivers but teams have become leery about drafting them too high. There are a lot of teams that are going to pass on Jarrett because of his subpar speed (4.62), but this will be a big mistake. Jarrett’s got great hands; he’s a good route runner and has got the size (6-4, 219) to be big time playmaker. His stock has been falling and it’ be a travesty if he falls to the second round. He’ll be the receiver that will go over the middle for Philip Rivers.
31) Chicago Bears (13-3) – WR – Dwayne Bowe – LSU – He’s got size and isn’t afraid to take a hit. Bowe will become a go-to receiver in the red zone, but still needs a lot of work to become a threat. He has a tendency to catch the ball with his body and has a hard time separating on the line. With some grooming Bowe will be the guy that replaces Muhsin Muhammad. That being said he’s got great leaping ability and a great wingspan to wrestle balls away from shorter cornerbacks.
32) Indianapolis Colts (12-4) – LB – Paul Posluszny – Penn State – Posluszny’s draft status fell after a subpar senior season. He moved from the inside to the outside after tearing up his knee in the 2005 Orange Bowl. He’s great against the run and takes great angles to get to the ball carrier. He’s got the sideline-to-sideline ability that will help the Colts defense. He’s not great at getting to the quarterback or in pass coverage, but he is ferociously intense and will be a good piece to Tony Dungy’s defense.
-- Great second round picks include Ohio State wide receivers Ted Ginn, Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez, Purdue defensive end Anthony Spencer, Georgia cornerback Jonathan Wade, Fresno State cornerback Marcus McCauley, Georgia defensive end Charles Johnson, Auburn guard Ben Grubbs, Tennessee guard Arron Spears, Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons, USC center Ryan Kalil, Stanford quarterback Trent Edwards, Arizona State tight end Zach Miller, and Rutgers running back Brian Leonard.
32) Indianapolis Colts (12-4) – LB – Paul Posluszny – Penn State – Posluszny’s draft status fell after a subpar senior season. He moved from the inside to the outside after tearing up his knee in the 2005 Orange Bowl. He’s great against the run and takes great angles to get to the ball carrier. He’s got the sideline-to-sideline ability that will help the Colts defense. He’s not great at getting to the quarterback or in pass coverage, but he is ferociously intense and will be a good piece to Tony Dungy’s defense.
-- Great second round picks include Ohio State wide receivers Ted Ginn, Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez, Purdue defensive end Anthony Spencer, Georgia cornerback Jonathan Wade, Fresno State cornerback Marcus McCauley, Georgia defensive end Charles Johnson, Auburn guard Ben Grubbs, Tennessee guard Arron Spears, Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons, USC center Ryan Kalil, Stanford quarterback Trent Edwards, Arizona State tight end Zach Miller, and Rutgers running back Brian Leonard.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Game, Set, Match
By Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine
7-6, 7-5, 7-6.
Sounds like one hell of a contest, doesn’t it? Like the best possible outcome of a three-set dandy on clay between World Class tennis stars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?
Try again.
These are the telltale numbers of a three-game sweep by the Boston Red Sox over the New York Yankees, and each score tells a story so compelling, yet so different from each other that each game almost exists like its own private universe.
All right. I getcha, Yankees fans. It’s only April, and the Sox have the perennial habit of leading the AL East through April, May and June, only to see the Bombers gather strength and assume their rightful position as division leaders once the Fourth of July rolls around. I know the pitching staff bears a closer resemblance to a handful of expansion clubs than the well-oiled juggernaut of past campaigns, but it simply doesn’t matter.
The rivalry is what it is, and will always be, regardless of conditions. You can couch last August’s second edition of the Boston Massacre when the Yanks took five straight at Fenway against an equally battered Boston rotation in similar terms. However, since the Yankees are the equivalent to the Dallas Cowboys in positioning themselves as “America’s Team,” any opportunity for any club to complete a sweep in front of three national audiences over the course of any three-day stretch is undeniably sweet.
What else in baseball could possibly match Yankees-Red Sox for pure excitement, drama, and raw hatred between each fan base?
Cubs-White Sox – the struggle between Chicago’s North and Southsiders? You have to wait until Interleague Play resumes each year, sometime in June. The remainder of the rancor is played out in bars across the Windy City. Giants-Dodgers – the eternal series which stretches back into Gotham lore and the 19th Century has tons more history on its side, but come on, does anybody in either half of The Golden State really transmit enough bad vibes to “hate” anything?
There is nothing like three-game series on consecutive weekends, one at Fenway and one in the Bronx, to get the blood flowing back into the baseball-soaked corners of one’s mind. Thanks to ESPN’s constant media blitz it seems like there is no other Sunday night game in the galaxy worthy of coverage except between these two bitter rivals.
The fact that these series are showcased to the near exclusion of all others during the course of a season, and draws ire for both teams equally is of no consequence: you must give in, because the atmosphere of each game, each at-bat, and sometimes each pitch is near mythic – with the weight of history and the expectation of new records hanging in the balance.
From this weekend alone, you saw a rock-solid 6-2 New York advantage go the way of the Bikini Atoll as the umpteenth blown save by Mariano Rivera against the Sox led to a come-from-behind one-run Boston win on Friday.
Saturday was a tense tug-of-war, with both sides trading two runs in their halves of the first two innings until Big Papi provided breathing room with a two-run shot in a three-run fourth inning.
Sunday was the coup-de-grace. Dice-K’s first victory on home soil. A 3-0 Yankees advantage obliterated by the first back-to-back-to-back-to-back homers since 1963. Jeter leading a comeback with another long ball. A 4-4 game unknotted when Lowell’s left-field bullet barely made it above the Green Monster. Melky Cabrera of all people being the key to keeping New York in the game with a double play and a ground out responsible for two runs. Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon staring down the potent top of the lineup in the ninth to nail down the win for the Olde Town Team.
Empire and Rebel. Yin and Yang. Ping and Pong. Where would one be without the other, and where would we be without both? Probably putting our full attention towards rediscovering “The Sopranos” or glumly paying off the final Christmas-related credit card bill.
I fully expect the Yankees to come out blazing this Friday night, and leave a trail of scorch marks across The House That Ruth Built which won’t end until the last out is recorded on Sunday. Professional pride being what it is, Joe Torre’s charges can’t treat the set that just passed as just another meaningless early-season matchup. There will be revenge on their minds, and the baseball world will hang on every play.
More importantly, it will give ten million Yankees fans reason to be even more annoying and patronizing than they already are. Which will lead to more of those cheap T-shirts impugning the sexual orientation of certain third basemen and shortstops being sold on Lansdowne Street, which in turn leads to hubcaps being ripped off cars with Red Sox bumper stickers up and down Walton Avenue, and so forth.
These first three games of 19 head-to-head matches for the year were mere prelude, an appetizer to what we know will be a satisfying six-course meal spread out over six months. It gives everyone a chance to digest what has just occurred, with enough space for the hunger to return.
The Phanatic Magazine
7-6, 7-5, 7-6.
Sounds like one hell of a contest, doesn’t it? Like the best possible outcome of a three-set dandy on clay between World Class tennis stars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?
Try again.
These are the telltale numbers of a three-game sweep by the Boston Red Sox over the New York Yankees, and each score tells a story so compelling, yet so different from each other that each game almost exists like its own private universe.
All right. I getcha, Yankees fans. It’s only April, and the Sox have the perennial habit of leading the AL East through April, May and June, only to see the Bombers gather strength and assume their rightful position as division leaders once the Fourth of July rolls around. I know the pitching staff bears a closer resemblance to a handful of expansion clubs than the well-oiled juggernaut of past campaigns, but it simply doesn’t matter.
The rivalry is what it is, and will always be, regardless of conditions. You can couch last August’s second edition of the Boston Massacre when the Yanks took five straight at Fenway against an equally battered Boston rotation in similar terms. However, since the Yankees are the equivalent to the Dallas Cowboys in positioning themselves as “America’s Team,” any opportunity for any club to complete a sweep in front of three national audiences over the course of any three-day stretch is undeniably sweet.
What else in baseball could possibly match Yankees-Red Sox for pure excitement, drama, and raw hatred between each fan base?
Cubs-White Sox – the struggle between Chicago’s North and Southsiders? You have to wait until Interleague Play resumes each year, sometime in June. The remainder of the rancor is played out in bars across the Windy City. Giants-Dodgers – the eternal series which stretches back into Gotham lore and the 19th Century has tons more history on its side, but come on, does anybody in either half of The Golden State really transmit enough bad vibes to “hate” anything?
There is nothing like three-game series on consecutive weekends, one at Fenway and one in the Bronx, to get the blood flowing back into the baseball-soaked corners of one’s mind. Thanks to ESPN’s constant media blitz it seems like there is no other Sunday night game in the galaxy worthy of coverage except between these two bitter rivals.
The fact that these series are showcased to the near exclusion of all others during the course of a season, and draws ire for both teams equally is of no consequence: you must give in, because the atmosphere of each game, each at-bat, and sometimes each pitch is near mythic – with the weight of history and the expectation of new records hanging in the balance.
From this weekend alone, you saw a rock-solid 6-2 New York advantage go the way of the Bikini Atoll as the umpteenth blown save by Mariano Rivera against the Sox led to a come-from-behind one-run Boston win on Friday.
Saturday was a tense tug-of-war, with both sides trading two runs in their halves of the first two innings until Big Papi provided breathing room with a two-run shot in a three-run fourth inning.
Sunday was the coup-de-grace. Dice-K’s first victory on home soil. A 3-0 Yankees advantage obliterated by the first back-to-back-to-back-to-back homers since 1963. Jeter leading a comeback with another long ball. A 4-4 game unknotted when Lowell’s left-field bullet barely made it above the Green Monster. Melky Cabrera of all people being the key to keeping New York in the game with a double play and a ground out responsible for two runs. Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon staring down the potent top of the lineup in the ninth to nail down the win for the Olde Town Team.
Empire and Rebel. Yin and Yang. Ping and Pong. Where would one be without the other, and where would we be without both? Probably putting our full attention towards rediscovering “The Sopranos” or glumly paying off the final Christmas-related credit card bill.
I fully expect the Yankees to come out blazing this Friday night, and leave a trail of scorch marks across The House That Ruth Built which won’t end until the last out is recorded on Sunday. Professional pride being what it is, Joe Torre’s charges can’t treat the set that just passed as just another meaningless early-season matchup. There will be revenge on their minds, and the baseball world will hang on every play.
More importantly, it will give ten million Yankees fans reason to be even more annoying and patronizing than they already are. Which will lead to more of those cheap T-shirts impugning the sexual orientation of certain third basemen and shortstops being sold on Lansdowne Street, which in turn leads to hubcaps being ripped off cars with Red Sox bumper stickers up and down Walton Avenue, and so forth.
These first three games of 19 head-to-head matches for the year were mere prelude, an appetizer to what we know will be a satisfying six-course meal spread out over six months. It gives everyone a chance to digest what has just occurred, with enough space for the hunger to return.
Korver finishes 5th in sixth man voting
The Sixers' Kyle Korver finished fifth in the voting for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award. Leandro Barbosa of Phoenix won it. Barbosa was followed by San Antonio's Manu Ginobili, former-Sixer Jerry Stackhouse of Dallas, New York's David Lee and Korver.
Two Sixers have won the award previously. Bobby Jones was the inaugural winner in 1982-83 and Aaron McKie took home the hardware in 2000-01.
Two Sixers have won the award previously. Bobby Jones was the inaugural winner in 1982-83 and Aaron McKie took home the hardware in 2000-01.
Eagles - NFL Europe update
Five players allocated by the Eagles saw action in NFL Europa over the weekend. Here's an update:
S ERICK HARRIS, Amsterdam Admirals - Saw action against Fire.
C JASPER HARVEY, Berlin Thunder - Started and helped Berlin gain 232 total yards.
WR JERMAINE JAMISON, Frankfurt Galaxy - Caught 4 passes for 36 yards (12 long).
LB CRAIG KOBEL, Cologne Centurions - Saw action and recorded 1 quarterback hurry and 1 pass defensed.
WR J.J. OUTLAW, Rhein Fire - Caught 2 passes for 27 yards with long of 16.
S ERICK HARRIS, Amsterdam Admirals - Saw action against Fire.
C JASPER HARVEY, Berlin Thunder - Started and helped Berlin gain 232 total yards.
WR JERMAINE JAMISON, Frankfurt Galaxy - Caught 4 passes for 36 yards (12 long).
LB CRAIG KOBEL, Cologne Centurions - Saw action and recorded 1 quarterback hurry and 1 pass defensed.
WR J.J. OUTLAW, Rhein Fire - Caught 2 passes for 27 yards with long of 16.
Phils return catcher to Angels
Catcher Ryan Budde, who was acquired by the Phillies in December’s Rule 5 Draft was returned to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim today. Budde began the season on the major league disabled list with a left oblique strain.
Weekend Thoughts
Jared Trexler
The Phanatic Magazine
Before I get cracking on the NBA playoffs, the Phillies' team meeting and Penn State's Blue-White game, here is an interesting side note from the weekend that was:
I finished my first book since college. Shocking for a sportswriter, but I detest reading long novels. I lose interest about halfway through or end up forgetting a key piece of the storyline. So, I decided to venture into the short story world -- and folks, I found a winner. The Best Story Ever by a woman who goes by the initials "T.M. G" She's relatively new to the short story circuit -- or so I've been told -- but the story had a Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe feel without the 150-page mythical ramblings of T.S. Elliot.
The story includes such characters as a shooting star, a bear dressed as a jester and a jester himself. The words -- albeit few and far between -- give meaning to the pictures, which were also illustrated by the author. The story ends unexpectedly, so much so that I had to re-read it to see if I missed some foreshadowing. It's a must read.
NBA PLAYOFFS
San Antonio and Miami are in trouble.
Granted it's just one game in the grind-it-out seven-game marathons of the NBA Playoffs, but each provided some foreshadowing for the series' futures. Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson are two of the best three players on the court in the Denver/San Antonio series, and stars usually win in the playoffs. They get the calls late and normally don't need to shake out any jitters from the start.
The duo combined for 61 points in Denver's Game One victory, and I don't see the Spurs having the athleticism on the perimeter to contain them for nearly 48 minutes. One special characteristic about Anthony and Iverson is their stamina. They play more minutes than any stars in the league. That fact convinced me to pick the Nuggets in seven, but I was wrong.
They may finish the series out one game earlier.
The Heat are old. I've heard from the talking heads and my Phanatic Magazine colleagues at length about Miami's star power (injured Dwyane Wade) and (physically worn down Shaquille O'Neal). Chicago is fresher, hungrier and has the home court. The Bulls' Game One victory is a sign of things to come.
Golden State, with kudos to colleague Greg Wiley, stunned Dallas in relatively easy fashion Sunday night, 97-85. Wiley was quick to research the Warriors' dominance over the Mavericks this season. Dallas won 67 games on the campaign, but Golden State now has won all four contests. It's a shocking stat that likely won't repeat itself over a long series, but Wiley was right in giving Golden State its due. This series may last longer than many pundits expected.
PHILLIES MEETING
The time had finally come. After being just one out from its first winning streak of the season -- a game that eventually ended in another loss -- Charlie Manuel hosted a closed-door family meeting before Saturday's game at Cincinnati.
The results, albeit minimal, have been positive since. Cole Hamels struck out 15 Reds on Saturday and Freddy Garcia picked up his first win with the club on Sunday. Chase Utley appears to be heating up, and Ryan Howard came back from injury to go yard in the series finale.
Reports from inside the meeting say there wasn't any yelling, but rather "10 or so family members" talking about problems, what players need to improve on and how the team's overall cohesiveness on the field can improve.
It better work. Or it will likely cost Manuel his job.
BLUE-WHITE WEEKEND
Anthony Morelli looked solid -- comfortable in the pocket, going through his progressions rather quickly and efficiently -- during Penn State's annual spring scrimmage on Saturday. The game was played under sun-splashed skies with approximately 71,000 spectators in attendance.
Yes, 71,000 fans for a spring game with no true opponent. Penn State is college football territory.
Chris Bell, a heralded, physical wide receiver, also showed some breakaway speed and the ability to make defenders miss in space. Bell could land a job in an already loaded receiver corps that includes Deon Butler, Derrick Williams and Jordan Norwood.
The Phanatic Magazine
Before I get cracking on the NBA playoffs, the Phillies' team meeting and Penn State's Blue-White game, here is an interesting side note from the weekend that was:
I finished my first book since college. Shocking for a sportswriter, but I detest reading long novels. I lose interest about halfway through or end up forgetting a key piece of the storyline. So, I decided to venture into the short story world -- and folks, I found a winner. The Best Story Ever by a woman who goes by the initials "T.M. G" She's relatively new to the short story circuit -- or so I've been told -- but the story had a Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe feel without the 150-page mythical ramblings of T.S. Elliot.
The story includes such characters as a shooting star, a bear dressed as a jester and a jester himself. The words -- albeit few and far between -- give meaning to the pictures, which were also illustrated by the author. The story ends unexpectedly, so much so that I had to re-read it to see if I missed some foreshadowing. It's a must read.
NBA PLAYOFFS
San Antonio and Miami are in trouble.
Granted it's just one game in the grind-it-out seven-game marathons of the NBA Playoffs, but each provided some foreshadowing for the series' futures. Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson are two of the best three players on the court in the Denver/San Antonio series, and stars usually win in the playoffs. They get the calls late and normally don't need to shake out any jitters from the start.
The duo combined for 61 points in Denver's Game One victory, and I don't see the Spurs having the athleticism on the perimeter to contain them for nearly 48 minutes. One special characteristic about Anthony and Iverson is their stamina. They play more minutes than any stars in the league. That fact convinced me to pick the Nuggets in seven, but I was wrong.
They may finish the series out one game earlier.
The Heat are old. I've heard from the talking heads and my Phanatic Magazine colleagues at length about Miami's star power (injured Dwyane Wade) and (physically worn down Shaquille O'Neal). Chicago is fresher, hungrier and has the home court. The Bulls' Game One victory is a sign of things to come.
Golden State, with kudos to colleague Greg Wiley, stunned Dallas in relatively easy fashion Sunday night, 97-85. Wiley was quick to research the Warriors' dominance over the Mavericks this season. Dallas won 67 games on the campaign, but Golden State now has won all four contests. It's a shocking stat that likely won't repeat itself over a long series, but Wiley was right in giving Golden State its due. This series may last longer than many pundits expected.
PHILLIES MEETING
The time had finally come. After being just one out from its first winning streak of the season -- a game that eventually ended in another loss -- Charlie Manuel hosted a closed-door family meeting before Saturday's game at Cincinnati.
The results, albeit minimal, have been positive since. Cole Hamels struck out 15 Reds on Saturday and Freddy Garcia picked up his first win with the club on Sunday. Chase Utley appears to be heating up, and Ryan Howard came back from injury to go yard in the series finale.
Reports from inside the meeting say there wasn't any yelling, but rather "10 or so family members" talking about problems, what players need to improve on and how the team's overall cohesiveness on the field can improve.
It better work. Or it will likely cost Manuel his job.
BLUE-WHITE WEEKEND
Anthony Morelli looked solid -- comfortable in the pocket, going through his progressions rather quickly and efficiently -- during Penn State's annual spring scrimmage on Saturday. The game was played under sun-splashed skies with approximately 71,000 spectators in attendance.
Yes, 71,000 fans for a spring game with no true opponent. Penn State is college football territory.
Chris Bell, a heralded, physical wide receiver, also showed some breakaway speed and the ability to make defenders miss in space. Bell could land a job in an already loaded receiver corps that includes Deon Butler, Derrick Williams and Jordan Norwood.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Business or Pleasure: The New Game of Sports
By Jeff Glauser
The Phanatic Magazine
Ah, it's springtime once again! The flowers are blooming, the weather is warming, and everything seems fresh and new. It's the best time of the year, especially for a sports fan. One can almost taste the potential in the air. Baseball season has kicked off (though in ominous fashion around these parts), hockey and basketball have begun the “real” season of the playoffs, and I know that training camp is right around the corner for football when the draft comes on. So, for me, everything in life should be beautiful.
But if that is the case, why do I feel that it’s not like it once used to be? Is there something else in my life that is more significant now?
Well, no, not really. I still have all the enthusiasm inside of me that I did back in my yesteryear. Sadly, my life can still potentially revolve around superficial games, events, and statistics at any given moment. The real reason my thirst for professional sports has not been fully quenched is that the purity has been lost.
Athletes have forgotten why they got involved with sports in the first place. It was because when they realized they could turn an innocent dream into a serious reality, they jumped. Then they forgot that others who actually make an impact and a substantial difference on society (like teachers, law enforcers, and various people with the collar of blue) don't get paid nearly enough to do work that takes more effort and requires more than just a fast pitch or a nice jump shot. Sure, it's swell that Joe All-Star can run real fast with a ball in his hands, but it’s purely entertainment and somehow, somewhere along the way, this very important point got lost in the shuffle.
The downfall can be simply summed up in one word: Greed.
Hardly just workers, professional athletes have swindled teams, shunned fans, and suckered owners into paying more for it. The greed, of course, comes in the form of the dollar bill. A dollar bill which literally tears the identity of a sports town apart. And in the end, it’s the fans that wind up getting stepped on.
For me, I personally grew up with sports. As a child, whenever something didn't go right or I was sad, lonely, or confused, all I had to do was turn on a game, read the paper, admire my baseball card collection, or my posters, or autographs... you get the point. It was something that was a part of me, just like the games were a part of the players. This made me feel special as well, almost like I was helping my team.
Now that I'm older, I realize that I actually was helping my teams. Money talks, and my wallet was screaming bankruptcy with all the merchandise and tickets that I bought. All this while contracts skyrocketed, owners participated in corporate buyouts (and subsequent moves) of organizations, and pay-per-view or obscure channel placement for events (where the hell is Versus?) became increasingly commonplace.
I guess the "thank you" note addressed to me got lost in the mail.
With some of the stories I hear, sometimes I find it hard to believe that players can relate at all. About ten years ago, NFL player Sean Gilbert decided that the $20 million contract he was offered wasn’t good enough for his services. So he sat out a season. The following year, Gilbert was offered $47.5 million by another team- after sitting out for $20 million. So, he more than doubled his salary just by sitting on his posterior on Sunday afternoons, just like us, the previous season. Locally, as we well know, a similar scenario panned out not long ago involving the letters ‘T’ and ‘O.’
Can you relate to someone who can earn that much money for literally doing nothing?
(And, on a side note, does anyone even remember who Sean Gilbert was?)
As a child, I admired these players. Now I'm jealous of them. There is a fine line. When I was a kid, I would watch a game, and when it ended, put myself in the same situations in my own imaginary world. It would be me making that shot at the buzzer, me hitting the home run in the bottom of the ninth, me getting the touchdown in overtime. Now don't get me wrong: I didn't look up to these players as role models, I just wanted to be like them. There is a distinct difference there.
Lately, I have been worried that the younger generation's imaginary scripts won't pan out the way mine used to. Over the last ten years, my perception of the lifestyle I once adored and emulated has been tainted by strikes, lockouts, contract disputes, expansion, suspensions and fines.
Even the Olympics, the last chance for sportsmanship, pride and glory, have been tainted, as they have become a commercialized event rather than a time for the best amateur athletes around the world to compete simply for the love of the game and not the love of the green.
We fans used to be the focal point. Now our once mighty voices have been practically silenced.
So what can we do? One option is almost too simple: Don't pay.
Don't buy the merchandise, don't go to the ballparks, don't get reeled into pay-per-view. Just don't do it, if only to show how much we really do care.
But that’s just not happening now, is it.
Or, another option is to just have these selfish men pay a little more attention to their counterparts, the opposite sex. Women have only just recently been noticed for their superb demeanor and integrity in sports. Unfortunately, though, we men usually don’t listen when we know that the woman is right.
So springtime comes into full bloom once again, everything seems the same. The flowers are still growing, the sun is still shining, the bees are still stinging, but there's still an empty feeling inside. And a note to all who have taken part of the purity out of our spring:
Please don't steal someone else's childhood.
Jeff Glauser’s articles can be found each Sunday. Jeff himself can be found at home trying to figure out what channel Versus is.
The Phanatic Magazine
Ah, it's springtime once again! The flowers are blooming, the weather is warming, and everything seems fresh and new. It's the best time of the year, especially for a sports fan. One can almost taste the potential in the air. Baseball season has kicked off (though in ominous fashion around these parts), hockey and basketball have begun the “real” season of the playoffs, and I know that training camp is right around the corner for football when the draft comes on. So, for me, everything in life should be beautiful.
But if that is the case, why do I feel that it’s not like it once used to be? Is there something else in my life that is more significant now?
Well, no, not really. I still have all the enthusiasm inside of me that I did back in my yesteryear. Sadly, my life can still potentially revolve around superficial games, events, and statistics at any given moment. The real reason my thirst for professional sports has not been fully quenched is that the purity has been lost.
Athletes have forgotten why they got involved with sports in the first place. It was because when they realized they could turn an innocent dream into a serious reality, they jumped. Then they forgot that others who actually make an impact and a substantial difference on society (like teachers, law enforcers, and various people with the collar of blue) don't get paid nearly enough to do work that takes more effort and requires more than just a fast pitch or a nice jump shot. Sure, it's swell that Joe All-Star can run real fast with a ball in his hands, but it’s purely entertainment and somehow, somewhere along the way, this very important point got lost in the shuffle.
The downfall can be simply summed up in one word: Greed.
Hardly just workers, professional athletes have swindled teams, shunned fans, and suckered owners into paying more for it. The greed, of course, comes in the form of the dollar bill. A dollar bill which literally tears the identity of a sports town apart. And in the end, it’s the fans that wind up getting stepped on.
For me, I personally grew up with sports. As a child, whenever something didn't go right or I was sad, lonely, or confused, all I had to do was turn on a game, read the paper, admire my baseball card collection, or my posters, or autographs... you get the point. It was something that was a part of me, just like the games were a part of the players. This made me feel special as well, almost like I was helping my team.
Now that I'm older, I realize that I actually was helping my teams. Money talks, and my wallet was screaming bankruptcy with all the merchandise and tickets that I bought. All this while contracts skyrocketed, owners participated in corporate buyouts (and subsequent moves) of organizations, and pay-per-view or obscure channel placement for events (where the hell is Versus?) became increasingly commonplace.
I guess the "thank you" note addressed to me got lost in the mail.
With some of the stories I hear, sometimes I find it hard to believe that players can relate at all. About ten years ago, NFL player Sean Gilbert decided that the $20 million contract he was offered wasn’t good enough for his services. So he sat out a season. The following year, Gilbert was offered $47.5 million by another team- after sitting out for $20 million. So, he more than doubled his salary just by sitting on his posterior on Sunday afternoons, just like us, the previous season. Locally, as we well know, a similar scenario panned out not long ago involving the letters ‘T’ and ‘O.’
Can you relate to someone who can earn that much money for literally doing nothing?
(And, on a side note, does anyone even remember who Sean Gilbert was?)
As a child, I admired these players. Now I'm jealous of them. There is a fine line. When I was a kid, I would watch a game, and when it ended, put myself in the same situations in my own imaginary world. It would be me making that shot at the buzzer, me hitting the home run in the bottom of the ninth, me getting the touchdown in overtime. Now don't get me wrong: I didn't look up to these players as role models, I just wanted to be like them. There is a distinct difference there.
Lately, I have been worried that the younger generation's imaginary scripts won't pan out the way mine used to. Over the last ten years, my perception of the lifestyle I once adored and emulated has been tainted by strikes, lockouts, contract disputes, expansion, suspensions and fines.
Even the Olympics, the last chance for sportsmanship, pride and glory, have been tainted, as they have become a commercialized event rather than a time for the best amateur athletes around the world to compete simply for the love of the game and not the love of the green.
We fans used to be the focal point. Now our once mighty voices have been practically silenced.
So what can we do? One option is almost too simple: Don't pay.
Don't buy the merchandise, don't go to the ballparks, don't get reeled into pay-per-view. Just don't do it, if only to show how much we really do care.
But that’s just not happening now, is it.
Or, another option is to just have these selfish men pay a little more attention to their counterparts, the opposite sex. Women have only just recently been noticed for their superb demeanor and integrity in sports. Unfortunately, though, we men usually don’t listen when we know that the woman is right.
So springtime comes into full bloom once again, everything seems the same. The flowers are still growing, the sun is still shining, the bees are still stinging, but there's still an empty feeling inside. And a note to all who have taken part of the purity out of our spring:
Please don't steal someone else's childhood.
Jeff Glauser’s articles can be found each Sunday. Jeff himself can be found at home trying to figure out what channel Versus is.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Join us on the radio
Join The Phanatic Magazine's John Gottlieb and John McMullen at 6:00 p.m. (et) for Johns on Sports on WTBQ.com. Rob Rang from NFLDraftScout.com will be on at 6:20, ESPN Sportcenter anchor John Buccigross will guide us through the NHL playoffs at 7:00 (that's right, we're talking hockey) and the Nets beat writer from the Bergen Record Al Iannazzone will be on to breakdown Game 1 of the Toronto-New Jersey series at 7:30. Oh, and maybe we'll find some time to talk about a little baseball series going on at Fenway Park. Join us for an action packed version of Johns on Sports. Call in at (845) 651-1110 or you can write an e-mail to johnonsports@hotmail.com.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Phils blow another one
By Sean Pollard
The Phanatic Magazine
Scott Hatteberg homered off Tom Gordon with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and Brandon Phillips hit a bases-loaded single in the 10th off the Phillies closer to win it as Cincinnati rallied to beat Philadelphia, 2-1.
With the Phillies one out away from their first wining streak of the season, Hatteberg smoked a 3-1 offering from Gordon (0-1) over the right field wall to tie the game. It was Cincinnati's second hit of the game.
Gordon stayed on for the 10th and continued to struggle. After striking out pinch-hitter Jeff Conine, Gordon walked pinch-hitter Javier Valentin, gave up a hit to Ryan Freel and walked Adam Dunn to load the bases. Phillips then roped a single to left field that won it for Cincinnati.
Jon Coutlangus (1-0) tossed a scoreless 10th inning to pick up his first major league win for the Reds, who put the brakes on a two-game skid. Cincinnati starter Kyle Lohse gave up just one unearned run and six hits through seven innings, striking out four and walking one.
Jon Lieber, meanwhile, made a successful return to the starting rotation for Philadelphia, giving up just one hit in 5 2/3 innings. He also struck out five and walked just one batter.
The off-season signing of Adam Eaton gave the Phillies six starting pitchers and Lieber was voted the odd-man out in spring training. Lieber, however, struggled in two relief appearances and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel elected to send opening day starter Brett Myers to the bullpen and bring Lieber back to the rotation.
The Phillies, who had postseason aspirations in the offseason, but currently have the worst record in the NL at 4-11, were without reigning NL MVP Ryan Howard for the second consecutive game. Howard suffered a sprained ligament in his left knee during Philadelphia's 13-inning loss to Washington on Wednesday.
After Abraham Nunez's double-play groundout squandered a bases-loaded opportunity for the Phillies in the fourth inning, Philadelphia struck first in the fifth thanks to a Cincinnati fielding miscue.
Carlos Ruiz led off the inning with a single to center and Lieber followed with a line drive off Dunn at first. The ball bounced off Dunn's glove and to Phillips, who unleashed a wild throw to second base that allowed Ruiz to score.
Cincinnati threatened in the sixth as Freel reached base and rounded for second base on Nunez's errant throw to first. Lieber's pickoff attempt to second base then sailed into left field, allowing Freel to scoot to third.
Lieber then struck out Dunn and Manuel decided that Lieber's pitch count was up and he removed his starter after 77 pitches. Alex Gonzalez had the only hit off Lieber, a double in the third.
Manuel, though, wasn't down making moves in the inning as Geoff Geary entered the game and walked Phillips. Manuel then replaced Geary with southpaw Matt Smith, who walked Josh Hamilton to load the bases. This time, Manuel turned to Antonio Alfonseca and he was able to get Edwin Encarnacion to ground into a fielder's choice to get out of the inning.
Alfonseca stayed on to toss a scoreless seventh and Myers threw a scoreless eighth before Hatteberg's blast off Gordon forced extra innings.
The Phanatic Magazine
Scott Hatteberg homered off Tom Gordon with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and Brandon Phillips hit a bases-loaded single in the 10th off the Phillies closer to win it as Cincinnati rallied to beat Philadelphia, 2-1.
With the Phillies one out away from their first wining streak of the season, Hatteberg smoked a 3-1 offering from Gordon (0-1) over the right field wall to tie the game. It was Cincinnati's second hit of the game.
Gordon stayed on for the 10th and continued to struggle. After striking out pinch-hitter Jeff Conine, Gordon walked pinch-hitter Javier Valentin, gave up a hit to Ryan Freel and walked Adam Dunn to load the bases. Phillips then roped a single to left field that won it for Cincinnati.
Jon Coutlangus (1-0) tossed a scoreless 10th inning to pick up his first major league win for the Reds, who put the brakes on a two-game skid. Cincinnati starter Kyle Lohse gave up just one unearned run and six hits through seven innings, striking out four and walking one.
Jon Lieber, meanwhile, made a successful return to the starting rotation for Philadelphia, giving up just one hit in 5 2/3 innings. He also struck out five and walked just one batter.
The off-season signing of Adam Eaton gave the Phillies six starting pitchers and Lieber was voted the odd-man out in spring training. Lieber, however, struggled in two relief appearances and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel elected to send opening day starter Brett Myers to the bullpen and bring Lieber back to the rotation.
The Phillies, who had postseason aspirations in the offseason, but currently have the worst record in the NL at 4-11, were without reigning NL MVP Ryan Howard for the second consecutive game. Howard suffered a sprained ligament in his left knee during Philadelphia's 13-inning loss to Washington on Wednesday.
After Abraham Nunez's double-play groundout squandered a bases-loaded opportunity for the Phillies in the fourth inning, Philadelphia struck first in the fifth thanks to a Cincinnati fielding miscue.
Carlos Ruiz led off the inning with a single to center and Lieber followed with a line drive off Dunn at first. The ball bounced off Dunn's glove and to Phillips, who unleashed a wild throw to second base that allowed Ruiz to score.
Cincinnati threatened in the sixth as Freel reached base and rounded for second base on Nunez's errant throw to first. Lieber's pickoff attempt to second base then sailed into left field, allowing Freel to scoot to third.
Lieber then struck out Dunn and Manuel decided that Lieber's pitch count was up and he removed his starter after 77 pitches. Alex Gonzalez had the only hit off Lieber, a double in the third.
Manuel, though, wasn't down making moves in the inning as Geoff Geary entered the game and walked Phillips. Manuel then replaced Geary with southpaw Matt Smith, who walked Josh Hamilton to load the bases. This time, Manuel turned to Antonio Alfonseca and he was able to get Edwin Encarnacion to ground into a fielder's choice to get out of the inning.
Alfonseca stayed on to toss a scoreless seventh and Myers threw a scoreless eighth before Hatteberg's blast off Gordon forced extra innings.
NBA Playoff Primer
The Phanatic Magazine takes a capsule look at the NBA playoffs, which begin this weekend:
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
EASTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 DETROIT PISTO
NS (53-29) vs. No. 8 ORLANDO MAGIC (40-42)
Top-seeded Detroit welcomes back a couple of ex-Pistons in Grant Hill and Darko Milicic but the true test will be the ever-improving Dwight Howard. Howard is a force and will be working against the Philadelphia's favorite son, Chris Webber. That's the good news for Orlando, everything else is bad. The Pistons swept the season series (4-0) and Chauncey Billups usually makes the Magic his own personal playground. - Pistons in 4
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Greg Wiley - Pistons in 5 - Pistons are too much for the Magic to handle. Dwight Howard might be able to give the Magic one game in series.
Jeff Glauser - Pistons in 5
Mike Rushton - Pistons in 5 - Howard a force, but can't stop Pistons
Jared Trexler - Pistons in 4
John Gottlieb - Pistons in 5 - Detroit is too strong for the force known as Dwight Howard.
Tim McManus - Pistons in 5
Bob Herpen - Pistons in 5
No. 2 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (50-32) vs. No. 7 WASHINGTON WIZARDS (41-41)
Most looked at Cleveland as a deeply flawed team that could be upset as a second seed but that's be
fore Washington fell to the seventh spot. Teams were lining up to face the Wizards, who have lost All-Stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler to injury. Washington just doesn't have the fire power to compete now and the only question is whether they will win a game. - Cavs in 5
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Cavs in 4 - - No "Agent Zero" = no chance for Wizards.
Glauser - Cavs in 6
Rushton - Cavs in 5 - Do Wizards have enough bodies for this series?
Trexler - Cavs in 4
Gottlieb - Cavs in 6 - LeBron, Cavs beat up on a depleted Wizards team.
McManus - Cavs in 4
Herpen - Cavs in 6
No. 3 TORONTO RAPTORS (47-35) vs. No. 6 NEW JERSEY NETS (41-41)
This may be the most interesting first round series . The Raptors are the Atlantic Division champions, facing a team most thought would win the division. Toronto also welcomes back Vince Carter and while the folks North of the Border are a tad more classy than Philly fans, you can bet Carter will be booed heavily every time he touches the rock. Chris Bosh should prove to be the difference. The All-Star can take you on the blocks or slip outside and stick the 15-footer. More importantly, the Nets will be counting on Mikki Moore to stop Bosh and while Moore has been a great story and a big surprise, you can't like that matchup. - Raptors in 7
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Raptors in 7 - This series can go either way. But the Raptors are young so I'm going against the trendy pick.
Glauser - Raptors in 7
Rushton - Nets in 6 - Hot Nets keep going
Trexler - Raptors in 6
Gottlieb - Nets in 6 - NJ hitting its stride at the right time.
McManus - Raptors in 6
Herpen - Nets in 6
No. 4 MIAMI HEAT (44-38) vs. No. 5 CHICAGO BULLS (49-33)
Chicago desperately w
anted the two-seed and now you know why. Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade and Pat Riley were waiting if they slipped. A loss at NewJersey on the final night of the regular season left the Bulls staring at a rematch of a first-round series loss with the Heat from last year. The Bulls are younger and have fresher legs but come on -- you know the Heat will keep it close in a number of games and Wade will take over in the final five minutes. - Heat in 6
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Heat in 7 - Bulls give Heat fits. In the end, though, too much Shaq for perimeter oriented Bulls.
Glauser - Heat in 7
Rushton - Heat in 6 - Tune-up for big O'Neal finale
Trexler - Bulls in 6
Gottlieb - Heat in 6 - Chicago kissed its title hopes away with season-ending loss to the Nets.
McManus - Bulls in 7
Herpen - Heat in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 DALLAS MAVERICKS (67-15) vs. No. 8 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (42
-40)
The Warriors fought and clawed to get in and look what is waiting on them. Good luck stopping the pick-and-roll with Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki as the key cogs. Maybe ex-Mavericks coach Don Nelson will be enough to get the Warriors a win but don't count on it. - Mavs in 4.
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Mavs in 7 - Warriors won all three against the Mavs this season. This will be the best first-round series with the Mavs escaping.
Glauser - Mavs in 4
Rushton - Mavs in 4 - Thanks for coming
Trexler - Mavs in 4
Gottlieb - Mavs in 6 - Warriors scare Mavs, but they move on.
McManus - Mavs in 5
Herpen - Mavs in 5
No. 2 PHOENIX SUNS (61-21) vs. No. 7 LOS ANGELES LAKERS (42-40)
This is a rematch of a
tough first-round series from a year ago which the Suns won in seven games. But, things are different now -- Amare Stoudemire is back for Phoenix and the Lakers stumbled badly down the stretch. That said, Kobe will carry the Lakers to a couple of wins. - Suns in 6
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Suns in 6 - Kobe is good enough to steal one, maybe two games forLakers.
Glauser - Suns in 5.
Rushton - Suns in 6 - Kobe heads to Colorado early this year
Trexler - Suns in 6
Gottlieb - Suns in 7 - Lakers are too one-dimensional to Steve Nash and the Suns.
McManus - Suns in 6
Herpen - Suns in 5
No. 3 SAN ANTONIO SPURS (58-24) vs. No. 6 DENVER NUGGETS (45-37)
This might be the most interesting series for the locals as Allen Iverson tries to slay the giant in Tim Duncan. Both teams come in playing very well. San Antonio had the NBA's best record after the All-Star break, and theNuggets won 10 of their last 11 games to sprint past the Lakers into the No. 6 seed. But as we all know from our Basketball 101 class, always take the big man. Spurs in 6.
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Spurs in 6 - Tim Duncan is too much for 'Melo and A.I.
Glauser - Spurs in 6
Rushton - Spurs in 4 - And a higher pick for the 76ers
Trexler - Nuggets in 7
Gottlieb - Spurs in 5 - Spurs are playoff tested and are primed for a deep run.
McManus - Spurs in 5
Herpen - Spurs in 6
No. 4 UTAH JAZZ (51-31) vs. No. 5 HOUSTON ROCKETS (52-30)
It's tough to win 50 games in the NBA and sail under the radar but Dallas, Phoenix and San Antonio are so good that's what happened to these clubs. If Tracy McGrady isn't whining about back problems, the Rockets have quite the one-two punch with McGrady and Yao Ming. If you are Utah, hang your hat on this -- McGrady, despite the immense talent, has never made it out of the opening round in the playoffs. Jazz in 7.
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Rockets in 6 - T-Mac gets first playoff series win, but has Yao's inside presence to thank.
Glauser - Rockets in 7
Rushton - Jazz in 6 - How do you say "no shot" in Chinese
Trexler - Jazz in 6
Gottlieb - Rockets in 6 - McGrady, Yao move on
McManus - Rockets in 7
Herpen - Rockets in 7
Eastern Conference Semifinal staff Predictions:
McMullen:
-Pistons over Heat in 7 - The real Eastern Conference finals goes the distance with Mr. Big Shot taking over in the final two minutes of Game 7.
-Raptors over Cavs in 5 - LeBron still hasn't figured out how to finish games.
Wiley:
-Pistons over Heat in 7 - Two straight tough series will be too much for the old, injured Heat to overcome. Pistons should come away with the win in a rematch of last year's conference final.
-Cavs over Raptors in 6 - Cavs shouldn't have too much trouble with the Raptors. This could be the postseason that LeBron defines himself.
Glauser:
-Pistons over Heat in 7
-Cavs over Raptors in 6
Rushton:
-Heat over Pistons in 6 - No Ben to guard O'Neal
-Cavs over Nets in 7 - LeBron wills club to win
Trexler:
-Bulls over Pistons in 7
-Raptors over Cavs in 6
Gottlieb:
-Pistons over Heat in 7 - The beasts of the East collide and Pistons hold down a less than healthy Wade
-Nets over Cavs in 6 - LeBron can't will the team to victory on his own.
McManus:
-Pistons over Bulls in 6
-Cavs over Raptors in 6
Herpen:
-Heat over Pistons in 7
-Nets over Cavs in 6
Eastern Conference Final staff predictions:
McMullen - Pistons over Raptors in 5 - Glenn Robinson already has his ring, now CWebb gets his shot. The Phanatic has learned life is not fair.
Wiley - Pistons over Cavs in 6 - Pistons are more experienced and will be able to overcome Cavs.
Glauser - Pistons over Cavs in 6.
Rushton - Heat over Cavs in 7 - O'Neal steals show from Wade and James
Trexler - Bulls over Raptors in 6
Gottlieb - Pistons over Nets in 4 - The Pistons sweep the Nets out of the playoffs.
McManus - Pistons over Cavs in 6
Western Conference Semifinal staff predictions:
McMullen:
-Mavs over Jazz in 5 - Mavs continue to roll and set new record. Nine straight playoff games without Mark Cuban blasting referees.
-Spurs over Suns in 7 - Tim Duncan is healthy and Joey Crawford is safely tucked away.
Wiley:
-Mavs over Rockets in 6 - With the Warriors behind them, Mavs' depth handle Rockets.
-Spurs over Suns in 7 - This will go seven games. Suns have just as good a chance to win, but I'll always go in favor of the best big man Duncan.
Glauser:
-Mavs over Rockets in 5
-Suns over Spurs in 7
Rushton:
-Mavs over Jazz in 5 - Cuban still finds way to insult Mormons
-Suns over Spurs in 7 - Nash makes case for MVP
Trexler:
-Mavs over Nuggets in 6
-Suns over Jazz in 6
Gottlieb:
-Mavs over Rockets in 5 - Mavericks have an easier time in Round 2.
-Spurs over Suns in 7 - Suns don't play enough defense to stop Parker, Ginobili, Duncan.
McManus:
-Mavs over Rockets in 6
-Suns over Spurs in 7
Herpen:
-Mavs over Rockets in 5
-Spurs over Suns in 7
Western Conference Final staff predictions:
McMullen - Mavs over Spurs in 7 - Dirk caps his MVP season by outplaying Duncan.
Wiley - Mavs over Spurs in 6 - Without Joey Crawford, Duncan will be around for the end of these games. But in the end, he'll wish he wasn't. Dirk is too good.
Glauser - Mavs over Suns in 7
Rushton - Suns over Mavs in 7 - The Mavs will always have the regular season
Trexler - Mavs over Suns in 5
Gottlieb - Spurs over Mavs in 7 - Spurs cruised in the regular season and are ready to take down the Mavericks.
McManus - Suns over Mavs in 7
Herpen - Mavs over Spurs in 6
NBA Finals:
McMullen - Pistons over Mavs in 7 - Mavs up 3-2 and have 10-point lead with five minutes to
go in Game 6. Detroit roars back to win and takes Game 7 easily. Cuban accuses David Stern of international conspiracy.
Wiley - Mavs over Pistons in 6 - Mavs make amends for last year's collapse.They were the best team all year and there's no reason to think they won't be in the playoffs.
Glauser - Mavs over Pistons in 6 - In the end, it will be team play and offense versus team play and defense. The Mavs get the upper hand with intangibles such as a sharp young coach in Avery Johnson who knows how to work a rotation and the drive to finally get the elusive ring.
Rushton - Suns over Heat in 6 - Nash wins title and MVP, hell freezes over.
Trexler - Mavs over Bulls in 6.
Gottlieb - Spurs over Pistons in 6 - Come on Chris Webber can't win a ring.
McManus - Suns over Pistons in 6
Herpen - Mavs over Heat in 6
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
EASTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 DETROIT PISTO
NS (53-29) vs. No. 8 ORLANDO MAGIC (40-42)Top-seeded Detroit welcomes back a couple of ex-Pistons in Grant Hill and Darko Milicic but the true test will be the ever-improving Dwight Howard. Howard is a force and will be working against the Philadelphia's favorite son, Chris Webber. That's the good news for Orlando, everything else is bad. The Pistons swept the season series (4-0) and Chauncey Billups usually makes the Magic his own personal playground. - Pistons in 4
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Greg Wiley - Pistons in 5 - Pistons are too much for the Magic to handle. Dwight Howard might be able to give the Magic one game in series.
Jeff Glauser - Pistons in 5
Mike Rushton - Pistons in 5 - Howard a force, but can't stop Pistons
Jared Trexler - Pistons in 4
John Gottlieb - Pistons in 5 - Detroit is too strong for the force known as Dwight Howard.
Tim McManus - Pistons in 5
Bob Herpen - Pistons in 5
No. 2 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (50-32) vs. No. 7 WASHINGTON WIZARDS (41-41)
Most looked at Cleveland as a deeply flawed team that could be upset as a second seed but that's be
fore Washington fell to the seventh spot. Teams were lining up to face the Wizards, who have lost All-Stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler to injury. Washington just doesn't have the fire power to compete now and the only question is whether they will win a game. - Cavs in 5The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Cavs in 4 - - No "Agent Zero" = no chance for Wizards.
Glauser - Cavs in 6
Rushton - Cavs in 5 - Do Wizards have enough bodies for this series?
Trexler - Cavs in 4
Gottlieb - Cavs in 6 - LeBron, Cavs beat up on a depleted Wizards team.
McManus - Cavs in 4
Herpen - Cavs in 6
No. 3 TORONTO RAPTORS (47-35) vs. No. 6 NEW JERSEY NETS (41-41)
This may be the most interesting first round series . The Raptors are the Atlantic Division champions, facing a team most thought would win the division. Toronto also welcomes back Vince Carter and while the folks North of the Border are a tad more classy than Philly fans, you can bet Carter will be booed heavily every time he touches the rock. Chris Bosh should prove to be the difference. The All-Star can take you on the blocks or slip outside and stick the 15-footer. More importantly, the Nets will be counting on Mikki Moore to stop Bosh and while Moore has been a great story and a big surprise, you can't like that matchup. - Raptors in 7
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Raptors in 7 - This series can go either way. But the Raptors are young so I'm going against the trendy pick.
Glauser - Raptors in 7
Rushton - Nets in 6 - Hot Nets keep going
Trexler - Raptors in 6
Gottlieb - Nets in 6 - NJ hitting its stride at the right time.
McManus - Raptors in 6
Herpen - Nets in 6
No. 4 MIAMI HEAT (44-38) vs. No. 5 CHICAGO BULLS (49-33)
Chicago desperately w
anted the two-seed and now you know why. Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade and Pat Riley were waiting if they slipped. A loss at NewJersey on the final night of the regular season left the Bulls staring at a rematch of a first-round series loss with the Heat from last year. The Bulls are younger and have fresher legs but come on -- you know the Heat will keep it close in a number of games and Wade will take over in the final five minutes. - Heat in 6The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Heat in 7 - Bulls give Heat fits. In the end, though, too much Shaq for perimeter oriented Bulls.
Glauser - Heat in 7
Rushton - Heat in 6 - Tune-up for big O'Neal finale
Trexler - Bulls in 6
Gottlieb - Heat in 6 - Chicago kissed its title hopes away with season-ending loss to the Nets.
McManus - Bulls in 7
Herpen - Heat in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 DALLAS MAVERICKS (67-15) vs. No. 8 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (42
-40)The Warriors fought and clawed to get in and look what is waiting on them. Good luck stopping the pick-and-roll with Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki as the key cogs. Maybe ex-Mavericks coach Don Nelson will be enough to get the Warriors a win but don't count on it. - Mavs in 4.
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Mavs in 7 - Warriors won all three against the Mavs this season. This will be the best first-round series with the Mavs escaping.
Glauser - Mavs in 4
Rushton - Mavs in 4 - Thanks for coming
Trexler - Mavs in 4
Gottlieb - Mavs in 6 - Warriors scare Mavs, but they move on.
McManus - Mavs in 5
Herpen - Mavs in 5
No. 2 PHOENIX SUNS (61-21) vs. No. 7 LOS ANGELES LAKERS (42-40)
This is a rematch of a
tough first-round series from a year ago which the Suns won in seven games. But, things are different now -- Amare Stoudemire is back for Phoenix and the Lakers stumbled badly down the stretch. That said, Kobe will carry the Lakers to a couple of wins. - Suns in 6The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Suns in 6 - Kobe is good enough to steal one, maybe two games forLakers.
Glauser - Suns in 5.
Rushton - Suns in 6 - Kobe heads to Colorado early this year
Trexler - Suns in 6
Gottlieb - Suns in 7 - Lakers are too one-dimensional to Steve Nash and the Suns.
McManus - Suns in 6
Herpen - Suns in 5
No. 3 SAN ANTONIO SPURS (58-24) vs. No. 6 DENVER NUGGETS (45-37)
This might be the most interesting series for the locals as Allen Iverson tries to slay the giant in Tim Duncan. Both teams come in playing very well. San Antonio had the NBA's best record after the All-Star break, and theNuggets won 10 of their last 11 games to sprint past the Lakers into the No. 6 seed. But as we all know from our Basketball 101 class, always take the big man. Spurs in 6.
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Spurs in 6 - Tim Duncan is too much for 'Melo and A.I.
Glauser - Spurs in 6
Rushton - Spurs in 4 - And a higher pick for the 76ers
Trexler - Nuggets in 7
Gottlieb - Spurs in 5 - Spurs are playoff tested and are primed for a deep run.
McManus - Spurs in 5
Herpen - Spurs in 6
No. 4 UTAH JAZZ (51-31) vs. No. 5 HOUSTON ROCKETS (52-30)
It's tough to win 50 games in the NBA and sail under the radar but Dallas, Phoenix and San Antonio are so good that's what happened to these clubs. If Tracy McGrady isn't whining about back problems, the Rockets have quite the one-two punch with McGrady and Yao Ming. If you are Utah, hang your hat on this -- McGrady, despite the immense talent, has never made it out of the opening round in the playoffs. Jazz in 7.
The Phanatic Magazine staff predictions:
Wiley - Rockets in 6 - T-Mac gets first playoff series win, but has Yao's inside presence to thank.
Glauser - Rockets in 7
Rushton - Jazz in 6 - How do you say "no shot" in Chinese
Trexler - Jazz in 6
Gottlieb - Rockets in 6 - McGrady, Yao move on
McManus - Rockets in 7
Herpen - Rockets in 7
Eastern Conference Semifinal staff Predictions:
McMullen:
-Pistons over Heat in 7 - The real Eastern Conference finals goes the distance with Mr. Big Shot taking over in the final two minutes of Game 7.
-Raptors over Cavs in 5 - LeBron still hasn't figured out how to finish games.
Wiley:
-Pistons over Heat in 7 - Two straight tough series will be too much for the old, injured Heat to overcome. Pistons should come away with the win in a rematch of last year's conference final.
-Cavs over Raptors in 6 - Cavs shouldn't have too much trouble with the Raptors. This could be the postseason that LeBron defines himself.
Glauser:
-Pistons over Heat in 7
-Cavs over Raptors in 6
Rushton:
-Heat over Pistons in 6 - No Ben to guard O'Neal
-Cavs over Nets in 7 - LeBron wills club to win
Trexler:
-Bulls over Pistons in 7
-Raptors over Cavs in 6
Gottlieb:
-Pistons over Heat in 7 - The beasts of the East collide and Pistons hold down a less than healthy Wade
-Nets over Cavs in 6 - LeBron can't will the team to victory on his own.
McManus:
-Pistons over Bulls in 6
-Cavs over Raptors in 6
Herpen:
-Heat over Pistons in 7
-Nets over Cavs in 6
Eastern Conference Final staff predictions:
McMullen - Pistons over Raptors in 5 - Glenn Robinson already has his ring, now CWebb gets his shot. The Phanatic has learned life is not fair.
Wiley - Pistons over Cavs in 6 - Pistons are more experienced and will be able to overcome Cavs.
Glauser - Pistons over Cavs in 6.
Rushton - Heat over Cavs in 7 - O'Neal steals show from Wade and James
Trexler - Bulls over Raptors in 6
Gottlieb - Pistons over Nets in 4 - The Pistons sweep the Nets out of the playoffs.
McManus - Pistons over Cavs in 6
Western Conference Semifinal staff predictions:
McMullen:
-Mavs over Jazz in 5 - Mavs continue to roll and set new record. Nine straight playoff games without Mark Cuban blasting referees.
-Spurs over Suns in 7 - Tim Duncan is healthy and Joey Crawford is safely tucked away.
Wiley:
-Mavs over Rockets in 6 - With the Warriors behind them, Mavs' depth handle Rockets.
-Spurs over Suns in 7 - This will go seven games. Suns have just as good a chance to win, but I'll always go in favor of the best big man Duncan.
Glauser:
-Mavs over Rockets in 5
-Suns over Spurs in 7
Rushton:
-Mavs over Jazz in 5 - Cuban still finds way to insult Mormons
-Suns over Spurs in 7 - Nash makes case for MVP
Trexler:
-Mavs over Nuggets in 6
-Suns over Jazz in 6
Gottlieb:
-Mavs over Rockets in 5 - Mavericks have an easier time in Round 2.
-Spurs over Suns in 7 - Suns don't play enough defense to stop Parker, Ginobili, Duncan.
McManus:
-Mavs over Rockets in 6
-Suns over Spurs in 7
Herpen:
-Mavs over Rockets in 5
-Spurs over Suns in 7
Western Conference Final staff predictions:
McMullen - Mavs over Spurs in 7 - Dirk caps his MVP season by outplaying Duncan.
Wiley - Mavs over Spurs in 6 - Without Joey Crawford, Duncan will be around for the end of these games. But in the end, he'll wish he wasn't. Dirk is too good.
Glauser - Mavs over Suns in 7
Rushton - Suns over Mavs in 7 - The Mavs will always have the regular season
Trexler - Mavs over Suns in 5
Gottlieb - Spurs over Mavs in 7 - Spurs cruised in the regular season and are ready to take down the Mavericks.
McManus - Suns over Mavs in 7
Herpen - Mavs over Spurs in 6
NBA Finals:
McMullen - Pistons over Mavs in 7 - Mavs up 3-2 and have 10-point lead with five minutes to
go in Game 6. Detroit roars back to win and takes Game 7 easily. Cuban accuses David Stern of international conspiracy.Wiley - Mavs over Pistons in 6 - Mavs make amends for last year's collapse.They were the best team all year and there's no reason to think they won't be in the playoffs.
Glauser - Mavs over Pistons in 6 - In the end, it will be team play and offense versus team play and defense. The Mavs get the upper hand with intangibles such as a sharp young coach in Avery Johnson who knows how to work a rotation and the drive to finally get the elusive ring.
Rushton - Suns over Heat in 6 - Nash wins title and MVP, hell freezes over.
Trexler - Mavs over Bulls in 6.
Gottlieb - Spurs over Pistons in 6 - Come on Chris Webber can't win a ring.
McManus - Suns over Pistons in 6
Herpen - Mavs over Heat in 6
Sixers lose tiebreaker with Pacers
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
The NBA conducted their tiebreakers for the upcoming NBA Draft today, and it didn't go so well for the 10-9-8 76ers.
The home team lost its tiebreaker with the Pacers, which was a result of the Sixers winning their final game and finishing the season with an identical record as Indiana. They are now slated in the 12th position.
Here's the breakdown: The Sixers have a 7-in-1000 chance of landing the No. 1 pick. The first three picks in the draft will be determined by the lottery and the remainder of the teams will select in positions 4 through 14 in inverse order of their standings at the end of the regular season.
The Phanatic Magazine
The NBA conducted their tiebreakers for the upcoming NBA Draft today, and it didn't go so well for the 10-9-8 76ers.
The home team lost its tiebreaker with the Pacers, which was a result of the Sixers winning their final game and finishing the season with an identical record as Indiana. They are now slated in the 12th position.
Here's the breakdown: The Sixers have a 7-in-1000 chance of landing the No. 1 pick. The first three picks in the draft will be determined by the lottery and the remainder of the teams will select in positions 4 through 14 in inverse order of their standings at the end of the regular season.
NFL Mock Draft
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
The Phanatic Magazine will begin peppering you with all things NFL Draft in the coming days, and will let you know what the Eagles needs are and who we think they'll be targeting.
For now, take a look at NFL Draft Countdown's take.
They have the Birds selecting Texas safety Michael Griffin in the first round, and here's why:
After replacing Donte' Stallworth by signing Kevin Curtis the Eagles are now free to address another position in the first round and based on both value as well as need Michael Griffin would appear to be a nice fit. The play of Michael Lewis really declined and the team let him leave as a free agent and even though his replacement Sean Considine was solid they can certainly do better and would prefer to keep him in a rotational role. The next in a long line of great Longhorn defensive backs Griffin not only hits like a safety but he also runs like a corner and he could be groomed by Brian Dawkins before helping to carry on his legacy. Andy Reid always likes to look to the trenches in round one so you can't rule that out and another interesting possibility here could be Brian Leonard, who'd provide a big, physical presence to the run game and compliment Brian Westbrook while easing his workload. Even though Philly is relatively unpredictable on Draft Day it sure looks like the secondary is their biggest concern so that is the direction they go here .
The Phanatic Magazine
The Phanatic Magazine will begin peppering you with all things NFL Draft in the coming days, and will let you know what the Eagles needs are and who we think they'll be targeting.
For now, take a look at NFL Draft Countdown's take.
They have the Birds selecting Texas safety Michael Griffin in the first round, and here's why:
After replacing Donte' Stallworth by signing Kevin Curtis the Eagles are now free to address another position in the first round and based on both value as well as need Michael Griffin would appear to be a nice fit. The play of Michael Lewis really declined and the team let him leave as a free agent and even though his replacement Sean Considine was solid they can certainly do better and would prefer to keep him in a rotational role. The next in a long line of great Longhorn defensive backs Griffin not only hits like a safety but he also runs like a corner and he could be groomed by Brian Dawkins before helping to carry on his legacy. Andy Reid always likes to look to the trenches in round one so you can't rule that out and another interesting possibility here could be Brian Leonard, who'd provide a big, physical presence to the run game and compliment Brian Westbrook while easing his workload. Even though Philly is relatively unpredictable on Draft Day it sure looks like the secondary is their biggest concern so that is the direction they go here .
Phanatic Phantasy Update
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
Phanatic Magazine
Well, the baseball season is underway which can only mean one thing; Wiley is pulling out more hair as his fantasy squad gets off to a typical slow start. As for myself, Mr. Rushton's squad is hovering around the middle of the standings due to no power and horrid pitching.
It should be noted for all future reads the Wiley plays in a head-to-head league, while I am in a roto standings league.
So, let's dive into some hot and cold players through the first weeks of the season, shall we? Sure, most of these guys are already on a roster so they can't help you unless they are on your team already, but we thought we would rub it in anyway.
Rushton's hot list:
Ian Kinsler, 2B, Texas Rangers: Kinsler is the only Ranger hitting right now,and boy is he ever. A promising rookie last season, Kinsler has a team-high seven homers and 14 RBI so far this year and is hitting .318 to pace an overall weak position. Injury derailed the early part of his season last year which is why he flew under the radar.
Jose Reyes, SS, New York Mets: Reyes emerged as a high fantasy pick this year and is delivering so far. He is spreading his stats over four categories with 18 runs, 12 RBI, eight stolen bases and a .356 average. A possible MVP candidate? Only one homer so far, but he shouldn't be relied on for power anyway.
Tim Hudson, SP, Atlanta Braves: Hudson is returning to Oakland form with a 2-0 mark and 16 strikeouts. As if that wasn't good enough, he is sporting a 0.86 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. Congrats if you took a chance on him.
Wiley's hot list:
Alex Rodriguez, 3B, New York Yankees: There isn't a player in this universe right now who is as good as A-Rod. His blistering starts has fantasy owner foaming at the mouth. "Mr. April" has 10 homers, 26 RBI, scored 17 runs and is hitting .351. Do I even need to say that Rodriguez will continue to have a monster season? He is single-handedly carrying some fantasy teams, but keep in mind that you still might want to sell high on A-Rod. Let's see what his numbers are a couple weeks before the All-Star break and you might be able to fill two or three needs with.
Carlos Beltran, OF, New York Mets: The switch-hitting center fielder has been anchoring an otherwise powerless Mets lineup this season. Yes, the Mets havebeen scoring runs, but homers have been a little hard to come by. As a teamNew York has only 12 homers, four of which have come by Beltran. He also has17 RBI and a .351 batting average. However, the best news is that he's stealing bases again. He's already swiped three bags and has apparently re-committed himself to the stolen base. The really good news here is that Beltran is only going to get better when the players around him start producing as well.
Jimmy Rollins, SS, Philadelphia Phillies: Rollins is a top-10 player andsecond-ranked shortstop so far in fantasyland, thanks in part to him facing Tom Glavine twice this season. He has six homers, 12 RBI, 13 runs scored and a.302 average through 14 games. His one stolen base is a little disappointing, but with him getting on base so much it's hard to complain. If he can keep this going when Utley and Howard get going, owners are going to reap the rewards.
Rushton's disappointing list:
Mark Teixeira, 1B, Texas Rangers: Teixeira went through a horrible power slump to begin last year, but at least he was hitting. Not so in 2007. He has yet to homer and is batting just .192 with two RBI. Could be a good guy to buy low, however.
Gary Sheffield, 1B, OF, Detroit Tigers: And you wanted him in Philly? Sheff is batting an eye-popping .132 with one homer and five RBI. Don't sell him short yet though, he does have one stolen base. Ugh!
Carlos Zambrano, SP, Chicago Cubs: If you subscribe to the Greg Wiley contract-year theory, this guy should be lights out. However, he has been torched his last two starts and is 1-2 with a 7.77 ERA and 1.86 WHIP. Maybe he could learn a thing or two from Rich Hill.
Wiley's disappointing list:
Alfonso Soriano, OF, Chicago Cubs: He has owners feeling really Sorry-ano nowa days. The Cubs center fielder is off to a slow start and is actually sitting right now with an injured hamstring. In 12 games before the injury, Soriano was hitting just .245 with six runs scored, no homers, one RBI and one stolen base -- hardly the numbers you expect from a 40-40 guy a season ago. Owners of Soriano need to be patient. The cold weather has wreaked havoc on all the big-boppers this season. Once it starts to get warm, expect Soriano to heat up.
Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies: Need we go into detail about him? He has just one homer, seven RBI, seven runs scored and a .213 average. Philadelphia fans are well aware of his slumping start. Owners of Howard, myself included, are hoping that these few games he is sitting out with an injured knee gets him back on the right track. Not only does the Phillies season depends on it, but more importantly my fantasy season could hang in the balance. Unlike Soriano, though, Howard is someone you might want to trade once his numbers start to increase. In other words, sell high once he gets there. Don't hold on to him.
Lance Berkman, 1B/OF, Houston Astros: The Astros first baseman is another slugger who is off to a horrid start. He has just one homer, five RBI, seven runs scored and a .213 average through 14 games. One thing the MVP candidate has working in his favor is that Carlos Lee has been one of the top performers in the league thus far and is protecting him in the lineup. Sooner or later, teams are going to have to pitcher to Berkman and pitch around Lee.
Dis-honorable mention: Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals; Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies; Travis Hafner, Util, Indians; Manny Ramirez, OF, Red Sox
Surprise, Surprise List
Rushton - Josh Hamilton, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Hopefully having put his personal problems far aside, Hamilton has worked his way into the Reds' starting lineup and has five jacks with 11 RBI and 10 runs scored. Add in a.333 average and he could be a stud who is still available. Take a chance on the once highly-regarded prospect.
Wiley - Eric Byrnes, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: It Byrnes so good for some fantasy owners this season, as the Arizona outfielder has been tearing it up. A mid-level fantasy player for most of his career, Byrnes currently ranks in the top-10 with three homers, 10 runs scored, 13 RBI, five stolen bases and a .306 batting average. Owners should be thinking three things for Byrnes right now: sell, sell and sell. He'll have a decent year, but if you can upgrade with a closer or somewhere else, don't hesitate to pull the trigger.
Phanatic Magazine
Well, the baseball season is underway which can only mean one thing; Wiley is pulling out more hair as his fantasy squad gets off to a typical slow start. As for myself, Mr. Rushton's squad is hovering around the middle of the standings due to no power and horrid pitching.
It should be noted for all future reads the Wiley plays in a head-to-head league, while I am in a roto standings league.
So, let's dive into some hot and cold players through the first weeks of the season, shall we? Sure, most of these guys are already on a roster so they can't help you unless they are on your team already, but we thought we would rub it in anyway.
Rushton's hot list:
Ian Kinsler, 2B, Texas Rangers: Kinsler is the only Ranger hitting right now,and boy is he ever. A promising rookie last season, Kinsler has a team-high seven homers and 14 RBI so far this year and is hitting .318 to pace an overall weak position. Injury derailed the early part of his season last year which is why he flew under the radar.
Jose Reyes, SS, New York Mets: Reyes emerged as a high fantasy pick this year and is delivering so far. He is spreading his stats over four categories with 18 runs, 12 RBI, eight stolen bases and a .356 average. A possible MVP candidate? Only one homer so far, but he shouldn't be relied on for power anyway.
Tim Hudson, SP, Atlanta Braves: Hudson is returning to Oakland form with a 2-0 mark and 16 strikeouts. As if that wasn't good enough, he is sporting a 0.86 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. Congrats if you took a chance on him.
Wiley's hot list:
Alex Rodriguez, 3B, New York Yankees: There isn't a player in this universe right now who is as good as A-Rod. His blistering starts has fantasy owner foaming at the mouth. "Mr. April" has 10 homers, 26 RBI, scored 17 runs and is hitting .351. Do I even need to say that Rodriguez will continue to have a monster season? He is single-handedly carrying some fantasy teams, but keep in mind that you still might want to sell high on A-Rod. Let's see what his numbers are a couple weeks before the All-Star break and you might be able to fill two or three needs with.
Carlos Beltran, OF, New York Mets: The switch-hitting center fielder has been anchoring an otherwise powerless Mets lineup this season. Yes, the Mets havebeen scoring runs, but homers have been a little hard to come by. As a teamNew York has only 12 homers, four of which have come by Beltran. He also has17 RBI and a .351 batting average. However, the best news is that he's stealing bases again. He's already swiped three bags and has apparently re-committed himself to the stolen base. The really good news here is that Beltran is only going to get better when the players around him start producing as well.
Jimmy Rollins, SS, Philadelphia Phillies: Rollins is a top-10 player andsecond-ranked shortstop so far in fantasyland, thanks in part to him facing Tom Glavine twice this season. He has six homers, 12 RBI, 13 runs scored and a.302 average through 14 games. His one stolen base is a little disappointing, but with him getting on base so much it's hard to complain. If he can keep this going when Utley and Howard get going, owners are going to reap the rewards.
Rushton's disappointing list:
Mark Teixeira, 1B, Texas Rangers: Teixeira went through a horrible power slump to begin last year, but at least he was hitting. Not so in 2007. He has yet to homer and is batting just .192 with two RBI. Could be a good guy to buy low, however.
Gary Sheffield, 1B, OF, Detroit Tigers: And you wanted him in Philly? Sheff is batting an eye-popping .132 with one homer and five RBI. Don't sell him short yet though, he does have one stolen base. Ugh!
Carlos Zambrano, SP, Chicago Cubs: If you subscribe to the Greg Wiley contract-year theory, this guy should be lights out. However, he has been torched his last two starts and is 1-2 with a 7.77 ERA and 1.86 WHIP. Maybe he could learn a thing or two from Rich Hill.
Wiley's disappointing list:
Alfonso Soriano, OF, Chicago Cubs: He has owners feeling really Sorry-ano nowa days. The Cubs center fielder is off to a slow start and is actually sitting right now with an injured hamstring. In 12 games before the injury, Soriano was hitting just .245 with six runs scored, no homers, one RBI and one stolen base -- hardly the numbers you expect from a 40-40 guy a season ago. Owners of Soriano need to be patient. The cold weather has wreaked havoc on all the big-boppers this season. Once it starts to get warm, expect Soriano to heat up.
Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies: Need we go into detail about him? He has just one homer, seven RBI, seven runs scored and a .213 average. Philadelphia fans are well aware of his slumping start. Owners of Howard, myself included, are hoping that these few games he is sitting out with an injured knee gets him back on the right track. Not only does the Phillies season depends on it, but more importantly my fantasy season could hang in the balance. Unlike Soriano, though, Howard is someone you might want to trade once his numbers start to increase. In other words, sell high once he gets there. Don't hold on to him.
Lance Berkman, 1B/OF, Houston Astros: The Astros first baseman is another slugger who is off to a horrid start. He has just one homer, five RBI, seven runs scored and a .213 average through 14 games. One thing the MVP candidate has working in his favor is that Carlos Lee has been one of the top performers in the league thus far and is protecting him in the lineup. Sooner or later, teams are going to have to pitcher to Berkman and pitch around Lee.
Dis-honorable mention: Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals; Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies; Travis Hafner, Util, Indians; Manny Ramirez, OF, Red Sox
Surprise, Surprise List
Rushton - Josh Hamilton, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Hopefully having put his personal problems far aside, Hamilton has worked his way into the Reds' starting lineup and has five jacks with 11 RBI and 10 runs scored. Add in a.333 average and he could be a stud who is still available. Take a chance on the once highly-regarded prospect.
Wiley - Eric Byrnes, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: It Byrnes so good for some fantasy owners this season, as the Arizona outfielder has been tearing it up. A mid-level fantasy player for most of his career, Byrnes currently ranks in the top-10 with three homers, 10 runs scored, 13 RBI, five stolen bases and a .306 batting average. Owners should be thinking three things for Byrnes right now: sell, sell and sell. He'll have a decent year, but if you can upgrade with a closer or somewhere else, don't hesitate to pull the trigger.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Moyer lifts struggling Phillies past Nats
By Angelo Saggiomo
The Phanatic Magazine
Jamie Moyer pitched eight-plus strong innings, yielding two runs on four hits with five strikeouts as Philadelphia edged Washington, 4-2, in the finale of a quick two-game set at RFK Stadium.
Shane Victorino finished 3-for-5 with one run batted in and a run scored and Aaron Rowand homered for the Phillies, who halted a two-game skid. Jimmy Rollins had two hits, one RBI and scored a run in the win.
First baseman Ryan Howard, who is hitting just .213 with one home run and seven RBI, sat out the game due to a sprained ligament in his left knee. The reining NL MVP suffered the injury while running out a fielder's choice grounder in the 10th inning of Wednesday's 13-inning 5-4 loss to Washington. He is listed as day-to-day.
Dmitri Young went 2-for-3 with a run scored and one RBI for the Nationals, who have dropped two of three. John Patterson (0-3) absorbed the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits in four-plus innings with four walks and one strikeout.
Washington made it interesting in the ninth by scoring twice off Moyer (2-1), but Tom Gordon held his own and escaped with his third save of the season.
Ryan Zimmerman led off with a double and then scored on Young's two-bagger. Gordon then came on to relieve the crafty left-hander, but hit Austin Kearns with a pitch and gave up a single to Ryan Church to load the bases.
Robert Fick's sac fly, however, was the only other run the Nationals could muster as Gordon got pinch-hitter Brian Schneider to ground out and froze Chris Snelling with a curve ball to end the game.
Philadelphia took a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning when Rollins scored from second on Victorino's single.
Rowand's lead-off homer in the second gave the Phillies a two-run edge.
The Phillies made it a 3-0 game in the fifth on Wes Helms' sac fly and added another run in the sixth when Rollins' base hit plated Carlos Ruiz, who reached on a double.
Philadelphia continued to struggle with runners in scoring position, leaving 10 on base.
The Phanatic Magazine
Jamie Moyer pitched eight-plus strong innings, yielding two runs on four hits with five strikeouts as Philadelphia edged Washington, 4-2, in the finale of a quick two-game set at RFK Stadium.
Shane Victorino finished 3-for-5 with one run batted in and a run scored and Aaron Rowand homered for the Phillies, who halted a two-game skid. Jimmy Rollins had two hits, one RBI and scored a run in the win.
First baseman Ryan Howard, who is hitting just .213 with one home run and seven RBI, sat out the game due to a sprained ligament in his left knee. The reining NL MVP suffered the injury while running out a fielder's choice grounder in the 10th inning of Wednesday's 13-inning 5-4 loss to Washington. He is listed as day-to-day.
Dmitri Young went 2-for-3 with a run scored and one RBI for the Nationals, who have dropped two of three. John Patterson (0-3) absorbed the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits in four-plus innings with four walks and one strikeout.
Washington made it interesting in the ninth by scoring twice off Moyer (2-1), but Tom Gordon held his own and escaped with his third save of the season.
Ryan Zimmerman led off with a double and then scored on Young's two-bagger. Gordon then came on to relieve the crafty left-hander, but hit Austin Kearns with a pitch and gave up a single to Ryan Church to load the bases.
Robert Fick's sac fly, however, was the only other run the Nationals could muster as Gordon got pinch-hitter Brian Schneider to ground out and froze Chris Snelling with a curve ball to end the game.
Philadelphia took a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning when Rollins scored from second on Victorino's single.
Rowand's lead-off homer in the second gave the Phillies a two-run edge.
The Phillies made it a 3-0 game in the fifth on Wes Helms' sac fly and added another run in the sixth when Rollins' base hit plated Carlos Ruiz, who reached on a double.
Philadelphia continued to struggle with runners in scoring position, leaving 10 on base.
Howard Update
By Jared Trexler
The Phanatic Magazine
Ryan Howard is listed as day-to-day with what is being described as a ligament sprain -- the ligament that joins the tibia and fibia is sprained. Howard underwent an X-ray following the game, but did not undergo a scheduled MRI as originally reported in this morning's Philadelphia newspapers.
For the non-medically savvy Phillies fans, the decision to not give Howard an MRI is a strange one. A sprained ligament can just as easily show up as a partial tear on an MRI.
Howard was walking with a limp Thursday, and will not start this afternoon in Washington. Gregg Dobbs will play first with Pat Burrell batting fourth.
The Phanatic Magazine
Ryan Howard is listed as day-to-day with what is being described as a ligament sprain -- the ligament that joins the tibia and fibia is sprained. Howard underwent an X-ray following the game, but did not undergo a scheduled MRI as originally reported in this morning's Philadelphia newspapers.
For the non-medically savvy Phillies fans, the decision to not give Howard an MRI is a strange one. A sprained ligament can just as easily show up as a partial tear on an MRI.
Howard was walking with a limp Thursday, and will not start this afternoon in Washington. Gregg Dobbs will play first with Pat Burrell batting fourth.
Myers belongs at beginning, not end
By Jared Trexler
The Phanatic Magazine
Team-first Brett Myers put on the company face when barraged with questions concerning his demotion -- and don't let anyone convince you otherwise -- from staff ace to set-up man.
He said all the right things. "I like having the ball in my hand." "Whatever it takes for this team to make the playoffs."
It's all a convenient front for a franchise that can't afford more drama following a 3-10 start and manager Charlie Manuel's untimely blowup at radio personality Howard Eskin following Tuesday's defeat.
In the back of Myers' mind, he has to be thinking on the same wavelength as the rest of us. What the %^&*!
Since being weened on the golden rules of America's past time at a young age, I have never seen a more foolish move. One that reeks of panic and pressure. One that was conjured by Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee with the stamp of approval from Pat Gillick. One necessary because Gillick spent $24-plus million dollars on a mediocre starter in Adam Eaton, thus creating a logjam in the rotation with no solution in sight and sapping up any available financial resources to join this winter's off-season reliever spending spree.
Were Jamie Walker and Justin Speier overpaid? You bet. But this team desperately needed a back-end arm more than a mediocre fourth or fifth starter. I'd bet the house that Justin Germano or J.A. Happ would have been just as effective as Eaton -- and the team would have been better off because the added resources could have gone a long way toward guaranteeing Wednesday's overreaction didn't happen.
Sure, Myers had perhaps the worst two-game stretch of his career. Yet, he talked at length earlier in the week after picking up on a subtle difference in his arm angle -- a difference that he contended flattened his fastball and made him rely more on off-speed pitches.
He now gets to show his mettle and an audition for a pitching coach job upon retirement in the beleaguered Phillies bullpen, starting the stint with a scoreless eighth in Wednesday's 13th inning loss to Washington.
The Phillies firmly stated that the move was contingent on Myers' approval, and the right-hander also said he doesn't want to pull a "Ryan Madson" by moving from one role to another and back again this season.
Apparently, without a long-term injury to a starter, Myers will remain in the bullpen until season's end. The staff ace with the new, lucrative contract in toe is the club's new seventh or eighth inning man.
How moronic.
Now, if the move eventually -- and by eventually I mean in the coming days or weeks -- leads to Myers taking over the closer's role, it lessens the move's stupidity just slightly.
Yet, with Myers in the ninth and Jon Lieber added to what is now a rotation without an identity, one has to wonder how many leads the new closer will be called on to protect.
At this rate, not many. It's starting to feel like 1997.
-----
Jared Trexler can be reached at jtrexler@phanaticmag.com
The Phanatic Magazine
Team-first Brett Myers put on the company face when barraged with questions concerning his demotion -- and don't let anyone convince you otherwise -- from staff ace to set-up man.
He said all the right things. "I like having the ball in my hand." "Whatever it takes for this team to make the playoffs."
It's all a convenient front for a franchise that can't afford more drama following a 3-10 start and manager Charlie Manuel's untimely blowup at radio personality Howard Eskin following Tuesday's defeat.
In the back of Myers' mind, he has to be thinking on the same wavelength as the rest of us. What the %^&*!
Since being weened on the golden rules of America's past time at a young age, I have never seen a more foolish move. One that reeks of panic and pressure. One that was conjured by Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee with the stamp of approval from Pat Gillick. One necessary because Gillick spent $24-plus million dollars on a mediocre starter in Adam Eaton, thus creating a logjam in the rotation with no solution in sight and sapping up any available financial resources to join this winter's off-season reliever spending spree.
Were Jamie Walker and Justin Speier overpaid? You bet. But this team desperately needed a back-end arm more than a mediocre fourth or fifth starter. I'd bet the house that Justin Germano or J.A. Happ would have been just as effective as Eaton -- and the team would have been better off because the added resources could have gone a long way toward guaranteeing Wednesday's overreaction didn't happen.
Sure, Myers had perhaps the worst two-game stretch of his career. Yet, he talked at length earlier in the week after picking up on a subtle difference in his arm angle -- a difference that he contended flattened his fastball and made him rely more on off-speed pitches.
He now gets to show his mettle and an audition for a pitching coach job upon retirement in the beleaguered Phillies bullpen, starting the stint with a scoreless eighth in Wednesday's 13th inning loss to Washington.
The Phillies firmly stated that the move was contingent on Myers' approval, and the right-hander also said he doesn't want to pull a "Ryan Madson" by moving from one role to another and back again this season.
Apparently, without a long-term injury to a starter, Myers will remain in the bullpen until season's end. The staff ace with the new, lucrative contract in toe is the club's new seventh or eighth inning man.
How moronic.
Now, if the move eventually -- and by eventually I mean in the coming days or weeks -- leads to Myers taking over the closer's role, it lessens the move's stupidity just slightly.
Yet, with Myers in the ninth and Jon Lieber added to what is now a rotation without an identity, one has to wonder how many leads the new closer will be called on to protect.
At this rate, not many. It's starting to feel like 1997.
-----
Jared Trexler can be reached at jtrexler@phanaticmag.com
Howard to have MRI
Ryan Howard apparently injured his left knee Wednesday night in the team's latest loss and will have an MRI Thursday, the Philadelphia Daily News reported.
Howard was hurt in the 10th inning, when he beat out a doubleplay throw. Trainers originally thought Howard had strained his quadriceps, but later confirmed his left knee was hurting.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Gillick should be last to go
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
Seems like Jared and I go head-to-head at least once a baseball season.
Normally I'm not a huge proponent of the counter-article, but when you make as bold a statement as "Gillick should go," I feel a dissenting voice is needed.
So here we go:
First, it has to be noted that the 2007 Phillies are a vision under construction. Pat Gillick inherited a team from an incompetent General Manager that had money poorly distributed despite working for an organization that is financially stringent, thereby putting fiscal intelligence at a premium.
Bobby Abreu was making $13,100,000; Pat Burrell and Mike Lieberthal were making about 7 1/2 million apiece; Thome pocketed more than 13 million; and Billy Wagner made 9 million in 2005.
In total, those five players comprised a little over $50 million of a $95 million payroll. Notice that just one pitcher, and exactly zero starters, are on that list.
So Gillick took out the chisel, and went to work on sculpting a team that would be built around a strong staff and a few of their young offensive standouts.
Clearly room had to be made for Ryan Howard after a Rookie of the Year campaign, so Thome and his menacing back were shipped to fill a need in center. Billy Wagner would have to be sacrificed, and Bobby Abreu was moved in the name of salary flexibility.
It was around the time of that Abreu trade that Gillick said his team would not be built to truly compete until 2008.
Howard and Chase Utley's rapid development, though, paced an unexpected surge at the end of the 2006 season that nearly resulted in a playoff berth and accelerated the time line.
Those expectations jumped up yet another notch after Gillick's offseason acquisitions, the biggest pulling a front-line arm in Freddy Garcia out of thin air in exchange for a pocketful of potential.
Garcia's arrival plus the signing of Adam Eaton gave the Phils flexibility in the starting rotation for the first time in forever, and the plan was to parlay one of their extra starters -- always the hottest of commodities in the long run -- for some bullpen help and potentially an outfielder.
Believing these moves would be made, the Phillies were anointed the "team to beat" by shortstops and bellhops alike.
The best laid plans went awry once again, however, as relievers suddenly held inflated value. That put Gillick in a bit of a bind, and instead of just trading Lieber for second-rate material, he bit down on the belt and decided to wait until the market became more reasonable.
It is tough to applaud such patience or look at the big picture as the Phillies get worked night in, night out, I understand.
But if you can take a step back, you'll see pieces starting to fall into place. Money is now focused on the appropriate areas. More cash is coming off the books next year. And the team is being built around some of the brightest young stars in the game.
Are you suggesting that you'd rather Abreu and Thome be the central figures of this club, knowing that the likes of Howard and Garcia would have to be taken out of the picture? Would you rather David Bell and Lieberthal still be a part of the nucleus?
And are you really going to critique his tenure by saying he should have gotten the likes of Justin Speier, Chad Bradford and Jamie Walker?
To me, that's a bit short-sighted.
Any high-ranking official in baseball will tell you that when the Phillies landed Gillick, they acquired one of the most genius minds in all of baseball.
Call him old, call him over-the-hill, call him what you will. But when he has your team sipping bubbly -- whether it be this season or down the line -- make sure you call him daddy.
And make sure I'm around to hear you do it.
Tim appears on this page every Thursday. You can contact him at tmcmanus@phanaticmag.com.
The Phanatic Magazine
Seems like Jared and I go head-to-head at least once a baseball season.
Normally I'm not a huge proponent of the counter-article, but when you make as bold a statement as "Gillick should go," I feel a dissenting voice is needed.
So here we go:
First, it has to be noted that the 2007 Phillies are a vision under construction. Pat Gillick inherited a team from an incompetent General Manager that had money poorly distributed despite working for an organization that is financially stringent, thereby putting fiscal intelligence at a premium.
Bobby Abreu was making $13,100,000; Pat Burrell and Mike Lieberthal were making about 7 1/2 million apiece; Thome pocketed more than 13 million; and Billy Wagner made 9 million in 2005.
In total, those five players comprised a little over $50 million of a $95 million payroll. Notice that just one pitcher, and exactly zero starters, are on that list.
So Gillick took out the chisel, and went to work on sculpting a team that would be built around a strong staff and a few of their young offensive standouts.
Clearly room had to be made for Ryan Howard after a Rookie of the Year campaign, so Thome and his menacing back were shipped to fill a need in center. Billy Wagner would have to be sacrificed, and Bobby Abreu was moved in the name of salary flexibility.
It was around the time of that Abreu trade that Gillick said his team would not be built to truly compete until 2008.
Howard and Chase Utley's rapid development, though, paced an unexpected surge at the end of the 2006 season that nearly resulted in a playoff berth and accelerated the time line.
Those expectations jumped up yet another notch after Gillick's offseason acquisitions, the biggest pulling a front-line arm in Freddy Garcia out of thin air in exchange for a pocketful of potential.
Garcia's arrival plus the signing of Adam Eaton gave the Phils flexibility in the starting rotation for the first time in forever, and the plan was to parlay one of their extra starters -- always the hottest of commodities in the long run -- for some bullpen help and potentially an outfielder.
Believing these moves would be made, the Phillies were anointed the "team to beat" by shortstops and bellhops alike.
The best laid plans went awry once again, however, as relievers suddenly held inflated value. That put Gillick in a bit of a bind, and instead of just trading Lieber for second-rate material, he bit down on the belt and decided to wait until the market became more reasonable.
It is tough to applaud such patience or look at the big picture as the Phillies get worked night in, night out, I understand.
But if you can take a step back, you'll see pieces starting to fall into place. Money is now focused on the appropriate areas. More cash is coming off the books next year. And the team is being built around some of the brightest young stars in the game.
Are you suggesting that you'd rather Abreu and Thome be the central figures of this club, knowing that the likes of Howard and Garcia would have to be taken out of the picture? Would you rather David Bell and Lieberthal still be a part of the nucleus?
And are you really going to critique his tenure by saying he should have gotten the likes of Justin Speier, Chad Bradford and Jamie Walker?
To me, that's a bit short-sighted.
Any high-ranking official in baseball will tell you that when the Phillies landed Gillick, they acquired one of the most genius minds in all of baseball.
Call him old, call him over-the-hill, call him what you will. But when he has your team sipping bubbly -- whether it be this season or down the line -- make sure you call him daddy.
And make sure I'm around to hear you do it.
Tim appears on this page every Thursday. You can contact him at tmcmanus@phanaticmag.com.
Twenty Years On
By Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine
Coming off a year in which the Phillies made a spectacular second-half climb from fourth to second place, finished with a respectable 86-75 mark, and boasted the National League MVP, John Felske’s third year at the helm began a dismal 1-8. Felske, bench coach Lee Elia, and virtually the entire club were under fire after a home sweep to the Mets left them an astonishing 5 ½ games out of first just 10 days into the season.
However, a cooling salve known as a trip to Three Rivers Stadium to face the bottom-dwelling Pirates for a three-game weekend series greeted the Phils on the third weekend of April.
Meanwhile, as rancor filled the minds of thousands of baseball fans across the Delaware Valley, and that discontent seeped out to fill hundreds of column inches in the Daily News and Inquirer, an oasis of hope and achievement shimmered in the distance.
Third baseman Mike Schmidt was only five home runs away from joining a select few members in the 500 Home Run Club.
He went deep for number 496 in front of a large, spirited crowd at a chilly Veterans Stadium on the very same night he accepted his MVP plaque before the start of a four-game series with Chicago. The Phillies lost, 4-3. 497 came the next day, a solo shot for the Phils’ only run in a desultory 9-1 loss.
Defeat washed over this club swiftly like a tsunami, but Michael Jack kept a spark within people’s hearts alive. He was going to do it - and soon. If there was any doubt, the sign that hung over the 400-level in center field since early in 1986 for the countdown to 500, was a conspicuous reminder.
He goes deep for the third time in the young season, in the first game of three with the defending World Champion Mets - a 7-5 loss which dropped the Fightins to 1-6. The buzz was palpable, though. Talk is centered around good-natured bets between teammates and among the public on what day number five-oh-oh would occur.
Two more games would pass, setbacks of 4-1 and 9-3 against New York, to leave the team in that deep hole at the bottom of the NL East. Schmidt would go 1-for-5 with one RBI, but Mr. Spaulding did not say goodbye to the field of play off his bat in either of those two outings.
But the Pirates would supply some badly needed oxygen into this wheezing ball club on Good Friday night, as a four-run 10th inning sent Philly to a 6-2 win, their second of the season. Schmitty even hit a key blast, his 499th. It was a long, arcing shot to left off Bob Patterson that broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth. The next day’s Inquirer sports section ran a long banner headline to that fact, in dire expectation of the real milestone just within reach.
Saturday, April 18th was a day the Phillies had all to themselves on the sports scene. The Flyers had concluded their Patrick Division semifinal series with the New York Rangers two days before, and would not skate again until the following Monday. It was an era which pre-dated football mini-camp frenzy, so the Eagles were off the radar, and the Sixers enjoyed an off day before their season-finale at Washington. Felske’s boys seized the opportunity, going up 5-0 in the third off Pirates starter Bob Walk, and led 5-1 through six thanks to Don Carman’s performance on the hill.
Then, things went characteristically dark. Carman gave up a run in the seventh, and Steve Bedrosian was rocked for four in the eighth - the coup de grace being slight-hitting second baseman Johnny Ray’s three run homer to give the Pirates a 6-5 advantage.
In the ninth, facing former nemesis Don Robinson, there were two men on with two outs. Juan Samuel stood at second after reaching on a force play and stealing second. Von Hayes was at first after working a crucial walk. Mike Schmidt stepped up to the plate literally with the game in his hands.
Robinson threw three balls so far out of the zone that even Schmidt wouldn’t have considered bringing the bat off his shoulders. He had to throw a strike now, or risk a bases-loaded situation with on-deck clean-up hitter Chris James. The fourth pitch left his right hand, sailed towards the plate, and into history. It was slightly down and in, but in a spot where any power-hitter could extend his arms and get some air under it.
Harry Kalas took it from there.
“Swing and a long drive!!…There it is!…The career 500th home run for Michael Jack Schmidt…”
With one mighty belt, the greatest third baseman in baseball history recaptured the lead for his team, and became one of baseball’s immortals. He was the 14th man to reach the 500 plateau, the first since Willie McCovey in 1978.
The images that followed are iconic. Cameras following the path of the ball as it landed in the second deck in left field. Schmidt’s wife and family cheering exuberantly. Old Number 20 himself actually letting a bit of emotion through as he pumped his arms and legs in sync while running the basepaths. Everybody in the Phillies dugout running onto the field and mobbing him at home plate in joyous celebration.
Felske’s boys held on and won the game, 8-6, but would lose the Easter Sunday tilt to the Buccos to drop to 3-9. They would lose two of three in Montreal and face a rain-out at the Vet with the Pirates before the home crowd got to welcome their reluctant, aloof hero one week later with a thunderous ovation.
That sign in center remained until the last of Schmidt’s 548 home runs departed in 1989. The memory of the chase and the achievement should live on well into future generations - one of the rare times the Baseball Gods directed a beam of light through the clouds, just for us.
The train wreck heads to DC
By Steven Lienert
The Phanatic Magazine
Freddy Garcia's four-and-two-thirds innings. Ryan Howard's one home run. Chase Utley's .245 batting average. The entire bullpen.
After just 12 games, the 3-9 'Team-to Beat' Phillies are the worst team in the National League. In all of baseball, only the 3-11 Royals are worse. That's some good company.
Of course, there's just one person to blame: Howard Eskin.
It's his fault that the bullpen is so bad, Brett Myers, who was the Phillies' Opening Day starter, is its newest member. Which, by the way, is supposed to be permanent, meaning the Phils no longer have that "sixth starter" to bargain.
Myers tried his best to play the role of the good soldier, but his mouth got in the way of his good intentions. After saying he'd do whatever would help the team win, he took at shot at management by saying he'd move to the 'pen as long as it was for the rest of the season.
He said he didn't want what happened to Ryan Madson last season happen to him this season. In 2006, Madson was yo-yoed between the bullpen and the starting rotation and, at least in Myers mind, it has hurt him.
Madson's 6.23 ERA would back up that estimation.
It's clearly Eskin's fault that the Phillies were duped in a trade for a starting pitcher once again.
Does anyone else find it an eerie coincidence that Freddy Garcia is wearing Kevin Millwood's old number?
And only if Eskin hadn't convinced Chase Utley to get married. Like Mickey said to Rocky: "Women weaken legs."
And did anyone else see Eskin working with Howard in the batting cage during spring training? That's the reason Howard's pulling his head off the ball. It's his fault Howard posed for the covers of numerous publications, including one on Philadelphia Magazine under the headline, "Ryan Howard won't let us down."
Well, he's not exactly pulling the fan base up right now, is he? Darn it to heck, Eskin!
In all seriousness, Charlie Manuel's explosion last night is clear evidence that he has lost control of the locker room, which was almost reason enough for fans to run Andy Reid out of town during football season.
Yet Uncle Charlie keeps prodding along. Meanwhile, Jim Leyland, who was deemed by Phillies' management to be "not as good a fit" as Manuel, has the defending AL champion Detroit Tigers leading the Central Division with a healthy 9-5 record.
Including tonight, the Phillies have 13 games left this month. They have to go 8-5 over that stretch just to make it to the same 11-14 mark the team has had the previous two Aprils.
At this point, that 8-5 record seems highly unlikely, which would mean a significant step backwards for the team under Manuel's stewardship.
In almost any other city, that would be enough to get a manager canned.
Or enough to get him to focus more on his team than what some sports radio host has to say about his manhood.
Lienert's column appears almost every Wednesday. Contact him at slienert@phanaticmag.com.
The Phanatic Magazine
Freddy Garcia's four-and-two-thirds innings. Ryan Howard's one home run. Chase Utley's .245 batting average. The entire bullpen.
After just 12 games, the 3-9 'Team-to Beat' Phillies are the worst team in the National League. In all of baseball, only the 3-11 Royals are worse. That's some good company.
Of course, there's just one person to blame: Howard Eskin.
It's his fault that the bullpen is so bad, Brett Myers, who was the Phillies' Opening Day starter, is its newest member. Which, by the way, is supposed to be permanent, meaning the Phils no longer have that "sixth starter" to bargain.
Myers tried his best to play the role of the good soldier, but his mouth got in the way of his good intentions. After saying he'd do whatever would help the team win, he took at shot at management by saying he'd move to the 'pen as long as it was for the rest of the season.
He said he didn't want what happened to Ryan Madson last season happen to him this season. In 2006, Madson was yo-yoed between the bullpen and the starting rotation and, at least in Myers mind, it has hurt him.
Madson's 6.23 ERA would back up that estimation.
It's clearly Eskin's fault that the Phillies were duped in a trade for a starting pitcher once again.
Does anyone else find it an eerie coincidence that Freddy Garcia is wearing Kevin Millwood's old number?
And only if Eskin hadn't convinced Chase Utley to get married. Like Mickey said to Rocky: "Women weaken legs."
And did anyone else see Eskin working with Howard in the batting cage during spring training? That's the reason Howard's pulling his head off the ball. It's his fault Howard posed for the covers of numerous publications, including one on Philadelphia Magazine under the headline, "Ryan Howard won't let us down."
Well, he's not exactly pulling the fan base up right now, is he? Darn it to heck, Eskin!
In all seriousness, Charlie Manuel's explosion last night is clear evidence that he has lost control of the locker room, which was almost reason enough for fans to run Andy Reid out of town during football season.
Yet Uncle Charlie keeps prodding along. Meanwhile, Jim Leyland, who was deemed by Phillies' management to be "not as good a fit" as Manuel, has the defending AL champion Detroit Tigers leading the Central Division with a healthy 9-5 record.
Including tonight, the Phillies have 13 games left this month. They have to go 8-5 over that stretch just to make it to the same 11-14 mark the team has had the previous two Aprils.
At this point, that 8-5 record seems highly unlikely, which would mean a significant step backwards for the team under Manuel's stewardship.
In almost any other city, that would be enough to get a manager canned.
Or enough to get him to focus more on his team than what some sports radio host has to say about his manhood.
Lienert's column appears almost every Wednesday. Contact him at slienert@phanaticmag.com.
Say it ain't so Charlie
By John Gottlieb The Phanatic Magazine
Now we here at The Phanatic Magazine have been waxing poetic all day long as to what's wrong with the Fightin' Phils and who's to blame, but unfortunately I now have to agree with John McMullen, and that's something I detest doing.
I've got no problem with Charlie Manuel challenging Howard Eskin to fight (it's about time someone does), but John was right that he just validated the trash that spews out of Eskin's mouth on a daily basis.
Now, Manuel caved even more by moving Brett Myers to the bullpen. Despite the bad numbers, Myers is a starting pitcher. He's the best starting pitcher the Phillies have. (I'll wait until Cole Hamels makes it through an entire season before he gets the nod as ace of the staff.)
This shows that the fur-coat wearing joke of a radio host got under Charlie's skin. Manuel felt pressure to make a move, especially with ESPN, the AP and any other sports news outlet coming out with the confrontation after last night's embarrassing loss to the Mets. This reeks of desperation.
Pat Gillick is that man that should be taking the heat but Manuel will be the first to go (probably at the first sign that this Myers thing isn't working). Gillick is the one who was trying to fleece other teams for the services of Jon Lieber. I wrote just a month ago that the Phillies were making a mistake by getting rid of Lieber, but he doesn't have the makeup for the bullpen and he can't possibly take the spot of Myers.
Eskin's got to be smiling in his mink this afternoon as he spends four hours tearing in
to Charlie (oh wait, he does that every day). Really, how silly is a man that wears a fur coat?
to Charlie (oh wait, he does that every day). Really, how silly is a man that wears a fur coat?It's clear that there is not much Charlie can do to save his job at this point. The Phillies have played bad defense, they haven't hit in the clutch, the bullpen is just as bad as we all knew it was after the end of last season and Adam Eaton is atrocious.
I wrote yesterday about absurd fights between NBA officials and players, but I would pay a whole lot more money to see the 250+ pound Charlie Manuel crush Howard Eskin than this ridiculous Wing Bowl that takes six months from start to finish. Can you just picture Eskin gently taking off the fur and hanging it in Rod Barajas' locker before clearing the center of the locker room for a brawl with Bumblin' Charlie? The only way TV gets better is if you put Flavor Flav in a reality show.
And just wait, who do you think will take over for Manuel when he eventually gets canned? That prestigious honor will go to Manuel's carbon copy in Jimmy Williams. I'm sure that will be the move that turns the season around.
I'd like to see Eskin manage the Phils for one day and see what miracle he pulls with Shane Victorino at the plate with two outs and runners on second and third. Only then would he realize that the team isn't as good as we all thought.
Gillick deserves the blame but Manuel will be the fall guy. (And Charlie deserves a little one-on-one time with Eskin.) Too bad this isn't a perfect world.
Report: Myers to bullpen
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
According to Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brett Myers has been demoted to the bullpen in favor of Jon Lieber.
He is expected to serve as the set-up man for Tom Gordon.
Myers is 0-2, with a 9.39 ERA in three starts so far this season. He has allowed 16 earned runs, with 19 strikeouts and 9 walks in 151/3 frames.
The Phanatic Magazine
According to Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brett Myers has been demoted to the bullpen in favor of Jon Lieber.
He is expected to serve as the set-up man for Tom Gordon.
Myers is 0-2, with a 9.39 ERA in three starts so far this season. He has allowed 16 earned runs, with 19 strikeouts and 9 walks in 151/3 frames.
Wrong Man, Wrong Time: Gillick should go
By Jared TrexlerThe Phanatic Magazine
This is hard for me. I once believed in Pat Gillick (as late as early this spring) -- the mythical old man responsible in some way for bringing Joe Carter to the plate and extending Philadelphia's championship drought. The man who turned the corner in Seattle without Griffey and A-Rod, in Baltimore with a mesh of young and old.
He was brought here to do exactly what his resume stated -- win early, often and in October.
Now, belief is past borrowed time. I used to believe in the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Now, they are far distant fictional characters replaced by my parents' bank account.
In that same vein, the wise, baseball-tested Gillick now just looks like a wrinkled, beleaguered hack well past his element in 21st century baseball. The "network" Gillick created at every winning stop has weighed him down in Philadelphia and in the process watered down the talent level from Broad and Pattison to Clearwater.
By now, everyone has likely heard or seen manager Charlie Manuel's verbal lashing of Howard Eskin in last night's brief post-game presser. If not, you certainly can grasp the basic concepts from my colleagues' earlier coverage.
Views range from "Charlie must go," to "the players must step up." My take on that argument was made last night in a succinct sentence outlined through frustration and a conversation with a colleague.
As a players manager, Manuel has always been the shield for his crew. He has supported, nurtured, yelled when necessary and has unequivocally had each's back from day one.
Now it's time they have his. And if not, no tongue lashing can be used to motivate athletes who make millions of dollars a season to play with a ball and bat.
Last night's made-for-TV, and in WIP's case over-the-airwaves, moment highlighted that fact. But it also brought another stark reality to the forefront.
Perhaps the Phillies are 3-9 not because of Manuel's in-game decision making or the players' lack of focus and hustle. Unimaginable to the casual fan and neutral observer just a few weeks ago, perhaps the Phillies as constructed are just not that good.
And that buck stops at Gillick's desk. Like Mike Rushton pointed out, Manuel didn't sign Adam Eaton to an exorbitant contract, money that would have been more wisely spent on lights-out relief pitcher Justin Speier, former Met Chad Bradford or former Tiger Jamie Walker.
Manuel isn't 5-for-32 this season with runners in scoring position. Nope, that's the new faces of the franchise -- Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. What is Manuel supposed to say in his post-game media meeting? "Last year's MVP stinks."
Gillick wiped out former GM Ed Wade's regime of Jim Thome, David Bell, Mike Lieberthal and Bobby Abreu, replacing that core with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz with Jimmy Rollins and Pat Burrell as mainstays. While on the surface it looks like an upgrade, the results on the field -- not in the dugout -- have been less than inspiring.
If Gillick chooses to preach patience with this players, Manuel deserves the same. Especially considering he begged publicly -- and I'm sure behind closed doors -- for bullpen help all winter, and the best Gillick could come up with was Antonio Alfonseca, and more important roles for Geoff Geary and Ryan Madson.
Are goosebumps supposed to be bad things?
That is failure -- and while Eskin and the like can point the blame finger at Manuel, it really should be directed one step higher to his boss.
I once believed. I still do -- but on a far different end of the spectrum.
Once determined, now a detriment. Gillick should go.
---------
Jared Trexler can be reached at jtrexler@phanaticmag.com
Slaughter the lamb
By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine
The Phillies are off to a horrible start, but how much of it is Uncle Charlie's fault?
Manuel's job security will no doubt come under scrutiny -- unnecessarily -- after his blowup with radio fraud, excuse me, personality, Howard Eskin. Eskin called Manuel out for not being Lou Pinella and in the process got a reaction that without a doubt fueled the self-centered ego of importance that Eskin holds.
By the way, who came blame Manuel's response, really? How would you feel if at Christmas dinner, your nine-year-old cousin started questioning your ability to pick up women? Wouldn't you want to kick his rear? Can't you picture your uncle taking you down before you reached your snotty cousin?
But that is neither here nor there I guess. The real question that arises is that of Manuel's tenure in the City of Brotherly Love. Should Manuel go?
Not yet.
What has Manuel really done to deserve getting canned? Did he assemble this shoddy bullpen himself? Did he sign Adam Eaton? Is it the little things that are killing the Phillies or is it their inability to do the basics, things managers shouldn't have to teach?
Truth is, the Phillies aren't losing because of Manuel; it is because of themselves. Sure, he made a questionable lineup decision early in the season, but that was quickly righted.
What would you have Manuel do, bench the ice-cold Ryan Howard to send a message? Come on.
Until Manuel picks up a bat and fans on three pitches with the bases loaded, he can't be blamed for the Phillies' RISP numbers. His starting pitchers aren't throwing to their best ability yet either and the bullpen is what it was feared to be.
Bottom line is, Philadelphia is underachieving and firing Manuel would only make him the sacrificial lamb. If that is what you think will spark the club, then fine, fire him.
Maybe this outburst will serve as a spark. Think about when your parent or spouse is mad at you. Does it bother you more when you are yelled at directly, or if you know they are angry through their actions away from you?
I think the latter. Direct confrontation may just invoke anger or resentment. Even if the average Joe is at fault at his own occupation, does a verbal spanking from the boss help his mood?
However, when you know your wife is angry with you, but doesn't lay into you directly, you immediately go into damage control. I've been married just over five months and that is lesson number one to learn.
Perhaps this is what the Phillies will do; stand up for their skipper.
Or they could just sacrifice the lamb.
Defend or rip Uncle Charlie at mrushton@phanaticmag.com
Phanatic Magazine
The Phillies are off to a horrible start, but how much of it is Uncle Charlie's fault?
Manuel's job security will no doubt come under scrutiny -- unnecessarily -- after his blowup with radio fraud, excuse me, personality, Howard Eskin. Eskin called Manuel out for not being Lou Pinella and in the process got a reaction that without a doubt fueled the self-centered ego of importance that Eskin holds.
By the way, who came blame Manuel's response, really? How would you feel if at Christmas dinner, your nine-year-old cousin started questioning your ability to pick up women? Wouldn't you want to kick his rear? Can't you picture your uncle taking you down before you reached your snotty cousin?
But that is neither here nor there I guess. The real question that arises is that of Manuel's tenure in the City of Brotherly Love. Should Manuel go?
Not yet.
What has Manuel really done to deserve getting canned? Did he assemble this shoddy bullpen himself? Did he sign Adam Eaton? Is it the little things that are killing the Phillies or is it their inability to do the basics, things managers shouldn't have to teach?
Truth is, the Phillies aren't losing because of Manuel; it is because of themselves. Sure, he made a questionable lineup decision early in the season, but that was quickly righted.
What would you have Manuel do, bench the ice-cold Ryan Howard to send a message? Come on.
Until Manuel picks up a bat and fans on three pitches with the bases loaded, he can't be blamed for the Phillies' RISP numbers. His starting pitchers aren't throwing to their best ability yet either and the bullpen is what it was feared to be.
Bottom line is, Philadelphia is underachieving and firing Manuel would only make him the sacrificial lamb. If that is what you think will spark the club, then fine, fire him.
Maybe this outburst will serve as a spark. Think about when your parent or spouse is mad at you. Does it bother you more when you are yelled at directly, or if you know they are angry through their actions away from you?
I think the latter. Direct confrontation may just invoke anger or resentment. Even if the average Joe is at fault at his own occupation, does a verbal spanking from the boss help his mood?
However, when you know your wife is angry with you, but doesn't lay into you directly, you immediately go into damage control. I've been married just over five months and that is lesson number one to learn.
Perhaps this is what the Phillies will do; stand up for their skipper.
Or they could just sacrifice the lamb.
Defend or rip Uncle Charlie at mrushton@phanaticmag.com
End of the Line
By John McMullenThe Phanatic Magazine
Charlie Manuel has been losing a lot of games.
Last night he lost his composure.
Soon he might lose his job.
The Phillies manager plays the part of the bumbling fool well. To an East Coast elitist, nothing is worse than a good ole' boy with a Southern accent disrespecting you.
And that's exactly what Charlie Manuel did to Howard Eskin, at least in the narcissistic radio personality's mind. It was never overt -- until last night-- but when Charlie refused to genuflect in front of the "King of Philadelphia sports radio," he sealed his fate at least between 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Those in the business know where Eskin stands. Whether it was Jimmy Johnson or his current man crush, Andy Reid -- Eskin has risen to the top of the Philadelphia sports world by inserting his nose firmly up the posteriors of those who accept his advances.
Ignore him and treat him like any other reporter and you become public enemy No. 1 -- just ask Allen Iverson or Manuel.
The fans, at least the ones who frequent WIP, really haven't figured that out.
So, despite the fact that Manuel has spent over 40 years in professional baseball and his 173 wins at the helm of the Phils were the most by any manager in their first two seasons since 1915-16, Eskin and others seized on Manuel's speech impediment as proof he was a moron.
The minions followed and Charlie is practically a cartoon now.
A cartoon that's going down swinging, however. After watching another pathetic performance by his lifeless band of underachievers, Manuel had enough of Eskin's tired act when the talk show host began prodding him.
Asked why he didn't show more anger in his news conferences like Lou Piniella or why he hasn't blistered his club all of 12 games into a 162-game MLB season, Charlie reacted and challenged Eskin to meet him in his office.
Eskin eventually entered and shouting ensued before hitting coach Milt Thompson had to hold Manuel back from attacking his protagonist.
In that moment, it became clear Manuel shouldn't be the manager of this team any longer.
When your club is 3-9 and you just lost to your main division rival 8-1, going 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position in the process, you really shouldn't be worried about what some half-wit on the radio says.
By acknowledging Eskin, Manuel validated him.
Charlie loses it
After another embarrassing loss, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel challenged WIP's Howard Eskin to a fight. Manuel had to be restrained by hitting coach Milt Thompson after inviting Eskin, a constant critic, into his office.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
You wanna go?
By John Gottlieb
The Phanatic Magazine
Joey Crawford must've skipped his Wheaties on Sunday for the Mavericks-Spurs game. Crawford, always ranked as one of the NBA's best referees, lost his cool and took it out on Tim Duncan, who was thrown out of a game for just the second time in his career.
The 31-year vet went so far as to reportedly challenge the 6-11, 260-pound forward to a fight. Video evidence clearly showed that Crawford jumped the gun with his little temper tantrum on the All Star. Since when is laughter grounds for a second technical foul and ejection from an NBA game that helped decide seedings for the playoffs?
And for that David Stern suspended Crawford for at least the rest of the regular season and the playoffs on Tuesday.
"Joey Crawford's handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees," said Stern. "Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted. Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities."
This was the straw that broke the camel's back after Crawford was sent to the Principal's office during the 2003 playoffs. Stern summoned Crawford after calling four technicals on the Mavs, including two on head coach Don Nelson, during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs.
Crawford has problems playing nice with Duncan, who was assessed a technical from the hardass official in Game 3 of the 2005 NBA Finals.
They should make Joey Crawford go to anger management with Ron Artest.
It's no secret the Duncan has a habit of complaining to the officials but that's typical for NBA superstars. Without the back-and-forth banter Duncan wouldn't get half the calls from the refs. That's the way it works in the Association. If you're a big enough star you get to talk your way into more whistles. By the time the Bulls were hitting their stride, on their way to six NBA titles, you couldn't touch Michael Jordan without sending him to the charity stripe.
Like it or not it creates a discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots. It tips the balance to the Cavs with LeBron and away from the Sixers with Andre Iguodala. It's become an unwritten rule in the NBA to lobby for the fouls.
Apparently Crawford didn't like what he was hearing from Duncan, who swears that he said only three words to the official ("I got fouled") before getting tossed.
"He came into the game with a personal vendetta against me," said Duncan.
"He looked at me and said, 'Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?' If he wants to fight, we can fight. I don't have any problem with him, but we can do it if he wants to. I have no reason why in the middle of a game he would yell at me, 'Do you want to fight?' "
What could've drove Crawford over the edge to challenge Duncan to fisticuffs? Either way it doesn't matter, but it got me thinking about officials that I would like to see go one-on-one with NBA players. I like a card of Dick Bavetta v. Reggie Miller, Bob Delaney v. Rasheed Wallace, Steve Javie v. Gary Payton, Bennett Salvatore v. Jerry Sloan, Tom Washington v. Bill Laimbeer and we’ll top it off with Crawford v. Duncan. Fair fights you ask. I guarantee you one of these prima donna NBA players would fall like a ton of bricks.
Crawford must think he'd have a good shot at taking the big man down. Maybe he knows a weakness in Duncan's game. For all we know Crawford went to Royce Gracie's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, and if that's the case I'd really like to see them go at it.
It's about time that officials get a little taste of their own medicine. This was a game that sealed the Western Conference's No. 2 spot for the Phoenix Suns. It's not like this was the 10th game of the season. This game meant something. Not quite right when an NBA ref takes the outcome of the game and alters it by throwing a team's best player out for no reason.
I applaud the commish for taking a strong stand right before the playoffs. Crawford is a good official that has been on the court for more than 2,100 regular season contests, 266 playoff games and 38 NBA Finals matchups. But there should be no tolerance for situations like the one that occurred on Sunday.
It's good that Stern made an example of one of the NBA's best foot soldiers in Crawford. Finally, it's about time someone holding the whistle or calling balls and strikes gets punished. While the athletes are always portrayed as whiners or crybabies, there's no way that they are not provoked from overzealous officials from time to time. It definitely goes both ways.
Next time Joey C. or any other ref will think twice about picking a fight with a superstar athlete. Have fun at home watching the NBA playoffs unfold, Joey. Why don't you take the rest of the summer off?
The Phanatic Magazine
Joey Crawford must've skipped his Wheaties on Sunday for the Mavericks-Spurs game. Crawford, always ranked as one of the NBA's best referees, lost his cool and took it out on Tim Duncan, who was thrown out of a game for just the second time in his career.
The 31-year vet went so far as to reportedly challenge the 6-11, 260-pound forward to a fight. Video evidence clearly showed that Crawford jumped the gun with his little temper tantrum on the All Star. Since when is laughter grounds for a second technical foul and ejection from an NBA game that helped decide seedings for the playoffs?
And for that David Stern suspended Crawford for at least the rest of the regular season and the playoffs on Tuesday.
"Joey Crawford's handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees," said Stern. "Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted. Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities."
This was the straw that broke the camel's back after Crawford was sent to the Principal's office during the 2003 playoffs. Stern summoned Crawford after calling four technicals on the Mavs, including two on head coach Don Nelson, during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs.
Crawford has problems playing nice with Duncan, who was assessed a technical from the hardass official in Game 3 of the 2005 NBA Finals.
They should make Joey Crawford go to anger management with Ron Artest.
It's no secret the Duncan has a habit of complaining to the officials but that's typical for NBA superstars. Without the back-and-forth banter Duncan wouldn't get half the calls from the refs. That's the way it works in the Association. If you're a big enough star you get to talk your way into more whistles. By the time the Bulls were hitting their stride, on their way to six NBA titles, you couldn't touch Michael Jordan without sending him to the charity stripe.
Like it or not it creates a discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots. It tips the balance to the Cavs with LeBron and away from the Sixers with Andre Iguodala. It's become an unwritten rule in the NBA to lobby for the fouls.
Apparently Crawford didn't like what he was hearing from Duncan, who swears that he said only three words to the official ("I got fouled") before getting tossed.
"He came into the game with a personal vendetta against me," said Duncan.
"He looked at me and said, 'Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?' If he wants to fight, we can fight. I don't have any problem with him, but we can do it if he wants to. I have no reason why in the middle of a game he would yell at me, 'Do you want to fight?' "
What could've drove Crawford over the edge to challenge Duncan to fisticuffs? Either way it doesn't matter, but it got me thinking about officials that I would like to see go one-on-one with NBA players. I like a card of Dick Bavetta v. Reggie Miller, Bob Delaney v. Rasheed Wallace, Steve Javie v. Gary Payton, Bennett Salvatore v. Jerry Sloan, Tom Washington v. Bill Laimbeer and we’ll top it off with Crawford v. Duncan. Fair fights you ask. I guarantee you one of these prima donna NBA players would fall like a ton of bricks.
Crawford must think he'd have a good shot at taking the big man down. Maybe he knows a weakness in Duncan's game. For all we know Crawford went to Royce Gracie's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, and if that's the case I'd really like to see them go at it.
It's about time that officials get a little taste of their own medicine. This was a game that sealed the Western Conference's No. 2 spot for the Phoenix Suns. It's not like this was the 10th game of the season. This game meant something. Not quite right when an NBA ref takes the outcome of the game and alters it by throwing a team's best player out for no reason.
I applaud the commish for taking a strong stand right before the playoffs. Crawford is a good official that has been on the court for more than 2,100 regular season contests, 266 playoff games and 38 NBA Finals matchups. But there should be no tolerance for situations like the one that occurred on Sunday.
It's good that Stern made an example of one of the NBA's best foot soldiers in Crawford. Finally, it's about time someone holding the whistle or calling balls and strikes gets punished. While the athletes are always portrayed as whiners or crybabies, there's no way that they are not provoked from overzealous officials from time to time. It definitely goes both ways.
Next time Joey C. or any other ref will think twice about picking a fight with a superstar athlete. Have fun at home watching the NBA playoffs unfold, Joey. Why don't you take the rest of the summer off?
Monday, April 16, 2007
Soul buried in Dallas
Getting the Ich-iro
Duncan vs. Crawford worthy of PPV, Jackie Robinson sticks it to the Yankees and other ramblings from the week that was in sports.
By Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
It's never too early to start thinking about next year, especially if Brett Myers keeps grooving fastballs, the bullpen continues to blow leads and the offensive woes with runners in scoring position persist.
So, since I like to give the fans something to look forward to, digest this --Ichiro Suzuki.
That's right. The electrifying leadoff man in Seattle who has recorded over 200 hits in each of his first seven seasons in the league, will be free agent at season's end. He has yet to work out a contract with the Mariners and appears headed towards free agency.
I imagine your first reaction is something along the lines of this: "Bullsh--! How would the Phils be able to do this?" or "Why would Ichiro want to come to Philadelphia?"
Well, I have an answer for you -- Pat Gillick. That's right, "Stand" Pat Gillick. If you remember, Gillick was the general manager in Seattle when Ichiro came to America. The two are familiar with each other and Ichiro is probably comfortable with the Phillies general manager. The only question is cash.
If the Phils were ever going to spend money, this is the guy to spend it on because he will solve a number of problems for the club. First, he is the legitimate leadoff hitter the club has been looking for. He can put the ball just about anywhere on the field and has the speed to wreak havoc on the base paths. Second, he allows Jimmy Rollins to move down in the order, making the lineup deeper and thus saving the franchise money in trying to find a power bat in addition. Thirdly, he is a Gold Glove outfielder and has a rocket arm.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, he would be a legit free agent signing that gives the fans a reason to believe in this team. Enough of this team trying to pawn off the signings of players like Wes Helms and Adam Eaton as the answers. Go out and get an All-Star caliber player that will not only get the fans excited, but also the players.
So, when mid-July comes around and the Phillies are out of it, remember next year the concession stands in Ashburn Alley might be selling cheesesteaks on Ichi-rolls...
The nor'easter that pounded the region on Sunday gave me a chance to watch some things that I might not otherwise have tuned in to. One was the Mavericks-Spurs game that was on ABC. What a great game. It's not often you see two teams partake in such a well-played game at the end of the season, but this was one of them. Both teams had something to play for -- the Spurs were going for the two seed in the Western Conference and the Mavericks wanted to go into the playoffs with a win over a solid team. We even saw an ejection.
In case you missed it, in the final minutes of the third quarter, Spurs center Tim Duncan was given a technical foul for mouthing off to official Joey Crawford. Then, just a minute or two later, Crawford hit Duncan with another technical, resulting in his ejection. The funny (or sad, depending upon how you look at it) was that Duncan was on the bench when he received both technicals and when he got the second one he didn't say a word. However, it was Duncan's obnoxious laughter a foul call by Crawford that drew the official's ire.
Afterwards, Duncan made some pretty serious accusations that will probably result in a fine from the league. He said that Crawford has a "vendetta"against him and he doesn't know why. Duncan said the Crawford had it out from him from the beginning and that he was just looking for the chance to eject him. He even said that Crawford asked him, "Do you want to fight?'
Crawford has been in the NBA for a long time. He comes from a family of officials. His brother Jerry is an umpire in the majors. The family has the reputation for being hard-headed and stubborn. They are so well-known that HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" did a piece on the family last year.
Despite the respect Crawford gets, in this case I am going to side with Duncan. Watching the game, at no point did I think that the complaining was getting out of hand. Crawford seemed to have a quick temper and I think there is something to Duncan's accusation.
I think it's time for the league to take a look at Crawford and decide if there is anything to this. He's had problems in the past and he might be getting too big for his britches again.
Then put Crawford and Duncan in the room and have them say their peace. If this carries over into the postseason, it could get ugly. Duncan is a superstar in the league and to have him ejected in every game Crawford works or play timidly due to the fear of being tossed won't benefit anyone -- especially the fans...
I also got to watch some of the Jackie Robinson Day festivities before the Dodgers-Padres game Sunday night. It was nice to see the players around the league pay tribute by wearing his No. 42. A lot of the players who wore 42 had big games as well. Andruw Jones homered for the Braves, Cleveland’s C.C.Sabathia threw eight innings of one-hit ball and Tony Clark in Arizona hit a pair of homers.
The one player who is still allowed to wear the No. 42 regularly, the Yankees' Mariano Rivera, had a day to forget (The retirement of the No. 42 league wide kicked in 10 years ago, but players who wore the number at the time were allowed to continue). He blew a two-run lead with two outs in the ninth Sunday, yielding a walk-off three-run homer to Marco Scutaro of the A's. It was just the fourth career walk-off homer allowed by Rivera. Think Jackie, a life-long Brooklyn Dodger, had anything to do with the Yankee misfortune?...
I also caught some of the NHL playoffs on Versus -- that is after spending 15 minutes trying to find the channel. I was watching the Dodgers game when I decided to see some of the Stars' game against the Canucks. It took me a few minutes to track down the channel, and when I finally did, it didn't surprise me at all to find the game not broadcast in HD. Not only that, it wasn't even being broadcast by a Versus crew. It was the Candian Broadcasting Corporation feed.
What a shame. I know that Comcast, the cable company that owns Versus, is charging customers an arm and a leg, so why can't they put that money to use by at least broadcasting all playoff games in HD and with a Versus crew? I guess Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts hates to break into that $27.8 million he pocketed in 2007 for making his customers experience a little better...
Finally, I'm sure you will all be happy to know that after two weeks of fantasy baseball I'm at the .500 mark. After a 2-7-1 record in week one, I scored a 7-2-1 mark in week two. Adam Dunn and Josh Beckett have been coming up big for me. That means that something bad is on the horizon for those two. If you have them, trade them now. You don't want too many players that I have. As you know, I'm the mush. Just ask Ohio State's football and basketball teams.
Let's ramble. gwiley@phanaticmag.com
By Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
It's never too early to start thinking about next year, especially if Brett Myers keeps grooving fastballs, the bullpen continues to blow leads and the offensive woes with runners in scoring position persist.
So, since I like to give the fans something to look forward to, digest this --Ichiro Suzuki.
That's right. The electrifying leadoff man in Seattle who has recorded over 200 hits in each of his first seven seasons in the league, will be free agent at season's end. He has yet to work out a contract with the Mariners and appears headed towards free agency.
I imagine your first reaction is something along the lines of this: "Bullsh--! How would the Phils be able to do this?" or "Why would Ichiro want to come to Philadelphia?"
Well, I have an answer for you -- Pat Gillick. That's right, "Stand" Pat Gillick. If you remember, Gillick was the general manager in Seattle when Ichiro came to America. The two are familiar with each other and Ichiro is probably comfortable with the Phillies general manager. The only question is cash.
If the Phils were ever going to spend money, this is the guy to spend it on because he will solve a number of problems for the club. First, he is the legitimate leadoff hitter the club has been looking for. He can put the ball just about anywhere on the field and has the speed to wreak havoc on the base paths. Second, he allows Jimmy Rollins to move down in the order, making the lineup deeper and thus saving the franchise money in trying to find a power bat in addition. Thirdly, he is a Gold Glove outfielder and has a rocket arm.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, he would be a legit free agent signing that gives the fans a reason to believe in this team. Enough of this team trying to pawn off the signings of players like Wes Helms and Adam Eaton as the answers. Go out and get an All-Star caliber player that will not only get the fans excited, but also the players.
So, when mid-July comes around and the Phillies are out of it, remember next year the concession stands in Ashburn Alley might be selling cheesesteaks on Ichi-rolls...
The nor'easter that pounded the region on Sunday gave me a chance to watch some things that I might not otherwise have tuned in to. One was the Mavericks-Spurs game that was on ABC. What a great game. It's not often you see two teams partake in such a well-played game at the end of the season, but this was one of them. Both teams had something to play for -- the Spurs were going for the two seed in the Western Conference and the Mavericks wanted to go into the playoffs with a win over a solid team. We even saw an ejection.
In case you missed it, in the final minutes of the third quarter, Spurs center Tim Duncan was given a technical foul for mouthing off to official Joey Crawford. Then, just a minute or two later, Crawford hit Duncan with another technical, resulting in his ejection. The funny (or sad, depending upon how you look at it) was that Duncan was on the bench when he received both technicals and when he got the second one he didn't say a word. However, it was Duncan's obnoxious laughter a foul call by Crawford that drew the official's ire.
Afterwards, Duncan made some pretty serious accusations that will probably result in a fine from the league. He said that Crawford has a "vendetta"against him and he doesn't know why. Duncan said the Crawford had it out from him from the beginning and that he was just looking for the chance to eject him. He even said that Crawford asked him, "Do you want to fight?'
Crawford has been in the NBA for a long time. He comes from a family of officials. His brother Jerry is an umpire in the majors. The family has the reputation for being hard-headed and stubborn. They are so well-known that HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" did a piece on the family last year.
Despite the respect Crawford gets, in this case I am going to side with Duncan. Watching the game, at no point did I think that the complaining was getting out of hand. Crawford seemed to have a quick temper and I think there is something to Duncan's accusation.
I think it's time for the league to take a look at Crawford and decide if there is anything to this. He's had problems in the past and he might be getting too big for his britches again.
Then put Crawford and Duncan in the room and have them say their peace. If this carries over into the postseason, it could get ugly. Duncan is a superstar in the league and to have him ejected in every game Crawford works or play timidly due to the fear of being tossed won't benefit anyone -- especially the fans...
I also got to watch some of the Jackie Robinson Day festivities before the Dodgers-Padres game Sunday night. It was nice to see the players around the league pay tribute by wearing his No. 42. A lot of the players who wore 42 had big games as well. Andruw Jones homered for the Braves, Cleveland’s C.C.Sabathia threw eight innings of one-hit ball and Tony Clark in Arizona hit a pair of homers.
The one player who is still allowed to wear the No. 42 regularly, the Yankees' Mariano Rivera, had a day to forget (The retirement of the No. 42 league wide kicked in 10 years ago, but players who wore the number at the time were allowed to continue). He blew a two-run lead with two outs in the ninth Sunday, yielding a walk-off three-run homer to Marco Scutaro of the A's. It was just the fourth career walk-off homer allowed by Rivera. Think Jackie, a life-long Brooklyn Dodger, had anything to do with the Yankee misfortune?...
I also caught some of the NHL playoffs on Versus -- that is after spending 15 minutes trying to find the channel. I was watching the Dodgers game when I decided to see some of the Stars' game against the Canucks. It took me a few minutes to track down the channel, and when I finally did, it didn't surprise me at all to find the game not broadcast in HD. Not only that, it wasn't even being broadcast by a Versus crew. It was the Candian Broadcasting Corporation feed.
What a shame. I know that Comcast, the cable company that owns Versus, is charging customers an arm and a leg, so why can't they put that money to use by at least broadcasting all playoff games in HD and with a Versus crew? I guess Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts hates to break into that $27.8 million he pocketed in 2007 for making his customers experience a little better...
Finally, I'm sure you will all be happy to know that after two weeks of fantasy baseball I'm at the .500 mark. After a 2-7-1 record in week one, I scored a 7-2-1 mark in week two. Adam Dunn and Josh Beckett have been coming up big for me. That means that something bad is on the horizon for those two. If you have them, trade them now. You don't want too many players that I have. As you know, I'm the mush. Just ask Ohio State's football and basketball teams.
Let's ramble. gwiley@phanaticmag.com
Flyers' Niittymaki and Gagne have successful surgery
By Eric Redner
The Phanatic Magazine
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Antero Niittymaki and left wing Simon Gagne both had successful surgery on Monday.
Gagne had a procedure done in Montreal by Dr. Rea Brown and Dr. David Mulder to have a small hernia on his right side and a larger hernia on his left side repaired. He is expected to be fully healed within eight weeks.
Niittymaki had a procedure done on his left hip last Friday in Nashville performed by Dr. Thomas Byrd at Baptist Hospital. He is expected to be fully recovered within 10 weeks.
The Phanatic Magazine
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Antero Niittymaki and left wing Simon Gagne both had successful surgery on Monday.
Gagne had a procedure done in Montreal by Dr. Rea Brown and Dr. David Mulder to have a small hernia on his right side and a larger hernia on his left side repaired. He is expected to be fully healed within eight weeks.
Niittymaki had a procedure done on his left hip last Friday in Nashville performed by Dr. Thomas Byrd at Baptist Hospital. He is expected to be fully recovered within 10 weeks.
Eagles sign K Cochrane
The Eagles signed kicker E.J. Cochrane to a three-year contract.
He played in three preseason games with the Eagles in 2006 before being released on August 26. Cochrane was claimed off waivers by Green Bay two days later, but was released again prior to the start of the regular season.
The Philadelphia, PA, native attended Pennsbury High School, where he was a two-year letterman in football and soccer.
He played in three preseason games with the Eagles in 2006 before being released on August 26. Cochrane was claimed off waivers by Green Bay two days later, but was released again prior to the start of the regular season.
The Philadelphia, PA, native attended Pennsbury High School, where he was a two-year letterman in football and soccer.
Sports an afterthought as VT mourns
By Jared Trexler The Phanatic Magazine
It seems like ages ago, yet today is remembered so vividly. My parents, friends and girlfriend can all attest to my absent-minded nature. I forget at times what I just ate for lunch.
But almost four years ago, deeply determined for a career in architecture, my brother uttered words to me that strike home on this Monday afternoon.
"I think I might apply to Virginia Tech."
Then, the pictures of this Virginia campus conjured images of College Town, USA. Today -- April 16, 2007 -- the pictures conjure images of Littleton, Colorado.
The scene looked eerily surreal from the cell phone video provided by a college student running for his life. A morning that can only be described as deathly historic, a shooting that will topple the horrific massacre at Columbine High School, blasted Virginia Tech's campus beginning at approximately 7:30 a.m. (et).
The video of armed officers hiding behind trees as the sounds of rapid fire echoed through Blacksburg looked like something out of a World War II documentary, except it was happening in the throws of learning, rattling the lives of not just students and families -- but a country.
Before all is said and done, it will likely go down as the single deadliest shooting by one gun man in this nation's history.
The Sixers may get stuck at the wrong end of the draft lottery. The Phillies may fire Charlie Manuel at the end of another disappointing April. The Flyers may throw a pile of money back at Peter Forsberg in the offseason. Andy Reid may even grow a spine before training camp at Lehigh.
It all is mute at the moment. When the smoke literally settles -- after President George W. Bush address the nation -- following endless tears and days dressed in black, the country will again look for a uniting force, much like it did during the days and weeks following 9/11.
They will find it in sports -- America's glue. The only form of entertainment and daily release where fans of different teams, from different walks of life, with political views on opposite ends of the spectrum can sit side-by-side at the corner tavern and cheer like hell over an ice cold brew.
Balls, bats and Shane Victorino attempting to steal third base with Ryan Howard at the dish will again restore life's daily order. We at The Phanatic Magazine will again have a purpose on our web home.
Until then, sports takes a back seat. We as sportswriters step back from the normal fray. A 7:05 p.m. (et) first pitch at Citizen's Bank Park doesn't seem as important anymore.
It can rain for weeks -- postponing days of games -- for all I care. To hell with baseball, until we need it again.
All I can think about at the moment are the mothers and fathers, boyfriends and girlfriends, classmates and fraternity brothers who are no longer the same. One of this country's prized university's is no longer the same.
Thank God, life for me remains the status quo. My brother didn't attend Virginia Tech. I didn't have to make a phone call Monday morning hoping he was on the other end.
Others weren't so lucky. The phones kept ringing to an answering machine message containing the lasting voice of a young man or woman with a full life ahead of them.
Until Monday. And I'm so sorry.
-----------
Jared Trexler can be reached at jtrexler@phanaticmag.com
Eagles time change
***Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles***
The start time for the Philadelphia Eagles preseason game vs. the New York Jets on Thursday, August 30 has been changed to 7:30 pm.
PRESEASON
Date Opponent Time Network
Monday, August 13 at Baltimore 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
Friday, August 17 Carolina 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
Sunday, August 19 Eagles Carnival 3-8 pm
Sunday, August 26 at Pittsburgh 8:00 pm NBC
Thursday, August 30 NY Jets 7:30 pm ETN/6ABC
The start time for the Philadelphia Eagles preseason game vs. the New York Jets on Thursday, August 30 has been changed to 7:30 pm.
PRESEASON
Date Opponent Time Network
Monday, August 13 at Baltimore 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
Friday, August 17 Carolina 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
Sunday, August 19 Eagles Carnival 3-8 pm
Sunday, August 26 at Pittsburgh 8:00 pm NBC
Thursday, August 30 NY Jets 7:30 pm ETN/6ABC
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Three things get you the ring
By Jeff Glauser
The Phanatic Magazine
Three things: Mind, body, soul.
These are the things that comprise the anatomy of a champion. All are essential, and if lacking in any one, it typically makes for an insurmountable obstacle.
The mind - or intelligence - is obvious. Regardless of how skilled you are, if you don’t know how to play the game, how to outthink the opponent, your abilities will forever be limited. Think about the countless prized prospects and can’t-miss draft picks who ultimately fell by the wayside because the mind wasn’t there.
The body - or athleticism - is even more evident. No matter how much intelligence or passion you possess within you, it becomes moot if you can’t hold your own on the playing field (though it will get you a foot in the door for a career in coaching).
However, the last one stands above the rest, as it’s one that can compensate for a lack in others at critical times. It’s also the one that provides the foundation for any future success.
It is the soul, better known as heart. It is the essence of sport, and the one most appreciated by the fans. Especially Philadelphia fans. We’re all about the soul here (which makes our AFL team name so appropriate).
In fact, we here have been known to put such emphasis in our hometown players having – and showing – heart that at times we tend to put on blinders, even using it as an excuse to dish out mulligans. Example: One gutsy catch by Aaron Rowand justifying an otherwise sub-par 2006 season.
And if our players decide to wear their heart on their sleeves for the world to see? Even better.
This, plus a dirty uniform each night, indicates effort to us. And whenever the team loses, stats be damned, it certainly helps to see a visible level of frustration shown by the player, commensurate to our own. A nonchalant shrug of the shoulders just doesn’t cut it here.
It’s the reason why Brian Dawkins will be forever beloved in this town, and why Donovan McNabb will continue to be second-guessed. It’s why Jeremy Roenick, a Flyer for a similar period of time as Peter Forsberg – and the less productive of the two most expensive free agents in team history – will always be looked back upon more fondly during his time here. It’s why Pete Rose – here for far less time than Mike Schmidt and one of far shadier character – was still embraced far more while here. It’s why Bobby Abreu was never embraced at all.
Hell, on a grander scale, it’s why the 1993 Phillies and 2001 Sixers, both runners up, are looked back upon with more affection than the few and far between teams which have actually won it all.
All because of the emphasis we put on heart. And, rightfully so. Without it, you just don’t stand a chance. As a team, and especially in Philadelphia.
And, to date, it seems to be the lacking component of our 2007 Not-So-Fightin’ Phils.
Sure, there are several glaring on-paper issues that linger as well (see my “Ten Reasons to Be-Leery” article, most of which have already come to fruition), but the biggest one of all is that this year, similar to those of recent years, has begun without a sense of urgency, without a fire burning inside and out, without a clear emotional leader. Sorry, Charlie, but whipping out the pom-poms and proclaiming to the masses that this is simply a blip on the radar is simply an unacceptable alibi at this stage.
Heart is what gets the uniform dirty. Heart – a prerequisite for will and determination – gets you the clutch hits late in the game. Heart is what inspires someone – anyone, be it player, coach, general manager or ownership – to speak up and speak out, loudly, when heart is not shown by the remaining pieces of the puzzle.
And without heart, it looks as if this season will turn out similar to those of recent years passed: Just short.
Have a heart and send Jeff some feedback at jglauser@phanaticmag.com.
Phillies/Astros rained out
Rain has washed out this afternoon's Phillies-Astros game at Citizens Bank Park.
The rain postponed Freddy Garcia's debut and the scheduled Jackie Robinson Day festivities.
The Phillies and Astros were both planning on wearing the No. 42 as a team to commemorate Robinson, who shattered the color barrier on April 15, 1947.
Garcia, who was out with right biceps tendinitis, is scheduled to start on Monday against the Mets at 7:05 p.m. (et).
The rain postponed Freddy Garcia's debut and the scheduled Jackie Robinson Day festivities.
The Phillies and Astros were both planning on wearing the No. 42 as a team to commemorate Robinson, who shattered the color barrier on April 15, 1947.
Garcia, who was out with right biceps tendinitis, is scheduled to start on Monday against the Mets at 7:05 p.m. (et).
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Join us on the radio
Join The Phanatic Magazine's John Gottlieb and John McMullen at 6:00 p.m. (et) for "Johns on Sports" on WTBQ.com. Jim Baumbach from Newsday will join us to talk New York baseball at 6:30, and the Nets beat writer from the New York Post, Fred Kerber, will be on the program in the 7:00 hour. Can McMullen avoid talking about hockey for one more week? There's only one way to find out. Call in at (845) 651-1110 or you can write an e-mail to johnonsports@hotmail.com.
Overpaid Westbrook
Turns out, Brian Westbrook is doing all right.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the star running back was paid his $3 million dollar roster bonus twice last season. The club has filed a grievance with the NFL because the money has not yet been paid back.
However, according to a team source cited in the story, Westbrook and his agent are aware and plan on returning the money.
Sadly, such a mistake has yet to happen at The Phanatic's offices.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the star running back was paid his $3 million dollar roster bonus twice last season. The club has filed a grievance with the NFL because the money has not yet been paid back.
However, according to a team source cited in the story, Westbrook and his agent are aware and plan on returning the money.
Sadly, such a mistake has yet to happen at The Phanatic's offices.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Raping the culture
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
PCU is a little known comedy gem starring a pre-Entourage Jeremy Piven along with David Spade and Jon Favreau. The movie follows the hi-jinks of a high school senior (Pennsylvania's own Chris Young) as he visits the most liberal college of all-time for the weekend.
The film, which was released in 1994, lambasted political correctness, a term used to describe language or behavior that offends various racial or cultural groups. And, although the producers probably had no intention of doing so, they provided a looking glass into modern day society.
There were the liberals shouting down people and refusing to accept anyone with opposing views. There was the evil right wing cabal trying to regain power. And there were the people in the middle, just trying to have fun and make life worth living.
Sadly, the people in the middle get smaller and smaller each day.
Those who pray at the altar of political correctness rarely express concern about the dilution of little things like freedom of speech or real substantive discussion of social problems involving groups they deem off limits.
A number of politically left commentators have even tried to intimate a rather obvious problem doesn't exist by claiming the term political correctness was invented by their adversaries to discredit what they consider progressive social change.
And if you believe that -- please explain Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong to me.
Nifong is the local prosecutor who charged three Duke lacrosse players with raping an African-American stripper despite the fact that her story had more holes in it than a George Lucas screenplay.
Her yarn was wrought with inconsistencies and if it was spun by a Caucasian"entertainer" it would have ended with nothing more than trip to the psych ward for the accuser. Despite that, Nifong pursued the case intently for two reasons -- publicity and to placate the PC vultures.
On Wednesday, after an entire year was wasted on this dog of a case and a University athletic program was shut down for a season, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper finally summoned up the courage to stop the madness and offer up Nifong as a sacrifice.
Cooper not only dropped all remaining charges against the players -- Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty and David Evans -- he proclaimed them innocent victims of Nifong's "tragic rush to accuse." Cooper also labeled Nifong a"rogue" prosecutor who was guilty of "overreaching."
The Attorney General was right to proclaim the boys innocent of any criminal charges. What they weren't innocent of was being rich, obnoxious elitists who pissed off the wrong dancer by acting like imbeciles.
Last time I looked that might be reprehensible but it isn't a crime unless you are Nifong or thousands of others like him that force their views of morality down the throat of all of us, every chance they get.
Faced with losing his job, a certain law suit and possible jail time, Nifong finally acquiesced and apologized on Thursday.
"To the extent that I made judgments that ultimately proved to be incorrect, I apologize to the three students that were wrongly accused," Nifong said. "I have every confidence that the decision to dismiss all the charges was the correct decision based on that evidence."
Too little...Too late.
Evans' attorney, Joseph Cheshire, summed up Nifong's feeble attempt to request mercy in the court of public opinion.
"It's not an apology. It's an excuse. It's an attempt at an excuse," Cheshire said. "It's not an acceptance of responsibility. It's a self-serving attempt to excuse bad behavior."
Now Nifong will suffer some of the same sleepless nights he vanquished his victims to.
And all the while, he will be wondering what the penalty is for raping the culture.
-You can reach John McMullen at JMcmullen1@comcast.net.
Lee powers Astros past Phils
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
Carlos Lee blasted three home runs and drove in six as the Houston Astros toppled the struggling Philadelphia Phillies, 9-6, in the opener of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park.
Lee's stellar night included a grand slam in the third inning, the 10th of his career. His three homers in a game tied a club record.
Morgan Ensberg added a three-run home run for the Astros, who have won three in a row. Ace Roy Oswalt (2-0) picked up win No. 100 on his career despite yielding six runs on seven hits over five innings.
That's because fellow top right-hander Brett Myers (0-2) was tagged for seven runs on three hits and five walks over 3 1/3 frames.
Ryan Howard, Wes Helms, Aaron Rowand and Chase Utley all finished with a run and an RBI for Philadelphia, which has dropped five of six.
The Phillies used some small ball and a bit of fortune to build a 3-0 first- inning lead. The rally started with two outs, when Utley and Howard drew back- to-back walks before Helms drove in the game's first run with a bloop single. A Jayson Werth walk and infield singles by both Rowand and Rod Barajas helped push two more runs across.
Lee, though, essentially wiped that lead away single-handedly. He put the Astros on the board with a leadoff homer in the second, then belted the 10th grand slam of his career in the third to put his club in front 5-3. Brad Ausmus doubled and Ensberg and Lance Berkman followed with two-out walks to set the table for Lee, who crushed a Myers offering into the seats in left- center.
Ensberg's three-run homer in the fourth put the Astros up 8-3.
The Phils fought back, plating two runs in the home half of the fourth on back-to-back RBI singles by Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino. They threatened again in the fifth, putting runners at the corners following a pair of walks and a Greg Dobbs groundout, and Rowand trotted home to make it 8-6 after Oswalt was charged with a balk.
The Houston bullpen combined for four scoreless innings from there, however, with Dan Wheeler working the ninth for his second save on the year.
The Houston offense also added a run in the top of the ninth on Lee's third homer of the night.
The Phanatic Magazine
Carlos Lee blasted three home runs and drove in six as the Houston Astros toppled the struggling Philadelphia Phillies, 9-6, in the opener of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park.
Lee's stellar night included a grand slam in the third inning, the 10th of his career. His three homers in a game tied a club record.
Morgan Ensberg added a three-run home run for the Astros, who have won three in a row. Ace Roy Oswalt (2-0) picked up win No. 100 on his career despite yielding six runs on seven hits over five innings.
That's because fellow top right-hander Brett Myers (0-2) was tagged for seven runs on three hits and five walks over 3 1/3 frames.
Ryan Howard, Wes Helms, Aaron Rowand and Chase Utley all finished with a run and an RBI for Philadelphia, which has dropped five of six.
The Phillies used some small ball and a bit of fortune to build a 3-0 first- inning lead. The rally started with two outs, when Utley and Howard drew back- to-back walks before Helms drove in the game's first run with a bloop single. A Jayson Werth walk and infield singles by both Rowand and Rod Barajas helped push two more runs across.
Lee, though, essentially wiped that lead away single-handedly. He put the Astros on the board with a leadoff homer in the second, then belted the 10th grand slam of his career in the third to put his club in front 5-3. Brad Ausmus doubled and Ensberg and Lance Berkman followed with two-out walks to set the table for Lee, who crushed a Myers offering into the seats in left- center.
Ensberg's three-run homer in the fourth put the Astros up 8-3.
The Phils fought back, plating two runs in the home half of the fourth on back-to-back RBI singles by Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino. They threatened again in the fifth, putting runners at the corners following a pair of walks and a Greg Dobbs groundout, and Rowand trotted home to make it 8-6 after Oswalt was charged with a balk.
The Houston bullpen combined for four scoreless innings from there, however, with Dan Wheeler working the ninth for his second save on the year.
The Houston offense also added a run in the top of the ninth on Lee's third homer of the night.
I've Seen This Movie, Too
By Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine
Watching the 2007 edition of the Phillies is taking on a cinematic quality already in the first nine games of the season.
You know the kind, a real good trailer filled with bright colors, action, suspense, excitement, with the lure that your dollars won’t be wasted?
Well, take it from someone whose last foray into a movie theater consisted of the cringe-worthy double feature “The Number 23,” and “Reno 911: Miami,” that investing any more energy and effort into hoping this year’s blockbuster is any different or rewarding than years past is fruitless.
By now, even the least astute and blindly hopeful Phillies fan can see the season unfold before them. The 2-7 start through a bitter cold Northeastern April compounded by limping into May with less than 10 wins. A couple more good quality starts from the staff ace made better when the bullpen comes up huge as the trees begin to blossom.
The brief spurt - say, an 11-3 or 12-1 run - that begins just about the time the kiddies are released from school and attendance begins to rise steadily. The hopes that Pat Burrell, or whoever happens to be the lone player actually hitting something worth his contract, will be the one to spur the rest of his teammates to break out of their collective funk.
Fan interest grows and rises with the mercury. Even the most gruff and disbelieving adults hold off on tainting their young charges against their new heroes when Chase Utley and Ryan Howard combined to hit a couple of walk-off home runs to lift the club within striking distance of first place. As the dog days approach, certain starters who were tight in the cool Spring weather begin to tire easily as the humidity of Summer impacts the number of innings they spend on the mound.
Still, though, consistent play has the team thinking Wild Card as they compete with the requisite Central and Western division teams which are always in the hunt.
However, as the kids go back to school and the nights grow shorter and cooler, they also get crueler. The occasional poorly-timed extra-innings loss which costs the Phillies a potential series sweep pushes them further back from a playoff spot, as everyone else in the chase keeps chugging away. Newspapers, radio, and television resurrect their incessant chatter about how those games early in the season are again a stumbling block. Charlie Manuel, Pat Gillick, and any number of anointed “team leaders” go in front of the cameras to profess patience and positivity that the club can make a big push at the end to get to the top.
Then, a late-season visit to (pick one) Florida/Atlanta/New York derails those hopes and dreams in a blinding flash of defensive gaffes, over-anxious at-bats, and explosive middle relief. Fans start the E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!! chant during the final home stand, and the rest of us who’ve stayed away slink off to wait for crisp Autumn Sundays which hold better odds for redemption.
This script is in desperate need of some rewrites. There needs to be shocking plot twists, adult situations, profane language, violence and possibly some partial nudity that nobody should see coming, and should keep people ponying up their dough. Come to think of it, anybody know what Joe Eszterhas is doing these days?
You wouldn’t pay $9.50 at your local multiplex with the stadium seats to watch a movie whose plot you already know within the first 10 minutes. So why spend $30 per ticket plus parking, plus food, even if it is a nice place to take the family on a beautiful July night?
I’ve seen this movie already, and the sequels haven’t gotten any better.
This club may be the first in baseball history to lose on five separate Opening Days, only one of which will take place beyond their home field. I don’t think anybody would ever see that coming. Still, one piece of radical minutia won’t be enough to generate a buzz further than your office water-cooler.
You’re better off dipping into nostalgia, staying home and popping in a DVD of “High Hopes: The Anatomy of a Winner,” the story of the 1993 Phillies. Even though you know how that one ends, there’s infinitely more satisfaction in the journey.
Or, you can search the inner recesses of your memory to access the last 2-7 start, back in 1987. That, at least, had the anticipation of Mike Schmidt’s 500th home run to keep the masses involved.
The Phanatic Magazine
Watching the 2007 edition of the Phillies is taking on a cinematic quality already in the first nine games of the season.
You know the kind, a real good trailer filled with bright colors, action, suspense, excitement, with the lure that your dollars won’t be wasted?
Well, take it from someone whose last foray into a movie theater consisted of the cringe-worthy double feature “The Number 23,” and “Reno 911: Miami,” that investing any more energy and effort into hoping this year’s blockbuster is any different or rewarding than years past is fruitless.
By now, even the least astute and blindly hopeful Phillies fan can see the season unfold before them. The 2-7 start through a bitter cold Northeastern April compounded by limping into May with less than 10 wins. A couple more good quality starts from the staff ace made better when the bullpen comes up huge as the trees begin to blossom.
The brief spurt - say, an 11-3 or 12-1 run - that begins just about the time the kiddies are released from school and attendance begins to rise steadily. The hopes that Pat Burrell, or whoever happens to be the lone player actually hitting something worth his contract, will be the one to spur the rest of his teammates to break out of their collective funk.
Fan interest grows and rises with the mercury. Even the most gruff and disbelieving adults hold off on tainting their young charges against their new heroes when Chase Utley and Ryan Howard combined to hit a couple of walk-off home runs to lift the club within striking distance of first place. As the dog days approach, certain starters who were tight in the cool Spring weather begin to tire easily as the humidity of Summer impacts the number of innings they spend on the mound.
Still, though, consistent play has the team thinking Wild Card as they compete with the requisite Central and Western division teams which are always in the hunt.
However, as the kids go back to school and the nights grow shorter and cooler, they also get crueler. The occasional poorly-timed extra-innings loss which costs the Phillies a potential series sweep pushes them further back from a playoff spot, as everyone else in the chase keeps chugging away. Newspapers, radio, and television resurrect their incessant chatter about how those games early in the season are again a stumbling block. Charlie Manuel, Pat Gillick, and any number of anointed “team leaders” go in front of the cameras to profess patience and positivity that the club can make a big push at the end to get to the top.
Then, a late-season visit to (pick one) Florida/Atlanta/New York derails those hopes and dreams in a blinding flash of defensive gaffes, over-anxious at-bats, and explosive middle relief. Fans start the E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!! chant during the final home stand, and the rest of us who’ve stayed away slink off to wait for crisp Autumn Sundays which hold better odds for redemption.
This script is in desperate need of some rewrites. There needs to be shocking plot twists, adult situations, profane language, violence and possibly some partial nudity that nobody should see coming, and should keep people ponying up their dough. Come to think of it, anybody know what Joe Eszterhas is doing these days?
You wouldn’t pay $9.50 at your local multiplex with the stadium seats to watch a movie whose plot you already know within the first 10 minutes. So why spend $30 per ticket plus parking, plus food, even if it is a nice place to take the family on a beautiful July night?
I’ve seen this movie already, and the sequels haven’t gotten any better.
This club may be the first in baseball history to lose on five separate Opening Days, only one of which will take place beyond their home field. I don’t think anybody would ever see that coming. Still, one piece of radical minutia won’t be enough to generate a buzz further than your office water-cooler.
You’re better off dipping into nostalgia, staying home and popping in a DVD of “High Hopes: The Anatomy of a Winner,” the story of the 1993 Phillies. Even though you know how that one ends, there’s infinitely more satisfaction in the journey.
Or, you can search the inner recesses of your memory to access the last 2-7 start, back in 1987. That, at least, had the anticipation of Mike Schmidt’s 500th home run to keep the masses involved.
Phils claim pitcher
The Phillies claimed pitcher J.D. Durbin off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Friday. The 25-year old Durbin had appeared in one game this season for Arizona. He had previously appeared in the major leagues in 2004, pitching in four games for Minnesota. Originally a second round
selection by the Minnesota Twins in the 2000 draft, Durbin has a career minor league record of 47-22 with a 3.16 ERA in 123 games (117 starts).
selection by the Minnesota Twins in the 2000 draft, Durbin has a career minor league record of 47-22 with a 3.16 ERA in 123 games (117 starts).
Owner with Soul
By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine
I've purposely waited before tackling this subject, holding out to see what line America got in for the fallout. Thankfully, the masses have performed just as I could have hoped.
After all, no one was really hurt by it, were they?
I guess this would be a good time to point out I am not talking about Don Imus. No, I'm talking about the obscene gesture Philadelphia Soul majority owner Jon Bon Jovi made Monday night while attending his team's nationally televised game against the Georgia Force.
While I am sure Bon Jovi is as happy as the rest of the AFL that ESPN2 is televising games this season, it was in fact that national exposure that burned him.
To recap, the Soul were trying to prevent what was their first loss of the season by rallying against the Force. Down by six, the Soul defense allowed Troy Bergeron to haul in a long pass along the left side. Bergeron, though, fumbled the ball at the four into the end zone, but recovered for what was ruled a touchdown despite the fact many believe it should have been ruled a touchback and Soul football.
The play was ruled correctly, as it turns out. Still, as the boos rained down on the field from the stands, cameras caught Bon Jovi disagreeing with the call in his box to the extent he flashed the dreaded middle finger towards the field.
Bon Jovi was apologetic after the game, rushing down to talk to reporters, hoping to diffuse the situation.
"I reacted to something I didn't know," he said. "The Georgia Force are a class act. The turnovers killed us. They have a hell of a football team, and a great coach. I apologize for the middle finger thing. I didn't know the rule, simple as that."
The rock star then went on to publish an apology to the Soul's fans on the club's Web site.
"As everyone knows my passion for our game and my passion for our team runs very deep and last night it got the best of me. I was caught up in a moment and my emotions took over," part of the statement read.
Now, I'm not surprised if some of you out there have no idea what I'm talking about. In the wake of the Imus controversy, Bon Jovi's bird got little media attention sans the next morning, when it was featured in the game's highlights. The clip was usually aired along side chuckles by the commentators running the highlight.
But here is what concerns me. I just have this feeling that if America and its self-proclaimed watchdogs weren't so busy with Imus, Bon Jovi may be the one feeling the heat right now.
(And by the way, I am fighting all of my urges not to reference a Bon Jovi song each paragraph and hope you appreciate my discipline.)
Part of the reason I didn't address this issue earlier, even the next day seeing as I was in attendance for Bon Jovi's apology, was because I really did want to see the fallout.
I was waiting for a mother of two to write in and complain how she thought it would be okay to let her nine-year-old son watch AFL football, not knowing he would be subjected to such vulgarity.
As of now, the AFL has taken no action against Bon Jovi, seemingly content with his continuous apology.
Hopefully, the reason this event has gone unnoticed is because people took it for what it was; a harmless gesture many of us have made at a sporting event before, only we don't get caught on TV.
What Imus did was wrong beyond all comprehension. His words hurt people personally. What Bon Jovi did was innocent. Maybe American is finally figuring out the difference.
Tell Michael Rushton your favorite Bon Jovi song at mrushton@phanaticmag.com.
Phanatic Magazine
I've purposely waited before tackling this subject, holding out to see what line America got in for the fallout. Thankfully, the masses have performed just as I could have hoped.
After all, no one was really hurt by it, were they?
I guess this would be a good time to point out I am not talking about Don Imus. No, I'm talking about the obscene gesture Philadelphia Soul majority owner Jon Bon Jovi made Monday night while attending his team's nationally televised game against the Georgia Force.
While I am sure Bon Jovi is as happy as the rest of the AFL that ESPN2 is televising games this season, it was in fact that national exposure that burned him.
To recap, the Soul were trying to prevent what was their first loss of the season by rallying against the Force. Down by six, the Soul defense allowed Troy Bergeron to haul in a long pass along the left side. Bergeron, though, fumbled the ball at the four into the end zone, but recovered for what was ruled a touchdown despite the fact many believe it should have been ruled a touchback and Soul football.
The play was ruled correctly, as it turns out. Still, as the boos rained down on the field from the stands, cameras caught Bon Jovi disagreeing with the call in his box to the extent he flashed the dreaded middle finger towards the field.
Bon Jovi was apologetic after the game, rushing down to talk to reporters, hoping to diffuse the situation.
"I reacted to something I didn't know," he said. "The Georgia Force are a class act. The turnovers killed us. They have a hell of a football team, and a great coach. I apologize for the middle finger thing. I didn't know the rule, simple as that."
The rock star then went on to publish an apology to the Soul's fans on the club's Web site.
"As everyone knows my passion for our game and my passion for our team runs very deep and last night it got the best of me. I was caught up in a moment and my emotions took over," part of the statement read.
Now, I'm not surprised if some of you out there have no idea what I'm talking about. In the wake of the Imus controversy, Bon Jovi's bird got little media attention sans the next morning, when it was featured in the game's highlights. The clip was usually aired along side chuckles by the commentators running the highlight.
But here is what concerns me. I just have this feeling that if America and its self-proclaimed watchdogs weren't so busy with Imus, Bon Jovi may be the one feeling the heat right now.
(And by the way, I am fighting all of my urges not to reference a Bon Jovi song each paragraph and hope you appreciate my discipline.)
Part of the reason I didn't address this issue earlier, even the next day seeing as I was in attendance for Bon Jovi's apology, was because I really did want to see the fallout.
I was waiting for a mother of two to write in and complain how she thought it would be okay to let her nine-year-old son watch AFL football, not knowing he would be subjected to such vulgarity.
As of now, the AFL has taken no action against Bon Jovi, seemingly content with his continuous apology.
Hopefully, the reason this event has gone unnoticed is because people took it for what it was; a harmless gesture many of us have made at a sporting event before, only we don't get caught on TV.
What Imus did was wrong beyond all comprehension. His words hurt people personally. What Bon Jovi did was innocent. Maybe American is finally figuring out the difference.
Tell Michael Rushton your favorite Bon Jovi song at mrushton@phanaticmag.com.
Sixers tidbits
Here's a Sixers report from Joe Juliano, providing all the need-to-know nuggets as they come down thew home stretch.
Also, Chris Webber's quoted in the piece as saying: "If I win (a championship), I just might disappear."
So the question becomes, do you want him to win one or not now?
Also, Chris Webber's quoted in the piece as saying: "If I win (a championship), I just might disappear."
So the question becomes, do you want him to win one or not now?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Phillies minor league player suspended
-Courtesy of Major League Baseball
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Philadelphia Phillies Minor League player Hector Made has been suspended for 50 games, effective today, for testing positive for a performance enhancing substance in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Philadelphia Phillies Minor League player Hector Made has been suspended for 50 games, effective today, for testing positive for a performance enhancing substance in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Dream a little dream of Green
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
The '07 schedule is out -- time to daydream...
Sept. 9, at Green Bay
Storylines: Donovan McNabb makes his return to the field...Brett Favre embarks on his final season in the pros...Andy Reid coaches in his first game since tumultuous offseason.
Surprise moment: Joe Buck reveals that he does not just admire Favre, he's in love with him.
Outcome: Everyone remembers that Favre's been a shadow of a legend for the past three years, McNabb survives the first test, and the Lambeau mystique is questioned once again. Eagles 27, Packers 13.
____
Sept. 17, Washington
Storylines: The Birds open up the Linc with their only Monday Night game of the season...Joe Gibbs coaches his final game in Philadelphia.
Surprise moment: Philly fans turn off Merrill Reese for a moment and crank up ESPN, to suck in the sound waves void of one Joe Theisman.
Outcome: Eagles don't look great, but squeak one out. Eagles 21, Redskins 17
____
Sept. 23, Detroit
Storylines: Lions come in a surprising 2-0, talk of a playoff appearance runs rampant.
Surprise moment: Turns out Matt Millen doesn't have the compromising photos of Ford's niece as claimed -- is fired immediately.
Outcome: Eagles restore order to the football world, head to New York on a high note. Eagles 31, Detroit 21.
____
Sept. 30, at New York Giants
Storylines: Eagles first of three Sunday night games...Talk of benching Eli Manning dominates the headlines as the Giants come in 1-2.
Surprise moment: McNabb speared on a late hit in second quarter, out for the game.
Outcome: Manning saves his hide with three TD tosses, Giants send Eagles into bye week on a sour note and without their QB. Giants 30, Eagles 23.
____
Oct. 14, at NY Jets
Storylines: McNabb out with a cracked rib, A.J. Feeley gets the start.
Surprise moment: Reid tees off at halftime, infuriated that his club has fallen behind by double-digits.
Outcome: Kelly Holcomb replaces a struggling Feeley, rallies the team back from a 14-point deficit. Eagles 27, Jets 24.
____
Oct. 21, Chicago
Storylines: Birds visit the defending NFC champs...Rex Grossman benched for Brian Griese after Week 3...McNabb returns.
Surprise moment: McNabb lightly booed as he takes the huddle, prompting a flood of national stories and Mama McNabb blog tirades.
Outcome: Bears defense is a little too good. Bears 16, Eagles 10.
____
Oct. 28 at Minnesota
Storylines: Reid squares off against his apprentice, Brad Childress.
Surprise moment: Heather Mitts jumps ship from Feeley to Holcomb, eyes McNabb.
Outcome: Brian Westrook breaks loose for 3 TDs, defense puts in its best performance of the season. Eagles 34, Vikings 7.
____
Nov. 4, Dallas
Storylines: T.O. in Philly -- what else do you need to know?
Surpirise moment: Owens gets mugged on his way to the team bus. The culprit explains, "I have 25 million reasons to rob your ass."
Outcome: First-round draft choice Aaron Ross comes up with a key pick, Philly goes batty. Eagles 21, Dallas 14.
____
Nov. 11, at Washington
Storylines: Birds begin tough final stretch...Burden eased after Clinton Portis is ruled out with an ankle (Note: Since Fox is doing the game, they made me write "ankle" in stead of "ankle injury).
Surprise moment: Imus gets in hot water for calling Hogettes "pink-skinned fatties".
Outcome: Eagles on a roll. Eagles 20, Redskins 16.
____
Nov. 18, Miami
Storylines: Dante Culpepper finally healthy, makes second start of the season...Eagles going for four in a row.
Surprise moment: Westbrook goes down with a leg injury in second quarter...Status unknown.
Outcome: Culpepper puts up a circa-2003 performance. Dolphins 28, Eagles 20.
____
Nov. 25, at New England
Storylines: The Birds face the Pats for the first time since the Super Bowl...Westbrook questionable.
Surprise moment: Tedy Bruschi announces that he, too, is impregnated by Tom Brady.
Outcome: Westbrook plays, but it's not enough. Pats 24, Eagles 21 (again).
____
Dec. 2, Seattle
Storylines: Meeting of division leaders.
Surprise moment: Seahawk fan wears Ricky Watters jersey into Linc, survives.
Outcome: Too much Shawn Alexander. Seahawks 26, Eagles 17.
____
Dec. 9, NY Giants
Storylines: Teams enter with identical records, division on the line.
Suprise moment: McNabb suffers meniscus tear in right knee, out until playoffs.
Outcome: Home team wins anyway behind strong defensive effort, let by Takeo Spikes. Eagles 17, Giants 14.
____
Dec. 16, at Dallas
Storylines: Cowboys fighting for a playoff spot...Holmcomb named starter for rest of regular season.
Surprise moment: Wade Phillips rips off mask and body suit to reveal it's been Jerry Jones calling the plays all along.
Outcome: T.O. shines, mocks Eagles fans with Bird flap after each of his two touchdowns. Cowboys 27, Eagles 21.
____
Dec. 23, at New Orleans
Storylines: Return to New Orleans, where the Birds fell in the postseason nearly a year ago.
Surprise moment: Saints return opening kickoff, build early 17-point lead.
Outcome: Eagles rally to claim revenge, season-defining win. Eagles 34, Saints 30.
____
Dec. 30, Buffalo
Storylines: Last game of the regular season...Eagles can clinch division with a win.
Surprise moment: News comes out that McNabb is iffy for the first week of the playoffs.
Outcome: Behind an amped crowd, Eagles roll and claim the division. Eagles 27, Buffalo 10
Final record: 10-6
Tim appears on this page every Thursday. You can contact him at tmcmanus@phanaticmag.com
The Phanatic Magazine
The '07 schedule is out -- time to daydream...
Sept. 9, at Green Bay
Storylines: Donovan McNabb makes his return to the field...Brett Favre embarks on his final season in the pros...Andy Reid coaches in his first game since tumultuous offseason.
Surprise moment: Joe Buck reveals that he does not just admire Favre, he's in love with him.
Outcome: Everyone remembers that Favre's been a shadow of a legend for the past three years, McNabb survives the first test, and the Lambeau mystique is questioned once again. Eagles 27, Packers 13.
____
Sept. 17, Washington
Storylines: The Birds open up the Linc with their only Monday Night game of the season...Joe Gibbs coaches his final game in Philadelphia.
Surprise moment: Philly fans turn off Merrill Reese for a moment and crank up ESPN, to suck in the sound waves void of one Joe Theisman.
Outcome: Eagles don't look great, but squeak one out. Eagles 21, Redskins 17
____
Sept. 23, Detroit
Storylines: Lions come in a surprising 2-0, talk of a playoff appearance runs rampant.
Surprise moment: Turns out Matt Millen doesn't have the compromising photos of Ford's niece as claimed -- is fired immediately.
Outcome: Eagles restore order to the football world, head to New York on a high note. Eagles 31, Detroit 21.
____
Sept. 30, at New York Giants
Storylines: Eagles first of three Sunday night games...Talk of benching Eli Manning dominates the headlines as the Giants come in 1-2.
Surprise moment: McNabb speared on a late hit in second quarter, out for the game.
Outcome: Manning saves his hide with three TD tosses, Giants send Eagles into bye week on a sour note and without their QB. Giants 30, Eagles 23.
____
Oct. 14, at NY Jets
Storylines: McNabb out with a cracked rib, A.J. Feeley gets the start.
Surprise moment: Reid tees off at halftime, infuriated that his club has fallen behind by double-digits.
Outcome: Kelly Holcomb replaces a struggling Feeley, rallies the team back from a 14-point deficit. Eagles 27, Jets 24.
____
Oct. 21, Chicago
Storylines: Birds visit the defending NFC champs...Rex Grossman benched for Brian Griese after Week 3...McNabb returns.
Surprise moment: McNabb lightly booed as he takes the huddle, prompting a flood of national stories and Mama McNabb blog tirades.
Outcome: Bears defense is a little too good. Bears 16, Eagles 10.
____
Oct. 28 at Minnesota
Storylines: Reid squares off against his apprentice, Brad Childress.
Surprise moment: Heather Mitts jumps ship from Feeley to Holcomb, eyes McNabb.
Outcome: Brian Westrook breaks loose for 3 TDs, defense puts in its best performance of the season. Eagles 34, Vikings 7.
____
Nov. 4, Dallas
Storylines: T.O. in Philly -- what else do you need to know?
Surpirise moment: Owens gets mugged on his way to the team bus. The culprit explains, "I have 25 million reasons to rob your ass."
Outcome: First-round draft choice Aaron Ross comes up with a key pick, Philly goes batty. Eagles 21, Dallas 14.
____
Nov. 11, at Washington
Storylines: Birds begin tough final stretch...Burden eased after Clinton Portis is ruled out with an ankle (Note: Since Fox is doing the game, they made me write "ankle" in stead of "ankle injury).
Surprise moment: Imus gets in hot water for calling Hogettes "pink-skinned fatties".
Outcome: Eagles on a roll. Eagles 20, Redskins 16.
____
Nov. 18, Miami
Storylines: Dante Culpepper finally healthy, makes second start of the season...Eagles going for four in a row.
Surprise moment: Westbrook goes down with a leg injury in second quarter...Status unknown.
Outcome: Culpepper puts up a circa-2003 performance. Dolphins 28, Eagles 20.
____
Nov. 25, at New England
Storylines: The Birds face the Pats for the first time since the Super Bowl...Westbrook questionable.
Surprise moment: Tedy Bruschi announces that he, too, is impregnated by Tom Brady.
Outcome: Westbrook plays, but it's not enough. Pats 24, Eagles 21 (again).
____
Dec. 2, Seattle
Storylines: Meeting of division leaders.
Surprise moment: Seahawk fan wears Ricky Watters jersey into Linc, survives.
Outcome: Too much Shawn Alexander. Seahawks 26, Eagles 17.
____
Dec. 9, NY Giants
Storylines: Teams enter with identical records, division on the line.
Suprise moment: McNabb suffers meniscus tear in right knee, out until playoffs.
Outcome: Home team wins anyway behind strong defensive effort, let by Takeo Spikes. Eagles 17, Giants 14.
____
Dec. 16, at Dallas
Storylines: Cowboys fighting for a playoff spot...Holmcomb named starter for rest of regular season.
Surprise moment: Wade Phillips rips off mask and body suit to reveal it's been Jerry Jones calling the plays all along.
Outcome: T.O. shines, mocks Eagles fans with Bird flap after each of his two touchdowns. Cowboys 27, Eagles 21.
____
Dec. 23, at New Orleans
Storylines: Return to New Orleans, where the Birds fell in the postseason nearly a year ago.
Surprise moment: Saints return opening kickoff, build early 17-point lead.
Outcome: Eagles rally to claim revenge, season-defining win. Eagles 34, Saints 30.
____
Dec. 30, Buffalo
Storylines: Last game of the regular season...Eagles can clinch division with a win.
Surprise moment: News comes out that McNabb is iffy for the first week of the playoffs.
Outcome: Behind an amped crowd, Eagles roll and claim the division. Eagles 27, Buffalo 10
Final record: 10-6
Tim appears on this page every Thursday. You can contact him at tmcmanus@phanaticmag.com
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Look to the black-and-white cookie, Imus
By Steven Lienert
The Phanatic Magazine
As a Howard Stern fan, I’ve always held a certain disdain for Don Imus.
To me, he’s a crotchety old man whose time on the radio passed him by long ago.
I wanted him to be fired too – only not for what he said about the Rutgers women’s basketball team. Just because I don’t think he’s good at his job anymore.
But let me get something straight: A white disc jockey can call a group made of multicultural women (white, black, Asian) “nappy-headed hos” and the whole world freaks out, but rappers can use that very phrase in song lyrics and that’s OK?
I don’t get it.
LL Cool J has used those lyrics and has never made an appearance on Al Sharpton’s radio show to quantify what he said. LL Cool J has never had to apologize to anyone for using those lyrics. LL Cool J is revered, while Imus is reviled.
Besides, judging by his looks, Imus seems to be an expert on nappy hairdos. (Just jokes).
First, I don’t think Imus was being racist when he used that term. Like I mentioned before, there are women of Caucasian decent on the team, same as Imus, and Imus never singled out any player by name.
Now, was it sexist? Absolutely. Was it right to say? Absolutely not. But Sharpton and Jesse Jackson want me to believe it’s a race issue? I ain’t buyin’ it.
What are still race issues are the double standards that exist in our society.
Like last Saturday, when a certain African-American basketball writer (who’s name shall remain nameless) says during a radio interview that Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash are deserving of the NBA MVP award. But he went on to say ON THE AIR that they won’t win the award because the league doesn’t want a white player to win it three years in a row.
Oh, apparently, that’s OK.
And while I’m happy for Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith for their accomplishments this past year, I stopped looking at the color of a person’s skin a long time ago. So why was it a story that two black head coaches faced each other for the first time in a Super Bowl?
I understand it was a milestone achievement, but it was way overblown.
Why is it a story when two good coaches, two good men, lead their respective squads to the ultimate game in their sport? Why does it matter what color Nash and Nowitzki are? When does it stop mattering if they are blue, green, red, black or yellow?
If anything, Imus is guilty of being a moron. A two-week suspension and the public flogging is punishment enough.
Now back to our regularly scheduled programs...
Lienert enjoys watching Imus’ career going down the toilet at slienert@phanaticmag.com
The Phanatic Magazine
As a Howard Stern fan, I’ve always held a certain disdain for Don Imus.
To me, he’s a crotchety old man whose time on the radio passed him by long ago.
I wanted him to be fired too – only not for what he said about the Rutgers women’s basketball team. Just because I don’t think he’s good at his job anymore.
But let me get something straight: A white disc jockey can call a group made of multicultural women (white, black, Asian) “nappy-headed hos” and the whole world freaks out, but rappers can use that very phrase in song lyrics and that’s OK?
I don’t get it.
LL Cool J has used those lyrics and has never made an appearance on Al Sharpton’s radio show to quantify what he said. LL Cool J has never had to apologize to anyone for using those lyrics. LL Cool J is revered, while Imus is reviled.
Besides, judging by his looks, Imus seems to be an expert on nappy hairdos. (Just jokes).
First, I don’t think Imus was being racist when he used that term. Like I mentioned before, there are women of Caucasian decent on the team, same as Imus, and Imus never singled out any player by name.
Now, was it sexist? Absolutely. Was it right to say? Absolutely not. But Sharpton and Jesse Jackson want me to believe it’s a race issue? I ain’t buyin’ it.
What are still race issues are the double standards that exist in our society.
Like last Saturday, when a certain African-American basketball writer (who’s name shall remain nameless) says during a radio interview that Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash are deserving of the NBA MVP award. But he went on to say ON THE AIR that they won’t win the award because the league doesn’t want a white player to win it three years in a row.
Oh, apparently, that’s OK.
And while I’m happy for Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith for their accomplishments this past year, I stopped looking at the color of a person’s skin a long time ago. So why was it a story that two black head coaches faced each other for the first time in a Super Bowl?
I understand it was a milestone achievement, but it was way overblown.
Why is it a story when two good coaches, two good men, lead their respective squads to the ultimate game in their sport? Why does it matter what color Nash and Nowitzki are? When does it stop mattering if they are blue, green, red, black or yellow?
If anything, Imus is guilty of being a moron. A two-week suspension and the public flogging is punishment enough.
Now back to our regularly scheduled programs...
Lienert enjoys watching Imus’ career going down the toilet at slienert@phanaticmag.com
Eagles schedule is out
*** Courtesy of the Eagles ***
The Philadelphia Eagles today announced their 2007 schedule. The Eagles will begin the regular season on the road for the third straight year as they visit Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 9. The Eagles are slated to play in four primetime games in 2007, including their home opener on ESPN’s Monday Night Football vs. the Washington Redskins on September 17. The three other primetime games on the schedule all occur on Sunday night on NBC: vs. the Giants in New York on September 30, vs. Dallas at Lincoln Financial Field on November 4, and at New England on November 25.
Philadelphia also has two nationally televised Sunday afternoon contests on FOX vs. Chicago on October 21 and at Dallas on December 16. The Eagles conclude their regular season campaign at home for the fourth straight year as they host the Buffalo Bills on December 30.
“It’s always an exciting day around the NFL when the schedule is announced,” said head coach Andy Reid. “It’s exciting for the teams and for the fans, alike. We have a challenging schedule ahead of us, but again, we’ll take our one-game-at-a-time approach.”
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 2007 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
Date Opponent Time Network
Monday, August 13 at Baltimore 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
Friday, August 17 Carolina 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
Sunday, August 26 at Pittsburgh 8:00 pm NBC
Thursday, August 30 NY Jets 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
REGULAR SEASON
Date Opponent Time Network
Sunday, September 9 at Green Bay 1:00 pm FOX
Monday, September 17 Washington 8:30 pm ESPN*
Sunday, September 23 Detroit 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, September 30 at NY Giants 8:15 pm NBC*
Sunday, October 7 BYE
Sunday, October 14 at NY Jets 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, October 21 Chicago 4:15 pm FOX*
Sunday, October 28 at Minnesota 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, November 4 Dallas 8:15 pm NBC*
Sunday, November 11 at Washington 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, November 18 Miami 1:00 pm+ CBS
Sunday, November 25 at New England 8:15 pm+ NBC*
Sunday, December 2 Seattle 1:00 pm+ FOX
Sunday, December 9 NY Giants 1:00 pm+ FOX
Sunday, December 16 at Dallas 4:15 pm+ FOX*
Sunday, December 23 at New Orleans 1:00 pm+ FOX
Sunday, December 30 Buffalo 1:00 pm+ CBS
(all times are eastern)
* nationally televised game
+ game time subject to change due to flex scheduling
PLAYOFFS
Wild Card Playoffs (NBC/CBS/FOX) … January 5-6
Divisional Playoff Games (CBS/FOX)… January 12-13
AFC/NFC Championship Games (CBS/FOX)… January 20
Super Bowl 42, Glendale, AZ (FOX) … February 3
AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, HI (FOX)… February 10
The Philadelphia Eagles today announced their 2007 schedule. The Eagles will begin the regular season on the road for the third straight year as they visit Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 9. The Eagles are slated to play in four primetime games in 2007, including their home opener on ESPN’s Monday Night Football vs. the Washington Redskins on September 17. The three other primetime games on the schedule all occur on Sunday night on NBC: vs. the Giants in New York on September 30, vs. Dallas at Lincoln Financial Field on November 4, and at New England on November 25.
Philadelphia also has two nationally televised Sunday afternoon contests on FOX vs. Chicago on October 21 and at Dallas on December 16. The Eagles conclude their regular season campaign at home for the fourth straight year as they host the Buffalo Bills on December 30.
“It’s always an exciting day around the NFL when the schedule is announced,” said head coach Andy Reid. “It’s exciting for the teams and for the fans, alike. We have a challenging schedule ahead of us, but again, we’ll take our one-game-at-a-time approach.”
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 2007 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
Date Opponent Time Network
Monday, August 13 at Baltimore 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
Friday, August 17 Carolina 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
Sunday, August 26 at Pittsburgh 8:00 pm NBC
Thursday, August 30 NY Jets 7:00 pm ETN/6ABC
REGULAR SEASON
Date Opponent Time Network
Sunday, September 9 at Green Bay 1:00 pm FOX
Monday, September 17 Washington 8:30 pm ESPN*
Sunday, September 23 Detroit 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, September 30 at NY Giants 8:15 pm NBC*
Sunday, October 7 BYE
Sunday, October 14 at NY Jets 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, October 21 Chicago 4:15 pm FOX*
Sunday, October 28 at Minnesota 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, November 4 Dallas 8:15 pm NBC*
Sunday, November 11 at Washington 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, November 18 Miami 1:00 pm+ CBS
Sunday, November 25 at New England 8:15 pm+ NBC*
Sunday, December 2 Seattle 1:00 pm+ FOX
Sunday, December 9 NY Giants 1:00 pm+ FOX
Sunday, December 16 at Dallas 4:15 pm+ FOX*
Sunday, December 23 at New Orleans 1:00 pm+ FOX
Sunday, December 30 Buffalo 1:00 pm+ CBS
(all times are eastern)
* nationally televised game
+ game time subject to change due to flex scheduling
PLAYOFFS
Wild Card Playoffs (NBC/CBS/FOX) … January 5-6
Divisional Playoff Games (CBS/FOX)… January 12-13
AFC/NFC Championship Games (CBS/FOX)… January 20
Super Bowl 42, Glendale, AZ (FOX) … February 3
AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, HI (FOX)… February 10
Before Cutting Ties, Gillick owes Manuel a Move
By Jared Trexler
The Phanatic Magazine
I prescribe to Philadelphia Daily News columnist Rich Hofmann's proclamation on Monday's Daily News Live, just hours after the Phillies bullpen snatched another victory away from Cole Hamels.
Before even thinking of firing Charlie Manuel as skipper, general manager Pat Gillick owes him a move, likely in the form of a bullpen piece with the qualifications to get somebody, anybody out with a lead.
That isn't to say the normally patient Gillick is planning a preemptive strike before the Phillies ship sinks by April's end. Before posting Charlie as the scapegoat for this season's dreadful start, Gillick undoubtedly should give Manuel a loaded gun.
Who knows what Charlie will do with it -- if his outward appearance sitting alone in the dugout following Monday's loss is any indication of his state of mind. But at the moment, Manuel is firing blanks with every available bullpen weapon, and it only appears to be getting worse.
"We've got to fix our pen," Manuel said. "If it's in-house and someone steps up, good." That wasn't a statement. It was an impassioned plea for help.
But where will this help come from? Gillick has stated endlessly since last season's conclusion that one of his highest priorities wasn't going to appear out of nowhere. Plenty of teams are in need of arms at the back end of games, Gillick theorized with an obvious attempt to lessen the blow, and the thin farm system prevented any type of blockbuster trade.
At least according to "Stand Pat," a baseball veteran, a former scout, a card player who was categorized as a folder before a gambler. If the chips were on the table and the hand wasn't a royal flush, Gillick was known to back away.
So, safe and cheap became Gillick's offseason -- and now in-season -- motto. Antonio Alfonseca will be 35 and is coming off a year in Texas of significant arm troubles. Ryan Madson has started slowly, Geoff Geary doesn't have the dynamic speed or movement on pitches usually seen in set-up men or closers. Tom Gordon is 39, and has a bad right shoulder along with other aches and pains.
Francisco Rosario was brought in from Toronto for $100,000. Team scouts like his arm, but aren't overly confident in his ma
The Phanatic Magazine
I prescribe to Philadelphia Daily News columnist Rich Hofmann's proclamation on Monday's Daily News Live, just hours after the Phillies bullpen snatched another victory away from Cole Hamels.
Before even thinking of firing Charlie Manuel as skipper, general manager Pat Gillick owes him a move, likely in the form of a bullpen piece with the qualifications to get somebody, anybody out with a lead.
That isn't to say the normally patient Gillick is planning a preemptive strike before the Phillies ship sinks by April's end. Before posting Charlie as the scapegoat for this season's dreadful start, Gillick undoubtedly should give Manuel a loaded gun.
Who knows what Charlie will do with it -- if his outward appearance sitting alone in the dugout following Monday's loss is any indication of his state of mind. But at the moment, Manuel is firing blanks with every available bullpen weapon, and it only appears to be getting worse.
"We've got to fix our pen," Manuel said. "If it's in-house and someone steps up, good." That wasn't a statement. It was an impassioned plea for help.
But where will this help come from? Gillick has stated endlessly since last season's conclusion that one of his highest priorities wasn't going to appear out of nowhere. Plenty of teams are in need of arms at the back end of games, Gillick theorized with an obvious attempt to lessen the blow, and the thin farm system prevented any type of blockbuster trade.
At least according to "Stand Pat," a baseball veteran, a former scout, a card player who was categorized as a folder before a gambler. If the chips were on the table and the hand wasn't a royal flush, Gillick was known to back away.
So, safe and cheap became Gillick's offseason -- and now in-season -- motto. Antonio Alfonseca will be 35 and is coming off a year in Texas of significant arm troubles. Ryan Madson has started slowly, Geoff Geary doesn't have the dynamic speed or movement on pitches usually seen in set-up men or closers. Tom Gordon is 39, and has a bad right shoulder along with other aches and pains.
Francisco Rosario was brought in from Toronto for $100,000. Team scouts like his arm, but aren't overly confident in his ma