Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Case for Juan Castillo

As nothing but meaningless football emerges from today's game, I began to realize how the defense is emerging, and impressing myself more and more every day.

Should we blame Juan Castillo for the early season defensive woes?  While there are examples of where the defense was in bad position, you can't ignore the strategy of sports as a whole.  Sometimes your strategy fails, even if you thought it was once perfect.  It is just the nature of a game.

You also can not ignore the successes of the defense over the last couple weeks.  On the season going into week 16, Eagles are 10th in the league in yards given up per game.  While a stat like this is certainly not comparable with some of the elite defense like Pittsburgh or San Fran, it's above average as a league.

You also can not ignore the countless red-zone turnovers, and some of the time of possession stats from certain games, where the defense spent nearly 3 quarters of football on the field.

It also takes simple observance to see just how elite this defense has been the last couple of weeks.  The highly under-skilled LB's have a role, and a lot of the early season woes have been abolished.

So why is this?  Is it because Castillo has improved as a coordinator?  Is it because of the opponents?  Have players finally started stepping up?  Did we finally learn how to tackle? Or make a big play?

Here's my take;

The lockout has an immeasurable effect on any team.  Not being able to go to work with your teammates, or even practice the game of football, is something worth mentioning.  When you also incorporate all of the changes this defense has had over the last 7 months, you must start analyzing.

A new coach.  A new Defense.  2 New Defensive Linemen starting.  New group of Linebackers. 2 new CB's. Also add the re-amped substitutes and players who were drafted.

That is a lot of changes to occur for any team, no matter what players are involved.  Even an all star team on defense looks pretty bad, since the new formations / coaching / teammates are all different that what you are used to doing every day.

On July 25th, 2011, the NFL lockout ended.
On July 29th, Eagles Traded Kevin Kolb for Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie.  Eagles also signed CB Nnamdi Asomugah.
On July 30th, Eagles signed DT Cullen Jenkins and LB Akeem Jordan
On August 11th, Eagles played their first pre-season game
On September 11th, Eagles played their first regular season game.

The Eagles had a solid 12 days between the signing of their last defensive starter to the first game, and a whole 43 days to prepare their defense.  It is border-line insanity to expect so much out of any player, regardless of a name, with 43 days to prepare under a new coach, new strategy, and all these new teammates.

Did the Eagles "turn it around" on defense between Week 1 and Week 15, or did they finally get enough practice together to gel as a defense and play great.

Is there chemistry in sports?  Is it a chemistry that's evolving for this Eagles defense.  Can you ignore all of the new players on this defense?

The opinion is yours, but I would give Castillo another year.  Playcalling on offense has been a bigger issue in my eyes.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Penn State loses in many ways with their Bowl Game

Despite all the speculation and questioning on if Penn State would be invited to a bowl game, they received and accepted an invite to the "Ticket City" Bowl, on January 2nd.  This would typically be a New Year's Day bowl, but nothing can compete with the NFL that will occupy our January 1st.

When you initially look at 9-3 Penn State matching up against 12-1 Houston, you think this could turn out to be a great game.  But looking deeper, this is two teams that are much better than their bowl designates...which leads to quite a few downfalls.

The "Ticket City Bowl" is designated as the 7th picked team out of the Big Ten.  As you probably know from the past, there are 3 bowls designated as "Big Ten vs SEC."  These bowls will be played by Mich St., Ohio St., and Nebraska.  There is also the "Insight" bowl that will feature Iowa vs Oklahoma, and the "Meinike" bowl which features Texas A&M v. Northwestern.

Penn State landed below these teams in bowl selection, despite their record.  They fell to the "Ticket City" bowl, which features a team from the C-USA, which this year will be Houston.  Houston is led by QB Case Keenum who led the nation in most passing stats this season.  They were well known for their undefeated streak, and coming up just a game shy of a perfect season...but there is a reason they are ranked #17.

However intimidating the 12-1 record, they are 0-1 against ranked teams (Southern Miss.) and won very close games to schools like UCLA, Louisiana Tech, and UTEP.  It should be a great game seeing one of the better past defense match up against Keenum...but then things start going sour.

The game itself is located at the Cotton Bowl.  For those of you wondering, (according to Mapquest) it is a 1,392 mile drive from Beaver Stadium to the Cotton Bowl.  From the University of Houston, it's less than a 250 mile drive.  Essentially, a home game for Houston, where tickets are for sale for around 70$ already.

You also have to look at the timing.  While you think it's good to have a "New Years" bowl, I beg to differ.

First off, the game will be broadcasted on ESPNU, a station that doesn't exist on basic cable.

And if you start flicking channels during a TV timeout in the Penn State game on ESPNU at Noon ET, here's what else you will find on TV:

the NHL Winter Classic, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on NBC, at 1pm
No. 20 Nebraska vs No. 9 South Carolina in the Capital One BCS bowl, on ESPN, at 1pm
No 17 Michigan State vs No. 16 Georgia on ABC in the Outback Bowl, on ABC, at 1pm
Ohio State vs. Florida in the Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl, on ESPN2, at 1pm.

So it's fairly safe to say, the world will not be watching.  In fact, enough people wont be watching that ESPN wont even put it on ESPN2.

So....Penn State really didn't win out too well here.  It will be a good game...but I'll be enjoying the Winter Classic.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

No(oddmanout)dl taken off waivers, Flyers need Defense, My #DOOP Dream.

- In a non-surprising mood, Andres Nodl was picked up by Carolina, after being placed on Waivers.  It was more than expected that one forward had to be released at some point this season, and Nodl was the odd man out.  It's great that he will get plenty of playing time in Carolina, and he is a special player.  I wouldn't be surprised if he produced in Carolina...but at this time it was the best move for this Flyers team.

- The consistent injuries to Pronger just show us all that the Flyers need to pick up another defense.  If you look back, this was an issue I had since day one with the Flyers of this season.  I wish they would have chased defensive help after getting a goalie in the off-season, but at that time i also expected Carter and Richards on our Flyers.
Scott Hartnall is making this process very difficult.  At the start of the year, I had no problem trading him....but now with his production...how can you?  I dont know if i've seen him play any better in his career.  Flyers have plenty of youth players who are more than trade-able.  There were plenty of names (HarryZ, Wellwood, etc) who wen't from being our top youth prospects to 2nd tier with the addition of Schenn, Courtier, and Read.  Getting rid of two of those guys to a bad team for a defender is certainly plausible, and encouraged by myself.

And this leads to the big news out of England today.  Since I know none of you are aware, but Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba of Chelsea FC denied a low-dollar contract extension from the front office at Chelsea.  This denial essentially shows that he may become a free agent after this season.  With the horrendous season Chelsea is having, there never was much of a chance to see him back in blue next year.  Drogba's age and dropping skill leaves him far below what is necessary to play top-level soccer anymore.

This led to what I envisioned and dreamed of before, that our Philadelphia Union pursue Didger Drogba as their superstar signing.  MLS has a tag you can place on a player that does not count against your salary cap...something they have not done yet (with Adu).  This tag was placed on Beckham when he came to LA and Henry when he came to New York.
Such signing would be perfect for the offense-lacking Union.  With his fading skill, he would still be beyond spectacular in the MLS.  There is already rumors that the LA Galaxy are chasing Drogba if Beckham leaves after this season...and well, i'd rather see one of my favorite players of all time in Philly.

This is the chance for the Philadelphia Union to get worldwide recognition.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Basketball in America

In light of the NBA lockout being lifted, I see all current problems persisting. The super teams stay super, the mediocre teams enjoy their 5 games-over .500 to get smoked in the first round, and the bad teams stay bad unless they hit that next superstar out of the draft. Something the Sixers missed in Evan Turner with the #2 pick, and it's starting to look like even the Wizards missed in John Wall. Some other teams that missed out with the #1 pick, Trail Blazers (Oden), Raptors (Bargani) and the Bucks (Bogut). None of those teams have even had a chance at success, with those picks turning out horrible.

So is this fixable? Maybe. Do I have a crazy hypothetical way to change this? Absolutely.

Now hear me out, and don't quit reading this after my next words.

The NBA should draft ALL players out of high school.

Yes, I know I am talking about eliminating college basketball as you know it. Yes, I am an avid college hoops fan, but please, stick with me on this one.

I see this as beneficial in a few ways, and am taking away from other sports as a prime example.

The main issue I drew to this conclusion is overall basketball attendance in our country, especially at the professional level. NBA has attendance issues, and there are ZERO other meaningful professional league that draw fans. The NFL also has similar issues, but is such a monster, it's not worth considering changing anything.

Think of how many people in this nation attend a professional baseball game. MLB's 30 teams sold a combined 73,425,667 tickets in 2011. AAA baseball draws in the 15 million range, AA baseball draws in the 10 million range as well. You can throw in all the small leagues, and you just see how many people attend a baseball game.... over 100 million.

NHL drew 20,928,036 ticket sales in 2010-2011. On top of that, the AHL drew 1.5 million, ECHL draws 1,000-3,000 a game, and all the leagues in the great lakes area have small filled arenas. You also can look at the OHL, QJMHL, WHL, FHL and the attendance numbers they draw in Canada and northern America. People go to hockey games.

But what does basketball offer? It offers the NBA, which draws 20 million a year. After that, nothing else that draws meaningful attendance is out there.

Of course college basketball is huge, but that's money that goes to a campus, and not the sport. Also, attendance of non students (who hardly pay to go) is struggling for most teams.

This is where my theory comes in. And that theory is to drastically change the sport and draft players out of high school in an expanded draft.

This would develop NBA players for teams, and give a future to players in America.

Lets face it, I absolutely hate the NBA draft and how it works. Every year, the first round pick is almost secured a spot in the top 9 of any NBA roster. The second round pick fights for the last spot on a team, or ends up being released. Regardless, nearly 10-15% of your team changes based on who you draft alone (2 players, 13-ish man team). While I absolutely agree that most first round picks deserve to be on the court and are at the NBA-level, it's the other players that call me into question.

How great would a minor league basketball team be. This would give those great college players who aren't quite NBA material a place to play in America. What happens currently, is that they go overseas, and basically play their life away outside of America. Only the top 60 players in ALL of college basketball make it to the NBA. And considering there's 450 players in the NBA (on average), the rosters add 13% more players every year. Players get squeezed out of a NBA roster spot, and that leads to retirement, or playing overseas.

If each team had a minor league affiliate, you could send your youth. You would also have a spot for the last player on your bench to improve his game. So many times, that 12th-14th man on a roster ends up being released, and playing their life away in Europe. It would be very interesting and beneficial in my eyes to let these players play in such “minor” league. You could also keep your “back up” players active and in the game, something that the end of the bench doesn’t currently get.

The MLS is my example of this. Most great soccer players are signed by 18 to a team for a fairly inexpensive contract. These players play within development leagues against other teams and their development teams. These players mature, grow, and excel in their game until they are ready for the top level. They get their chance at the top level, and if they excel...they are set. This keeps the young kids playing with their future teammates.

Again, this is very hypothetical, and I could write a lot more about it. I just wanted to get my ideas out and see initial reaction. The number of American players playing overseas troubles me, and I am just as troubled that only 450 basketball players make it in America (30 teams, 15 players). Everyone beyond that goes overseas, and plays great there, get zero attention in America. A minor league system would do so.

Putting a team in Hershey, Baltimore, Trenton, Allentown, etc.. would be very successful in my eyes, in many ways like the AHL is for hockey and minor league baseball nation wide. If the Hershey affiliate for the Sixers had their “Second/Development/AHL/AAA” team playing, would people go? If you answer no...then there is no hope for basketball, because people attend Hockey and Baseball at that level. I think that people would go.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

My Answer for College Sports

More news today is about schools changing conferences, and the landscape of college sports than the sport itself.  This is a huge mess, and doesn't look to be getting fixed anytime soon.  But I have my answer.

What I would love to see, would be for the NCAA to take a page out of European Soccer and implement promotion and regulation.

For those of you who are new to the term, Regulation in European Soccer is when the teams who finish at the bottom of the league are kicked out.  Also, those in smaller leagues who win the championship, get a chance at the top level.  In the English Premier League, Norwich City F.C. is a great example of a regulated team.  Last spring, they finished 2nd in the English Champions League, which is the 2nd highest league of soccer in England (AHL, AAA Baseball).  With this finish, they were promoted to the EPL league (highest league, NHL, MLB) of Soccer in England, in which they are competing in right now.  In 2005, Norwich City finished in the EPL as one of the 3 worst teams, and they were regulated from the EPL to the Champions league, where they competed for 6 years until regaining a good enough of a season to get promoted to the EPL.  As long as they finish outside of the last 3 this year in the EPL, they stay in the league next year as long as they don't finish at the bottom.

The beauty of this is that every game is important, even if it's 2 teams below .500.  If you lose, you may lose your status as a team in the top league.

It's hard to envision in American profesional sports since every minor league team is owned by a professional team, but envision it as such.  The Hershey Bears win the AHL Calder Cup and are the best team in the AHL.  Their reward for this championship, is that they would become an NHL team...this is where the promotion comes from.  The worst team in the NHL (Edmonton Oilers) would be placed in the AHL as punishment for finishing dead last.

This works in soccer, since every team owns their players, at all levels.  This is why teams like Barcelona sign 12 year old kids to play in their development leagues....so other teams don't have a chance at owning his talent.  They have "developement" leagues instead of "minor leagues," and the Champions league isn't just players playing for a spot on a professional roster....it's a TEAM playing for a CHANCE to be at the highest level.


Here's how I would love to see College Sports.  And please, hear me out before you jump to conclusion.

The current D1 teams would be divided into say 6-8 "super" and 6-8 "d1" conferences, based on location.  North East, Mid Atlantic, SouthEast, NorthCentral, Heartland, MidSouth, NorthWest, SouthWest, etc...  And you would have in the north east the "super-confrence" for football be your Penn State, Maryland, Boston College, Pitt, Temple, etc.  Then your "d1" conference would be teams like Villanova, Towson, Rugters, etc.

So your looking at a "Super-Conference" and "D1 (slightly inferior)" conference.  From here, we would implement regulation.  The team who finishes dead last in the "super-conference" would be regulated to the "d1" conference, and the team who wins the "d1" conference would be promoted to the "Super-Conference."  The regulated school would then next year compete and try to win the inferior conference to get back into the super-conference, or the program would fall apart and a smaller school could grow.

Lets face it, current athletics amongst school lines are set in stone.  If you are a D-1a superpower like Villanova or Appalachian State...it will take decades alone to get back into a reputable conference and have a shot at being a top-tier program.  If you are a D2 school, despite how good you are, recognition is next to nothing.

Again, this is a sketch, not a blueprint.  I just see this type of program turning out awesome.  It could be expanded, and allow smaller D2 schools with outstanding programs (Shippensburg's Field Hockey) have a shot at competing.  This also opens up the currently unavailable option of having top tier athletes play at smaller schools and get recognized to play at the next level.  If you get regulated up to the D1 status, you would attract more and more recruits (especially local), and could build and form a great program that way.

This is just an idea i've thought about, and thought how cool it would be.  I love how it works in soccer and how the credibility of losing is non-existant in a lot of american sports.  The worst D1 schools are always given a higher status than a good D2 school.  This would give those D2 and D1-A FCS schools a voice.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Connection Between the Steve Smith signing and Jermey Maclin's Injury and Desean Jackson's Contract

In what would be a huge signing if the Eagles didn't already pick up a handful of Pro-Bowlers this off season, the Eagles picked up the (still) injured Steve Smith from the Giants.

Now Steve Smith WILL NOT play opening day, baring a miracle in recovery.  He isn't up to speed and healthy enough to play.  The Eagles are WILLING to guarantee him 2 million this year, with incentives leading up to 4 million dollars.  They must believe he is more valuable currently hurt than a healthy Plaxico who brought in 3-4 million, or a guy like Braylon Edwards with all the baggage he brings.

Steve Smith underwent Micro-Fracture Knee Surgery in December, and has yet to go anywhere near 100%.  Eagles staff believes with his recovery, he should be ready to go at the latest on Week 4.  Smith said in an interview, that he feels like he could practice tomorrow, but he doesn't want to rush anything. 

All this put aside, the Eagles didn't need a WR....and they got one....and they didn't get one that was cheap.  Desean and Maclin are two of the better 1-2 combo's in the league.  Jason Avant was arguably the best 3rd WR in the league.  Riley Cooper is the teams future as a tall target in the red zone.  The Eagles also have players with experience in camp for the 5th spot, such as Johnny Lee-Higgens, Chad Hall, and Sinocre Moss. 

But if Smith is healthy quick...is he your #2 or #3 WR? You know the Eagles could use another LB.....and they just got a WR.  Eagles Offense was set as it was with Ronnie Brown who's considered one of the best recieving RB in the game.....And the Eagles just added a Pro-Bowl WR who in 25 games over the last 2 years, had 1700+ yards and 10 TD's.

Here's my interpretation.....

Eagles got Steve Smith because they don't believe Maclin will be healthy for some time.  It only makes sense.  This signing honestly scares me enough to believe that Jermey Maclin will NOT be playing at all this year....or at-least for a long time.  It's a reasonable concern.  Maclin still can not figure out why he's sick, and i've heard enough "career threatening" rumors to scare me.

Also,
Both Steve Smith and Desean Jackson will be free agents at the end of the year.  While Desean is a must-sign, it might throw a little bit of competition his way.  Having Jackson, Maclin, Smith, and Avant as your top 4 is almost too good considering some of the other holes in positions like the O-line and Linebackers. 

But, ultimately this is because of Maclin.  I honestly believe he will not play this year.  Despite how good Avant is, he isn't quite a #2 WR in my eyes.  Steve Smith is that guy.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

2011 Phillies vs 1998 Yankees. Who's better

Easy answer for all of you, right? Yanks?

This is a new debate, and quite frankly an impossible one to answer until the season is over.  I hope to however stray you away from without even being open to the opportunity. 

There are 2 huge factors that are nearly impossible to decode.  One is the impact of Hunter Pence.  Do you just count his 6 games in a Phillies uniform or do you count his work in Houston too.  After the signing of Pence, the discussion on who's better got very interesting. 

It's fact that the Yankees offense was better, and the Phillies pitching is better.  Factual. 

But I will look at some random facts to hopefully sway some opinions.  FOR ALL STATS, I WILL ONLY INCLUDE HUNTER PENCE AND HIS GAMES IN A PHILLIES UNIFORM.  You must account for how much better of a player he is than Dom Brown / Ben Francisco, but the stats will not show that. 

ALL PHILLIES STATS AS OF 8/3/2011
Sources are linked, any not came from the ever so reliable Baseball Refrence


Batting Average:

1998 Yankees TEAM batting average : .288
1998 American League AVG batting average : .271 (sc)
2011 Phillies TEAM batting average : .251
2011 National League AVG batting average : .260 (sc)



Again, the Yanks are clearly better.  There is one highly ignored fact in baseball, and that is that batting average is almost always 10-15 points higher in the American League.  That's due to the AL having a DH.  So the averages as a team are much better in the AL.

Home Runs:
1998 Yankees TEAM HR's : 207
1998 Homeruns in MLB : 5,064
% of League : 4.088%
2011 Phillies TEAM HR's : 101
2011 Homeruns in MLB : 2,948
% of League : 3.426%

Again, I wanted to disperse the Steroid Era from the Current "pitchers" Era.  Comparing how many homeruns the team hit compared to the league, the Yankees as a team had better home run hitters.  However, No one on the Yanks hit 30 home runs, and Ryan Howard is on pace for 35.

Runs Per Game
1998 Yankees Runs / Game : 5.96
2011 Phillies Runs / Game : 4.36

Huge disbursement.  Again, the AL always averages more runs per game due to having a DH, and the NL has the pitcher hit 9th.  Still a vast difference.

Yankees had a better offense, clearly.  But just a few pitching stats can change the tone.

3 of the current starters, Worely, Hallday, and Hamels; have a lower ERA than ANY STARTER on the Yankees roster.  If Cliff Lee brings his ERA down .01, than he is lower than any Yankees starter in 1998.  In 1998 too, Mariano Rivera had a 1.91 ERA.  Just so you are also aware, both Bastardo (1.31) and Madson (1.86) have a lower ERA than Rivera.



Here was the 98 Yankees staff,

Pettitte - 4.24 ERA
Wells - 3.49 ERA
Cone - 3.55 ERA
Irabu - 4.06 ERA
Hernandez - 3.13 ERA
Mendoza - 3.25 ERA

And your 2011 Phillies Staff,

Halladay - 2.44 ERA
Hamels - 2.62 ERA
Lee - 3.14 ERA
Worley - 2.33 ERA
Oswalt - 3.79 ERA
Kendrick - 3.19 ERA

Again tho, you must remember that more runs are scored in the AL than the NL.  But how big is the difference.

For me, these stats are fairly white and black.  Yankees had a better offense, Phillies have a better set of arms.  But when you go from there, you hear the Yanks won more games.


The quick argument is that "Oh the Yankees won 114 Games"  Before you go crazy with that, the AL East outside of the Yankees went 322-326, NL East outside of the Phillies are currently 227-215.  The Phillies have a tougher division today than the Yankees did then, and the Phils are still on pace for 105 Wins.  They are 6-0 since getting Pence in the lineup, and who knows how long that will last


Which is better?

Quite honestly... My answer is that you CAN NOT compare AL and NL teams.  The two leagues play a lot different, and they are so hard to compare. 
Your thoughts?

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Eagles Depth Chart - Offense

As we try to establish some sanity with the Christmas in July we received from both the Phillies and Eagles, I will take a look position by position at the depth chart and some thoughts.  This could be updated by the hour if the Eagles bring in another name or trade Asante, but as of now on 8/2/2011...Here's what to expect.

QB - Vick, Young, Kafka.
     It's pretty clear that this team will live or die on the shoulders of #7.  It is reassuring having Vince Young as your backup, someone who has experience under the spotlight.  Kafka may be groomed into a backup next year assuming Young moves on, or we could very well draft a QB next offseason.  Just so you know, here are the last couple QB's the Eagles have picked in the first three rounds;  Kevin Kolb ('07), Donovan McNabb ('99), Bobby Hoying ('96), Randall Cunningham ('85).  Not a bad history there.

RB - McCoy, Brown, Buckley.
     Another clear cut starter in Shady.  He had a breakout season last year, and lets hope that continues again.  The Eagles made what I believe will be a great backup in Ronnie Brown.  Versatile player who was the 2nd pick in a draft not too long ago.  The 3rd RB is up for grabs.  Buckley is the favorite, but there are a handful of other names in training camp who could earn that spot, including Dion Lewis who was taken in the 5th Rd this year from Pittsburgh.  .

FB - Schmitt
     Honestly, who doesn't love Owen Schmitt.  He can block a LB or DB blitzing, and rumble over people with the ball in his hands.  I assume his role will be limited having a backup as versatile as Ronnie Brown.  Leonard Weaver is still not healthy, and was a proper release by this team. 

WR - Jackson, Maclin, Avant, Cooper, Higgins, Hall
     A clear cut 1-2 at WR.  The #3 WR can turn into a very interesting battle.  Avant is by far the favorite, and still a quality choice.  However, Riley Cooper had a very impressive rookie season; and height.  His tall stature is great across the middle, and he has good hands.  I believe the Eagles brought in Johnny Lee Higgins for special teams purpose, but he can be spread out wide as well.  Kevin Curtis I mean Chad Hall may be up for debate if he will make the team as a starter, or will be assigned for the practice squad.  I generally believe he will not make the roster, with the addition of Higgins and his value on special teams.   Eagles are very deep at WR, also having Sinorice Moss in training camp...you may remember him from being a 2nd round pick for the Giants.  They also have Rod Harper who saw some time last year (#83). and there is a handful of rookies in camp this year. With the addition of Higgins needing a spot on this roster, I don't see those guys on your opening day roster.

TE - Celek, Lee, Harbor/Ingram?
    Another position loaded with talent for the Eagles.  Celek is your main guy, as you are all aware.  I believe Donald Lee will be the ONLY other man on the roster.  The super bowl champion snuck in under the signing of Nnamdi and Babin, but he was not only a target for Rodgers in Green Bay, but a dominate force who helped out the Packers offensive line as a great blocker.  Harbor saw some action last year, and Cornelius Ingram had loads of talent if he could stay healthy.  I dont see either of these guys making the roster, but they are great practice squad guys.

OG - Herremans, Watkins.
    
The Eagles are relying on their first round draft pick Danny Watkins to step in as a starter this year.  I think he will be fine, along with Herremans in front of Vick.  Eagles brought in a 30 year old in Evan Mathias who has played in a whooping 12 games in his career, along with another rookie.  Dallas Reynolds is a name as well who may actually make the roster, or be the first man in if there is any injury. 

OT - Peters, Howard/Dunlap/Harris
   
Jason Peters will once again be the anchor on this offensive line.  The newest Eagle Ryan Harris is likely your second starter on the other side.  You could see King Dunlap or Austin Howard play a lot as well, both saw time on the field last year.  Fenuki Tupou is another name we may see out there on a sunday if injuries occur.  The Eagles are fairly deep at OT, but the skill behind Peters is questionable....as with a lot of the offensive line.

C - Jackson, McGlynn
    
Another guy who the Eagles are looking to step up is Jamal Jackson.  He was a great player last year, but the injury set him back a step.  Still a position that has a question mark, but realistically the offensive line isn't as important with a guy like Vick behind center as compared to a "traditional" pocket QB.  McGlynn is an adequate backup, and two younger centers are in camp as well.

The Eagles could still use Offensive Line help, and Asante Samuel may be trade bait for a good man in front of Vick.  I can not argue against this being the deadliest offense in Eagles history.  It's going to be fun.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Brett Favre, Plaxico Burress, and Albert Haynesworth

No, it's not just any list of some free agents here.  And no, it's not just a list of the most controversial free agents.

These are three controversial players who could very well be in Eagles green next year. 

But how much can you as a fan take??

Allen Iverson's lackluster return, the Michael Vick press conference, Jamior Jagr or Max Tailbot in Orange and Black?  How would you feel seeing Brett Favre's grey beard sitting next to Andy and Lurie.  All Eagles fans were laughing hysterically at self-made jokes about Plaxico shooting himself.  What about the man who is in a debate with Jamarcus Russel for the laziest person in the NFL.

First off is the player I think would be the best option for Philadelphia.  Plaxico Burress.  Lets face it, it was a foolish crime, and he was jailed for too long.  I dont understand Ray Lewis being involved in the death of two people not spending a day in jail, while Plaxico went for two years for shooting himself.  When you justify Donte Stallworth, driving 10MPH+ over the speed limit and blowing a .012; going to jail for 30 days for driving drunk and killing someone  But with all of that aside, he isn't a horrible person, and a lot easier to accept as compared to a guy like Vick or Stallworth.

Plaxico's biggest asset to this team is his 6'5" 232lb frame.  That's 5-7" and 30-50 lbs on our top two receivers.  The Eagles redzone flat out sucks, and that's partially due to having your top two WR being so short.  You love their speed and the explosive 60 yard touchdowns when they run past everyone, but when your 10 yards away from the endzone on 3rd and 10; they aren't going to jump over a 6'3" corner or safety playing zone coverage.  Watch some film, the only redzone scores either Jackson or Maclin had were due to Vick's scramble or they made a move or two on coverage and got open.  The Eagles miss and need to have the ability to throw that jump ball to the back of the endzone, that jump ball they cherished with Terrell Owens. 

Plaxico could slide in as a 3 or 4 WR on this team.  I think Riley Cooper is a possible long-term solution, but he didn't do anything to make me rely on him to make a play with the game on the line.

As long as he is in shape and healthy, he would be an asset.  We have 3-4 quality receivers now, but God-forbid one of those go down, we are in trouble.  Plaxico would be a great name to add to the offense, ultimately, if the price is right.  The list of WR free agents is a massive one (Sidney Rice, Santonio Holmes, Steve Smith, Malcom Floyd, TO, Ochocinco, Randy Moss, etc) and a guy like Plaxico won't be a top target.

And now we move onto Albert Haynesworth, my least favorite of the three.  The talent is there, the skill is there, but I have no way to believe he will mature.  I've heard the argument that the Eagles can "mature" players and make them play to the top of their level; but I must ask these people how they forget about the Andrews twins and the circus that followed them, or when TO was doing sit-ups in his driveway. 

Haynesworth is a great player.  The Eagles are apparently switching to a Cover-2, which requires a lot better pass rushers than we have beyond Graham and Cole.  If I am in charge, Haynesworth is a gamble I am not willing to make.  I'd rather get a guy with a little less talent who will put their heart into the team.

Brett Favre.  You pissed at me for bringing up the last person you ever wanted to hear??

While he used the loose word "retired" after last year, you must consider that maybe he isn't retiring (again).
And what if him not retiring meant he was wearing Green and White next year??

Despite your instant displeasure and disapproval of the thought of a Green #4 Favre jersey, you must look at the full picture. 


It isn't official, but it's basically accepted as fact that Kevin Kolb will be traded.  Kolb is a NFL-ready QB, no questions asked, but you can question if he is a Pro-Bowl QB like Vick. 

Kolb may be a QB of the future, but we don't even know if Desean Jackson will be on the birds after this year.  Eagles are in it to win now, and that's why I believe Favre would be A GREAT FIT in Philadelphia.

Without Kolb, the Eagles have Michael Vick and Mike Kafka.  That's a backup who is not ready and a starter who's style of play is susceptible to injury.  It's common sense that the Eagles need a backup QB.

So what are the options?  Brett Favre, Alex Smith, Vince Young, Matt Leinheart, Marc Bulger, Matt Hasslebeck, Drew Stanton, Chad Pennington, Brady Quinn, Tavaras Jackson, Billy Volek, and some other 3rd stringers.  Favre may not be the best QB in this list, but the list of teams that don't have a QB with the season starting in 50some days is huge.  Arizona, Jacksonville, San Fran, Carolina, just to name a few.  And another handful of teams like Washington who have a QB, but they could be complete busts.

Regardless, my biggest push for Favre goes back to both the knowledge he has of the Eagles offense, and his relationship with Andy Reid. 

Andy Reid was hired as an assistant coach in Green Bay for the 1992 season, which happened to be Brett Favre's first season in Green Bay.  When Brett won a Super Bowl in 1997, Andy Reid was his QB coach.  Simply, they go back. Packers were historically a passing offense, exactly as the Eagles are now.  Favre could fit in pretty easily.


The back up QB situation is a very serious one for the Eagles.  I understand everyone's reservations about trading Kolb, but if you can bring in a name who can help out the weak Eagles defense like Rogers-Cromartie, you have to pull the trigger.  When it comes down to who you want to come into the NFC Championship game when Vick has to sit out a drive due to injury; do you want Vince Young, Brady Quinn, Matt Leinheart, etc...or Brett Favre.

I'll take Brett.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

2011-2012 Flyers Lines

I am one of a million looking for some sense in what the Flyers lines will be next year.  While I would love to hear your opinion in the comments, here's how I would run it.  Looking at the main lines, along with the top powerplay and penalty kill lines. 

I still believe the Flyers will pick up a 2nd/3rd line offensive player.  Now that Stamkos is officially off the block, I think Chris Drury is a name the Flyers could pick up.  But as of today, here's how I would run it. 

Offense
1. Jagr - Giroux - Briere
2. VanRiemsdyk - Tailbot - Hartnall
3. Simmonds - Schenn - Voracek
4. Shelly - Betts - Nodl
Top AHL - Holmstrom, Wellwood

Defense
1. Pronger - Mezaros
2. Timonen - Carle
3. Coburn - Gustafsson
Top AHL - Bartulis, Lilja

Goalies
1. Bryzgalov
2. Leighton (Bobrovsky will be traded)

PP
1. Briere - Giroux - JVR - Pronger - Mezaros

PK
1. Simmonds - Tailbot - Timonen - Carle

Checklist : Phillies Right Handed Bat

As 10 days remain until the MLB Trade Deadline, I'll be taking a look at the names swirling around for the Phillies and their hunt for a right handed bat.

Hunter Pence - While he may be a longshot, you'd be an idiot to not want his .316 average and 61 RBI's in the Phillies lineup.  He's a career .290 hitter, and would be the perfect fit on this team.  As with anything however, the cost for him would be pretty substantial.  The rumor swirl is a deal along the lines of Domonic Brown and Vance Worley for Hunter. 

If the Phillies were to snag Pence, it would be taking a gamble knowing he's eligible for salary arbitration in 2012, and a free agent for the 2013 season.  As we have been shown in the Phillies past, contracts can and will be agreed upon.  Where will the 10-15 million a player like Pence come from???  Well the Phillies have three options on Roy Oswalt... 1. He retires, no salary owed.  2. Pay him 16 million for his services, or 3. Buy out his contract for under 3 million, and release him as a free agent.  I think Oswalt would still be nice to have in the roster, but he hasn't done anything to prove he is worth that much money. 

While I think it's incredibly likley the Phils will release Oswalt, I doubt the Phillies will land Pence.  You must realize the impact that would have on Houston as well.  He is the face of the Astros, and that would be parallel to the Phillies releasing Howard in 06-07 when he was still young and his talent was on the way up.  Unless there is something going on behind the scenes and Pence wants out of Houston, he will be there for a long time and rewarded financially. 

Now that I am removing Pence from the picture, here's some of the other names and some info on the players....

Carlos Beltran -The 34 year old looks like the leading candidate for the Phils, and I am okay with that.  He's putting up good numbers this year (.293, 15HR, 61RBI), and did hit .323 in 2009.  With his contract ending, and if he performs; he could end up in this organization for a couple years with the Oswalt money.

Just incase you want more convincing.  If he was on the Phils, he would be 2nd in batting average (a mere .002 away from Victorino), 2nd in HR, and 2nd in RBI's.  What a 5 hole hitter he would be.

Melky Cabrerra -  Another player I would love to land in Philly.  At only 26 (and more of a long-run solution), his .294 average and 12 home runs would fit in fine in this lineup.  At such a young age, he would be worth offering an extension too after the season if things work out.

There's a dozen other right handed bats out there, but none stand out like these three guys.  Lets hope the Phillies can land one of these guys.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Florida is the Worst Baseball State in America

You can make all the excuses and all the nonsense ever to determine who has a better or worse fanbase, but in the end, it all comes down to how many people are in the seats for home games.  That's how a team makes their money, and that's what I am analyzing in this post.

I took a look at now only how many people are in the seats for a game, but also compared to how good the team is.  Granted, a bad team will be less attractive for fans to attend than a successful team. 

This "FW" stat is a look at how many fans show up to a game in comparison to the team's winning percentage.  Now it isn't flawless, since you can argue that teams who have capacity attendance (Philly/Boston) could sell more seats if they were available.  But this shows a rough draft on some of the best fans for unsuccessful teams, and the successful teams who can not draw a crowd. 

First is worse, the bottom is better.  You really should group it out however.  There is a vast difference between small numbers, such as the jump from Oakland to Cleveland.  The FW is found by the following formula = Winning Percentage / Attendance X 10000


Team Attendance Winning Percentage Capacity% FW Stat
Marlins 17101 0.484 43.7 0.2830243845
Rays 19612 0.538 57.6 0.2743218438
Indians 21106 0.532 48.6 0.2520610253
A's 19059 0.438 54.4 0.2298126869
Pirates 23577 0.527 61.5 0.2235229249
Diamondbacks 24166 0.537 49.7 0.2222130266
Nationals 23391 0.495 56.4 0.2116198538
Blue Jays 23294 0.49 47.3 0.2103545978
Braves 28602 0.589 57.5 0.2059296553
Royals 19972 0.4 52.7 0.2002803925
White sox 24376 0.484 60 0.1985559567
Mariners 23342 0.453 48.8 0.1940707737
Orioles 21873 0.413 48.1 0.1888172633
Reds 27285 0.495 64.5 0.1814183617
Tigers 29739 0.526 72.1 0.1768721208
Padres 25570 0.427 59.9 0.1669925694
Red Sox 37574 0.613 101.4 0.1631447277*
Mets 30681 0.5 73.4 0.1629673088
Rangers 36826 0.573 74.9 0.1555965894
Brewers 35435 0.531 84.6 0.1498518414
Cardinals 37696 0.526 85.7 0.1395373514
Phillies 45482 0.628 104.2 0.1380766017*
Giants 41736 0.573 99.6 0.1372915469
Angels 39002 0.531 85.9 0.1361468643
Yankees 44359 0.598 88.2 0.1348091706
Rockies 35614 0.474 70.5 0.1330937272
Astros 26530 0.326 64.8 0.1228797588
Dodgers 36609 0.442 65.4 0.1207353383
Twins 39207 0.468 99.3 0.1193664397
Cubs 36766 0.396 89.3 0.1077082087
* denotes teams operating at capacity, so stat can be flawed

While this isn't a black and white stat, it shows some teams that are drawing without success, and vice versa.  The Rays are 7 games over .500, and yet draw less than 20k fans.  The Cubs draw nearly 37k while being 20 games below .500

Interesting stuff....cheers!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Phillies win the series, and now we have to cheer for our enemies.

Before I even say a word, I hate the all star game.  I hate the fact that something so important as home field advantage is determined by players on sub .500 teams and pitchers who aren't throwing half as hard as they would be in a real game.  It's awful. 

But, Tuesday Night, I'll be cheering for Scott Rolen, Brian McCann, Chipper Jones, Carlos Beltran, and Jair Jurgens.  And when the clock strikes midnight Tuesday night, I'm back to despising them. 


Regardless, having a good series going into a break is crucial, and something the Phillies stepped up and did today and this whole weekend series.

Friday night was one of those weird-odd games for the first 9 innings.  From the double rain-delay to Carlos Ruiz hitting one of those homeruns that may not of traveled 335'.  But then Juan Perez comes out of the pen and fires 3 strikeouts on 9 pitches, and then Raul hits a walk off moonshot, and the Phillies win.  Always great to see walk-off wins, and despite appearing a little shaky at times, Roy took care of business.

Saturday saw Cliff Lee be the only player offensively and defensively show up, as his home-run accounted for all the Phillies offense, and despite him throwing a magnificent 8 innings of 3 hit 1 run ball; Phils lost.  Again, you can't hang you heads too low on games like this since you wont go 162-0, but it's brutal spoiling a pitching performance like that.  If it's any consolation however, Cliff Lee looked as good as he has all year throwing...once again.

As Charlie Manuel likes to call it "hittin' season", I guess the 95 degree afternoon in Philly accounts for that.  The Phillies 20 hits on Sunday were a season high, and the crooked 14 runs on the board looked great. The Phillies outfield accounted for 12 RBI's, and Michael Martinez put up a 4 hit game.  Just one of those fun games to watch, and being against the Braves, it's even better since the game was of utmost July-baseball importance. 

Phils enter the all star break 57-34.  3.5 game lead.  Best record in baseball.  On pace to finish with 101 wins, if you were counting.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Statistics Class and what else the Flyers will do?

Alright, here's your Philadelphia Flyers Salary #'s for 2011-2012.

Cap Space after the first day of free agency : 4.015 Million

That 4.015 million includes Lavs and Schenn on the opening day roster.  Lets be real, they probably wont be.

Schenn nets 3.1 million and Lavs nets 1.2 million.

Without those two on your roster, the Flyers still have 8.3 million to spend....that INCLUDES Jagr and all signings made today.


Everything we're hearing is that the Flyers are not done, and shockingly enough to me, the Flyers are looking for a big name.  Sarah Baicker of CSN REPORTS Flyers are working on a big "trade".  And another credible source Anthony SanFilippo tweeted THIS : I sent a text to a Flyers source asking about guys like Gagne, Madden, Handzus and Langenbrunner. The response: "Think bigger."

When I think trade, I instantly put guys like Pronger or Timmonen on the invisible block.  While It's farfetched, it would free up a lot of space.  There are still 2nd line D-men who are free agents, and who knows who could be returned in a trade for either of those guys.  Mezarsos could play on the front line with one of those guys and I'd be okay with that.

Now those guys wont warrant anything in return, it more so frees up salary.   Kimmo earn 6.4 million a year and Pronger comes in just under 5.  If you add that to what we have available to spend, were talking 13-15 million dollars avalable to sign a quality D man and any player in the world you want (aka Stamkos/Richards).

All speculation....But who the hell saw any of this coming.  I dont think anyone knows the answer, but I still expect this team to bring in another solid offensive name.  They filled roles on special teams that were lost (Tailbot PK, Jagr PP), and still have the ability to spend money.

All in all, I love the moves.  Can't wait for October.

Your 2011-2012 Flyers (as of now)

Your 2011-2012 Flyers as of 4:04pm.

1. Danny Briere
2. Claude Giroux
3. James Van Riemsdyk
4. Scott Hartnall
5. Jamior Jagr
6. Jakub Voracek
7. Brayden Schenn
8. Wayne Simmonds
9. Max Tailbot
10. Andres Nodl
11. Blare Betts
12. Jody Shelly

Minors : Wellwood, Rinaldo, Testwudie, Ryan, Laparriere, Holmstrom.

13. Chris Pronger
14. Kimmo Timonen
15. Braydon Coburn
16. Andrej Mezardos
17. Matt Carle
18. Erik Gustafsson

Minors : Lilja, Bartulus, Marshall, Syvret

19. Ilya Bryzgalov
20. Sergi Bobrovsky

Minors : Backlund, Leighton.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Now that we "know" the Flyers aren't chasing Stamkos, who could fill this lineup?

In no shocker, the Flyers announced today that they will not submit an offer sheet for Stamkos.  Which in all reality, isn't a bad move if they want to win now.  The problem with RFA's in the NHL is that, when an offer is made, the team that the player is an RFA for (Tampa) has up to a week to match the offer or release the player to accept whatever offer he wants.  So essentially, if the Flyers sent him an offer...They may not know until next Thursday if Stamkos were to sign with the Flyers.  Flyers would have to assume he would sign, and would not have the money to sign any other FA's.  If they assume that and then he signs elsewhere, Flyers have likley missed out on many free agents. 

Now that we have turned off our video game minds, who will the Flyers end up getting? 

The Flyers have yet to officially sign Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds, but they are RFA's who the Flyers are more than likley going to resign once they see who else is coming to this team.


Villie Leino will hit free agency tomorrow as a UFA, meaning he is officially off the Flyers roster.  While I am sure the Flyers want to resign him, he is the type of player who will be overpaid by another team.  Flyers don't believe he's worth more than 3.5 million a year (quarter of a million less than Giroux), and I can't argue with that.  Hopefully Leino takes a home-town discount, but that's not guaranteed.

Daniel Carcillo is a RFA...but all intentions are that the Flyers are going to let him sign wherever he wants, depending on the offers he gets.

Zherdev, O'Donnell, Boyton, and Boucher are all UFA's come tomorrow, and I would be shocked to see any of those 4 back in Philly.

Now onto other teams....

One man who was swirling around was Zach Parise...however, he has entered arbitration with New Jersey, and more than likley will resign with the Devils. 

Brad Richards is considered the "cream" of the weak crop of stars in this years free agent poll.  He will get overpaid, and end up being a little more costly than what the Flyers are looking for.  However, the Ottawa Sun reports that the Flyers may be looking to trade Meszaros and that 4 million dollar a year hit he has to free up more cap space.  This would likley lead to the Flyers trying to resign O'Donnell or using Matt Walker next year.

But here's some names that make sense.

Simon Gagne - He isn't exactly the player the Flyers need, but I wouldn't put it past Gagne taking a reduced $$ contract to come back to Philly for a year.  If he takes a contract in the 2-3 million a year range, that may happen.  If it's more than that, I'm not counting on him coming back.

Michael Handzus - Would be a great fit, however he has slowed down and under-performed the last 2 years.  He is a big center who wins faceoffs and kills penalties, two things we could really use.

Jamior Jagr - This is a new rumor, but while the Penguins were told they would hear from Jagr on Wednesday and never got a response....his future is still up in the air.  The Penguins offered Jagr a 2 million dollar deal for next year, Philly has the capability to offer him a little more.  If age is your concern, Mark Recchi dropped nearly 50 points at the age 43, and held a cup over his head.  Watch some of Jagr's recent film, he still has game left.



Erik Cole - He's a guy I am very interested in.  Solid 2 way player who scored 20-30 goals a year (quietly in Carolina) over his 10 year career.  Even with the emergence of Skinner in Carolina, it's hard to imagine them letting him go.

Michael Ryder - Another solid winger who would be a good fit on this team.  Good two way player.

And there's a dozen other players we can name.  These however are the few players I'd love to see join the Orange and Black.  But who knows what will happen.


All we know is that a lot will unravel over the next day or two.

Post-Apocalypse at the Well.



Now that a week has passed, the moving of two of the Flyers top 5 players has settled in a little more...


I still think the Carter deal was a great deal for the team.  Moving Carter for a solid 2/3rd liner in Voracek, along with the #8 pick and a 3rd round in the draft sounded decent enough, and sounds much better when you realized that freed up the salary to sign Ilya Bryzgalov.  Carter was an invisible post-season player, and caused the team headaches outside of the well, but also wasn't praised amongst the Flyers locker room.  Courtier is a hot prospect, and should one day be a NHL forward.  Only the future will tell how good he will become.  Flyers got a steal snagging him at the 8 spot.


And we can all sleep a little easier now.




Now for the Richards deal, one that's still a little tough to swallow.  But I am not one to criticize too much,  Paul Holmgren is not an idiot.  I seriously believe that there was locker room issues with Richards, and he had some off-ice issues as well.  Of course Lavs downplayed any issues with Richards, and so did the team.  If they didn't downplay those issues, Richards could of been to hockey what Haynesworth has become to the NFL, just a great player who causes problems.  Now I'm not saying Richards is half as bad as that overpaid man in DC, but the second you talk about issues with Richards, his value as a player drops.

On paper, LA got the better end of the deal.  And to this day, they still did.  Simmonds is a hard nose player that Philly fans will fall in love with....he's essentially a Dan Carcillo style player who focuses on offensive production a little more...but still isn't afraid to drop the gloves when the timing is right.  

Brayden Schenn is the "Cam Newton/Kyrie Erving/Bryce Harper" of the NHL right now.  It's hard to find people who say he isn't the best non-NHL prospect player in the world, and those who say he isn't put him in the top 5.  While it's a lot of "what if's", there was a lot of the same questions when the Penguins drafted that kid named Sidney Crosby, and when the Flyers drafted that youngster out of Jersey named James Van Riemsdyk.  I think Schenn will start and be an exciting youngster on this team, who has no ceiling.  Who knows how good he will become.

Everyone is also fast to forget that, July 1st is tomorrow.  The Flyers have enough money to sign 2 quality 2nd/3rd line players, and if they drop a guy like Bobrovsky (who will be by far the highest paid backup goalie), they do have the money for a name like Stamkos.  While again that's unlikely, it was also unlikely the Flyers would get rid of both Carter and Richards...and well....you know what happened.



Here's what we have as of today:

Forwards
1. Danny Briere
2. Claude Giroux
3. James Van Riemsdyk
4. Scott Hartnall
5. Kris Versteeg
6. Jakub Voracek
7. Brayden Schenn
8. Wayne Simmonds
9. Andres Nodl
10. Blare Betts
11. Jody Shelly
12. Eric Wellwood/Zach Rinaldo/etc
Phantoms : Testwudie, Ryan, Lappy, Holmstrom.

As for Parings:
Line 1. JVR/Giroux/Briere (lamp-lighters)
Line 2.Hartnall/Versteeg/Voracek (I thought Hartnall and Versteeg played well.  Voracek adds size to the line too)
Line 3.Simmonds/Schenn/Nodl (Simmonds takes care of anyone who messes with the kids)
Line 4.Whoever


Defensemen
1. Chris Pronger
2. Kimmo Timonen
3. Braydon Coburn
4. Matt Carle
5. Andrej Mezardos
6. Erik Gustafsson (had a great year for the Phantoms last year)
Phantoms : Bartulus, Marshall, Syvret

Goalie
1. Ilya Bryzgalov
2. Sergi Bobrovsky
Phantoms : Backlund, Leighton

Again, that's not including guys who will become free agents for the Flyers on Firday (Leino, Zherdev, Carcillo, O'Donnell)...And the Flyers WILL sign more players.

Just who they sign is the great mystery.

For those who are nerds like me, check out CapGeek to see just what the Flyers money situation is.

Stamkos




One word that has echoed through the streets of Philly for the last week.  I have been very hesitant to jump on board, but I finally will share my thoughts.

Before even writing, I DO NOT believe #91 will be in orange and black next year.  But the argument for him being "guaranteed" back in Tampa isn't how I see it.

My first concern is how he hasn't signed with Tampa yet.  We can put him in the same echelon as Ovechkin and Crosby for offensive production, and yet those two were signed 200-350 days before they even hit the RFA market.  And with Tampa saying they will "match any deal," you would think they would have offered Stamkos basically whatever deal he wanted.

So why hasn't he signed yet?  My belief is that he doesn't want to be in Tampa Bay.  Steve Yzerman is making a big deal stating that the Bolts will "match any deal" Stamkos is offered......Well just because they match it doesn't mean Stamkos has to accept their deal.  Could Yzerman and his "match" clause just be there to save his ass when Stamkos leaves Tampa, and make it look like Stamkos was the bad guy picking another city instead of Yzerman being the bad guy.

Next we have to look at the Salary issue.  While I am not fully involved and know the numbers in Tampa like I do in Philly, I know it is fact that the lightning entered the postseason with 36.5 million commited to 12 players.  You generally need about 23 guys signed, and with 30 million to spend...sounds easy.  But the guys they need to sign include some starters and goalies.  If Stamkos takes up 8-10 million a year of a hit....they have about 20 mil to spend on a dozen players.  They have already signed Roloson to a 1 year 3 million dollar deal, giving them even less cap space than before.

Basically the moral of that is, the Lightning are currently not in a salary position to match a super offer a team could throw at Stamkos with a lot more money avalable (to spend on a couple players instead of a dozen like Tampa)


Now since we talk Flyers here, I can give my pitch for the Fly Guys.

Flyers currently have around 8 million in cap space.  They can also trade Bobrovsky (1.7 mil), trade a guy like Shelly (1.1 mil).  If they do that and do not resign Leino; they do have the money for Stamkos if he's in the 8-10 million range.  Flyers historically always field a roster within 500k of the Salary Cap number.

However, I think it's more likley the Flyers sign a Brad Richards esque 20-30 goal scorer, along with a #3 or #4 defender that would play on the 2nd line.

Sadly I do not think Leino will be back in Philly.  I've heard that he was "a million dollars and a year" apart from what Philly wanted to pay him, and he will hit the free agency market.  And when he (along with every other 2-3rd line player) hits free agency, he will get overpaid by a team...and that offer will not be matched by the Flyers

BUT since we're talking about it....I think the chances of Stamkos back in Tampa are less than everyone else thinks.  If Stamkos were to come to Philly, It appears that he would be taking a discounted price (like Cliff Lee) to come here, since Florida and Toronto have a little more cap space to work with.  Those two teams have the option of making Stamkos the highest paid NHL player to date..if they so wish.

The next 24-48 hours will answer all our quesitons


(Flyers last EA Sport Cover Sport athlete, FYI)

Sunday, June 26, 2011

How the NHL realignment should work.

Very simple.  No division.  15 teams in the east, 15 teams in the west.  Top 8 make the playoffs (as is the case now)

In your conference you play each team 4 times (twice on the road, twice at home).  That accounts for 56 games in a season.  Then you play 2 inter-league games, one at home, one on the road.  That accounts for 30 games.

So we now have an 86 game season.  This could make less rivalry games, but also makes rivalries games a little more special.

It evens the playing field.  Divisions are irrelevant when it comes to who makes the playoffs and where you get seeded, so why even have them?  Why does Washington get to play Florida more than the Flyers do, if those two teams are fighting it out for the last spot in the playoffs?

As for the Conferences, simple east and west, similar to how it is now.

East.
Boston, New York, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Columbus, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Florida.

West.
Nashville, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, Minnesota, Dallas, Colorado, Phoenix, Anaheim, LA, San Jose, Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Edmonton.

Zero rocket science here. 

Friday, June 24, 2011

24 hours later. The Richards deal

While this deal is harder to swallow, I don't think we know the whole story.

The deal doesn't make sense.  There must be more or something else we don't know about. 

Richards was a great player.  Easily one of the best two way players in the game.  Despite all of this, his role as captain was constantly in question, and there was instability between Richards and Lavs.  His performance in the 2010 playoffs was great, but it is true that his performance in 2011 was less than expected.

I believe that either the Flyers are going to flip another deal, or there was serious problems between management and Richie. 


Flyers did receive what's regarded as the #1 prospect in the NHL, Brayden Schenn from LA.  While I love what this 19 year old has to offer, I am not set on a love affair yet, since I feel he will be moved.  More at the bottom.

Flyers also picked up Wayne Simmonds from LA, which will likley lead to the Flyers not resigning Carcillo.  Simmonds is a enforcer, who is a little more offensive minded than Carcillo or Brasher was for the Flyers.


I still think the Flyers are out to make another move.  The #8 pick is incredibly useless for the Flyers, since they're in to win now and not a couple years down the road when the 17-18 year old they pick makes it pro.  And we already have the kid who would be the #1 pick in the draft today. 

If they draft someone in the draft, the Flyers have two incredibly valuable prospects.  They also have a valuable prospect in Bobrovsky, who becomes the highest paid backup goaltender in the NHL with the signing of Ilya.  I really wouldn't be surprised to see the Flyers pack a deal with those 2-3 guys and someone else for a big name.  Just my hopes and thoughts.

We do have about 8 million in cap space now.

24 hours later. The Carter Deal

If you live under a rock, the Flyers pulled off a day now being called "2nd most shocking" day of trades in hockey history, only 2nd to when Edmonton traded Gretzky to LA. 

First off here's what the Flyers lost, and gained, in my eyes.

Jeff Carter - This was forseen.  Carts wasn't performing up to what he was being paid, and was injured all the time.  While he was a goal scorer, he didn't dominate games and rule the ice like so many of the games elites players.  He deserves upmost credit for his goals last year, but on the ice, his presence wasn't there.  And my eyes will never look at him the same considering if he would of lifted a wrist shot, we would of been 60 minuets away from winning the Stanley Cup.  I think that play spoke louder than words.





1. If you forgot, he didn't score, and 51 did not deflect the shot in any way.  2. If you forgot, that was with 1:31 left in the 3rd period of a 3-3 tie in Game 6.


While Carts was appreciated, I think the Flyers got the better end of the deal.  They got to unload a overpaid player who had a incredibly long contract.

They picked up a very talented 21 year old skater in Jakub Voracek who tallied around 30 assists a season and had 18 goals last year.  He's also 6'2" 215lbs, a big winger, which the team needs urgently.  Voracek is a member of the Czech-Republic World Juniors team for the last couple of years.

Also just as important, Flyers picked up the 8th pick in the NHL draft, along with a 3rd round. 


Monday, June 20, 2011

MLB Realignment??

A week ago, an ESPN article made front-page news talking about Major League Baseball considering a realignment, placing the Houston Astros in the AL West (with the Texas/Dallas Rangers) making both the AL and NL housing 15 teams, and each division consisting of 5 teams.

This leads to a thousand headaches, but the most painful, would be the fact that the last series of the season, and all 162 gamedays would consist of interleague play with the odd numbers in each division.

I really hope MLB doesn't make even divisions.  In a sport where you don't play a different team every night, and you play to win the division to get into the playoffs, inter-league play would be completely unacceptable in the last week.  People do always make the claim about how unfair it is that a team in the AL West only has to beat 3 other teams to get to the playoffs, while a team in the NL Central has to beat 5 other teams to win the division.

While I agree that you must win to win, it isn't right for the oblong sizes of divisions. 

The best answer for MLB is to cut to 28 or go up to 32 teams.  With 32 teams, 4 division of 4 teams could exist (like the NFL) and have divisional games at the end.  At 28, I'd love to see 2 divisions of 7.

While I don't think what i'm about to post is what should happen, I like to be open minded and think about change.  Here's some realignment to think about for the MLB.  This is my realignment based on geography and city rivalries.

EASTERN CONFRENCE

Division 1.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates
  • New York Yankees
  • New York Mets
  • Philadelphia Phillies
  • Boston Red Sox
This division would appear as a "super-division" but really wouldn't be any better/worse then the AL east is right now.  This would open up the "subway-series" in New York all season long....imagine a Yankees-Mets game to decide which team goes to the playoffs.  Philadelphia-Boston games would be incredible all season long.  Philadelphia-Pittsburgh is a rivalry in all other sports, but not MLB.

Division 2
  • Baltimore Orioles
  • Washington Nationals
  • Atlanta Braves
  • Tampa Bay Rays
  • Florida (Miami) Marlins
Baltimore-Washington would be a great rivalry, both teams within an hour of each other.  Tampa-Miami would have a renown rivalry over bragging rights in Florida as well.  (This brings up a seperate random point, but any team with a state name and zero history in a state where more than 1 team exists, MUST be renamed)

Division 3
  • Toronto Blue Jays
  • Cleveland Indians
  • Detroit Tigers
  • Cincinatti Reds
  • Kansas City Royals
This creates an In-State rivalry in Ohio, and adds Toronto-Detroit, two cities only 230 miles apart.

WESTERN CONFRENCE

Division 4
  • Chicago White Sox
  • Chicago Cubs
  • St. Louis Cardinals
  • Milwaukee Brewers
  • Minnesota Twins
While Division 1 turned into the king of the east as the AL East has been, this division gives the west a division worth competing with the current AL east.  Chicago would have it's own cross town rivalry, and renoun the sport in that city.  Cardinal-Cubs games would continue to be great.  Minnesota-Milwaukee are also within 300 miles of each other.

Division 5
  • Seattle Mariners
  • Colorado Rockies
  • Arizona Diamondbacks
  • Texas (Dallas) Rangers
  • Houston Astros
Seattle fits in absolutely no division, since there are no teams anywhere close to the city.  This puts Houston and Dallas in the same division, which would create a great rivalry in that area for two teams that really don't have a rival team

Division 6 (California Love)
  • Oakland Raiders
  • San Francisco Giants
  • Los Angeles Dodgers
  • Los Angeles Angels
  • San Diego Padres
Not much could be said bad about this.  Adds a bay rivalry in Oakland-San Fran, and a city rivalry in LA.

Now I based my alignment on boundaries, and this would create cross-town rivalries and some of the rivalries we love in other sports.

While it's all a bunch of nonsense, some of these divisions would be great, the kind of divisions I'd make when I got bored with a MLB video game and wanted to play a season.  I never understood the Phillies playing two teams 10+ hours a way for 2 of their division rivalries, along with teams like Baltimore-Washington and Cincinatti-Cleveland never get to go head to head.

While I totally disagree with the inter-league play that would have to happen, the team who finished last in each division could be responsible for the last 3 series (9 games) of the season.

As for Playoffs, I know that MLB will expand.  There is too much money for them not too.  I think a playoff parallel to that of the NFL with 6 teams (2 from each division) would work.  But this isn't as easy as if they just added a team to 2 more cities, but that will never happen.

But encase they do; Charlotte, Indianapolis, Portland, Norfolk, and Orlando are adequate metropolitan to house a Major League Baseball team.

And for those who are a little more visual, here's my thoughts.

Despite MLB being right going east-west, they forget that it's 1,309 mile drive from Citi Field to Sun Life Stadium, taking 21 hours and 49 minuets.  it's also a 1,459 mile drive from Fenway to Tropicana Field. 

Current alignment.



And since we're talking about realignment, here's my NFL east/west conference wishlist.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Phils Dominate the Game I Thought They'd Lose and Squeak Out the Game I Thought They'd Win + Boston Edition.

First and foremost, absolute congratulations to one of my favorites off all time; Mark Recchi, on getting his name etched onto the holy grail of hockey for the 3rd time.  It's a shame it never happened in Philly, but I still have the utmost respect for him over every player in the game today.  Congratulations to the Boston Bruins, who outright deserved and outworked the rest of the NHL on their way to the Stanley Cup Championship.

It hurts knowing that the 0-3 comeback doesn't quite have the luster that it did 2 hours ago, but you can't take anything away from how well this team played top to bottom.




It's worth noting, some of Philadelphia's last playoff runs;

Flyers - Lost to Boston (Champions)
Sixers - Lost to Heat (East Champions)
Eagles - Lost to Packers (Champions)
Phillies - Lost to Giants (Champions)
Flyers - Lost to Chicago (Champions)
Eagles - Lost to Dallas (sucks)
Phillies - Lost to New York (Champions)

All that put aside, I will not sleep easy knowing Boston has won 7 championships this decade.



But now onto the Phillies.  What a day for this team.  First game was of utmost dominance, and quite an impressive start by Kyle Kendrick.  Time to stop making jokes about this kid until he blows up again, cause he's putting together some good numbers this year.  And it's about time he does so.

The offense is finally clicking.  Halladay has one of his "bad" starts (7ip, 4 runs on 6 hits, 8k's), but the team went out and got the job done when it counted.  Timely hits has finally entered this teams vocabulary, and they are finally playing with some swag (not to be cliche) 

Not much more can be said. When everything is going right for this team, you got to just sit back, relax, and watch every at bat this team has, because something special could happen the very next pitch.

The Worst Link You Will See Today

Are the Flyers Interested in Tim Thomas? - 6/24/10

Plaxico???



As Michael Vick tweets about Plaxico, and Plaxico is rocking another Phillies hat, we start to ponder just the option of seeing Mr. I-forgot-to-turn-the-safety-on-my-gun in green and white next year.

Would Plaixco want to play in Philly?  Absolutely.  Try and make a case for why anyone wouldn't want to play with the most explosive offense in the league.  As long as he kept himself in shape, it isn't too difficult for someone with talents like him earn a spot as our #3 WR. 

Is Plaxico a good fit in Philly?  Absolutely.  The biggest flaw with our offense (minus the o-line) is the fact that the top two WR's are shorter than 80% of secondary players in the NFL.  While the size pays off in speed, you aren't burning anyone when there's less than 30 yards between the ball and the back of the endzone.  If you watched the Eagles successful and unsuccessful red zone trips last year.  A lot of those successful trips involved Vick scrambling, McCoy running it, or a WR getting open using a cut or post route.  I almost forgot that TD pass to O-Liner Herremans in Dallas too.  A lot of failed trips included Vick dropping back into the pocket and looking for the open receiver.  Jackson and Maclin are too short to dominate a zone defense in the red-zone.

Plaxico was always a great red-zone WR, and with his size, gives the Eagles that jump ball slash throw it to the back of the endzone where only our tall WR can catch it type of play.  I dont remember one successful jump ball for the Eagles offense last year, or a toe touch grab over a corner by a WR.  This is something Plaxico feeds off of, and rightfully so with his size.  Only type of play I remember, was that faithful throw against the Packers in the playoffs to Riley Cooper, that was slightly underthrown and picked off.

Riley Cooper is the Eagles future tall WR, but despite flashing some brilliance last year, he certainly isn't ready to be a go to guy game after game.  Not saying he never will be, but not today.

The Eagles time to win is now.  Vick won't get any younger, and despite the youngsters of our offense, who knows if we can keep them all together in the long run.  If you can get Plaxico for a deal similar to Vick, one year guaranteed, and a 2nd year club option worth a lot more, absolutely do it. 

As for Plaxico's jail sentence, what a joke.  Donte Stallworth drives drunk and kills a man, and that warrants a week behind bars.  Ray Lewis was involved in a fight where 2 guys ended up stabbed to death, pleded guilty for obstruction of justice, settled out of court and gave a ton of money to the families two people who were stabbed, and he's a saint in the NFL.  Plaxico shoots himself with his own gun? 2 years no questions asked.  I'm all for second chances, but all things considered, 2 years was pretty ridiculious.

Maybe next time we go to the Linc, next to those dumbass Vick protestors who PAID THE EAGLES AND VICK MONEY to buy his jersey; in return to spraypaint X's over it, we will see gun control guys next to them.  Hey I dunno if I can get more laughs then I already do out of the crowd in JFK park and tailgating before Eagles games, but just maybe some gun control protestors would.

Cheers!

Chase Utley looks like he's back, Domonic Brown looks like he's a starter.

Coming off a quality offensive outing (first 5 HR game this year) and Cole Hamels battling Roy Halladay for the starter in the all star game; tonight was one of those Phillies games that we just love to watch.  The team that "relied on the Home Run" too much or the "homeruns only get you so far" hoopla we heard night in and out over the last couple years; had one of those games. 

Hamels was pulled from the game, from what appears to just be his back tightening up.  When asked in the postgame interview if he will make his next start, he emphatically responded "oh yeah."

Chase Utley had a great weekend, and including his bomb tonight, it's almost safe to say he's back.  I still cringe and hold my breath every-time he's up to bat or gets a ball hit hard at him, but I think he's getting back to the Chase Utley form we love. Which has certainly been a spark for this team.

Domonic Brown is your RF from here on out.  I don't care what can be said about another lefty in the lineup, the kid is ready to be a major league ballplayer.  And his 2nd HR was Howard/Thome esque landing easily in the 2nd deck.  Hopefully he stays around in Philly and doesn't become another great young OF shipped off (Byrd/Bourn), because this kid will be an exciting player.


Big day tomorrow for the Phils, as Kyle Kendrick takes on someone making his first MLB start for Florida in the 1:05 game, and then a great pitching matchup between 6-1 3.06ERA Anibal Sanchez takes on Doc, sitting at 9-3 with a 2.39ERA.  Taking these two games would be huge.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

This series is more important than you think. Phillies vs Marlins

Why is this series important, against a .500 team that's 3rd in the division?

1. The Braves start a 3 game home series against the Mets.  And we only have a 2.5 game lead on the underrated Braves.  And after the Mets, they have home series against the Rangers and Blue Jays.  Despite those two teams being good, they are still home games for Atlanta. 

2. Hanley Ramirez is returning to the lineup for the Marlins tonight.  While he might do nothing , he might spark the team out of the slide they've been on recently.

3. The next couple series are going to be tough.  This weekend is one of the worst weekends in sports, where the Phillies have 10:05 starts Friday and Saturday in Seattle.  No teams from Philadelphia are ever successful on the west coast, and it's just a weird 3 game interleague series out west.  Then the Phillies have a travel day, but things wont get any easier against the Cardinals in St. Louis (Please Charlie, if Pujols is up with the game on the line, walk him.)  Then were looking at the throwback series as the Oakland A's come to town and then the awfully-scheduled mid week series with Boston in town. 

So the Phillies need to win this sereis.  It's not your typical Phillies-Marlins series.  If the Phillies put together a bad series, it's hard to get out of slumps on the road, especially against two quality teams. 

Tonight we'll see Chris Volstad with a 2-6 record and a 5.5 ERA, taking on Kid Cole Hamels.  Lets get this started off right.

Don't forget to mark your calendars, July 8-10 the Braves come to town.  Huge early-July series for the Phils.  And I'm excited to make a post about just how wrong those people who want to bring the Oakland A's back to Philadelphia, and just how bad that would flop.   Expect to see that when the A's series starts.

Cheers

49 Days Until the Trade Deadline? Let's talk about it!

We all know a lot can happen to a baseball team over the course of a week for a baseball club, so talking about a day that's a month and a half away seems foolish.  While it may be, it's one of those days that can win and lose World Series titles.

Remember the 2008 trade deadline?  Probably not.  But the Phillies picked up this guy named Joe Blanton.  What did he do after the trade deadline?  Go 4-0 in the regular season.  Then ended up 2-0 in the postseason, including 1-0 in the World Series.  Players like him were underestimated and under-credited toward the World Series that we will never forget.

Everyone in Philly wanted us to bring in C.C, but He ended up 0-1 in the postseason, thanks to Mr. Victorino and Brett Myers.  Everyone wanted the Phillies to bring in Manny Ramirez.  Had we got Manny, we wouldn't of been guaranteed those game 5 hits Geoff Jenkins and Pat Burrell put up that ultimately led to that swing and a miss from Hinske.

But these days leading up to the trade deadline often determine champions.  Will the Phillies pull the trigger, and if so who?  Here's my thoughts.

First I take a look within the Phillies organization.  I dont see JC Romero and Danny Baez having guaranteed playoff spots.  I wouldn't be surprised to see either of these guys go with just how well Stutes has pitched.  With their play recently tho, there isn't too much that can be said about the bullpen in the negative light we got so used to talking about in the past.  I assume the Phillies will turn to a 4 man rotation come playoffs, and it's likley that Joe Blanton or Kyle Kendrick could be dropped for a guy like Vance Worley who has a little more experience coming out of the bullpen.

Don't get me wrong, I do not want to see Vance Worley make an appearance on the Phillies for the rest of the year unless one of our starters goes on an extended DL stint.  He needs to start in a consistent rotation, since I fully believe he will be on the Phillies staff next year.

The use of position players in the Phillies organization isn't what it used to be.  Along with success comes a standard lineup, and we haven't seen the integration of players from AAA into games like we used to just 6 or 7 years ago.  Scott Posednik, Ronnie Belliard, Delwyn Young are three household names in our minor league system, but none of them have had a season this year good enough to mention.  In reality, there aren't many position players in our minor league system that could help us out.
So in reality, the Phillies could very well reach out to pick up another bat.  Speculation about the return of Jim Thome to be that big pinch hitter came and left without anything happening, but in reality, it still makes sense.  Ross Gload has had that persistent injury, and I don't know how reliable he can be down the stretch.  I say the Phillies trade something for Thome, and then god forbid something happens to Howard, we have Thome backing him up.  Then Gload can finally go on the DL instead of sitting in the dugout every game doing nothing.  Thome and Manuel have a great relationship, and Thome and the city of Philadelphia have just as great of a relationship.  And wouldn't we all love to see Thome hit the 2nd deck in right once more?

That doesn't address their biggest issue, a right handed bat.  Mayberry Jr had his chance to be that man, and did nothing worth remembering after his opening day walk off hit.  Buster Olney of ESPN has said the Phillies may be interested in guys like Josh Willingham and Michael Cuddyer.  While I love the idea, I dont think it'll be all that easy to get guys like that. 

In reality, I could pull up a ton of names of right handed bats who would be great for the Phillies, and are likley available come this trade deadline.  

If the Phillies get a right handed bat, who leaves the lineup? I can't see how it's anyone other than Francisco or Martinez.  Phillies have 4 replaceable bench players (not including a catcher); Gload, Martinez, Valdez, and Francisco.  You can eliminate Gload since he's the only guy who's ever played first (and why Thome isn't a bad idea.)  You can eliminate Valdez for how good he's been as a filler, and you are left with Martinez and Francisco.  I think it'll come down to if we get an IF or OF player as to who goes.  I'm more satisfied with letting Francisco walk, he's had his chance, and he's failed.  Martinez is a Rule5 player, who if the Phillies release, is out of our organization.  He's young and hasn't really had the chances Francisco has had, and his versatility in the field is unappreciated. 

And I want everyone to understand, despite how frustrating the Phillies have played so far this year, they are still the best team in baseball.  They aren't as bad as you think.  As one of my favorite blogs Zoo With Roy states : 

"As everyone knows, the Phillies are in serious trouble and the roster is flawed and their offense stinks and Jimmy swings too early in the count and too many guys are past their peak and Ryan Howard's contract is terrible and there are too many lefties and Cliff Lee has given up runs and Victorino is a space cadet and basically their problems are way too huge to ever think about overcoming.

Oh yeah also we have the best record in baseball."

-Cheers!