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.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
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?
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.
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.
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.
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