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Steve O Diatribe

November 16, 2007 | By Steve Olenski | Discuss

As seen on: http://insidetheeagles.blogspot.com/

Cleaning out the attic…

Come in off the Lidge…


So the Phillies got themselves a new closer and a new starter in the same deal. Have to give GM Pat Gillick credit. Not many other GMs can get a quality closer AND starter in the same deal. Of course the cynic in me thinks it was done on the cheap. This is the Phillies after all. But the realist in me thinks it was a good-to-potentially great deal.

So they add Lidge, move Myers and resign Romero. Not bad. Not bad. But of course there’s much more to do.

First and foremost has to be centerfield. The Phillies MUST either resign Aaron Rowand or get Torri Hunter. There is simply no way an outfield of Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino & Jayson Werth will cut it. First off you’re playing a bit of Russian roulette in thinking Burrell will pick up where he left off last year. You’re also banking on a guy in Werth who has never played a full season. Projected over a full 162-game season, his numbers come out to a .259 average with 16 HRs and 77 RBIs. You’re also losing Rowand’s numbers in this equation. You wanna tell me last year was an aberration? Well for his career he is a .286 hitter with 18 HR’s & 66 RBI’s per season. So you may have something. BUT in 2004 with the White Sox he hit .310 with 24 HRs and 69 RBIs. Numbers that are very close to what he put up last year. In other words, he’s done it before.

Then there’s Third Base. Ugh. Can we really go into next season with Wes Helms and Greg Dobbs platooning at third? Absolutely. Book it. These are your 2008 Phillies third basemen. God help us.

Hook, Line & Stinker…
So the Eagles beat the Fish handily to go 5-5 heading into the game vs. the Patriots. That’s what some of the media (both locally and nationally) would have you believe. I mean there’s no way they can lose to an 0-9 team, right?

The fact that there is even ONE person who is putting this in the win column for Fightin Birds (a little homage to former Phils announcer Scott Graham) is enough cause for mandatory drug testing for ALL humans.

To those who are looking ahead to the Patriots, I just want to know if they have actually watched any of the Eagles previous 9 games? Because anyone who has in fact seen the Eagles play this year cannot in their right mind think ANY game is worthy of such blatant disregard for the opponent.

This is the Eagles we’re talking about! Anything is possible!

Having said that, I do think the Eagles will win on Sunday, but not by much. Eagles 27, Fish 20.

Who you callin’ a ho?…
I think political correctness has reached a new low, as in way down, as in way down under.

Did you see this? I swear I only wish I could make this stuff up, but even my imagination isn’t that good.

Santas in the city of Sydney, Australia have been instructed to NOT utter the timeless, classic Kris Kringle phrase, “ho, ho, ho.” Why you ask? Because it may be offensive to women and children and was too close to "ho", a US slang term for prostitute.

Now first off, any child who knows the slang meaning of the word “ho” has bigger issues, like where are their parents and just how much MTV are you letting them watch?

And as for being offensive to women, I think they may be onto something. I think this is just the tip of the iceberg and I move to ban the following traditional Christmas songs immediately.

Winter Wonderland. It is clearly offensive to all the other seasons. Why no Spring, Summer or Fall Winterland?

The First Noel. This song is offensive to ALL Noels that followed the first one. Weren't they any good? Of course they were. Why does the First Noel have a song and not the 57th?

The Christmas Song. Parenthetically titled Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire, this seemingly innocent tune is downright offensive to all other members of the nut & legume families. I mean what’s wrong with Walnuts or Almonds or even Figs roasting on an open fire?

Frosty the Snowman. This song, along with songs like God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are among the most egregious and offensive to women the world over. Why no Frosty the Snowwoman? Or better still, Frosty the Snowperson?

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Without question this holiday favorite is offensive to homosexual men not to mention what it says about Mom, who first chance she gets, is swapping spit with the big man in red. No wonder they call him Jolly Old St. Nick. I’d be jolly, too.

This is just a partial list mind you. But I intend to do whatever I can to have these offensive songs, and those like them, banned from all airwaves, elevators, iPods, shopping malls and waiting rooms across the country and the world.

‘Til next time.

November 15, 2007

The State of the NFL...

1. Patriots (9-0). This team is so scary, they even beat the Bye Week.

2. Colts (7-2). Sorry Cowboys fans and you know who you are, the Colts are still the 2nd best team in the NFL. Peyton Manning ain't throwing no 6 INTS in one game ever again... EVER. But with Dwight Freeney now done for the season, suddenly the chances of a repeat diminish significantly.

3. Cowboys (8-1). A very, very good team with a good-to-very good defense and a very taleted QB/WR duo who can both self-destruct in less time it takes to read this article. Cowboys fans, take note: Things are going very well right now but when, NOT IF, things are not going so well, be prepared for the REAL TO to sign in, please.

4. Packers (8-1). Remember, this whole Favre-elous ride started from the outset in Week 1 when the Eagles gift-wrapped the win by running everyone but Wally Henry and Gizmo Williams out there to return kicks. And it shows no signs of letting up.

5. Steelers (7-2). May not be a Steel Curtain anymore but rather Bronze Drapes. Whatever you call them, they ain't too shabby, allowing a league-low 229 yards per game.

From this point on there is a major drop off to the next group of teams with each of them having major flaws and question marks.

6 - 12. Saints, Browns, Lions, Chargers, Giants, Seahawks, Titans. Yes, I do think the Saints loss last week to the hapless Rams was an aberration. The Browns showed something by hanging with the Steelers as long as they did. As for the others from this group, still don't take the Lions very seriously while the Chargers, Giants, Seahawks & Titans are too inconsistent.

This next group represents those that have been among the most disappointing this season and two, the Jags and Bills, who are pretty much right where I'd thought they be.

13 - 20 Jags, Bills, Ravens, Panthers, Bears, Eagles, Bengals, Broncos. Some would have had the Saints in the group of those who disappoint, but as I mentioned, I think last week was a blip and they will be tough down the stretch. As for the others, well of course we start with the Eagles. I am on record, as seen in The Morning After, that the Eagles win over the Skins was more Washington losing than the Eagles winning. If it were not for some bizarre play calling and strange clock management by the Skins, the Eagles would be 3-6 and not 4-5 and making plans for the Kevin Kolb era to begin. But as it is, they stand poised to go 5-5 by beating the Fish on Sunday and essentially right in the thick of the NFC Wild Card chase. Among the rest, I would say the most disappointing would be the Ravens and Bengals, particularly the Ravens, who were picked by many, including yours truly, to win the AFC.

21-32. Bucs, Chiefs, Vikings, Redskins, Cardinals, Texans, Raiders, Falcons, Niners, Jets, Rams, Dolphins. Of this Terrible Twelve, perhaps the Bucs on their strength of their Defense or Redskins for the same reason, are actually worth anything. But in reality, there's not a whole lot of difference between this group and the one before it.

'Til next time.

October 31, 2007

The Long A.A.R.M. of Steve O...

Aimless Assembly of Rambling Musings

Clearing the proverbial docket.

Dodgers Do Little. So yesterday Dodgers Manager Grady Little (ahem) "resigned." Asked why, he said "I've got my own, personal reasons. It's a mutual resignation. I know this is the best way to go. It's not an easy decision, as anyone might suggest, but it's final." Meanwhile, general manager Ned Colletti said that he (Little) could have remained manager if he had so chosen even going so far as to say "I wanted Grady Little back." Of course this all is oh-so-convenient and clears the way for Joe Torre to step in to replace him. You know this is yet another slap in the face to sports fans everywhere. Does anyone on the face of this planet think for one second that Grady Little could have remained manager of the Dodgers had he so chosen? Perhaps once... ONCE in our lifetime an organization will come clean and tell us, the general public, those that essentially pay your salaries, the truth and nothing but.

And for the record, why couldn't the Phillies have done this? I know they re-upped The Unc but when you have a chance to get a Hall of Fame caliber manager. Is it fair? Of course not. The smart baseball move to make? In my opinion, yes. I know I will catch flak for that but, it's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Phone Home Eliot. Have you been following this story? New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, for reasons apparently known only to him, thinks illegal immigrants should be given New York driver's licenses. This is completely insane on so many levels that I don't know where to start.

Yes I do. With the security of this country you buffoon. Perhaps you might remember September 11, 2001. If so you may also recall that the hijackers purchased the tickets using fake identification such as... you guessed it... drivers licenses!

And now this muttonhead Spitzer wants to make it easier for terrorists, AKA illegal immigrants, by providing illegal immigrants with actual, valid licenses!

Spitzer's response to all of this was to declare critics of his plan as "anti-immigrant."

Nothing short of an impeachment of this clown should satisfy anyone in the state of New York or in the entire country for that matter.

Ok, Who Had Plainville and 87? Smith Center High School in Kansas scored 72 points in the first quarter of a high school football game Tuesday night on the way to an 86-0 win over Plainville. Yeah, you heard right. They scored 72 points in ONE QUARTER. Jeez, not even Bellichick would run it up that much that fast... would he?

A Flawed System. I honestly believe if given the chance to do it all over again, God would make it so people had to pass a test or show some semblance of intelligence before procreating. Think about it. How illogical is that you must pass a test to drive a car, sell insurance or be a flight attendant yet anyone under the clear blue sky can have a child? The latest testament to this belief comes from Phoenix where a 22-year old woman is in jail after her 17-month-old son died from being left in the car for at least seven hours while she worked. The high temperature in Phoenix the day in question was 89 degrees while readings inside the vehicle reached upwards of 110 degrees. How do you make sense out of a senseless act?

To Schill Or Not To Schill. So should the Phillies go hard after Curt Schilling? I know all about his locker-room antics and off the field goings on where he never met a microphone he didn't like, but... if the Phillies are serious about winning, then go get him. And go get Mike Lowell and anyone else you think can help this team get over the hump. AROD? Was never, ever gonna happen and we all know it. So stop dreaming.

'Til next time

 

October 25, 2007

The State of the NFL...


Now playing: war


Rankings from #1 to whenever I feel like stopping...

1. Patriots. Stop already with "the poor Colts are getting any respect." The Colts are supposed to move up to #1 because they crushed the Jags while the Patriots "allowed" 28 to the Fish? Please.

2. Colts. I know you are the defending champions. And if it were ANY team other than the Pats, you'd be #1. Would it make you feel better if I made you 1B to their 1A?

3. Detroit Shock. Sorry no other NFL team warrants a ranking this high and the Shock are 24-11 and have clinched a playoff berth, best conference record AND best overall record.

4. DC United. They're 16-7 and lead the MLS Eastern Conference. Other than that, I know nothing else about them nor care to. What I do know is no NFL team is worthy of the #4 ranking.

5. Giants. Yeah, I went there. Didn't want to, but where else am I gonna go? Dallas? No, not yet, but soon. Face it, the G Men are playing well.

6. Cowboys. A notch behind the Giants but still a very good team.

7. Packers. The ageless one plus a solid D makes for a pretty good team.

8. Steelers. Lead the league in giving up just 13 points per game despite surrendering 31 to the Broncos this past week.

9. Jags. It's at this point where we can pretty much group the next 4-5 teams as they're pretty much the same.

10. - 14. Titans, Chargers, Redskins, Ravens, Seahawks

15. Chadron State. The Eagles are 8-0 and in first place in the Southwest region and #3 in the country in Division II football. Quick, where is Chadron State? Answer later.

16. - 18. Broncos, Bucs & Bears... oh my!

After this point in the rankings, do any of the remaining teams actually scare anyone?

The Panthers, Browns, Chiefs, Lions, Bills, Saints...? Please...!!!

Perhaps the Eagles are the best of this bunch and isn't that a ringing endorsement??!!

Congratulations Eagles! Among the bottom feeders of the NFL, you're least bottom! Whoo Hoo!!!

'Til next time.

Chadron State is located in Chadron, Nebraska.

October 18, 2007

The Long A.A.R.M. of Steve O...


Aimless Assembly of Rambling Musings

Getting some things off my chest, cleaning the attic...

Chargers acquire Chris Chambers. You mean the Eagles were not willing to part with a 2nd Round Pick for a proven NFL-caliber WR? Or did they not even inquire? In case you were wondering, the Eagles 2nd Round picks under Andy Reid have been all over the (draft) board. From the good (Sheldon Brown, Reggie Brown) to the bad (Bobby Williams, Todd Pinkston) to the ugly (Barry Gardner, Quinton Caver). Or do you think the reason the Eagles did not make a play for Chris Chambers had anything to do with the fact that he was in the same draft as Fred X? Painful as this is to all Eagles fans, I must remind you that Freddie Mitchell was selected ahead of Chad Johnson, Chris Chambers & Steve Smith. All together now: OUCH!

'Til next time.

October 10, 2007

Jagged Little Phil...


"So Steve O, Diatribe Steve O... What say'eth you regarding the Fightin Phils?" The people have been clamoring night & day, wondering when I was going to share my views on the recently completed 2007 edition of the Philadelphia Phillies.

"Help us Steve O. Guide us Steve O. Show us the way Steve O." It's almost embarrassing to have so many people come to you for enlightenment.

Almost.

To keep it from reaching mass hysteria levels, I will now share with you, my thoughts on the Phillies via a self-administered Q&A.

Q: Was this is a successful season.
A: Absolutely. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool.

Q: Should Charlie Manuel have been brought back?
A: A tough question for sure. Immediately following the regular season, I was all for bringing The Unc back. No Major League MENSA for sure, Charlie Manuel possesses other qualities that are inherent in every successful manager. Namely the willingness to take one for his players. Time & again he took the heat so they didn't have to. And there is no denying the grit & determination the players displayed practically every night and much that emanates from their respect for their manager.

It was not Charlie Manuel who got all of 3 hits in the last game, was it? No, but it was Charlie Manuel who pulled one Kyle for another in Game 2, with dire consequences. There are those who will argue that we will never know what Kyle Kendrick would have done had he been allowed to stay in the game. While that may be true, we DO know one thing: He could not have done any worse. Think about it: Kyle Lohse surrendered a Grand Slam to Kaz Matsui. What's the worse that Kyle Kendrick could have done? You got it. The exact same thing.

So should Uncle Charlie be back? I was all set to say yes until... Until the possibility of Joe Torre & Tony LaRussa becoming available became public. The problem, in my estimation, is the same problem we have had for years with this ownership group:

Their unwillingness to pay and overpay for talent all in the name of a World Series title. Joe Torre & Tony LaRussa would cost exponentially more than Charlie Manuel. And that's all you really need to know.

Look, I like The Unc and I think he gets unjustly criticized on occasion by people like me but... when you have a chance to add a Hall of Fame manager in either Torre or LaRussa to this existing squad, you simply owe it to the players and the fans alike to AT THE VERY LEAST explore the possibilities. Of course it's completely unfair to Charlie but, as we all know, this is a business, first and foremost.

And, to me, this is what's best for this particular business.

So we now continue on with the Charlie Manuel Experience for at least 2 more years while Torre and LaRussa may end up in other cities with other teams. Obviously only time will tell whether or not we're better off with or without Uncle Charlie.

Q: Do you make a play for Mariano Rivera?
A: Yes. Yes. A thousand times YES! He will cost plenty (there's that bottom line again) but if you can sign him, you can then move Brett Myers back into the starting rotation and he and Cole Hamels would form a formidable duo for sure.

Q: What other moves would you make in the offseason?
A: You need to address the pitching, obviously. Going on the assumption that you sign Rivera and move Myers back to the rotation, you can then plug Kendrick and Lohse as your #'s 3 & 4. Yes, they should resign Kyle Lohse. And what of Adam Eaton? Well, ideally you cut him, but again that would require the Phils paying for a player that is not on their roster PLUS admitting their mistake. I would try my darndest to trade him with the stipulation that you would be willing to pick up a chunk of his salary. If not, you are stuck with him and right now, I honestly don't know where he would fit. Long relief? Nah, not gonna pay a long reliever $8 million per.

From their, you have the issue of middle relief. After JC Romero, there are major problems. And please spare me the "Ryan Madson will be back" nonsense. Never have been and never will be a Ryan Madson fan. So middle relief is an issue that needs addressing.

Then there is the outfield. Aaron Rowand is a free agent and as much as it pains me, if monies are needed elsewhere (i.e. Rivera) and Rowand wants the $10 million we are hearing bandied about, then you may have to let him walk. Of course, there is no salary cap in baseball and the Phillies can do whatever they like and spend whatever is needed to keep Rowand here, but that's not going to happen and we all know it.

So in my scenario of signing Rivera and losing Rowand, you make a play for Andruw Jones and see if you can get him for less than what Rowand is commanding. If not, plug Victorino or Bourn in Center and/or see what else is available via free agency. Bobby Abreu anyone?

Then there is the issue of 3B. To me the answer is clear. Send Tadahito Iguchi to the Instructional League or wherever and make him your third baseman. If not, look to free agency where names like Mike Lowell will be available. You cannot under any circumstances start the season with Wes Helms as your starting third baseman.

'Til next time.

September 29, 2007

I had a dream last night that the Phils were actually tied with the Mets for 1st place in the NL East. HA! What a good one! Like that would ever happen.

Well somebody better call Auntie Em cause we ain't in Kansas anymore.

As I said on Tuesday, this week would be one that could possibly live in Philly sports lore for years to come. 3 days later and here we are, on the veritable brink of the National League Playoffs and really, be honest, "who'da thunk it?" As recent as justr a few weeks ago the Division was being handed to the Mets and we were all scheming ways in which the Phils could get into the dance via the Wild Card.

And now...

The SS Metropolitan did not hit any iceberg or any other object. No this catastrophe is self inflicted. But that should not nor will not diminish the accomplishments of the Fightins.

Love him? Hate him? A little of both? And I certainly fall more into the hate area of the pie chart, but regardless of what you or I or anyone else thinks about him, Charlie Manuel has this team playing the game the way its supposed to be played.

Cliche? Of course it is.

True? You bet your bippy.

This Phillies team is flat-out fun to watch AND root for and they are getting attention from media outlets well outside the Philly area, trust me. If they don't watch themselves, they will become the trendy team, the one the entire country sans for the cities of their opponents, all cheer for.

They say good things come in threes. Moe, Larry & Curly. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Rock, Paper, Scissors. The list is endless.

Well there are 3 games left to decide the Phils fate. Of course at the end of these 3 games, there may be cause for additional fate-deciding contests, but we will cross that bridge when we get to that toll booth.

Here's hoping we never come anywhere near that bridge and we wake up Monday morning making plans for the playoffs.

***

As for the Birds this week...

Will he play or won't he? That is the question.

If Brian Westbrook plays (and I think he will with the bye week looming), I think the Eagles can and will beat the Giants. I will say Eagles 27, Giants 16.

If #36 does not play, then it becomes a little dicier. Then the onus will fall squarely on #5 and the receivers and I do not get the same warm & fuzzy about them as I do when #36 is playing and thereby attracting much attention away from them.

If Westbrook does not play, I think the Eagles will still win but not by as much. Eagles 20, Giants 16.

'Til next time.

September 25, 2007

A Week That Will Live In...

Okay maybe not infamy but this coming week has the potential to become part of Philadelphia sports lore years from now.

With just 6 games to play, the Phillies are tied for the National League Wild Card. Tied! From the atrocious and potentially season-ending start to the season back in April to the middle of the season peaks & valleys that often left us wondering aloud as to the ultimate fate of this team and its manger -- the Phillies find themselves on the playoffs precipice. Whitey said it best, "Hard to believe, Harry."

Many are debating whether or not this will in fact be the year that the Phillies break down that wall and make the playoffs. Bridesmaids past, perhaps this year they wear white.

One thing is for sure: The 2007 version of the Philadelphia Phillies have been the most enjoyable to watch and the most spirited team since the '93 squad. No question about it.

I wonder if de facto GM Pat Gillick would settle for 2 out of 3 over the next two series as he stated earlier in the year? Or do you think he would go out on a limb and suggest the Phils actually win every game the rest of the way? Nah, Pat Gillick is like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan: Sleepless in Seattle.

And there's our old buddy Ed Wade. Wasn't that very neighborly of him to trade OF Jason Lane to the Padres just in time for these oh-so-critical stretch of games? I know he had to pass through waivers and the Phils could have blocked the deal but... did he (Wade) have to trade with the team that the Phils happen to be tied with! And hell, why not just trade them Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt, too!

Thanks Ed!

Gonna dial up a hockey euphemism here: It's gut check time for the Phils.

And lest we forget, the week will also culminate in the Eagles taking on the G-Men in the Meadowlands.

If they lose this game, and their record under Andy Reid heading into a bye is less than stellar, they will be 1-3 and potentially out of the playoff mix.

On the flip side, the Eagles record under Andy Reid post bye week is flat-out amazing and history has shown us that the Eagles can get on a roll and rattle 5-6 straight wins.

I will make my pick later in the week but right now, it's a close call as to whom I see winning this game.

'Til next time.

September 22, 2007

First, my thoughts on the game vs. the Lions and then my thoughts on the recent Donovan McNabb comments.

My spidey senses are telling me this is a must win game. I know, I know it's very perspicacious of me to say that, but hey, I'm not called the poor man's Kreskin for nothing.

To say this team is hard to get a read on is a gross understatement. I thought and fully expected them to come out last week guns blazing but, as it has been the case more often than not in the Andy Reid era -- those games that we (the fans) peg as ones that the Eagles will be MOST fired up for are those that they play completely flat and lifeless.

Exhibits A & B are both against the Bucs. The last game at the Vet, AKA the 2002 NFC Title Game and Monday night, September 8, 2003, AKA the first regular game at Lincoln Financial Field.

But I digress...

The key of course on Sunday will be how the Eagles Defense matches up against the Lions Offense. Jon Kitna is a gunslinger and Mike Martz is a pretty fair one himself. And now he has the weapons in place and it is showing.

Yes we all want to see Donovan show progress and an Eagles Offense that actually move the ball and sustain some drives but to me, the key is how the Eagles D attacks the Lions Offense.

It will be imperative for them to do something they have not done to date and that is pressure the QB. Is Trent Cole even on the team anymore? How about Darren Howard? And Jevon Kearse was last seen on the side of a milk carton.

IF... the Eagles can get to Kitna, they can AND will win. A defensive TD by the Eagles would not surprise me, either. IF... the Eagles D cannot get to Kitna, well... there's always next year and let's go Phillies!

My pick:
Eagles 28
Lions 24

As for Donovan and his recent comments on HBO's Real Sports...

It saddened me, truly, when I heard his comments. It saddened me to hear someone like him "playing the race card"The other starting black NFC Quarterbacks, sans Steve McNair, have all essentially said the same thing which is they don't see nor experience the kinds of things Donovan made reference to.

So why does Donovan feel this way ?

I think his feelings and thoughts are from things that he perceives from both the local media and fans. I also think his mother & father play an extremely influential role in his life.

Everyone knows that Philadelphia is arguably the toughest place to be a professional athlete.

But to imply that the he (McNabb) must do a little more, as he put it, just because he is black is downright insulting to me as a fan of this team and one who has enough passion for this team to light up The Linc. To me that implies that we are more accepting or accept less from white athletes.

The last time I checked Mike Schmidt and Ron Jaworski were white. And these two athletes were both vilified and revered, often at the same time! If I had a dime every time my father thought we should've traded Schmidt or called him a bum I'd be a very rich man.

I cannot nor ever would speak for anyone other than myself and I know that I could give a rat's you know what as to what color someone is. If you perform well and try hard and make an effort, I don't care if you're pink, green or blue.

Unfortunately there are people out there who feel otherwise and base their entire decisions and thoughts on a person's skin color. And unfortunately those same people are breathing and using the same air as the rest of us are and there's nothing anyone can do to about them except ignore them.

And that's my message to Donovan: ignore them.

Til next time.

September 18, 2007

It's been nearly 15 hours since the Eagles lost to the Skins and I will not rehash what I  wrote in The Morning After but now that I've had time to stew over it even more... I have some additional thoughts to share.

I simply cannot escape this undeniable feeling of arrogance.

Arrogance from the owner who thinks he walks with the Robert Krafts of the world.
Arrogance from the Head Coach/GM de facto who thinks he can just plug anyone into any hole and be successful (See: Johnson, Charles; Small, Torrance & Lewis, Greg and so on and so on).

And arrogance from some players, particularly Donovan McNabb, who feeds off the arrogance of his coach and in turn believes he can walk onto the field and flick the switch and walk away with a W.

Is it me or does Reggie Brown seem to be almost expecting the ball to come his way? On at least one instance during the Packers game he was visibly upset at not being thrown the ball when he was, in his estimation I'm sure... open.

You don't think this team has a sense of entitlement about it do you?

***

The word "leadership" is far too often bandied about in professional sports. I often think teams use leadership, or lack thereof -- as a crutch when performing in a less than stellar fashion.

Time and again we hear this team or that team lamenting the fact that they either had no leadership or their leader was out due to injury and thus the rudderless ship theory comes out.

But for this particular professional sports team in this particular professional sport, the word leadership cannot be overstated.

From last year to now, the Eagles lost significant, vocal leaders from both sides of the ball, for varying reasons.

Jeff Garcia, who was not offered a contract, at least according to him, moved onto Tampa. And Jeremiah Trotter was released during training camp because of an apparent loss of ability... ability on the playing field that is... and ultimately joined Garcia with the Bucs.

There is simply no denying the impact these players had on their respective sides of the ball in addition to the whole team itself.

Well know that Donoovan McNabb is not Jeff Garcia much like Mike Schmidt was not Pete Rose. People like Garcia & Rose are wired differently. They express their enthusiasm and passion outwardly while the McNabbs and Schmidts of the world are more introverted and reserved in their leadership style.

The problem of course is that Donovan MacNabb happens to be a quarterback in the NFL and one duty of that position, whether the player wants it or not, is leader. Call it by default. Call it whatever you want. The fact is the QB of an NFL Team must be a leader on his given team. Preferably an outward leader... yes a rah-rah guy. A get-in-your-face-when-you-screw-up kind of guy.

But like oil and water when you mix arrogance with leadership, it ain't pretty.

Right now this team needs a vocal leader and the man whom many expect to be that, Brian Dawkins, is surely trying his best but I fear he is near the end of the line and simply cannot do it all by himself.

'Til next time.

September 6, 2007

As, seen on.... http://insidetheeagles.blogspot.com/

A Real Crowd Teaser...


You know it's a shame that it appears that once again, the Philadelphia Phillies will treat its fans to the ultimate of teases. And once again it will be their offense doing all the teasing as their pitching staff is anything but a tease. No they are, as many athletes like to say...what they are: mediocre at very best and perhaps that is being kind. A guy like Esteban Loaiza becomes available and we don't even make inquiries? JD Durbin? C'mon Pat, give us some credit.

You know what that sweep of the Mets means right now? Donuts, as Michael Keaton said in "Gung Ho" when asked how many points he allowed to the opposing star guard once he was assigned to defend him. For the slightest of moments I allowed myself to get caught up in the hysteria following the Mets sweep.

But then reality set in in the form of those going-nowhere-fast Florida Marlins and to quote Peter Cetera "well here we are again... I guess it must be fate." Yes I am now quoting Peter Cetera/Cher duets. And yes I am on medication.

'Til next time.

August 17, 2007

Mac Man,

Remember Carnac the Magnificent? Of course you do. He was the psychic portrayed by
Johnny Carson who worked with envelopes that were "hermetically sealed" and had been
kept in "a mayonnaise jar on Funk & Wagnalls' porch since noon" that day.
You might have missed this one:

The answer is Dutch Wonderland.
The question is, what does former Phillie Darren Daulton call his bedroom?

Ok, a little levity. Very little. Sorry. But I am taking the family to Amish country
AKA Lancaster and Dutch Wonderland will be the main attraction.


A couple of things to get off my proverbial chest.

How long have the Chinese been playing God? Did you hear about this? In order to
ensure rainless weather in next year's Olympics in Beijing, they will use an arsenal
of rockets, artillery and aircraft, to blast any rain clouds out of the sky. "We can
turn a cloudy day into a dry and sunny one by shooting the
clouds less intensively than when we make rain," said the head meteorologist for the
Beijing municipal weather bureau.

Oh so not only are the Chinese stopping the rain, they also can make it rain as well?

Let's see. They can make it rain. They can make it not rain.  Yet I can't get a
takeout order in less than 10 minutes. Something doesn't add up, here.

As for the Eagles tomorrow night. Unfortunately due to the aforementioned dutch
pilgrimage, I will more than likely not see much, if any, of the game vs. the
Panthers. I would expect however to see a much more crisp and in sync team,
especially among the first teamers. You wanna tell me the game vs. the Ravens was
"only the first game, a preseason one that and didnt mean anything?" Well I will
meet you halfway and say I agree that it was "only the first game and a preseason
one at that" but I will say it did mean something. You simply cannot dismiss the way
the Ravens offense essentially moved down the field on the Eagles First Team
Defense, not after last year especially. Far too many times last year the Eagles
found themselves in an early hole as a result of points allowed on the opening
drive. As Robert DeNiro says in Goodfellas, "I can't have this."

I would expect a much better all-around performance by the Birds tonight.

Ok, that's it. I'm spent.

Next time I speak with you I will be officially Dutch Wonderland-ed and I just know
you cant wait to hear all about it.

Until then, peace.

Steve O

August 9, 2007

Need to make this a non-verbal diatribe for if I did "phone this one in" I fear the volume of my call would have violated FCC standards.

First and foremost on my hit list today is Phillies GM, Pat Gillick. Where do I start??!!! There are many definitions for the word defeatist but this one most succinctly describes the Phils' GM:


Acceptance of, or resignation to, the prospect of defeat.

When I first heard his declaration of acceptance of mediocrity I nearly drove off the road. What an absolute, unequivocal, irrefutable, undeniable, unmistakable and incontrovertible DIS - GRACE. To publicly state acceptance of going 500 at any level of any sport or in ANY industry for that matter is, to me, the epitome of a defeatist. You wanna talk about someone who is completely out of touch with the fans he works for... of course when you factor in the group he works for and the sheer ambivalence they collectively show to the fans, it should really come as no surprise to hear one of their minions espousing the unwritten company line.

And please, PLEASE, PLEASE spare me the "well you were just misinterpreting Gillick's comments. You took them out of context" baloney. And I know my confidante Mr. Q will be among those who either dismissed the comments as nothing more than words in passing or the aforementioned context, comma, taken their out of, comma.

What if we all lived the Gillick Way? Accepting mediocrity?

"Well yes, I have two kids. One is an international lawyer. The other is a convicted drug dealer. But hey, I went .500 with the kids, right? And who can ask for more than that?"

"I was in a car accident and both of my legs were crushed. They were able to save one, but they had to amputate the other. So I'm thrilled!!!"

UUGGHHH!!!!! Calgon take me away!! Sorry, had a mid 70's commercial flashback there, but I'm back.


***

The numbers don't add up. I've been monitoring an online poll being conducted by ESPN.com re: Barry Bonds' breaking of Hank Aaron's homerun record. And something doesn't add up. As of 1:40PM Eastern Standard Time, nearly 60% of all respondents say that they both wanted Bonds to break the record AND that they would have cheered had they been in attendance last night. BUT when it comes to steroids, nearly 90% believed Bonds used steroids during his career.

Is it me or do the numbers not add up?

90% believe that yes he used steroids and thereby cheated the game; cheated his way to history. Yet 60% wanted Bonds to break the record.

Shouldnt these numbers have been polar opposites?

If 90% think he cheated, then shouldnt the number of people who wanted him to break the record be much lower, around 10% or even lower?

Am I missing something? Lord knows I am no math wiz by any stretch.

Jody, help me here, what am I missing?

That's it. I'm out. Peace.

Steve O

August 8, 2007

Not so much sports-related unless you count the very last line. Was just moved to write this, express my feelings and emotions.

***

As I initially watched the horrific events from Minnesota unfold before my eyes, many prevailing thoughts danced in and out of my head. Grief. Despair. Anger.

In the days since this truly tragic event, the prevailing thought now is not only the aforementioned grief, despair and anger but also why?

As in why do we wait? I am not going to get all philosophical on you here and wonder aloud as to why do we wait until after someone dies that we tell him or her how much we loved them.

No the waiting in this context refers to why do we wait until after such a truly shocking catastrophe to act? Why does it take loss of life to get our leaders to react?

The collapsing of the bridge in Minneapolis is of course not the first and most assuredly will not be the last instance where loss of life spurred governmental and private interaction all to benefit ours and the ones we love collective safety.

Consider…

• November 21, 1980. A fire at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas kills 85, injuring nearly 700.

• February 10, 1981. 8 people die and 198 are injured in a fire at the Las Vegas Hilton.

• December 31, 1986. A fire at the Dupont Plaza Hotel and Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico, results in 97 fatalities and more than 140 injuries.

Finally, over FIVE YEARS AFTER the first fire, investigations into all three fires revealed that there would have been far fewer deaths had smoke alarms and sprinkler systems been in place.

Why did it take so long? Why did it take nearly 200 people to lose their lives before new standards were implemented thereby requiring hotels to be equipped with such seemingly common-sense “luxuries”?

Why the wait?

***

According to federal Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, the Interstate-35W bridge is on a list of 70,000 to 80,000 bridges across the country that federal investigators classified as "structurally impaired.” And according to Dan Dorgan,
Minnesota’s top bridge engineer, the I-35W bridge has been designated “structurally deficient” since 1990.

I am not looking to lay blame here, folks. But, am I missing something here?

Locally, Pennsylvania ranks 3rd among all states with the most bridges classified as “structurally deficient” with 25% of all bridges within the state tagged with that rather disconcerting classification. To try and ease people’s fears, Governor Rendell offered this less than calming declaration: "People can drive the interstates, go over the bridges, with a reasonable degree of confidence."

I don’t know about you but I for one feel better knowing I can cross a bridge “with a reasonable degree of confidence."

***

Someone once wrote that: “Waiting is a trap. There will always be reasons to wait. The truth is, there are only two things in life, reasons and results, and reasons simply don't count.”

The problem with that statement is the reasons DO count. They count to those writing the check. The reasons to install smoke alarms and sprinkler systems were clear and obvious, at least they should have been. The reasons to inspect and make the necessary repairs to the nation’s bridges BEFORE the tragedy that unfolded were clear and obvious, at least they should have been.

So is it cynical of me to think that the reason these modifications and repairs were not implemented was due solely to the almighty dollar? Am I to believe that decisions that possibly affect people’s lives are made based on money?

Boy I hope not. But I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny and a Philly team wining a title, so what do I know?

July 27, 2007

Been a while kids, I apologize. Would like to say I was in exile or on sabbatical or even helping Paris & Lindsay but the plain, boring truth is I've been simply too busy to chime in with a Diatribe. It is not intentional I assure you.

I knew it was time to chime back in when I read my horoscope today and it said that the Sun is moving through my public 10th House.  Not my 9th, or my 11th public house. No, today the sun is moving through my public 10th house. If anyone out there knows what this means... you may want to seriously consider deep, psychological counseling.

Okay, lots to get to...

Michael Vick. I've heard so many people espousing the Duke caveat when it comes to Michael Vick; the Duke caveat being essentially, don't rush to judgment. Well as my trusted confidante, Mr. Q, so brilliantly pointed out, there are some glaring and quite major differences between the two cases. First and foremost, the one bringing the indictment upon Mr. Vick and others is not some DA from North Carolina (who in hindsight clearly had ulterior motives) but rather the Government of these United States of America. As in the Feds. As in this is pretty darn serious. Secondly, there is not only circumstantial evidence, which is ALL there was in the Duke case, but there is ALSO hard, physical and irrefutable evidence such as the carcasses of dead dogs on the property owned by Mr. Vick.

Now I'm quite sure the validity of the witnesses in the Vick case will ultimately come into question but it's hard for me to believe that ALL of these men who claim to have seen Michael Vick actively participate in these despicable and deplorable acts are of the same questionable character of the woman in the Duke case, who oh by the way is a stripper with a less than stellar past of her own. My thoughts as they stand today, knowing what I know: I think Michael Vick is going to jail BUT it will be at a greatly reduced sentence. Then look for him on Larry King ala Paris Hilton. And for the record, I think NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is handling this entire fiasco very poorly. Different strokes for different folks, AKA different rules for different fools. Pacman and Tank are held to one standard while Michael Vick (who, let's take a look, yeah he makes a lot of money for the league) is held to another. Shame on you Roger.

Tim Donaghy.

Not since Pete Rose has the major sporting world seen such a major influencer on the outcomes of games be linked to such a 'betrayal" as NBA Commissioner David Stern referred to it. For the record, I think David Stern is either head first in the sand or putting on a terrific front by his assertion that Donaghy is a "rogue, isolated criminal". Sorry, ain't buying it. It's like cockroaches. There's never just one. Assuming Mr. Donaghy makes it that far (there are death threats reported nearly ever day), my gut is telling me this could spread beyond officials and into players. But wait, Steve, dont the
players already make millions, why risk all that? Two reasons come right to mind.

1. There's never enough money, people always want more.

2. The rush. Pure and simple, the rush. The rush of gambling, of doing something illegal and getting away with it.

Chase Utley.

Buy. Sell. So what's gonna be for our Fightins? Many people now want the Phils to be sellers in light of Chase Utley's injury. Some think Abraham Nunez can be a serviceable stop gap until Chase returns, if he does at all. This is a tough call mainly because of the mediocrity of the NL East. If the Phils were 10 out and Chase got hurt, the decision would be easy. Sell. But now? I say go for it. I
say go get a pitcher, starter preferably. With Myers coming back and Flash already back combined with the aforementioned mediocre division, I say go for it.

Clerical Error.

Jody may have already touched on this one. Kyle Lacy, a 12 year old from Vineland, NJ has been banned from playing with his team by Little League officials. Why? Because someone in the Little League office itself failed to adjust the maps regarding eligibility and mistakenly left off Kyle's street. Never mind the fact that he's been playing on this team for TWO YEARS with no problems whatsoever.
 All together now.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This is one of those instances where I just want to sit down and look in these people's eyes, the ones making this decision, and ask them in a very cool, calm, collected manner. What is wrong with you? Seriously. There must be something very wrong with you to do something like this. What kind of message are you sending to the youth of America? 'Yes, we ourselves made the mistake. But we will not be held accountable for our mistake. You're too young to understand but when you get older, you'll see what we mean. As adults, you should always try to avoid blame at any cost. Never take responsibility for anything." I love this comment too, from District 3 Administrator Tom McCarville: "It (the clerical error) can't be corrected in the
middle of the tournament. Once the tournament starts, we can't adjust the map." Oh heavens no, there'll be no adjusting of maps on your watch, right there Tommy? I mean if you were to adjust your maps, what's next? Complete chaos I'm sure. Worlds would collide. Mass hysteria.  

Heavy Heart.

My heart along with my sincere condolences go out to the families of Margaret Ruth "Maggie" Hilbrands and Mike Coolbaugh both tragically killed within the past week by being struck in the head by a baseball and in the case of Ms. Hillbrands, a softball. There is a message in here that those idiots at the Little League should get about life being too short and you never know when it's all gonna be over, but something tells me they wouldn't get it, so why bother.

That's it. I'm out.

Peace.

Steve O

July 14, 2007


Heeeeeyyyyy Rod...
Speaking of having more Trump than Donald (not that anyone was but it makes for a good lead in so leave me
alone)... word is A-Rod will be getting a raise next year. That is if you believe his agent, Scott Boras and why wouldn't we
believe the always truthful, never deceitful Mr. Boras?

So it seems as if $25 million a year just isn't quite enough for the future Hall of Famer. I don't know, perhaps he wants to buy an iPhone or get more premium channels on his Cable, whatever the reason, I for one will be very happy to see A-Rod get his cash, reportedly in the $30 million per year neighborhood. Not too many of us living in that part
of town I assure you.

But I said it once and will say it again...Alex Rodriguez is not a Yankee. Oh he may wear the pinstripes and have the Topps Card to prove it but he will NEVER be held in the same hallowed halls of Yankee lore as Mantle, Berra, Dimaggio and Jeter are. Never. And don't kid yourselves, A- Rod gets a new mega-deal, Mr. Jeter will be none too happy. Last count A Rod has won exactly as many World Series' as I have while Mr. Jeter has won quite a few more and played a most significant role in acquiring those titles. You don't think Jeter will be slightly ticked off watching A-Rod be paid
considerably higher than he is despite the lopsided score in rings amassed?

On the bright side, I cant wait to see what Mrs. A-Rod will have on her T-shirt when her Sugar Daddy signs the new deal. At least its something to look forward to.

Sad But True...
Someone once wrote "as a culture we seem programmed to prefer style to substance."

The other night I found myself in the magazine section of a local apothecary. Quickly surmising that my fantasy football draft was but a mere 50 days away, I decided to purchase a fantasy-football related periodical. For those of you who are
not familiar this ever-growing-in-popularity "sport", there are a veritable plethora of choices to select from when deciding on which "experts" take you wish to subscribe to.

My choice on this night was the ESPN Fantasy Football magazine. It would turn out to be a flawed decision to say the very least.

Having been a former, albeit brief, subscriber to ESPN The Magazine, I should have known what to expect. Lots and lots of pretty charts, arrows, colors & pictures with very little actual text and when there was text, it was of very little to literally no use whatsoever.

In other words, lots of style with very little substance.

And that is precisely what I found in this particular periodical.

And yes in case you wondering, I briefly perused it in the aisle before making said purchase but of course did not have time to fully digest and review all of the content.

So if you're looking for some Fantasy Football advice from "experts" don't waste your money on the ESPN Fantasy Football Magazine, of course this is just my opinion.

In retrospect, I really should have not been surprised given both my ESPN The Magazine history AND from just literally watching the network itself. I do not know when it happened, but somewhere along the way ESPN seems to have forgotten one very important aspect of who they are and how they got to where they are: SPORTS!!! They lost sight of the fact that people come to them for sports!!!! Actual, real, honest to goodness sports.

Kind of like a certain local radio station who shall remain nameless.

The other night or was it even LAST night (dont know, dont care) were The ESPY's, ESPN's own concoction where they can bestow totally meaningless awards on athletes whom they want to "get in good with." Blatant butt kissing if there ever was.

I have not watched the ESPY's for many a year and somehow my life is still fulfilled, go figure. I stopped watching after the winner of the Comeback Player of the Year Award was announced in 1990 something, I think 94, whatever, doesnt matter.

Here were the 3 finalists that year for this most-sought after accolade.

Monica Seles, who was coming back from being stabbed as in almost killed right there on the tennis court itself during a match in Germany.

Mario Lemieux, who was coming back from Hodgkins Disease, as in cancer as in he could have died.

And Michael Jordan, who was coming back after surviving his own ordeal: playing baseball.

Guess who won?

Peace out. Steve O

July 13, 2007

Cardinals superstar, Albert Pujols, is apparently not as unhappy as one would have believed initially following Tuesday night's All Star Game. At least he would have us all believe he is not as unhappy or unhappy at all but rather disappointed that he did not get in the game.

"Of course I was disappointed I didn't get in the game, but it's not a big deal," Pujols said Wednesday.

Sorry Albert... not buying it. I think you are another example in the unfortunately never ending line of examples of petulant athletes who whine and cry when they don't get their way despite having more scratch than the population of Guam.

Why do I say this?

Here's why:

"It's the All-Star Game. He (La Russa) can do what he wants. If I wasn't expecting to play, I wouldn't have come up here," said Pujols Tuesday night following the game.

And there you have it. Garry (If I ain't startin', I ain't departin') Templeton could not have said it any better.

It's really and truly a shame that so many of today's athletes simply DO NOT GET IT. Jody, unfortunately you, I and George and those like us (READ: Over the age of 35) quite possibly are the last of a generation who can claim "I remember when guys played the game just because they liked to. They played the game the right way." Of course with any rule there are always exceptions and we get to be treated to one very notable exception in the form of Chase Utley, who by all accounts, GETS IT.

So sorry there big Al, ain't buying it. I bet you pouted and kicked & screamed and threw a hissy fit that would make my 2 year old son proud when the game was over.

Heeeeeyyyyy Rod...
Speaking of having more Trump than Donald... word is A-Rod will be getting a raise next year. That is if you believe his agent, Scott Boras and why wouldn't we believe the always truthful, never deceitful Mr. Boras?

So it seems as if $25 million a year just isn't quite enough for the future Hall of Famer. I don't know, perhaps he wants to buy an iPhone or get more premium channels on his Cable, whatever the reason, I for one will be very happy to see A-Rod get his cash, reportedly in the $30 million per year neighborhood. Not too many of us living in that part of town I assure you.

But I said it once and will say it again... Alex Rodriguez is not a Yankee. Oh he may wear the pinstripes and have the Topps Card to prove it but he will NEVER be held in the same hallowed halls of Yankee lore as Mantle, Berra, Dimaggio and Jeter are. Never. And don't kid yourselves, A- Rod gets a new mega-deal, Mr. Jeter will be none too happy. Last count A Rod has won exactly as many World Series' as I have while Mr. Jeter has won quite a few more and played a most significant role in acquiring those titles. You don't think Jeter will be slightly ticked off watching A-Rod be paid considerably higher than he is despite the lopsided score in rings amassed?

On the bright side, I cant wait to see what Mrs. A-Rod will have on her T-shirt when her Sugar Daddy signs the new deal. At least its something to look forward to.

Peace out. Steve O

July 6, 2007

Jody Mac, good to have to you back and good to be back with you.

Jumping right into the proverbial deep end.

First, caught some of your conversation Jody with the guy (whose name escapes me) from MLB.TV. I was particularly surprised and quite dismayed frankly by his stance re: Ryan Howard and should he or shouldn't he participate in the HR Derby. You hit the nail on the head Jody by saying that Ryan Howard is showing his appreciation for the fans by participating. He is the defending champ of course and as such, should be there, regardless of the kind of year he's having. The way this gentleman was going on and on about how unimportant he thought the Derby had become and how vehement he was in his stance was really quite appalling, from a fan's perspective. We want to see the best do what they do best. And the Barry Bonds' of the world who truly epitomize the "What's In It For Me?" mantra of far too many athletes of today are unfortunately infinitely more popular in some respects than their more jovial and accommodating brethren.

Not to digress here, but I will anyway. It's the "Bad Boys" who seem to get all the pub and that of course is just a reflection of American society in general. When Paris Hilton gets an hour on Larry King, there's something seriously askew with our values and ideals. Are you kidding me? And when did CNN become a televised version
of People Magazine? Anna Nicole Smith. Paris Hilton.

And speaking of people with either no talent or those who once had some but somehow misplaced it like a lost sock or missing keys, I give you Britney Spears.

This past February, Ms. Spears, ran afoul by attacking a photographer's car with an umbrella. For those of you who do not subscribe to the Britney E-Newsletter, Spears of a Clown, and really, shouldn't we all... this incident happened during the same period in which she shaved her head, got new tattoos and was seen partying hard in Los Angeles clubs.

Well it seems that Ms. Spears is becoming quite the method actress as she has now said that she was preparing to try out for a movie part and got carried away whilst attacking said photog with said rain-gear apparel.

Says Ms. Spears:

"I was preparing my character for a role in a movie where the husband never plays his part so they switch places accidentally. I take all my roles very seriously and got a little carried away. Unfortunately I didn't get the part."

Whoa, whoa, whoa... back up the bus there, Kramden.  Time for a Tasty break, as they used to say.

'You take all your roles seriously?'... "ALL" your roles? Are you like me and not quite sure if the word 'all' is used in the proper context here? Because to me, the word "all" implies many as in more than one, which would of course would be one too many.

And in the understatement of the Millennium, not long after the incident, Spears checked into rehab.

Lastly... file this one under "NO PENALTY IS HARSH ENOUGH FOR THIS DEGENERATE"... a man in Pensacola, Florida was arrested and charged with Cruelty to Animals for knowingly dragging a puppy behind his SUV. The dog survived, barely. As for this "person", as I use that term extremely lightly, he faces up to a year in jail, which
is far too lenient in my eyes.

That's it for now, till we speak again.
Steve O

June 21, 2007

Mac Man,

Very pressed for time today, so have to go with a Readers Digest Diatribe-esque today...

ESPN.com today lists the top 9 outfield throwing arms playing today (Shae Victorino checks in at #4 - not sure about that high a ranking) but the list got me to thinking about the best arms I have seen in my lifetime. Not those that played in my lifetime but those I can recall seeing play either on TV or in person and are now since retired.

I'm sure I will forget a few but right off the top of my head here are the guys I thought had some serious cannons in the outfield: (in no specific order)

Ellis Valentine

Dave Parker

Glenn Wilson

Dwight Evans

Joe Rudi

Reggie Smith

Raul Mondesi

Jay Buhner

Ollie Brown

Joe Lefebrve

Sixto Lezcano

Jesse Barfield

I especially remember the throw The Cobra made in the All Star game a while back. I believe it was in the Kingdome and he threw it from the track to Gary Carter to nail some poor soul from the American League. Perhaps the best throw I ever saw.

Okay, gotta run.

Peace out.

Steve O

June 18, 2007

Over the past week or so, I 've heard from 5 or 6 of my loyal followers who say they caught my "verbal" diatribes and request more of the same and while I certainly plan on fulfilling their wishes, today's will be in the now apparently "archaic" non-verbal format and rely on the dulcet tones of my good friend, Jody McDonald to read my thoughts for you.

I will refrain (begrudgingly) from commenting, dissertating and/or diatribing on the Phillies as I just don't have the strength and quite frankly, what else could I possibly add to what has already been said and dually noted? Following yesterday's bullpen-meltdown-du-jour, we had yet another Phillies regular espousing the "oh well, its not ALL bad mantra." Last week it was Jimmy Rollins who somehow spun the fact that the Phils lost two of 3 to the Royals into a positive. This week, it's Aaron Rowand's turn at the Glass is Hall Full Dais.

"It's a tough loss, but we didn't play bad," Aaron Rowand said yesterday. "I thought we battled. I thought we scraped a few runs off a tough pitcher. Adam {Eaton} threw a good game. We just didn't get a W. Those things are going to happen over the course of the season."

Didn't play bad? Excuse me? Are you referring to the regular players/field position players ONLY and leaving out the bullpen when you make such a statement? I surely hope so. 2 and 2/3 innings pitched, 6 hits & 4 earned runs pretty much adds up to "playing bad" in my humble opinion and I'm guessing the opinions of many others in these parts.

Okay, enough of that, wanna to get to the real reason for my diatribe today and that is the recently completed United States Open.

First Tiger and then the course itself.

I very well could be in the minority here but I for one was completely astounded and amazed by what I saw over the last 4-5 holes yesterday.

I'm sorry, Tiger down one with 3 holes to play... you gotta figure he AT LEAST ties eventual winner Angel Cabrera to force a playoff, yes? I mean Tiger Woods DOWN 1 with 3 to play to me is akin to any mere mortal golfer having a 2-3 stroke LEAD with 3 to play.

May not be fair but remember he is the one who set the bar as high as it is in the first place.

When the dust cleared I was quite shocked not to see Tiger win the Open yesterday given the predicament he found himself in, particularly after Cabrera bogeyed 16 and 17 to “pull himself” back into a one-stroke lead over Tiger.

Obviously Tiger has the weight of the golfing world on his shoulders week in, week out BUT that weight is even more magnified and heavier come Majors time.

Is it fair? Of course not. Is it reality? You bet.

But even more shocking and downright stupefying was the course itself. Why does Golf feel the need to make its Major Championships so difficult on its players? Do they not see nor understand the general viewing public (who by the way tune it to watch the Majors along with the avid golf fans) wants to see a low-scoring, great shot-making brand of golf?

Does the USGA get off on some power trip by setting up these courses in such a way?

Look at it this way: Does any other sport effectively change the playing field come championship time?


Does football make the field longer or narrower in the Super Bowl?


Does baseball change the dimensions of the parks come World Series Time?


Does the NBA move the 3 point line back further come Finals time?


Does the NHL make the nets wider come Cup Finals time?


Even another non-major sport like tennis. Does tennis alter the courts at Wimbledon?


The answer to all of the above of course is a resounding NO!

So why does golf, with all of its elitist stereotypes, feel the need to do this?

Perhaps the answer is in the question itself?

Elitist - The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources.

Yeah, that about covers it.

That's it. I'm out. Peace.

June 1, 2007

On this first day of June, the 6th month of the Gregorian Calendar so named for the Roman Goddess Juno, I felt it best that you know the insightful and revealing information that I have uncovered regarding the Phillies GM Pat Gillick and a former professional owner in this town.

This info will help explain a lot in terms of the actions of one Pat Gillick.


I came across this information quite accidentally. I was in Salt Lake City recently and stopped by the Genealogy Library, which in case you didn’t know, it has nothing to do with Barbara Eden.

Genies, I Dream of Jeannie, get it? Never mind.

It seems that Mr. Gillick is in fact the brother of former Eagles Owner, Leonard Tose. He was given up for adoption when he was very young. But he will now change his name legally back to his birth name of Tose PLUS he will also change his First Name back to what his biological parents bestowed upon him.

It’s actually quite eerie when you consider how well his parents knew their young son at such an early age to slap such an apt-moniker on him. It’s uncanny that they selected this particular first name out of all possible options. How they could ever predict that their son’s behavior and actions as an adult in the business world would so mirror his first name, when combined with his last, is astonishing.

I mean how could his parents have ANY idea that words such as supine, languid and slumberous would come to be used to describe their son later in life?

So without further adieu, the Phillies General Manager will no longer be “Pat Gillick” but rather Leonard Tose’s long lost brother, Coma.

Coma Tose will address the media on this issue as soon as he is able, which could take some time.

***

Okay, okay, did I take too long to get to the punch line?

But c’mon kids, this is getting ridiculous. You sweep the Braves, in Atlanta no less, than come home and get swept by the Diamondbacks? And spare me “the D Backs were hot coming in.” Oh yeah, and what were the Phils?

The old adage clearly applies. You don’t fire the team, you fire the manager and in this case, the GM, too. Unfortunately Coma, er, Pat, is not goin’ anywhere nor is
Uncle Chuck.

***

Flipping the dial last night and I caught new ESPN’er Jamal Mashburn give his spin as to why he thinks new Orlando Magic head coach Billy Donovan will be successful where others who left the college ranks, Pitino, et al, were not.

Mash’s insight was brilliant... um, on 2nd thought.

Mash thinks Billy the Kid will be successful where others have failed because he will be able to relate having played 2 years as a pro with the Knicks.

Altogether now... HUH?

Mash, Billy Donovan played ONE SEASON, not TWO, according to basketball-reference.com, it was 10 years ago and he only played in 44 games!!!!


What in the name of Ernie DiGregorio does Billy Donovan know about being a professional basketball player? He only played in 44 more games than I did for chrissakes!!!

C’mon Mash, you gotta bring more than that to the proverbial table. Fine if you think he will be successful but you gotta do better than because he used to play so he will be able to relate. Tell me its because he’s a good coach and coaches coach, no matter where it may be. Tell me its because he’s younger than a lot of NBA coaches and THAT’S why he can relate. Tell me he’s a fiery guy with a lot of passion who will convey that to the professional level.

Tell me something, anything other than because of his time in the NBA.

That’s what we call, “phoning it in, Mash.”

That’s it. I’m out. Peace.

May 30, 2007

Okay quick, who said the following?:

"I'm not worried about the Hall, I take care of me."

A - Phillies Catcher Rod Barajas who is up for enshrinement in the Bullfighters Hall of Fame for his brilliant ole act last week?
B - Falcons QB Michael Vick, who is a finalist for induction into the Animal Rights Hall of Fame.
C- The collective members of the San Antonio Spurs, who are on the ballot for induction into the I-Know-It's-God-Awful-Boring-To-Watch-But-All-We-Do-Is-Win Hall of Fame.
D - None of the above.

The correct answer is D.

Yes I give you now reason #1,345,567 to hate, loathe, detest, dislike and downright despise one Barry Bonds.

As he moves closer to history aboard the Steroid Express, he is amassing quite the collection of souvenirs, all ideally suited for their place in Cooperstown, albeit in the soon-to-be constructed Asterisk Wing of the Hall.

When queried about said potentially historical artifacts, the always engaging and completely selfless (wink, wink) Bonds said:

"I'm not worried about the Hall, I take care of me." In fact the last thing he donated to the Hall was a batting practice bat from the 2002 World Series. What, didn't he have any Wiffleball bats he could donate?

Yes, I tell you, there is perhaps no better spokesperson for a given sport and its historical significance on American culture than Barry Bonds.

Just think if Barry was around during the Revolutionary War.

Founding Father: "Ah, Mr. Bonds, we'd like to thank you for writing the Declaration of Independence. We would now like to have the pen you used to scribe it so we can preserve it for posterity and allow all those who come after us a chance to view such a significant piece of American history."

Bonds: "Um, yeah, well I don't think so. See, I'm using that same quill pen to write lyrics to my new album and honestly, I could care less about all those who come
after me. I only worry about me."

Good luck Barry on your quest. I know I for one will not be watching.

***

Lastly I wish to throw the proverbial gauntlet down to everyone's favorite annoyance, George. I liken George to that itch you have in your eye, you know the one you get in the corner of your eye and the more you rub the better it feels? It's annoying for sure but you just cant stop rubbing!

The gauntlet will come in the form of a debate, between Jorge and I on any number of sports-related topics both near and far. While I dont always agree with him, I do respect the fire and passion that George brings to the proverbial table. I too possess the aforementioned F&P and would love the chance to take on George, mano y mano in a sports debate. On air, in studio/in person would be ideal because it
always helps to debate someone you can see and know when to butt in and when to REALLY butt in. But via the phone would work well, too.

I await George's learned reply.

Thats it. I'm out. Peace.

May 28, 2007

Someone once wrote that having something to say is overrated. Well former Philly-boy Jayson Stark must be incredibly overrated as he's saying plenty in his new book: The Stark Truth: The Most Overrated and Underrated Players in Baseball History.

I can think of at least one from his list of Top 10 Overrated Active Players that surely rankled and irritated many around these parts. Perhaps never has one player been such a lightning rod and poster child for this particular issue than Bobby Abreu.

I know Jody you are an Abreu fan as is Steve O's trusted confidante, Mr. Q. But I think Jayson put it so well in adding Abreu to the list of those players who mysteriously seem to be less than the sum of their spectacular numbers.

My problem, which is shared by many I believe, was that Bobby Abreu, for all his gaudy numbers and stats -- he is the only active player with a .300 career batting average, a .400 on-base percentage, 200 homers and 250 stolen bases -- never seemed to get the hit that mattered. He never seemed to make the big catch or throw that directly impacted the outcome of a game. As a side note, I always thought a great
stat (and perhaps they already track this and Jody, you would know) is not just RBIs BUT also RBIs vs. the number of chances a given player had to get said RBIs.

For example, Player A ends the season with a respectable 90 RBIs BUT he got those RBIs from a 150 RBI Chances, meaning he had 60 more chances to drive in runs and for any number of reasons, did not.

I know they used to keep track of Game Winning RBIs, which I think they stopped because they realized that if you knock in the 2nd run of your team's 13-1 win, its not exactly noteworthy.

But to me, a true read into a player's ability to come thru in the clutch is when they are up to bat with potential runs to be driven in and how they respond to those situations. I realize there are flaws in my thinking as say a guy is up and there's a man at 2nd with no outs. His team is down one run and he hits the ball to the right side to move the runner into scoring position for the next batter. Well in that scenario, you surely would not want to penalize that player for "giving himself up" for the better of the team.

Okay, I will need to go back and run it thru my computer and set up algorithms and such and will get back to you.

Back to Bobby.

Is Abreu nonchalant in his ways? Sure. Without question. Do people who conduct themselves in this manner often get labeled unfairly as being lazy, selfish and not a team player? Absolutely. But are there times when these labels stick like glue and fit like a glove? You know it.

And that to me is Bobby Abreu. For all of his obvious God-given ability, he just never seemed to want it, to truly want it. And when I say "want it" I am referring to, not just the World Series but a victory, a single victory in a single game. You never got the feeling that Bobby Abreu was going do something, anything, in any given game that would cause you to stop and think to yourself: "Man, this guy would do ANYTHING to win."

So let the debate continue, you know my stance.

Thats it. I'm out. Peace.

May 24, 2007

Hey Mac Man, have to be brief today. Am working the script for an updated version of The Wizard of Oz. Casting is going well, tell me what you think.

In the role of Scarecrow ("What would you do if you had a brain?"), my choices are Greg Dobbs, Chris Henry, Pacman Jones, the entire Cincinnati Bengals roster, Michael
Vick, Paul Monkton, who used as his getaway vehicle following a robbery, a van with his name and phone number painted in foot-high letters on the side and of course, my sentimental favorite, Charlie Manuel.

For the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, while there are many, many worthy candidates, I am leaning toward one man playing a dual role. Based off his performance last night,
I think Phillies Catcher Rod Barajas can handle playing BOTH someone with no heart AND no courage.

As for the part of Toto, I defy anyone to come up with a better person on the planet to play the part of a dog than Chris Webber.

Open auditions will be held for the roles of Dorothy, Auntie Em and the Wicked Witch of the West, although Rosie O'Donnell has a good shot at playing the Wicked Witch
now that she will soon have a lot of free time.

Okay, that's it. Gotta get back to the scribing.

Steve O


May 22, 2007

A cornucopia today as I clean out the closets... in no order of favorites or preference...


Jason Giambi. Why is everyone so up in arms about what he said? "I was wrong for doing that stuff..." etc... Does anyone on the face of the planet NOT know he was referring to steroids? Or is it because he went to implicate others: ""We should have apologized back then..."? Yankees GM Brian Cashman thinks so. "There's an implication that there was a lot of people that were involved that would know that, what was going on, and I can tell you that's false," Cashman said.Yeah, okay, sit back and watch as Mr. Cashman's nose grows to epic lengths. Gimme a break. You, Selig and ALL of baseball knew exactly what was going on but the sounds of the turnstiles and cash registers drowned out what was left of your collective conscience(s).

The ejections in the Suns/Spurs series

I know I'm late with this one but it may happen again the playoffs, so... to date I have seen ONLY one member of the media, David Aldredge of the Inquirer, defend Commissioner Stern's decision to suspend Amare Stoutamire and Boris Diaw. Did I miss something? The rule is the rule is the rule... You leave the bench during an altercation, you get suspended. Period. I heard someone today blame Raja Bell of all people intimating that it was he who caused the "melee" to be so classified as an altercation. Are you kidding me???!!!


Do I agree with the rule? No, absolutely not. But its the rule. Like it or not. Those to blame are Stoutamire and Diaw PLUS the Suns' assistant coaches who I'm sure part of their responsibility is to account for every player on the bench when anything like this occurs.


Oh Henry!

"I must emphasize to you that this is your last opportunity to salvage your NFL career. I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you in that effort." Those were the strong words issued by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in addressing Bengals WR Chris Henry when he suspended him. Well apparently Mr. Henry was testing The Commish's definition of the word "last" as he has failed a drug test and will now serve 88 days in jail. Henry, who has been arrested four times since December 2005, tested positive for opiates, which according to dictionary.com means "a drug containing opium or its derivatives, used in medicine for inducing sleep and relieving pain." And in the understatement of the entire history of civilization, opiates also means "something that dulls the senses." Do you think just maybe this guy should NOT be allowed back in the league... ever? Do you think the league could survive the loss of such upstanding citizens as Chris Henry and Pacman Jones? Enough is enough already.


Then we have the poster-child for animal rights, AKA Clinton Portis, who is quite frankly surprised at the uproar of emotion over the alleged dog fighting at Michael Vick's property, saying Portis: "I don't know if he (Vick) was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog." Where does one start to rebut and respond to such an inhumane, barbaric and contemptible remark? 'It's his dog?' What in the world does that mean? It's his dog so if he wants to watch it fight to the death with another of "his" dogs, so be it? He paid for them so he can do whatever he wants, is that how it works, Clinton? Along those same lines then, Daniel Snyder paid for you, Clinton. Does that mean he can do whatever he wants with you when you are on
"his property"?


That's it. I'm out. Peace.


Steve O


May 1, 2007

Many things on the proverbial docket today, i.e. Michael Vick's family canceling their PETA membership to the Phils taking 2 of 3 from the guppies but no bigger issue on the agenda than the draft and what the Eagles did AND did not do over the weekend.

There are of course numerous ways to look at the draft as a whole and specifically what the Birds did.

First overall...


First pick went as many expected, yours truly included, with the Raiders taking JaMarcus Russell. No great surprise.


The Lions then took their 98th straight wide receiver in the first round. Okay, it just seems like its been that long.Personally I think the Lions hoped the Raiders would take Calvin Johnson so they didn't have to. A few years from now, if not months, they will be glad the Raiders did NOT take him. This is NO Charles Rogers I assure you.


The Brownies got things going with the 3rd pick by NOT taking Brady Mirer, er...Quinn. I kid, I think he will be much better than the aforementioned stiff, Rick Mirer. And they ended up getting him later anyway.


Other peculiarities of note from Round 1...


The Dolphins at #9. What were they thinking, smoking, inhaling, imbibing or all of the above? I realize Ted Ginn. Jr. is no Jon Harris, but...the question that needs answering is WHY? And WHO as in WHO will throw him the ball?
The Patriots selecting Brandon Merriweather at #24. Let's see: they drafted a player with a checkered past. They traded for a player with a checkered past. hhhmmm, let's get back to the Pats in minute.


The Birds...


Let me go on record as saying I think the Eagles first selection was...okay, not as bad as people are making it out to be. I think the selection of Kevin Kolb will serve many purposes and chief among them:


Stimulate, motivate & innervate one Donovan McNabb. Let's face it kids, #5 needs this. He's not getting any younger, we know that. We saw what can happen when he feels the slightest of threats (read Jeff Garcia). Did I mention he's not getting any younger?


Provide the Eagles with (hopefully) their QB of the future. AJ Feely? Nice kid, but so is my nephew and I dont want him QBing the Eagles, either.


To all those who are up in arms and demanding answers, remember this. Andy Reid was at the helm when the Eagles selected a certain QB from Syracuse who most of us knew very little about. For those of you with selective memories, I give you the immortals Tim Couch, Akili Smith & Cade McNown (who along with Jody's favorite, Duante Culpepper) who were ALL QBs many Eagles fans wanted the Birds to take instead of Donovan McNabb. Well them and that Ricky Williams guy and look how well he turned out. Translation: Patience, people...patience. Andy, et al, have not made the best of picks at certain positions (read: Freddie Mitchell) with their first choice but QB is one that they did pretty well on so we owe them at least some patience to see how this pans out.


Now having said that, I would have preferred they selected a Defensive player (Safety, Corner, LB) with their first pick but...


Back to the Patriots...


How much clearer does it have to be that there are the Patriots and every other team? Think about it. We're talking about a team that if they so chose could rest on some pretty impressive laurels, winners of 3 of the last 6 Super Bowls. Heck, we'd take JUST ONE and then give the Eagles at LEAST some honeymoon period of say 2-3 years, right?


But this team, the Patriots, refuses to rest, refuses to stop pursuing the ultimate prize no matter how many times they've won. Lots of teams, if not every team, talks of winning the Super Bowl, but only one not only talks it, but walks it, too.


Sure the Eagles will be competitive, particularly in the mediocre NFC but do you really think, as the teams stand right now, that the Eagles can beat the Colts, Ravens, Chargers or least of all the Patriots?


Look, we as Eagles fans can always be grateful we dont live in Detroit or some other barren football wasteland BUT how many years can we go 10-6, 11-5, 12-4 yet still fall short of the ultimate prize?


How many of us would give up 2-3 years of 10-6, 11-5, 12-4 for some 5-11 years to win just ONE Super Bowl? I have my hand raised.


That's it. I'm out. Peace.


April 26, 2007

This is getting serious now...3 diatribes in a span of 1 week? I'm gonna have to ask Jody for a raise.

A Prior Commitment


Poor Mark Prior. After finishing 3rd in the Cy Young in '03, when he went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA while striking out 245, the little Cub who couldn't has spent more time off the field then on it. And now comes word that his season is over...again. On Tuesday he had surgery on his right shoulder and while it's not being described as career-threatening, one was to wonder what the future holds for this one half of a one time can't mis duo along with Kerry Wood, who oh by the way is out of commission himself, again, having been placed on the DL with the obligatory tendinitis in his right shoulder.

After reading about Prior on ESPN.com today, a couple of things caught my demented-yet-well-intended attention.

According to a team statement, the doctor performed a debridement of Prior's rotator cuff. A debridement? That sounds like something someone would do after a brief marriage had ended. "Today Dennis Rodman announcement he had filed for a debridement from his wife of 20 seconds, Rosie O'Donnell."

And the other thing that caught my eye was this very Yogi-esque quote from Mr. Prior.

After he was optioned to the minors late in spring training, Prior was convinced he could still get major league hitters out, saying "You don't know where your crossroads in your career are until probably after your career is done."

Yeah but you know what they about a fork in the road...

You asked me if I had a God complex...I AM GOD.


4 stars to those who recognized that line from the 1993 movie, Malice, with Nicole Kidman and father of the century, Alec Baldwin.

Tony Stewart clearly thinks NASCAR doesn't have a God complex. They KNOW they're God. He has accused NASCAR of portraying the almighty by using bogus caution flags to shape races.

Said Stewart: "They can almost dictate the race instead of the drivers doing it. When I feel our own sanctioning body isn't taking care of that (caution flags), it's hard to support them and feel proud about being a driver in the Nextel Cup Series when they're throwing debris cautions."

He went on to compare NASCAR to the WWE.

"I guess NASCAR thinks, 'Hey, wrestling worked, and it was for the most part staged, so I guess it's going to work in racing, too.'

Two things jumped out at me on this one, too.

First, what do you mean wrestling is staged? I once saw Ric Flair hit Lex Luger smack in the medula oblong gotta and that HAD to hurt!

And secondly, Tony...I would not be making any reference to sanctioning bodies without first considering sanctioning your own body. Geez, could you lay off the cheese fries and bratwurst a little. One of these days, they're gonna need the jaws of life to get you INTO your car.

That's it. I'm out. Peace.


April 25, 2007

Rules are meant to be broken...

In life there are rules we all must follow. Be it at work, at home...in society. But we also all know that there are exceptions to every rule and that some rules are meant to be broken. Like turning right on red despite the sign staring you in the face telling you not to. By the way, I can save the taxpayers hundreds of dollars immediately. Stop making Do Not Turn On Red signs. Ain't no one paying attention to them unless a police car is in view. And while we're at it, raise your hand if you actually drive 15 MPH in a school zone. Just what I thought, not many. For some reason, some of you put there, and you know who you are...take the opportunity to use school zones as your own personal autobahn.

As a parent of a child who attends a school where such signage is present, I take great offense to these type drivers.

Anyway where was I? Oh yes, rules, exceptions and the breaking thereof.

Late last year, the Kansas City Royals did the Minnesota Twins a huge favor by sweeping the Detroit Tigers thus allowing the Twins to win the American League Central. Twins outfielder Torii Hunter was so moved by this gesture of good will, he became very magnanimous, so much so he had delivered to the Royals four bottles of Dom Perignon.

Unfortunately baseball has rules and one in particular is applicable here, or so it would seem. It is rule 21-b, which proclaims "Any player or person connected with a Club who shall offer or give any gift or reward to a player or person connected with another Club for services rendered ... in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing Club ... shall be declared ineligible for not less than three years."

Yeah, THREE YEARS! Can you imagine? Just for sending the Royals some hootch, albeit some very expensive hootch. Perhaps Torii should have just them a case of Bud and Cheese Curls.

To the powers that be in Major League Baseball that would actually consider enforcing this rule for this "egregious" action, I quote everybody's bestest big toe, Sgt. Hulka..."Lighten up, Francis."

I know Jody, you being a baseball purist would take umbrage with my stance, perhaps. But to me this is the same sort of thing that happens every day in every level of sports. One team needs another team's help for whatever reason and as a inspiration or motivation, offers up some sort of prize as reward in exchange for said assistance.

Can I get a giant cherry Slurpee, please...

There's a great line from comedian Steven Wright about convenience stores and being open round the clock. The scene is a man is going into a convenience store where he is met by another man who is locking the door. The first man says to the second, "what are you doing, the sign says you're open 24 hours?" And the second man replies "yeah, but not in a row."

Quick: What do Yankees closer and future Cooperstown alumnus, Mariano Rivera and 7/11 have in common?

Well put it this way: Mariano has been open round the clock lately, to the tune of a 7.11 ERA.

Fortunately for Mariano and the rest of the Yankees staff, A-Rod's been doing his best Mike Schmidt/Albert Pujols impression with all the homers he's hit in April, lest the Yankees would be in much more dire straights than those they find themselves in currently.

Seinfeld moment #1,345: "Big Stein wants a slurpee!"

That's it. I'm out. Peace.


April 20 , 2007

I know, I know...hard to believe. I have resurfaced after my self-imposed exile. I was making a statement via my silence. I would remain silent until Sanjaya was booted from Idol or the Phillies won 4 games...whichever came first. Who knew they would both take as long to occur?

Much has transpired since my exodus and I will now share with you my thoughts, opinions and beliefs of said topics, heretofore, ipsofacto, etc, etc...

Pick Your Poison
When I first heard about the tête-à-tête between Mssrs. Eskin and Manuel, my first thought was 'hmmm, what side would I choose in that battle royale?'

Understatement of the century here, I am not a big fan of either of these gentlemen.

On one hand you have a person who takes conceit and pomposity to a new level and on the other you have a person who may not be able to spell conceit and pomposity.

Clearly both men are at fault. Mr. Eskin, for using the platform he is granted as a member of the media to goad Mr. Manuel in the first place. When Charlie offered to take him to his office to presumably teach him a lesson, Howard could have and should have kept quiet and said nothing. But that of course is like asking Chris Webber to give back some of the money he stole from the Sixers. Translation: Ain't gonna happen.

And the Unc is at fault of course for allowing Mr. Eskin to proverbially get under his skin so much so that he (Manuel) felt compelled to act in such a physical manner.

My other thought about all this ... being my normal cynical-self, is that it was all staged. Mr. Eskin for ratings of course and Mr. Manuel, to inspire the troops, much he like attempted do last year when he confronted Dallas Green. If memory serves me, the team started playing better subsequent to this, yes?

Well seeing how they really can't play much worse, here's hoping the tête-à-tête, staged or otherwise, will serve to inspire.

Imus

I will certainly not rehash all the sordid details. But rather just pass on my take, if I may.

Right off...he did not deserve to be fired...but that comes with a caveat. More of that in a second.

What Don Imus said was deplorable, sexist, racist, idiotic, ignorant and downright dumb. If anyone thinks otherwise, they should be checked for a pulse. The young women on the Rutgers Basketball Team handled themselves with much class and dignity in the face of publicity they did not seek nor desire.

To me the much-bigger issue is the hypocritical stance many people are taking and have taken on this matter. I am not referring to the buffoonery that is Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson. Their opinions are worthless in my eyes and I would hope they would have as much value or less in everyone else’s eyes.

A few weeks ago, there was a big rally at Rutgers yesterday to get Imus fired. Now if we were to check the iPods and CD collections of all the people at this rally, how many would have music from “artists” like Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre or a host of other rap artists that continually demean and degrade women, both black & white, in their lyrics? The answer is of course we’ll never know but you know some, if not many, will indeed have these types of songs and a frequent listeners to them.

So what’s the difference?

Plenty.

Don Imus said something despicable. We all know that. He has apologized for it. Whether it is a sincere apology is irrelevant. Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, et al apologize for NOTHING. Instead they laugh all the way to the bank.

So where are the Sharptons & the Jacksons and all the others clamoring for Imus’s head when it comes to rap music? Why are they not organizing rallies to boycott the record labels that put out this trash? They "claim" they will now go after the record companies that condone such language.

Here’s my bottom line:

Don Imus was fired. And while I disagree with it, I accept it with the caveat that everyone else out there in the public eye, who have a forum...darn well better be prepared to hold themselves up (or down) to the same level.

There is of course this from a little book I like to call The Holy Bible: “Let him without sin cast the first stone.”

The problem is ain’t none of them people (those without sins) around.

A bad decision...

The tragedy at Virgina Tech is one that will haunt that university and the entire nation for years to come...forever. And while we all grieve tremendously for the victims, we would be cheating them and everyone else if we did not address an issue.

And that issue is the decision to not to shut the school down following the initial shooting. I'm sorry, but if I am a parent of one of the students who were killed AFTER the initial shootings, I would want someone's head and I would want answers. And I would be quite mad at those who made that fateful decision.

There is simply no way, given the world we currently live in, that you cannot shut that campus down immediately following the initial shootings.

We've seen examples in the post 9/11 world where a mysterious package will result in large-scale evacuations of entire buildings and neighborhoods. Yet a double murder occurs and we do nothing? Have we gotten that cold as a society that we just "chalk it up" as another domestic shooting, which is what the original thinking was in response to the first 2 killings.

The Chief of Police and the President of the School made a decision they will have to live with for the rest of their lives. Here's hoping when this happens again...and it will and we all know it will, the only question is where and when...those in the decision-making roles do not make the same tragic mistake.

That's it. I'm out. Peace.


March 31, 2007

Today I give you some stories you may have missed...

I "leg" to differ...

On Wednesday a severed human leg washed up on the Long Island Sound estate of billionaire James Dolan, who also happens to be the CEO of Cablevision Systems Corp. and the chairman of Madison Square Garden, owner of the Knicks and Rangers. Unconfirmed reports have the Knicks signing the leg to a 10-day contract.

"Delete" Offender...

Stanford swim Coach Skip Kenney erased the records of five former athletes he didn't get along with from the team's media guide. He was promptly suspended with pay and had the Delete key on his laptop disabled. The Coach immediately filed an appeal claiming he could no longer reboot his computer. And don't you think the punishment could have been a little stiffer, say he has to clean out the pools or swim a 100 laps in a Speedo or something like that? Make the punishment fit the crime I always say...

Purple...Shrinkage?...

A man filed formal complaints with the FCC that Prince's Super Bowl performance left him with erectile dysfunction...turns out the man is a car dealer and in his affidavit he states "the gyrations and movement and sounds of Prince left me with a little red corvette."

In a related story, I am giving serious consideration to filing a formal complaint against American Idol for auditory dysfunction as the "singers" this year are causing me to lose my hearing. I've heard better singing from snitches. I think Simon, Paula, et al can remove their life vests as this talent pool is draining quickly right before our eyes. You know it's bad when you long for the days of Justin Guarini.

That's it. I'm out. Peace.


March 27, 2007

Much like Flyers win this season, the Diatribe has been few and far between so look at today's Diatribe as you would a win by the Flyboys over the worst team in the...wait a second, hold the phone here...where have I been? I mean I know I've been busy lately but...

The Philadelphia Flyers ARE the worst team in hockey...by far...12 points behind the nearest team, the perennially hapless Blackhawks.

But surely things will turn around once Peter Forsberg returns from his injury-du-jour, right?

What's that? They traded him?

Well I'm sure Bobby Clarke got a great deal in return for...what was that? Bobby Clarke is no longer the Flyers GM?

Man, you miss two thirds of a hockey season and the whole word passes you by...

Scanning the headlines...


• I got the Fever...I wonder if the Titans have removed all the Pac Man video games from their complex yet? I know where they can get a good deal on some slightly used Asteroids and Donkey Kong. Today it was announced that Las Vegas Police said that they will recommend to the city's district attorney that Jones be charged with one count of "felony coercion" and also misdemeanor counts of "battery and threat to life." Now I am no Matlock or Perry Mason but just on the surface alone, don't you think the term "threat to life" should carry more than just a misdemeanor charge with it?


• Any relation to Charlie...? ...My thoughts on the trade for Bills LB Takeo Spikes are this: It sends a clear message to Dhani Jones, Matt McCoy, et al that they (the Eagles brain trust) have absolutely, positively no faith in them. It also sends a message the Eagles faithful who have been pining and yearning for help for Jeremiah Trotter and if Spikes is healthy and can stay that way, they will have it.


• Jaws in Motion...I think the addition and replacement of Ron Jaworski for Joe Theismann in the Monday Night Football booth is a great move and one that is looooong overdue. Now viewers around the country get to experience what we have for years and that is Jaws providing his insight and level of detail that quite frankly, Joe Theismann could never come close to replicating.

Okay, that's it...I'm done...I'm spent...this writing stuff is too hard. I need to find a new line of work...I wonder if Britney Spears needs an assistant...

Steve O


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