Today's News-Get all the news
October 31, 2007
| By Dennis Bakay
| 
Discuss
Tip Off
Sixers open the season tonight, but does anyone care?
While riding into the office this morning I was listening to 610 and Angelo Cataldi said he's never seen a worse lack of interest with any team than with the Sixers.
I don't agree with Cataldi much, but I will here. Nobody is talking about this team. A good barometer of interest is by hearing what callers talk about on talk radio.
This team is light years different from the one that took the court in 2000. And, when Billy King was grilled by Glen Macnow on his show last night about why fans should be excited about this team King responded that they have a team that will play hard every night.
Well, I would hope so. They are professional athletes.
And, he said they'll play "team basketball."
Great. In other words, this team is garbage and they have nothing to offer in terms of excitement or cache.
There's nothing worse then knowing your team is finished before the season ever begins. This team is a 30-win team on paper, at best a 35-win team. They're already in the toilet.
I keep hearing about the deadline looming about getting Andre Iguodala signed. Who gives a damn? I say let him become a free agent and let some other fool outbid you in that situation. Who the hell is Andre Iguodala? He's a nice #2 player. He's not someone you build your franchise around.
They say he'll get something around $11 million per year like Kevin Martin got from Sacramento.
Fantastic.
See ya. Good bye.
The Sixers need to tank this season and trade Andre Miller for expiring contracts so they can completely blow their team up and lose money off the books after this season. If they do that, they're looking at a team salary of $25 million after this season.
Talk to me then, because then they'll be worth talking about since they can then start all over.
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Eagles cut former 2nd rounder Matt McCoy.
Wow. Who didn't see this coming? He was a bust pretty much from the door. He was undersized and most teams had him going in the 5th or 6th round. But, for whatever reason the Eagles decided on drafting Matt McCoy in the 2nd round. McCoy was cut one day after a stupid personal foul penalty he committed during the Vikings game.
Yet another blown 2nd round pick for Andy Reid. This round hasn't been kind to him. Look at the schleps he has picked over the years in that round.
1999-Barry Gardner
2000-Todd Pinkston, Bobby Williams
2001-Quinton Caver
2002-Sheldon Brown, Michael Lewis
2003-L.J. Smith
2004-No pick (traded in Shawn Andrews trade so they could move up to pick him)
2005-Reggie Brown, Matt McCoy
2006-Winston Justice
2007-Kevin Kolb, Victor Abiamiri
Let's see, Sheldon Brown and Lewis were great picks. Gardner, Pinkston, Williams, Caver, and McCoy all stunk. And, L.J. Smith was largely inconsistent during his career here. The jury is still out on Brown, Justice, Kolb, and Abiamiri. So, he was 2 for 7 on his 2nd rounders-again the jury out on 4 remaining players.
Basically, what we can derive from here is if the Eagles pick a linebacker in the 2nd round, just assume he'll be a bust, jagoff, and chump-to quote the folks at the Igglphans.com message board. Gardner, Caver, and McCoy had shorter lifespans than mayflies during their tenures with the Eagles.
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According to Todd Zolecki, the Phils are interested in both Schilling and Lowell.
I don't see them over-paying for Lowell though. His value will never be higher since he was the World Series MVP. He's a very good player, but aging and not someone the Phils will pay through the nose for.
Schilling will be an attractive candidate because he's only looking for a one-year deal and we know the Phillies love those one-year deals. See Kevin Millwood, Freddy Garcia.
Let's just hope Schilling doesn't take a dump should he return here. We've all seen it before. A player enjoys success somewhere, comes here, then sucks.
Schilling is a little different because he was here before, but he is 40.
He doesn't think he's returning to the Sox though because the word is he wrote good-bye letters to some of his teammates the past few days.
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Gagne needs to pass test before he can return to the ice.
Simon Gagne, who is still recovering from a concussion, needs to pass a test for mental acuity before being allowed to return to the ice.
He suffered the concussion in Florida when he took a shoulder to his head.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Myspace Deleted
Attention! Phillypurge.com myspace account has been deleted
Hi everybody. To those of you who are fans of my website Phillypurge.com I wanted to let you know that myspace has decided to delete my account. I have no reason why they would do such a thing, but it looks like I'll have to recreate the page from scratch. I emailed their so-called tech support people who never email you back, so I probably won't get an answer.
In the meantime, I will continue to update the site like normal, but it's a devastating blow to me for this to happen because I rely heavily on myspace for promoting my website and communicating with people as far as when new content is up. If any of you know people who rely on the myspace bulletins to check out my site, let them know that my account was deleted and that I'll work as fast as I possibly can to get it back up and for them to add me as a friend. And, tell them to just go directly to my site as it will be updated normally during the day. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Dennis Bakay
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Boston Envy
The city that keeps on winning and then there's Philly
Ok I'm back finally. And, no I wasn't kidnapped or hospitalized, or suffer a drug overdose.
This weekend I went up to Boston, or Beantown, or as I now refer to as the city that keeps on winning. And, I had no internet access at my hotel room, much to my chagrine so the website couldn't be updated for a few days.
At any rate, while heading up there I was listening to the mid-day show with Anthony Gargano, a.k.a "The Cuz" and Steve Martorano. He was talking about how he has "Boston envy" because they are on top of the world in every way possible. They have the best teams in baseball, football, a great college football team, and now the Celtics are on the way back up. I happen to agree and have Boston envy as well.
Before heading up on Friday, Boston College QB Matt Ryan executed a miraculous comeback on Thursday night in the final minutes as they won 14-10. And, thus they'll at least hold onto their #2 ranking in college football.
And, when we arrived on Friday you could feel the vibes even at an Applebee's type restaurant in Billerica called "99." People everywhere were rocking their Red Sox gear and TV sets everywhere were tuned in to ESPN.
Saturday, it was electric up there. You could feel a great vibe everywhere from a small diner in Billerica to outside of Fenway Park to the sports bars outside of North Station.
Red Sox fever was in the air. They are to that area what the Eagles are here. I've traveled in many parts and Red Sox and Eagles fans are the best in the country.
And, then you have the Patriots who are the NFL's answer to the Roman army. They demolish everything in their wake, by beheading and conquering their competition with surgical precision. If there was ever a year for the Eagles to be mediocre it's this year because any team representing the NFC in the Super Bowl is nothing more than cannon fodder for the Patriots. They proved that yesterday with a 52-7 shellacking of the Redskins.
The Red Sox after winning the World Series last night have now given the Boston area five count 'em FIVE titles for their franchises since 2001.
To put it all in perspective, the four current Philadelphia franchises have nine total championships in their respective histories. They have just four titles since 1973 and FIVE in the past forty years.
Here's the run-down.
Eagles: 1948, 1949, and 1960.
Sixers: 1955, 1967, and 1983.
Flyers 1973-1974 and 1974-1975.
Phillies: 1980.
While I was there on Saturday the Flyers did beat the Boston Bruins. It's interesting to note that the TD Banknorth Garden is connected directly to the North Station. So, you can take the train right in and go up into the stadium. Talk about convenience.
On Boston's sports talk station 850 WEEI, they were talking about former Phillie Curt Schilling and making a case for him being in the HOF. After last night he now has three titles, one with Arizona and two with Boston after leaving Philly. They compared him to Catfish Hunter who won five championships, two with the Yankees, and three with the Oakland A's who were formerly in Philadelphia-who have three times as many titles as the Phillies, after leaving Philly.
Ok, I'll just stop now.
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Eagles save their season with 23-16 win over Vikes
It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win as they say. And, they held the Vikes' ultimate weapon Adrian Peterson to 70 yards on 20 carries.
Reggie Brown had another good game and nearly surpassed his season stats up to that point with an 8-catch 105 yard game.
And, McNabb-the old McNabb-the one who runs made a brief appearance yesterday.
The pass to run ratio was still a little out of whack, but better. This time they chucked it 36 times and mushed 26 times.
And, is Jon Runyan a gamer or what? He's playing with a broken tailbone. The injury is so painful that when he was doing his weekly show with Anthony Gargano, he could barely sit down.
The Eagles take on the boys next week in another "must win" game not just because it's the "stinkin' Cowboys."
Now that the Eagles' season isn't over, looks like I won't have to adopt a team to write up on for the rest of the year like I did with the Phoenix Suns last year.
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Surely, Curt Schilling's value will go up now that he won another World Series. The word out of Boston is that he wants a one-year deal from them for $13 million.
He does want to come back, but if the Phillies can give him two years then why wouldn't he want to come here?
In another week, the hot stove will start to heat up, which is when free agent negotiations can begin.
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Changing of the guard in MLB
In Ron Costello's column today he take a look at the shift from older baseball guys, to younger math wiz's, who come from IVY League backgrounds.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
End of the line?
Dawkins mysteriously leaves practice for personal reasons
Could this be the end of the line for Brian Dawkins? Yesterday, for the first time since week 2, he was listed on the injury report for an entirely different reason. Rather than for this epic stinger, that has seemingly taken 3 times the amount of time to get over, it was for another reason.
The Eagles stated that he left practice for "personal reasons." Everything is hush-hush out of the Eagles' camp, but one could say it's because Dawkins is seeking yet another opinion or perhaps contemplating retirement.
You have to at least ask the question. Why would a stinger take this long to recover from? And, we all know the Eagles are extremely guarded over injury details of that nature, and it's understandable.
Dawkins, has enjoyed a 12-year career and has everything he needs. If this injury is in fact something more serious that could put him at risk of paralysis, then why in the world would he put himself at risk?
This team is headed nowhere this season and pretty fast. If he comes back, he's not only risking his immediate health, but his long-term health as well. Or, even worse he could possibly suffer a life-threatening injury like Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett suffered.
You have to have wonder why this thing is such a mystery.
The Eagles are as tight-lipped as the Kremlin about this, so attempting to pry any information out of them would be an exercise in futility.
Stay tuned as this story will likely develop further. We will dig deeper into this and keep you abreast of anything new should it develop. At this point, it's all speculation though.
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The Daily News wants Andy Reid fired
Yesterday, the Daily News made a pitch for Andy Reid to be fired.
Today, G Cobb thinks they want to fire the wrong Andy. It's Andy the GM who should be axed.
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Flyers lose a gut-wrencher to Panthers
It was a lot of fun. A 6-1 start to the season and no end in sight. And, then they headed down to Florida to begin the 8-game road trip.
Simone Gagne suffered a concussion in the loss. He will be evaluated today.
Tonight they face their nemesis, the Tampa Bay Lightning. And, Nittymaaki will make his first start of the season.
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Deadline looming to get Iguodala deal done
The Sixers have until the 31st to get an extension done for Iguodala.
Thank God! Let's hope now that Billy King rides this one out and allows a team to make an offer for Iguodala.
My fingers are crossed that he doesn't sign him to a max contract. This is Billy King we're talking about though.
Starting July 1, the Sixers would then have a right of first refusal should any team offer him a deal.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Fall Guy
Already the Eagles' propaganda machine is starting to beat the drums
You know when Howard Eskin starts to speak for the Eagles' organization, there's smoke where there's fire. He's been an ardent supporter of the Eagles' organization and one could say (depending on your point of view) he's been a mouthpiece for Joe Banner in recent years.
Lately he's been saying that there's a 50/50 chance that McNabb will be gone, but it will because "his side" meaning he and his agent will want a new contract after the season. Here we go again...player over 30, coming off some injuries...
And, now you're hearing more and more spin coming out that McNabb is the reason for this team's collapse this year. His skills are eroding. He can't play at a high level any longer.
That's bull (expletive deleted).
Anybody who has ever watched a lick of sports before knows that an injury of that magnitude will affect an athlete for the following season. It doesn't mean he can't play any longer, but it takes time! That means, McNabb won't be the McNabb we've come to know until 2008.
But, the Eagles have their exit plan with the great Kevin Kolb. Whooptie friggin' doo! And, Lurie and Banner's favorite son Andy Reid will be here for the foreseeable future, unless he steps down.
Excited yet?
Just imagine, they'll supply a pocket passer like Kevin Kolb (who doesn't have that other dimension to his game like McNabb had) with the likes of the Reggie Browns and Matt Schoebel's and James Thrash's and Todd Pinktons and Kevin Curtis's.
Face it, the Eagles are making McNabb their fall guy and are looking to cheap it out. This is something the Phillies have done time after time again. And, the Eagles are starting to make it their bread and butter.
I used to defend this organization. I loved the way they did business. Now, I have lost a ton of respect for them.
For them to throw McNabb out there, not get him any real impact players in free agency or the draft and then start this propaganda wave is horrible.
They should be ashamed of themselves for what they're doing to the greatest quarterback in franchise history.
But, they love it. And, they know they have the fans of this town by the balls because for every fan that wouldn't renew their season tickets, there are over 50,000 more on that waiting list ready to step in their place.
The Eagles are becoming just another has-been, cheap-skate organization in this town. All we have are the memories of that run in the early 2000's.
Thanks for the memories anyway.
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Luries gives Reid a vote of confidence
Imagine that, Lurie's favorite son, Andy Reid is getting the vote of confidence. Hell he's only been 18-20 since the Super Bowl year and this team is falling from the sky faster than a Pan Am Flight, but sure he's doing a wonderful job.
"I think we have a great coach, great coaching staff, excellent leadership," Lurie said. "We were 5-6 last year, we lost our starting quarterback, and almost made it to the championship game. He's one of the truly best coaches, and if you interviewed the 31 other owners and Andy was on the market, many would be lining up, so . . ."
Lining up for what exactly? Lining up for a coach that can't do it in the big games, who is so damn stubborn about his way that he's willing to destroy a team's offense over it.
I suppose.
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Temple football is back
Temple is ready for the challenge of Penn State.
When could we ever say that in recent memory?
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Baseball in March
Phillies' schedule is out and they will open at home in March
The Phillies schedule has come out and they will play...
Ok, drum roll.....
The Phillies will open the 2008 season against the Washington Nationals.
Doesn't it seem like they play them in the beginning and end of every season?
They are the alpha and omega for the Phillies' seasons.
Take a look at their schedule right here.
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Is Francona for real?
Former Phillies skipper in the World Series for second time in four years
I happened to like the job Tito did in the 2004 playoffs, particularly the defensive substitutions and shuffling of the lineup in the series against the Yanks.
He did a masterful job with his moves and holding the clubhouse together.
Now, Francona has led Boston to it's second World Series appearance in four years. That's better than any other club in baseball since the Yankees.
Curt Schilling offered up the following tidbit:
"Unfortunately, there are some people in Philadelphia that have the ability to shape opinions. There are some people in the media there that are the most ignorant sports people I've ever met.
"Terry's really not any different than he was in Philadelphia. He just has an organization that understands winning and is committed to winning."
I happen to agree. Francona is not a dope. He learned the ropes while in Philly and certainly did a poor job. But, the old adage is true-a manager is only as good as his players. And, he had about has much support from the front office in Philly as Al Queda has from the Bush Administration.
He had ZERO talent to work with aside from Schilling and Abreu.
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Does Lurie think Reid has run his course?
Interesting column by John Smallwood today. He compares the Eagles' fall from grace to that of the 76ers, who failed to recognize their peak was in 2001, rather than rebuild.
I think the Eagles are making the same mistake if they don't cut ties with Reid after the season.
This says it all: he was 64-32 from 1999 to 2004 and that includes a 5-11 season in his first year as coach. And, he has gone 18-20 since then.
If that's not mediocre than I don't know what is. No longer can we say 2005 "was an aberration."
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Biron named one of the NHL's Three Stars of the week.
Wow. Gary Bettman, must be on crack. Why can't the NHL have a single player of the week award like the other sports?
Instead, they have "Three Stars of the Week."
Alrighty then.
Biron is the MVP so far this season after notching three victories and two shutouts last week.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Rock bottom
Eagles hit rock bottom with crushing loss and no end in site
The Eagles seemed more preoccupied with Devin Hester than any other player on the field. Hester is being hyped up as the biggest threat since Al Queda.
And, the birds did a masterful job of containing him. Hell, they avoided him like militant muslims avoid a Republican convention.
The Eagles' offense on the other hand was ineffective once again in the red zone. I'm personally getting sick and tired of writing the same thing over and over again every week about this offense. What else can I say that hasn't been said?
They're abominable. Andy Reid is a madman and a control freak who insists it's his way or the highway as this team has gone into the shithouse.
If you read my blog yesterday you'll see they have passed at a 63% ratio in the non-Detroit games.
Rather than run the ball in the fourth quarter, you'll see my breakdown for their pass to run ratio during their five games where they didn't play Detroit. I don't count the Detroit game because that was a fluke.
The final drive was apalling, no doubt. And, it should have never reached that pitch. The Bears would not have had that time to run down the field had he decided on a 50/50 ratio to run the clock down in the 4th instead of a 13 to 6 pass to run ratio. And, nobody can use the "they're playing from more than two scored behind" excuse either. It was a close game when they were down!
This game not only was a sight for sore eyes, but there were some bizarre happenings. At one point one minute of time was erased from the clock in the 4th quarter. And, who could forget the obvious fumble that was ruled a false start! That's a first I've ever seen. Brian Baldinger claims it happened in a game he was involved in while he played in the NFL. So, somebody can vouch for it being a legit rule.
Darren Howard is officially missing and wanted for stealing money. Here is my wanted poster.
He has 2 tackles in 6 games this year. I'll quote the Igglephans.com message board and declare him a bust, jagoff, and chump.
And, Jevon Kearse isn't far behind. He has 10 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks on the season, but 8 of those tackles and 2 sacks occured in two games. So, the other four games the tally is: 2 tackles and a 1/2 sack.
Those are the Eagles' two biggest free agent acquisitions in the past five years and boy do they stink!
And, finally I will say McNabb stunk yesteday. He was throwing off his back foot, firing the ball way too high and not hitting receivers in stride. Normally, I want to jump out of my car while riding down the road listening to these idiots calling into WIP about McNabb "never hitting receivers in stride." You'd think he was Andre Ware.
Yesterday he was not very good. I'll admit that.
So, we are all witnessing the decay of a once dominant NFC franchise. They were the poor man's Buffalo Bills by making just one Super Bowl and losing three conference titles, but it was fun. We can look back on it and view it as another frustrating era in Philly sports history. Just think what could have been had Andy Reid decided on ramming Duce Staley down the Bucs' and Panthers' throats in the '03 and '04 title games. Just think if they would've run the ball more in the Super Bowl.
Just think...
Oh yeah, I'm listening to Andy Reid's press conference and he says they're doing some things right, but gotta do a better job as a team. No shit!
He said they're close though.
Close to what? The bottom of the cess pool!
Who is he kidding? They're about as close to being a good team as a quadriplegic is to winning a marathon.
At least we have the Flyers though!
Now, some Flyers news.
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The Flyers have been working Marty like a dog, but he's not complaining.
That's the attitude we need! But, hey they should give him a break after playing him for the first six games.
Hard to blame them though. He's been the MVP of the league thus far with a sub 2.00 GAA and a 6-1 record.
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The boys of winter will be idle until they play at Florida on Wednesday night.
That will be the start of an 8-game road trip.
After this trip we'll really get a chance to see what they're made of.
I got my money on them going 6-2 over the trip. They face Florida, Tampa Bay, Boston, Montreal, Washington, New York (Rangers), Pittsburgh, and New Jersey. Out of all of those teams, New York and Pittsburgh are their toughest comp.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Window Closed
Eagles lose heartbreaker to Bears in final seconds and offense fails to convert red zone opportunities
It's a broken record with this team at this point. The defense will take the blame here for losing the game and they deserve a lot of blame for that final drive. There's no reason in hell they should give up a touchdown in a 97 yard drive in the final 100 seconds of the game.
With that said, the coach just isn't good enough anymore. His methods are a proven failure and combined with the lackluster talent on this team (also his fault) the result is an utter trainwreck of a football team.
Forget the Detroit game. That was an aberration. This team is the team we've seen for five of those six games.
They are the team that has passed 179 times to 106 rushes over those five games. That's good for a 63 to 37 pass to run ratio.
It's criminal for Andy Reid to be throwing McNabb under the bus like this and have him out there killing himself with garbage talent around him sans Westbrook.
Reggie Brown isn't good enough. Jason Avant (please enough with the company line BS) isn't good enough regardless of what the team tries to tell you. Brent Celek isn't good enough.
Kevin Curtis is a nice receiver. He's a great #3 receiver, someone out of the slot, but a mediocre option as a #2. He is what he is.
This team is what it is. And, that's garbage. They are a 5-11 team with a good defense and a horrific offense. And, with a coach that's trying to fit square pegs into round holes on a weekly basis they are going nowhere.
The window is closed for this team as currently constituted. It's sad to say, but true. They had their years. Now, they rest of the NFC East has surpassed them.
Where do they go from here?
It all hinges on whether or not Reid steps down. I'm willing to bet he does. He looks like a coach who is defeated and is out of answers. His way no longer works.
And, to lose a game like this at home is heart breaking. It's worse than the 2001 game in which they lost to the Arizona Cardinals in the final second when Jake Plummer threw a touchdown to Martay Jenkins. Much worse.
That team was a contender and was twice the team this is. They were a team on the rise and this is a team on the way down.
It all started in early 2005 when this arrogant organization refused to retool after they made the Super Bowl. Their big acquisition was Mike McMahon.
Since then the Eagles' largess to the fans was Darren Howard-who has managed to rival fellow defensive end Jevon Kearse for the title of biggest thief on the team. And, they did get Takeo Spikes in a trade.
Other than that, what the hell have they done? They got Matt Schoebel, Kevin Curtis, and Donte Stallworth-whom they let go because Drew Rosenhaus allegedly blocked him from re-signing with them. And, their drafts have been garbage. Aside from Patterson, Cole, and Bunkley they've Come up empty with impact players. And, on offense...their draft picks have been offensive.
Today is a microcosm of where this organization is headed. That utter collapse on the final drive is much like the decline of this organization.
They are falling down the cavernous path towards the deep depths of the ocean where they can languish with the other bottom feeders of the NFL.
And, there's no way back up until Reid steps down. It's over.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Back-to-Back
Biron shuts out the Devils as Flyers record 2nd consecutive shut-out
For the first time in six years (Brian Boucher) a Flyers goalie has recorded consecutive shut-outs. Biron was magnificent last night, especially in the first period when he faced 15 shots to the Flyers' two. That's when a goalie is needed most, when the offense can't mount any shots.
After that it was smooth sailing for the boys in orange in black as they recorded 4 goals in the final two periods. And, they did this despite being outshot by a 2 to 1 margin.
In years past the other Martin would be the one to put up this kind of performance, but Biron outplayed Brodeur this night.
Biron is now 5-1 on the year with a 1.50 GAA and .951 save percentage on the year with 2 shutouts. Right now, he's the MVP of the league, but to quote Harvey Keitel in Pulp Fiction, let's not start you know what just yet. It's a long season, but the Flyers are already starting to take over the town. Like I said, this area is so starved for a winner we'll become a hockey town if they get off to a torrid start.
I think it's time for ESPN to get their you know what together and bump the Flyers up in those power rankings. They still have them at #14. Uhm, excuse me, but they are 5-1 (regardless who they played) and that's good for the second best record in the Eastern Conference and third best record in the entire NHL. Show us some love ESPN!
The 5-1 Flyers are idle tonight and will face the Carlina Hurricanes tomorrow night at the Wach at 7:00.
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Eagles linebackers still lacking in the turnover department
They are tied for the third-worst total in the entire NFL with just 3 forced fumbles so far.
It's a far cry from the days of Buddy and even the defenses from the 2000-2004 years.
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The Phillies reportedly have interest in Schilling and he's expressed an interest in coming back.
I've heard this rumor and wanted to wait until posting it and will now since Todd Zolecki has reported it.
For those of you who still hold a grudge against Schilling for his antics in '93, just get over it. He's a winner-two Word Series titles and he pitched with his ankle falling apart and bleeding all over the place in game 6 in 2004 against the Yanks. If that didn't win your respect back, then I don't know what will.
He's older now, but still would be better than Moyer or Kendrick. If they can get Myers back in the rotation, then they're looking at a top-4 of Hamels, Schilling, Myers, and Kendrick. That is a World Series contending staff right there.
And, of course they have to figure out what to do about Eaton. That's another story....
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L.J. Smith still ailing
Ok, I've just about had it with L.J. Smith. For one, he's killing my beloved Birds. And, two I have him on my one salary cap fantasy team (meaning I have to ride it out with him since somebody else would pick him up) and have been forced to start the likes of Donald Lee, Daniel Graham, and other schleps.
He's been chronically injured this entire season and just when you think he's about to return he's still aching.
Listen, I know it's gotta be tough playing with that sort of injury, but how friggin' long does it take to get over a hernia?!
He's been staying out of practice because of the soreness and will be a game-time decision. Just who isn't sore in the NFL?
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Money Woes
Westbrook complains about not getting a paycheck; files grievance
If you haven't heard already, Brian Westbrook is unhappy about his money situation with the Eagles. And, it has nothing to do with his contract.
Rather, it has to do with him being overpaid to the tune of $3 million. And, he didn't return that money back to the organization. And, his agent, the player's association, and team all agreed on a plan where he would pay back the overpayment.
But, he has not signed on to that agreement-yet.
From the sounds of it, he comes off like that extra $3 million should be just given to him and he never knew about the over-payment.
We all know that's BS. If the average person knows when they're overpaid by $50 in a paycheck for a given week, Westbrook sure as hell knew he got paid $3 million extra. Tell that BS to somebody who's buying it.
And, he gave the "woe is me routine" yesterday when grilled about it by reporters. Now, he's not receiving paychecks from the Eagles because that's the only way they can recover their money.
"It would be the same thing as if you guys went out and wrote [stories] or whatever and didn't get a paycheck," Westbrook said. "You would be disappointed. It's a situation that my agent and I are trying to get resolved. It hasn't gotten resolved yet. By this time, I thought it would have been resolved."
He agreed to the contract. It was 5 years and $25 million with a $3 million roster bonus and other bonuses. He got paid that $3 million roster bonus twice. In reality it was $1.7 million after taxes. He has since filed a grievance with the player's association over this situation.
He needs to stop pissing and moaning and buck up and deal with it. It's insulting for him to try and relate to reporters or god forbid average working people.
I love him as a player, but he sounds like another spoiled, pampered, athlete and should stop acting like a child and just deal with it.
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Flyers get their first test tonight against the Devils
If there's one criticism of the boys in orange and black, it's that they've faced ham and eggers all season. So far they've played Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, New York (Islanders), and Atlanta-in other words the little sisters of the poor.
Tonight they face another sub-.500 team in the Devils, but that means nothing. The Devils have been the bane of the Flyers' existence for the past decade and are never an easy match up.
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McNabb wants to be a Philly lifer
If you think McNabb is ready to get out of Philly anytime soon, you're sadly mistaken.
Yesterday he made it all but clear he wants to retire as an Eagle.
"My thoughts are about ending my career here," McNabb said. "I'm not really focusing on anything like that. I'm going to be a Philadelphia Eagle my whole career, and I expect that. If anything changes, it's not in my control, but I look forward to ending my career here."
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Garrett Reid's attorneys say he couldn't find a ride
Reid's attorneys claim the conditions of his parole preclude him from driving. And, since he couldn't find a ride to the facility to take the drug test, that's the reason why he was unable to be present.
His attorneys say he's a victim of miscommunication.
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Sixers lose 4th straight preseason game
Things aren’t getting better for the 76ers as they lost to Utah last night 101-93.
Last night, Jason Smith was the man in the middle.
Smith was one of their first round picks in case you didn't know, well you probably didn't know! Can't blame you.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Thrashed
The Flyers destroy the Atlanta Thrashers 4-0
The Flyers are "back with a vengeance" and continue their torrid play with a 4-0 win over Atlanta. Jeff Carter led the way.
I'll tell you what, if the Flyers get off to a 22-4 start, this area will be "Flyered Up." Some say it's a football town, some say a baseball town, others a college basketball town.
Let's face it, we'll take whatever we can get. If a Stanley Cup is the title we win first, so be it.
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Garrett Reid this time is the one in trouble. Andy Reid's other troubled son Garrett Reid was sent to jail yesterday after refusing to take a court-ordered drug test.
Reid is in a no-win situation here, he's facing criticism for staying on as coach because he's "distracted", but if he leaves the team is screwed this season, because it's built to be run by him.
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Seems like Joe Pa doesn't know whether to poop or get off the pot.
Austin Scott is still on the roster.
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Lowell says he would like to play for the Phillies.
Put this in the category of things that make you go hmmm. When grilled about it during the game the other night Lowell said the Phillies would be one of the teams he'd consider going to, since they're a playoff contender.
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It's one thing to pull a low-rent move like that if you're someone of Gagne's ilk, but if you're a lowly player of Boulerice's stature, you won't hang around too long.
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He's drawing early comparisons to Lamar Odom and Tayshaun Prince.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Scary Good
Heading into Sunday Devin Hester should be the Birds' biggest concern
Let's face it the Chicago Bears stink. Sure Brian Griese put up 300+ and 3 TD's on Sunday, but a lot of it was in garbage time. They were down by two scores with a few minutes left and the Vikings went braindead.
The Bears are a joke. Cedric Benson is the latest running back bust for the Bears-the last being Happy Valley's Curtis Enis.
Devin Hester is the one they have to worry about. If they just kick away from him, then the Bears become just another bad football team. Their defense isn't what it's been in the previous years, and even with a good defense I'll take the Eagles' defense against their offense any day.
Look for Sunday to be an easy win for the Birds-that's only if they do the right thing (to quote Spike Lee's infamous movie) and stay away from Hester.
Hester is good, scary good. He now has 8 return touchdowns in his career of 22 games. He's as much of an impact to the game as Shawn Merriman or Julius Peppers are on defense and LT and Tom Brady are on offense.
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The Birds can go far if their offense can catch up
It's funny how all Eagles fans thought that the offense was the part of the team that we didn't have to worry about. I won't lie, I was one of them. I felt that the offense was cool becuase we have so many weapons on this offense.
They have Brian Westbrook, who has been playing extremely well in every game he has played this season. Reggie Brown has had only one good game so far, Kevin Curtis has had two great games, and L.J. Smith has been hurt all year so he hasn't been able to live up to his potential...
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Ron Costello returns from the weekend and looks back on life after his 40th high school reunion
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift...that's why they call it the present.
Going to a high school reunion is definitely going back in history. I attended mine Saturday night at the Bala Country Club: Harriton High School Class of 1967. Although I only stayed for the two hour cocktail session, it was fun and a walk back in history...
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Ugly Win
The Eagles get back on track, sort of
Time after time again yesterday the Eagles moved the ball down the field, but came up empty in the red zone.
It was a very aggravating game to watch indeed. For them to come out of this game with 16 points is apalling, just inexcusable. They should have scored at least 30 points yesterday and that's being conservative. And, Akers, who resembles anything but the sure-footed kicker we’ve had the luxury of watching over the years, missed two field goals.
All told, they had four drives inside the red zone and failed to convert any of them into touchdowns. To make matters worse, the Jets ranked 31st in red zone defense. And, the Eagles nearly made it into the red zone another time (on the 23 yard-line) and converted that into a field goal.
This goes beyond McNabb's inability to scramble like he used to. The team did move the ball very effectively, but
the coach once again didn't run the ball enough.
Looks like they didn't learn a whole lot from their bye week off. 39 passes and 27 runs. That's 59% passing plays if you do the math.
This team needs to run the ball in order to smell the postseason. There is not a snowball's chance in hell of them sniffing the playoffs if Andy Reid continues to go about forcing the team to pass, pass, pass.
For whatever reason he doesn't get it, or maybe he does get it and just doesn't give a damn. Perhaps, he just wants to prove that he can get the team on track with this philosophy that up to this point has proven to be wrong.
It worked last year when Garcia was under the helm and in 2003 with the "three-headed monster." It really boggles my mind that he refuses to go back to it when it's worked wonders before.
Maybe Reid just doesn't give a damn.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
They're Back
Suddenly the Flyers are the talk of the town
With the Phillies' season ending quickly in the postseason and the Sixers season being over before it begins and the Eagles on the down-swing, suddenly the Flyers are the team to talk about.
Say it isn't so, the Fly-guys, the team that was the bottom feeder of the NHL is now the team to talk about in this area. Who'd have thought?
Check out Mike Santa Barbara's take on it.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
For Sale?
Phillies shoot down rumors that they're for sale
The two best words most Phillies fans are hoping for could possibly be realized.
For Sale.
Howard Eskin reported yesterday that the Phillies are closer to selling the team now and that the driving force behind it is Claire Betz, who has the biggest stake in the team. Her stake is believed to be valued anywhere from 30 to 40%.
The Phillies quickly shot the rumor down though.
"Nothing could be further from the truth," Montgomery repeated, forcefully. "There's absolutely nothing to it. Nothing. Nothing."
That doesn't mean anything though. Where there's smoke there's fire.
Philadelphia Daily News columnist Stan Hochman was on Daily News Live and first broke the story.
He stated that an offer had been made to the team and they rejected it because one owner didn't want to sell. And, that the other owners approache the hold-out owner.
I'm willing to bet the holdout owner is Bill Giles who has expressed his refusal to sell the team. He has been quoted before as saying it won't happen in "his lifetime." And, he hopes he lives a very long time.
I don't need to go on a rant to say how much of a boon it would be to the Phillies organization for a new owner to come in. A new era is just what this franchise needs.
After 24 years and just 3 playoff appearances, this ownership group has been one of the biggest failures in professional sports.
Things are going to get very interesting for the Phillies. This is without a doubt an exciting story.
Eskin said it could happen within the next two years.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Charlie's Back
Charlie Manuel agrees to two-year contract extension
As was expected (at least by yours truly) Charlie Manuel signed a two-year contract extension with the Phillies yesterday.
The deal will pay him approximately $3 million and there is an option for a third year.
Interesting fact here: Manuel and Pat Moran (coached in 1915-1917) are the only Phillies managers to start their careers with three straight winning seasons.
Goes to show you how bad they are historically if they only have two managers with winning marks in the first three years of their respective careers.
Personally, I'd rather have seen them move on and go after Joe Girardi or Don Mattingly, but they sort of backed themselves into a corner by retaining Manuel this year and then reaching the playoffs.
If they improve their pitching though, they will be a World Series contender and history shows that even the likes of Terry Francona can be made to look like geniuses in the playoffs with enough talent on both sides of the diamond.
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Looking at his fellow GM's perhaps Gillick hasn't done as bad of a job after all
Sure, Gillick has had his share of clunkers, like trading for the bad Alex Gonzalez, who promptly retired. He acquired Antonio "El Poop" Alfonseca, brought back Jose "Joe Table" Mesa, and a few other scrubs. But, lets not forget Dobbs, Romero, Werth, Iguchi, and Rowand.
Ron Costello makes a case for Gillick and why Angelo Cataldi should keep his mouth shut.
Gillick has made mistakes, but so have Theo Epstein, Brian Cashman, and John Schuerholtz.
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New Steve O Diatribe-taking a look at the Phillies
Steve O does a little Q and A and looks at all things Philadelphia Phillies.
Check out the new diatribe here.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
In or Out?
With contract talks expected to begin, will Charlie Manuel be back?
The first major question of the Phillies' off season is whether or not Charlie Manuel will be back as the Phillies skipper.
This is a major decision for the young team, which has done what no other team has done in this generation of Phillies teams.
Do I give Manuel most of the credit for this quantum leap? Absolutely not. I do feel he deserves about 45% of the credit for the season. I think he did a fine job overall planning the lineups, setting pitching rotations, using his bullpen, particularly down the stretch-albeit with a 40-man roster. I give him a B overall this year. His in-game management stinks, but isn't there another coach in this town who has been maligned for his "gameday coaching" yet he is regarded as the most successfull coach in Eagles history.
I would prefer to see the Phillies move on and get Joe Girardi, but I wouldn't be upset if they retained Manuel. The players really deserve more of the credit for this season, especially Jimmy Rollins who walked the walk and talked the talk, backing it up with a season for the ages.
And, with the litany of injuries this team has suffered this year, Manuel deserves credit there as well. Sure, losing Garcia and Lieber helped their rotation, but they still had to deal with injuries to Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, and Michael Bourn.
If I were a betting man, I'd say Manuel will get a 2-year extension sometime this week.
They two sides are set to meet today with Pat Gillick about a new deal.
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Decisions decisions-Phillies have many free agents of their own
The Phillies have a few key free agents of their own that they must re-sign at all costs.
First off, Kyle Lohse who is in line to make $9 million per year, should be signed. Don't even hesitate, just sign him and be done. He's about as good as you're going to get on the free agent market, because there's not much out there. If they are going to add a front-line starting pitcher, they'll need to trade for one. Let's hope this doesn't end up like the Freddy Garcia debacle.
And, J.C. Romero is also a free agent. Again, lock him up like a car thief. He was their best reliever down the stretch and has the fire and grit to make it in this town.
Aaron Rowand will command $10 million-plus on the market. I personally would sign him. Of course, if I were running the show I'd have a $120 million payroll and commit $5 million annually to player development in the Dominican Republic as opposed to their measly $700,000 budget. I don't see them re-signing him. Victorino will be in center next year and Werth in right. If they do opt to not sign him then they had better allocate that money to whatever pitcher they decide to trade for. Hmmmm, Dontrelle Willis perhaps?
Abraham Nunez is another key free agent. I'd sign him as well. He has a good glove and would give them good depth off the bench.
Other than that, the likes of Barajas, Kane Davis, and Geary are free agents and arbitration eligible. And, if they sign any of them I'll personally go down to The Bank and protest.
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Eagles are already in a deep hole
The Eagles are already beginning to play themselves out of the division and playoff race as they sit 2 games behind 3rd place New York.
Check out Khristian Peel's take right here.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Power Outage
Phillies get shut down again, losing 2-1 and being swept
The 20-minute power outage at Coor's Field last night was a microcosm of this entire series.
I basically attribute this lackluster performance to one thing. The Phillies acted like they won the damn championship on Monday.
Ok, it was great to celebrate on Sunday and enjoy the champagne and have fun with the crowd.
However, did they really need to have the "pep rally" on Monday? That wasn't just a pep rally. It was a (expletive deleted) poor man's parade.
Come on, this team was celebrating and running their mouths on Monday like they won the whole damn shebang. And, in reality it was a very good step in the right direction, but it wasn't the be-all end-all.
And, they were pumping their chests like they won it all.
Is it any surprise they came out flatter than a man suffering from erectile dysfunction?
.172 average for the entire series.
8 total runs in 3 games.
We can't blame pitching for this really. Cole Hamels deserves blame for game one though. He didn't bring his A-game. And, that's more of a mental thing than anything else. He had to bring it and failed. And, the offense came up even more lame.
Charlie Manuel gets the blame for game 2. We all know that. And, when the team gets in a shootout like that, they need to score 12 runs to win and the offense didn’t do the job.
And, last night the offense came up about as empty as it has in any spot the entire season.
The entire team deserves blame for this utter collapse. They should have celebrated on Sunday and that’s it. Screw the mock-parade ceremony on Monday. That was a joke.
So it goes, another team falls in crushing fashion in the playoffs. This is what we've come to expect as Philadelphia fans. And, why the hell not? The broken record just repeats, repeats, repeats, repeats....
Now, we have to wait for the hot stove in November. This offseason will be short-lived. This team is very close. They just need to add a closer and a top-level starting pitcher and to move Myers back to the rotation.
And, a legit starting third baseman would be nice too.
But for now, we have to mourn. It seems like a routine like Thanksgiving and Christmas every year.
Now that this team got their first taste of the playoffs they should be mature enough to not make the same mistake and celebrate too early next time.
I agree with Brett Myers on that. He was right in his criticism about this team lacking the same intensity after Sunday. And, that’s why.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Break Down
Charlie Manuel makes infamous pitching change, thus costing the Phillies the game and possibly the series
I was never one to be on the Charlie Manuel for Manage of the Year bandwagon. I thought he did a nice job down the stretch, and overall this season he gets a B- overall grade.
I think this notion that the "players want to play for him" is
It's like having a Ferrarri 2007 Spider with no engine.
Of course the Charlie Manuel apologists will say this game isn't fault. And, that's a complete fallacy. It's completely his fault. Why in the blue hell would you pull your second best pitcher in just the 4th inning of a game when he has bases loaded with two outs? Added to that, he had a 3-2 lead!
And, so it goes, the move that has buried the Phillies in a 2-0 hole ended up in a grand slam by a second-rate majorleaguer in Kaz Matsui who gets about as many homeruns as the biggest nerd gets hummers.
Matsui had just 4 homers this season. And, has 17 in his career in 1380 career at-bats.
Now, I'm not knocking Lohse, but that's the way it went down. He came into the game and right off the bat nearly gave up a bases-clearing hit down the line, that ended up foul by inches.
This move should have never been made and the manager deserves all the blame.
Rollins, Utley, and Howard did spring back to life yesterday, notching 2 hits a piece, but you could have all the king's horses and all the king's men on offense, but if your manager is overmatched and your pitching staff isn't good enough it's not going to be good enough.
Now, the Fightins head to Coors Field for what appears to be the equivalent of hiking up the Rockies in a blizzard.
Can they do it? Sure. This team has had their backs against the wall all season long and found ways to recover.
There's no way in hell they will recover if their manager makes another costly mistake like that.
Gametime is 9:30 on Saturday night on TBS.
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A day at the ballpark
Ron Costello provides a blueprint on how to get cheap tickets for the playoffs. And, it worked.
Check out his experience at the game yesterday.
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We waited 14 years for this?
In Khristian Peel's latest column he looks at the disappointing Phillies series and just what we have to look forward to as it seemingly will end this weekend.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Shadow Effect?
Phillies offense musters just 4 hits and 2 runs in 4-2 loss yesterday
Already before the game, there was a built-in excuse. There was talk of the shadows. They would be a factor because of the gametime.
Due to the fact the game was played at 3:00 in the afternoon the sun was shining on the pitcher's mound, but not on the batter's box, thus making the ball very difficult to pick up.
I find that to be an excuse if nothing else. There is no reason why your 1-4 hitters should go a combined 0 for 15. And, no reason for Chase Utley to go 0 for 4 with 4 strikeouts. And, that’s not even the worst part. He only faced 14 pitches in those 4 at-bats. Suffice it to say he had the worst game of his career.
The so-called shadow effect didn't seem to affect the Rockies' hitters or Pat Burrell and Aaaron Rowand, who were the offense.
What this collapse on offense could be attributed to is just simply not getting it done. And, it puts them in a must-win situation today.
Cole Hamels also didn't have his A-game. Sure he had one bad inning, but he also walked 4 batters and the fact is, he gave up 3 runs, and only had 7 strikeouts. The ace has to bring his A-game. No question.
There are no excuses for coming out flat like this. Cole Hamels can't blame it on wearing long sleeves in the first two innings. If you can pitch in 100 degree weather you sure as hell can pitch when you're wearing long sleeves (mistake or not) in 85 degree weather.
Excuses were for the Phillies of seasons past. This team is not of that ilk.
Today they have to deliver. The Phils have the edge here. Kyle Kendrick goes up against the Rockies' rookie pitcher Franklin Morales who is a little less battle tested than Kendrick, having pitched just under 40 innings in his career.
But, October is were rookies often become unconcious and shine, shedding their coats of inexperience.
Things could get interesting though with the controversey surrounding Rockies reliever Manny Corpas who was seen dousing himself with water before the game and then rubbing dirt over his jersey before taking the mound in the 9th.
Things that make you go hmmmmmmm.
3:00 is the gametime on the sorry ass TBS network. Man is that broadcast low rent or what?! I suggest turning down the TV and listening to 1210 AM so you can hear Scott Franzke and Harry Kalas-some real broadcasters.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
Phils Preview
The Phillies and Rockies are the two hottest teams in the NL heading into this series
The Rockies are 14-1 in their last 15 including the dramatic 13-inning win in the "play-in" game.
The Phillies were 13-4 over their last 17 games. The bullpen was quite effective over that stretch.
Of course Manuel had a 40-man roster to work with, so he could take liberties with the pitching staff and had far more options than he will now with a 25-man roster. This is the X-Factor in the series.
When you match up pitching staffs, the Phillies have the advantage in the shortened series. The Rockies have Jeff Francis, Aaron Cook, Josh Fogg and a bunch of "bodies" where as the Phillies have the second best pitcher in the NL in Cole Hamels, Kyle Kendrick-who is a younger version of Jamie Moyer, and a surging Kyle Lohse. The Rockies have a very good bullpen; it’s better than the Phils. Brian Fuentes, Manny Corpas, and Matt Herges-their three main relievers have eras at or below 3.00. The Phils have Romero and Myers. I give the nod to the Phils overall though because of their top 3 starters against the Rockies’ top 3. Advantage-Phils.
Defensively the Rockies get the nod on the basis of being the best defensive team in the NL. Hard to top that.
On offense the Rockies are led by Matt Holliday (and I'm sorry Howard Eskin but Jimmy Rollins had a superior year and meant more to his team), Troy Tulowitzki, and Todd Helton. I had an opportunity to watch the Rockies while in Arizona and they got smoked. They had a good offense that can strike at any time, but if they get into a shootout with the Phillies I'll take The Rhino, Chase, J Roll, Burrell, Rowand, and Victorino any day. Advantage-Phils.
Clint Hurdle gets the nod at manager. Sure, Manuel has been the "sexy" choice for manager of the year, but Hurdle has had less to work with in a much tougher division. Manuel was much better down the stretch, but even still he's certainly no Bobby Cox when it comes to decision-making. Advantage-Rockies.
The Phillies will still win this one in 5 games. Of course, it would be nice if all of us could watch the friggin' games at a good time. I'm going to miss half the game today, as are many other people working normal jobs. And, 10:00 on Sunday night-that's abominable. Saturday night we can handle, but being on the east side and having a game that late when we have to get up for work or get kids ready for school on Monday just flat out sucks.
3:00 is the first pitch. This is why they invented gametrackers online if you can't listen to it at work.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
T-Minus 26
The Phillies are set to embark on their quest for a World Series title in 26 hours-3:00 PM tomorrow to be exact
Due to a hectic schedule I won't do my blog today, rather I'll link to the litany of new articles we have.
With the playoffs ready to start, let's play manager for a second? Just who would make your roster if you had to choose?
Check out Ron Costello's take.
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Flyers Season Preview
Not only is playoff baseball upon us, but the Fly guys are set to begin their season.
Get Mike Santa Barbara's take on the season right here.
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Eagles not playing well, but we have the Phillies
Get Khistian Peel's take right here.
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Maybe the Eagles' offense isn't back
Get Khistian Peel's take right here.
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Never been so happy being wrong
With the Phillies making the playoffs, Mike Santa Barbara has never been happier being wrong.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
Today's News
New Kings
With the Eagles on the decline and the Phillies officially back, baseball is the new king in Philly
Some of the things you are about to read here will excite you and also disappoint you.
Yesterday it is quite apparent that the Phillies have captured the hearts and minds of the region. It was absolutely a wonderful display to see them spraying the crowd with champagne yesterday.
Unbelievable. That shows you this team is all about the fans.
And, they didn’t lament and talk about how there so many prognosticators all season long who said they couldn’t do it. Nope. None of that talk.
Pat Burrell was into it. He was hanging onto the dugout post like one of the fans in the crowd.
This win yesterday was about so many things. It was about erasing the ghosts of seasons’ past-2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. They were all devastating seasons.
It was about retribution for 1964-the year, which saw this team blow a 6 ½ game lead with 12 games to play. The Mets have upped them there, by going 5-12 in the final 17 games thereby blowing a 7-game lead.
Yesterday was about this team finally making the playoffs after 14 years-a drought not seen by any other team. Even the Sixers have had more success then they in that department.
Now, it is the Sixers who are the bottom feeders of Philadelphia.
But, now the Eagles are starting to catch up to them. This is also what yesterday was about-the Phillies becoming the new kings in Philadelphia.
Lest you think otherwise, baseball is back and it’s going to be here for a while.
The Philadelphia Eagles are on the way down and I don’t see this team heading back up for a while.
I will man up and admit I was dead wrong on this team. I tabbed them as a 14-2 title contender this season. Hell, I even said they’d start 11-0, including a win against the Patriots.
At this rate, they couldn’t even beat the Cumberland College Patriots.
Last night was atrocious. If you thought the Monday Night game against the Washington Redskins was bad enough, well they outdid themselves last night.
Andy Reid deserves all of the blame. And, after last night I have come to the following conclusion.
The Eagles will not win a Super Bowl with Andy Reid as their head coach.
I repeat. The Eagles will not win a Super Bowl with Andy Reid at the helm.
Before you fire off that hate mail, think about this. You do not pass the ball over and over again when it’s clear your running game is working. And, you do not pass the ball over and over again when your quarterback is getting killed due to a left tackle being overmatched-in this case Winston Justice, who started his first game last night.
And, you sure as hell don’t pass the ball over and over again when your quarterback is still recovering! It is just outright foolish.
And, for Andy Reid to say it was “good experience” for Winston Justice is not only insulting to him, but the media, and fans of this town.
And, I’m fed up with it. His style as a coach does not work. It only works when you have playmakers like Terrell Owens and playmakers on defense in their prime.
Look at the Super Bowl teams since 2001. The Ravens, Patriots, Bucs, Steelers, and Colts all employed the same philosophy in the playoffs-they had effective ground attacks.
And, when you look at the Eagles’ failures over the years it’s because they abandon the run especially when it’s working! They did it against the Bucs in ’02, Carolina in ’03, and time after time again. And, they did it again last night.
That right there is why Andy Reid will not win a Super Bowl. I feel that his tenure has run it’s course.
The organization should do the right thing and ask him to resign as season’s end and woo either Bill Belichik away (who is rumored to be leaving after this season) or lure Bill Cowher out of retirement.
Otherwise, it’s going to be a long way back up.
The Phillies are officially the team to beat. And, the Eagles are now the team that gets beat.
Contact Dennis Bakay at dennisbakay@phillypurge.com
