Thursday, November 30, 2006
Flyers: A Bright Spot in Philly?
So far nothing has gone Philadelphia's way since the Phillies made their September run except for Ryan Howard winning the MVP. The Phillies missed out on the main targets in free agency and lost Randy Wolf and David Delluci. The Sixers started hot but stink now and will only be in contention this year because the Eastern Conferance is bad beyond belief. If you don't believe me check out the lastest standing. The Eagles season is all but over and Donovan McNabb tore his ACL probably costing me a fantasy league championship. And we all know what happened with the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this year.
So with all the negativity surrounding Philly, I am going to look for a positive. The Flyers have played much better recently and got another win tonight over the New York Islanders. They have now won 3 out of their last 4 losing only a tight game to the Nashville Predators. Antero Nittymaki has played excellent hockey of late and with Robert Esche out for a month, Nittymaki could really establish himself as the number goaltender. Some of the younger players are playing better with Alexandre Picard contributing two assist tonight. The team seems to be playing with more heart recently. Coach John Stevens seems to being making a difference with this team as he establishes himself in the NHL.
New Coach: John Stevens recently received a two year contract extension from Ed Snider. Stevens has done an admirable job in a tough situation and seems like a bright guy who will be a very successful coach in the NHL. Hopefully the front office can get competitive talent on the ice so Stevens can be successful in Philly.
Old Coach: It didn't take for Ken Hitchcock to land another job in the NHL and that speaks for how well he is thought of throughout the NHL. The terrible Columbus Blue Jackets brought him on board and if I was a betting man I would predict Columbus will be competitive in another year or so.
Coming Up: The Flyers will play back to back games against the rival New Jersey Devils. Hopefully a good crowd turns out for the home game and rewards this team since they are playing better hockey of late.
So with all the negativity surrounding Philly, I am going to look for a positive. The Flyers have played much better recently and got another win tonight over the New York Islanders. They have now won 3 out of their last 4 losing only a tight game to the Nashville Predators. Antero Nittymaki has played excellent hockey of late and with Robert Esche out for a month, Nittymaki could really establish himself as the number goaltender. Some of the younger players are playing better with Alexandre Picard contributing two assist tonight. The team seems to be playing with more heart recently. Coach John Stevens seems to being making a difference with this team as he establishes himself in the NHL.
New Coach: John Stevens recently received a two year contract extension from Ed Snider. Stevens has done an admirable job in a tough situation and seems like a bright guy who will be a very successful coach in the NHL. Hopefully the front office can get competitive talent on the ice so Stevens can be successful in Philly.
Old Coach: It didn't take for Ken Hitchcock to land another job in the NHL and that speaks for how well he is thought of throughout the NHL. The terrible Columbus Blue Jackets brought him on board and if I was a betting man I would predict Columbus will be competitive in another year or so.
Coming Up: The Flyers will play back to back games against the rival New Jersey Devils. Hopefully a good crowd turns out for the home game and rewards this team since they are playing better hockey of late.
Monday, November 27, 2006
I'm Back
I just got back from hot and sunny Dominican Republic. It was quite a trip to remember. We even played a game in the Bateys, the sugar cane fields. We gave away plenty of baseball equipment to young Domincan children. It was a gratifying experience. It truly taught me that "giving is better than receiving."
On another note. The Phillies have lost out on Gary Sheffield, Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee, and yesterday Randy Wolf. I can truthfully say that the only one I wish the Phils would have got was Ramirez. Today though they Pat Gillick signed Adam Eaton to finish out the rotation along with Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Jon Lieber, and Jamie Moyer. The major downside to Eaton is that he is injury proned. His career has now come full circle as he began his career as a Phillies draft pick and was traded to the San Diego Padres for Andy Ashby.
The Phillies have now signed two free agents. Both provide upgrades but are not the moves that I dreamed about during October and November. Wes Helms should provide an upgrade at third base over Abe Nunez but probably not adequate protection for Ryan Howard. That is why the biggest addition would be a healthy and productive Pat Burrell.
Adam Eaton should stabilize the rotation and makes it one of the better ones in the National League. I have always been a fan of Eaton ever since the Phillies drafted him. He throws four quality pitches and his fastball reaches 95-96 occasionally. Now Gillick must stabilize the bullpen. Danys Baez signed with the Baltimore Orioles so that takes him off the market. The Phillies have expressed interest in both Joe Borowski and David Weathers and would be well advised to get one of them.
Oh I almost forgot there are two other Philly teams playing in the Wachovia Center. Neither is very good and neither is very interesting. The Flyers defeated Ken Hitchcock in his first game behind the bench for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Sixers have struggled recently after playing well out of the gate.
Well that is all for now. Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.
On another note. The Phillies have lost out on Gary Sheffield, Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee, and yesterday Randy Wolf. I can truthfully say that the only one I wish the Phils would have got was Ramirez. Today though they Pat Gillick signed Adam Eaton to finish out the rotation along with Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Jon Lieber, and Jamie Moyer. The major downside to Eaton is that he is injury proned. His career has now come full circle as he began his career as a Phillies draft pick and was traded to the San Diego Padres for Andy Ashby.
The Phillies have now signed two free agents. Both provide upgrades but are not the moves that I dreamed about during October and November. Wes Helms should provide an upgrade at third base over Abe Nunez but probably not adequate protection for Ryan Howard. That is why the biggest addition would be a healthy and productive Pat Burrell.
Adam Eaton should stabilize the rotation and makes it one of the better ones in the National League. I have always been a fan of Eaton ever since the Phillies drafted him. He throws four quality pitches and his fastball reaches 95-96 occasionally. Now Gillick must stabilize the bullpen. Danys Baez signed with the Baltimore Orioles so that takes him off the market. The Phillies have expressed interest in both Joe Borowski and David Weathers and would be well advised to get one of them.
Oh I almost forgot there are two other Philly teams playing in the Wachovia Center. Neither is very good and neither is very interesting. The Flyers defeated Ken Hitchcock in his first game behind the bench for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Sixers have struggled recently after playing well out of the gate.
Well that is all for now. Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Introducing Your NL MVP...Ryan Howard
Congratulations to Ryan Howard who capped a terrific season by taking home the MVP award. The Baseball Writers reward Howard's 58 home run season with the MVP in Howard's first full season in the bigs. I'm not really surprised but I did think that Albert Pujols would bring home the award since the Cardinals made the playoffs but I am thrilled that I was wrong. Both Pujols and Howard put up great numbers and nobody could argue with either selection. Howard turned 27 yesterday and today he wins his first MVP award. Howard deserves to have quite a party tonight. Howard kept interest in the Phillies high after the trade of Bobby Abreu and really stepped his game up in August. Howard got lots of national attention and I can support that he captured the attention of many Americans. When I returned to college in South Carolina, Howard was the subject of many conversations. Everybody was amazed by his power and his ability to hit opposite field home runs. This award finishes off a very eventful first year and half in the big league. He won the Rookie of the Year last year, captured the Home Run Derby crown, and today the NL MVP award.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
It's Time for Plan B
It has been a while since I last posted. I've been busy with both school and baseball. As many of you know I play for Winthrop University and we are preparing to journey to the Dominican Republic over Thanksgiving to play baseball. It should be quite an experience but also means that after tonight I will not have access to a computer until the Monday after Thanksgiving.
A lot has happened since I last posted. The Phillies inked Wes Helms to a 2 year deal to play third base. I am split on what I think of this deal. Helms has not been much until last year and I am afraid the Phillies signed him after a career year. Having said that if he can hit around .300 he will be a contributor in the Phils lineup. His defense is a little shaky but will hold his own.
The big news came this afternoon. It is reported Alfonso Soriano signed an 8 year/136 million dollar contract with the Chicago Cubs. After this signing, I no longer believe in the Curse of the Billy Goat but instead of the Curse of Dumb GMs. It has not been reported yet but I would presume that the deal includes a no-trade clause. Yes Soriano is a dynamic player and a player I would have liked to have in Philly but not at that cost. I thought he was worth about 15 million dollars a year over 4 or 5 years. This deal is outrageous.
Now Mr. Gillick it is time for Plan B. Maybe that is improving the pitching staff with the money saved from not signing Soriano. Maybe Joe Borowski or David Weathers or maybe Adam Eaton or re-signing Randy Wolf. Maybe that includes bringing in another average hitter a la Wes Helms. Maybe it includes trading Aaron Rowand and keeping Pat Burrell. Maybe it is the other way around. Now maybe it is up to Charlie to rework the lineup to find protection for Ryan Howard. I'm not sure but I surely hope Pat Gillick knows.
Gillick does not seem like a GM that has only a plan A. I believe Gillick has prepared for this exact scenario that the bidding for Soriano goes incredibly high and the Phils don't sign him. I have no idea what it is but I'm positive it exists.
On a negative note, this has been a rough week for Philly sports. The Sixers fell under .500 for the first time, the Flyers won a couple times but are going no where. The Phillies missed out on their number one target and Donovan McNabb blew out his ACL. I am a Baltimore Ravens fan but I cheer for the Eagles and McNabb is my fantasy league QB so this loss kills me.
Don't forget the NL MVP is announced tomorrow. Three cheers for Ryan Howard.
A lot has happened since I last posted. The Phillies inked Wes Helms to a 2 year deal to play third base. I am split on what I think of this deal. Helms has not been much until last year and I am afraid the Phillies signed him after a career year. Having said that if he can hit around .300 he will be a contributor in the Phils lineup. His defense is a little shaky but will hold his own.
The big news came this afternoon. It is reported Alfonso Soriano signed an 8 year/136 million dollar contract with the Chicago Cubs. After this signing, I no longer believe in the Curse of the Billy Goat but instead of the Curse of Dumb GMs. It has not been reported yet but I would presume that the deal includes a no-trade clause. Yes Soriano is a dynamic player and a player I would have liked to have in Philly but not at that cost. I thought he was worth about 15 million dollars a year over 4 or 5 years. This deal is outrageous.
Now Mr. Gillick it is time for Plan B. Maybe that is improving the pitching staff with the money saved from not signing Soriano. Maybe Joe Borowski or David Weathers or maybe Adam Eaton or re-signing Randy Wolf. Maybe that includes bringing in another average hitter a la Wes Helms. Maybe it includes trading Aaron Rowand and keeping Pat Burrell. Maybe it is the other way around. Now maybe it is up to Charlie to rework the lineup to find protection for Ryan Howard. I'm not sure but I surely hope Pat Gillick knows.
Gillick does not seem like a GM that has only a plan A. I believe Gillick has prepared for this exact scenario that the bidding for Soriano goes incredibly high and the Phils don't sign him. I have no idea what it is but I'm positive it exists.
On a negative note, this has been a rough week for Philly sports. The Sixers fell under .500 for the first time, the Flyers won a couple times but are going no where. The Phillies missed out on their number one target and Donovan McNabb blew out his ACL. I am a Baltimore Ravens fan but I cheer for the Eagles and McNabb is my fantasy league QB so this loss kills me.
Don't forget the NL MVP is announced tomorrow. Three cheers for Ryan Howard.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Lets the Bidding Wars Begin
Today is the beginning of what all Phillies phans hope will be a busy and successful offseason. For starters, I am hoping for a slugger to protect Silver Slugger, Ryan Howard. Improvements to the outfield and third base as well as the pitching staff. Names such as Alfonso Soriano,
Aramis Ramirez, Joe Crede, Curt Schilling, David Weather, Joe Borowski, and that Japanese third baseman whose name I can't spell. Starting today we will see which of these rumors come true and which player becomes an early Christmas present for the Phillies.
Everyone has their own opinions about what Pat Gillick should do with the money provided by David Montgomery. Gary Sheffield rumors were rampant and I am glad to see him off the market because I didn't want him in Philadelphia. He has plenty of talent but is getting older and has a bad attitude. Not the kind of attitude to be in a clubhouse with JRoll, Utley, and Howard.
Pat Gillick has claimed to have no interest in Aramis Ramirez but instead will go after Alfonso Soriano with 100 million dollars. I would be overjoyed with either player. To me, Ramirez would be a more valuable player to the Phillies. He is younger and less strikeout prone. He fills a bigger need, third base. Some say he has a questionable attitude, bad work ethic, and not great defensively. Maybe I am overstating the influence of Utley and Howard, but I don't see how you can play with those guys on your team. They lead by example and never surrender. I think that would rub off on Ramirez or any other player the Phillies sign.
All I can say is I am thrilled that it is November 12 finally and the free agent period has officially begun. Hopefully Gillick acquires the players he has targeted and improves this team into a playoff contender. Also remember Nov. 20, the NL MVP is announced.
Aramis Ramirez, Joe Crede, Curt Schilling, David Weather, Joe Borowski, and that Japanese third baseman whose name I can't spell. Starting today we will see which of these rumors come true and which player becomes an early Christmas present for the Phillies.
Everyone has their own opinions about what Pat Gillick should do with the money provided by David Montgomery. Gary Sheffield rumors were rampant and I am glad to see him off the market because I didn't want him in Philadelphia. He has plenty of talent but is getting older and has a bad attitude. Not the kind of attitude to be in a clubhouse with JRoll, Utley, and Howard.
Pat Gillick has claimed to have no interest in Aramis Ramirez but instead will go after Alfonso Soriano with 100 million dollars. I would be overjoyed with either player. To me, Ramirez would be a more valuable player to the Phillies. He is younger and less strikeout prone. He fills a bigger need, third base. Some say he has a questionable attitude, bad work ethic, and not great defensively. Maybe I am overstating the influence of Utley and Howard, but I don't see how you can play with those guys on your team. They lead by example and never surrender. I think that would rub off on Ramirez or any other player the Phillies sign.
All I can say is I am thrilled that it is November 12 finally and the free agent period has officially begun. Hopefully Gillick acquires the players he has targeted and improves this team into a playoff contender. Also remember Nov. 20, the NL MVP is announced.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Only 51 Hours Left
Thats right Phillies phans. Only 51 hours until Pat Gillick offers Alfonso Soriano upwards of 5 years and 80 million dollars. The Phillies are sure to have competitors in their pursuit of Soriano, but everyone acknowledges that the Phils will make a serious run. Both LA teams along with the Mets are sure to be in the running and a Chicago team might get in the bidding.
Some people have concerns over spending money on a position player when the starting pitcher and bullpen is a concern. I couldn't be more happy that the Phillies are taking a run at signing the top player on the free agent market. Even though their pitching is a concern, they also need to address their hitting. They need protection and signing a player capable of hitting 50 home runs in Philly is not a bad idea. This will take some pressure off the pitching. Pat Gillick has acknowledged that the pitching needs fixed and he is not neglecting it. They are talking about bringing in Dany Baez, Joe Borowski, and David Weathers. Gillick is still optimisic that Randy Wolf will return and solidify the starting rotation. If not there are other options out there. There is also a chance a trade could be made involving Aaron Rowand or Pat Burrell to acquire pitching help.
The Phillies are also interested in bringing in University of Penn graduate, Mark DeRosa or maybe Wes Helms. A trade is also an option. Pat Gillick appears to have a plan unlike the former GM and I trust his judgement. He made very smart deadline deals clearing salary and has David Montgomery's backing in signing big name talent.
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Ryan Howard has been named NL Player of the Year by his fellow players. That is quite and honor coming from his peers. Howard has earned a great deal of respect from many players and I don't think it is only his talent but also how he carries himself. Hopefully a MVP award is around the corner. On a related note, when was the last time you were this excited about the Phillies? They have three young stars. Not only are Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Cole Hamels stars but they are great young men. All three carry themself well and with dignity. I can't think of another team that has a trio like ours.
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The Sixers have lost two games in row after winning their first three straight. They looked bad against the Indiana Pacers but played much better against the Toronto Raptors even though they lost on a last second 3-pointer by Chris Bosh. The Sixers can't win them all but at the beginning of the week, I looked at the schedule and thought they might get through this week without a loss. That will not happen and they must recover and beat the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
Some people have concerns over spending money on a position player when the starting pitcher and bullpen is a concern. I couldn't be more happy that the Phillies are taking a run at signing the top player on the free agent market. Even though their pitching is a concern, they also need to address their hitting. They need protection and signing a player capable of hitting 50 home runs in Philly is not a bad idea. This will take some pressure off the pitching. Pat Gillick has acknowledged that the pitching needs fixed and he is not neglecting it. They are talking about bringing in Dany Baez, Joe Borowski, and David Weathers. Gillick is still optimisic that Randy Wolf will return and solidify the starting rotation. If not there are other options out there. There is also a chance a trade could be made involving Aaron Rowand or Pat Burrell to acquire pitching help.
The Phillies are also interested in bringing in University of Penn graduate, Mark DeRosa or maybe Wes Helms. A trade is also an option. Pat Gillick appears to have a plan unlike the former GM and I trust his judgement. He made very smart deadline deals clearing salary and has David Montgomery's backing in signing big name talent.
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Ryan Howard has been named NL Player of the Year by his fellow players. That is quite and honor coming from his peers. Howard has earned a great deal of respect from many players and I don't think it is only his talent but also how he carries himself. Hopefully a MVP award is around the corner. On a related note, when was the last time you were this excited about the Phillies? They have three young stars. Not only are Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Cole Hamels stars but they are great young men. All three carry themself well and with dignity. I can't think of another team that has a trio like ours.
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The Sixers have lost two games in row after winning their first three straight. They looked bad against the Indiana Pacers but played much better against the Toronto Raptors even though they lost on a last second 3-pointer by Chris Bosh. The Sixers can't win them all but at the beginning of the week, I looked at the schedule and thought they might get through this week without a loss. That will not happen and they must recover and beat the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Election Day
For today I am going to take a break from sports to talk about a greater issue. Today is the midterm elections and their are some very important spots up for graps in Pennsylvania and around the country. Voting is the way "we the people express" our views and choose our reprsentatives. We need to take advantage of every chance we get to excercise our voice.
I am not going to discuss who the better candidate is. I want everybody to take some time out of their day to go to vote for the candidate they believe is best. Whether that is Bob Casey or Rick Santorum. Either way you need to be heard by casting your vote. If you are a Democrat and what change, go and let your voice be heard. If you are Republican and want to "stay the course" get to an election booth and cast your vote.
The two major elections in Pennsylvania are the governors race and a Senate race. Former Philly mayor, Ed Rendell is running for reelection. He has taken some time off from Eagles Post-Game Live to campaign. He is running against Steelers legend, Lynn Swann. Swann has never held public office. In the Senate Race, Rick Santorum is desperately trying to hang on to his seat as Bob Casey Jr., son of the late governor, is presenting quite a challenge.
Everyone find some time tomorrow during your hectic day to visit your local voting poll. Let your voice be heard. It could be a monumental election in American history with a seeming large amount of discontent. Then tomorrow evening check CNN or MSNBC to find out the results but don't forget the 3-0 Sixers play tomorrow night.
I do not want this to become a political debate. I only wanted to encourage everyone to get out and vote.
I am not going to discuss who the better candidate is. I want everybody to take some time out of their day to go to vote for the candidate they believe is best. Whether that is Bob Casey or Rick Santorum. Either way you need to be heard by casting your vote. If you are a Democrat and what change, go and let your voice be heard. If you are Republican and want to "stay the course" get to an election booth and cast your vote.
The two major elections in Pennsylvania are the governors race and a Senate race. Former Philly mayor, Ed Rendell is running for reelection. He has taken some time off from Eagles Post-Game Live to campaign. He is running against Steelers legend, Lynn Swann. Swann has never held public office. In the Senate Race, Rick Santorum is desperately trying to hang on to his seat as Bob Casey Jr., son of the late governor, is presenting quite a challenge.
Everyone find some time tomorrow during your hectic day to visit your local voting poll. Let your voice be heard. It could be a monumental election in American history with a seeming large amount of discontent. Then tomorrow evening check CNN or MSNBC to find out the results but don't forget the 3-0 Sixers play tomorrow night.
I do not want this to become a political debate. I only wanted to encourage everyone to get out and vote.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Sixers 2-0; Alone in First Place
Yes they are only 2-0 and they didn't play particulary well last night against the Orlando Magic but they won. They are playing hard and with passion, a great formula to overachieve. AI has scored 32 and 39 points respectively in the first two games. Kyle Korver had a great shooting night against the Magic and Andre Iguodala contributed 15 points against the Atlanta Hawks on opening night. They have the night off before D-Wade and the Miami Heat come to visit. The Heat were blown out on opening night by the Chicago Bulls who in turn got crushed by the Orlando Magic who the Sixers held off last night.
I don't want to overreact to the first week but the Sixers have been impressive. Along with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Sixers are the only teams without a loss. Yes the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, and New Jersey Nets all have lost. AI has gotten off to another great start even after a crazy summer. The rest of the offense has fallen in place so far with everybody contributing. Chris Webber has not played great offensively, but his defense has been superb. He held down Dwight Howard last night, who is one of the best young offensive talents in the league. Kevin Ollie has played a great role distributing the ball and Samuel Dalembert has played with renewed passion in the middle. Rodney Carney had his first big moment as a pro last night when he defended Grant Hill on Hill's game-winning shot attempt. Hill tried to draw the foul, but Carney went straight up and Hill's shot came up short. Mo Cheeks has this team playing well early and hopefully it is a sign of things to come.
Around the League: The LA Lakers have been very impressive early this year. Kobe Bryant missed the first two games but the Lakers won anyway behind great play from Lamar Odom. The Lakers are 3-0 and look like a power in the West. The San Antonio Spurs lost after defeating the Dallas Mavericks on opening night. The Phoenix Suns have struggled out of the gate. They currently are 1-2 and are looking to find there way. The New Orleans Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz are all undefeated in the Western Conferance. Here is the big surprise of the season, the New York Knicks are at .500. Congrats Isiah Thomas, it is all downhill from here.
Oh and if you have no life don't forget the sadsack Broad Street Ballerinas on skating tonight against the Washington Capitals at the Wachovia Center. They have defeated the Caps 16 straight times at home so maybe tonight they can dance their way to victory.
I don't want to overreact to the first week but the Sixers have been impressive. Along with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Sixers are the only teams without a loss. Yes the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, and New Jersey Nets all have lost. AI has gotten off to another great start even after a crazy summer. The rest of the offense has fallen in place so far with everybody contributing. Chris Webber has not played great offensively, but his defense has been superb. He held down Dwight Howard last night, who is one of the best young offensive talents in the league. Kevin Ollie has played a great role distributing the ball and Samuel Dalembert has played with renewed passion in the middle. Rodney Carney had his first big moment as a pro last night when he defended Grant Hill on Hill's game-winning shot attempt. Hill tried to draw the foul, but Carney went straight up and Hill's shot came up short. Mo Cheeks has this team playing well early and hopefully it is a sign of things to come.
Around the League: The LA Lakers have been very impressive early this year. Kobe Bryant missed the first two games but the Lakers won anyway behind great play from Lamar Odom. The Lakers are 3-0 and look like a power in the West. The San Antonio Spurs lost after defeating the Dallas Mavericks on opening night. The Phoenix Suns have struggled out of the gate. They currently are 1-2 and are looking to find there way. The New Orleans Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz are all undefeated in the Western Conferance. Here is the big surprise of the season, the New York Knicks are at .500. Congrats Isiah Thomas, it is all downhill from here.
Oh and if you have no life don't forget the sadsack Broad Street Ballerinas on skating tonight against the Washington Capitals at the Wachovia Center. They have defeated the Caps 16 straight times at home so maybe tonight they can dance their way to victory.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Odds and Ends
Todays post consists of many different parts. Lets start with the Sixers
The Sixers open their season tonight at the Wachovia Center against the Atlanta Hawks. The Sporting News predicts these two teams to be last (Atlanta) and second to last (Philadelphia) in the Eastern Conferance. Despite that I am holding out some hope for the Sixers. Allen Iverson and Chris Webber sound dedicated and if Andre Iguodala can break out that would be a good trio. As a team they need to buckle down defensively as they surrendered over 100 points/game last year. All the players, coaches, and front office personel are saying the right things but we will begin to find out for ourselves tonight.
Hopefully some of you say Opening Night last night on TNT. The new look Chicago Bulls defeated the champion Miami Heat by fourty points. Quite a debut for Ben Wallace in Chicago. In the late game the LA Lakers stole one from the Phoenix Suns. Many experts have the Suns playing for the championship but a Kobe-less Lakers won 114-106. Maybe Phil Jackson is a genius and maybe the Lakers should begin exploring trade options for Kobe. The Lakers played as a team last night and looked good. Hopefully the Sixers watched and learned that playing as a team can take a team with marginal talent and make the team a contender.
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The Flyers have apparently offered their GM job to Colin Campbell. He is currently the dean of discpline for the NHL along with being a champion for the new rules in the NHL. I do not know much about Campbell but it shows that Ed Snider is being active trying to find a new GM and is looking outside the organization. It is reported that Campbell will respond in 48 hours. Most recently before moving into the front office of the NHL, he worked for the New York Rangers. There should be a follow-up story in a day or two.
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The Phillies appear ready to make a serious run at Alfonso Soriano. I have dreamed about that but never thought anything would come of it but apparently Pat Gillick has other ideas. The rumored starting point is 5 years and 80 million dollars. Aramis Ramirez has also opted for free agency and could become a target. Gary Sheffield had his contract picked up by the New York Yankees so a trade would be required to get Sheffield. The hot stove is starting to heat up and come November 12 it will get very exciting.
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I don't know if anyone else caught the All-Kruk team last night on Baseball Tonight. It aired at 12:30 on ESPN. From what I caught it was just John Kruk picking his favorite players to a team. He listed four criteria but they were general and hard to judge players on. First let me say that John Kruk is one of my favorite players and for the most part I think he does a good job analysing on Baseball Tonight. Last night though both ESPN and Kruk missed the mark. They could have selected players who played with heart and hustle the way Kruk played in his day. Players like David Eckstein and Eric Byrnes (he did make the actual team). These are hustle type players. Instead the team was all over the place from players like Eric Byrnes to Manny Ramirez to Roger Clemens to David Wells. There was no consistency. If anyone else saw this I would like to hear your opinion and maybe I missed something but it made no sense to me.
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Well that is all for today but don't forget tonight at 7 the Sixers make their season debut against the Hawks, a very winnable game.
The Sixers open their season tonight at the Wachovia Center against the Atlanta Hawks. The Sporting News predicts these two teams to be last (Atlanta) and second to last (Philadelphia) in the Eastern Conferance. Despite that I am holding out some hope for the Sixers. Allen Iverson and Chris Webber sound dedicated and if Andre Iguodala can break out that would be a good trio. As a team they need to buckle down defensively as they surrendered over 100 points/game last year. All the players, coaches, and front office personel are saying the right things but we will begin to find out for ourselves tonight.
Hopefully some of you say Opening Night last night on TNT. The new look Chicago Bulls defeated the champion Miami Heat by fourty points. Quite a debut for Ben Wallace in Chicago. In the late game the LA Lakers stole one from the Phoenix Suns. Many experts have the Suns playing for the championship but a Kobe-less Lakers won 114-106. Maybe Phil Jackson is a genius and maybe the Lakers should begin exploring trade options for Kobe. The Lakers played as a team last night and looked good. Hopefully the Sixers watched and learned that playing as a team can take a team with marginal talent and make the team a contender.
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The Flyers have apparently offered their GM job to Colin Campbell. He is currently the dean of discpline for the NHL along with being a champion for the new rules in the NHL. I do not know much about Campbell but it shows that Ed Snider is being active trying to find a new GM and is looking outside the organization. It is reported that Campbell will respond in 48 hours. Most recently before moving into the front office of the NHL, he worked for the New York Rangers. There should be a follow-up story in a day or two.
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The Phillies appear ready to make a serious run at Alfonso Soriano. I have dreamed about that but never thought anything would come of it but apparently Pat Gillick has other ideas. The rumored starting point is 5 years and 80 million dollars. Aramis Ramirez has also opted for free agency and could become a target. Gary Sheffield had his contract picked up by the New York Yankees so a trade would be required to get Sheffield. The hot stove is starting to heat up and come November 12 it will get very exciting.
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I don't know if anyone else caught the All-Kruk team last night on Baseball Tonight. It aired at 12:30 on ESPN. From what I caught it was just John Kruk picking his favorite players to a team. He listed four criteria but they were general and hard to judge players on. First let me say that John Kruk is one of my favorite players and for the most part I think he does a good job analysing on Baseball Tonight. Last night though both ESPN and Kruk missed the mark. They could have selected players who played with heart and hustle the way Kruk played in his day. Players like David Eckstein and Eric Byrnes (he did make the actual team). These are hustle type players. Instead the team was all over the place from players like Eric Byrnes to Manny Ramirez to Roger Clemens to David Wells. There was no consistency. If anyone else saw this I would like to hear your opinion and maybe I missed something but it made no sense to me.
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Well that is all for today but don't forget tonight at 7 the Sixers make their season debut against the Hawks, a very winnable game.
