Julius "Doctor J" Erving: The Epitome of Class

As a preacher for fans knowing the history of their favorite teams, I feel it is important that all of us Philly fans watch this 1987 television tribute, reported by Bob Ley, on Julius Erving. It really teaches younger people like me who didn't get to watch Doc learn about this Philadelphia 76er legend.

As rare as parades are in this town, we had one for Doctor J. Not a championship, a man of class.

Spring Training is in the Air #9

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.

#9 Pitcher

Obviously we don't expect much from any of these guys at the plate this year. Possibly with the exception of Myers because of this and who could forget this. The pitchers this year will be Hamels, Myers, Blanton, Moyer and TBA. I'm not going to take the time now to discuss the 5th spot in the rotation. I will have another segment later into spring training about how everyone is doing.

Absolutely Dominated...

...by the lowly Senators. The gosh darn Ottawa Senators beat the Flyers tonight at the Wach 5-2.

Antero Nittymaki was in net for the Orange and Black tonight once again as he is "deemed" the new starter. Well, Nitty was obviously not very good, which leaves a bad feeling in your system. 

If there is one positive to take from tonight's game, it is the return of Mike Richards. In his first game back from dealing with the flu, Richie scored a goal. 

But in the end, the only number that counts is the one on top of the fancy titantron/scoreboard in the Wachovia Center.

And it read as follows: Flyers Lose.

Picture Of The Day

"The Picture Of The Day" box is causing me problems right now, so I am just going to make it a post and try to fix it later. Here it is.

A view of Connie Mack Stadium as the Phils take on the Dodgers in a doubleheader on August 8, 1960 (actually August 7, 1960).

Spring Training is in the Air #8

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.


#8 Catcher

Last year we all had our likes and dislikes against Carlos Ruiz. He's a solid defensive catch who calls the game very well. Every time Carlos stepped to the play with a runner on I would get the feeling a double play was coming. That was the one area Carlos needed to improve. When the playoffs came around Carlos stepped up his offensive production big time. Coming up big in clutch situations. If he can pick up where he left off last year Carlos might be the biggest surprise on this Phillies team. Backing him up was a man who's story everyone knows. Chris Coste had the bat all year long but was not the greatest defensive catcher. In the playoffs he slowly saw his playing time diminish. This off season Amaro picked up another catcher by the name of Ronny Paulino. I am not to thrilled about this pickup because he only his a shade over .200 last year with 2 home runs. Also lurking in the background is Lou Marson. Marson is the future of the catcher position and could possibly see his name on the big league roster come August. He has the potential to become one of the better players on this team for years to come.

Overall Grade: C+

Going Into The Break "In Rhythm"...

...just like Marc Zumoff always. 

"IN RHYTHM"

The Sixers beat the lowly, but young and talented Grizzlies at the Wach 91-87 to improve to 27-24. They have won 14 out of 18 games. 

This win had to come with a fourth quarter comeback, led soley by Andre Iguodala. After having a rough game throughout, the man took over. 

Now, the Sixers go into the All-Star break streaking like crazy. Hopefully they can keep it up. 

Unfortunately, Thaddeus Young is the only Sixer participating in any sort of All-Star festivities as he will be on the Sophomore Team in the Rookie Challenge. 

I really don't want to see these guys go old due to being off for a week. 

It will be interesting to see what happens.

New Items On "South Broad Street"

"South Broad Street" is gradually undergoing changes/renovations so this site can improve and become more fun for the people who visit. 

As mentioned earlier, at the bottom of the page is an audio clip by legendary Sixers PA announcer Dave Zinkoff. 

Slightly above that is a followers list for anyone who wants to "follow" this blog. 

And lastly, as you can see, right above where our posts of, is a new section called "Picture of the Day." 

Everyday, that picture will be updated to anything we here at "South Broad Street" feel like showing. 

Today's pic is Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics. 

While there will not be a post for every time a new element of this page is created, keep an eye out for something new at any time.

"Julius 'The Doctor' Errrrrvvvvvvviiiiiiinnnnngggg!!!!!"

It's all over the net!

Blogs from all over are posting this mp3 clip the 76ers let out of legendary PA man Dave Zinkoff announcing the 1979-80 76ers starting lineup. 

They are trying to get people PUMPED UP for the Spectrum game in March.

This clip leaves chills in my body.

Enjoy!

Dave Zinkoff

This clip will not only be on this post. It will be on the blog permanently at the bottom of the page.

Spring Training is in the Air #7

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.

#7 3rd Base

Pedro Feliz is one of the best defensive third basemen in the league. We also found out this year that he has a pretty solid bat too. He came up big many times in 2008. Most notably the game winning RBI in Game 5 of the World Series. During the offseason he had back surgery that has bothered him all throughout his career. If he isn't able to start come opening day Greg Dobbs will take his place. Dobbs saw a decent amount of time last year. He was very good at the play and was an above average fielder. I think Charlie will use the two of them the same way he did last year. It's a win-win situation either way. If Pedro starts you get a solid glove and a clutch bat; If Dobbs starts you get a average glove but a better hitter. I believe if Feliz is 100% healthy he will get a majority of the starts because the lineup is loaded with left handed bats. I expect another solid year from Pedro, hitting around 20 home runs and keeping his average around .270.

Overall Grade: B

Mo Speights Is Ma Man!

I really like this kid. 

When we drafted him, a lot of people stereotyped him for dogging it and not trying hard. So far, there has been no indication of a slacker.

Marreese Speights comes to play and all was evident last night when the Sixers trounced the visitings Suns 108-91.

Coming off the bench and playing 24 minutes, Speights scored 24 points on 11-16 shooting, with seven rebounds and two blocks. 

On the season in 47 games (two of which were starts), the rookie is averaging 8.1 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game in 15.5 minutes per game. 

Why isn't this guy in the Rookie Challenge? You got me. He deserves it. 

He can definitely be in over Portland's Rudy Fernandez.

Either way, look for Mo Speights (literally) on the floor as this season goes on. If the Sixers really push to make a run for it, he is going to be a big factor in that happening.

Photo found on philly.com. 

Spring Training is in the Air #6

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.



#6 Centerfield

Shane Victorino has been my favorite player for awhile now. It wasn't until recently that he won over a ton of Philadelphia phans. With his hard work and hustle he's developed into a clone of Jimmy Rollins. If Charlie decides to let Shane bat 6th in the lineup, that will add speed and an offensive threat after all the big hitters are done. Although if he does get inserted in the two hole he has been known to have some success. If he can continue the type of baseball he played during the playoffs he could set career numbers in all categories. I'm looking for Shane to hit close to .300 while adding more power to his offensive game.



Overall Grade: B+

You Know Baseball Season Is On The Way...

...WHEN SOME PIECE OF CRAP (PROBABLY A METS FAN) LITERALLY RIPS OFF YOUR PHILLIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FLAG FROM YOUR CAR!

The little culprit didn't just rip of the flag. Whoever it was ripped off almost the entire plastic part with it, leaving only the very bottom of the thing.

Another indication that baseball season is around the corner is when all of the stinking Mets fans come out of their closet and start walking around with their gear again.

I go to Ithaca College in New York and there are obviously a lot of Mets fans who attend with me. Over the past few days, especially today, I've seen so many blue and orange hats. 

When we won the World Series, I barely saw any of that crap.

Anyway, I know I am jumping to major conclusions by saying it was a Mets fan. It could have been a fan from any team–Yankees, Red Sox, etc. 

But, I will just leave all of the Mets fans and whoever the hell else wants to stand in our way for a repeat of a World Championship with this:

Spring Training is in the Air #5

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.

# 5 Left Field
For the first time in a longgggg time we will not hear the name Pat Burrell called out on Opening Night. Instead we'll hear Raul Ibanez. Not many people know much about Ibanez other than he's from Seattle and he produces a lot of RBI's. These are his averages the past 3 seasons: .291 average, 26 home runs, 113 RBI's. Not bad for a guy who played a on Seattle team that won and average of 75 games in those 3 years. He will fit in perfectly with this Phillies lineup. I expect him to hit about 28 home runs and 120 RBI's while keeping his average around .300. If he can do that the Phillies chances of winning 112 games increase. This is going to be a real good year for Ibanez, he will surprise a lot of people as soon as we get used to the fact that Pat the Bat is gone.

Overall Grade: B+

Flyers beat Atlanta

The Flyers beat the Atlanta Thrashers today for the 14th consecutive time. 

The Flyers built themselves a 3-0 lead in the 3rd period from 2 goals by Jeff Carter. Carter's 33rd and 34th goals, sandwiched a Joffery Lupel goal, his 16th. After a couple of powerplay goals by Ilya Kovachuck and Vyacheslav Kozlov, the Flyers decided to make it close and escaped with a 3-2 victory.

The Flyers catch a nice break, they're off until Thursday when they'll take on the Ottawa Senators at the Wachovia Center.

Poll Results For Week of 2/1/09

The question was which almost championship season of recent history is most memorable to you. Out of 17 votes, here are the results:

1993 Phillies: 1 vote

1997 Flyers: 3 votes

2001 76ers: 2 votes

2004 Eagles: 11 votes

I am not surprised with the results. The 2004 Eagles are the most recent and the Eagles alone are probably the most beloved team overall in this city. 

Also, I can assume that most of the people who follow this blog are about my age, so most of us were still in elementary school when the Sixers played the Lakers, were in second grade when the Flyers were in the Cup, and were merely 5 or 6 years old when the Phils gave off that improbable run.

I would like to know though who voted for the Phils. Is it someone who as a matter of fact is older or someone, who like me, loves the '93 Phils and is a Philly sports history buff? 

Personally, even though I didn't vote, my most memorable season is the 2001 Sixers.

I was too young for 1993 so I didn't really live through it.

The 1997 Flyers, while their run was great, leave an awful taste in my mouth because they got swept in the Cup Finals and never really competed.

And the 2004 Eagles should of won that game versus New England. Take away some of those turnovers we had and we're holding up the Lombardi Trophy at the end.

But, the 2001 76ers overcame all of the nay-sayers, won the East and went to the Finals. No one expected them to beat the Lakers, but still, they came out with that great Game 1 victory. 

In the end, the true team we really love and devour is the 2008 Phillies.

World Champs!

 

 

Spting Training is in the Air #4

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.

#4 1st Base

It's strange that on the day I talk about Ryan Howard he signs a 3 year $54 million dollar contract. This locks up the position until 2011. With Howard now having the money under his belt I expect him to work hard and get that batting average number up. When he won MVP he was batting above .300, this past year he just got it above .250. He is a run producer though, and that is why he will stay in the 4th spot. There is not many people waiting in line to back Howard up. Dobbs would be the first one to fill in. Howard really needs to cut down on his strikeouts in order for this team to be successful again this year. If he can get his SO down to about 150 I would be happy. We all know the home runs and RBIs will be there, but if the SO are high and the average is low it will be another frustrating year for Howard fans.

Overall Grade: A-

BREAKING NEWS: HOWARD SIGNS 3 YR- $54 MILLION CONTRACT

According to phillies.com the Phillies and Ryan Howard have come to an agreement of 3 years $54 million dollars.

Oh yeah...and the Flyers won today!

How in the world did that slip my mind?

They defeated the stinking Bruins in OT up in their building 4-3.

Randy Jones scored the game winner with two minutes left to go in overtime.

While this win is great, Marty Biron let in all three of Boston's goals in the first period and was eventually pulled at the conclusion of the period.

Antero Nittymaki came in and made 22 saves out of 22 shots.

Good job by Nitty! Marty has to step it up and THANK GOODNESS WE BEAT THOSE PEOPLE FROM BOSTON!

2 FOR 2 TODAY BABY!

Elton Bust

The big news on the front that shouldn't have shocked anyone is that Elton Brand, the 80 million dollar man, is out for the rest of the season - playoffs included. As I have spent a lot of time complaining about Brand ever since we signed him, it got me thinking... is this the worst big name signing in recent memory of Philadelphia sports? I'll be going down what is an unfortunately long list of big name signings and trades that haven't, ah, panned out is the term we will use here. In terms of "recent memory," I will only be including athletes from the past decade.

Elton Brand was the prize of the offseason. When the Sixers locked him up for 5 years and maxed out their salary cap with a cool 82 million dollar deal. Fans were somewhat excited to see the former College Player of the Year, but also a little worried about his ruptured Achilles tendon that he was apparently recovered from. Reason to worry? Hell yes, we just learned. This man is injury prone as can be. His numbers are down from his career averages and the Sixers record has been better without him than with him. Iggy was a different player with him on the court, and not for better. With 4 years left to prove something before his career is over, the verdict is not out on Brand yet. I'll tell you one thing though - Philadelphia is not a place where you are welcomed with open arms when you sustain injury after injury with a contract like Elton has.

Peter Forsberg signed a 2-year 11.5 million dollar contract to bring the Cup back to Philadelphia and finish what he never got a chance to start, when he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques (who later became the Colorado Avalanche) along with Ron Hextall, Mike Ricci, Chris Simon, Kerry Huffman, Steve Duchesne, a 1st round pick in 1993 and 1994, oh and a cool 15 million dollars all in exchange for Eric Lindros. The return of Forsberg, who won two Cups with the Avalanche proved to be a failure, as the Fly Guys lost in 6 games to the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the playoffs. The following year the Flyers had their worst season in team history. Forsberg complained, and I quote, that "my boot doesn't fit." The center's chronic foot problems allowed him to play in just 40 games in the season to forget. I am far from a fan of this diva. Philadelphia is a place for the Chase Utley's and Allen Iverson's who play through injury after injury and give it their all. Peter - a "boot" that doesn't "fit" is not a good excuse to not play for the team that is playing you over 5 million dollars. The only solace in Forsberg came in Scottie Upshall and Ryan Parent, who the Flyers received when they traded "Foppa" to Nashville. Verdict: BUST

Glenn Robinson was brought to the Sixers to be the second option behind Allen Iverson. That sentence recurred a lot over A.I.'s tenure in Philly eh? "Big Dog" posted career lows in points, games, and rebounds in his only season with the Sixers. He was traded to the Hornets the next year. Verdict: BUST

Takeo Spikes was once a big name linebacker for the Bengals and the Bills. When he decided he didn't want to be a part of the rebuilding process in Buffalo, he was shipped here. While his stats were decent, he lived up to his injury prone stamp when he tore his rotator cuff in week 14. No playoffs, no pro bowl, no great memory of Takeo. Verdict: Waste

Freddy Garcia came to the Phillies in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for deemed head case and underachiever Gavin Floyd. Just a year after leading the "other Sox" to their first World Series Championship in 88 years. Add him to an inexperienced and unproven Phillies rotation and hey - what could go wrong? Everything. Freddy started just 11 games. He brought us the infamous 10-million-dollar win, as he went 1-5 before being shut down with a shoulder injury for the rest of the season. Two years removed, Gavin Floyd picks up 17 wins for the Sox and boasts an era in the 3's. Verdict: MEGA-BUST - but I'm not complaining. World Champs baby.

Other names to consider who were not considered stars when they came here...

Adam Eaton - We basically shoved 24 million dollars in his face and told him he was starting. Now in his final year of the contract, he may not even be at spring training.

Chris Webber - Knee problems and dwindling speed and numbers added up to boo induced career with the Sixers.

David Bell - A 4 year 17 million dollar contract for someone who didn't shave, didn't play, looked like a drunken mess at the plate, and was not good enough in the field.

Kevin Millwood - Coming off an 18 win season for the Braves, the Phils traded for this country man. He went 23-18 over two years for the Phils. It seems we paid Millwood enough money throw a no-hitter in the Vet. And that's it. The only memory he provided.

Keith Van Horn - One season, no defense... and yeah. That about sums him up.

Sixers OVER .500

That's right. Our boys in black and white/blue, red and white came out victorious tonight at home against Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat 94-84.

They are now a game over .500 at 25-24! 

I know that is nothing to get excited about...but THE SIXERS ARE OVER .500! OK, getting a little too over excited. 

Reality is they need to win more games and against better teams, although the Heat are much improved from last year.

They have been consistent of late though, winning 12 out of their last 16.

As far as this game goes, the story wasn't the starters. It was the bench—Royal Ivey, Lou Williams, Reggie Evans, Marreese Speights and Theo Ratliff. 

All but one of these guys had plus/minuses 10 and above, which were the highest on the squad tonight. 

Also, seven of the 10 guys who Tony DiLeo played tonight scored in double figures. It is always nice to win a game where your stars (Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller) are not the only ones scoring. It is nice to spread the wealth.

Yeah...that's right all you democrats. I said it. Spread the wealth. I know that is what all of you like to hear.

Spring Training is in the Air #3

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.

#3 Second Base

You've all heard by now about the amazing feat of Chase Utley playing the whole 2nd half of the season on a bad hip. Unfortunately that might cost us come spring. Utley has told the public that his rehab is coming along fine. It is hard to make a prediction if Chase will be batting 3rd in the lineup come Opening Night. I know that man will do anything possible to be there, yet he is also smart enough to know that if he's not ready then to not push anything. With or without Utley for the first few weeks the Phillies should be able to cover that spot. Jason Donald will get a try out at 2nd base along with Marcus Giles. Second base will not be the strongest position to start the year but as soon as Utley is back in the lineup he'll pick things up right where he left off last year before the injury. I hope that he misses little time so he can put together another MVP type season.

Overall Grade: A

Comparing Elton To Former Stiffs

I'm not calling Brand a stiff. At least not yet. He still has time to redeem himself for continuously getting injured and having trouble fitting in. 

But for now, I am going to compare him to former ones as I got this idea from reading some of the comments people left on the700level.com.

It is pretty obvious that these guys I am about to mention, like Brand, had trouble staying off of the "schnide." This is not in any particular order by the way. 

Stiff No. 1: Derrick "D.C." Coleman

After coming out of Syracuse University as the first overall pick in the 1990 draft with a lot of promise, he at first lived up to the hype by winning Rookie of the Year with the New Jersey Nets. The Nets also made the playoffs a few seasons with D.C. averaging around 20 and 10.

But then, he started to become the D.C. he is famous for. The Nets got a new head coach and the big man who was once compared to Karl Malone became lazy.

In 1995, he came to the Sixers and acted like a bum. He was always hurt and always a behind the scenes problem.

He eventually left for Charlotte and continued his crap there. But then, in 2001, Coleman was traded back to the 76ers. While he was still always getting hurt and underachieving, he was better his second stint than his first. 

I grew to like D.C. a lot. I liked his range with the jump shot. However, in the end, regardless of whether he was better or not his second time around with the Sixers, he will always be remember as a underachieving, always hurt STIFF.

Stiff No. 2: Matt Geiger

After his first year with the Sixers, 1998-99, was great, the team signed him to a very lucrative long-term deal. Once that happened, this hustling big man turned into the brown stuff we flush down toilets. 

Always hurt and always soft, Geiger quickly became a non-fan favorite. Remember the "Matt Tigers?" HA! What a joke that was. 

The sad part is, this guy is most remembered and loved for the fight he picked with Reggie Miller and the Pacers in Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

It was the one time he was not soft. Hey, at least it help us win a couple of games and not get swept. Still, this guy is without question a STIFF.

Stiff No. 3: Shawn Bradley

Need I say more? This guy was 7 feet 6 inches and ALWAYS HURT his rookie year. He made soft look like a common brand of play. Holy moley was this guy soft. Oh and then, he is the one we traded to get Coleman in 1995. Wow! One stiff, two stiff, three stiff, four! Who the heck was our general manager back then?

Hey, there is one positive out of this. At least he wasn't a Sixer when this happened:

Stiff No. 4: Keith Van Horn

First, he didn't want to be with us. 

Then, he underachieved with the Nets. He went to one NBA Finals with them. WOOPTY DOO! Jason Kidd took you guys there.

Maybe he wasn't always hurt, but he was soft. And he always did that "put his hands thing up in the air" when he made a three. Actually, I thought that was cool, but still, that is all he did and he was supposed to be our No. 2 guy behind Allen Iverson.

For some reason, he was only here one year. Still, STIFF.

Stiff No. 5: Glenn Robinson

BIG DOG! WOOF WOOF! 

More like small dog and always injured. Ouch ouch.

 

His most notable and best days were with the Bucks.

This picture has no relevance. I just LOVE it and felt like putting it in. Look familiar and memorable.

Anyway, he only played 42 games the one year he was here.

STIFF!

Stiff No. 6: Chris Webber

He was a perennial All-Star with the Sacramento Kings.

He was a perennial bum when he came to us. Always hurt and later complaining, C-Webb was a waste of moolah. 

STIFF!

Stiff No. 7: Jeff Ruland

This is the guy I am hearing a lot of people mention with the recent Brand news. 

This guy was a stud with the Washington Bullets in the first half of the 1980s. Then, he was traded to the 76ers for MOSES MALONE AND A NUMBER ONE OVERALL DRAFT PICK! NOT A FIRST ROUND PICK! THE NUMBER ONE STINKING OVERALL DRAFT PICK!

 Here is a link to his stats and then to his story. It is too painful to describe with words.

Let the pictures below describe his rapid decline.

He went from this...

...to this...

...to this...

...and then finished out his career with this:

STIFF!

He is now an assistant coach with the 76ers.

There are probably more where that came from. As a matter of fact, knowing the history of this franchise, there are more.

But, these are the guys who come to mind right away.

I just hope Elton can rebound and not be remembered like numbers one through seven here.

STIFFS!

Spring Training is in the Air #2

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.

#2 Right Field

Jayson Werth came up huge last year. He put up solid numbers even though he didn't start in the first few months. This year will be his first year with the starting job in Philly. I expect him to have an even better season and to put up higher numbers than most people think he is capable of. Backing him up will be Jenkins who is a solid player. With Werth batting #2 in the lineup, it will show off his speed and bat a little more. It worked well in the playoffs, why change it for this season?

Overall Grade: B+

There Is In Fact Justice In This World...

...at least for tonight. 

The Sixers ended a ridiculous two game skid by defeating the Indiana Pacers tonight at home 99-94.

On the day when we find out what it is like to take $80 million dollars and flush it down a toilet fool of crap, Andre Iguodala drops 20 points, along with dishing out 11 assists and collecting eight rebounds.

That's right. Iggy was two boards from a triple-double. Ike Reese is right. Hate him or like him, the man fills up the stat sheet. He may not have a jump shot, but he produces. 

Another spot to smile about tonight's game is the play of Samuel Dalembert. Yes...the same Samuel Dalembert who I deemed my least favorite current 76er.

Sammy Slamin' D finished with 18 points and an impressive 20 rebounds. Not to mention, he had the highest plus/minus on the team tonight with a plus 27.

Andre Miller and Willie Green also had big nights. 

Something to cringe about tonight's game, other than the absence of Elton Brand, is the play of the bench. It was not very productive and Marreese Speights had trouble getting on the floor for the second game in a row.

Did he do something wrong? Can someone explain to me why his minutes have all of sudden dropped faster than our ailing economy? 

With Brand out, Speights should be getting more minutes. And when I say more minutes, I mean more minutes than the amount he has been getting before this game and the Boston game. 

Anyway, that is all the thoughts I have on tonight's W. The guys are back at .500 with a record of 24-24. Hopefully they can beat the Heat Saturday night and close the gap that stands between them at sixth and seventh in the conference standings. 

T.J. Houshmandzadeh wants in at Philly

According to an interview yesterday with ESPN 950's Mike Missanelli Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh had expressed interest of joining the Eagles. Houshmandzadeh said, "If they'll be interested in me Ill be interested in them." Houshmandzadeh also added that he likes Andy Reid's play calling and the fact that the Eagles are in the playoff every year. 

On the opportunity of getting to work with Donovan McNabb, Houshmandzadeh said, " I think McNabb is a fine quarterback, I think he's probably one of the best in the league, probably, I can't even think of another quarterback that has performed throughout his career the way he has and would be put in a situation like he was put in Baltimore, but he bounced back very well." 

"He was going to playoff games consistently with Todd Pinkston and Freddie Mitchell starting for him." Houshmandzadeh said. "Consistently performing well, making it easy for them. A quarterback is gonna make it easy for his receivers and a receiver is going to make those catches that is out of his radius where he puts the ball, ball sails on him, you go get it, I mean it goes hand in hand. You just need somebody to make plays. And you make each other look good, and I think that's what he needs."

Adding Houshmandzadeh would be an instant upgrade at the wide reciever that the eagles desperately need. Inserting Houshmandzadeh into an offence that features wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis, runningback Brian Westbrook, and previously mentioned quarterback Donovan McNabb should make for an extremely potent Eagles offence. If Houshmandzadeh the Eagles would have their best offense since, dare I say, 2004.

It very ironic that a player from the opposing team of the Eagles worst game last year could be just the guy that could push us over the top next year. Housmandzadeh spoke of the Eagles-Bengals game last season, "Did you watch the Bengals game during the season? I was just giving Andy Reid an interview in person." Housmandzadeh played a big role in that game as well, Houshmandzadeh registered 12 catches for 149 yards and a touchdown.

Now it's out there, the ball is in the hands of the Eagles front office, hopefully next year the ball and the Lombardi Trophy will be in Houshmandzadeh's hands in an Eagles uniform. 

Spring Training is in the Air

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.


#1 Shortstop

Jimmy Rollins will once again be handling the duties at SS. Last year was an up and down season for Jimmy. Although he was only out for a month when he hurt his ankle against the Mets, an injury like that tends to linger for a few more months. Luckily Eric Bruntlett filled in and did a great job while Jimmy was gone. This year I expect Jimmy to start off hot. Especially if he wants to live up to his prediction of 112 wins. This might be the most dependable position the Phillies have this year. Jimmy will be starting, Bruntlett is currently the backup and Jason Donald is just stepping in the door. That gives the Phils a lot of depth and talent at the SS position.


Overall Grade: A

Kobe v. Lebron

Kobe Bryant and Lebron James are two of the NBA's best players. Over the past two games for the both of them, they have reasserted themselves at the top of that list. 

Often times it there seems to be a rivalry created by the media between Bryant and James, and weather there is or there isn't the performances that the two of them turned in at Madison Square Garden this past week were two to remember.

Starting with Bryant, he turned in more points than any player ever in a single game at MSG. Bryant, in his 12 year out of Lower Merion High School, dropped a whopping 61 points, shooting 19-31 (61%) and 20-20 from the free throw line. Bryant turned in a game in which he so often does proving he is a man playing amongst boys.

So with Bryant's performance fresh on every ones' mind, how would James respond. The first instinct is that there is no possible way to out do a guy who just scored 61 points, or maybe there is. James scored an impressive 52 points, 17-33 (51%), also adding 11 assists and 10 rebounds to go along with it. James also adding himself to the "grown man category" by becoming the first player since the NBA-ABA merger to have a 50 point triple double and the only other player besides Michael Jordan to have two 50 point games at MSG. James' first 50 point game against the Knicks (March 5, 2008) James fell only 2 rebounds short of a triple-double. Bryant in his MSG performance registered 0 rebounds and only 3 assists.

Not to take away anything from Bryant or James, but the media likes to create a buzz about playing at MSG and it is one of those arenas that has a certain aura about it, but the fact remains that the Knicks are a horrible team and defense is their biggest issue. With that being said when Bryant and James are at their best they can do what they did to just about anyone, and it is certainly fun to watch when it happens.

Bryant encored his 61 point performance with a pedestrian 36 points against the Raptors. James' encore will come on Sunday. Against the Lakers. At home, putting the Cavaliers perfect home record (23-0) on the line.

Beat by Boston Bruins

Tonight's match up of the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers featured two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

The Bruins beat the Flyers 3-1 tonight, although the score is some what misleading. The Flyers and Bruins were deadlocked at 1-1 going into the 3rd, but after giving up 2 weak goals in 1:15 the Flyers proved that a 2 goal lead was too much to overcome.

The game was a defensive struggle all night, stifling defense was played by both teams, and the talent on both teams was prominently displayed as well.

This game also featured the return of Ryan Parent who was taking to place of Braydon Colburn, who was out with the flu. The 21 year old defender spent a stint of 15 games with the Phantoms this season and registered 1 assist. Parent, however, is not there for his scoring, he did a very formidable job keeping one of the most offensively explosive teams in the league in check this game.

Not to make excuses for the Flyers but they were missing Mike Richards, Scotty Upshall, and previously mentioned Braydon Colburn due to the flu. The Bruins proved tonight that this team will be hard to play at full strenghth forget about shorthanded.

Speaking of shorthanded, once again it was a position that the  the Flyers found themselves way too often tonight. Not only did they take a lot of penalties, they took a lot of bad penalties. The Flyers seemed to be caught out of position consistently.

Everyone knows that the Eagles need a legitimate no. 1 wide receiver, the Flyers need a no.1 goalie just as bad. Marty Biron did not play a bad game, he just got completely out played by his all-star counterpart Tim Thomas. Thomas made dazzling saves all night, including one save in the first period in which he absolutely took Jeff Carter's 33rd goal of the season away.

The Flyers next game is against the same Boston Bruins on Saturday to look for some revenge, it would help the Flyers a lot if Richards, Upshall, and Colburn could go.

More On Last Night's Heartbreaker Told Through The Power of Multimedia

Forget about the stats. They don't matter.

Forget that Thaddeus Young has this uncanny knack to help off of stellar shooters and leave them open in the closing moments of the game.

Forget that Elton Brand only played eight minutes, scored no points and did not leave the bench in the second half.

Forget that this is the second game in a row where the Sixers had a lead late, looked like they could pull it off, but lose it in the end. 

Lastly, forget that this team is 23-24.

Why should you forget these things? Because there is more to this game than the stats and the inner details. 

This game sums up a city; a city that has only reveled in one World Championship in the past 25 years. To be more specific, it is a city that has only celebrated three World Championships in the past 30 years. 

Last night was not new. We've been crapped on before.

We've fallen up short before.

We've witnessed stupid crap before.

We've witnessed our players and heroes get out-manned by opposing players and enemies before.

We've been laughed at before.

Last night was nothing new. It was the story of our lives and until another one of our teams does this:

...it will continue to be the story of our lives.

But hey, this is why we cheer. This is why we're Philadelphians.

" 'Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!' " -Rocky in "Rocky Balboa"

I Think I'm Gonna Cry

Sixers lost 100-99 on a Ray Allen three pointer with .5 seconds left.

More on this later.

Marijuana Michael

How does the most decorated Olympian ever at 23 years old use his time off from training. Answer: The same way a normal 23 year old would with some time off, smoking weed at a college party. 

Phelps the 14-time Olympic medalist and 32-time world record holder was caught taking a bong hit at a party at the University of South Carolina.

"I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way", Phelps said,"It will not happen again."

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions only for a positive test that occurs only during training periods. Legal repercussions are pending.

This is not the first time Phelps has had a run in with the law, after the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Phelps, then 19, was arrested for drunk driving, for which he pleaded guilty and apologized.    

USA Swimming said its Olympic champions are "looked up to by people of all ages, especially young athletes who have their own aspirations and dreams." 

Being that Phelps is such a high profile athlete and role model, this certainly will hurt Phelps' reputation however, it is expected that Phelps will not lose much as far as endorsements. Endorsements that include Speedo and McDonald's.  

Phelps has proved time after time when he's motivated he's unbeatable, it might be scary to see what he swims like when he's mad.

 

Phelps is a young kid just trying to have fun, or perhaps evening the playing field, even with the lung capacity of Phelps that hit might not have been worth getting caught for. 

Lets not forget this.

Big Ben v. D. Mac

As I alluded to at the conclusion of my last post I was comparing the last drives of the Eagles against the Cardinals and the Steelers against the Cardinals. Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer took the liberty of completing that thought for me with some solid stats and much better writing.

I will add this disclaimer; I found these stats a little hard to stomach

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20090203_Steelers__QB_succeeds_where_McNabb_fails.html

Steelers Parade

I have an hour-and-a-half break in between classes and I was not intending to write a post. I was intending to prepare for a presentation for my Business Communications class. But turning on the television while I had some Special K, I flipped to the Steelers Super Bowl victory parade. I did not attend, because I am not a Steelers fan. I do not want to feel worse about my football team. That is the same reason I did not even look at the riot just two blocks from my apartment, I want my first football riot to be for the Eagles, not for jealousy.

First and foremost, congratulations to the Steelers. I am more than jealous, despite the Phillies high that I am still coming down from. Being in Pittsburgh for (another) Steelers Super Bowl victory really made me realize that we need a championship. More on that in another post. What I want to comment on, is how the Phillies parade dwarfed this one.

Pittsburgh is a tiny city in comparison to the millions that inhabit Philly, so it stands to reason that the 250,000 that showed up for the '06 parade wasn't anywhere close to the 2 million plus that swarmed Broad Street.

Having said all of that, Pittsburgh did create an intimate feeling with their fans at the parade. Rather than using giant vehicles and buses, they used small cars and SUVs. Not to belabor the point, but it was sorta cute. The street that the steelers paraded down was much smaller than Broad Street and the fans were much closer to the players. The players did get to talk into microphones so everyone could hear at the parade, but I haven't heard anything inspired. It has basically been the same phrases over and over...

"One for the other thumb!"

"Here we go Steelers, Here we go!" (which was said so many times that the crowd stopped chanting along)

"We have six Super Bowls!"

"This one is for the fans!"

Personally, I excuse them, because the truth of it is that the Steelers are used to winning. It's hard to say anything noteworthy or memorable when everything has already been said. These players are basically adding to their legends, building on their foundation. Most of this team has already won the Vince Lombardi Trophy. This championship did not get any monkeys off the city's back, nor did it end a combined drought longer than any other city's sports put together. One more Super Bowl with this core and it will become known as a dynasty.It is a luxury that I would very much like to have - who wouldn't love to have championship parades become old hat? I know I would never get sick of championship after championship. Good for Pittsburgh, I am officially jealous of your football success. Without the Steelers, the city's identity is largely taken away, and that is no slight to the city. They have a tremendous fan base and they care just as deeply about their football team as Philadelphians do. In my opinion the top football "nations" of America are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay. The teams Sunday performance every week dictate these city's moods for the rest of the week. It's a fact. Without the Eagles, Steelers, and Packers, the characteristics of the city changes.

Maybe if the Phillies win it all again, we won't have anything memorable than "just another ring." Maybe Brett Myers won't cry at the podium, Chase Utley won't swear on live TV, Pat Burrell (obviously) won't feel the tension of the city taken off of his shoulders. Who knows? Hopefully we get to find out. I do know that if the Eagles become World Champs, that the parade would be just as dramatic and emotional as the Phillies. There would be moments hard to duplicate, tears cried that can never fall down the cheek the same way again. An Eagles Super Bowl parade would be like no other NFL franchise. We have never won it all, we have never experienced the Super Bowl elation.

We need a Super Bowl.

Ruiz or Coste?

Obviously the initial answer would be Carlos Ruiz. 

"Chooch" stepped up big time in the playoffs, especially in the World Series and Chris Coste's production dimmed off towards the end of the regular season.

Not to mention, Ruiz is the better defensive player and that is more important for a catcher. Or is he?

In a very interesting article written in today's Philadelphia Daily News, Paul Hagen breaks done stat-by-stat/category-by-category the difference, or lack there of, between Chooch and Costey. 

If you were to ask me straight up, no stats, who I would want behind the plate, I would say Ruiz. But, this article does not stop me from thinking twice. Obviously, baseball is not all about numbers, but stats are a large part of it. 

These stats clearly show the similarities in numbers between the two catchers. 

Clearly, the Phillies go on a "feel" basis of who they want. They feel they want Ruiz and they feel they want to try other options at back up. That is why they brought some of those new catchers in. 

At the same time though, Coste is definitely getting slated. He is not a liability by any means. I guess he just sums in up best.

" 'Baseball people have always assumed that I was a weak defensive catcher, and once the label of poor defense was attached it became nearly impossible to shake. I could block a thousand dirt balls in a row, but the first one that gets by me is the one people will remember. Believe me, I don't claim to be a defensive wizard. I am Carlos Ruiz' biggest fan. He deserved to be the World Series catcher and deserves to be the starter in 2009. I do know that I'm far better than what people think.' "

What do you think? 

Before reading this story, who would you rather have had?

After reading this story, is that answer the same?

For me, it is. I still would rather have Chooch. But, I would rather have Coste as my back up than any of the guys they brought in to compete for that spot.

But enough of my opinion. You tell me what you think.

It should of Been Us?

As Ben Roethisberger took a final knee last night securing the 6th World Championship for the storied Pittsburgh Steelers franchise many fans through out the Philadelphia area (including myself) couldn't help but think that it should have been the Eagles lifting the sacred Lombardi Trophy.

After making it to the NFC Championship game against an opponent that could not have been hand picked any better the Eagles fell short. The NFC Championship is a game that will be engraved in Eagles' fans heads for a while to come. The fact that Andy Reid and McNabb are now 1-4 in NFC Championship games certainly does not ease the pain either.

Consider the amount of times the Eagles dodged bullet after bullet to stay alive in the playoff race.
1. Bears game: The Eagles fail to convert a 4th and goal opportunity to essentially win the game.
2. Redskins (part 1): The Eagles had a 14-0 lead in the first quarter than allowed Clinton Portis to run all over us and our offense basically stopped playing.
3. Giants (game 1): Whole lot of things happened but it boiled down to the fact that the Birds couldn't pick up a yard
4. Cincinnati: Need I say any more?
5. Baltimore: While this was the turning point in the season, but at the time it looked like a butt whoopin' and possibly the second nail in the coffin.
6. Washington: Just think about the sick,sick feeling you had in your stomach after that game.
7. Because of the Eagles disgraceful performance against Washington, the Eagles playoff chances were reduced to having to win against Dallas which happened in a big way (44-6), coupled with a Buccaneers loss and a Bears or Vikings loss (Bucs lose, Bears lose, miracles happen)

The Eagles got passed the Vikings and rival Giants in consecutive weeks and rolled in to Arizona with momentum that was looking like no one could stop and with a very motivated Eagles team one game away from another trip to the SuperBowl it looked like the Eagles where going to the big game but once again it just wasn't meant to be.

Not to be cliche but the Eagles were the definition of a team playing with "house money" and nothing to lose. To say that the Eagles should have been in that game, would be a false statement.

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers on their 6th World Championship, after all they beat the Cardinals in exactly the way that the Eagles lost to them. Throw away the entire game from both games, fast forward to approximately 3 minutes left to go in the game. Donovan McNabb and the offense don't get the job done Birds lose, Big Ben and the Steelers offense does, ball game, Champions.

While That Should Of Been Us...Tip Your Cap To The Victors

That should have been Green and White up on the podium, with World Championship gear and partying on the streets.

It should have been the Philadelphia Eagles. But then again, "woulda, shoulda, coulda's" are an avenue we shouldn't be heading in.

We know that should've been us, but it wasn't. 

It was the Pittsburgh Steelers. Still, if anything, we should have been playing them. 

But we weren't. That was the Arizona Cardinals. 

Thus, watching the game as it transpired, there were a few key things going on in my mind.

1. If this game, of all the games, does not prove what a TOP-NOTCH WIDE RECEIVER can do for a team, than I do not know what will. I know I am beating down a broken door, but CMON...Santonio Holmes is a beast. Larry Fitzgerald is a beast. 

DeSean Jackson, right now at least, is a nice slot guy who can stretch the field. He can't make diving catches on the toes or a catch with THREE defenders right next to him.

Kevin Curtis is a good NUMBER TWO. Hank Baskett and Jason Avant are good "trash men", a.k.a. third down/get the yards necessary guys. Reggie Brown is a bum. Greg Lewis is not a bum, but he is not great either. 

2. How weird would it have been if the Cardinals won?

Think about it. If the Cardinals won, they would have one more Super Bowl than the Eagles. I don't think that would sit very well with me. At least I am used to hearing the Steelers win. 

Also, now that the Steelers have six Super Bowls, we don't have to hear anymore how the Cowboys are the NFL's standard.

3. While I was not rooting for any team, I hoped Arizona would not win the game. One reason is the point I just made in No. 2. The other reason is my recently late father is from Pittsburgh. He was born and raised there. While he was a huge Eagles fan, he was a huge Steelers fan as well.

That is why, other than the fact it would have been a Pennsylvania Super Bowl, having the Eagles against the Steelers would have been extra special. He would have loved that. Still, I know he was smiling somewhere, wherever he may be, when Ben Rothlisberger took that final knee. 

I know in sports we get caught up in rivalries and hating other teams no matter what. But, in circumstances like these, you can't help but feel happy for others who inspire or are close to you. 

I don't like the Steelers, but I am happy for my dad. 

Another person I am happy for is John Challis. I don't know how many people remember who this kid is, but he was interviewed during the Flyers/Penguins Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

John is a Pittsburgh area native who died in late August after his long battle with terminal cancer. His courage of fighting the disease positively became a national story. 

While I hated to see the Penguins beat us, I felt happy for this kid, who was obviously dealing with more troubling things than what happens in the hockey playoffs. And at one point last night either while watching the game or when it ended (I don't exactly remember), John crossed my mind once again. Like I was for my father, I was happy for this particular Pittsburgh fan.

There are others too–some relatives of mine, the late Myron Cope (who my dad adored...he is like Pittsburgh's Richie Ashburn), friends who may be Pittsburgh fans, etc. But, my father and John crossed my mind the most last night.

Do not be mistaken, I am one of the biggest Philly sports fans around. I unbelievably hate it when we lose and other teams win. 

Yet, sometimes you have to take a step back away from sports, the rivalries and the competition to realize that there is more to life. 

Tip your cap to the Steelers and smile for those who are either close to you or inspire you that came out World Champions last night. 

They got the job done. We didn't. 

Poll Results For Week of 1/25/09

This week's poll question was: If you could spend the day with one Philadelphia sports head coach, who would it be?

Tony DiLeo: 1 vote

Charlie Manuel: 11 votes

Andy Reid: 2 votes

John Stevens: 3 votes

Uncle Chuck won by a long slide. He dominated the field, which is not surprising. He is by far the most interesting of all four guys and would without question be fun to hang around. Charlie is just a real human being. He is not caught up in all of the glamor and glee of professional sports. He speaks his mind and everything he says he sincerely means. 

He is not like John Stevens who mumbles his words. He is not like Andy Reid who doesn't say a damn thing. I don't know Tony DiLeo well enough. He is too new.

I am surprised Stevens came in second though, but then again, not really. 

Even though Stevens seems quiet and uninteresting, nobody can be as boring as Reid and, like I said, we quite frankly do not know enough about DiLeo to want to spend the day with him. I am sure if Maurice Cheeks was still coaching he would get more votes than DiLeo.

For the guy who did vote for DiLeo, I would like to know your reasoning behind it, if you don't mind leaving that on the message board.

As far as all the Charlie-ites go, here is some footage on our favorite skipper.

And then, this is a giveaway the Phillies are going to have at one of their games.

No...not the trophy...haha. It is the bobblehead. Isn't that coolest bobblehead you have ever seen?!!!

How In the World...

...did the Flyers get shutout by the worst team in the West?

They got blanked 4-0 out in St.Louis last night, ending their three-game post All-Star break road trip.

First the Sixers. Then the Flyers.

Apparently they were tired from the Tampa trip and their is the flu going around. 

Bull crap. 

Ridiculous. It was a bad night for Philly sports made even worse by the fact that today is the fourth Super Bowl we have to watch that our Eagles were one play away from being in.

Ugh.