Blanton Needs to Come Back Strong

The images of Roy Halladay throwing at the Bank during his visit to Philadelphia two weeks ago got me thinking. We know Roy is going to come into camp ready. We know Cliff and Cole are too. And since Kyle Kendrick is Roy’s lapdog, we assume he’ll be in shape and gunning for that fifth rotation spot. Vance Worley’s a wildcard. The guy doesn’t look like he’s seen the inside of gym in his life. He breaks a sweat putting on his sanitary socks and looks like he’d be out every night in California watching garage bands and drinking Milwaukee’s Best. But he was a horse last year, so we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

The guy that worries me the most this off-season, and who could be a real asset if he’s right, is Kentucky Joe Blanton.

With an $8M price tag, the once reliable middle-of-the-rotation stalwart has become a huge question mark due to general ineffectiveness and injury issues. His 2011 season was cut short in April by an injury to his right elbow. The injury compounded a poor 2010 season when Blanton posted a pedestrian 9-6 record with a horrid 4.82 ERA in 176 innings. Most disturbing was his 206 hits allowed. He’s throwing batting practice.

Blanton has never been a thin guy. Stocky might be a kind word for the 6-foot-3, 245-pound pitcher, and this off-season the Phils have to hope he comes into camp in healthy and in shape. A dedicated workout program would definitely help the guy long-term (see Halladay, Roy), and solidify a Phillies rotation that’ll be without Roy Oswalt and counting on the Vanimal to duplicate his rookie success.

The Phils need innings from Blanton to help protect what could be a very young bullpen, who might burn out by August if they’re overused.

And if Blanton can indeed come back strong and recapture the success he had in Oakland, he might give the Phillies a trade chip to play in June, assuming the Phils feel comfortable with Kyle Kendrick or one of their minor league stars like Austin Hyatt, Julio Rodriguez or Trevor May stepping in as the fifth man in the rotation.

So Joe, the ball is in your court. Here’s hoping you’re pushing away from the Christmas leftovers and doing some crunches before February rolls around.

Early Projection of 53-man Roster

Never too early to speculate on who your 2011 Philadelphia Eagles Opening Day roster will look like. Andy Reid’s teams can never have enough linemen, on either side of the ball. And with new d-line coach Jim Washburn’s preference for shuttling linemen in and out, 11 doesn’t sound so ludicrous.

The other interesting area is now at CB, where the Birds have a bounty of talent. With Nnamdi Asomugha on board, where does that leave a contributor like Joselio Hanson? The Eagles seem high on Trevard Lindley, and just drafted Curtis Marsh. Could be interesting if they don’t move Asante Samuel.

UPDATE: With the news of the Cullen Jenkins signing (holy sh*t), I’ve adjusted the roster - dropping Victor Abiamiri and Broderick Bunkley and adding LB Greg Lloyd.

UPDATE (5:41 PM): Smart of me to remove Bunk earlier because he was just traded to Cleveland for a 2012 5th round pick. The Eagles also resigned my fellow JMU alum, Akeem Jordan to a one year deal. Sooo, goodbye Greg Lloyd.

QB (3)
Michael Vick
Vince Young
Mike Kafka

RB/FB (4)
LeSean McCoy
Dion Lewis
Eldra Buckley
Owen Schmitt

WR (5)
DeSean Jackson
Jeremy Maclin
Jason Avant
Riley Cooper
Sinorice Moss

TE (2)
Brent Celek
Clay Harbor

OL (10)
Jason Peters
Todd Herremans
Jamaal Jackson
Danny Watkins
Winston Justice
King Dunlap
Mike McGlynn
Dallas Reynolds
Austin Howard
Jason Kelce

DE (6)
Trent Cole
Jason Babin
Juqua Parker
Darryl Tapp
Phillip Hunt
Daniel Te’o-Nesheim

DT (4)
Antonio Dixon
Mike Patterson
Cullen Jenkins
Trevor Laws

LB (6)
Jamar Chaney
Moise Fokou
Keenan Clayton
Casey Matthews
Akeem Jordan
Brian Rolle

CB (6)
Nnamdi Asomugha
Asante Samuel
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Joselio Hanson
Trevard Lindley
Curtis Marsh

S (4)
Nate Allen
Jaiquawn Jarrett
Kurt Coleman
Colt Anderson

ST (3)
Alex Henery
Chas Henry
Jon Dorenbos

Video of Phillies’ 39th Overall Pick Larry Greene

The Phillies made Georgia high school outfielder Larry Greene their first selection in the 2011 MLB Draft this evening. According to the commentary from MLB Network’s draft coverage, Greene possesses the best raw power of any high school position player. Just looking at him reminds me of former Phils prospect Ron Jones.

Greene isn’t a kid the Phils are going to have go above slot to sign, something they don’t like to do with their first round picks. Look for Greene to sign early and get started in the Gulf Coast League before the season ends.

Also, check out the excellent PhuturePhillies.com for lots of great draft information, and a good post on Greene.

Scratch Fat Albert off the Birds’ Wish List

While the Eagles will role the dice on a convicted dog killer, I’m doubting they’re going to pull the trigger on a lazy, road-raging, sexual assaulter…right?

Most folks didn’t think it would be possible for Albert Haynesworth to be more hated in Washington. But oh, how wrong they were.

Fat Albert, recently accused of assaulting a fellow motorist in a bout of road rage, is now being accused of sexual assault by a woman claiming he attacked her at the swank W Hotel in downtown DC.

There had been rumblings that the Birds might be interested in Haynesworth if the Skins released him this offseason because of his loving relationship with new d-line coach Jim Washburn. But after these recent shenanigans, even Jeff Lurie’s forgiving heart isn’t this big.

Yeah, yeah. Innocent until proven guilty. The dude is just a douche to the core.

Draft season is upon us

With the Eagles season sadly over, the 2011 Draft is quickly approaching. The East/West Shrine Game is in the books and Senior Bowl practices are in full swing. Keep up with all the draft news and notes related to the Eagles at CSNPhilly’s Draft Winds - written by yours truly!

The Mike Vick Song? Yeah - this is happening.

Of course if you want your own anthem, who better to drop it than the Durty South Boyz.


Friends of mine in NYC actually say this ear cancer is getting radio play up there. And they claimed to be cultured?

Former Eagle Notes

A couple of former Birds on the transaction wire.

Pago Togafau, a LB and special teamer, was released by the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.

Former Penn State WR Jordan Norwood, recently cut by the Birds, was signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad.

TE Eugene Bright was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad.

Although he never suited up for the Birds, DL and former Temple Owl Raheem Brock was an Eagles 7th round pick in 2002. He was released by the Titans last week but was scooped up by the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.

Old friend Reggie Brown, traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the off-season, was waived Monday. Not sure what happened to Reggie. I always thought he was on his way to being a poor man’s Marvin Harrison. Sigh.

A sixth round draft pick in 2010, Charles Scott, traded to Arizona for CB Jorrick Calvin, was released by the Cardinals. Scott’s awful training camp and failure to make a mark as a fullback sealed his fate both here and in Arizona.

Former fan favorite Dan Klecko had his contract terminated by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

OL Stefan Rodgers, former Eagles training camp fodder and injured reserve member, was put on the Ravens’ injured reserve list.

Martin Rucker, a practice squad TE of Eagles past, was cut by the Cowboys on Sunday.

Once Michael Vick’s tormentor as an Eagle, Derrick Burgess was released by the Patriots after converting to OLB.

Rob Myers, a TE who lasted about 3 weeks on the Eagles practice squad last season, was jettisoned by the Patriots as well.

Why Antwan Barnes’ name may sound familiar

If you were wondering why newly acquired DE Antwan Barnes’ name might sound somewhat familiar check out the video below.

Barnes is another smallish, fast end who’s frenetic playing style should help him make his mark on special teams.

It’s Official - Oswalt for Happ, Gose and Villar

The Phillies got their man this afternoon according to FOXSports’ Ken Rosenthal. The Phils sent left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ, minor leage outfielder Anthony Gose, and minor league shortstop Jonathan Villar to the Astros for starting pitcher Roy Oswalt.

The Astros will also pay $11 million of an approximate $23 millon owed to Oswalt through 2011.

From Rosenthal:

In exchange for Oswalt waiving his no-trade clause, he will receive an increase in one part of the buyout of his $16 million mutual option for 2012.

If the Phillies pick up their end of the option, Oswalt can decline his end, become a free agent and receive a $2 million buyout instead of the $1 million in his current deal.

If Oswalt chooses to decline the option on his own, he also will receive a $2 million buyout.

Of those prospects I think Villar offered the most long-term upside to the Phillies. Although he’s made upwards of 40 errors this season at Lakewood, he’s only 19-years-old and has shown great promise both at the plate (.272/.332/.358) and on the base paths (38 steals).

With no other discernible short stop prospects in the minors, Villar was the only possible long-term replacement for a seemingly fragile Jimmy Rollins.

Happ, of course, offered great value to the Astros. He’s a talented and cheap ($470,000) starting pitcher who’ll be under their control until 2015.

While he’s yet to have a true breakthrough season, Happ has showed great promise in his stint with the Phillies last year.

Gose, like Villar, is only 19-years-old, and playing at High-A Clearwater he was very impressive. He’s hitting decently (.263/.325/.385) as their lead-off hitter, but his bread and butter is his blazing speed (37 steals and 11 triples).

He needs some refinement in his technique - he’s been caught 27 times - but that can be learned.

Gose also is a premium defensive outfielder, using his speed to run down balls and using an arm that many scouts thought was good enough to get Gose drafted as a power pitcher. Think Michael Bourn with a good arm.

I think Ed Wade has once again made the Phillies a better team by being the Astros GM. While I like Villar and Gose as prospects, the Phils were able to acquire a top of the rotation pitcher plus $11M without giving up any of their premium prospects (Jonathan Singleton, Jarred Cosart, Brody Colvin, Trevor May, or Domonic Brown).

I won’t say the Phils fleeced Wade completely, but Philadelphia GM Ruben Amaro may have helped redeem himself a little bit in the eyes of some very disgruntled fans.

For more Philadelphia sports news, commentary, discussion and trivia, join firedforwinning.com on Facebook!

Nate Newton finds the Lord and Nutrisystem

Wow! Check out former Dallas fat-ass Nate Newton at Cowboys camp this week. He’s apparently lost 132 pounds since April. That’s a mere 81pounds less than the amount of weed Louisiana cops found in the trunk of his car back in November 2001. And just 43 pounds less than the amount of weed he had in his car 5 weeks later when he got busted in Texas.

Big Nate got 30 months in prison for those small infractions.

So while Newton’s gaunt face makes him look like he graduated from selling pot to taking meth, according to his Wikipedia page Newton has gone straight, found the Lord, and is now counseling youths.

Of course he is.

Fun Fact: Newton’s son Tre is now the starting RB at the University of Texas.

The Definitive Simon Gagne Post

In case you needed another reminder that sports are a business, the Flyers trade of longtime winger Simon Gagne proves just that.

The fan favorite was the epitome of class both on and off the ice. However, on a team up against the cap and full of veterans with no-trade clauses, somebody had to go.

It’s sad that the era of players starting and finishing their careers with one team is essentially over. There aren’t many Steve Yzermans, Tony Gwynns or Cal Ripkens anymore. In an uncapped world, the Flyers would not have dealt Gagne, and even if they did, the return would have been much greater than a depth defenseman and fourth round pick. As disappointing as the trade is, it is not surprising.

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Phillies trying for Oswalt or Haren

Per our sources at FOXSports the Phillies, while not close to a done deal yet, are desperately trying to figure out a way to get their stink-ridden hands on either Houston’s Roy Oswalt or Arizona’s Dan Haren. I can only imagine after Jamie Moyer’s elbow injury today and Andrew Carpenter’s stellar 2010 debut, Rube would be happy to land Roy Lee Jackson or Dan Spillner at this point.

Top 5 Best Places for a Flyers Road Trip

I know it’s the middle of summer but with this crazy heat here I’m longing for cool bite of winter. And with winter comes hockey - Flyers hockey.

While October is still months away it’s never too early to start planning those excursions to far away lands to cheer on the Orange and Black. Here’s this site’s opinion on the coolest place to go.

1. Montreal (Nov. 16, Dec. 15)

Montreal is hockey’s epicenter. There’s no other place that takes it’s hockey more to heart than Montreal. It also helps that the city is pretty sweet too, especially for the single guy. Bars and strip clubs are as commonplace in Montreal as Starbucks are in Seattle. The women are beautiful, the people are friendly (despite the French accents), and there’s gambling. Not a bad way to spend a day or two.

2. Chicago (Jan. 23)

The Flyers have one date in the Windy City to take on the Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks. If gaining a modicum of vengeance on them isn’t enough to make this a great trip, the city of Chicago seals the deal. There are few cooler cities in the world than Chicago. It’s a young city, vibrant and fun. Lots to see, eat, and drink. Of course, like Montreal above, it’s gonna be FREEZING in January, but just dress warmly, and get ready to have a great time.

Continue reading ‘Top 5 Best Places for a Flyers Road Trip’

Reid and Eagles Give BYU RB No Love

I guess speculation that Andy Reid, a BYU alum, would pursue RB Harvey Unga in the NFL Supplemental Draft was misplaced.

Unga, BYU’s all-time leading rusher, was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 12th pick in the seventh round. The Eagles pick in the seventh round was after the Bears (28th overall), so I have no idea whether they put a bid in for Unga. But it also means the Birds thought little enough of Unga to not give up their sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft to get select him.

Reid has been very open about his love of drafting/signing fellow Cougars. Since his arrival he has drafted or signed Reno Mahe, Scott Young, Justin Ena, Lee Johnson, and Dallas Reynolds.

It’s not surprising the Birds didn’t reach for Unga though. With LeSean McCoy already entrenched as the starter, and Leonard Weaver a capable short-yardage back, the Eagles have 2010 draft choice Charles Scott, Eldra Buckley, Dwayne Wright, and Martell Mallett battling for the third back spot.

Sixers no free agent players - might be a good thing

Two Sixers posts in a row - is this how bad things are with the Phillies?

Despite the awful product that is the NBA, there’s a considerable buzz on the possible destinations of some of basketball’s top names.

The King, D-Wade, Bosh, Dirk, and Booz could all be switching jerseys this off-season in a free agent frenzy never seen before in NBA history. Already Atlanta’s Joe Johnson is going to accept an insane 6-year, $121 million offer from the Hawks. Joe Freakin’ Johnson. Did they watch him against Orlando in the playoffs this year?

Anyway, for Sixers fans this is going to be a quiet couple of weeks as far as free agents go. The Sixers are all spent out, with guys like Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand sucking the life out of them fiscally. But maybe that’s a good thing, because recent history shows the Sixers are just no good when they do get a couple of bucks in their pocket.

Let’s take a look at some of the worst Sixers forays into free agency over the past 15 years.

Charles Shackleford - C- 1991 (Gene Shue - GM)

With Mike Gminski traded and Rick Mahorn fading the Sixers saw Shackleford as an answer to their starting center prayers. After playing only two mediocre seasons in the NBA with the Nets, the NC State star shuffled off to Italy for the 1990-91 season before making his return. To clear $1.3M in salary room to sign Shackleford the Sixers released the popular Mahorn in the off-season. Shackleford, best known for being a main figure in a college point-shaving scandal and this quote - “Left hand, right hand, it doesn’t matter. I’m amphibious.”- made over $3 million in the two miserable seasons he spent with the Sixers, averaging 5.5 ppg and 5.1 rpg. He was released in the summer of 1993. He went on to lead the Euroleague in rebounding in 1995-96, and won the Korac Cup title playing in Greece in 1997.

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