Monthly Archive for March, 2009

This just in - LJ Smith still a girl

Former-Eagles tight end LJ Smith was called a lot of things in Philadelphia. Tough, reliable, and overachieving were certainly not among them, but you can add girlish and whiny to the list.

Smith has taken his shoddy hands and fumbling runs to Baltimore now, and while appearing on Sporting News Radio’s The Monty Show (whatever that is) Smith had the customary parting shots for his old team.

“There were a lot of things that I felt like should have been handled differently and you know there were a couple of times where coach should have came up to me and explained how he was looking at things and how he was handling situations and what direction he wanted to go but it didn’t happen like that.

“As a player you never want to hear things through the media. . . . [Y]ou just want to be treated like a man before an athlete. I think a lot of times in the NFL coaches forget that. They’re so involved with the numbers and schemes and they forget how to approach a player and I just felt like a couple of times throughout the season last year there were a couple of coaches who forgot that.”

“I’m just going to let it go. . . . I don’t want to come across bitter or anything like that because as long as I’m in the NFL, that’s a blessing in itself,” Smith said. “I’m definitely grateful for my experience there, good or bad, however it’s one of those things where the coach knows. He knows how he should have handled the situation and I don’t have to tell him.”

Now we all know Andy Reid isn’t exactly Dick Vermeil when it comes to emotion - he’s more like this mouse pad I’m using - but what did LJ want Reid to say to him?

“Uhh, LJ. Over the past 2-3 years you have managed to master the art of disappearing for long stretches of games, carrying the ball like it had rabies, and dropping passes. And oh yeah, you’re also hurt ALL THE TIME. So sorry if I don’t come by your locker and lay things out for you individually.

Did I mention I drafted you before Jason Witten?”

Go cry to Ray Lewis about it you whiny ass.

Published
by
Jared
on March 26, 2009
in Eagles
. 1 Comment

Samuel worth a 3rd Round pick to Patriots

The 2009 NFL draft compensatory picks were released today and the New England Patriots received a third round pick, 97th-overall, as compensation for losing Asante Samuel to the Eagles as a free agent in 2008. And somehow the Giants get a third rounder for losing Gibril Wilson, who was dumped after one season with the Oakland Raiders.

The Eagles received no compensatory picks this season. Apparently the signing of Samuel and Chris Clemons trumped the loss of Thomas Tapeh (Minnesota) and William “Don’t call me Peterson” James (Buffalo). Who knew?

Actually, it’s more complicated than that, but regardless, we ain’t getting any picks!

Published
by
Jared
on March 23, 2009
in 2009 NFL Draft and Eagles
. 0 Comments

Phils unlikely to keep more than 11 pitchers

Just a quick nugget from FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal on the logjam the Phillies have on their bench, and the problem it’s causing with their plans to carry 12 pitchers.

The Phillies are reluctant to keep only 11 pitchers, knowing that manager Charlie Manuel burns through relievers and left-hander Cole Hamels might not be fully extended by Opening Day. Their roster logjam, however, could force them to carry an extra position player.

A trade of Geoff Jenkins or Matt Stairs appears unlikely. The Phillies do not plan to keep three catchers, but Miguel Cairo could make the club as a utility man along with Eric Bruntlett; those two players plus the backup catcher would be the team’s only right-handed hitters off the bench.

Two younger players, infielder Jason Donald and outfielder John Mayberry, are likely to start the season at Class AAA, where they could play every day.

If Hamels isn’t a go on Opening Day I think a lot of this will come down to how long Charlie can go without needing a fifth starter. If he can get by for a week or two, keeping that extra righty on the bench makes sense. If not, JA Happ is in the rotation and you grab that 12th pitcher. But who is the 12th pitcher you bring north?

I have Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Chan Ho Park, and Joe Blanton starting, with Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, JA Happ, and Clay Condrey in the bullpen.

Do they bring Kendrick north? I hope not. Joe Bisenius? Yikes! Or do you throw Carlos Carrasco in as 5th starter and let Happ relieve?

Also, it sounds like Chris Coste’s tenure in Philly, at least the big league club, may be coming to an end.

Published
by
Jared
on March 23, 2009
in Phillies
. 0 Comments

K-Rod is going to piss us off

FOXSports.com’s Bob Klapisch writes about the newest ingredient to the heated Phillies-Mets rivalry - New York closer Francisco Rodriguez.

K-Rod’s exaggerated antics and flamboyant personality have rubbed friend and foe the wrong way over the years.

There’s a story that Yankee insiders have been telling since the All-Star Game last July. As the Stadium clubhouse was being prepared for the influx of American Leaguers, Mariano Rivera pulled aside Yankees clubhouse manager Rob Cucuzza and made an emphatic request.

Keep K-Rod’s locker on the other side of the room.

Billy Wagner got a lot of crap whenever he came into sight at the Bank. He had the history here.

K-Rod has none, but he’s a Met now and that’s enough by itself. Throw in some sh*t talking, look-at-me shenanigans and you’ve got the perfect catalyst for some major league heckling.

Published
by
Jared
on March 20, 2009
in Phillies
. 2 Comments

2009 NFL Draft Blog on CSNPhilly

I’ve got a draft blog up on CSNPhilly.com now.

Keep up with all the pro day activity, who’s looking at who, and analysis in brief, daily doses!

Published
by
Jared
on March 20, 2009
in 2009 NFL Draft and Eagles
. 0 Comments

Flyers All-Time Team by Uniform Number #1-20

1. Bernie Parent
232 wins, 2 Stanley Cups, number in the rafters, and the Hall of Fame. And of course, “Only The Lord Saves More Than Bernie.”

2. Mark Howe
Acquired in a steal of a deal from Hartford in August of 1982, Howe became arguably the greatest defenseman in Flyers history. My favorite Howe stats are the three-year run he had in +/- from 1985-87: +51, +85, +57. A plus 85, wow, think about that.
Honorable Mention: Ed Van Impe

3. Tom Bladon
A second round pick in 1972 who spent six seasons in Philly, including the two Cup years. May be best remembered for notching an NHL record eight points in one game (4 G, 4 A) by a defeseman in December of ‘77 against the Cleveland Barons (remember them?).
Honorable Mention: Doug Crossman, Behn Wilson

4. Barry Ashbee
Tough D-man who was the first Flyer to have his number retired. His career ended early after being struck in the eye with a puck in the playoffs against the Rangers in 1974. He passed away in 1977 from leukemia.

5. Larry Goodenough
A second-round pick in 1973, Goodenough won a Cup in 1975 before being traded with current assistant coach Jack McIlhargey to the Vancouver Canucks for Bob Dailey. Braydon Coburn will soon be the Flyers best #5, but Goodenough was good enough, for now.

6. Chris Therien
The franchise’s all-time leader in games played by a defenseman with 753 over parts of 11 seasons in orange and black. Therien scored only 29 goals, but was a +126 for the Flyers, and always did a great job playing against Jaromir Jagr.

7. Bill Barber
A franchise best 420 goals, 2 Cups, a retired number, and Hall of Famer. Barber even led the Phantoms to a Calder Cup 1998, and won the Jack Adams Award as Coach of the Year for the Flyers in 2001.
Honorable Mention: Lou Angotti

8. Dave Schultz
Mark Recchi had some great seasons in Philly and holds the Flyers’ record for points in a season, but the franchise known as the Broad St. Bullies was led by the ultimate Bully in Dave Schultz. “The Hammer” was an important part of both Cups, and even put up 115 points to go along with his 1,386 PIM in Philadelphia.
Honorable Mention: Mark Recchi, Brad Marsh

9. Bob Kelly
“The Hound” was an integral part in the birth of the Bullies. After getting roughed up by the Blues in the playoffs in 1968 and ‘69, the Flyers decided to toughen up, and Kelly was added, in the the 1970 Draft, to a mix that already included Schultz and Don Saleski from the ‘69 Draft.
Honorable Mention: Pelle Eklund

10. John LeClair
As soon as he arrived from Montreal in 1995, LeClair became a force. Part of the vaunted “Legion of Doom,” Johnny Vermont put up three 50-goal and two more 40-goal seasons for the Flyers. His 333 goals rank fifth in franchise history.
Honorable Mention: Brad McCrimmon and although he didn’t last very long, one of my favorite Flyer names…Magnus “Roooooo” Roupe

11. Don Saleski
“Big Bird” Saleski was drafted to provide toughness and size. In nearly 500 games with the Flyers, he contributed 235 points and 602 PIM to go along with two Stanley Cup rings.
Honorable Mention: Kevin Dineen, Ron Flockhart, Mark Recchi

12. Tim Kerr
Maybe the number with the toughest competition, and I don’t mean from Jim Cummins and Colin Forbes. Tim Kerr is the choice here with 650 points in 601 career Flyer games. He played through countless injuries, and had more pins holding him together than a bowling alley. The big man compiled franchise records with 17 hat tricks and 145 power play goals. From 1984-87 he put together four straight 50+ goal seasons. If only he were able to stay healthy during the ‘87 Playoffs, the Flyers might have another banner hanging from the rafters.
Honorable Mention: Simon Gagne, Gary Dornhoefer

13. Claude Lapointe
Twelve points in 56 games over parts of two seasons usually won’t land you on many lists. Lapointe gets the nod over the likes of Dave Michayluk and Glen Metropolit due to….well, not much…who would you choose?? Maybe Daniel Carcillo can make his mark here…

14. Ron Sutter
The Flyers picked Sutter one spot ahead of Scott Stevens in the 1982 Draft. Ron played parts of nine seasons on Broad Street and was a premier checking center and faceoff man. He chipped in 323 points in 555 games and served as captain for two seasons before being traded to the Blues for Rod Brind’Amour.
As a side note, check out some of the other players to wear #14 in orange and black: Dave Snuggerud, Peter White, Dave Tippett, Dan Quinn, Mark Pederson, Mike Maneluk, Craig MacTavish, Chris Jensen, Pat Hannigan, Denis Hamel, Craig Darby, Kimbi Daniels, Mark Cullen and Mikael Andersson. Whew, not exactly a who’s who in Flyers history. However, Brian Propp did wear 14 before switching to his familiar 26.
Honorable Mention: Joe Watson, Ken Linseman, Justin Williams

15. Joffrey Lupul
Despite being a Flyer for less than two seasons, Lupul has established himself as the best of another less than stellar class. Also, only Lupul can say he scored an OT winner in Game 7 of a playoff series for the Flyers.

Other not so notable #15s: Niko Dimitrakos, Al Conroy, Dale Kushner, Doug Evans, Pat Falloon, Craig Fisher, Mark Greig, Steve Kasper, Andrei Kovalenko, Danny Lucas, Mike Maneluk, Larry Mickey, Richard Park, Garry Peters, Joe Sacco, Jarrod Skalde, John Slaney, Doug Sulliman, Rich Sutter, Mark Taylor, Peter White, Todd White…Wow, maybe the Flyers should retire this number just so no other stiffs could wear it.
Honorable Mention: Terry Crisp

16. Bobby Clarke
You think Flyers, you think Clarkie…

17. Rod Brind’amour
With all due respect to Billy Tibbetts, Rod Brind’Amour gets the nod- Roddy was the Flyers lone representative at the 1992 All-Star Game at The Spectrum and finished his career in orange and black in the franchise’s top 10 in goals, assists and points. One of the most popular players in recent Flyer history, he was traded to Carolina for Keith Primeau, and captured that elusive cup as captain of the ‘Canes in 2006.
Honorable Mention: Paul Holmgren, Jeff Carter, Simon Nolet

18. Mike Richards
At age 24, Richards has already displayed all the qualities that make him the quintessential Flyer. Tough, talented, humble, yet confident. A quiet guy who leads by example. I’ve always thought of him as the Chase Utley of hockey. A player who does anything necessary to win and who will be a Flyer for the next decade.
Honorable Mention: Lindsay Carson, Ross Lonsberry, Mike Ricci, Dale Hawerchuk, Daymond Langkow, Brent Fedyk

19. Rick MacLeish
The Flyers acquired MacLeish from Boston in 1971 and the mustachioed one would score the only goal in the Stanley Cup clinching game against his former team in 1974. MacLeish ranks sixth in both goals and assists, and fourth in points in Flyers history. In 1972-73 he became the first Flyer to reach the 50-goal mark.
Honorable Mention: Scott Mellanby, Mikael Renberg, Scott Hartnell

20. Dave Poulin
Captain Courageous was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1983 and became the sixth captain in Flyers history, serving six seasons from 1984-1990. During that span, the Flyers captured three Patrick Division Championships and two Wales Conference titles. Poulin represented the Flyers in two NHL All-Star games and was a member of the NHL All-Star team that participated in Rendez-Vous ‘87. He also claimed the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward in 1987. He became the 18th member of the Flyers Hall of Fame in 2004. Poulin may be best remembered for his breakaway goal while two-men down in Game 6 of the 1985 Wales Conference Final against Mario Gosselin and the Quebec Nordiques. I can hear Gene Hart now…”He’s going right on in….shoots….score!!”
Honorable Mention: Jimmy Watson

Published
by
Bill
on March 16, 2009
in Flyers
. 1 Comment

The perfect way to say Goodbye to the Spectrum

The Sixers put on a tremendous show as they played their final game at the Spectrum Friday night.

It was a reminder of all that was great about being a Sixers fan in the 70s and 80s. The intimate setting of the old barn. The classic red, white and blue unis. No useless music blaring during play. Dave Zinkoff.

The 76ers theme song (click here to listen) that always sounded so good when they played it on the organ as the game was winding down towards yet another Sixers win.

Clap your hands everybody
For Philadelphia 76ers
Stomp your feet, everybody
For Philadelphia 76ers
Here they come, Philadelphia
On the run, Stand up and cheer
#1, Philadelphia
Here they come, team of the year
On the run, Stand up and cheer
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Sixers
10, 9, 8, 76ers

The Doctor was there, along with Bobby Jones, Moses, Earl Cureton, Franklin Edwards, Clemon Johnson, Marc Iavaroni and Wali Jones. Sure, plenty of names were not present: Mo Cheeks, Andrew Toney, Billy C., Charles….but they were certainly there in spirit.

The team brought back a Zinkoff impersonator and the memories came rushing back at how a PA announcer could be such a big part of any game. Booosstonn calllllss tiimmmeeooutt!!!

The floor used during the magical ‘82-’83 season was refurbished and brought back for one more night on display.

Oh yeah, the game. The Sixers and Bulls put on a performance that I’m willing to bet wouldn’t have been nearly as entertaining or intense if it were across the lot at the Center.

I can’t believe how old I sound when I say I loved everything about Friday’s game. It reminded me once again how great sports can be when everything isn’t about money. The Spectrum was a true home court advantage. The fans were on top of you. No luxury boxes, Lexus clubs or cigar bars to distract you from the game. The hallways, locker rooms and press box were tiny. Now every city has its own ‘center’ that’s sponsored by some bank and all of them look alike. How many of today’s arenas can you say are a true advantage on their own merit? I can’t think of one. There are no more Boston Gardens, Fabulous Forums or Chicago Stadiums and it’s depressing.

I was at the game Wednesday night against Toronto and it wasn’t much fun. There were 30 people in the building for the start of the game, and that included the players. The constant music and sponsored gimmicks were nauseating. The current Sixer unis (can we get rid of those please?) remain an eyesore. Friday night’s game couldn’t have been the same team or league that I witnessed on Wednesday, could it? There was no comparison.

I know all good things must come to an end and change is the only constant we know. But for one night, I was reminded why I became a sports fan and why the Spectrum used to be the happiest place on earth for me.

Published
by
Bill
on March 14, 2009
in 76ers and Flyers
. 0 Comments

2009 Eagles Draft - Birds schedule workout with Darrius Heyward-Bey

Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has had one heck of a post-season. He was the hit of the NFL combine after posting a 4.30 40-yard dash time, and then followed that up with a strong pro day performance. His stock is certainly on the rise and, after Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree, Heyward-Bey could be the second receiver off the board this April (especially if Jeremy Maclin can’t get healthy).

The Eagles, perpetually in the market for a game-breaking WR, have scheduled a private workout in College Park to workout Heyward-Bey further. Pre-combine, the Birds would have had no problem grabbing the speedy receiver with the 21st pick. Now, teams like the Jets and Bears may have something to say about that. The Rams, Ravens, Bucs, and Vikings have also invited Heyward-Bey to private workouts.

Heyward-Bey was under-utilized by the Terrapins during his career, mostly due to poor QB play and some questionable game planning. As a Northern Virginia resident I’ve had plenty of opportunities to watch Maryland games, and Heyward-Bey stands out when he touches the ball. He just looks like he’s moving at another speed. Whether or not his route running is top notch I can’t be sure, but his size (6-2, 206) and speed will immediately make him a player to be reckoned with at the NFL level.

Published
by
Jared
on March 12, 2009
in 2009 NFL Draft and Eagles
. 0 Comments

New video added to site - Attractive Girls Union

This is totally non-sports related (except the NY Giants mention half-way through the video) but too funny not to include. Another brilliant news story by The Onion. This will be posted in the Videos section above.


Attractive Girls Union Refuses To Enter Into Talks With Mike Greenman

Published
by
Jared
on March 11, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Is Orlando Pace an option?

The Rams released 1997’s 1st overall pick, Orlando Pace, today in order to save nearly $6MM against the salary cap. Pace is now free to shop himself on the open market, which brings up the question: should the Eagles take a look at him?

Pace, 33, is actually younger than recently departed left tackle Tra Thomas, 34, and almost as big (6-7, 325). He certainly hasn’t been as durable as big Tra, missing 8 games in 2006 and 15 in 2007, before coming back and playing in 13 (9 starts) in 2008.

When he’s healthy he’s still a very good player, and would definitely bring an air of professionalism and leadership to the lockerroom - two intangibles many Eagles fans fear walked out the door in the form of Brian Dawkins and Thomas this off-season.

I can’t imagine he’d come at a very steep price at this point of his career, and could even be open to a 1-year deal to prove he’s still a viable option. Regardless, it would behoove the Birds to at least kick the tires on the big guy before dismissing it entirely.

Published
by
Jared
on March 10, 2009
in Eagles
. 1 Comment

Shawn Springs an Eagle?

Per the Eagles, former Redskin Shawn Springs is coming to Philly for a visit. And as the great Mike Florio notes, that’s usually a pretty good indicator that the Eagles are serious.

I live in DC, and as much as I despise the Skins Springs has always come across as a stand up guy. He’s hurt - A LOT - but he’s a leader, he can still play at a pretty high level when he’s healthy, and he’d give the Eagles some serious depth at corner (or could he play safety??). Plus, he’d get to stick it up Dan Snyder’s a$$ twice a year.

A related thought: How do the Eagles feel about Jack Ikegwuonu? How is his rehab going?

It’ll be interesting to see if this amounts to anything.

Stay tuned.

Published
by
Jared
on March 3, 2009
in Eagles
. 0 Comments