End of an Era?

Phils Make First Offseason Trade

The Phillies have made a trade with the Texas Rangers sending them outfield prospect Greg Golson for outfielder John Mayberry Jr. Golson was the Phils' first round pick in 2004, Mayberry was Texas' first round selection a year later.

Mayberry, a 6-6 230 pound outfielder, split time last season between Double-A and Triple-A, hit .264 with 20 HR's and 71 RBI. His father was former major leaguer John Mayberry Sr. who played with Houston, Kansas City, Toronto and New York (AL). 

Golson was at one time a top prospect for the Phils but has struggled recently and his stock has dropped. 

I think this was a good move for the Phils, especially watching Golson with my own eyes struggle after the September roster expansion. He has great speed, but that does a team no good when he can't get on base.

Mayberry is a power hitter with good size and I think he has a great shot at being a solid major league player someday; at least I hope so. 

BREAKING NEWS: Utley Scheduled Hip Surgery, Out 4-6 Months

Chase Utley will have hip surgery next week and will likely miss 4-6 months. 

He had been struggling with his hip all season, but the Phillies denied reports that anything was serious. 

Should his recovery be closer to six months, the Phils will need to choose an opening day second baseman. Most likely, it would be Eric Bruntlett but if minor league prospect Jason Donald has a good spring training, he could make his debut. Another option is signing Utley's former replacement, Tadahito Iguchi.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's see how the surgery turns out and then we can worry about a replacement.

Phils Interested in Ibanez?

The latest reports claim the Phillies are interested in free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez. 

Ibanez has spent the past 13 seasons with the Mariners. He is coming off one of his best years hitting .293 with 23 HR's and 110 RBI. 

The recent interest in Ibanez comes as a surprise to me as I was convinced that the Phillies would pursue a right-handed hitter to create balance in the lineup. However, Ibanez hit .304 against left-handed pitching last season.

At 36 years old, Ibanez's speed and defensive skills have declined and, just like Pat, he may be replaced for defensive support in the 7th or 8th inning.

My advice to the Phillies is stay away from this guy. Don't get me wrong, I like the guy but despite his ability to hit the lefties, I still think they need that right-handed bat in the lineup to make the opposing manager think. This guy is too old and will bring flashbacks of Burrell in the outfield.

What ever happened to Magglio?

BREAKING NEWS: Pujols Wins MVP

NL MVP to be Announced this Afternoon

I apologize for neglecting the blog these past few days; I have been a little busy. Fortunately, there was not much complaining to do as the Sixers destroyed the OKC Thunder on Saturday night and the Flyers upset Montreal and beat Atlanta last night.

However, I was not so thrilled to see the Eagles tie a Bengals team that has won all of one game this season. I am not going to do my usual angry tirade about the Eagles, but I will just say what I have been saying all along: It is time for Andy Reid, Donovan "Choke" McNabb and Joe Banner to go.

But today the Baseball Writers' Association of America will announce its' National League Most Valuable Player award. Our boy Ryan Howard is one of the front runners to win, as is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert "Winnie the" Pujols, as Chris Berman would say. 

This race is so close and there is certainly no definitive answer as to who will win. Let's analyze the two candidates:

Ryan Howard: .251 BA, 48 HR, 146 RBI, .543 SLG

Winnie: .357 BA, 44 HR, 116 RBI, .653 SLG

And as much as I would like to add "World Series Champion" to Howard's line, postseason attributes do not factor into MVP voting.

Prior to this season, everyone was talking about how Chase Utley would complete the three-peat as Phillies' MVP winners, but that will not be the case this year.

Clearly, Howard's average drags him down and as much as I am pulling for him on this one, I would not put my money on it. At least not a lot of it. 

A few days ago, I said the same things regarding Charlie Manuel and the NL Manager of the Year award, and unfortunately, I was correct.

But this time, I have a better feeling. As much as I feel that Pujols will take this award, I think Howard has a good shot; at least a better shot than Manuel did. 

I would guesstimate that Howard has about a 40% chance at winning and Pujols, a 57% chance. 

And how about some love for Manny? You can not deny what this guy did for his team so let's give him that last 3%.

I will post as soon as it is announced. Should be around 2 p.m. Stay tuned. 

A Miraculous Comeback

At one point, the Sixers trailed the Indiana Pacers 20-2. By the end of the first quarter, they trailed, 38-13.

It looked like the Sixers would have to tack another "L" into the loss column. But somehow, someway, they came together as a team and topped the Pacers 92-90.

Thaddeus Young had another huge game, leading the team with 25 points and completed the double double with 10 rebounds. Andre Miller also put on a nice performance with 19 points and really helped the team get things started on offense. 

*It was really cool seeing the Sixers' Kareem Rush come on the floor and actually be paired up with his brother, Brandon Rush, a forward for Indiana.

This was a great win for the Sixers, considering they had to overcome a huge deficit to pull it off. Hopefully, this was the spark the Sixers needed and will motivate them for their upcoming games.

The Sixers will host Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at the Wachovia Center. Should be a good game as I am really looking forward to seeing Durant in action. 

Sixers Victorious Over Raptors

The Sixers earned a big win last night topping the Toronto Raptors 106-96 in the Air Canada Centre. 

Andre Igoudala and Elton Brand finally played up to their potential. Brand dropped 25 points and Iggy finished with 18 points, 10 assists and one board shy of a triple double. 

The Sixers got alot of help off the bench, particularly from rookie Maurice Speights. The 6-9 forward from Georgia finished with a career high 12 points and 7 rebounds. 

Willie Green also came off the bench contributing 17 points and 9 assists. He continues to be a very valuable sixth man for this team. 

Samuel Dalembert continued his disappointing performance this season. He only scored 2 points last night.

I've never been a big Dalembert guy. Sure, recently he has been blocking more shots, but I don't want him on this team. Not at such an important position. Lucky for the Sixers, Elton Brand has been playing much better, and will cover for Dalembert's lack of production in the low post.

*Just as a side note, Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, and yes Samuel Dalembert are representing the Sixers as all-star nominees. Thaddeus Young however, could make it as a write in. 

Manuel takes Runner-up

As predicted, Charlie Manuel did not win the NL manager of the year award. He finished with eight first place votes; seven shy of the winner, Cubs skipper Lou Pinella. 

The AL award went to Joe Madden who took the Tampa Bay Rays from worst to first in the AL East.

This is Pinella's third Manager of the Year title and Maddon's first. Charlie Manuel has yet to win one. 

Charlie NL Manager of the year??

Could Charlie Manuel really win the Manager of the Year Award?

Seems unlikely. Here's why:

The votes came in after the regular season ended and what happens in the playoffs has no bearing on the winner. When you look at it that way, it is tough to see Charlie winning it based on his competition:

Lou Pinellea- Sweet Lou managed a fairly talented team with irate fans who desperately wanted a World Series. Pinella was able to manage a team to clinch a playoff berth with the best record in the league despite the injury troubles. If you think about what I said before, I think Pinella is the favorite. 

Joe Torre- The Yanks' former skipper, with the help of Manny Ramirez, led a struggling Dodgers team on a late-season run to clinching the NL West. Sure, much of the credit goes to Manny Ramirez, but Torre will get some votes. 

Other candidates include Marlins' manager Fredi Gonzalez and St. Louis' Tony LaRussa.

As much as I'm pulling for Charlie, I think it will be Pinella. But who knows? Crazier things have happened...

Same Old Sixers

Sixers fans were looking forward to the return of Kyle Korver last night, and a win. They were only granted one of those things however.

Despite showing some improvement from previous games (and some flaws I pointed out in my post yesterday), the Sixers couldn't hold on and fell to the Utah Jazz by a score of 93-80.

The night was not all lost for Sixers fans though, as they were excited to see the return of Kyle Korver to Philadelphia. It also marked the return of gold medal winner Deron Williams who, as previously speculated, made his much anticipated return to Utah's starting lineup. Williams finished with 7 points and 9 assists. 

The low post was dominated by power forward Carlos Boozer who made his presence known dropping 19 points paired with an impressive 16 rebounds. 

The Sixers' offense was lead by PG Andre Miller who finished the game with 25 points. 

The Sixers will cross the border to face the Toronto Raptors tonight, a team which has already beat them earlier this season.

Will they ever catch a break?

Flyers Snap Streak in a Matinee

The Flyers snapped 3 game losing streak to open their road trip in a rare Tuesday afternoon game on the island. 

Center Danny Briere scored for the second time in two games since returning from stomach surgery, however he left afterwards and did not return. Captain Mike Richards does what he does best scoring a shorthanded goal. Timonen capped it off with an empty-netter, his first of the season. 

Martin Biron is beginning to look as strong as he did in the playoffs. He saved an impressive 35 shots. 

Although the Flyers looked good today, they were playing a weak Islanders team, who is the only team trailing the Flyers in their division. 

3 of the Flyers' 5 wins this season have come on the road. 

Their next stop on the 3 game road trip is Pittsburgh.

Sixers Look to Turn Things Around, Face Tough Matchup Tonight

The Sixers are obviously dissapointed with the way they've started this season. Their record stands at 2-4 and as odd as it may sound, they have played worse than their record shows. 

Their opposition has wisely figured out how to stop a usually dominant Elton Brand by applying the double team. It seems as if this could easily be resolved with Brand finding the open man, which he has done. The problem is, they don't always hit those shots.

One major disappointment has been Andre Iguodala, a guy the Sixers were trying to build as the face of their franchise after signing him to an $80 million contract this past summer. Iggy has come up short of their expectations however, only averaging 11 points per, well short of his last year total, just under 20. 

Another issue is point guard Andre Miller, and his inability to set up the offense so far. Miller was a welcome addition in the middle of the '06-07 season and proved he was able to be the leader of a young, talented team. If Miller doesn't shape up this year, he may be shipping out by the time the trade deadline rolls around. 

Why?

The Sixers have a young talented point guard in Lou Williams who has quickly become a fan favorite who has shown his ability to make shots and drive to the basket. Williams must learn to lead an offense however, if he wants to earn a starting job at the 1. 

Another bright spot with the Sixers is forward Thaddeus Young. The 20-year-old forward is in his sophomore season with the team, and has been the teams best player so far. He is averaging 16.5 PPG, a total which will continue to rise.

The 76ers will host a hot Utah Jazz team tonight who, despite losing superstar Deron Williams to injury, have an impressive 5-1 record. 

Could things get any worse for the Sixers?

Of course.

There is talk that Williams could make is return tonight.

Final Note: Former Sixer and fan favorite Kyle Korver will make his return to Philly tonight.

Kate Fagan wrote about it in this mornings Inquirer.

Phillies re-sign Eyre

The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that Phillies have reached a deal for a one year two-million dollar extension with left-handed reliever Scott Eyre.

Eyre was picked up by the Phillies last season after the trade deadline from the Cubs and proved to be a big part to their success.

Although the decision to re-sign Eyre was expected, I think it was very important. It will take a lot of the pressure off J.C. Romero as being the only reliable lefty in the bullpen as he was for much of last season. 

This now gives the Phils two solid left-handed relievers to call on, and ensures that they will once again have one of the top bullpens in the National League. 

Breaking News: Holliday going to Oakland

SI.com is now reporting that outfielder Matt Holliday has been traded to the Oakland A's. 

Further details are yet to be released. 

Insight on Eagles' Tough Loss

I was wrong.

I predicted that the birds' defense would be able to stop big Brandon Jacobs, and they fell far short of my expectations. The Giants' running backs trampled the Eagles' defense for 219 yards in a 36-31 victory. 

The Giants' defense on the other hand, held Brian Westbrook to just 26 yards on 13 carries, averaging a meager 2 yards per carry. 

So is it over for the Birds?

I hate to say it is, but it won't be easy to gain a playoff berth.

After they travel to Cincinnati next week to trample the struggling Bengals, the Eagles must play the Ravens at Baltimore who, in my opinion, have the most impressive defense this season. 

They return home the following Sunday to play a very talented Cardinals team with strong offensive weapons including Kurt Warner, Tim Hightower and of course a stellar receiving duo in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. 

The Eagles will play each NFC East team once more in December. 

They are winless within the division this year.

Prime Time Preview

The Eagles are playing the biggest game of the 2008 season so far, on national television (NBC) and against the reigning Super Bowl champs. 

Not to mention, the Giants are atop the NFC East with only one loss this season. 

Despite losing Michael Strahan to retirement and a season-ending injury to DE Osi Umenyiora, the Giants D-Line, led by Justin Tuck, is still very strong. Therefore, the key to this game is to protect McNabb and allow him time in the pocket. 

Of course the Giants have many strong offensive weapons like Eli Manning and Brandon Jacobs. However, I really like the way the Eagles linebackers match up against Brandon Jacobs. They have been strong all year and I expect them to hold Jacobs tonight. 

The only thing that worries me is Plaxico Burress. Burress will likely be paired up against CB Asante Samuel who is no doubt a great cornerback. However, Burress, standing at 6 feet 6 inches is nearly 8 inches taller than Samuel. I'd expect Manning to utilize Burress throughout the game so Samuel's performance will be crucial to the Eagles in this game.

I'm predicting the Eagles to gain some ground in the division tonight with a 24-21 victory. 

Week 10 NFL Picks

Real quick before the games begin here are my picks:

*New Orleans @ Atlanta

*Tennessee @ Chicago

*Jacksonville @ Detroit

Seattle @ *Miami

*Green Bay @ Minnesota

Buffalo @ *New England

St. Louis @ *New York Jets

*Baltimore @ Houston

*Carolina @ Oakland

Indianapolis @* Pittsburgh

Kansas City @ *San Diego

New York Giants @ *Philadelphia

San Francisco @ *Arizona

Enjoy the games today.

Flyers Struck by Lighting

Got back from the Flyers game a little while ago. Wow. They started off great and outshot Tampa for much of the first period, including a goal from center Danny Briere. This was Briere's first game back since having abdominal surgery two weeks ago.

After the first period, it all went downhill. Numerous turnovers, questionable officiating and sloppy puck control created opportunities for the Lightning and they capitalized, scoring two goals in the second period. That is where things ended.

*Another Flyers note: The Flyers made move last night, ironically with Tampa Bay sending the two Steves, Downie and Eminger that is, for defenseman Matt Carle.

The Inquirer's Sam Carchidi examines whether or not Carle is the Flyers solutuion.

Phillies need a Holliday?

As many of you know, the Phillies have been actively persuing a trade with the Rockies for outfielder Matt Holliday. Holliday is a great talent who consistently hits for average and has nice power, but is he worth the cost?

Here's the thing, Colorado is asking for top prospects along with a major league outfielder to replace Holliday. For the Phillies that could entail either Shane Victorino or Jayson Werth. In addition the Phillies would likely need to include top prospects such as IF Jason Donald, RHP Carlos Carrasco, and C Lou Marson. 

Holliday's contract expires at the end of the 2009 season, and will likely move onto a different team. Why? Because if any of you are familiar with his agent, Scott Boras, you will know that Boras is very aggressive and often pushes his clients to test the free agent market. 

As the offseason moves along it seems as if the Phillies are moving away from Holliday, and I think that is a good move. The Phils would need to deal their future to get a guy who would only be here for one year.

So who else is out there? 

One of the best options could be veteran Milton Bradley. Bradley is a free agent and finished the 2008 season with a .321 batting average, 22 long balls and knocked 77 runs for the Rangers.

However, Bradley comes with a lot of baggage. He has been involved in many on field altercations throughout his career, and has a fiery temper. Most recently, he made headlines while playing with San Diego by getting in a verbal altercation with first base umpire Mike Winters. Bradley tore his ACL during the argument while restrained by manager Bud Black. 

Besides Bradley and Holliday the Phils may also have some interest in Rays' free agent Rocco Baldelli. Baldelli was at one time a top prospect however has been plagued with medical issues throughout his career.

I say, let Holliday go for now (probably to the Cardinals), and focus on either Bradley or Baldelli.

I am a bit worried about Baldelli's health and whether or not he will be able to give 100% every game. 

I think that the Philadelphia is the perfect place for Bradley and I am really not worried about his issues. Should the Phillies sign him, I think Charlie and the boys will make it very clear before he even steps through the door that any antics will not be tolerated. 

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