Congratulations to Jayson Werth. To start 2008, he was in a platoon with Geoff Jenkins. By the end of 2008, he had won a World Series ring. By 2009, he was a full time starter. By the end of 2009, he had another NLCS ring. Now, Jayson Werth has decided to cash in on the only chance he'll have to be a very wealthy man. And boy has he ever cashed in. 7 years and $126 million from the Washington Nationals.
While some fans might be angry that he decided to sign with a division rival, I feel nothing but happiness for Werth. Werth has already won a championship, and has made it very clear that this off-season was about money for him, not trying to win another championship in Boston or New York. And money is what Werth got. He would have been stupid to turn down the Nationals offered as it is a pretty ridiculous overpay. To put it in perspective, the Phillies were offering Jason Bay money for Werth. If you are a Phillies thing, be very glad the Phillies did not match the Nationals offense. It may sting a bit now, but in year 6 and 7 of that deal and Werth is in his late 30s, it will be a huge burden on the Nationals. That being said, the Nationals could be scary good in a year or 2 if they make the right moves. Who knows what the future holds in terms of personnel moves, but Strasburg will return from injury at the end of the 2011 season and who knows when we will see Bryce Harper debut. I don't think 2012 is out of the question for him.
As compensation, the Philadelphia Phillies receive the Nationals 2nd round draft pick in addition to a "sandwich round pick."
And for those that ever wondered, this is exactly why baseball players hire Scott Boras to be their agent. Congratulations to Jayson Werth and I wish him nothing but the best with the Nationals. If there is not a standing ovation for him at Citizens Bank Park on May 3, 2011, I will be greatly disappointed.
Showing posts with label Off-Season Moves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Off-Season Moves. Show all posts
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Some Eagles News, Notes, And Draft Commentary
With all of the playoff hockey going on right now, the NFL Draft this Thursday has gotten a bit lost in the shuffle of things. But alas, the Eagles resumed their wheeling and dealing today, finding themselves in the midst of a three-way deal that saw them give up a 5th round draft pick while getting a starting linebacker, Ernie Sims. From ESPN.com
I'm not going to argue with him because as I mentioned above, this is a very deep draft class. The Eagles 2 glaring needs above all else are S and CB. The Eagles have what it will take to trade up in this year's draft, but if they do it, it will be for the right person.
In this case, there is only one right person the Eagles can trade up for: Eric Berry. Will he make it down to 10 is a mystery but if you are the Eagles, you have to do everything in your power to trade up for Eric Berry. He is your guy. You may have to go up higher than 10 to 12, but you have to make sure that you get your guy, and Berry is the Eagles' guy. The other options, if you are sticking in the 10-12 range is Earl Thomas, but 10 to 12 might be too high for him. Besides, he is at best unpolished, and the Eagles need someone who can come in and start for them now. That guy is Tennessee Safety Eric Berry. I would not be majorly pissed if the Eagles end up with Thomas, but if they have a chance to get Berry, they need to get him. Actually, if the Eagles do trade up with Berry still on the board and they draft Earl Thomas instead I will cry tears of great sorrow.
Berry is the only guy the Eagles I would like to see the Eagles trade up for, that being said, given Schefter's range, it does seem like it might be too low for Berry but too high for Thomas. I do worry that the Eagles might actually thinking about trading up for......(*gasp*) Joe Haden. Joe Haden is nothing but hype and if the Eagles take a chance and draft him I will cry great tears of sorrow.
Now if the Eagles don't trade up (likely the smartest thing if you don't get Berry), I see two very good possibilities at #24. The first one is the guy who I see as one of, if not the, best cornerback in the draft, Kyle Wilson. Now he's a CB who I would love to see in midnight green and a CB that I think can come in and start playing right away. Another option that I really like at #24 is Mike Iupati. The Eagles do need an offensive lineman, and when it comes to OL, I have a literal hard-on for him. He will likely be available at 24 if the Eagles elect not to trade up for a DB.
As far as draft day itself goes, yes, there will be a live blog of the entire NFL Draft, but on Thursday, I have a problem. The draft starts at 7:30. The Flyers play Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series at 7:00. What will happen is I will watch the 1st period of the hockey game, flip to ESPN and/or NFL Network (I have not decided what network's coverage I am watching yet) just in time to see Sam Bradford in a Rams uniform, then flip back and forth like a madman between hockey game and draft until the hockey game ends and I can focus solely on the draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions have pulled off a three-way trade, with the Lions obtaining former Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler and the Eagles receiving ex-Lions linebacker Ernie Sims.In the simplest form, the Eagles just traded a 5th round draft pick for a proven starting linebacker. Thus it goes without say that this is a massive steal for the Eagles and a great trade for them. Sims was a bit nicked up last year, true, but it was felt by many that he was not a good fit in Detroit's system whereas he will be much better for the Eagles. Of course, that trade leaves the Eagles with 10 draft picks for the 2010 draft (but they still have 5 in the top 87 in a very deep draft class), so the question naturally becomes what to do with them. The Eagles first pick is #24 overall and there are a lot of enticing options. Adam Schefter tweeted the following earlier today: "Packers, Eagles have expressed interest in trading up to 10-12 range. But it could depend on how board falls. Good prospects everywhere."
The Eagles sent a fifth-round pick in this week's draft to the Broncos, while Denver sent its seventh-round pick to the Lions to complete the trade on Monday.
In 59 career games, all with the Lions, Sims has been credited with 420 tackles including 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception. He was credited with 49 tackles last season.
"Ernie Sims is an impact player at the linebacker position," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He brings a lot of energy to our already energized defense. We are looking forward to adding him to our team."
I'm not going to argue with him because as I mentioned above, this is a very deep draft class. The Eagles 2 glaring needs above all else are S and CB. The Eagles have what it will take to trade up in this year's draft, but if they do it, it will be for the right person.
In this case, there is only one right person the Eagles can trade up for: Eric Berry. Will he make it down to 10 is a mystery but if you are the Eagles, you have to do everything in your power to trade up for Eric Berry. He is your guy. You may have to go up higher than 10 to 12, but you have to make sure that you get your guy, and Berry is the Eagles' guy. The other options, if you are sticking in the 10-12 range is Earl Thomas, but 10 to 12 might be too high for him. Besides, he is at best unpolished, and the Eagles need someone who can come in and start for them now. That guy is Tennessee Safety Eric Berry. I would not be majorly pissed if the Eagles end up with Thomas, but if they have a chance to get Berry, they need to get him. Actually, if the Eagles do trade up with Berry still on the board and they draft Earl Thomas instead I will cry tears of great sorrow.
Berry is the only guy the Eagles I would like to see the Eagles trade up for, that being said, given Schefter's range, it does seem like it might be too low for Berry but too high for Thomas. I do worry that the Eagles might actually thinking about trading up for......(*gasp*) Joe Haden. Joe Haden is nothing but hype and if the Eagles take a chance and draft him I will cry great tears of sorrow.
Now if the Eagles don't trade up (likely the smartest thing if you don't get Berry), I see two very good possibilities at #24. The first one is the guy who I see as one of, if not the, best cornerback in the draft, Kyle Wilson. Now he's a CB who I would love to see in midnight green and a CB that I think can come in and start playing right away. Another option that I really like at #24 is Mike Iupati. The Eagles do need an offensive lineman, and when it comes to OL, I have a literal hard-on for him. He will likely be available at 24 if the Eagles elect not to trade up for a DB.
As far as draft day itself goes, yes, there will be a live blog of the entire NFL Draft, but on Thursday, I have a problem. The draft starts at 7:30. The Flyers play Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series at 7:00. What will happen is I will watch the 1st period of the hockey game, flip to ESPN and/or NFL Network (I have not decided what network's coverage I am watching yet) just in time to see Sam Bradford in a Rams uniform, then flip back and forth like a madman between hockey game and draft until the hockey game ends and I can focus solely on the draft.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
BREAKING: Eagles Trade McNabb To Redskins
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Eagles Have Officially Dethroned The Seahawks For Dumbest NFL Trade In 2010
Wow. Um. Wow.
The Eagles have just let Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren rape the shit out of them with this trade.
Eagles trade: CB Sheldon Brown and LB Chris Gocong
Browns trade: LB Alex Hall and their 4th and 5th round pick in the 2010 draft (105 and 137 overall).
You've gotta be shitting me?
The Eagles traded a shitty starting linebacker for a shitty back-up linebacker who has only played 2 games. Advantage: Browns.
The Eagles traded the heart and soul of their secondary (not to mention best player in their secondary) for 2 middle of the draft picks. Advantage: Browns.
I have no idea what is going on anymore. The Eagles now have 10 draft picks and instead of filling a need, they have created another one. If there is truth to the rumor that the Eagles are going to trade McNabb and picks for Nnamdi Asomugha and picks, then the Eagles need to realize that Asomugha is only one player. As of this trade, our secondary corps is worse off than it was at the start of the day, our LB corps is worse off than it was at the start of the day (at least Gocong has NFL playing experience), but we have increased our number of draft picks to ten! Yay for draft picks!
Last season the Eagles tried to win a championship around a core of players that had been there for awhile. They built around that corps. They failed miserably. Now they are essentially getting rid of that entire corps. But if you are going to trade Sheldon Brown, at least get more value for him than a 4th round pick and a 5th round pick. Sheesh. And besides, having one or two veteran leaders that can still play the game of football is never a bad thing. Besides, Sheldon Brown is as tough as nails. He will be something that is very difficult to replace. As sad as it is, my belief in the Eagles secondary rests on the completion of a miracle deal involving Donovan McNabb and Nnamdi Asomugha. Save me now.
The Eagles have just let Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren rape the shit out of them with this trade.
Eagles trade: CB Sheldon Brown and LB Chris Gocong
Browns trade: LB Alex Hall and their 4th and 5th round pick in the 2010 draft (105 and 137 overall).
You've gotta be shitting me?
The Eagles traded a shitty starting linebacker for a shitty back-up linebacker who has only played 2 games. Advantage: Browns.
The Eagles traded the heart and soul of their secondary (not to mention best player in their secondary) for 2 middle of the draft picks. Advantage: Browns.
I have no idea what is going on anymore. The Eagles now have 10 draft picks and instead of filling a need, they have created another one. If there is truth to the rumor that the Eagles are going to trade McNabb and picks for Nnamdi Asomugha and picks, then the Eagles need to realize that Asomugha is only one player. As of this trade, our secondary corps is worse off than it was at the start of the day, our LB corps is worse off than it was at the start of the day (at least Gocong has NFL playing experience), but we have increased our number of draft picks to ten! Yay for draft picks!
Last season the Eagles tried to win a championship around a core of players that had been there for awhile. They built around that corps. They failed miserably. Now they are essentially getting rid of that entire corps. But if you are going to trade Sheldon Brown, at least get more value for him than a 4th round pick and a 5th round pick. Sheesh. And besides, having one or two veteran leaders that can still play the game of football is never a bad thing. Besides, Sheldon Brown is as tough as nails. He will be something that is very difficult to replace. As sad as it is, my belief in the Eagles secondary rests on the completion of a miracle deal involving Donovan McNabb and Nnamdi Asomugha. Save me now.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Eagles Sure Up Their Backfield, Sign Free Agent Running Back Mike Bell
I may have something up tonight or tomorrow on what was nothing more of an abortion of a hockey game today, but I will start out my next pair of posts on a more positive note with the Eagles. The Saints had their week to match the deal the Eagles were giving Mike Bell and they have decided not to match it. Thus, the Eagles now have that veteran running back they needed behind LeSean McCoy and perhaps a 3rd back to make for a McCoy-Weaver-Bell 3-headed monster coming out of the backfield. That is, assuming that Andy Reid decided to actually run the ball.
It's a 1-year offer for Bell and while I see some potential problems for him if the Eagles do not improve their offensive line, I think this is a good move for them. Bell averaged 3.8 yards per carry last season with one of the best offensive lines in the league. I am a tad worried about what he will do with an offensive line in Philly that is nowhere near as good as the one he had in New Orleans. I know it may seem contradictory, but the Eagles needed a veteran running back and he is probably one of the top remaining backs that fit that category. Besides, I can now breath easy knowing that LaDainian Tomlinson won't be coming here.
That's all I have on this, as frankly, the NHL has me too pissed off right now. I'll have something up on that soon.
It's a 1-year offer for Bell and while I see some potential problems for him if the Eagles do not improve their offensive line, I think this is a good move for them. Bell averaged 3.8 yards per carry last season with one of the best offensive lines in the league. I am a tad worried about what he will do with an offensive line in Philly that is nowhere near as good as the one he had in New Orleans. I know it may seem contradictory, but the Eagles needed a veteran running back and he is probably one of the top remaining backs that fit that category. Besides, I can now breath easy knowing that LaDainian Tomlinson won't be coming here.
That's all I have on this, as frankly, the NHL has me too pissed off right now. I'll have something up on that soon.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
WIll Hank And Kendra Be Returning To Philly? (UPDATED)
We all remember Kendra in Philly. In fact, she was the best part about having the less than stellar undrafted wide receiver who is now a scapegoat for the Colts losing Super Bowl XLIV thanks to his onside kick fuck up. Good news: Kendra might be coming back to Philly. Bad news: Her husband, Hank Baskett, might be an Eagle again. From CSN Philly.
As far as the other name in the report (i.e. Justin Fargas), all I can say is, YES PLEASE! Huggy Bear, Jr. has been a solid back up his whole career and despite the fact that he may very well be one of the ugliest humans alive not named Evgeni Malkin, he could combine with Shady and Church Van to create one heck of a 3-headed monster at back should the Eagles choose to sign him. Brian who?
Updated: Kendra's back!!!!!! Which sadly means her useless husband has signed a 1-year contract with the Eagles. Bleh.
I guess I can try and look on the bright side a bit. While he is certainly no starter, the once training camp darling of 2006 can be a role player for this team and for better or worse, adds depth at WR to the Eagles. He is familiar with the system and he was always considered a good special teamer before that Super Bowl debacle. Now let's just hope that he gets rid of his harmful case of the drops.
Hank Baskett may be returning to Philadelphia.I think it is safe to say that the "visit" is nothing more than a formality. I think Reid and co. felt bad about letting Baskett go and even though he is next to useless on the football field, the Eagles do need depth at the wide receiver and he is an all right special teamer when he is not bobbling onsides kicks. I'd still rather the Eagles go after someone else than Baskett.
Baskett and running back Justin Fargas are scheduled to visit the Eagles on Friday.
The 27-year-old Baskett spent his first four seasons with the Eagles after making the team in 2006 as an undrafted rookie. He was released in September of last year and signed with Indianapolis. Baskett played sparingly for the Colts, making four catches for 28 yards in 11 games.
Baskett has accounted for three of the top 10 longest plays in Eagles history, with touchdown receptions of 90, 89 and 87 yards. His muffed onside kick in the Colts’ Super Bowl loss to the Saints aside, he is also a solid special teamer.
The 30-year-old Fargas would give the Eagles much-needed experience at running back. A third-round pick by the Raiders in 2003, the USC product spent the last seven seasons in Oakland. His most productive season came in 2007, when he recorded career highs in rushing yards (1,009), carries (222) and touchdowns (four).
Primarily a backup throughout his career, Fargas has piled up 3,369 rushing yards, averaging 4.1 per attempt, and scored 10 touchdowns (all rushing). He also has 77 catches for 523 yards. Last season, he rushed for 203 yards on 40 carries (4.1 per attempt).
As far as the other name in the report (i.e. Justin Fargas), all I can say is, YES PLEASE! Huggy Bear, Jr. has been a solid back up his whole career and despite the fact that he may very well be one of the ugliest humans alive not named Evgeni Malkin, he could combine with Shady and Church Van to create one heck of a 3-headed monster at back should the Eagles choose to sign him. Brian who?
Updated: Kendra's back!!!!!! Which sadly means her useless husband has signed a 1-year contract with the Eagles. Bleh.
I guess I can try and look on the bright side a bit. While he is certainly no starter, the once training camp darling of 2006 can be a role player for this team and for better or worse, adds depth at WR to the Eagles. He is familiar with the system and he was always considered a good special teamer before that Super Bowl debacle. Now let's just hope that he gets rid of his harmful case of the drops.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Adios, Reggie Brown
Nah-nah-nah-nah, nah-nah-nah-nah, hey-hey, goodbye!
REGGIE BROWN HAS BEEN RELEASED!!! AND THE EAGLES ARE GOING TO GET AN ACTUAL DRAFT PICK FOR HIM!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!! It's a 6th rounder!!! In 2011!!! The Eagles are going to get a real live human of their choosing in exchange for the terrible Reggie Brown with an even worse contract!!!!!
A person for Reggie Brown? YES!
I jump for joy at the Reggie Brown for a 2011 draft pick for one reason and one reason only, frankly, had Tampa given up a bag of used footballs in exchange for Brown, the Bucs would be the team getting ripped off. This trade is robbery.
REGGIE BROWN HAS BEEN RELEASED!!! AND THE EAGLES ARE GOING TO GET AN ACTUAL DRAFT PICK FOR HIM!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!! It's a 6th rounder!!! In 2011!!! The Eagles are going to get a real live human of their choosing in exchange for the terrible Reggie Brown with an even worse contract!!!!!
A person for Reggie Brown? YES!
I jump for joy at the Reggie Brown for a 2011 draft pick for one reason and one reason only, frankly, had Tampa given up a bag of used footballs in exchange for Brown, the Bucs would be the team getting ripped off. This trade is robbery.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Bungling The Brian Westbrook Release
And you thought the prank call was as bad as it got.
If teams are actually interested in the services of ex-Redskin bust Michael Westbrook, then I think they need to have their head examined pronto for every memory disease known to man and the 343 memory diseases known to monkeys.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
BREAKING: Eagles Release Westbrook
From Jeff McLane of the Inquirer on Twitter
It's amazing how quick running backs just fall off the map. We've seen it with Shaun Alexander a few years ago in Seattle, LT getting released yesterday by San Diego (message to the Eagles: No! No! NO! Don't even think about LT), and now, the Eagles have released Brian Westbrook.
As good as Westbrook was, his days in the NFL are clearly over. Injuries have just caught up to him to a point where if he tries to play football again that there is a chance of suffering a much more permanent and/or longer-lasting injury. While this was the Eagles decision and not Westbrook's, I do hope that Westbrook sees the message being sent here and does the right thing for himself, his healthy, and his family and just retires. The risk just is not worth it.
While I always thought he was a tad overrated by the media, Westbrook did provide explosiveness out of the backfield when he ran the ball to the outside (Westbrook sucked up the middle) and on screen passes. While part of that will be missed, I feel that Shady can be an explosive running back and as Wade Phillips do brilliantly demonstrated in the Pro Bowl, screens to DeSean Jackson work. Did you see that Andy? DeSean Jackson is just as much a threat to break a big one by catching a dink and dunk screens as he is of breaking one by locating and catching one of those things that McNabb chucks up in the air every once and awhile.
With the release of Westbrook, thus continues the Eagles 2010 off-season of making the right moves. It's good to see Reid, Lurie, Banner, Roseman, and all the other FO idiots getting their act together and making the right off-season moves. I know you may think it is pointless that I constantly point out and bring up the little things that they do, but it is those little things that will eventually add up to a lot and lead the team to a Super Bowl championship.
It's amazing how quick running backs just fall off the map. We've seen it with Shaun Alexander a few years ago in Seattle, LT getting released yesterday by San Diego (message to the Eagles: No! No! NO! Don't even think about LT), and now, the Eagles have released Brian Westbrook.
As good as Westbrook was, his days in the NFL are clearly over. Injuries have just caught up to him to a point where if he tries to play football again that there is a chance of suffering a much more permanent and/or longer-lasting injury. While this was the Eagles decision and not Westbrook's, I do hope that Westbrook sees the message being sent here and does the right thing for himself, his healthy, and his family and just retires. The risk just is not worth it.
While I always thought he was a tad overrated by the media, Westbrook did provide explosiveness out of the backfield when he ran the ball to the outside (Westbrook sucked up the middle) and on screen passes. While part of that will be missed, I feel that Shady can be an explosive running back and as Wade Phillips do brilliantly demonstrated in the Pro Bowl, screens to DeSean Jackson work. Did you see that Andy? DeSean Jackson is just as much a threat to break a big one by catching a dink and dunk screens as he is of breaking one by locating and catching one of those things that McNabb chucks up in the air every once and awhile.
With the release of Westbrook, thus continues the Eagles 2010 off-season of making the right moves. It's good to see Reid, Lurie, Banner, Roseman, and all the other FO idiots getting their act together and making the right off-season moves. I know you may think it is pointless that I constantly point out and bring up the little things that they do, but it is those little things that will eventually add up to a lot and lead the team to a Super Bowl championship.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
This Eagles Off-Season Just Keeps Getting Better And Better
Wow. Just wow. First new special teams coach Bobby April, then new secondary coach Dick Jauron, and now the Eagles have found themselves a new player personnel consultant for the draft. Who is it, you ask?
This former GM that is responsible for drafting Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, Jamal Lewis, Chris McAlister, Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs, Todd Heap, and Ed Reed. Yes, it is the person you are thinking of: Phil Savage is now with the Eagles! From the Eagles official website.
Savage will be mainly focusing on the southeastern portion of the country in his draft scouting. This guy has a talent for finding future NFL stars, especially late in the draft. And look at all the defensive studs he has found in the draft. One can argue that he Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are two of the best defenders of the past decade and the Eagles have just brought in the man that decided to draft them. And at this stage what is one thing that the Eagles desperately need? Defensive studs.
Good move, Eagles. Good move. And if ever there was a time for Phil Savage to locate the next Ed Reed, that time is now.
This former GM that is responsible for drafting Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, Jamal Lewis, Chris McAlister, Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs, Todd Heap, and Ed Reed. Yes, it is the person you are thinking of: Phil Savage is now with the Eagles! From the Eagles official website.
The Eagles on Thursday announced they have named Phil Savage as a Player Personnel Consultant for the 2010 draft. In this role, Savage will work with Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman and Director of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson in their draft preparations, specifically in the evaluation of draft prospects in the Southeast portion of the country.OMG I just wet myself.
"I've always admired the work Phil Savage has done," said Roseman. "And after spending time with him this past year, I realized how well we could work together. Phil is an excellent talent evaluator and having an extra set of eyes for us to utilize will definitely help our scouting staff as we prepare for the draft. He's spent time working on the 2010 draft class already, so Ryan and I thought it is was a slam dunk when the opportunity was there for us to add him to our staff."
Said Savage, who served as the radio color analyst for the Crimson Tide Sports Network in 2009: "This is a great opportunity for me to get back in the NFL. I'm really excited about the role the Eagles have afforded me and I'm ready to help Howie and the rest of their scouting staff in the best way I possibly can."
The 44-year-old Savage spent four seasons as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Cleveland Browns from 2005-08. In his four years with the Browns, the team acquired five Pro Bowl players (three through the college draft) and won a franchise-best 10 games in 2007. That year, the Browns had six players selected to the Pro Bowl (Derek Anderson, Joshua Cribbs, Braylon Edwards, Ryan Pontbriand, Joe Thomas, and Kellen Winslow), which was the most by the franchise since six players were chosen in 1995.
Prior to his stint with Cleveland, Savage enjoyed a nine-year run with the Baltimore Ravens. He was hired as the Director of College Scouting by Vice President of Player Personnel Ozzie Newsome in 1996 and held that position for seven years. He was elevated to Director of Player Personnel in 2003. In that time period, the Ravens acquired 11 Pro Bowl players through the college draft, including Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis, who helped Baltimore to a victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.
Savage will be mainly focusing on the southeastern portion of the country in his draft scouting. This guy has a talent for finding future NFL stars, especially late in the draft. And look at all the defensive studs he has found in the draft. One can argue that he Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are two of the best defenders of the past decade and the Eagles have just brought in the man that decided to draft them. And at this stage what is one thing that the Eagles desperately need? Defensive studs.
Good move, Eagles. Good move. And if ever there was a time for Phil Savage to locate the next Ed Reed, that time is now.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Random Monday Night Eagles Notes: New Secondary Coach, Eagles Plans For Vick Revealed?
I spend the majority of the day at the library and at a TWLOHA meeting and I come back to complete chaos in Eagles news, notes, and rumors.
It is rare that I compliment the Eagles Front Office, but I think I owe them one here. They may be cocky and arrogant more than anything, but they know what the team's problems are and they have just taken a really nice step on the defensive side of the ball by bringing in a new secondary coach that has the experience to help McDermott and may also be able to work with Asante Samuel and our clusterfuck of safeties. His credentials in this field: DB coach at Buffalo in and Green Bay (which included working with Andy Reid), Defensive coordinator with Jacksonville and Detroit, and a couple of head coaching jobs that he'd probably rather not talk about. Meet Dick Jauron, the Eagles new secondary coach! Fuck. Yeah. Bitches.
Before you laugh at Jauron, his head coaching failures, and the Eagles bringing in such a guy, let's not forget who he is, what he was, and what he brings. As a coach, he brings experience that Sean McDermott badly needs on his staff, both in working with Reid and coaching the secondary positions and defense as a whole (don't forget he was a former DC). When Jauron played football, he was a free safety. Guess what? The Eagles have a young free safety named Macho Harris who could really use someone like Jauron to mentor him. And let's think about this. You got a guy who's been a DC for 3 teams and has even coordinated a conference championship game, a guy who has been a 2-time head coach in this league, and after all that, he is your DB coach! What a bargain and frankly, that is about as good a hire as you can possibly get for that position.
And now for some information about Michael Vick. It appears as if the Eagles will in fact pick up Vick's option. From NFL.com
However, I do see the Eagles picking up Vick's option for next season for one reason and one reason only.....so they can get something back for him. Unlike JC, I have no problems with Vick and I would be perfectly happy to see him in an Eagles uniform next season, however, I think it is the smartest decision for all parties involved if the Eagles pick up the option just so they can trade him. That way the Eagles get a nice return and Vick can possibly be a starter again in the NFL as Kevin Kolb still appears to be the team's long-term fill-in when McNabb goes down.
It is rare that I compliment the Eagles Front Office, but I think I owe them one here. They may be cocky and arrogant more than anything, but they know what the team's problems are and they have just taken a really nice step on the defensive side of the ball by bringing in a new secondary coach that has the experience to help McDermott and may also be able to work with Asante Samuel and our clusterfuck of safeties. His credentials in this field: DB coach at Buffalo in and Green Bay (which included working with Andy Reid), Defensive coordinator with Jacksonville and Detroit, and a couple of head coaching jobs that he'd probably rather not talk about. Meet Dick Jauron, the Eagles new secondary coach! Fuck. Yeah. Bitches.
Before you laugh at Jauron, his head coaching failures, and the Eagles bringing in such a guy, let's not forget who he is, what he was, and what he brings. As a coach, he brings experience that Sean McDermott badly needs on his staff, both in working with Reid and coaching the secondary positions and defense as a whole (don't forget he was a former DC). When Jauron played football, he was a free safety. Guess what? The Eagles have a young free safety named Macho Harris who could really use someone like Jauron to mentor him. And let's think about this. You got a guy who's been a DC for 3 teams and has even coordinated a conference championship game, a guy who has been a 2-time head coach in this league, and after all that, he is your DB coach! What a bargain and frankly, that is about as good a hire as you can possibly get for that position.
And now for some information about Michael Vick. It appears as if the Eagles will in fact pick up Vick's option. From NFL.com
The Philadelphia Eagles plan on keeping Vick in 2010, NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi reported Tuesday.Yeah, Lombardi. And Ruben Amaro had no intention of bringing the man who was widely reported to be his "White Whale", Roy Halladay.
"They have no intention this offseason of trading Michael Vick," Lombardi said on NFL Network's NFL Total Access. "Many people around the league feel like that's a lot of false bravado, (and) they're going to release him, because he has a ($1.5 million) roster bonus due in March. Not the case."
For his part, Vick has made it known that he's seeking a starting job. That said, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of returning to the Eagles.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Dan Patrick on Monday, Vick spoke about staying in Philadelphia.
"I would really have to think about it," Vick said. "I like the coaching staff. I like the people around there. Maybe I would do it. Who knows?"
In the end, though, it isn't Vick's call to make. The Eagles have an option to keep him next season and will have the final say in his future. As of now, they already are figuring out ways to increase his role, Lombardi reported.
"The Eagles believe as this offseason continues, they could incorporate him more into their offense," Lombardi said. "Seven-to-15 plays, he's a unique player, plus he could start at a moment's notice. Most of the National Football League will take this as a surprise, but the Eagles believe they're in a very good position, and they won't trade Michael Vick."
However, I do see the Eagles picking up Vick's option for next season for one reason and one reason only.....so they can get something back for him. Unlike JC, I have no problems with Vick and I would be perfectly happy to see him in an Eagles uniform next season, however, I think it is the smartest decision for all parties involved if the Eagles pick up the option just so they can trade him. That way the Eagles get a nice return and Vick can possibly be a starter again in the NFL as Kevin Kolb still appears to be the team's long-term fill-in when McNabb goes down.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Eagles Free Agents: Who Should And Should Not Be Kept?
Seeing as it seems like a bunch of Eagles sites are doing this, I figured why not me. This year's free agency may prove pivotal to future Eagles success even if unrestricted free agency is itself limited because of the uncapped year coming up. The Eagles have some decisions to make and some people that will need bringing in, but lucky for them, they have only a small handful of people that absolutely need to bring back or else face cries of "Fire Andy Reid Now!" from yours truly. For the sake of easiness, here is that list and who I think should be kept and let go in alphabetical order.
WR Jason Avant: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and oh good grief Andy Reid you are a moron if you don't pay Jason Avant. The guy just has "it". He has solid hands, has the ability to make plays, and is a great option when defenses are zeroing in on DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. On 3rd and long situations, whenever McNabb throws to Avant, I feel good at least about the play call. Yes, this is one of the few that the Eagles absolutely must keep and lock up regardless of the price.
DE Jason Babin: I really could careless about Jason Babin. He plays with heart and he never gives up, but his skills just are not that impressive. He got some good playing time and got 2.5 sacks, but if the Eagles keep him to compete at training camp that's fine and if they let him walk, fantastic.
G Nick Cole: Notice it is G Nick Cole, and not C Nick Cole. Nick Cole sucked at center but he was a rock at guard this year. While I would not empty out the bank to pay to keep him, I would be happy to see him competing for a starting position at guard this summer and I would not be bummed at all if he won it.
LB Omar Gaither: Goodbye and good riddance. Every once in awhile he would make a play as an outside linebacker, but as a middle linebacker. I thought he was beyond useless. Not only should the Eagles not bring him back, I don't think that Reid will keep him. He started 2 seasons and ended up demoting him both times. Happy trails!
LB Chris Gocong: I like Chris Gocong. He is not the greatest, but I would bring him back to training camp to compete for a job. He battled injuries all year and this season was not the greatest for him, but I think he has quite a bit of potential. Besides, Stewart Bradley will bac back next year. That LB crew revolved around him at MLB and like I said, when he went down, that sent the Eagles linebackers into a season long tail spin. Give Gocong another chance.
CB Ellis Hobbs: Hobbs was injured during the year and we did not see totally what he could do, but as a kick returner, he did show some potential. Then again, Hobbs may want to be a starting CB again in this league. If he is willing to just be a 3rd or 4th corner as well as starting kick returner, keep him, if he wants to walk to test the market as a starting corner, let him walk and don't think twice about it.
G Max Jean-Gilles: I'm pretty sure he started at least one game at every position possible on the offensive line and was useless in each one of them. Okay, maybe it just seemed like he started every position because he was brought in whenever there was an injury and the Eagles needed a quick fix, but regardless, he was useless. Let him walk.
S Sean Jones: The Eagles themselves do not need to be nuked, but their starting safeties certainly do. Macho Harris is young and has a lot of learning to do, Sean Jones is a veteran who fared no better than the young kid. See ya, Sean!
LB Akeem Jordan: See Chris Gocong.
P Sav Rocca: The Eagles took a chance when they brought in the Aussie with a huge leg a few years ago to unseat Dirk Johnson as the starter. Rocca is embarrassingly inconsistent. He'll shank one one time and his very next punt will be a 63-yard bomb. The Eagles can do better than that. For comparisions sake, I'd resign him to have him compete for the starting job, but it would not be disheartening at all if the punter they brought in takes the job from Rocca.
TE Alex Smith: After being the back-up to Brent Celek, Alex Smith figures to drop to 3rd string tight end next season when Cornelius Ingram returns to the Eagles after being injured in training camp. That being said, Ingram was frequently injured during his college career and spent his first year in the pros on IR, so keeping Smith around in case the injury bug bites Celek again would not be the worst idea in the world. Keep him for that reason.
LB Jeremiah Trotter: If he never plays another game in an Eagles uniform, they will be better for it. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but his prime is past and while he was not as bad this year as I initially feared he would be when they signed him off the streets, he is not going to get any better. The Axe Man deserves better than to push his career too far and become a complete laughing stock. Besides Stewart Bradley is coming back. Assuming Bradley does not get hurt again, we won't even need Trotter.
FB Leonard Weaver: For the first time during his time in Philly, Andy Reid had a viable running back at his disposal. So much so that he insisted on using him in 1st and 10 situations in the playoffs at Dallas! While that is a bit of misuse there, Weaver is the short yardage back that the Eagles always needed the past decade but never had until now. This is another of those players that I will be calling for Andy Reid's head if he does not lock him up long term. Church Van is the man and as long as Andy Reid uses him right (not a given), he is invaluable to this team. Another one of the few that the Eagles must keep and lock up regardless of the price.
LB Tracy White: A very solid special teamer who came in to play some linebacker during some games and was not awful at it. He is not a must nor would I give empty my wallets for him, but I would be much happier to see him return than to see him depart.
Sure it is awhile until free agency starts but with these lists popping up everywhere now and with the memory of the players still fresh in my mind, now was the best time to do one. Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!
WR Jason Avant: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and oh good grief Andy Reid you are a moron if you don't pay Jason Avant. The guy just has "it". He has solid hands, has the ability to make plays, and is a great option when defenses are zeroing in on DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. On 3rd and long situations, whenever McNabb throws to Avant, I feel good at least about the play call. Yes, this is one of the few that the Eagles absolutely must keep and lock up regardless of the price.
DE Jason Babin: I really could careless about Jason Babin. He plays with heart and he never gives up, but his skills just are not that impressive. He got some good playing time and got 2.5 sacks, but if the Eagles keep him to compete at training camp that's fine and if they let him walk, fantastic.
G Nick Cole: Notice it is G Nick Cole, and not C Nick Cole. Nick Cole sucked at center but he was a rock at guard this year. While I would not empty out the bank to pay to keep him, I would be happy to see him competing for a starting position at guard this summer and I would not be bummed at all if he won it.
LB Omar Gaither: Goodbye and good riddance. Every once in awhile he would make a play as an outside linebacker, but as a middle linebacker. I thought he was beyond useless. Not only should the Eagles not bring him back, I don't think that Reid will keep him. He started 2 seasons and ended up demoting him both times. Happy trails!
LB Chris Gocong: I like Chris Gocong. He is not the greatest, but I would bring him back to training camp to compete for a job. He battled injuries all year and this season was not the greatest for him, but I think he has quite a bit of potential. Besides, Stewart Bradley will bac back next year. That LB crew revolved around him at MLB and like I said, when he went down, that sent the Eagles linebackers into a season long tail spin. Give Gocong another chance.
CB Ellis Hobbs: Hobbs was injured during the year and we did not see totally what he could do, but as a kick returner, he did show some potential. Then again, Hobbs may want to be a starting CB again in this league. If he is willing to just be a 3rd or 4th corner as well as starting kick returner, keep him, if he wants to walk to test the market as a starting corner, let him walk and don't think twice about it.
G Max Jean-Gilles: I'm pretty sure he started at least one game at every position possible on the offensive line and was useless in each one of them. Okay, maybe it just seemed like he started every position because he was brought in whenever there was an injury and the Eagles needed a quick fix, but regardless, he was useless. Let him walk.
S Sean Jones: The Eagles themselves do not need to be nuked, but their starting safeties certainly do. Macho Harris is young and has a lot of learning to do, Sean Jones is a veteran who fared no better than the young kid. See ya, Sean!
LB Akeem Jordan: See Chris Gocong.
P Sav Rocca: The Eagles took a chance when they brought in the Aussie with a huge leg a few years ago to unseat Dirk Johnson as the starter. Rocca is embarrassingly inconsistent. He'll shank one one time and his very next punt will be a 63-yard bomb. The Eagles can do better than that. For comparisions sake, I'd resign him to have him compete for the starting job, but it would not be disheartening at all if the punter they brought in takes the job from Rocca.
TE Alex Smith: After being the back-up to Brent Celek, Alex Smith figures to drop to 3rd string tight end next season when Cornelius Ingram returns to the Eagles after being injured in training camp. That being said, Ingram was frequently injured during his college career and spent his first year in the pros on IR, so keeping Smith around in case the injury bug bites Celek again would not be the worst idea in the world. Keep him for that reason.
LB Jeremiah Trotter: If he never plays another game in an Eagles uniform, they will be better for it. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but his prime is past and while he was not as bad this year as I initially feared he would be when they signed him off the streets, he is not going to get any better. The Axe Man deserves better than to push his career too far and become a complete laughing stock. Besides Stewart Bradley is coming back. Assuming Bradley does not get hurt again, we won't even need Trotter.
FB Leonard Weaver: For the first time during his time in Philly, Andy Reid had a viable running back at his disposal. So much so that he insisted on using him in 1st and 10 situations in the playoffs at Dallas! While that is a bit of misuse there, Weaver is the short yardage back that the Eagles always needed the past decade but never had until now. This is another of those players that I will be calling for Andy Reid's head if he does not lock him up long term. Church Van is the man and as long as Andy Reid uses him right (not a given), he is invaluable to this team. Another one of the few that the Eagles must keep and lock up regardless of the price.
LB Tracy White: A very solid special teamer who came in to play some linebacker during some games and was not awful at it. He is not a must nor would I give empty my wallets for him, but I would be much happier to see him return than to see him depart.
Sure it is awhile until free agency starts but with these lists popping up everywhere now and with the memory of the players still fresh in my mind, now was the best time to do one. Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Mookie Will Be So Happy!!! (UPDATE: I Hope He Is A Pete Carroll Fan!)
Jay Glazer has tweeted the news that Mookie has long waited for.
While those things that Jay Glazer mentions are true and may have inhibited his abilities as a play-caller, on multiple occasions Jim Mora, Jr. failed to lead his team when they needed a leader and he constantly threw his players under the bus yet always absolved himself of any blame whatsoever, something this is completely opposite to what Philly fans have endured ever since Andy Reid was hired by the Eagles.
My thoughts on this is that it is a good move for Seattle to get rid of someone whose system was not bought into by the team, perhaps in large part to the fact that he always blamed his players and never himself. You are never going to win over a locker room that way and while I think that some team will give Mora, Jr. one more chance as a head because of the injuries and Front Office turmoil he had during his one and only year in Seattle, unless he changes his leadership qualities, I see that playing out the exact same way it did for him in Seattle, injuries or not.
Update: It appears as if Mora's replacement might be none other than Pete Carroll! From Mort's Twitter account, "Pete Carroll is the guy Seahawks are targeting. It is expected to happen, according to sources. Just reported to ESPN 10 minutes ago."
Mora fired. Carroll likely the replacement and if ever there was a college coach whose past unsuccessful gigs in the pro league were mired by circumstance, it was Carroll. In his first job as a Jets coach, he had the team poised for a playoff run, but then Dan Marino did his Dan Marino thing, the Jets went on to lose the rest of their games, and Carroll was fired after that first year. His second coaching gig was the Patriots head coach, only he came after Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, and while he did not do a completely awful job, he was no Parcells, and was thus fired after a few years and some playoff losses. Belichick's tenure has since made Carroll's stint in New England look like a Rich Kotite job, compared to Carroll's predecessor and his successor.
The main criticism of Mora was that he was not enough of a leader. If there is one thing about Carroll, he certainly brings a lot of RAH-RAH leadership to the team. We'll see if the report is right (and granted, how many teams had been reported to be close to a deal with Pete Carroll the past few years?), and if it is, well, there is certainly going to be a lot of change going on in Seattle. Will it be good change or will the team grow even worse? Only time will tell.
While those things that Jay Glazer mentions are true and may have inhibited his abilities as a play-caller, on multiple occasions Jim Mora, Jr. failed to lead his team when they needed a leader and he constantly threw his players under the bus yet always absolved himself of any blame whatsoever, something this is completely opposite to what Philly fans have endured ever since Andy Reid was hired by the Eagles.My thoughts on this is that it is a good move for Seattle to get rid of someone whose system was not bought into by the team, perhaps in large part to the fact that he always blamed his players and never himself. You are never going to win over a locker room that way and while I think that some team will give Mora, Jr. one more chance as a head because of the injuries and Front Office turmoil he had during his one and only year in Seattle, unless he changes his leadership qualities, I see that playing out the exact same way it did for him in Seattle, injuries or not.
Update: It appears as if Mora's replacement might be none other than Pete Carroll! From Mort's Twitter account, "Pete Carroll is the guy Seahawks are targeting. It is expected to happen, according to sources. Just reported to ESPN 10 minutes ago."
Mora fired. Carroll likely the replacement and if ever there was a college coach whose past unsuccessful gigs in the pro league were mired by circumstance, it was Carroll. In his first job as a Jets coach, he had the team poised for a playoff run, but then Dan Marino did his Dan Marino thing, the Jets went on to lose the rest of their games, and Carroll was fired after that first year. His second coaching gig was the Patriots head coach, only he came after Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, and while he did not do a completely awful job, he was no Parcells, and was thus fired after a few years and some playoff losses. Belichick's tenure has since made Carroll's stint in New England look like a Rich Kotite job, compared to Carroll's predecessor and his successor.
The main criticism of Mora was that he was not enough of a leader. If there is one thing about Carroll, he certainly brings a lot of RAH-RAH leadership to the team. We'll see if the report is right (and granted, how many teams had been reported to be close to a deal with Pete Carroll the past few years?), and if it is, well, there is certainly going to be a lot of change going on in Seattle. Will it be good change or will the team grow even worse? Only time will tell.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
JA Happ Has The Smartest Privates In All Of Baseball
Before you completely dismiss this seemingly meaningless post look very carefully at this comment from The Fightins dated November 18, 2009 at 10:02 am
Sure enough, 3 weeks later, Ross Gload has signed a deal with the Phillies. Now if only my privates were as smart as Jay's....
Cole Hamels attends the Modern Warfare 2 global debut (The Fightins)
Awwww yeah, droppin' Gloads over the NL East (The Fightins)
Sure enough, 3 weeks later, Ross Gload has signed a deal with the Phillies. Now if only my privates were as smart as Jay's....Cole Hamels attends the Modern Warfare 2 global debut (The Fightins)
Awwww yeah, droppin' Gloads over the NL East (The Fightins)
Sunday, November 8, 2009
This Is Why You Don't Get Angry At The Yankees For "Buying" Championships
Because when your team (in this case) the Phillies position themselves to do the same thing, it can be, in the words of Dash Treyhorn of The Fightins on Twitter, "pants wettingly awesome". The rumors of Doc Halladay to Philly have started up again and while it looks like the Phillies will end up parting with J.A. Happ, to get Doc for now would be worth it. The Phils have Drabek waiting in the wings as the young guy and, I've brought this up before, with the core of the 2008 team sure to disintegrate in 365 days, you gotta make 2010 the year.
It's official. The Phillies have declined the $5M dollar option on Pedro Feliz. And while they could theoretically sign him for less, considering all that is out on the market, I would be shocked if they kept Pete Happy just based off of the fact there are so many 3rd basemen free agents this year. The names being tossed to Philadelphia the most are Chone Figgins and Adrian Beltre. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. Figgins is lightning fast and gets on base a lot, but he is not exactly Mr. Postseason and despite his speed, he does get caught a lot (although Davey Lopes is one of the best base-running coaches there is, so that could fix that; after all Ryan Howard is 9 for 9 career stealing bases). Beltre on the other hand I am reading would fit in perfectly with the Phillies clubhouse, although he appears to be injury prone, especially as he is the only player in the majors who plays without a cup. The more I read, the more I would be shocked if Beltre does not end up a Phillie. While it seems like Figgins could remain in LA with the Angels now and the names Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco, and Dan Uggla who would convert from 2nd to 3rd have been tossed around to Philly, the likeliness of them coming to Philly is probably not as high as Adrian Beltre's.
Another interesting discussion with the Phillies is that of the closer. As much as I know some want it, Brad Lidge is not going to be traded this off-season, period. The Phillies owe him way too much money for that to happen and who would we get for him? A 5th starter? Meh. A bullpen guy? Talk about a horrible move, especially with Lidge reverts back to '08 form after surgery. A 3rd basemen? With all of the guys on the market this year, no fucking way. However, that does not mean that Lidge or for that matter, Ryan Madson, will be the teams closer this year. According to MLBTradeRumors.com, the Phillies could be able to land the best available free agent closer, Jose Valverde for a real bargain. According to Tim Dierkes of MLBTR
"One way to shore up a shaky bullpen: sign the best closer available. Few teams are seeking closers, and even fewer have money, so the Phillies should be able to get a relative bargain."
I like Valverde and that would be a good move, besides, I like Madson 20 times better as an 8th inning set up man. He got his shot at closer this year and while he was better than Lidge was this year, he was still shaky and I would not trust him in that position for the whole season. It would be the same song and dance as last year at closer.
But we're not done yet. In fact, I have not dropped the bombshell on you yet. Actually, I mentioned this above, but the Doc Halladay to Philly rumors have started up again. Last time, Ricciardi wanted way the farm and Happ, the Phillies were unwilling to deal that much for him so they turned to Cleveland and paid a lot less relatively speaking for this guy named Cliff Lee. Ricciardi is out of Toronto now, and given the fact that he was somewhat shaky in the post-season both in his Colorado start and coming out in the pen, they could be willing to deal him, especially if the farm price is not too high. I am more confident about parting with Happ now than I was back before the deadline. That being said, though, Halladay is also a free agent in a yearso whether it's him or Lee, if the Phillies will make the move, they will have to lock one of them up long-term.
I know not everyone believes in "buying" teams through free agency and it may not be right and fair to the Tampa Bays of the league, if you are in the position where your payroll dictates you can and you have the solid management and a good skipper like the Yankees do with Girardi and can get the group of players to come together like that, it really is a beautiful thing to watch. The Yankees did it in 2009. In 2010, to quote the gramatically awful slogan of the 2008 run, why can't us?
Whether you are for what may transpire or are against what may transpire, one thing is for sure, the Phillies may be about to take the baseball world and all of the Phillies fanbase on the ride of their lives that no may never be forgotten.
It's official. The Phillies have declined the $5M dollar option on Pedro Feliz. And while they could theoretically sign him for less, considering all that is out on the market, I would be shocked if they kept Pete Happy just based off of the fact there are so many 3rd basemen free agents this year. The names being tossed to Philadelphia the most are Chone Figgins and Adrian Beltre. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. Figgins is lightning fast and gets on base a lot, but he is not exactly Mr. Postseason and despite his speed, he does get caught a lot (although Davey Lopes is one of the best base-running coaches there is, so that could fix that; after all Ryan Howard is 9 for 9 career stealing bases). Beltre on the other hand I am reading would fit in perfectly with the Phillies clubhouse, although he appears to be injury prone, especially as he is the only player in the majors who plays without a cup. The more I read, the more I would be shocked if Beltre does not end up a Phillie. While it seems like Figgins could remain in LA with the Angels now and the names Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco, and Dan Uggla who would convert from 2nd to 3rd have been tossed around to Philly, the likeliness of them coming to Philly is probably not as high as Adrian Beltre's.
Another interesting discussion with the Phillies is that of the closer. As much as I know some want it, Brad Lidge is not going to be traded this off-season, period. The Phillies owe him way too much money for that to happen and who would we get for him? A 5th starter? Meh. A bullpen guy? Talk about a horrible move, especially with Lidge reverts back to '08 form after surgery. A 3rd basemen? With all of the guys on the market this year, no fucking way. However, that does not mean that Lidge or for that matter, Ryan Madson, will be the teams closer this year. According to MLBTradeRumors.com, the Phillies could be able to land the best available free agent closer, Jose Valverde for a real bargain. According to Tim Dierkes of MLBTR
"One way to shore up a shaky bullpen: sign the best closer available. Few teams are seeking closers, and even fewer have money, so the Phillies should be able to get a relative bargain."
I like Valverde and that would be a good move, besides, I like Madson 20 times better as an 8th inning set up man. He got his shot at closer this year and while he was better than Lidge was this year, he was still shaky and I would not trust him in that position for the whole season. It would be the same song and dance as last year at closer.
But we're not done yet. In fact, I have not dropped the bombshell on you yet. Actually, I mentioned this above, but the Doc Halladay to Philly rumors have started up again. Last time, Ricciardi wanted way the farm and Happ, the Phillies were unwilling to deal that much for him so they turned to Cleveland and paid a lot less relatively speaking for this guy named Cliff Lee. Ricciardi is out of Toronto now, and given the fact that he was somewhat shaky in the post-season both in his Colorado start and coming out in the pen, they could be willing to deal him, especially if the farm price is not too high. I am more confident about parting with Happ now than I was back before the deadline. That being said, though, Halladay is also a free agent in a yearso whether it's him or Lee, if the Phillies will make the move, they will have to lock one of them up long-term.
I know not everyone believes in "buying" teams through free agency and it may not be right and fair to the Tampa Bays of the league, if you are in the position where your payroll dictates you can and you have the solid management and a good skipper like the Yankees do with Girardi and can get the group of players to come together like that, it really is a beautiful thing to watch. The Yankees did it in 2009. In 2010, to quote the gramatically awful slogan of the 2008 run, why can't us?
Whether you are for what may transpire or are against what may transpire, one thing is for sure, the Phillies may be about to take the baseball world and all of the Phillies fanbase on the ride of their lives that no may never be forgotten.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Phillies Considering Locking Up Clifton Phifer Lee Long Term
Yes! This is the best news I have heard all day. Please do it, Phillies, please do it!!! Andy Martino of the Inquirer reports
This year the Phillies are good. Lee has one more year on this current contract and no one in the starting offensive line up is a free agent. The only that may not be back is Pete Happy who has a 5-million dollar option on his contract this coming off-season. The Phillies have to decide if his age and deplorable, un-clutch batting is worth his very solid, above average defense. Buster Olney speculates that the Phillies might go after Adrian Beltre, citing that he would fit in well with the Phillies. All things considered, that would definitley be an upgrade to Pete Happy, that is, of course, his decision to not wear a cup does not result in another broken testicle.
Brett Myers is a free agent, he can say goodbye to Philly. Pedro Martinez is a free agent and while I love Pedro, I doubt that the Phillies will re-sign him just due to the on and off nature of his performances nowadays. He does not have what he used and his consistency from start to start is definitley a huge question mark on him, and that was without going through the rigors of a whole season.
The way it shapes up now, the Phillies starting rotation will look a little something like Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, and perhaps Jamie Moyer if he returns, although I think I agree with Dan Levy who suggests he would be better off as a coach of some sort with the team, especially as he will be coming off surgery this year and may not even be ready for spring training. Thus the Phillies are left with the same problem they had going into last year. Who will be the 5th starter? Pedro? Moyer? Antonio the Inglorious Bastardo (please no!)? Kyle Kendrick, who seemed rejuvenated at the end of this year? A free agent signing yet to be named?
And while this year is this year, the Phillies have to start thinking ahead and thinking ahead in a major way. The window is open in 2010 and have got to be the favorites to go back to the World Series even though the Mets and/or the Braves will likely sign a big name or 2 and ESPN and all the mainstream sports media writers will have them winning the NL East and going to the World Series or they will pick the Cards and/or Dodgers to finally break through (not the worst thing in the world, mind you, being under the radar is never a bad spot to be if you truly are that good of a team). But it's when we get to November 2010 that things start getting really interesting. Oh so many free agents from Howard to Hamels to Victorino to Werth to Lee if no deal is negotiated and let's face it, these guys are going too much money that the Phillies can't give them, even with their high payroll. You're going to have to make decisions. And while this is over 365 days away and who knows what will happen between then and now, here are my early thoughts on what is going to have to happen.
Lee or Hamels. The Phillies will only keep 1 past this year. If the Phillies can lock up Lee long term and if he pitches anything close to what he pitched like at the end of this year, more than likely Hamels will be out of town. The only way I see Hamels staying past next year if they lock up Lee long term (and that is a big if, by the way) and if Hamels is willing to settle for not a lot of money at all, something I highly doubt will happen. If he channels his 2008 form in 2010, he'll want too much money and if he channels his 2009 form in 2010, Phillies fans will more than likely personally buy him a private jet so he can get out of town. Besides the Phillies have Kyle Drabek waiting in the wings in the minors. If he is as good as the hype behind him is, it will definitley be a good riddance to the 2008 World Series MVP should that happen. I would not at all be surprised if, once a starter goes down with an injury or a doubleheader demands it that the Phillies will call up Drabek to pitch a game or 2 or more this coming season, especially later on.
Victorino or Werth. As much as I love them both, it comes down to money and the fact that once again, you've got guys outfielders waiting in the wings in the minors, most specifically, Dominic Brown, 1 will stay and 1 will go. If I were the Phillies, assuming the numbers for 2010 are close with the numbers from 2009, Werth stays and Victorino goes. I love Victorino to death, but Werth more than proved this year that he's capable of being an everyday player and with all of the left-handed bats on this team (Utley, Howard, Ibanez) this team needs a very good right-handed bat to balance out the line up and Werth provides the team that.
Is there seriously any possible permutation that does not include the Phillies locking up Ryan Howard? I say no. He struggled in the World Series, but as with all hitters, Howard has his slumps as he also has his hot streaks. Heck if not for Howard, the Phillies may not have even gotten to the World Series (do remember that he tied the record for most consecutive post season games with an RBI this year), so you gotta take the good with the bad and Howard is more than worth it.
This core group of guys have 1 year left together before we start seeing some major changes to this Phillies squad. As mentioned earlier, the only member of the starting 8 who may not be back this season is Pete Happy. And assuming that the Phillies can find a credible defensive 3rd baseman who can hit slightly better than Happy (*ahem*AdrianBeltre*), no tears of sorrow will be shed over that loss.
Transitioning back to this off-season, the only thing I need to say is that the bullpen must improve. Brad Lidge must leave this town while he still has a shed of dignity and likability from 08 and Ryan Madson, while one of the league's better 8th inning set-up men, is not the closer for this team. Jose Valverde is a free agent this year and the Phillies could easily take a serious look at him and the name of Rafael Soriano is already being tossed around by others not named JFein as a possible future Phillie (I'm yet to read any talks/rumors of interest with Valverde and the Phils). I would also like to see the Phils add some more arms added to the non-closing bullpen as Eyre is a question mark for retirement, Durbin sucks, Myers will be gone, Romero has spent all of the season on the injured list when he was not suspended, Condrey and the DL became good buddies this year, Bastardo is useless, Rodrigo Lopez, shall the Phillies bring him back up from the majors, is even more useless, and who knows what the future holds for Kyle Kendrick.
I'm excited to see the moves they make as frankly, this bullpen can only improve this off-season cause frankly, I don't see how on earth it could get much worse than it already is.
The Phillies have not yet decided whether to offer a contract extension to pitcher Cliff Lee this off-season, but they have discussed the possibility internally.Look, there's a lot of give and take here and the Phillies can't and won't have it all.
"Clearly, it's on our minds, but we haven't made a decision if we will yet," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "Naturally you have to think about it, but we're more focused on him pitching in this series."
The club holds a $9 million option on Lee for 2010, after which the 31-year-old lefthander will become a free agent - unless he and the Phillies agree on an extension.
Since the Phils acquired Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco from Cleveland in July for a package of minor-league players, the pitcher has become the team's ace. During the regular season, he was 7-4, with a 3.39 earned run average with the Phils. In the postseason, he is 4-0, with a 1.56 ERA.
Variables for the team to consider: Lee's age, the Phils' already-high payroll, and the potential that Lee could seek a contract comparable to the seven year, $161 million deal the New York Yankees lavished on CC Sabathia last winter.
This year the Phillies are good. Lee has one more year on this current contract and no one in the starting offensive line up is a free agent. The only that may not be back is Pete Happy who has a 5-million dollar option on his contract this coming off-season. The Phillies have to decide if his age and deplorable, un-clutch batting is worth his very solid, above average defense. Buster Olney speculates that the Phillies might go after Adrian Beltre, citing that he would fit in well with the Phillies. All things considered, that would definitley be an upgrade to Pete Happy, that is, of course, his decision to not wear a cup does not result in another broken testicle.
Brett Myers is a free agent, he can say goodbye to Philly. Pedro Martinez is a free agent and while I love Pedro, I doubt that the Phillies will re-sign him just due to the on and off nature of his performances nowadays. He does not have what he used and his consistency from start to start is definitley a huge question mark on him, and that was without going through the rigors of a whole season.
The way it shapes up now, the Phillies starting rotation will look a little something like Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, and perhaps Jamie Moyer if he returns, although I think I agree with Dan Levy who suggests he would be better off as a coach of some sort with the team, especially as he will be coming off surgery this year and may not even be ready for spring training. Thus the Phillies are left with the same problem they had going into last year. Who will be the 5th starter? Pedro? Moyer? Antonio the Inglorious Bastardo (please no!)? Kyle Kendrick, who seemed rejuvenated at the end of this year? A free agent signing yet to be named?
And while this year is this year, the Phillies have to start thinking ahead and thinking ahead in a major way. The window is open in 2010 and have got to be the favorites to go back to the World Series even though the Mets and/or the Braves will likely sign a big name or 2 and ESPN and all the mainstream sports media writers will have them winning the NL East and going to the World Series or they will pick the Cards and/or Dodgers to finally break through (not the worst thing in the world, mind you, being under the radar is never a bad spot to be if you truly are that good of a team). But it's when we get to November 2010 that things start getting really interesting. Oh so many free agents from Howard to Hamels to Victorino to Werth to Lee if no deal is negotiated and let's face it, these guys are going too much money that the Phillies can't give them, even with their high payroll. You're going to have to make decisions. And while this is over 365 days away and who knows what will happen between then and now, here are my early thoughts on what is going to have to happen.
Lee or Hamels. The Phillies will only keep 1 past this year. If the Phillies can lock up Lee long term and if he pitches anything close to what he pitched like at the end of this year, more than likely Hamels will be out of town. The only way I see Hamels staying past next year if they lock up Lee long term (and that is a big if, by the way) and if Hamels is willing to settle for not a lot of money at all, something I highly doubt will happen. If he channels his 2008 form in 2010, he'll want too much money and if he channels his 2009 form in 2010, Phillies fans will more than likely personally buy him a private jet so he can get out of town. Besides the Phillies have Kyle Drabek waiting in the wings in the minors. If he is as good as the hype behind him is, it will definitley be a good riddance to the 2008 World Series MVP should that happen. I would not at all be surprised if, once a starter goes down with an injury or a doubleheader demands it that the Phillies will call up Drabek to pitch a game or 2 or more this coming season, especially later on.
Victorino or Werth. As much as I love them both, it comes down to money and the fact that once again, you've got guys outfielders waiting in the wings in the minors, most specifically, Dominic Brown, 1 will stay and 1 will go. If I were the Phillies, assuming the numbers for 2010 are close with the numbers from 2009, Werth stays and Victorino goes. I love Victorino to death, but Werth more than proved this year that he's capable of being an everyday player and with all of the left-handed bats on this team (Utley, Howard, Ibanez) this team needs a very good right-handed bat to balance out the line up and Werth provides the team that.
Is there seriously any possible permutation that does not include the Phillies locking up Ryan Howard? I say no. He struggled in the World Series, but as with all hitters, Howard has his slumps as he also has his hot streaks. Heck if not for Howard, the Phillies may not have even gotten to the World Series (do remember that he tied the record for most consecutive post season games with an RBI this year), so you gotta take the good with the bad and Howard is more than worth it.
This core group of guys have 1 year left together before we start seeing some major changes to this Phillies squad. As mentioned earlier, the only member of the starting 8 who may not be back this season is Pete Happy. And assuming that the Phillies can find a credible defensive 3rd baseman who can hit slightly better than Happy (*ahem*AdrianBeltre*), no tears of sorrow will be shed over that loss.
Transitioning back to this off-season, the only thing I need to say is that the bullpen must improve. Brad Lidge must leave this town while he still has a shed of dignity and likability from 08 and Ryan Madson, while one of the league's better 8th inning set-up men, is not the closer for this team. Jose Valverde is a free agent this year and the Phillies could easily take a serious look at him and the name of Rafael Soriano is already being tossed around by others not named JFein as a possible future Phillie (I'm yet to read any talks/rumors of interest with Valverde and the Phils). I would also like to see the Phils add some more arms added to the non-closing bullpen as Eyre is a question mark for retirement, Durbin sucks, Myers will be gone, Romero has spent all of the season on the injured list when he was not suspended, Condrey and the DL became good buddies this year, Bastardo is useless, Rodrigo Lopez, shall the Phillies bring him back up from the majors, is even more useless, and who knows what the future holds for Kyle Kendrick.
I'm excited to see the moves they make as frankly, this bullpen can only improve this off-season cause frankly, I don't see how on earth it could get much worse than it already is.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The New England Patriots Are Back To Their Old Ways
With Tom Brady's injury giving them essentially a year off from dominating the league, the New England Patriots have decided that it is time to do some dominating. And they have started their epic conquest of theirs by acquiring none other than former Eagle, defensive end Derrick Burgess. From NFL.com
Oh, yeah, 600th post! Not bad for starting in the middle of November....
The New England Patriots acquired Derrick Burgess on Thursday after the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end held out of Oakland Raiders training camp in the hopes of being traded.The Patriots are definitley trying, that's for sure. I never really bought into the philosophy that you build your team by acquiring the biggest names possible through free agency and trades, but the Patriots seem to be one of the few teams in sports that can for the most part successfully pull it off. Burgess is injury prone, though, so it will be interesting to see how this move turns out for the Pats.
The Patriots gave up undisclosed draft considerations for Burgess, who's coming off an injury-plagued season in which he had 3.5 sacks in 10 games. New England released offensive lineman Al Johnson to create roster room for Burgess.
The trade was announced on the ninth day of Burgess' holdout from the team with which he recorded 38.5 sacks in four seasons, including a club-record and league-best 16 in 2005. Burgess had 11 sacks the next season and made the Pro Bowl both times in 2005 and 2006.
Oh, yeah, 600th post! Not bad for starting in the middle of November....
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Get Used To Seeing Chris Pronger Around These Parts
It was really only a matter of time before this happened, but alas, I desparately something to post on other than Keith Olbermann and/or Manny Ramirez. Chris Pronger has signed a multi-year extension with the Flyers after being traded by the Anaheim Ducks with only one year left in his contract. From CSN Philly.
On Monday Chris Pronger said he would like to retire a Flyer. A day later, Pronger took a step in that direction, agreeing to a seven-year extension. According to sources, the deal is worth $34.45 million.This is either a really great move or it's going to bite the Flyers in the ass big time. They gave up a whole heck of a lot, including 2 1st round draft picks, in order to get Pronger, and with all that they gave up, if the Flyers do not win a Stanley Cup with him in the next few years, this move will likely be regarded as a failure. I like the move insomuch as they got a really good, veteran defenseman (something they need) whose style of play matches the style of the Flyers themselves, but if the price was too high and the Flyers can't win a Cup in the next few years, the Flyers could end up suffering big-time in the long run.
The extension will begin in the 2010-11 season and run through 2017 with Pronger earning $7.6 million in both the first two years, $7.2 million in 2012-13, $7 million in 2013-14, $4 million in 2014-15, and $525,000 in each of the final two years of the deal.
Pronger will be 42 at the time the contract expires.
The contract is front loaded in order to keep it cap friendly. It is structured similar to the deal signed by Mike Richards, also a client of agent Pat Morris. In 2007 Richards signed a 12-year, $69 million deal.
“I am very excited to be able to retire a Philadelphia Flyer and I am looking forward to many years with the Flyers logo on my chest,” Pronger said in a statement released by the team. “I think both parties wanted to get it handled in a timely fashion in order to move on and get things set up for future years down the line so that the Flyers could make moves either this year or next year, and know that they had me in place.”
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Meet The 2 Newest Flyers: A Journeyman And One Extremely Familiar Face
The start of NHL free agency was yesterday and the Flyers made 2 signings and while none of them are earth-shattering, they are note worthy. So welcome to the Flyers none other than journeyman Ian Laperriere. CSN Philly has more on this signing.
That statement about Boosh being one of the most affable and popular goalies to be a Flyer is true and at the time during the 2000 playoff run, I thought that he was next in line of the Flyers goalie greats, coming after Bernie Parent, Pelle Lindbergh (it's a shame that he had to be taken away from this earth so early), and Ron Hextall. And while now he is just the back-up to Ray Emery, I can pretty much assure you that Flyers fans will (re)-embrace Boucher faster than they will embrace Emery.
I may have an occasional post here and there during the weekend if something major happens, but if not, have a nice weekend and I will see you all on Monday! Happy 4th of July to all of you and thanks for your continued patronage and support! And yes, I am aware that I am taking a break for a weekend and then after 5 days of being back, will be going on vacation.
Laperriere, who agreed to a three-year, $3.5 million contract, brings additional defensive-minded grit to the Flyers, something Holmgren wants emphasized now that Chris Pronger is around.He's not the only person that the Flyers signed, though. Please welcome back to the Flyers, none other than the winning goalie of the 3rd longest game in NHL history (and longest in the modern era), Brian Boucher! Once again, CSN PHilly...
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Laperriere, a 14-year veteran who played the past four seasons in Colorado, is a conscientious defensive winger and centerman who will throw down with anyone, rack up penalty minutes, kill penalties, and block shots with reckless abandonment.
“We’re still looking for offense,” Holmgren said. “… But the one area Ian Laperriere will add is he’s a role player who can lift a little of the burden off some of our guys in other roles, such as penalty killing and faceoffs. He’s a warrior type player. He’s very durable.”
Brian Boucher, one of the most popular, affable goaltenders to wear orange and black, has come home.BOOSH!!!!!
The Flyers signed the former San Jose Shark on Wednesday as free agency began. Boucher will back-up newcomer Ray Emery and earn $1.8 million over two years.
“I’m thrilled,” Boucher said. “I had a nice year in San Jose, but I’m happy to be back in Philly.”
Boucher, a 32-year-old native of Woonsocket, R.I., was a first-round pick by the Flyers in 1995 (22nd overall).
“He’s capable, he’s played a lot of NHL games, he has playoff experience,” said general manager Paul Holmgren. “And Brian is a guy who really wanted to come back here in the worst way.
“Even going back two years ago I think Brian is a lot better goalie now than when he left here. He’s more under control than he was [before here]. I thought he lost focus in the net a lot of times. He’s always been a real athletic goalie; very competitive.”
Boucher was Evgeni Nabokov’s backup last season in San Jose, posting a 12-6 record with a sterling 2.18 goals against average and .917 save percentage.
That statement about Boosh being one of the most affable and popular goalies to be a Flyer is true and at the time during the 2000 playoff run, I thought that he was next in line of the Flyers goalie greats, coming after Bernie Parent, Pelle Lindbergh (it's a shame that he had to be taken away from this earth so early), and Ron Hextall. And while now he is just the back-up to Ray Emery, I can pretty much assure you that Flyers fans will (re)-embrace Boucher faster than they will embrace Emery.
I may have an occasional post here and there during the weekend if something major happens, but if not, have a nice weekend and I will see you all on Monday! Happy 4th of July to all of you and thanks for your continued patronage and support! And yes, I am aware that I am taking a break for a weekend and then after 5 days of being back, will be going on vacation.
Friday, June 26, 2009
So What NHL Player Is Worth Giving Up Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa, This Year's 1st Round Pick, And Next Year's First Round Pick?
The answer, at least according to the Philadelphia Flyers is none other than Chris Pronger! Via NHL.com
Regardless, I certainly hope that Pronger still has gas and the tank and despite the high price, I am excited and glad to see that Chris Pronger is now a Flyer!
Update: According to Puck Daddy, the Flyers have also received Ryan Dingle from the Anaheim Ducks in this deal. Trust me, you're not the only one asking, "Who on earth.....???" I'm pretty sure he's a young prospect....
The Anaheim Ducks kicked off the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in memorable fashion, dealing veteran defenseman Chris Pronger to the Philadelphia Flyers moments before the New York Islanders selected John Tavares with the first pick.While the Flyers certainly need a defensemen, especially after Hatcher's retirement, what worries me is Pronger's age and the fact that the Flyers paid such a high price to get him. I can live with saying goodbye to Lupul and Spisa, a young prospect, but I think that 2 first round picks might be a lot, if not too much for him. One 1st round draft pick, whether it be this year's and next year's along with Spisa and Lupul and I would consider this deal an absolute win. It's that 2nd 1st rounder that has worried that the Flyers paid too many bucks for the bang of a 34-year old defensemen, even though it is Chris Pronger.
The Flyers shipped prospect Luca Sbisa, forward Joffrey Lupul and two first-round picks: this season's No. 21 and next season's first-round pick.
Pronger, 34, was one of several players being actively shopped here this week. He became even more expendable when veteran defenseman Scott Niedermayer reportedly told the Ducks that he would return for another season, instead of retiring.
This past season Pronger played in all 82 games, scoring 11 goals and 48 points. He also had 88 penalty minutes and will give the Flyers a rugged presence on the blue line, something they were lacking after losing Derian Hatcher to an injury-induced retirement.
Regardless, I certainly hope that Pronger still has gas and the tank and despite the high price, I am excited and glad to see that Chris Pronger is now a Flyer!
Update: According to Puck Daddy, the Flyers have also received Ryan Dingle from the Anaheim Ducks in this deal. Trust me, you're not the only one asking, "Who on earth.....???" I'm pretty sure he's a young prospect....
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