Bleacher Report - Articles by Patrick Gallen

Ibanez on DL + Phillies Home Record = Ouch

Patrick Gallen — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:55:44 -0400

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES EXAMINER HOME PAGE

It’s official: this has been the worst week to be a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies.

All week, Mother Nature soaked the area as we collectively tried to enjoy summer baseball. Instead, it felt like mid-April, not June. On top of that, the Phillies lost two of three to the Boston Red Sox and then were blown out of their own building in three straight by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The biggest news of all happens to be our Most Valuable left fielder hitting the disabled list. In a heinous reminder of how quickly things can go south, the Phils are putting on an unsightly clinic over the past few days.

Tell me this: when was the last time a team won their division with a losing record at home? Because, as of this moment, your defending champion Philadelphia Phillies have the second worst record at home in all of baseball. Yes, just the Washington Nationals provide a cushion from the basement. An anomaly of this magnitude has not been witnessed since the 2001 Atlanta Braves did it over an entire year. They are the last team to finish a season with a losing record at home, and yet, still, somehow win their division. The Phillies finished second that year.

Add it all up and the results equal what could be a very defining time for this club. Already one step behind because of their shoddy pitching, the Phils can ill-afford to backtrack, especially knowing their rivals are waiting for the fallout. The New York Mets sit three games behind and for all of the commotion going on in Flushing, they have that going for them.

A trying time for the Phillies awaits, but the team can take solace in the fact that they play three against the Baltimore Orioles this weekend. The O’s are eight under-.500 for the season, dead last in the AL East. But as we learned with the Blue Jays, do not sleep on any American League team.

Perhaps the most important lesson that will be learned is; are they a team? Around this time last season, the Phillies were being questioned about their starting pitching and their struggling offense. Eerily similar to 2008, the Phils find themselves in a position where they must push forward. Raul Ibanez hit the DL—so John Mayberry and Jayson Werth must carry the load. The bullpen is weary—so the starters must pitch more innings.

In what will be a telling few days ahead, just remember, they are still in first place.

(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

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Phillies-Mets: Lost in The Drama of a Comeback, Cole Hamels Off His Game

Patrick Gallen — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:39:13 -0400

Philadelphia Phillies Examiner Home Page

Just 24 hours after a thrilling series-opener, the Phillies and Mets gave us yet another sparkling performance.

In the end, two Chase Utley home runs, a few defensive gems by Jayson Werth, and a late-game appearance by Chan Ho Park were enough to spoil the Game Two party at Citi Field.

Down 4-1 going into the seventh inning, the Phillies flair for the dramatic took over, and in the end, they were victorious, 5-4, in extra innings.

Utley slammed his 14th and 15th homers, the latter of the game-winning variety in the 11th inning as the Phils absolutely stole this one.

With two down in the bottom of the 10th inning, Jayson Werth made that home run possibly by laying out for a would-be gap double, possibly saving the game for the Phillies. The sure-handed right fielder has just one error this season in 427 innings on the field, with just 12 total for his entire career.

You just knew he had that ball once he made the break.

The catch, along with the Utley bombs, also saved Cole Hamels from having to answer questions about his less-than-sparkling performance on Wednesday night.

Coming off of his best night of the year on June 4 against Los Angeles, "Hollywood" was struggling for most of his five innings of work.

In front of a stadium that was just 92 percent full during a huge rivalry game, he allowed four earned runs on 11 hits, while walking two Mets and striking out just one.

That K total is his lowest this year, and the fewest he’s had in a game since May 25 of last year when he struck out nary a Brewer. Just when you thought Hamels was about to start rolling, he takes a step backwards in an important setting.

With his wife Heidi looking on from the stands, Hamels disappointed largely due to the fact that his control was lacking. In five innings, Hamels threw 100 pitches, 66 of them for strikes; not a bad ball/strike ratio by any means.

However, the Mets took full advantage of him missing his spots.

If not for the Mets inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position, this could have been a different outcome. New York left 16 runners stranded, including 10 men stuck to second and third.

The positive in allowing that many base runners was the damage control done by the bullpen. Phillies relievers allowed eight runners to reach base over the final six innings, but none touched home plate.

In the scoreless first, the Mets got to Hamels early, not by scoring runs, but by jacking up his pitch count. Hamels started off on the wrong foot and threw 20 pitches in the inning, including six foul balls.

He again threw 20-plus in the third and fourth innings and called it a night after five.

His performance in the end kept his club in it, but Hamels was far from the pitcher they needed him to be. You may say the Mets were fired up after Hamels called them “choke artists” this past offseason, or it could have simply just been a bad night.

Whatever the case, Hamels needed to show up in the grandest stages. Unable to draw from his lights out game against the Dodgers last week, his 11 hits were the most since June of last season.

The consistency just has not been there, at a time when the pitching staff is beginning to hit their stride as a unit. As the leader of this crew, it’s important that our fair lefty sets the example at the top of the rotation.

We have yet to see Cole locked and loaded like he was in the postseason last year. Everyone is waiting for that pitcher to show up and stay for good.

He also has two left-handed understudies in J.A. Happ and Antonio Bastardo, watching his every move. Hamels is now a teacher of sorts, whether he likes it or not.

Luckily, today is a new day, and Tuesday will be a new opportunity for Hamels to succeed. He will face a decent Toronto Blue Jays offense that has scored 312 runs, the same amount as the Phillies. It will be yet another test of will as Hamels looks to correct the mistakes he made in this big division rivalry.

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The Bridge to Lidge Now the Bridge to Madson County: Lidge Heads to DL

Patrick Gallen — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:20:04 -0400

In a move that won't surprise many, the Philadelphia Phillies have put closer Brad Lidge on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right knee.

The move is retroactive to June 7, making Lidge eligible to come off of the DL on June 22.

Can't say I didn't see this coming, as Lidge was struggling mightily. Maybe the knee was more of an issue than we thought, or maybe it wasn't.

The fact is, Lidge needs a rest to get better physically, as well as mentally. His psyche has likely taken big hit considering he has blown six saves already this season...

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Is Antonio Bastardo a Keeper for the Phillies Rotation?

Patrick Gallen — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:02:07 -0400

Two games isn’t a very strong indicator of what a pitcher can do long term. In the case of Phillies starter Antonio Bastardo, we are learning that sometimes sitting back and simply waiting can be the best course of action.

Bastardo has thrown two very good games to begin his major league career, his second coming Sunday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers on national television.

In this latest trip to the hill, Bastardo did not wow, but did produce a solid line of five innings, seven hits, two earned runs, a walk, and four...

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Philadelphia Phillies All-Stars, Yes or No?

Patrick Gallen — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:27:14 -0400

Ryan Howard: YES. The Big Guy hasn’t been to the Midsummer Classic since his MVP season of 2006. This year, he deserves another trip. While he is still striking out a ton (68 k’s in 220 at-bats) his power numbers remain among the games best. Howard has 17 home runs and 47 RBI, both good for fourth best in the NL. Albert Pujols is a given as the starter, but Howard, along with Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres, should be there as well.

Chase Utley: YES. He’s going to be voted in anyway and there isn’t really anyone else in his orbit from the National League. Utley has slipped a bit with his average, but he’s still hitting for power and knocking in runs. His .987 OPS is by far the best in baseball among 2B's,...

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Philadelphia Phillies Go for the Sweep Tonight…Wait a Sec

Patrick Gallen — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:32:47 -0400

This could have been one of those season-defining series', except now, the only thing it’s defining is the season Brad Lidge is having.

Back-to-back blown saves have Phillies fans scratching their heads as to what is happening with their once un-hittable closer. On Friday, Lidge was given a 3-2 lead in the ninth and had the Dodgers down to the final out when the wheels fell off.

With the bases jammed, Andre Ethier deposited a ball into the right field corner that scored two and gave L.A. the 4-3 win.

On Saturday, it was more of the same. Lidge was given a 2-1 lead in the ninth, being tossed out there once again with the game on the line. With one out, Rafael Furcal smacked...

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Phillies-Dodgers: Cole Hamels Throws Philly's First Complete Game of the Year

Patrick Gallen — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:32:42 -0400

It’s about time.

It’s about time a Phillies pitcher stepped up to the point of completely shutting down its own bullpen. It’s about time a Phillies pitcher dominated and threw less than 100 pitches during his outing. It’s about time the Phillies showed how good they really are.

In Thursday night’s performance, Cole Hamels stifled the Dodgers for just five hits scattered over nine innings, making him the first Phillies pitcher to go the distance this season. Going up against one of the most potent offenses in the National League, Hamels was unfazed...

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Scott Eyre's Rough Start to the Spring

Patrick Gallen — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:07:05 -0500

As the United States Government investigates the alleged wrongdoing of the Stanford Financial Group, Scott Eyre is feeling the brunt of it.

While in Clearwater, FL for Spring Training, Eyre has had his assets frozen, and he can’t pay his bills, because he is one of the many who have been duped by a financial fraud scheme.

Eyre says he and his wife are having trouble paying the bills because a majority of his money is tied up, and he is thinking about asking his teammates for some help in the time being.

I would think Eyre is good for it, as the lefty reliever just signed a $2 million contract in the offseason. However, Eyre finds himself in a situation that...

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Brad Lidge Vomits During Games, Phillies Possibly Better in '09?

Patrick Gallen — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:40:18 -0500

On Friday, Peter Gammons of ESPN wrote an article on the reigning champs, in which Brad Lidge gives a shout to the Chickie’s and Pete’s stand in Ashburn Alley.

Lidge, who claims he gets super nervous before he enters the game, smells the crab fries when he is in the bullpen. "I'm nervous enough, and my stomach gets into knots and I feel sick. But if I smell food…then I do start to throw up.” The closer for the Phillies says that his penchant for nausea late in the games is a competitive edge, not a hindrance.

Gammons also notes the biggest losers in the weight category, as Brett Myers...

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The Phillies' Best Quotes from the First Week of Spring Training

Patrick Gallen — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:31:51 -0500

Anthony Hewitt (Phillies first round pick in 2008)

“Is this a mistake?"—When realizing his locker was in the middle of the veterans such as Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victorino.

"I've gotten a lot out of it already. Rollins took me aside and showed me a few things—Howard [did, too]. [It's been helpful] just going through the everyday routines and seeing how things are done, seeing how they go about their business every day. I've learned a lot, because they've been around for a while. I'm trying to mimic the same thing pretty much."—When asked about how he has reacted since being put in the middle of the vets.

Chase Utley

"I think it's pretty realistic at this point. We've pushed it over the past week and a half, two weeks that I've been down here, and it's responded extremely well..."

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Iverson/Billups Trade Sends Shockwaves Through the NBA

Patrick Gallen — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:03:43 -0500

Allen Iverson is of the fastest players in the history of the NBA. And now, he is moving fast again.

Less than two years traded from the Philadelphia 76ers, Iverson has been traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Detroit Pistons for point guard Chauncey Billups and forwards Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb.

When Iverson left Philadelphia, the reasoning behind the move was entirely different from what it is today. Having burned the bridges to the Wachovia Center back in ’06, he was no longer welcomed in Philly.

The Nuggets brought him in believing that Carmelo Anthony could use some help in shouldering the load of scoring, but the plan never quite came to fruition. Anthony and Iverson blended beautifully, but the main objective was to win a playoff series at the very least, something that did not happen.

It was a surprise to many that two players with such egos could co-exist, but they managed to make it work. In the end, the Nuggets lack of defense did them in.

A.I. now motors over to the Motor City, a place where the Pistons last captured a title in 2004. Joe Dumars, the Pistons president, made a statement in the off-season by proclaiming that no one was safe on the roster; that everyone was in play.

Dumars was ready to strike after the Pistons were ousted in the playoff three straight years.

He struck early in the season for Detroit, which is a bit of a surprise, but it is easy to see why. Iverson can keep them in the upper echelon of the East, but the bigger issue is his contract.

His deal will run out after this season, as will fellow Piston Rasheed Wallace, giving Detroit copious amounts of cap space for next season, and for the magical 2010 season.

Shipping away Billups has its downside. He is a true point guard, something that has gone by the wayside in recent years. But Billups is also a clutch performer, something that Iverson is not.

Losing Billups opens the door for a young guard to make this his team next season. Rodney Stuckey is a second-year player out of Eastern Washington, but has shown flashes of brilliance that he could be one of the next great guards in the NBA.

Joe Dumars certainly thinks so.

Another name to look for on the Pistons roster is the big Argentinian, Walter Hermann. The man they call “Fabio” is averaging 13 points per game in just 19 minutes per game this season, but will get even more of a look now that Antonio McDyess is gone.

Everyone will look to Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson as the true benefactors of this trade, but Hermann could really blossom.

Dumars also believes he can make a run at the big free agent crop in the next few years. There are some big names available and as he opens up the wallet for them in the coming months, he still gives his team a shot to win this year. Smooth moving by the Pistons in that regard.

The Nuggets are the bigger winners in this blockbuster trade. They bring back hometown boy Billups to run the point on a team that lacked a true ball-handling leader. Many forget that he was with Denver from 1998 to 2000, so settling in with this team should not be an issue.

With Iverson, the Nuggets were more of a free flowing offense, something that will be corrected once Billups takes a hold of the team. Ridding the team of Iverson also gives Anthony the ball more, something he will undoubtedly be excited about.

Carmelo loves to jack it up any chance, and Billups will be setting him up all over the court. Iverson clearly was not a pass-first type of player, something that definitely hindered the team during his tenure.

Lookout for a big time breakout from guard J.R. Smith of the Nuggets. He is like Iverson and Anthony in that he loves to shoot. He just signed a new contract with Denver this past off-season, so look for him to play a huge role in the offense now that Iverson gives up his large amount of shots.

Smith isn’t much of a defender, but playing with Billups will definitely open up his game on the opposite side of the ball. If Smith doesn’t average more the 20 points-per-game with Billups, then he should bench himself.

All-in-all, it was a brash move by both squads, but it looks like one of those rare occurrences where it should work out for both sides.

Detroit stays in the running for the time being, and now has the flexibility to rebuild without relinquishing their status in the East.

The Nuggets have a better identity with Billups back in the fold and his leadership should turn this team back into a playoff contender in the stacked West.

For Philadelphia, It's Been a Week To Remember

Patrick Gallen — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:50:46 -0500

When you look back at this championship season in 20, 30, or 50 years from now, you will no doubt remember where you were when the Phillies slayed the Dodgers to win the National League Pennant.

You’ll know where you stood while witnessing the deluge that postponed Game Five for nearly two days.

There is no way you will forget who you celebrated with after Brad Lidge struck out Dioner Navarro to end the 28 seasons of futility.

How about where you lined up along the parade route on Broad Street, or where you sat in the Linc or the Bank? That’s a memory everyone will hold for the rest of their lives.

This past week was unlike any other for Philadelphians. There were so many highs and a few lows, but in the end, as a city, we will cherish every single moment that was presented to us by our Phillies.

On a beautifully sunny Friday afternoon, the entire region was abuzz, as the entire Phillies family took the trip from 20th and Market to the stadiums. In the process, they met up with about two million or so fans along the sidewalks.

As they proceeded through Lincoln Financial Field and into Citizens Bank Park, the festivities really took off. Players were driven around in Toyota convertibles around the warning track and were given ovations from the mostly full stadium. They then proceeded to the stage out over second base as emcee’s Scott Palmer and Dan Baker announced.

Many of the coaches and players were given rousing welcomes, but none more so than the voice of the Phillies, Harry Kalas. Chills went through each and every spine as Kalas walked the red carpet up to the podium.

As the coaches and players spoke, no one resonated with the fans more than Chase Utley. With his quick expletive that escaped the mute buttons, Utley sent the place into a frenzy. Usually mild-mannered and soft-spoken, it showed how passionate he was about finally capturing a World Series title.

Many have made a stink about using a four-letter word in his speech, but Utley let emotion in and it escaped through the microphone. It was yet another memorable moment.

Pat Burrell rode around with his dog Elvis, the English bulldog that doubled as a team mascot. No member of the Phils looked more excited than Burrell, who sat atop the horse-drawn carriage led by the Budweiser Clydesdale horses. Realizing that this could have been his last hurrah, Pat the Bat soaked it all in.

Whatever happens with him in the offseason, it was exciting to see Burrell finally win the title that he has longed for. Phillies fans have given him grief for many years, but its only because as a whole they wanted him to succeed so badly.

So the ticker tape has been swept and the streets have been cleared, but the memories of the 2008 season will never die. With Spring Training just three-and-a-half months away, the Phillies have work to do as they try to come back in 2009 with a repeat performance.

On Monday, it looks as though assistant General Manager Ruben Amaro will be promoted, taking over for the now-retired Pat Gillick. His first job will be the GM meetings in California this week.

Now is no time to stop. The Phillies should be happy that they have finally given the city their first title in 25 years. But they also cannot be complacent. The world champs need to come back fully loaded for next season and work on a back-to-back.

Enjoy the offseason, because before you know it, the Phillies and the rest of MLB will be back and fighting for the championship in ’09.

Phillies/Rays Game Five Postponed Until Wednesday

Patrick Gallen — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:35:35 -0400

NOTE: Phillies/Rays Game Five postponed until Wednesday night at 8:37pm.

If this is Mother Nature’s song, it ain’t a pretty tune.

Are you a Phillies fan and feel gypped? Join the rainy parade.

It took me a while to convey my thoughts onto the computer, mostly because I am filled with a bit of rage and some anger and some resentment toward the Gods and Momma Nature herself.

As everyone in the tri-state area undoubtedly knows, Game Five of the Phillies/Rays series is suspended until further notice, stuck in park through 5 ½ innings. The game is tied 2-2 and the Phillies lead the series three-games-to-one, but the inclement weather changes everything. And the clouds don’t seem to want to stop crying.

But isn’t that what Philly is all about. Phils’ fans are all crying out loud too. Crying because they feel cheated that a World Series Championship could be won two days after it started. Crying because they are upset at the umpires and the commissioners handling of the game. Crying because there is no way that game should have been played as long as it was.

Grab a tissue, because it won’t end there. The weather forecast shows more uncertainty in the next 12-24 hours, but the wet stuff will continue, this much is known. The rain and the wind and the chilly conditions are on the menu, making this World Series one of the craziest maybe ever.

To recap the game itself, Cole Hamels had been cruising until Carlos Pena knocked in B.J. Upton in the top of the sixth inning to tie the game at two. The Phillies got two in the first inning on a bases loaded single by Shane Victorino. However, their woes continue with runners on base, this time leaving nine on through five innings. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Phillies should have more than two runs on the board, but their inability to hit in the clutch is proving too much to handle. It’s getting old, fellas.

Hamels finished with a stellar line score. He went six innings and gave up two earned runs through tumultuous circumstances. The staff ace pitched about as well as he could given that he barely threw any breaking pitches because he just could not grip the ball. Hamels also was hit on his hand during a bunt attempt, so the biting wind possibly hindered his ability to throw anything other than a fastball.

Scott Kazmir did not pitch very well for Tampa Bay, but got out of the jams when he needed to. The terrible situational hitting by the Phillies also helped him.

When (or if) the game resumes tomorrow (as I write this sentence, MLB has announced it is postponing the game until Wednesday night at 8:37) or on New Years Eve, the Rays will likely bring David Price out to the mound, which would be a very tough match up for the Phils’ lineup. Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said that he would not bring a starting pitcher out to finish the game, but that decision may change in time.

So with the game tied and the conditions in doubt, we wait. We continue to wait for a championship in Philadelphia, because that’s how it goes here. If you thought it would be easy, you’re sorely mistaken. The baseball Gods wouldn’t have it any other way. Especially as they all hover over Broad and Pattison.

Ryan Howard's Return to Form Helps Propel Phillies to Brink of Championship

Patrick Gallen — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:27:39 -0400

Be excited, but tread lightly. Enjoy all of this, but celebrate with guarded optimism.

The Philadelphia Phillies are one win away from capturing this city’s first World Championship in any sport since 1983. Forgive me for trying to spoil the fun, because the Phillies still have a job to do. They have won nothing yet.

After last night’s explosive 10-2 victory, the Phillies are knocking on the door or history. In Game Five tonight they send their ace and MVP to this point, Cole Hamels, to the mound to try and finish what he started. After capturing the opening games in each series, Hamels can put the exclamation point on years of futility. But just be cautious, there is still another game to be played.

As for yesterday, the Phillies' bats came alive and their pitching staff continued to dominate. Joe Blanton pitched six awe-inspiring innings, striking out seven Rays batters while chipping in on the offensive end as well. Blanton’s offensive production was a home run to left center field off of Rays' reliever Edwin Jackson. "Big Joe" sent a 93-MPH heater into the night and left Phils' fans, and teammates, in a frenzy.

Beyond Blanton’s great effort, it was nice to finally see Ryan Howard producing offensively. He had been mired in a power slump for the better part of the playoffs; that was until his Game Three bomb that helped seal the deal.

Game Four turned out to be twice as nice. Howard sent two out into the seats, one being the real nail in the Rays proverbial coffin, an opposite field three-run shot that told all of Philadelphia Ryan Howard was back.

His second statement shot was a laser beam to deep right center that could have taken the head off of a fan from 400 feet away. That eighth inning blast was the icing on the cake, and it made everyone believe that a championship was on the horizon. It’s a shame we had to wait so long for Howard to revert back to his old self, but as the adage goes, better late than never.

Jayson Werth was yet another hero from Game Four, as he smacked a two-run bomb off of Dan Wheeler in the eighth inning, two batters before Howard. Werth had been struggling from time to time during the playoffs, but he is now hitting .400 in the World Series, and has given the Phillies a devastating one-two punch at the top of the order, alongside Jimmy Rollins.

Speaking of J-Roll, he too put together yet another outstanding performance, reaching base four times. He too seems to have snapped out of his lethargic streak, finally putting forth consecutive consistent games. We all know that when J-Roll rolls, so rolls the offense—or something like that.

If the series ends tonight, and if you could give the MVP to a group instead of just one human, how could it not go to the Phillies' bullpen?

It started off as a question mark way back in spring training and has blossomed into one of the best in baseball. The ‘pen as kept us in so many games and deserves a lot of the recognition it is not receiving.

Other than Brad Lidge, who has not blown a save all season, Ryan Madson has been the true anchor of the late-inning lock down. He has been absolutely spectacular, and deserves credit for getting the game to Lidge without incident. JC Romero, Scott Eyre and Chad Durbin have all stepped up in the postseason and made this possible.

So we are one win away from a Philadelphia championship. Most people didn’t think this was possible, but here we are, on the edge of it.

Tonight will be a very special occasion if they do clinch the title, so make sure you celebrate it in style. Have fun, and most importantly be careful, because the city is brimming with intensity, and the lid is about to blow off.

Just nine more innings of Phillies baseball, and we can call ourselves champions.

Sounds good to me.

thinkphillysports.com

http://www.examiner.com/x-1164-Philadelphia-Phillies-Examiner

Phillies-Rays: What To Expect

Patrick Gallen — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:56:57 -0400

The time is now for the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays. The World Series starts tonight (8:22 pm, FOX) and all of the excuses can now be tossed. It’s time for both teams to play as if this were Game Seven. They can leave nothing behind. Here is what we should expect in this match up from both teams.

Rays: Lefty On Lefty

At every opportunity that is possible, expect Joe Maddon to call on his several left-handed relievers from the bullpen. David Price, Trever Miller, and J.P. Howell will show up multiple times each in this series as the Rays realize that the Phils big hitters (Howard, Utley) struggle with lefties.

For the Phillies to minimize the impact of the Rays left-handers, there is a simple remedy. Hit the ball. Howard and Utley need to be patient at the plate without being passive. Both will see many breaking balls away from this triumvirate of pitchers, something they should be used to by now. The Howard and Utley combination may be the most important part of this series for Philadelphia. If they don’t hit, it could be a very long series.

Phillies: No Walks

During the regular season, the Tampa Bay Rays stole 142 bases, tops in the majors. Their 626 walks as an offense was third in the entire league. These two stats may not look like much, but in the World Series, it could mean everything.

With patient hitters and a speedy lineup, the Rays can easily manufacture runs, something the Phillies offense struggles with. If the Phillies pitchers allow them to reach base via the free pass, we could be looking at a lot of men in scoring position. Rays manager Joe Maddon loves to run and will not hesitate at any point in the game.

The Phils' staff must pitch to contact, plain and simple. If they do not, this may end up being a short series, as the Rays have figured out how to best utilize each player in their order. While the Phillies bullpen has been nothing short of magnificent, they need to be just a little bit better against a feverishly hot Rays offense. The key for the Phillies is keeping their base on balls to a minimum, while playing superb defense.

For the Phillies to succeed, they must get power production from the middle of the order and they cannot give up free passes to one of the fastest teams in all of baseball. On the flip side, the Rays will try to counter with an abundance of left-handed pitching and they will run at every opportunity.

These are two teams that match up very well. And finally, the wait is over. The World Series is here, folks. Enjoy it.

2008 World Series: Can the Phillies Handle the Young Rays?

Patrick Gallen — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:11:38 -0400

Yesterday, as a preview of the World Series, my focus was on the pitching staff and bullpen of the Tampa Bay Rays.

From the top of the rotation (Shields, Kazmir, Garza), to the end of the ‘pen (Price, Wheeler, Balfour), they are stacked with quality arms. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither were these Rays. Years of struggle and hardship finally paved the way for a successful ballclub in 2008.

Next, we will look at the lineup and the defense that each bring. The Rays have a rare blend of speed, power, and a young lineup that exudes determination. They will also play nearly perfect defense, and the intangibles of the game were learned from their great manager, Joe Madden.

Here is a sneak peek at the Tampa Rays position players.

At the top of their order stands a diminutive Japanese import named Akinori Iwamura. Aki, as he is known in Tampa, is a slap-hitting speedster that moved to second base this season after playing third full-time last season. He has made the change look easy, adapting to his position and committing only seven errors this year. His .990 fielding percentage was third best in all of baseball.

He is a devil (no pun intended) at the top of the order and on the field, normally starting the game off right for the Rays.

B.J. Upton might be one of the most impressive youngsters in the game today. His regular-season numbers were a bit underwhelming (nine homers, 67 RBI, 44 SB) but he has more than made up for that in the postseason.

His seven bombs in the playoffs are tied for the second most in postseason history, behind only Barry Bonds and Carlos Beltran, who both smacked eight. He has done his damage in just 46 at-bats. Upton is red hot, and while he can make a bonehead mistake or two on the basepaths, this center fielder and No. 2 hitter is for real.

His range in the outfield cannot be overlooked, either. Upton plays as shallow as anyone in the game and with his gazelle-like wheels, he can run anything down with ease.

Batting third in the order, and normally supplying the power to the order, is Carlos Pena. For Pena, the playoffs have been a sweet taste of victory since he is just two seasons removed from hitting one home run. That’s right, one homer.

General Manager Andrew Freidman saw a project at the plate, but a guy with a very good glove, and brought him in before the 2007 season. Pena surprised his GM, and the rest of baseball, by hitting 46 home runs and knocking in 121 runs.

This season, his numbers were a bit lower, but he still hit 30+ dingers. The Phillies' pitchers must be careful, because this guy has proven over the last two seasons that he can leave the yard with the very best.

The cleanup hitter is another young star in the making. Evan Longoria has been mistaken with the actress that nearly bares his name. That’s going to stop very, very soon.

Longoria is an absolute mashing machine, built to hit 40 homers per season and knock in well over 100 runs for a long time. This season, in just 122 games, Longoria hit 27 home runs and positioned himself for the Rookie of the Year award in the American League. His defense isn’t too shabby, either. His 12 errors at the hot corner put him in with the best in MLB.

Behind him in the five-hole is the longest tenured Ray. Carl Crawford has been around since 2002 and has witnessed the downtrodden teams assembled around him. He is one of the fastest men in the sport and plays a mean left field. With Crawford in left and Upton in center, rarely does any ball get by them that shouldn’t.

Crawford is superb hitter and base stealer, and while his power was down this season (eight this season, down from 18 in ’06), he really didn’t need it. He did play in only 109 games due to injuries, to be fair, so if the Phillies aren’t careful, Crawford can send a ball out of the yard. They need to be wary of his baserunning abilities first and foremost, as Crawford has stolen 50 or more bases four times in his career.

The bottom of the order ends with a platoon at DH with three veterans, Cliff Floyd, Rocco Baldelli, and Willy Aybar, usually batting in the sixth spot. Each player brings power, and Floyd brings the most leadership of the crew, having won a title with the Florida Marlins. Baldelli has been with the Rays for quite some time and missed most of this season with a rare disease. He is the heart and soul of the franchise.

Baldelli will also play right field in a platoon with Gabe Gross and Fernando Perez. Each brings minimal power to the order, but they all play a very solid right field.

Rounding out the order is catcher Dioner Navarro, normally the seventh or eighth batter, and Jason Bartlett, the nine-hole guy and wizard with the glove at shortstop. Navarro does a very good job calling the game from the catcher position, and Bartlett has solidified the middle infield since coming over from Minnesota before the start of the season.

One of their top men off of the bench is utility man Ben Zobrist. Zobrist can play any outfield position and can also play third base or shortstop, if needed.

This is an extremely deep team, filled with role players, sluggers, speed demons, and defensive masterminds. For the Phillies to defeat a team with such a well-rounded roster, they will need the pitching staff to control the game. That burden rests on Cole Hamels for Game One.

As they showed in both the Chicago series and the Boston series, this Rays squad cannot be taken lightly. Hopefully the Phils can hang with such a young and talented roster.

thinkphillysports.com

Philadelphia Phillies Examiner

2008 World Series: Is There a Ray of Hope for the Phillies?

Patrick Gallen — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:19:22 -0400

The wait is over.

The Philadelphia Phillies have finally found out who their opponent will be in the World Series as the Tampa Bay Rays finished off the defending champion Boston Red Sox in seven games.

Nearly enduring a complete collapse after speeding out to a 3-1 lead, the Red Sox won Game Five by erasing a seven run deficit in the seventh inning and nearly streaked to the finish line. However, the Rays did not falter in Game Seven, and they wrapped things up to reach their first World Series in franchise history.

The Phils can now worry about one challenger. Having faced the Rays just a handful of times over the years, the Phillies are completely unfamiliar with their team. If you too are unfamiliar with Tampa Bay, here are a few things you need to know before the series begins:

Excellent Pitching

The Rays are heavy handed with very good starting pitching, and also boast a decent bullpen.

Their starting rotation of James Shields, Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine all sport ERAs under four in the postseason.

Garza, the so-called third starter, won twice in the ALCS against Boston and was awarded the MVP of the series. Sonnanstine was the victor in each of his starts in the postseason and Shields, while just 1-2, has not given up more than three earned runs in a game in the playoffs.

Kazmir is their “ace”, although Shields or Garza could be given that title as well, and has been the “worst” in the playoffs so far. He did shut down the Red Sox in Game Five, but the bullpen blew the game for him, leading to the seven game series.

The bullpen is a bunch of unknowns to us Philadelphians, but it may be every bit as potent as our own group of relievers.

Five of their relief pitchers have ERAs under two and their ‘pen is complete with several lefthanders who will give the Phillies batters nightmares in the late innings.

J.P Howell is one of the prime lefties and is their most used option out of the bullpen. He has appeared in nine games so far this postseason and has given up just two earned runs over 9 2/3 innings, while striking out 12. Look for Howell to be a thorn in the sides of the lefty batters in the Phillies lineup, as we all know they struggle in late-inning situations against lefthanders.

David Price, the relative unknown who closed out Game Seven against the Sox, is just 23 years old. But don’t let his age fool you. The kid can thrown up to 96 MPH on the gun and has nasty breaking pitches. Oh, and he is lefthanded, so look out Ryan and Chase.

Chad Bradford is a submarine-style pitcher who does not throw hard, but will fool you with his style. He is one of the elder statesmen on this squad, having appeared in 22 career postseason games.

Trever Miller is another lefty specialist who we could see in the late innings too. He has appeared in only four postseason games, but is still a lefty to be reckoned with.

Edwin Jackson was relegated to the bullpen but was the Rays fifth starter throughout the season. As their fifth, he actually led the Rays in wins this season with 14. He is a righty who throws smoke and can throw long innings of relief should the Rays need him to.

Rounding out the ‘pen are their two workhorses, Grant Balfour and Dan Wheeler. They have been the go-to guys in relief for most of the playoffs, but each suffered a meltdown of sorts in the Game Five loss against Boston in which they were given a seven run lead.

Balfour is a hard-throwing emotional type who will use that emotion to psyche out the opposition. Wheeler is a veteran who does not have overpowering pitches, but wills his way to get the job done.

All-in-all this is a scary pitching staff from top to bottom. They can throw out a number of lefthanders, most of their guys throw very hard, and the rotation is incredibly deep. The Phillies do not match up well with left handed pitching, but will see plenty of it in this series. Tomorrow, the Rays lineup and defense goes under the microscope.

thinkphillysports.com

http://www.examiner.com/x-1164-Philadelphia-Phillies-Examiner

Philadelphia 76ers: 2008 Season Preview

Patrick Gallen — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 08:49:41 -0400

My, what a turnaround.

After years of disappointment, with Allen Iverson leading mediocre teams through the early-to-mid 2000s, a new core was assembled.

Former General Manager Billy King will not get the credit for this, but he was the man who ultimately decided Iverson’s fate in this town, shipping him to the Denver Nuggets on December 19, 2006. In return, the 76ers received Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first-round selections in the 2007 draft.

At the time it seemed like the Sixers were bringing in damaged goods, but the plan to overhaul and start anew finally came to fruition during the second half of last year.

King was fired in December of 2007, and replaced by former New Jersey Nets assistant GM Ed Stefanski. After King left the team, things began to move in the right direction. And even though King was often chastised for being one of the worst general managers in all of professional sports, he came up with a plan to rebuild that worked.

So, here we are now, on the cusp of the 2008 season. With the groundwork that was laid from the Iverson trade two seasons ago, the Sixers had the wealth to open up their checkbook on the open market this summer. When they returned from the spending spree, they came away with one of the best power forwards in the game.

Elton Brand is the new face of the franchise, and was signed for five years and $82 million. There is now hope that the Sixers can take the next step as a playoff team, and move into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, with the likes of Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, and Orlando. Easier said than done.

Here is how the team will look for the 2008 season:

Starters

The starting five is comprised of two athletically-gifted swingmen, a solid point guard who embodies the true meaning of the position, a center who can swat the ball away and provides stellar defense, and an elite power forward brought in to stabilize the offense.

The two swingmen are Andre Iguodala, the starter at the two guard, and Thaddeus Young, the small forward.

The success of the Sixers in 2008 may revolve around their shooting guard. Last season, Iguodala took a giant stride forward in becoming a star in the NBA. His athleticism is ridiculous, and his fast-break skills are uncanny. The question that will surround Iguodala this season is—can he share?

Averaging nearly 20 points per game in ’07, Iggy will now have to give the “rock” up a bit more to Brand and Young, as well as Louis Williams off the bench.

In the offseason, Iguodala needed to work on his outside game. If he can learn to work off the ball and hit those outside shots, then we will know that Iggy has matured and embraced the team concept. Financially, he is locked up tight and when teamed with Brand, he should make for one-half of an entertaining duo.

Thad Young is another freakishly gifted player, who was relegated to the pine for much of last season. However, head coach Maurice Cheeks realized that for him to blossom, he needed to be out on the court. Plus, Reggie Evans was giving them zero offensive production at the four, so why not try it? Needless to say, it worked.

At just 20 years old, Young has a lot of learning left to do. He will struggle from time to time with his shot and with the nuances of the game, but he is a star in the making. His 8.2 points per game might seem modest, but he is a high-energy guy that will be with this team for years to come.

The man in the middle is Sam Dalembert. One of the best shot-blockers in the NBA, Sammy D is also still learning the game. He will never be a big-bodied bruiser in the middle, but the Sixers don’t need him to be. They need him to block shots, rebound well, and occasionally knock down the short jump shot.

He did a fine job with all of that last season, averaging 10 points and 10 boards per contest, one of just 13 players in the entire league to average a double-double. Even if his scoring goes down, which is very likely, Dalembert is still a force in the middle.

The guy who runs the show, Andre Miller, had a career year in 2007. With over 17 points and nearly seven assists per game, Miller taught this team how to win with his veteran leadership down the stretch. He will be called upon once again this year to take Lou Williams and the other young guards under his wing.

Miller may not be a Sixer much longer, however, as his contract expires after the season. Will he re-sign and stick around to see the team flourish, or will he be shipped off for draft picks and salary cap space? Ed Stefanski has a big decision to make with Miller, who is now 32.

Miller should have an easier time dishing the ball out with a more talented team—but if the Sixers feel Lou Williams is the answer at the point, he could be a goner.

The prized jewel of the offseason haul was Elton Brand. After seven seasons with the doormat Los Angeles Clippers, Brand opted out of the final year of his contract and decided to head east. It looked like a long shot for the Sixers to acquire Brand, but Stefanski made it happen.

In the process, the 76ers solidified the power-forward spot (previously held by Young and Evans) and added a 20-point, 10-rebound guy in the process.

On paper, Brand makes the Philadelphia 76ers a surefire contender. He is a big fella, but is still athletic and can bang around down low with the best.

The main concern surrounding Brand is his health. Assuming he is completely healed from his Achilles tendon problem of a year ago, he should lead this team deeper into the postseason.

Brand is a superstar who now has a supporting cast. He is the main ingredient towards cooking up a championship in Philadelphia.

Bench:

A major weakness of a year ago, the 76ers' bench was reassembled over the summer and now looks like that of a winner. Players like Ollie, Amundson, Giricek, Booth, Randolph, and Carney were replaced with a slew of veterans.

The sixth man is undoubtedly Louis Williams, who made strides last season, his third in the association. Williams can penetrate off the dribble, knock down the three-ball and also run the point. He is one of the quickest ball handlers in the game, being compared to a less-refined Monta Ellis.

Williams looks to be an Allen Iverson-lite, a spark plug who can fill up the rim instantly. He will be another major key to the success of the Sixers the season. If he improves on his 11.5 points per game, he could be in the running for sixth man of the year in the NBA.

Former Sixer favorite Theo Ratliff is one of the new vets that will help solidify the pine. Ratliff was an elite shot blocker in his younger days, but at 35, he is nothing more than a breather for Dalembert. The Sixers need 10-12 minutes from him every night to spell the bigs. Anything more might be pushing it.

Two sharpshooters were signed as well to help bolster the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA. Kareem Rush, a five-year vet, is a career 36-percent shooter from beyond the arc. At just 27, Rush can stroke the triple, but is also athletic enough to run the floor on the break.

Joining Rush is fellow long-range specialist Donyell Marshall. Returning to the area where he grew up, Marshall has bounced around the league in his 10 seasons, playing with six different teams.

As his age has caught up to him, he has grasped the role of the outside shooter, rather than the scorer he was years ago. He is not only a decent shooter, but will supply Cheeks and the 76ers with another viable leader.

A relative unknown outside of Milwaukee (and Texas, where he went to school), point guard Royal Ivey signed with the Sixers to take the place of the ageless wonder Kevin Ollie. Ivey is a defensive stalwart first and foremost, bringing tenacity that is second-to-none in the NBA. He can score a bit, but his main weapon is the ability to shut down the scorers on the other team.

Ivey is one of the guys to look for this season as the back up. Not many people know about him, but they will once the season starts. He should become a fan favorite quickly, with his blue-collar work ethic on the court.

Sixer fans know Willie Green from his days in the starting rotation, but he is now part of the strong bench. Green is really better suited for a backup role, and should flourish provided he can regain his shooting touch. He shot just 43 percent during the '07-08 campaign, and just 28 percent behind the arc.

Rounding out the bench is Marresse Speights, the 76ers' first round choice in the '08 Draft, and Reggie Evans.

Speights should learn a great deal about becoming a power forward behind Brand and Evans this season. His commitment and motor were two question marks during the draft. However, you can’t teach size, and Speights is huge, with a soft touch around the hoop. Look for him to make a minimal impact with the team this year, though he has great mentors in Brand and assistant coach Jeff Ruland.

Evans is a nice high-energy guy who should see about 15 minutes per game. He is a great rebounder, but can’t do much else. Evans is perfect for the bench.

Jason Smith is another youngster, but he will miss the entire season with a torn ACL. Smith showed some promise last season in a limited role, but we will have to wait until 2009 to see him again.

So there you have it, your 2008-09 Philadelphia 76ers.

There is a nice group of elite players, veteran role players, athletic freaks, and outside shooters. The hardest part falls on Mo Cheeks, who will have to figure out the best rotation possible in order to maximize the performance of this squad.

The pieces are in place. The only question is will they mesh quickly? Another first round playoff exit just wont do—the stakes are too high.

With all of the new pieces in place, it should be an exciting season for the new 76ers.

World Series: Philadelphia vs. Tampa B...Wait a Sec!

Patrick Gallen — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:42:20 -0400

Going to the bottom of the seventh inning, the only thing the Tampa Bay Rays seemed to be worrying about was whether or not the champagne in the clubhouse was chilled yet. Perhaps they were considering wearing goggles while spraying each other with liquid celebration. They could have been looking ahead, and if they were, it showed.

The Boston Red Sox were down 7-0 going into the bottom of the inning and somehow, some way, came back to win 8-7 on a J.D. Drew single in the ninth. It was the greatest postseason comeback in Red Sox history and one run shy of an all-time MLB comeback.

Boston still trails 3-2 in the series, but you have to imagine that the momentum that the Rays carried is all but gone.

David Ortiz and J.D. Drew were the saviors in this one, just as they have been so many times before. And Boston is used to this sort of thing. Twice in the last four seasons they have come back from at least a two-game deficit to win the ALCS. That does not bode well for this young Rays club. If the Rays prove to be fragile, this could be yet another chapter in the book of Red Sox Nation.

In 2004, the Sawks came back from being down 3-0 to the Yankees in the Championship series, only to win four straight, the first team in Major League Baseball history to accomplish that feat. Last season, they trailed the Cleveland Indians 3-1 and won three in a row. And both times the outcome was the same. A World Series ring.

As Phillies fans, what do we want to see? Do we want to see this go seven games with the Red Sox winning and bringing with them a slew of energy into the World Series? Should we hope that the Rays close it out tomorrow night so that the Phils have more time to prepare for one club?

Maybe we should pray that the Rays win in seven themselves, so that they come into the next round demoralized but relieved that they escaped the wrath of the Red Sox.

What Philadelphia should hope for is the Rays closing this one out tonight. Historically, the Phillies have been awful against Boston in interleague play. All time, the Phils are just 12-19 against the Red Sox, but to be fair, they are just 5-10 against Tampa Bay.

Since 2004, the Phillies are 3-12 against Boston, an ugly stat. They have had very little success against these two ballclubs, and while no series has been of this magnitude, the numbers never lie.

My choice, and with caution, is Tampa Bay. Now don’t get me wrong, they have played remarkably all season, but the choice has to be the Rays. You want to take your chances with a team that has no playoff experience and is young and prone to mistakes. My gut tells me this because the Red Sox have been playoff tested these past few years, you want to stay away from them.

However, it’s not an easy judgment. Teams that are hot going into the next round are tough to face.

So when it comes down to it, would you rather have to face a team that has two World Championships in the last four years, a roster stacked with all-stars and clutch performers in the postseason, and a relentless fanbase? Or would you like to see the new kid in town, the up-and-comer with an array of amazing young talent that offensively is extremely hot right now? It’s a very tough call, and this argument may not be decided until seven games have been played.

thinkphillysports.com

Philadelphia Phillies Examiner

Are the Philadelphia Phillies Really Going to the World Series?

Patrick Gallen — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:49:06 -0400

After years of waiting through tumultuous times that rarely produced a winner, Phillies fans finally have something to smile about. So many terrible teams later and 15 years removed from their last trip to the World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies are back.

Drink it down again Philly, it always goes down smooth.

There is now hope for the championship-starved town that fills the pot with emotion 365 days a year but rarely is rewarded with a positive outcome. Those days might finally be over.

In Wednesday night’s 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Fightin’s faithful didn’t have to wait long to get pumped. Jimmy Rollins, the “table setter” for this Phillies lineup, led off the game with a home run, only seven pitches into Game Five of the NLCS.

He started the party early, and the Phils never looked back. Whenever you can shake the nerves and stress of a clinching game right off the bat, it makes everything that much easier. Credit J-Roll with an incredible opening at-bat that really helped loosen the team up from the get go.

In my keys to Game Five, Rollins was the driving force to a win. He needed to come out early and make his mark, and he did just that.

As for the rest of the team, everyone seemed to come up big in their own way. Cole Hamels pitched a beauty once again, proving to all that he IS the big-game pitcher that the Phillies believed he was when they drafted him in 2002. He went seven innings, giving up just one run on a long ball to Manny Ramirez, while striking out five.

Hamels, the NLCS MVP, shut down the Dodgers in both games, and by doing so will now get to pitch in Game One of the World Series.

The lineup also came through in a big way. Another key to the victory was Ryan Howard, who showed his presence by smacking three hits and knocking in a big run in the two-run third inning. Howard had been MIA for the better part of the playoffs, and while struggling with the stick, he continued to stink with the leather as well.

Last night was different, as he put together a strong outing that will silence the critics and hopefully give him some confidence going into the World Series. A home run in the next round would be nice, too.

Pat Burrell had an RBI in the third and Shane Victorino reached base three times Wednesday night. Chase Utley didn’t have success with the bat, but reached base twice and scored two runs. He also continued to play the field well, turning two double plays and making another great diving catch. The big players stepped in and took control when they needed to, showing their veteran leadership.

Brad Lidge took his place on the mound in the ninth where he has been lights out, and he didn’t disappoint. Lidge closed the door on the Dodgers, and as the team emptied the dugout after the final out, all of the Phillies demons were erased. All of the futility, the losing, the horror of so many missed opportunities will be put away for a few more days.

The man who kept the ship sailing throughout a crazy up and down season was Charlie Manuel. Even with some tumult of his own, Manuel kept his head held high and led the team to the Promised Land.

As a player’s manager, Manuel meshed with the team and treated each like a son, something that can’t be said about many other major-league managers. By taking a personal approach to each man on that roster, Manuel made it feel like the Phillies were a family. His importance cannot be overlooked.

The Phillies have a very strong team, the key word being team. They genuinely care about each other and play as a team. Perhaps later today we will find out the Phillies opponent for the World Series, which starts on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

So forget about the 10,000 losses, the futility, and the downright garbage teams that have been part of our town for 125 years.

It’s time to enjoy the World Series.

And win or lose, the Phillies have given this city something to feel good about.

And that doesn’t happen very often.

Go Phils.

Phillies-Dodgers: Keys for the Phillies in Game Five

Patrick Gallen — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:11:46 -0400

After yelling and screaming for stability in the lineup, the Phillies finally offered some in Game Four. Every Phillies starter had a hit, and unlikely postseason sources (Matt Stairs, hell, even Ryan Howard had an RBI!) helped out as well. Joe Blanton also continued his trend of pitching a solid game, just enough to keep the team in it after all is said and done.

Shane Victorino stayed hot by launching a two-run home run into the right-field bullpen on Monday night, and Chase Utley had three hits. Even though the offense seems to be clicking as of now, there are still major shortcomings that cannot be overlooked. Here are some crucial story lines to look for in tonight’s Game Five.

Where have you gone, Jimmy Rollins?

J-Roll has been a non-factor for this entire series and for most of the playoffs. Batting just .118 in the NLCS, he has been a burden to an offense that has struggled to find consistency.

Rollins is the supposed “table setter” for the batting order, but has looked completely lost, reverting back to the old days of the shallow pop fly that drove the city of Philadelphia mad. He is the absolute No. 1 key to tonight’s ball game. They have been lucky to get by without his presence at the top, something that surely cannot continue for this amazing playoff run to stay successful.

What the Phillies need from him is to slap hits through the infield and maybe lay down a bunt to get the wheels in motion. Without J-Roll on the basepath, this Phils squad lacks that knockout punch.

Speaking of lost, have you seen Ryan Howard?

After 48 home runs and 146 RBI during the regular season, this should have been Ryan Howard’s coming out party as the premier slugger in baseball. Instead, we’ve been forced to watch his humorous Subway commercial and then also have to sit through his laughable approach at the plate.

Ryan, just stand there! Everyone knows you’re the big man and you have to knock in runs. These all-important statistics will set you up with a big contract coming out of the postseason. But, for the love of God, just stand there.

The Dodgers have rarely given him anything to hit in this series, and he has given the Phillies little in return. Howard is hitting just .185 in the playoffs with only two RBI. The Dodgers pitchers have been throwing him a plethora of breaking pitches down and away, and Ryan has made them look good doing it.

A strong performance from Howard should ease the pain in the middle of the order and might silence the critics in the meantime. After smacking 11 homers in September, Howard has yet to hit a long ball in the postseason. Hopefully that works as a nice segue into tonight’s game.

Rattle Chad Billingsley early

In Game 2, the young righty Billingsley was tortured early and often to the tune of seven earned runs over two-and-one-third innings. For the Phillies to have success, they need to produce more of the same agony for the 24 year old.

By coming out in the first inning and keeping Billingsley off kilter, the Phillies will gain a distinct advantage. Rattle him and send him to the showers early, and you’re staring at a ravaged Dodger bullpen that has been battered over the last few contests.

Brett Myers did his damage against Billingsley and though he won’t be pitching tonight, there is word that Charlie Manuel may start him at first base over the struggling Ryan Howard.

But with all joking aside, the keys to tonight’s ballgame are relatively simple. Have your two superstars hit the baseball and get a few hits early off of a young pitcher. Seems easy, right? Stay tuned.

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Phillies Win 7-5; Take the Stairs to a 3-1 Series Lead

Patrick Gallen — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:55:40 -0400

Stair-way to heaven. Climbing the Stairs. Stair-ing down destiny.

Corny clichés, maybe. But they tell the tale of an insane Game 4, capped by a mammoth eighth inning home run by the man, the myth, the legend Matt Stairs.

If you don't know much about the guy, there's a reason for that. He doesn’t play much. Now 40 years-old, Stairs just hit the biggest (and maybe the furthest) home run of his long career, spring boarding the Phillies to within one game of their first World Series berth in the last 15 years.

The story of Matt Stairs leads back to his hometown of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, where Stairs grew up wanting to be a hockey player. Two hundred and fifty-four home runs later and 16-seasons into an illustrious career, he has helped catapult the Phils to the brink of an NL Pennant. Stairs would have undoubtedly fit in beautifully with the 1993 Phils: a big goatee, a big waist and a big bat.

The villain of the series came up to bat in the unreal eighth inning of Game 4, two spots before Stairs. Shane Victorino, with one-on and two-out, smacked a scorching line drive that looked like it had no chance to leave the ballpark. Then it carried and carried and carried until it landed in the Phillies bullpen. Tie game, 5-5. After a Carlos Ruiz single, Stairs came up and annihilated the baseball into the upper atmosphere of Chavez Ravine. Jonathan Broxton’s 95-plus mph heater couldn’t sneak past the big man, and it cost the Dodgers. Phillies lead, 7-5. Stairs would later say, “I’m not going to lie, I try to hit home runs, and that’s it.” That’s the kind of quote that will have you immortalized in this town.

Beyond the glory of the Stairs blast, the real story of the game was the Phils bats coming out of hibernation. It was a major turning point for an offense that has struggled to string together multiple innings of scoring. The Phils finally opened the game with a lead of their own instead of quickly falling behind, something they had done in each of the first three games. And even though they could not hold the early 2-0 lead, the Phils did not stop Fightin’ back.

A balanced effort was needed from the offense that has often denied itself the chance to blow games wide open, constantly leaving runners on base. Last night, every starter had a hit (excluding starting pitcher Joe Blanton) and they finally got RBI’s from the middle of the order, as Chase Utley and Ryan Howard pulled through with runners in scoring position.

Two hindrances that have held the offense down have been Pedro Feliz and Carlos Ruiz. Feliz often comes up with RISP and fails to convert, which has pushed him into a third base platoon with the steady Greg Dobbs. On Monday night, Feliz came up with runners at second and third and one out and popped softly to left field, again killing a possible rally.

On the flip side, Carlos Ruiz is finding his groove at the dish. To keep the huge eighth inning alive, Ruiz singled to follow the Victorino home run, allowing Charlie Manuel to bring in Matt Stairs. The rest is history. A historic bomb that leads the Phillies to a possibly historic Game 5 on Wednesday.

The Phillies bought that Stair-way to heaven and now find themselves just 27 outs from their first pennant since 1993. And as a new hero has emerged from the depths of the Philadelphia bench, one thing remains certain; this team will not give up.

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Lost in The Drama, Phils Bats Still Cold

Patrick Gallen — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:52:05 -0400

On a wild Sunday evening in Los Angeles, fireworks were set off by both teams. No, this isn’t the 4th of July; this is the MLB playoffs. Something like this should have happened, and it did.

Brett Myers threw behind Manny Ramirez. Russell Martin got a laser up and in from Clay Condrey, but was also plunked by Jaime Moyer and Chad Durbin, respectively. Of course, one of our guys was going to get the brush back.

It just so happened that they decided to give it to one of the only players in the Phillies lineup that is swinging the bat well, Shane Victorino.

In that wild third inning, Victorino took 94-mph’s over his dome, which started a war of words and a bench-clearing dance that shot some adrenaline into this series.

After the soiree near first base, the Phillies should have sent out a search party, because their offense was missing. And lets face it. It has been incognito for some time now. Save the Game 2 outburst and the Phils have been anemic with the bats.

It all starts at the top with Jimmy Rollins. You’ve undoubtedly heard the old adage “as J-Roll goes, so go the Phils.” Well, it has never been truer than right now.

Rollins is supposed to set the table, while Victorino and Utley make the meal, and Howard and Burrell clean it up. It hasn’t been working quite the way they expected.

To be honest, they should feel lucky to be up 2-1 with such a poor showing from their strong suit, the offense.

The numbers never lie, and while the Phillies do hold a series lead, you have to wonder how it turned out that way:

Jimmy Rollins is batting .241 in the postseason, but is just 1-for-13 in the LCS.

Ryan Howard is just 4-for-23 in the playoffs, with no home runs and just one RBI.

Chase Utley is hitting .217 in the seven games.

Jayson Werth has struck out 10 times between the two series.

Pedro Feliz is, well, Pedro Feliz (and by that I mean .235, no home runs).

As you can plainly see, the struggles continue. How have they gone 5-2 this post season with collective numbers like that?

For starters, it has been the Shane Victorino show. The "Flyin’ Hawaiian" is making waves nationally now, as he leads all players with 9 RBI's in the playoffs. He is only batting .259, but has attacked at the right moments.

So don’t think it was a coincidence that the Dodgers went head hunting at the only sure thing the Phils have right now. Victorino was hot and the Dodgers wanted to cool him off, but also send a message to the Phils that homey don’t play that. So with one 94-mph fastball, the Dodgers may have killed two birds with one stone.

Tonight comes Derek Lowe, master of the sinkerball and Game 1 loser. He is working on three days rest, which could be a positive for Philadelphia. It seemed that in Game 1, when he got tired, so did his tumbling sinker.

He threw two mistake pitches to both Chase Utley and Pat Burrell, and both players deposited his high sinkers into the Bank seats.

There are no more excuses. Tonight has to be the night that the Phils snap out of the collective slump. A win means the series is clearly in their control. A loss, however, means the Dodgers will be in full command.

There is nothing left to do except hit the ball. See the ball, hit the ball. And do it tonight.

Tonight: Blanton (PHI) vs. Lowe (LAD)

first pitch 8:22 p.m.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1164-Philadelphia-Phillies-Examiner

http://thinkphillysports.com/

Philadelphia 76ers: Is Iggy Worth Eighty?

Patrick Gallen — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:50:40 -0400

You’ve got to love the superlatives analysts use to describe up and coming stars in sports. From “freakish ability” to “a great motor” to “outstanding length”, the words roll of the tongue beautifully.

Andre Iguodala is a guy who fits all three of those characterizations. He plays with heart and is a one of the fastest players in the NBA, turning on the motor for many a fast-break dunk. His length allows him to soar above the rim and his freakish ability guides him all over the court, on defense and offense.

This past season, Iguodala was a vital cog for the Philadelphia 76ers as they made it to the playoffs for the first time during the post-Allen Iverson era. His numbers during the '07-'08 season were outstanding, as he put up nearly 20 points and over five rebounds-per-game.

Each year since he entered the league as the ninth pick in the 2004 draft, Iggy has grown nearer toward being labeled as a “star” in the association. He has matured so much in the last four seasons that the Sixers brass has bestowed upon him a lucrative contract worth $80 million over six years.

The numbers have obviously been steadily increasing as Iguodala has made himself a better all-around player. He has been a constant in the 76ers lineup as well, missing just four games in four years. However, when Philly needed him most in the playoffs, Iguodala was relegated to a non-factor against Detroit in the first round.

Granted, the Pistons are a superb defensive squad, but Iguodala really missed out on an opportunity to place himself in the upper echelon of small forwards in the league. His 13 points per game in the six-game series was a far cry from the regular season, and his disappearance was a major factor in falling to the perennial playoff contenders.

The 76ers have shown recently that they are back on track and could be a force to behold in the Eastern Conference. Singing Elton Brand to a five-year deal instantly gave them credibility and brought them the post presence they sorely lacked last season. Iguodala and Brand will now form a formidable one-two punch that could give other teams fits in the East.

Although Iguodala has shown so much promise over his four seasons, one number sticks out.

Eighty.

Eighty-million big ones is a large, large number to throw at a guy who has not won a playoff series and is not even the number one option on his team (that has been passed onto Brand since he signed).

It’s a lot of dough to throw at a player who is a suspect outside shooter (just a 33% three-point shooter over his career) and occasional complainer on the court.

That $80 million is $8 million more than was given to Luol Deng, $14 million more than Monta Ellis, and right in the same ballpark as Dwight Howard ($85 million over five seasons).

Yes, Iguodala has been an amazing force for the 76ers as they look to return to their days of prominence within the Atlantic Division and more importantly the Eastern Conference. But looking at the numbers of the new deal, what was the basis the 76ers front office used when negotiating with Iguodala?

His statistics are comparable to Monta Ellis and Luol Deng over the last few seasons, so why not pay the going rate? The Sixers could have saved a bit of money over the length of the deal which may have come in handy at some point down the road.

Eight to ten million dollars over a couple of years in the NBA, which employs a salary cap, would be useful in some ways.

And lets face it, it's essential for a franchise to keep it’s players happy. And money has a way of doing that for most.

Certainly we can see that Iguodala is a budding superstar and if his track record is any indication of things to come, then he should fulfill the exorbitant deal he is about to sign.

Sixers fans have to hope that the fire stays lit and the motor keeps running for Iggy even though he is now a wealthy individual. He must work on his shooting first and foremost, and still use his uncanny ability to get to the rim if he wants to be recognized as an elite player.

Iguodala has all the tools in the world to make this contract a worthwhile one for both him and the 76ers franchise. He has shown the freakish athletic ability and the crazy hops that make him one of the best dunkers in the NBA. We all know about that engine.

What Iguodala needs to do now is come into the ’08 season and continue his ascent to the top of the league.

Because anything less wont be worth $80 million.

All-Time Greatest Mustachioed Lineup

Patrick Gallen — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:06:42 -0400

Want to be a real man? Well, first you’ll have to grow a ‘stache.

The mustache goes back thousands of years, and during that time, many great (and not-so-great) men have sported the mo. Its grace and style has wooed the opposite sex since 300 B.C., and to this day, it still holds an undeniable power.

From Salvador Dali to Charlie Chaplin to Wilford Brimley (the Quaker Oats guy, of course) to Ron Burgundy and Freddy Mercury; they all had their own powerful mustache.

Frank Zappa had a crazy one, Adam Morrison has a nasty one, and Mark Spitz won seven gold medals with one.

The Beatles made music with them, Burt Reynolds was Smokey with one, and Alex Trebek has asked many questions with it.

Jason Giambi recently shaved his mustache off, and the question had to be raised: What is the all-time greatest lineup of mustachioed men in baseball history?

Taking into account first and foremost the style of the lady killer over the lip, we must then choose who was just as great a baseball player. Here is your all-time lineup, by position.

Catcher: Mike Piazza (Dodgers, Marlins, Mets, Padres, Athletics)

Arguably the greatest catcher of all-time, at least offensively, Mike Piazza also sported a beauty of a mustache for the better part of his career.

He went through several phases of mustaches between his 427 career home runs, none of which were better than the Fu Manchu of his prime with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Varying degrees of a beard came forth with his days in New York, but nothing will beat the stash that was at the top of his game in L.A. We will miss Piazza not only for his unbelievable power, but for his unmistakable facial hair.

Close Shave: Thurman Munson, Sal Fasano

First Base: Keith Hernandez (Cardinals, Mets, Indians)

This guy's mustache was so famous he had a Seinfeld episode written for him. That was the deciding factor in choosing Hernandez over Donnie Baseball (Don Mattingly).

Hernandez does not have the statistical achievements on the same level of Mattingly, but he was a five-time All Star and an 11-time Gold Glove award winner. If there were a Hall of Fame for mustaches, Hernandez would have a real shot at being the CEO.

Close Shave: Mattingly, John Kruk

Second Base: Bobby Grich (Orioles, Angels)

On the East Coast, Bobby Grich was not a household name. In this contest, he just beat out the immortal Joe Morgan for this honor. Second base has normally been a clean-shaven position, but Grich is one of the few exceptions.

He had a free-flowing lip mane and played a damn good second base as well. Grich finished his career with 224 homers and was a six-time All Star at second base. He also won four Gold Gloves and holds the American League record for putouts in a season (484).

In the strike-shortened season of 1981, he tied for the AL lead in homers with 22. He also starred in a porn video taped on second base that same year. Just kidding, but with that mustache, would it be out of the realm of possibility?

Close Shave: Joe Morgan

Shortstop: Robin Yount (Brewers)

In the mold of Larry Bird, Robin Yount had the wispy, unkempt mustache that was blonde through and through.

Yount was also a hell of a player, winning the MVP of the American League twice and was a three-time All Star as well. He finished with 3,142 hits and was one of those rare players that stuck with one team throughout his career.

In 1999, Yount was elected as a first ballot Hall of Famer. The guy even brought the mustache to the outfield for a few seasons near the end of his career.

The numbers are incredible, but the mustachio is even better. Even now, Yount still sports a Fu Manchu while still holding onto the glory of his playing days.

Close Shave: Ozzie Smith (earlier in his career)

Third Base: Wade Boggs (Red Sox, Yankees, Devil Rays)

My apologies go out to Michael Jack Schmidt, probably the greatest offensive third baseman in history. Schmidt had an incredible mustache and a great swing to boot, slamming 548 home runs on his way to the hall. But nothing beats the 'stache of Wade Boggs at the hot corner.

Boggs had a goofy, red walrus-like mustache that he sported proudly for many years, and still to this day wears proudly.

It was an unmistakable upper-lip that helped Boggs reach the Hall of Fame behind 3,000 hits and a batting average of .328. He also started in 12 straight All-Star games, most likely due to the fans love for the 'stache.

Close Shave: Schmidt, Richie Allen (awesome sideburns, too)

Outfielders: Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield and Dwight Evans

Talk about a group of mashers with an affinity for the finer things in life…like a beautifully kept mustache.

You all know Reggie Jackson as Mr. October, for his accomplishments in the postseason throughout his illustrious career. He had your standard “chevron” mustache for many years, and is yet another Hall of Famer on this list who used the power of the 'stache to his advantage.

Yes, Jackson will be remembered for his five World Series titles and 14 All-Star games, but he too will be remembers for that beaut of a 'stache.

Dave Winfield was so good that he was drafted in three different sports: baseball, basketball, and football. He was that good of an athlete. You think the mustache had anything to do with that?

Winfield was a brash, giant of a man, standing 6'6" and weighing 220 pounds. That thick lip hair probably added a few pounds, no? After 22 seasons, Winfield hung up the cleats, but to this day, still enjoys a good 'stache.

Dwight Evans, nicknamed “Dewey,” was an accomplished right fielder that won eight Gold Glove Awards and hit a respectable 385 home runs during a long career, mostly with the Red Sox. He made up part of the three-headed outfield monster along with Jim Rice and Fred Lynn.

He also grew a thick, walrus mustache, which no doubt helped him on and off the field. His goofy stance fit in well with the dynamic mustache and helped win the hearts of Sox fans forever.

Close Shave: Rob Deer

Starting Pitcher: Randy Johnson (Expos, Mariners, Astros, Diamondbacks, Yankees)

Talk about a mean 'stache. Randy Johnson epitomized the term "mean" with his 6'10" frame and jet-fueled fastball.

His mustache helped lead him to a world championship in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, fan nearly 5,000 batters in his career, and strike fear in the hearts of opponents every day.

Johnson holds five Cy Young awards during his 21 seasons in the big leagues, and is just seven wins away from 300 for his career.

He can thank that mustache.

Close Shave: Pete Vukovich

Relief Pitcher: Rollie Fingers (A’s, Padres, Brewers)

Perhaps the most well-known mustache the game of baseball has ever known. Rollie Fingers was a great pitcher, collecting 341 saves plus is enshrined in the Hall of Fame. But everyone knows about the stash.

During the 1970s, the Oakland Athletics were known as the “Mustache Gang” for their trend of lip manes. Reggie Jackson started the trend and owner Charlie O. Finley even helped progress the idea even more as he gave Fingers a $300 bonus to grow the now-famous mustachio.

The handlebar mustache is legendary on its own and exemplified the A’s teams during that era.

Close Shave: Bruce Sutter, Goose Gossage, Dennis Eckersley, Rob Beck, Dustin Hermanson, Dan Quisenberry (notice a trend here?)

Designated Hitter: Jason Giambi

Giambi brought to light the new power of the mustache, as he started a new trend in the sport. Even though his mustache did not last that long, it was still beautiful, nonetheless.

Giambi was mired in a power slump and felt that if he grew a 'stache, there was no way the slump would continue. Boy was he right.

He slapped on the mustache and it became an instant classic throughout New York City. The mustache will rest in peace but will stay in our hearts forever.

Close Shave: Ken Phelps

Is Brett Myers Back for the Phillies?

Patrick Gallen — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:40:02 -0400

A savior is someone who rescues us from the depths of destruction, from the path of uncertainty.

A savior usually doesn’t sport a 4-9 record with an ERA well into the fives.

But right now, the Philadelphia Phillies' knight in shining armor could very well be a man with those numbers.

Brett Myers is the proud owner of that stat line, which is mostly due to an ugly first half in which he struggled to find the strike zone and lost his “swagger.” Looking beyond those repugnant figures, Myers has stitched together two solid starts, something the Phillies have badly needed as they attempt to stave off the Mets and Marlins in a crowded NL East.

Before we get into how wonderful Brett Myers appears to have become in his last two outings, we have to figure out who he was before this mudslide derailed his career temporarily.

His career record is a very respectable 63-56 and he boasts an ERA in the mid-fours. By no means was Myers an overpowering pitcher before this, but he was a decent starting pitcher by the numbers. One thing that does stand out is his strikeout total. He reached the 200-K plateau in 2005, then followed that up with 189 in 2006. So he can throw some gas.

On July 29, in his second start after returning from a stint in the minor leagues, Myers threw seven solid innings while giving up just four hits and no earned runs. The lowly Washington Nationals were the opponent, not exactly the ’27 Yankees. However, his control was back and his bluster was back on display.

Fast-forward to Sunday, August 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals, a worthy adversary with an offense a bit more proficient than those slugging Nats. This is a start for Brett Myers that could shape the structure of the season for the Phils as they progress toward October.

The line reads as such: 6IP, 4H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 3K, 64 pitches.

Quality is the moral of that performance as the Myers needed to show up strong against one of the better teams in the National League. He did just that and could have had the opportunity to go longer in the game had the Phils not needed to take his terrible bat out of the lineup with two on in the 7th inning.

On the surface it looks like another decent start, but if you look beyond the numbers the confidence is back for Brett Myers. This much-needed display of excellence from their so-called “ace” will only help down the stretch.

As the No. 1 to start the year (yes, ahead of Cole Hamels), Myers looked awful for the better part of this season. So to call the man a savior after two good starts may seem like a premature evaluation.

After peering at the numbers of the Phils starting pitchers so far this season, you will find a great deal of mediocrity. Behind Hamels, the starters seem to do enough to keep the team in games in hopes that the offense will destroy the ball and give them a real shot at winning.

Adam Eaton was despicable as the fifth starter and Kyle Kendrick is just average. Jaime Moyer has been an aberration for those pitching into their mid-40’s, with an ERA in the high 3’s and a 10-6 record. Joe Blanton has been quite average as well since joining the Phillies a few weeks ago.

Myers needs to keep his team in the ball game, his pitch count low, and his aggression and swagger controlled. If he can do that, the Phillies will be picking up a decent No. 2 starter after the deadline without having to trade anything. Certainly, two starts is a small number to go by. But it is intriguing.

Even if Brett Myers is not yet the great hope sent from above just yet, he is showing a pulse. And right now, that’s all we can ask for.

Savior or not, Brett Myers just might be back.

Should Brian Westbrook Have Shown Up at the Philadelphia Eagles' Training Camp?

Patrick Gallen — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:50:14 -0400

2,100 total yards, 12 total touchdowns, and 90 receptions out of the backfield doesn’t often walk through the door. Luckily enough for the Philadelphia Eagles, it did.

Brian Westbrook showed up to training camp on Thursday, ending speculation that he would hold out as he and his newly-minted agent Todd France look for an upgrade on the contract he signed four years ago.

Westbrook said that “there was definitely” a possibility of waiting this thing out. However, he realized the likely frenzy that would occur if he was not present, and decided it was best to let his agent handle the negotiations.

Rather than instigate a potentially ugly situation, Westbrook handled things professionally by joining his teammates on the campus of Lehigh University for yet another training camp. And that’s what makes a guy like Brian Westbrook so valuable.

In this day and age, so many players hold out, looking for leverage in the business that football has become. Westbrook let his peripherals speak for themselves.

His 2,104 yards were a team record, and his 90 catches put him up to sixth in franchise history in receptions. Beyond the beauty in numbers, Westbrook constantly plays through injuries and is clearly the most important player on this Eagles squad.

That was all the leverage he needed.

But here’s the question: Would we have faulted him had he held out?

The answer is rather simple, and it should be an emphatic no.

As Eagles fans, we clamor for the franchise to open up their deep pocketbooks to bring in top–notch free agents. Westbrook may as well play this as being a free-agent because he has thoroughly outplayed his contract.

In 2005, he signed a five-year, $25 million extension, which just three years later has become chump change. He deserves some guaranteed money right now, for he knows that the horrifying age of 30 is just around the bend. That’s the age when running backs supposedly start running downhill and when some are let out of their big-time contracts in order for the team to save cap space.

When the season gets underway, Westbrook will be 29-years old and is approaching the back end of what has been a heck of a career. But right now, he still is what he is: an elite, pass-catching super-back that does it all and never seems to complain.

But now the complaints are being heard. Westbrook believes he deserves LaDainian Tomlinson-type dollars, and who can blame him for that? Tomlinson was given $21 million guaranteed in 2004, which four years later is still big money for a superb running back.

Westbrook wants more than that, believing with inflation over these few years, that number is closer to $30 million.

Whether or not he deserves THAT much money is another subject for another time. We all know he does deserve some type of compensation for playing well beyond the limitations of his ordinary contract.

Westbrook also has seen what goes on around him in the past. As part of the Eagles' technique when dealing with veteran players, not many of them stick around past 30. B-West knows this, and he wants to bank as much as possible before the word "retirement" can rear its ugly head.

Countless franchise staples have been tied to the old oak tree behind Lincoln Financial Field and put out of their misery. Jevon Kearse, Bobby Taylor, Troy Vincent, Duce Staley, and Jeremiah Trotter are just a few of the names that have been axed from their contracts as they met the downswing of their careers.

In most cases, the Eagles are correct with their assessment of the players. They know when to say when.

With that said, there is no denying the frugality of this franchise. Management calls it “salary-cap positioning” every year. But what is it exactly that you position yourself for? To pay the best players, of course.

Rarely do the Eagles make a big splash with trades or free-agent signings. Yes, Kearse was a beautiful pickup at the time, and everyone with a pulse knows about the Terrell Owens situation and how that ended.

This season, Asante Samuel was brought in and given big-time dollars to make a very good secondary exceptional. They swung and missed on an attempt to nab a top-notch wide receiver, as they looked at names like Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Roy Williams in the offseason. They also came within inches of signing Randy Moss to a three-year deal.

So, we can say they are trying.

According to Eaglescap.com, the Birds are over $19 million under the cap, meaning there is more than enough to go around.

What should anger the fans with this contract situation is how the Eagles have handled it. This should be a no-brainer, really. Instead of acting like they didn’t realize that Westbrook was outplaying his old deal, why not have a new one in place?

Why not have something on the table this summer before the dispute came to a possible holdout?

Franchises need to keep their players and fans happy, first and foremost. If they care at all about those two groups, then this will need to be a swift restructuring.

The Philadelphia Eagles have been accused of penny-pinching for years, and this seems no different. By giving Westbrook what he wants, it makes him happy and makes the silver-and-green fanatics happy to know that B-West is safe in the nest. So unless they want 2,100 total yards, 12 TDs, and 90 catches to be unhappy, they need to open up the wallet.

And open it quickly.

MLB: Fearless Second Half Preditcions

Patrick Gallen — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:08:19 -0400

As the All-Star celebration has come and gone, the real fun now begins. Major League Baseball opens up the second half of the 2008 season today, which means the stretch run of the season is in full gear.

So many story lines have intrigued us through the first 90-plus games. Most of the division races are still neck and neck, with a few of them boasting three teams in the race.

Players like Josh Hamilton, Edinson Volquez, Cliff Lee, Justin Duchscherer, and Nate McClouth have all made a name for themselves this season.

CC Sabathia and Rich Harden changed teams and leagues and on each of their shoulders is the weight of an entire city yearning for a championship.

Mapping out the plot for the second half of the season is not an easy thing to do. Hell, we can barely predict the weather on a day-to-day basis. However, isn’t it fun to try and envision what lies ahead for the next three months?

Here are the fearless predictions for the second half.

The Division Races Stay Tight

The standings show five of the six divisions locked up in close races. The NL East has the Phillies ahead of the Mets by only half a game, with the Florida Marlins still in it at 1.5 back.

If you’ve been paying attention to baseball at all this year, you know about the logjam in the AL East with the upstart Rays battling to the two giants.

The White Sox continue to stave off the Twins in the American League Central and the National League Central is quite interesting, with three teams within five games of the leader.

So what will come of these amazing races? How about more of the same. The Phillies and Mets will go down to the final series of the season. It’s only fitting that the season end with both teams fighting it out.

Don’t count Tampa Bay out. Look for the Rays to be in it as well until the final weekend.

The NL Central will probably be the most fun to watch in the upcoming weeks and months because St. Louis will not go away and Milwaukee is poised to make a run behind double-aces Sabathia and Ben Sheets.

My most fearless prediction: A one-game playoff in both the National League and American League after the final day of the season.

Blockbuster Deals on the Horizon

As the trade deadline draws near, there undoubtedly will be many teams in the running to grab a top notch starting pitcher as well as adding a power bat to the lineup. However, we are often let down at the deadline as minor deals are made.

This year will be different.

Matt Holliday is the biggest name on the block and the Colorado Rockies can ill-afford to let him walk for nothing. With his agent being the notoriously fickle Scott Boras, Holliday is going to look for a contract in the Alfonso Soriano atmosphere.

There aren’t many teams who can afford that price tag; however, one of them is the Los Angeles Dodgers. Look for the basher to end up in Dodger Blue at the deadline as the Dodgers have parts that Colorado covets. They have a slew of young talented players like Matt Kemp, Andre Either, Blake DeWitt, and Clayton Kershaw that they can use to get a deal done.

Dunn and Griffey sounds like a bad TV cop duo. They aren’t that, though they are big and strong and can give a lineup a shot of power.

Ken Griffey looks like he is going to stay put because of his no-trade clause. However, Junior can ill-afford to let another year pass by without taking a shot at a ring.

With the uncertainty of the outfield for the New York Yankees, they could take a shot on Griffey to platoon in the outfield and DH.

Adam Dunn has also been on the market for a few seasons now and seems ripe for the picking. The Mets also have some problems with their corner outfielder, so Dunn to Flushing Meadows seems like a great fit.

The Phillies will also make a move for a big-time pitcher. And that man will be AJ Burnett. The Phils lack major prospects, but Burnett wants out of Toronto and the feeling seems to be mutual. Look for Philadelphia to package whatever they can to get their hands on this flamethrower.

Josh Hamilton Will Get Hurt…but Still Knock In 150

I may seem like the bearer of bad news with this, but hear me out.

I like Josh Hamilton just as much as any fan out there. His Home Run Derby showing was phenomenal, as was the first half of his season. He has an extraordinary tale of redemption, making it back from the depths of a terrible drug addiction.

However, all signs point to some sort of injury. The man plays all out every game, and that is going to take a toll on his body. Hamilton has not played a full season since before he was drafted, so how can he be used to the rigors of a 162-game slate?

Teammate Ian Kinsler said recently during an interview, “He’s in the hot tub about five minutes before the game.” That does not bode well for Hamilton in the later stages of a long season.

He should still knock in over 150 runs easily. However, look for him to be placed on the DL at some point in the second half. Here’s to hoping it does not happen, because Hamilton is such a special player.

K-Rod: 56 saves

One of the more ridiculous stats the Major League Baseball goes by is the save. Nowadays, pitchers come in for one inning of work and voila, they are the saviors.

Francisco Rodriguez has been the uber-savior for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, grabbing 38 of them before the break. He is well within reach of the record set by Bobby Thigpen in 1990.

Even though he is close enough to have a shot, I don’t believe he will reach that number. In the past few years several closers have come within shouting distance of the record, yet all have failed.

Eric Gagne had an amazing season in 2003, saving 55 games on his way to the Cy Young Award. Even in such an incredible year, Gagne could not get to that magical number.

Guys like John Smoltz and Mariano Rivera have been on pace to do it in recent seasons, and neither could reach it.

Call me Mister Negative, but I just don’t see K-Rod doing it either. Look for Rodriguez to come up just short of the record. Saves are a weird stat and are predicated on, obviously, the closeness of a game.

The Angels could go two weeks without being in a save situation. They could lose eight straight or K-Rod could blow a few by season's end.

The number he gets to: 56.

The Winners!: National League

As I stated above, the races will remain tight throughout. However, there has to be a winner.

In the NL East, the Phillies have been the most consistent team of the three who are in the running for the division. The Mets have already gone through a manager and the Marlins are still a very young team.

I think Philadelphia takes the Eastern Division by winning 88 games, one more than the Mets.

In the NL Central, where the most fascinating competition will be, the Cubs should have no problem holding off the Cardinals and Brewers. However, one of these two squads will be the Wild-Card winner.

The Brewers now have the two aces at the top and have an explosive offense. The time is now for Milwaukee to reach their first postseason since 1982, and I believe they get there behind the rotation.

The West is having a terrible year one season removed from having two teams in the NLCS. This season is different, but will have the same result, as the pitching of the Diamondbacks will secure them the NL West title.

The Winners!: American League

How cool has it been to see the Tampa Bay Rays near or at the top of the division for nearly 100 games? It’s one of the great stories of the entire year and every baseball fan should want this team to succeed.

I think they do just that; however, they will not win the division.

The Boston Red Sox are just too good and will take the AL East by a healthy margin. However, with the Rays and Yankees likely fighting it out for the wild-card, the Rays will shock the world by getting into the playoffs for the first time in their existence.

Sorry New York, it just won't be your year.

In the AL Central, the Minnesota Twins have come out of nowhere to stay involved in a very close race. They sit just 1.5 games behind the White Sox.

However, the Twins are not built for a run at the playoffs as they have a shaky rotation and no power in the lineup. The Sox will pull away, but the Twins will remain a contender before fizzling out.

The AL West seems to be already locked up by the Angels, so this is not a hard one to predict. My heart wants me to say that the A’s or the Rangers will take a shot at the title, yet both teams are a few pieces away from being a contender out west.

The A’s are short a power bat and the Rangers have always had pitching woes. The Angels should have no problem winning by 10 games.

Playoffs:
NLDS: Phillies defeat Brewers; Cubs defeat Diamondbacks
ALDS: Red Sox defeat White Sox; Rays defeat Angels
NLCS: Cubs defeat Phillies
ALCS: Red Sox defeat Rays
WS: Cubs defeat Red Sox
Champion: Chicago Cubs

The Elton Brand Signing: What This Means for the Eastern Conference

Patrick Gallen — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:31:51 -0400

Yesterday I wrote an article about how the Philadelphia 76ers were on the outside looking in, as they pursued free-agent power forward Elton Brand.

Turns out I was wrong—but can you blame me for my pessimism?

The 76ers franchise has been stricken by malaise, even when Allen Iverson ruled the town. Big-time players didn’t want to come here—nor could they because of the salary cap situation the Sixers were under. Beyond even signing big names, who could co-exist with Iverson on the court? Keith Van Horn, Jerry Stackhouse, Glenn Robinson, and Chris Webber all failed in some way or another.

The Iverson era ended two seasons ago when they shipped him off to Denver. With him went the old identity of a worn-down and defective team, something Billy King may have had his hand in. The new guard is led by general manager Ed Stefanski, formerly of the New Jersey Nets. Big Eddie wasted no time jumping into uncharted territory, as he made a big splash in a pool that at one time held very little water. Elton Brand was brought in to Philadelphia, going back on his word that he would remain with the Los Angeles Clippers. Instead Brand is coming back to the East Coast, where he was raised. A five-year, $82 million deal did the trick—and just like that, the Sixers became relevant again. What does this signing do for the Eastern Conference, you might ask? Well, for one, it puts Philadelphia on the map as a contender. It also gives the East another expatriate from the Western Conference, with Brand joining fellow power forward Kevin Garnett in the Atlantic Division. Most importantly, it means the East is in the midst of a shakeup as they try to bridge the two-decade long gap with the West. No, the Sixers may not instantly take over as the number-two team behind the Boston Celtics. However, the seeds have been planted for there to be an all out war for supremacy in what was once known as the “Leastern Conference.” Beyond Philadelphia, many teams in the East are turning it around piece by piece. The Miami Heat—the 2006 World Champions if you have forgotten already—are attempting to do a quick 180 after last year's joke of a season. They now have a big four of Wade, Beasley, Marion, and new point guard Mario Chalmers.

The Toronto Raptors had a big draft night as they scored Jermaine O’Neal from the Indiana Pacers. He will team up with fellow big man Chris Bosh, forming an elite one-two punch north of the border. Mickael Pietrus has signed with the already-dangerous Orlando Magic, giving them the perimeter defense they sorely lacked, while adding another outside shooting threat. Chicago drafted Derrick Rose, the Bucks traded for Richard Jefferson, and the Wizards retained their two stars, Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. Everyone still fears Detroit and Cleveland as well. The Eastern Conference last year provided us with 10 teams who were at .500 or worse. Three of those teams made the playoffs. Ugly. But now the tide is shifting, and the East is once again showing signs of life.

The team with the highest pulse rate is Philadelphia. They added the low-post presence they sorely needed, and someone who can help them in their half-court set. Philly’s offense will still run around like chickens with their heads cut off from time to time, but now there is more of a purpose on the offensive end. They also will match up well against larger frontcourts—something that became quite an issue last year. It’s an exciting time to be a 76ers fan. Nobody could have predicted a playoff berth last year, as the team had their bags packed and ready for another trip to the lottery. Undoubtedly, the stakes will be much higher this year. Elton Brand will bring a newfound confidence to the city, something that has been absent since the 2001 finals. He also opens up options that weren’t there just 24 hours ago. The Sixers should be quite a force this upcoming year—but on top of that, it’s going to be a tight finish in the Eastern Conference. So while the melancholy of the fans turns to instant satisfaction in Philly, there is still work to do. Because the East is becoming quite the beast.

NBA: 76ers in on Brand Sweepstakes? Don't Buy It

Patrick Gallen — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:54:25 -0400

Now that names such as Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison have been plucked off of the free agent market, there is one prize piece that remains.

Elton Brand, the cream of the crop this off season, is being courted by those who have the cap space to provide him with a long-term deal. Only three teams appear to have a real shot at him; the L.A. Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers.

Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported on Tuesday night that the Sixers were “actively involved” in the sweepstakes regarding the big power forward.

And why shouldn’t they be? When the new figures come out tomorrow pertaining to the exact amount of cap space available for each team, the 76ers will most likely have about $12 million available.

Reports also have the Sixers shopping lightning-quick small forward Rodney Carney and elderly center Calvin Booth as a way to give them even more room to maneuver.

Brand’s steady play since being drafted number one overall in 1999 has been wasted on terrible teams like the Bulls and Clippers. That could be one major reason Brand stepped away from a $16 million contract for this season.

Beyond that, as the teams who have the leverage continue to court him, I’m here to shoot down the Sixers fan that believes they actually have a shot.

Tell me the last time a coveted free agent came to the Sixers and was actually willing to do so? I’ll give you a minute.

Steven Hunter really blew the roof off of the Wachovia Center after he signed here in the mid-2000’s. Matt Barnes? Was better after he left. Lee Nailon? You probably never heard of him.

In short, nobody wants to come to a city lacking brotherly love.

As great as the die-hard’s are here, it can be a tough place to play. The city is crime-riddled, drug infested, and has painfully cold winters. Would Brand pass up the semi-bright lights and warmth of L.A. (they are the Clippers after all) to come east to a dull, ugly town?

It seems unlikely.

There is one thing that may lure the great 6’8'', 258 pound forward back east. Cold, hard cash. The 76ers have a lot of it right now and they are looking to spend.

Now, I’m not saying Brand can be bought, but this is a business. Players look to make as much as possible over the life of a career and who can blame them.

Brand may be enticed by the fact that the 76ers have a great young nucleus that exceeded all odds last year by fast-breaking their way to the postseason. The Clippers, even though they made a cannonball-size splash by hog-tying Baron Davis and drugging him, I mean signing him, to a new five-year deal, they are a franchise that consistently loses.

The other team making a play for him, the Warriors, have the most money of the three who are vying for his services. They also boast the most uncertainty of the three when it comes to how the team will look this upcoming season.

Golden State lost their prize possession, Davis, down the coast to Los Angeles and now have no true point guard and a bunch of unhappy campers. They have yet to re-sign Andris Biedrins, their center and leading rebounder, or Monta Ellis, the speedy shooting guard who harmonized beautifully with Davis the past few seasons. Al Harrington has said he wants to be traded, and coach Don Nelson has stated he will look to play his younger players more this season.

Even with all of the money to throw at Brand, the Warriors seem like the least likely to gain his services, especially if he is looking to win.

So that leaves the Clippers as the best bet right now to lock up Brand long-term. Brand and Daivs are friends and are both looking to make their mark in Hollywood after their careers are finished. Having a stellar point guard and big-time power forward are two of the key ingredients to the constitution of a winning team.

The Clippers also have Chris Kaman, a better than average center, and Al Thornton, the high-flying second year player who filled in amicably for Brand as he sat out most of last year with an Achilles problem.

The Clippers wouldn’t be the toast of the town just yet, but by re-upping Brand, they could make their presence felt in the Western Conference this upcoming season.

So the Sixers are behind the eight ball, my friends. Even with cap room and a new general manager who has shown the utmost desire to build a winning franchise, this may be a losing battle. Sure, Brand would look stunning as he anchors the middle with Sam Dalembert and is flanked on the wings by Iguodala and Thad Young, with Andre Miller tossing the rock to him in the post.

However, the truth is the 76ers just haven’t been able to lock up premier free agents in the past, and that trend looks to continue with the perfect fitting Elton Brand.

Let’s hope I’m wrong and he sees something in the city that others did not: a championship on the horizon.