Philadelphia Comparisons: How the Sixers Relate to the Phillies

There I was, standing in the concourse at the Sixers game last night, staring at the Commissioner's Trophy, otherwise known as the World Freaking Champions Trophy. I realized that it was now possessed by my team. Oh, what a sweet feeling.

Last night was Phillies Night at the Sixers. In attendance were Shane Victorino, Ryan Madson, and Brad Lidge, as they were honored by another Philadelphia organization. Lidge threw the honorary tip. There was an ugly display of a three-point contest at halftime.

Shane Victorino took home the coveted imaginary three-point trophy, connecting on seven threes in 60 seconds. He sort of had it going on. That wasn't really the ugly part though. I almost had to turn away when Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson faced off against each other and made a total of two combined threes in a combined 120 seconds. Stick to pitching, fellas.

The whole Phillies theme at a basketball got my creative genes ticking. Who do the guys on the NBA team in town, most resemble across the street for the baseball team? How would the Sixers fare in a different sport? Well, here's what I came up with.

Andre Miller

Phillies Comparison: Jamie Moyer

This one was really easy for me. The two are similar in many ways. For one, both don't really rely on extreme athleticism to be productive. Jamie Moyer hasn't broken 85 on the radar gun, maybe his entire life. Andre Miller isn't the quickest of guards or highest of jumpers. Both recognize this, and turn to a common trait: craftiness. Both Moyer and Miller excel at the art of being crafty. Whether it be painting the plate from Moyer, or a simple shot fake or change of direction from Miller.

Baseball Position: 3B

Miller was a quarterback in high school, so I suspect he has a strong arm. Pedro Feliz should not get too worried though.

Willie Green

Phillies Comparison: Geoff Jenkins

Overpaid, thought of a little too highly, worthless most of the time, but he can come up big in spots. Geoff Jenkins started off Game 5 Part Deux of the World Series with a great double. Willie Green will never match that feat. However, Green has had his games where he can contribute nicely.

Baseball Position: 2B

It's sad I think so long and hard about these things.

Andre Iguodala

Phillies Comparison: Ryan Howard

Andre Iguodala has already cashed in for his payday. Ryan Howard will continually cash in for his paydays. Both are extreme talents who still have flaws in their games and are, at times, inconsistent. While Ryan Howard is a bit inconsistent while reaching 48 homers, Iggy is a bit inconsistent reaching 17 points a game. Not quite the same.

Baseball Position: CF

Iguodala seems like he would be excellent roaming centerfield. The speed is definitely there, and he has some of the best hands on the Sixers. Which actually is not saying that much. The next Willie Mays, certainly not. But he can surely do as good as Doug Glanville.

Thaddeus Young

Phillies Comparison: Jayson Werth

Both were not really expected to be anything great when they came to town. When Werth was acquired, it was overlooked. When Young was drafted, fans wanted somebody else. Quickly though it has been realized that both have star potential.

Baseball Position: Pitcher

Thaddeus is the left-handed pitcher that a team needs to shake up its rotation. The Mets could use a guy like him.

Samuel Dalembert

Phillies Comparison: Brett Myers

For a simple reason that I call the Frustration Level.

Baseball Position: Benchwarmer

Sorry, I will not allow the most uncoordinated man in the city of Philadelphia touch the baseball diamond.

Elton Brand

Phillies Comparison: Shane Victorino

Follow me on this one. Shane Victorino has had his role questioned on this team many times over the course of his short career. Even while performing at a high level, his name was tossed around in trade rumors and people guessed that he might never be quality starting centerfielder. While Brand was proven somewhere else, now since his has arrived in Philly, his role has been questioned. Fans do not think he is the right fit for the team, and his name has also been tossed around in rumors. Hopefully, like Victorino, Brand can play a big part in some success down the stretch. Although this success will most likely be at the level of a first round series win, not a World Series title.

Baseball Position: 1B

He's big, he's not fast, stick him at first! That's pretty much the theory with anyone with that physical description.

Lou Williams

Phillies Comparison: Greg Dobbs

Some of the best men off the bench in the business. Accept what their jobs are and perform highly whenever they are called upon.

Baseball Position: SS

Lou is the quintessential shortstop. Quickness, hands, throwing ability. J-Roll watch out, I haven't heard Lou Will call the fans frontrunners.

Reggie Evans

Phillies Comparison: Chase Utley

Before you seriously injure me, let me make a point. The two are worlds away talent wise. Chase Utley is a potential Hall of Famer. Reggie Evans might be denied admittance as a tourist into the Hall of Fame because he looks homeless. However, both have extremely scrappy attitudes, that fans love and appreciate. If you would like to injure me now, after I have defended myself, I totally understand.

Baseball Position: Catcher

Oh, the trash talk that would occur behind home plate with Reggie Evans would be something I would pay top notch dollars for. Also, his body fits the role.

Royal Ivey

Phillies Comparison: Eric Bruntlett

Both bench players who fill their roles admirably. Sort of limited talent wise, but managed to find their niche with their respective teams.

Baseball Position: Utility Man

He has proven he can play both guard spots in basketball, so why not throw him around the infield and outfield in baseball.

Theo Ratliff

Phillies Comparison: Pedro Feliz

Defense is the name of their games. And that is pretty much it. You can expect a .250 average from Pedro and a couple of dunks from Theo. They both make their money on the defensive side of the ball, and near the top of their entire leagues in doing so.

Baseball Position: Pitcher

My objective with the pitching staff is really just to throw the tallest guys out there, and make sure the opponents wet themselves in the batters box.

Donyell Marshall

Phillies Comparison: Matt Stairs

Ha, I really like this comparison. After the legendary homerun in Game 4 of the NLCS Matt Stairs said something along the lines of, "I'm not gonna lie, all I try to do is hit home runs." If Donyell Marshall were to release a quote it might read, "I'm not gonna lie, all I try to do is hit three-pointers." They are aging experts at their trades, with totally one-dimensional games.

Baseball Position: Pitcher

Marshall can get the Joe Blanton role as an overweight pitcher. If this were the American League, he might be my DH.

Kareem Rush

Phillies Comparison: Clay Condrey

Both are not really that special. Like Condrey, Rush can possibly help in an emergency situation. Condrey fills a long relief and early setup guy role decently. Rush might be able to hit a couple threes in a blowout in either direction.

Baseball Position: While relatively worthless on the Sixers, Rush may be able to hold his own in the outfield.

Marreesee Speights

Phillies Comparison: JC Romero

Both have an edge to them. Hopefully though, Speights will not soon be suspended for using illegal drugs. I hope.

Baseball Position: LF

He'd be like a freaking gazelle roaming centerfield. Come on Ruben Amaro, you could have let Pat Burrell leave, not go after Raul Ibanez, and just get Speights.

Jason Smith

Phillies Comparison: J.A. Happ

Young guys with some promise without the star potential.

Baseball Comparison: Pitcher

It would be a pretty imposing task going up against this seven footer.

Guys like Brad Lidge and Cole Hamels are just incomparable, but I would like to acknowledge their greatness. Note to Brad though, "work on your jump shot!$!#"

The Phillies have earned their trophy. I was staring at it last night. The Sixers should look at the qualities of that team to see what it will take to hold that Larry O'Brien's trophy (I think that's what it's called) one day.