Elton Brand: Future Sixer? June 30, 2008
Posted by Aaron in Philadelphia.Tags: Philadelphia, Sixers, Andre Iguodala, NBA, Philadelphia Sixers, Lou Williams, Philadelphia 76ers, Marreese Speights, nba free agency, restricted free agent, elton brand, ed stefanski
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Authors update:
The L.A. Times has reported that Elton Brand has officially opted out of the final year of his contract, making him a unrestricted free agent.
The Sixers need a big man. They need a big, strong, good power forward on the court. They need it to compete in this league, it’s the essential component missing from this team. Elton Brand is a big man, an established one. Elton Brand is a big, strong, good power forward. He could be and should be the missing piece to the Sixers puzzle. With so much cap room, and so much talent in this young man, the Sixers should go full throttle after Mr. Brand. Here’s why…
Let me touch on something right out of the gate: Brand is a Dukie. He was the first Blue Devil to leave early for the pro game and it worked out pretty well I’d say. Usually Coach K can keep his players for all 4 years, but not in this case. What I’m really getting to is that Duke players usually…suck in the NBA. Now, go ahead all you Duke lovers out there, say what you will about Grant Hill and Carlos Boozer…yes those players were and are great. But the vast majority of Blue Devils that turn pro are mediocre at best. I don’t feel comfortable starting a franchise with Josh McRoberts is all I’m saying here. But this Duke talk has carried on too long, lets get to Elton Brand.
The biggest knock recently on Elton Brand is that he’s injury prone. Last year he lasted 8 games before going down with a season ending injury. How exactly is that injure prone? 2004-2005 season: 81 games played. 2005-2006 season? 79 games played. 2006-2007 season? 80 games played. Plus we aren’t talking about Shaq here, the guy isn’t ancient by any means; he’s just 29 years old.
So, for him as a Clipper, what are the pros and cons of opting out of the last year of his contract? Well, to start with the pros, he’s been in the league 9 years and has seen post-season action one time. And it doesn’t seems as if the Clippers are turning it around any time soon (yes, getting Livingston back helps, but this is essentially the same team). Athletes love money and for some, that’s all they play for. But for most guys you want that ring around your finger when you retire. Playing on the Clippers isn’t going to give Brand that chance, especially in the west where you have the old timers who still got a shot (Spurs), and the new kids on the block (Hornets, Jazz, Lakers). Coming to a team in the east paves an easier path to the finals for sure.
Another plus on opting out is the ability to “start over.” We hear that term all the time in sports but the results aren’t always shown in the best light. A good example is Brad Lidge on the Phillies. He was a wreck in Houston. A former all-star closer who couldn’t save a game for his life. Traded to the Phillies in a deal that was largely under the radar, and this year he’s flourishing with 20 saves in 20 tries. I’m not saying Elton Brand is a wreck in L.A., but sometimes the change of scenery is needed. Sometimes a player needs a new place to play, a new city with new teammates, and it rejuvenates them.
It also should go without saying that this guy is a leader, someone for the younger players like Thaddeus Young to look up to. No, he wouldn’t bring playoff experience, but he’s played in big games like the FIBA World Championships in 2006.
So all that is good, all of that stuff should beg the question: why the hell wouldn’t he opt out? One reason and one reason only: 16.4 million. That’s how much money Brand is in line to make next year, the final year of his contract. The temptation to stay on a sub-par team that’s essentially going nowhere for one more year is very high when you’re scheduled to make over 16 million dollars that year. This all brings me to the driving force of this article/rant: Sixers…use as much as it takes and sign..this..player.
The Sixers, as advertised, are interested in Elton Brand. In return, Elton Brand said on ESPN 950 radio that if he were to opt out, the Sixers would be “without a doubt” a team to consider. That sounds like more than enough for me if I’m Ed Stefanski. This guy is interested, he’s young, and he’s an awesome player. Listen to some of this:
(Besides last years’ 8 games)
In his career, the lowest ppg Elton Brand has ever averaged is 18.2
In his career, the lowest rpg Elton Brand has ever averaged is 9.3
His career averages are 20.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, and 2.1 bpg. Please sign him.
The one year the Clippers did make the playoffs? I don’t think he was nervous: averaged 25.4 ppg, 10.3 rpg, and 4.0 apg.
Ed Stefanski is the real deal, he knows what he’s doing. The Kyle Korver trade worked out terrifically. The drafting of Marreese Speights was a great move for the future. I trust him completely with the futures of some of our restricted free agents. He’s a Philly guy and he’s leading the Sixers in the right direction. But if he wants to get this team deep in the playoffs and one day in the finals to win it, he needs that big man. That big man that steps on the court and has an absolutely defining and immediate impact.
The Sixers should throw a huge amount of their 11 million in change at Elton Brand. Go crazy, for once. Hell, this is the team that signed Aaron McKie to a 42 million dollar deal. This is a chance, a special chance, to make a splash in free agency and turn this team around. Obviously, if Brand doesn’t opt out and eventually stays with the Clippers, there’s nothing you can do. But put all your effort into this, because the opportunity to get this kind of player doesn’t come around everyday.
photo from nba.com
Reports Say Myers Won’t Make Next Start June 30, 2008
Posted by Dave in Philadelphia, Phillies.Tags: Brett Myers, carlos carrasco, Chad Durbin
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As Brett Myers’ woes continue, so do the Phillies’. Losers of their last six series, the Phillies head to Atlanta to take on the Braves starting Tuesday. But the news does not come from that matchup, or even Wednesday’s. The Fightin’ Phils opening day starter was scheduled to pitch Thursday, but that appears less and less likely as time goes on.
Even the Phillies’ website is speculating there could be a roster move early this week to rest the mentally exhausted Myers. According to the report, there could be a decision by the coaching staff as early as today. While some have suggested moving releiver Chad Durbin into the starting rotation, the Phillies appear very happy with his performance out of the bullpen, and wish to keep him there.
Perhaps the most interesting thing to come out of Ken Mandel’s article is the fact that he didn’t mention Kris Benson’s possible return to the majors, but suggested the debut of top pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco. The 21-year-old is 4-4 with a 3.91 ERA for AA Reading. Carrasco was drawing attention during spring training, but would bringing him up at this point be a mistake? Hey, something’s got to get this Phillies team going. If it’s bringing in new, fresh blood, then light the fire under them and start protecting that lowly one game cushion they have on the division lead.
Flyers Ink Jeff Carter to 3-Year Deal June 27, 2008
Posted by Aaron in Philadelphia.Tags: Flyers, Jeff Carter, NHL, Philadelphia Flyers, R.J. Umberger
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Jeff Carter, the 23-year old with a blistering shot, has officially signed a 3 year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers according to GM Paul Holmgren.
Carter, one of the key pieces to the Flyers run to the Eastern Conference Finals, was reportedly the number one target of the Flyers, especially after the team let RJ Umberger head to Columbus. There are still moves to be made by Holmgren and staff like getting Randy Jones a contract, but locking up Carter is no small feat. The young center had an absolute breakout season in 2007-2008 with the orange and black. Carter came up with Mike Richards and RJ Umberger a few years back from the minors, and hadn’t established his complete game in the NHL until this year.
But the numbers speak for themself:
Regular season: 82 GP - 29 G - 24 A - 53 P - 6+/-
Jeff Carter is just 23 years old as mentioned before, and he stayed healthy for every game this past year. Both key components to inking the rising star to a new deal. He was also 5th on the team in points which is no easy task when you’re playing with guys like Danny Briere and Mike Richards. Carter’s shot as always was a rocket and absolutely superb. His ability to put the puck on net from just about anywhere is top notch.
Besides the goal scoring this year came a better ability to find teammates, stride into the offensive end easily, and get physical. Everyone remembers the 2OT winner that Mike Knuble scored. But what you may not remember is who set that whole play up: Jeff Carter. After battling along the boards behind the net, he swung around the side of the goal and put the puck on the tape for Knuble. His passing was outstanding this year and thats why his assists were so high. He’s fast on his skates and uses that tall frame to get up the ice fast too. Lastly, this isn’t your Philadelphia Phantoms Jeff Carter anymore. He’s been in the league a few years and isnt afraid to mix it up.
All in all, the Flyers locked up a truly important piece to their quest in winning the Stanley Cup next year. Jeff Carter is a goal scorer but gives the team much more than that alone. His young leadership and physical attributes make him one of the leagues best rising stars.
Sixers Select Marreese Speights June 26, 2008
Posted by Dave in Philadelphia, Sixers.Tags: Marreese Speights, NBA, samuel dalembert, Sixers
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The Sixers addressed a need in Thursday night’s draft when they selected Marreese Speights from Florida. Speights is a 6′10″ sophomore with a lot of potential. He took the reigns of the Gators after back-to-back titles and played 24 minutes on average last season. Speights is a big man with a scoring threat. He was in town two weeks ago working out with the Sixers at their practice facility.
Speights shot over 65 percent last season and could add some immediate help to a Sixers organization which is still in turnaround mode. His interior scoring abilities should help a lot, as that was a weakness last year for the Sixers. Here’s what NBA.com has to say about the newest Sixer.
Speights has been provided with a huge wingspan, which has caused him to be so successful on the defensive end. He is a superb rebounder and shot-blocker. Speights has been gifted with great hands, which allow him to work on the block on both ends of the hardwood.
The Sixers actually played well above expectations in the 2007-08 season, albeit they finished two games under .500. A young team showed us they may not have had all the skill players, but they had tons and tons of heart. They often battled back from large defecits to win games and found their identity as an energy team that runs the floor.
They became a team known for scoring points with quick passes, fast breaks, but rarely for shooting. Night in and night out the Sixers seemed to struggle with their shooting percentage. They found a way to fight back with defense energy baskets. Despite a very good year for center Samuel Dalembert, the Sixers weren’t very deep in the front court. The Sixers still need to address some needs in the off-season, including the power forward position.
More analysis on the pick is soon to come.
Photo courtesy: CHARLES FOX / Inquirer Staff Photographer
For Phillies Time Is Now June 24, 2008
Posted by Dave in Philadelphia, Phillies.Tags: Chase Utley, Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino
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Chase Utley’s career long 24 at-bat drought is finally over so maybe the Phillies can finally win a game. The Phils are 1-7 in their last eight games and look to put a halt to a five-game skid tonight in Oakland as Jamie Moyer takes the hill. The 41-34 Athletics will be no easy feat for the Fightin’s as they look to get their season back on track. But the adversity they will face not just against Oakland, but their remaining schedule until the All-Star break, will test this team’s ability to go deep in the playoffs.
Amid controversy, speculation, rumors and uncertainty around the Phillies pitching, their bats will definitely have to step up and start winning games. Chase Utley isn’t the only Phillie struggling, and they’ll have to help out their pitchers at the plate if they think they have any shot at going deeper than the Wild Card Series in the playoffs.
The players have to forget about the media, about their names being thrown in trade rumors. A recent article on philly.com tries to look into the future and see a big name pitcher being in the starting rotation. It’s just not healthy. In the article Jayson Werth even admits he could be trade bait. Shane Victorino talks about the possibility as well. These players have to focus on their schedule today…with the Phillies. The division lead has shrunk to a mere game over the surprising Florida Marlins who are still not going away.
If the Phillies are able to get a big name pitcher in their rotation for an extended period of time, great. But all the apparent fear about what the Phillies would have to give up needs to be replaced by a much more prevelant and realistic fear that their season could get away from them if they aren’t careful.
Flyers Busy on Draft Night, Lose Umberger, Add Defenseman June 20, 2008
Posted by Dave in Flyers, Philadelphia.Tags: Philadelphia Flyers, Jeff Carter, R.J. Umberger, Luca Sbisa
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According to earlier reports, Jeff Carter
re-signed with Philadelphia for three years and at least $15
million. The Flyers have not yet announced this deal, so it isnt
quite done yet. This could be a money issue.
There were doubts that the Flyers would not be able to afford both Carter and R.J. Umberger. But on draft night, the Flyers dealt Umberger to the Columbus Blue Jackets along with their 118th (fourth round) pick in return for the 19th overall pick and a 67th (third round) pick.
With that 19th selection, the Flyers chose defenseman Luca Sbisa from the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League.
Then the Flyers shipped their original 27th pick to Washington in return for defenseman Steve Eminger.
Shipping Umberger to Columbus frees up some cap space for the Flyers. It should make a Jeff Carter signing a little easier, and will hopefully happen soon. If he remains unsigned, Carter will be a restricted free agent on July 1, which means although the Flyers would have had the chance to match an offer sheet, Carter could be getting bids from other NHL teams.
The acquisitions of Sbisa and Eminger are interesting. Despite the fact that GM Paul Holmgren said the Flyers would take the best player available and not stock up on defense, it appears that is what they’re doing. Many speculated that the Flyers could chose a goalie early in this draft because they really lack an up-and-coming netminder in their farm system. Although this draft was supposed to be deeper than last year, apparently there wasn’t a goalie worth taking at 19. Sbisa probably won’t make the opening day roster this September. Draft picks rarely do that their first year after being signed. As for Eminger, he only played 20 games for the Capitals last season and was often a healthy scratch. Although Eminger could potentially give somone a fight for a roster spot in training camp, he won’t be anything spectacular.
Look for the Flyers to sign Carter soon, maybe draft a few more defensemen and possibly a goalie. Umberger’s departure also makes it more likely that the orange and black could land a big name on the blue line, so they will start scouring the list of potential free agents and begin calling their agents on the morning of July 1.
Photo courtesy: Neat1325 on Flickr
WE ARE! 22,000 Strong June 18, 2008
Posted by Aaron in Philadelphia.Tags: Big Ten, College, college football, Football, NCAA, Nittany Lions, penn state, student section
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I want to start this off by stating the important: I don’t go to Penn State University. I don’t praise Joe Pa as a God-like figure. You won’t see me shouting “WE ARE!” looking for someone to answer me. I’m a Temple student and proud of that fact. But growing up in the Philadelphia area, the Nittany Lions sort of…become your team to root for. Growing up it was a common dream to go to Penn State for college. There’s something epic and special about the little city in the middle of nowhere. There’s something special about the university no matter how much you try and deny it. Penn State has an aura that surrounds it, from the ice cream to the party scene (and maybe a class or two). But there is no question what makes Penn State what it is: football.
Every Saturday thousands upon thousands of cars, RV’s, and students converge on Beaver Stadium like that day is the Super Bowl itself. Does it matter if they’re playing Wisconsin instead of Michigan State? No. Do people pay insane amounts of money for a ticket to see their Nittany Lions take on the Buckeyes or Wolverines? You bet they do. Penn State football isn’t a social activity it’s more like a way of life. But take a step back and ask yourself…what fuels the media coverage every year? What makes Beaver Stadium so special? It’s the students, no question about it. Philadelphia professional teams have crazy fans. Well, you might as well throw the Penn State student section in the same group. Tailgating at 5 in the morning. Paternoville. Perfecting the White Out.
I was lucky enough to see a game in person with my dad and brother in fall of 2006. My brother, a Penn State senior at the time, somehow bought a few extra tickets and let me tell you this: the student section reputation lived up to its hype. The Zombie Nation. Singing Hey Baby. The constant cheers, “We want the lion!” or other chants laced with expletives towards the opposition. It’s a sight you have to see and take in for yourself. But if you don’t believe me that the students fuel this football powerhouse, just watch these real fast:
Zombie Nation
Hey Baby
The famous White Out
It’s tradition and it’s pretty awe inspiring. If the players aren’t jacked up by these 22,000 kids, I have no idea what does it for them. And it’s not just me that realizes the pure insanity of the students at PSU. Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN analyst and former Buckeye, said this:
A former Ohio Stater, calling these kids the best student section in the country. Oh and then there was this written up by Herbstreit, labeling PSU’s student body number 1 in the country (judged by originality, organization, and noise).
So you get the idea: students converging on Beaver Stadium on a Saturday turns into something special. But this article isn’t all out praise for these kids, no sir. This is about a horrifying and ridiculous decision made by Penn State athletic officials. Beaver Stadium seats 107,282 people. With the Big House in Michigan under construction, that makes it the 3rd largest stadium IN THE WORLD. I kept mentioning that 22,000 students make this stadium just downright scary to play in. That’s because only 22,000 (roughly) seats are given to students. Just 22,000 out of more than 107,000: that’s just over 20 percent of the attendance. It’s also pathetic.
Students have cried out for more tickets every year to no avail. Just this past week tickets for the 2008 season went on sale, and look at the things that are happening. The entire junior class lot of tickets, gone…in a minute and a half.
So where am I going with this, what’s the solution. Easy: expand the student section by 20,000 more. That’s a big increase, but it would only put the number at 42,000 students roughly, leaving 65,000 for everyone else. That seems fair to me. The people taking up the rest of those seats are fans and alumni. I respect the fact that every weekend they trek to State College to see their alma mater play. I saw the lines of RV’s tailgating when I was up there, it was extraordinary. But these alumni need to understand something: this is the students time. The alumni had their fun, let the kids now be at these games and form memories that will last for a lifetime. So many students get left out of these games and its highway robbery. 22,000 students make 99 percent of the noise, and you cant see that theres thousands more begging for a chance to root on their team? I understand that alumni at Penn State have a lot of power and this is their tradition. But you’re screwing over the students in a big way and it doesnt seem fair.
All in all…nothing will change. The Nittany Lions will run out of the tunnel on Saturdays to a welcoming and boisterous crowd of over 107,000 ready to root them on. Alumni will come. Students will come. The Penn State football tradition will live on for years and years to come. But you can’t help but wonder…why hasn’t ‘the best student section in the country’ been properly represented? It’s a question that might never get answered. And all you can do as a Penn Stater is hope you got lucky and got those tickets. Because Saturdays in Happy Valley are something special, and something very…very loud.
Tom Gordon Never A Fan of Playing Catch on Father’s Day June 15, 2008
Posted by Dave in Phillies.Tags: Eric Bruntlett, Brett Myers, Tom Gordon, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Yadier Molina
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Two errors in the 10th inning allowed the St. Louis Cardinals to win Sunday’s contest, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of the Phillies to end their road trip.
One of those errors was the second of the season for reliever Tom Gordon who couldn’t simply catch the ball while covering first base. Fitting that on Father’s Day, usually a day reserved for a father and son to toss around a baseball or something of the sort, Tom “Hopes of a win gone in a Flash” Gordon couldn’t even perform the simplest of baseball’s fundamental skills. Click here for the sad highlights.
Another poor start by Brett Myers left the Phillies with an uphill battle from the start. Myers allowed half a dozen runs in just as many innings. He gave up eight hits including a pair of home runs by Skip Schumaker, and Troy Glaus. A three-run fifth inning got the Phils back in the game that appeared to be lost among the other poor showings from the Fightin’s opening day starter.
A pair of walks with the bases loaded by Cardinals reliever Randy Flores allowed the Phillies to tie the game. A scoreless eighth inning by J.C. Romero left the door open for the Phillies to take the lead in the ninth. Instead Eric Bruntlett took out Yadier Molina in a home plate collision with two men on and two out. Molina held onto the ball and Bruntlett was called out. The catcher left the game on a stretcher and was brought to a local hospital. Early reports say he has a concussion and will stay in the hospital overnight.
In the tenth the Phillies
defense was not very good in support of Tom Gordon who came in to
pitch. Chase Utley didn’t lead his target enough on his
seventh error of the year. Then with two outs Tom Gordon went to
cover first base and didn’t catch the throw from Utley. His
toss was slower than a Jamie Moyer change-up, but not slow enough
for Gordon to help himself out of the extra frame.
The loss puts the Phillies at 5-4 on the road trip before returning home to play the reigning champion Boston Red Sox this week. The Phillies really needed their confidence to be high heading home, but a loss like Sundays is a heart breaker that will provide them with anything but confidence.
Ahead this week the boys of summer will have to take solace in the fact that Cole Hamels will take the mound Monday night against the Sox. After that three-game set things don’t get any easier as the AL West leading Angels of Los Angeles come to town.
Photo courtesy: Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
I Guess It’s Cool To Root For Tiger Again June 12, 2008
Posted by Dave in golf.Tags: NHL, Stanley Cup, Tiger Woods, U.S. Open
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Not many legacies are easy to root for. The Yankees? Helllllll no. The Lakers, the Patriots, the Pistons, the Red Wings. The list goes on. Tiger Woods however, was always easy to like. He is one of the hardest working athletes in a sport where apparently you don’t need to be athletic at all (note this guy). His accessibility to the media, calm demeanor, and flat out domination of the sport makes him very easy to like. Not many people find themselves rooting against Tiger when he approaches a new record to shatter. In fact, there could soon be a deal with Crayola to call a new color “Sunday Red,” after the shade he wears before winning tournaments on the weekend.
It would appear that it is even
easier to root for Tiger due to his recent health concerns. He
had knee surgery in April and decided to make
the U.S. Open his comeback tournament. But until recently hockey
fans found themselves rooting for his first round partner, Phil
Mickelson, rather than Tiger for his comments around the time of
the Stanley Cup Finals.
At the beginning of the month he noted how he didn’t think anyone even watched hockey anymore during a press conference. Tiger argued that it was “all about the Dodgers.” Yeah, that sub .500 team in Los Angeles whose season can officially start in LA once all the celebrities stop going to the Lakers games. Well apparently he was wrong, because ratings improved for the Stanley Cup Finals this year.
But recently Tiger kind of, sort of, redeemed himself by saying kind things about a sport that moves faster than his backswing. Now he “loves” hockey and said he enjoys seeing the game live. Personally, I’ll buy it when I see his invoice for Florida Panthers season tickets, but at least he’s making an effort. It’s more than most people care to do for hockey.
So I suppose now that Tiger has at least tried to make amends with hockey nation I can jump back on the Tiger Woods bandwagon. I mean the guy is coming off knee surgery. How can you not root for success?
Photo courtesy: Rapid City Journal
Myers Cant-tu Anything Right These Days June 11, 2008
Posted by Dave in Phillies.Tags: Pedro Feliz, Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Adam Eaton, Tom Gordon, Pat Burrell, Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies, Chase Utley, Florida Marlins, Wes Helms, Jorge Cantu
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Remember that? The fond memory of closer
turned starter Brett Myers as he tossed his glove up in jubilation
after recording the final out to clinch the division for the
Philadelphia Phillies still lingers. Those memories of the Phillies
versatile pitcher are fading away faster than a close game in the
hands of Tom Gordon (wait…that’s not funny anymore.
He’s good now). Er, the hands of Ryan
Madson? No, he’s not bad either. How about good
ol’ Adam Eaton? …Seriously? He’s better than Myers
too?
Brett Myers started the season as the Phillies ace, but has been anything but that thus far. Tuesday night the Marlins tapped him for three runs in the first inning as his record dropped to 3-8. Jorge Cantu went 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI. The Fightin’ Phils have fought from behind quite a lot in 2008 to win games, but couldn’t muster the full comeback in the first game of the series with the Fish.
It’s not just the fact that this game shrinks the lead that the Phillies have over the Marlins, it’s the performance from the supposed ace. Many argued at the beginning of the season that Cole Hamels, not Myers, should have gotten the nod on opening day. That may or may not have had to do with Hamels’ views on a contract offer leading up to the regular season. Regardless, Myers is capable of having ace-like material every start. We’ve seen him in the pastas the only productive starter, and now we’re seeing the exact opposite. If Myers doesn’t get his act together soon, his wife could be in serious danger.
Despite falling to the Florida Marlins in front of their dozens of fans, the Phillies do have some upside to look to in this situation (besides the fact that Myers doesn’t pitch again for another five days). Their bullpen this year has been phenomenal. Last year was a different story, but with the additions of Brad Lidge and Rudy Seanez, the Phillies have turned on a dime and now have the best bullpen in the majors with an ERA of 2.54 going into Tuesday’s loss.
Chase Utley isn’t bad either with his MLB-leading 21 home runs and NL-leading 56 RBI. Pat Burrell is finally earning his paycheck before summer officially begins. Pedro Feliz is playing better than Wes Helms, which is really all that anyone expected. Even Ryan Howard is slowly beginning to pick up some slack.
Even without their ace pitching up to par, the Phillies will be okay. They have the bats to back up a slumping pitcher. They’ve certainly bailed out their starters on more than a few occasions this season. But for the love of the Phillie Phanatic’s round hilarious belly, pick up your game Brett Myers. Sooner or later the Phillies will need you.
Photo courtesy: philly.com
