Birds Fly High; Phillies Just Get By

Eagles

Michael Vick returned to the field Sunday for his first regular season game in 33 months but the Eagles offense was dynamite without him against Kansas City.

The most talked about third string quarterback in the history of the NFL (Vick) lined up at wide receiver on the second play of the game, only to serve as a decoy. He would continue to attract attention from the fans, media, and the opposing Chiefs defense but he did not come up with that one spectacular play.

Even without the big play from Vick, the Eagles handled their business and played well on in all phases. The Chiefs were an inferior opponent and the Eagles demonstrated that, defeating them 34-14 and improving to 2-1.

The game was a true testament to the superb job done by the Eagles front office and coaching staff: drafting, signing, and incorporating new players into the system. Of the eleven starters on offense, only two started for the team this time last year (C Jamal Jackson and WR DeSean Jackson).

Little side note on DeSean Jackson: He has four career 100 yard games, all coming in September. He really needs to show he can be a force against solid teams, late in the season before we call him a superstar and he needs to stop with the ridiculous showboating , as well, before he breaks his arm, leg, or neck. This is not the first time he has acted like a complete fool going into the end zone. His first NFL TD was actually a fumble on the one yard line because he was immature and prematurely celebrated. DeSean, you are a year and a month older than me--making millions of dollars--grow up. Have fun, even celebrate some, but tone it down a little.

Kevin Kolb threw for 327 yards and two touchdowns. That might be the first time in NFL history that a QB threw over 325 yards in his first two career starts...check it out.

"Back-to-back 300-yard games. That's quite a compliment to the kid," said Head Coach Andy Reid.

The jury is still out though to see how he does against divisional foes with more talent than the Chiefs.

Phillies


Magic number is 3 with 7 to go. Ryan Madson held on to the lead and picked up his ninth save as he tries to provide some stability in the bullpen. The Phils left 29 guys on base today and still won 6-5...phew. We are so close...and getting closer, as a closer emerges.

Cole Hamels takes the mound tomorrow at home against the Astro's.

RBI Title: Ryan Howard has tied Prince Fielder for the league lead in RBI's (137).

FLYERS

The regular season starts this Friday in Carolina against the Hurricanes. They are 2-4 this preseason.

The Rise and Fall of Brad Lidge

How the mighty have fallen.

This will be the fourth and, I pray, final time I write about Brad Lidge blowing a save. The same Phillies closer who was perfect last season. He finished 4th in Cy Young voting and 8th in MVP ballots in 2008.

Now, his stats are looking eerily similar to the horrendous year in 2006 only worse!

Tonight, he lost his 8th game of the season, has blown his 11th save, and increased his ERA to an unheard of 7.48. One run lead, bottom of the ninth....Phillies have a problem. I have ignored this obvious concern to the best of my ability but I can no longer turn a blind eye to how pathetic Brad Lidge has been this season.

I am not sure what season was more remarkable and beyond belief: the success of last season or the failure of this one.

This Phillies squad has everything, and I mean everything, a championship ball club needs.

Pedigree (defending champs), power (4 guys over 30 home runs), speed (Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Werth, and even Ryan Howard), defense (2 or 3 potential gold glove winners), starting pitching (AL Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, League and World Series MVP Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton having a career year, possible NL Rookie of the Year JA Happ, and a future Hall of Famer named Pedro Martinez), and even a solid set up man in Ryan Madson.

The only ? is the mental state of Brad Lidge. Physically, he must be fine because he still has nice velocity with his slider and fastball.

I thought his perfect season last year was a sign he was past the Albert Pujols saga.

However, it seems the fans in Philadelphia are reliving what happened in Houston a few years ago.

I have offered various opinions on what to do regarding Lidge and the closers role in general. Nothing has worked, although Charlie Manuel gave Ryan Madson his fair share of opportunities to no avail.

Post Season play begins in 2 weeks and the magic number remains at 5. The Phillies are a team that everyone fears, but Brad Lidge is one pitcher that batters are happy to face at the moment.

Don't count him out yet. You must have faith because the Phillies will continue live and die with Brad Lidge as their closer this season. Like it or not.

Phillies Ready to Clinch; Eagles Lose Opener

The Phillies and Eagles were both in action on Sunday but only one team came away with a W.

We start, of course, with the more important team in Philadelphia at the moment.

Phillies magic number: 6!

Brad Lidge gave up a run in the ninth ...again...but the Phils hung on to get a 4-2 win over the Braves on the road. With a 3 game sweep of the Marlins, and some bad luck for the Braves, the Phillies could clinch back to back NL East Division titles this week. Obviously this team has loftier goals then a divisional championship.

They are currently 2nd in the National League in terms of winning percentage....waiting to see how the standings shake out to see who their opponent will be in the first round and whether they will have home field advantage.

Eagles

The final score of 48-22 really does not indicate how close the game was at Lincoln Financial Field. Saints FS Darren Shaper picked off the ball in the end zone and returned it 97 yards--causing a big 14 point swing. Eagles KR Ellis Hobbs fumbling the kickoff in Eagles territory to start the 2nd half hurt most of all, giving Drew Brees prime field position and he capitalized.

The good news:

QB Kevin Kolb managed the game well. He was put in some very difficult positions since the special teams played so poorly. There was an infraction or turnover on almost every single special teams play. His yardage numbers were padded a little towards the end when the game was out of reach and the Saints coverage dropped way back.

All Kolb was asked to do was to give the Eagles a fighting chance, control the ball and the clock, and don't try to do too much. Except for one interception, he pretty much accomplished those tasks.

The starting QB in Week three will be...??? Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb (highly unlikely...recovering from broken rib). Michael Vick will be activated though and considering how many times the Eagles ran the wildcat formation against the Saints (around 10) Vick should get a number of snaps and hopefully build on the success of DeSean Jackson and Brian Westbrook (ironic side note: Westbrook's Alma mater, The Villanova Wildcats, defeated my Alma mater, Penn, 14-3 Saturday at Franklin Field. Nova is #3 in the country in D-1AA).

Scary but slim possibility: Will the Eagles keep Kolb in over Vick and Jeff Garcia simply to try and prove a point that their first selection in the 2007 draft was not a bust? This team is way to talented and deep to allow a young QB to stand in their way of victories. As Herm Edwards said, "You play to win the game."

Possible Pro Bowl Picks: Trent Cole is a beast, recording a sack and an interception. DeSean Jackson has really made a name for himself and still has not reached his full potential. Way too soon to tell but it's fun to speculate...especially in regard to success.

Thank God for good hands: Jason Avant showed his ability as a tough, sure handed slot receiver last season and he continued to impress against the Saints on a couple of occasions, including a TD. He also happens to love Jesus and can be heard singing Gospel music on the field during practice.

Phillies Poised for another Parade

JA Happ, Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer, Pedro Martinez, Joe Blanton, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels. Who ever has been on the mound to start the game for the Phils over the last month has seemingly been successful. Guys are pitching deeper into games, throwing well over 100 pitches some nights. People may say that means the arms will fall apart in October. Others argue that will build endurance. I am happy sitting back and enjoying the best starting pitching in all of baseball over the last months.

The offense continued to impress last night against Tim Hudson of the streaking Atlanta Braves. Ryan Howard homered twice and Ben Francisco followed Jimmy Rollins 9th inning two run home run with a solo shot of his own. Chase Utley and Jayson Werth are continuing to add to their fine seasons and all that remains is the bullpen...(this is a happy article...no need to bring it down so we will move on).

The Phillies are now 26 games over the .500 mark, the first time that has happened since they went to the World Series in 1993. The magic number is eight...let the countdown begin.

Prediction:
Phillies over the Yankees in the World series.

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Quick Eagles note:

I am glad Kevin Kolb is getting his first NFL start so the team can properly assess his ability. With that being said, I think his security blankets will be dumping the ball off to Brian Westbrook and Brent Celek so look for them both to have big games.

Tune in to see Drew Brees and that highly touted New Orleans offense get smashed by a fundamentally sound and highly intelligent Eagles defense.

Flyers preseason hockey is under way...if nothing else, they will be fun to watch and cheer for but I anticipate another competitive playoff appearance.

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

A big win by the Eagles, 2 wins by the Phillies in a day-night double header against the Mets, and a sunny 80 degree day...perfection in Philadelphia on September 13th.

Bravo and congratulations to Sean McDermott: an extremely kind, qualified, and gracious successor to Jim Johnson who had to LOVE what his defense did today forcing 7 turnovers and scoring a touchdown.

TE Brent Celek and FB Leonard Weaver both will be welcomed starters and could DeSean Jackson possibly eclipse 1,000 yards this season? Let's not get crazy, it was only week one but I did not expect a win, let alone a 38-10 blowout against a playoff team.

QB issues and articles to come later in the week I am sure. Sadly, since being the Eagles first draft choice in 2007, Kevin Kolb has had chances in the preseason and sporadically when it counts and hasn't shown anything to really hang your hat on.

Bring on Michael Vick in week 3 I guess, or Jeff Garcia, but whatever happens mark September 13th on your calendar for being a wonderful Philadelphia sports day.

Phillies

First, Kyle Kendrick bounces back and looks like the Kendrick of 2007 that went 10-4...blanking the Mets in the first 7 innings and giving up 2 runs, 1 walk, and 7 hits in 7.1 innings of work.

I will skip past all of the late game theatrics with Brad Lidge, I've covered that issue enough over the last two weeks, and just say that he recorded his 29th save.

Kendricks performance and Jamie Moyer's start the other day provide more evidence that Pedro Martinez could be used as a closer.


Then!!! Pedro goes out a turns back the clock for the whole country to see as the game was aired on ESPN...tell me this guy doesn't perform well in the limelight.

8 innings, 2 walks, 6 hits, 7 strikeouts, and 0 runs...now 5-0 with the Phillies 2.87 ERA and 1.09 WHIP.

Ryan Madson gave a much less dramatic performance in the night for his 8th save.

Another nice pick up for the GM Ruben Amaro and the Phillies front office was outfielder Ben Francisco who has provided some right handed production since arriving with Cliff Lee. The 28 year old went 2-4 with a stolen base and a home run in the day game. He has 14 sb's and 14 hr's on the season (He has a long way to go but could he be the future Jayson Werth or Shane Victorino... anyone???).

Side note: In case you haven't seen or heard of the sitcom "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," which airs on FX, might I suggest looking it up on hulu.com.

Phillies Closer Nightmare

Enough Already!!!

To quote Green Day: Wake me up when September ends.

I don't want to write or debate about the Phillies current closer predicament any longer. This is ridiculous...and almost laughable because the team is on the verge of collapsing like the Mets have the last two seasons.

The Florida Marlins are five games back and play the Phillies six more times, including the final series of the season at home which should make things interesting.

I don't want an interesting pennant race. It has been interesting the last few seasons and incredibly exciting but with health care in the state that it's in, I can't afford any late September heart attacks.

I think it is safe to say that Brett Myers, Brad Lidge, and Ryan Madson are not capable of closing a game at the moment. Whether it's health, confidence, or an amazing series of bad luck...further experimentation is needed.

I hate saying this especially after previously writing adamantly against this but...Pedro Martinez needs a shot at closing.

There I said it---knowing full well the list of arguments I have made against it:

1. He is old and might not be able to pitch night after night.
2. He has more value as a starter (he is better than J.A. Happ, Jamie Moyer, and Kyle Kendrick)
3. We have three "capable" pitchers in the bullpen (Myers, Madson, Lidge)--this point is fading quickly.
4. He has three career saves and the last one came in 1994 when he was with the Expos.
5. Putting Pedro in as the closer could potentially destroy any confidence Madson and Lidge have left.

Other options: J.C. Romero but he walks guys a lot and isn't expected back until mid September.

Martinez is supposed to start tomorrow night (Game 2 of the double header) against Tim Redding so it is highly unlikely a move would be made the day of his start but within the next few weeks Pedro Martinez should at least get one shot to come out of the bullpen.

The Big Baby

The Eagles franchise, 26 year old offensive linemen, Shawn Andrews, is a dominant and gifted football player.

He has a love-able, youthful personality that earned him the nickname "The Big Kid." Andrew lists Willy Wonka as his favorite movie of all time and owns a framed copy of a golden ticket. A few years ago, he went up against professional sumo wrestlers outside of the NovaCare Complex. He even sports a dyed "bro hawk" hairdo to show that he can joke around and have fun.

BUT...he has rarely been on the field since 2007 and many issues have arouse from the start of training camp in 2008. The 6-4, 335 pound guard/tackle has had many people in Philadelphia asking questions about his heart, maturity, loyalty, dedication, mental/physical/emotional stability, desire to play football...you name it.

After the Eagles took Andrews with 16th selection overall in the 2004 draft, he stood out from the rest of the guards in the NFC and made the Pro Bowl in 2006 and 2007 (he was the 1st alternate in 2005).

His play on the field and his personality made him a fan favorite--so much so that many people (myself included) still have hope for him and believe he will return to being an integral part of the Eagles offense in 2009.
The trouble began when it was reported that Andrews was unable to work out with the team in training camp last year because of mental health reasons. The Eagles front office did an amazing job this off season in acquiring two-time Pro Bowl and All Pro selection OT Jason Peters who happened to be Andrews roommate at Arkansas. They also brought in Shawn's older brother and former starter for the Cincinnati Bengals Stacey Andrews. Now, Shawn has talent and emotional support on the O-line and in the locker room, but he is still unable to get himself on the field.

Going into the season opener against the Carolina Panthers, it would have been nice to have "The Big Kid" going up against Julius Peppers instead of Winston Justice.

All of the questions and concerns with Shawn Andrews will be put to rest once he gets on the field and we all anxiously await that day.

Bio: http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eagles_files/html/andrews_shawn_1.html

The Comeback that almost was...

Last night was the most enjoyable, exciting lose I may have ever seen from a Phillies team.

Down, 8-2 in the 9th against the Nationals...a Matt Stairs grand slam...some small ball from the top of the lineup and then the big man, Ryan Howard up with a man on first and third with one out and down 8-7.

The Nationals catcher, Wil Nieves, had difficulty all inning keeping the ball in front of him and the rain was pouring down so I was screaming at the TV...SEND UTLEY!!! He hasn't been caught yet this season (18 SB-0 CS), it would put the go ahead run in scoring position, it would remove the chances of a double play (which is what happened), and with Shane Victorino on third the Nats might not have even made an attempt to through down to second base.

Brad Lidge came in during the 8th and struck out two batters after giving up a triple to Willy Harris. One strike out came in a nine pitch battle against Ryan Zimmerman...when you are struggling like Lidge you have to find the positives wherever you can and build off of them.

Concern:

The Marlins are five games back...time for the fightins to get their minds out of the dogs days of summer and into shape for October ball.

Here is a link to explain the significance of having four, 30 home run guys on one team:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090908&content_id=6863766&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

The State of the Eagles

Before I get into all the Eagle talk as they approach the season opener in Carolina let me say that I think the Phillies will win the world series and become the 22nd repeat champions since 1903 (I looked it up and counted...try me). Even with the bullpen issues and mini heart attacks night in and night out, they will win. We've got the defense, offense, and starting pitching...we will win (think, repeat, reality).

Ok--The State of the Eagles

Team President shared that he observed new wrinkles in the Eagles offense during practice that he has never seen before in the NFL. He thinks the teams youth and athleticism will result in a even more explosive and aggressive offense--last season the Eagles set a franchise record for points scored.

In case you haven't heard--Omar Gaither is slotted to start at Middle Linebacker and rookie Macho Harris will be the first man to replace Brian Dawkins at Free Safety. This could be good for Quintin Demps and Sean Jones because as they say, "You don't want to be the guy who replaces the legend, you want to be the guy who replaces the guy who replaced the legend." (It's something to that effect..anyway).

Jeremiah Trotter spoke at the event tonight at Lincoln Financial Field and he kept talking about how good of shape he was in and how he would consider coming back to play!!!!!!!

Other speakers hinted that Andy Reid was two years ahead of the curve by getting Michael Vick because the NFL will eventually adapt the spread offense philosophy that majority of college teams have. They called Michael Vick the best spread offense QB of all time....please don't let there be QB drama (I am sadly getting the feeling that there will be..eeekk).

Prediction for week 1: Carolina wins 28-24. But I hope I am wrong. Gaither and Harris will be weaknesses. The Eagles running game will be ineffective because the O line has had little time to work together and Westbrook will play through any injury.

Soon it will be time to throw in some Flyers and Sixers talk but first...the Phils will win the world series (think, repeat, reality).

Phillies Closer Experiment #2: Success

What Charlie Manuel did tonight with the Phillies bullpen is probably going to be the best solution to the closer crisis.

It is a term that scares many people but the Phillies might have a closer by committee. I am not sure on how many teams won the world series with such a strategy and I know how reassuring a feeling it can be as a fan to know that the 9th inning is taken care of (Brad Lidge last season), but this looks like a good move.

Brett Myers, Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson all pitched late in the game today to help Pedro Martinez improve to 4-0 (3.64 ERA and a WHIP just over 1). Pedro has way too much value as starter so I would argue strongly with moving him to the closer role and reinserting Jamie Moyer, although the 46 year old lefty has done well with his new role.

Fun Fact: With Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez reaching the 30 hr plateau today, the Phillies are the only team in baseball to have 4 guys over that mark.

Eagles

My quick little blurb about the Birds...I would not touch any Eagles wide receiver in your upcoming fantasy drafts. Like the Phillies closers right now, the Eagles WR's work as a collective unit. No one guy is going to break out and have double digit TD's or over 1,000 yards (DeSean was close last year with an injured Kevin Curtis and Brian Westbrook).

Westbrook is going to fall in a lot of leagues but if he is there in the late 2nd round take a shot.

Donovan McNabb has lots of toys to work with but from what I've seen in the preseason and knowing how unproductive the team has been in the red zone the last few years...I think inside the 20 will be Michael Vick time.

I would also be the happiest fan on the planet if we gave our FB's and RB's more touches near the goal line but that might be asking too much. Leonard Weaver had 2 TD's last year...2 more than all of our FB's combined, however both of his TD's were receptions. So much for smash mouth football and so much for the fantasy value of a LeSean "Shady" McCoy. The Eagles are a great team in reality...not so much in fantasy.

2008 World Series MVP Pitches GEM

Cole Hamels pitched his second complete game shutout of the season and has not given up a run in his last 19 innings pitched (Orel Hershiser holds the record with 59 scoreless innings pitched).

The Phillies offense forced Hamels to pitch superbly tonight as they only managed 5 hits and 1 run thanks to an RBI double by Ryan Howard (who continues to rake in August and September as in years past).

Hamels threw 118 pitches--80 for strikes, 9 strikeouts, 2 hits and 1 walk. It seems that all of the Phillies starters are pitching later into games since the arrival of Cliff Lee and his old school philosophy regarding pitch counts...just throw til I can't throw anymore.

Meanwhile.....

This was Carlos Carrasco's line after his debut in Cleveland against the Detroit Tigers. He gave up 4 runs in the first inning. So far in the Cliff Lee deal---advantage Phillies.

Carrasco, C (L, 0-1)

3 innings, 9 hits, 6 earned runs, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts.

J.A. Happ should go tomorrow for the Phils against new Giant Brad Penny. Then Thursday it should be Pedro Martinez vs. Lincecum.

My prediction: Phillies win tomorrow with the future NL Rookie of the Year on the mound and then lose the finale to the future repeat NL Cy Young Winner.

Nuggets:

Cole Hamels stole the first base in his 4 year MLB career (110 games). As a team, the Phillies have successfully stolen 92 bases this season and have been caught 20 times (82.1 %). Only the Texas Rangers have a better success rate (82.6%). Chase Utley stole his 17th stolen bases in the game and has yet to be caught in 2009.