2 minutes after midnight as I type this. The corpse of the 2010 Phillies season is still warm and the blood has yet to dry form the fresh wound that is Ryan Howard taking a borderline strike 3 called from Giants' closer Brian Wilson, yet I have to be the 1st to ask this question...Are the Phillies going backward? Sorry thats not a question, it is indeed a fact. The evidence is plain as day. 2008 was a World Series title. 2009 was a World Series loss, and now 2010 the Fightins' dont even qualify for the fall classic. That is regression.
Not one Phillies' regular had a career year. Some of that can be attributed to injury no doubt. But seriously, did this team ever find it's offense? I think we all know the answer to that one.
I will have a much bigger write up about this topic in the near future but I am interested to hear what you guys think the future holds for this team. Utley, Howard, Ruiz, Victorino and the big 3 of Halladay, Hamels, and Oswalt should be safe but aside from them ,this roster could see some serious upheaval in the next 12-18 months.
Thought?
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Eagles open pre-season tonight vs. Jacksonville
Tonight, @7:30 in South Philly the Birds open their 2010 preseason slate against the Jaguars. Its the 1st exhibition game which, in years past meant don't blink or you might miss the starters. Of course years past included seasoned vets like McNabb, 36-West, and B-Dawk. Proven NFL commodities whose only goal in such contests was to avoid injury.
This preseason for all intents and purposes should by all means be different. The Eagles' roster is choc-full of question marks and unprovens. These games will undoubtedly have more impact on the final roster and depth chart than in any preseason since 1998 when Andy Reid 1st arrived on the scene.
I know most writers when writing a piece such as this will include a list of "top 5 players to watch" etc. but in reality I find it to be an absurd concept given the fact that the entire Eagles team warrants our full attention. So much is to be decided before the September 12th opener that the wife or girlfriend shouldnt call you crazy for still paying close attention come the 4th quarter tonight.
Keep in mind that the NFL season, moreso than any other pro-league schedule is truly a war of attrition. Sure some of the players scampering around the field will be bagging groceries this fall but some of them just might be integral pieces to this team's success before the seasons over and even more are likely to get their feet wet this year before ascending to bigger roles in the years ahead. Recent Eagles' history bears out that concept. Management likes to promote from within and have heir apparents on the roster, waiting in the wings for their chance like redshirt freshmen waiting for the upper classmen to graduate, or in the Eagles' case, turn 30 years old.
The naysayers in their shortsightedness will suggest that the Bird's season will be lost if they are forced to rely heavily on players who currently reside further down on the depth chart. The educated Eagles' fan will recognize that because of this team's youth that the depth chart has most likely been written in pencil or dry erase marker, not ink.
This preseason for all intents and purposes should by all means be different. The Eagles' roster is choc-full of question marks and unprovens. These games will undoubtedly have more impact on the final roster and depth chart than in any preseason since 1998 when Andy Reid 1st arrived on the scene.
I know most writers when writing a piece such as this will include a list of "top 5 players to watch" etc. but in reality I find it to be an absurd concept given the fact that the entire Eagles team warrants our full attention. So much is to be decided before the September 12th opener that the wife or girlfriend shouldnt call you crazy for still paying close attention come the 4th quarter tonight.
Keep in mind that the NFL season, moreso than any other pro-league schedule is truly a war of attrition. Sure some of the players scampering around the field will be bagging groceries this fall but some of them just might be integral pieces to this team's success before the seasons over and even more are likely to get their feet wet this year before ascending to bigger roles in the years ahead. Recent Eagles' history bears out that concept. Management likes to promote from within and have heir apparents on the roster, waiting in the wings for their chance like redshirt freshmen waiting for the upper classmen to graduate, or in the Eagles' case, turn 30 years old.
The naysayers in their shortsightedness will suggest that the Bird's season will be lost if they are forced to rely heavily on players who currently reside further down on the depth chart. The educated Eagles' fan will recognize that because of this team's youth that the depth chart has most likely been written in pencil or dry erase marker, not ink.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Kovalchuk signs with NJ; Flyers deal Gagne to Tampa
As I wrote here previously, once Kovalchuk chose a team that the NHL could get back to business. Illya chose the Devils and immediately after, the Flyers and Lightning got together on a trade that sent LW-Simon Gagne to Tampa in exchange for D-Matt Walker and a 2011 4th round pick. This deal gets Philadelphia almost 1.3 million under the salary cap with 13 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goalies.
L.A. was rumored to be interested in Gagne. Supposedly the Kings wanted to pair the defensively responsible Gagne with the offensively minded Kovalchuk. When Kovy spurned them today to sign with the Devils, that left Tampa as the Flyers dance partner.
For the record, I do not like this deal. So far Homer has made 2 separate deals with new Lightning GM Steve Yzerman. The sum of those 2 trades netted the Flyers 2 defensemen in Andrej Meszaros, Matt Walker, and a 2011 4th rounder in exchange for Simon Gagne and a 2012 2nd round pick. How does that sound? Discuss...
L.A. was rumored to be interested in Gagne. Supposedly the Kings wanted to pair the defensively responsible Gagne with the offensively minded Kovalchuk. When Kovy spurned them today to sign with the Devils, that left Tampa as the Flyers dance partner.
For the record, I do not like this deal. So far Homer has made 2 separate deals with new Lightning GM Steve Yzerman. The sum of those 2 trades netted the Flyers 2 defensemen in Andrej Meszaros, Matt Walker, and a 2011 4th rounder in exchange for Simon Gagne and a 2012 2nd round pick. How does that sound? Discuss...
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Flyers re-sign Dan Carcillo to 1 year deal
For a short while it appeared that this deal would not get done. I am more a fan of Carcillo than most so I am relieved this situation has finally been resolved. The recently re-opened Arron Asham negotiations would appear to be closed with now both Carcillo and free agent addition Jody Shelley on the roster.
I still believe that Asham brings more to the table than Shelley and would most likely do so while earning less than what the Flyers gave Shelley.
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=534298
I still believe that Asham brings more to the table than Shelley and would most likely do so while earning less than what the Flyers gave Shelley.
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=534298
Friday, July 9, 2010
New Flyer Nikolai Zherdev
Reports suggest his deal is for a very cap friendly 2 million. Here is a sample of what that 2 million will get Flyers fans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeEdhGS5cgo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeEdhGS5cgo
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Lebron chooses the Miami Heat
Finally. The decision is in. The dye has been cast. As for the fallout...much is soon to follow. Much has already occured since James made his decision earlier this evening. The Knicks, having scored Amare Stoudamire, and struck out on James were able to move on. They shipped free agent power forward David Lee to the Golden State Warriors in a sign and trade deal that brings Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf, and Kelenna Azubuike to the Knicks. A good haul for New York as they attempt to rebuild their proud franchise in Coach Mike D'antoni's image.
The other teams that fell short in this process are sure to be heard from as well in the next few days as the NBA trade and free agent markets can now re-open without the Bosh-Wade-James scenarios clogging up the landscape. The Nets have already begun by adding Travis Outlaw and appear close to signing Kyle Korver. Small consolation but roster spots need to be filled even if the seats in the meadowlands are not.
The Chicago Bulls locked up free agent PF Carlos Boozer, who in my opinion is a great fit given their current roster. That being said, they GAVE Kirk Heinrich away to the Wizzards for nothing in an attempt to lure the big 3 and failed miserably. Of course hindsight is always 20-20, nothing ventured nothing gained and all that but surely thats a move they wish they could have back.
Next to New Jersey the obvious big loser in all of this is Cleveland. I stand by my opinion that the Nets have been hurt the most this offseason for 2 reasons. They trashed their roster and season so they could get the ping pong balls that would land them John Wall and the cap space to get Lebron and came up empty on both fronts. There is still plenty of time left in the offseason but for now the Nets are looking like...well, the Nets.
The Cavs still have some nice pieces like Varejao, talented young PF JJ Hickson, Jamison etc. but they obviously need to take a step back to assess things before moving forward. Building around unique superstars is never easy. We tried it here in Philly with a 6'4 power forward named Barkley. We tried it again years later with a 6'0 assassin at the 2 gaurd named Allen Iverson. When such stars leave it nearly impossible to try and maintain a level of success since the players you are left with are use to playing the role of Robin, not Batman.
A bunch of complimentary players almost never get the job done in a star driven league such as the NBA. Aside from the Detroit Pistons its not done very often. An ex-Celtic (Kevin Mchale) traded Garnett to Boston. Somehow Jerry West found it in his heart to ship Pau Gasol to Kobe and the Lakers. Now King James joins his Team U.S.A. buddies in South Beach while commisioner David Stern turns a blind eye.
While technically, teams did nothing wrong by shedding salaries the past few years in their attempts to lure the big 3, the damage that has been done to the league's integrity should not go unnoticed. So when you try to reconcile in your mind all that has happened in the last few hours, please try to understand that your love, hate or indifference should not be directed at the players or franchises involved in the proceedings, but at the NBA's leadership, through its lack of foresight to allow such a competitive balance of power to shift overnight.
The other teams that fell short in this process are sure to be heard from as well in the next few days as the NBA trade and free agent markets can now re-open without the Bosh-Wade-James scenarios clogging up the landscape. The Nets have already begun by adding Travis Outlaw and appear close to signing Kyle Korver. Small consolation but roster spots need to be filled even if the seats in the meadowlands are not.
The Chicago Bulls locked up free agent PF Carlos Boozer, who in my opinion is a great fit given their current roster. That being said, they GAVE Kirk Heinrich away to the Wizzards for nothing in an attempt to lure the big 3 and failed miserably. Of course hindsight is always 20-20, nothing ventured nothing gained and all that but surely thats a move they wish they could have back.
Next to New Jersey the obvious big loser in all of this is Cleveland. I stand by my opinion that the Nets have been hurt the most this offseason for 2 reasons. They trashed their roster and season so they could get the ping pong balls that would land them John Wall and the cap space to get Lebron and came up empty on both fronts. There is still plenty of time left in the offseason but for now the Nets are looking like...well, the Nets.
The Cavs still have some nice pieces like Varejao, talented young PF JJ Hickson, Jamison etc. but they obviously need to take a step back to assess things before moving forward. Building around unique superstars is never easy. We tried it here in Philly with a 6'4 power forward named Barkley. We tried it again years later with a 6'0 assassin at the 2 gaurd named Allen Iverson. When such stars leave it nearly impossible to try and maintain a level of success since the players you are left with are use to playing the role of Robin, not Batman.
A bunch of complimentary players almost never get the job done in a star driven league such as the NBA. Aside from the Detroit Pistons its not done very often. An ex-Celtic (Kevin Mchale) traded Garnett to Boston. Somehow Jerry West found it in his heart to ship Pau Gasol to Kobe and the Lakers. Now King James joins his Team U.S.A. buddies in South Beach while commisioner David Stern turns a blind eye.
While technically, teams did nothing wrong by shedding salaries the past few years in their attempts to lure the big 3, the damage that has been done to the league's integrity should not go unnoticed. So when you try to reconcile in your mind all that has happened in the last few hours, please try to understand that your love, hate or indifference should not be directed at the players or franchises involved in the proceedings, but at the NBA's leadership, through its lack of foresight to allow such a competitive balance of power to shift overnight.
Pierre Lebrun; Flyers sign Nikolai Zherdev to 1 year deal
Per ESPN's Pierre LeBrun the Flyers have indeed signed RW Nikolai Zherdev. The 1 year deal will be announced either today or tomorrow once the NHL is finished completing the transfer agreement with Russia's KHL (Kontinental Hockey League).
Quick thoughts; amazingly skilled player who so far has underachieved. Labeled an enigma, mainly because Zherdev is a 25 goal 60 point scorer whos' skill set suggests he should net 40+ goals annualy. I will reserve total judgement until we hear the terms but if the 1yr term is correct that would suggest a lower cap hit on a "prove you are matured" deal.
That being said, IF Zherdev comes in more focused and dedicated, then in my opinion, he is worth whatever the Flyers will pay him. He is THAT good, THAT talented. A born again hard Nikolai Zherdev easily becomes the Flyers most skilled player. Bar none.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=3664&hubname=nhl
Quick thoughts; amazingly skilled player who so far has underachieved. Labeled an enigma, mainly because Zherdev is a 25 goal 60 point scorer whos' skill set suggests he should net 40+ goals annualy. I will reserve total judgement until we hear the terms but if the 1yr term is correct that would suggest a lower cap hit on a "prove you are matured" deal.
That being said, IF Zherdev comes in more focused and dedicated, then in my opinion, he is worth whatever the Flyers will pay him. He is THAT good, THAT talented. A born again hard Nikolai Zherdev easily becomes the Flyers most skilled player. Bar none.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=3664&hubname=nhl
Lebron and Kovalchuk
I sit here on my birthday July 8th, amazed that we as sports fans face the real possibilty that the Lebron saga may just end before the Kovalchuk mystery is solved. Personally I find it unfair to criticize James for doing his due dilligence. Franchises have been shedding salaries for 2-3 years to just have a chance at signing the former no. 1 overall pick. Not only will his decision impact the Cavaliers, but the fanbase of each team he doesnt sign with will most likely also view him as public enemy #1 for spurning them. That, in my opinion could weigh heavily on anyone's mind, let alone a superstar with as much global appeal as King James himself.
While a superstar like Kobe has long dealt with haters, this will be Lebron's 1st foray into the land of the disliked star player. For a guy who by all accounts, has always been concerned with his brand and legacy, this cannot be an easy decision. I am sure that by now Bron Bron realizes that at the end of the day he cant please everyone so ultimately he needs to do what is best for him. Well atleast we will all find out the answer this evening on ESPN @9pm which means the finish line is in our sights. The same cant be said for Kovalchuk...
Kovalchuk is flat out holding up the NHL. By all accounts he wants to go to the LA Kings but is unwilling to compromise and take less than 10 mill per. Sorry, Kovy but in a salary capped league you cant expect to get everything you want. Sometimes you need to compromise and make the decision of what is of most importance to you. Life isnt always fair and the money is not always equal. The reports that he has gone back and forth with LA with the Kings breaking off negotiations on more than one occasion suggests that he either really wants to play there or he needs to keep them in the bidding to drive up his asking price from the Devils or any potential KHL team.
The fact that his agent Jay Grossman announced via twitter that a decision would be made this past monday the 5th and then wasnt, in my opinion really suggests that #17 wants to go to LA since on monday LA was considered out of the sweepstakes. All of the sudden no decision was made and word trickles out that the Kings jumped back in. Sounds like a last ditch effort by Kovy to milk as much dough out of LA as possible. Once again, the Kings smartly refusing to be used as leverage have come out publicly and announced that they are once again stepping back from this fiasco.
Finally, we have one player, Lebron who is overly concerned with his legacy and another player, Kovalchuk who obviously has demonstrated no regard for his.
While a superstar like Kobe has long dealt with haters, this will be Lebron's 1st foray into the land of the disliked star player. For a guy who by all accounts, has always been concerned with his brand and legacy, this cannot be an easy decision. I am sure that by now Bron Bron realizes that at the end of the day he cant please everyone so ultimately he needs to do what is best for him. Well atleast we will all find out the answer this evening on ESPN @9pm which means the finish line is in our sights. The same cant be said for Kovalchuk...
Kovalchuk is flat out holding up the NHL. By all accounts he wants to go to the LA Kings but is unwilling to compromise and take less than 10 mill per. Sorry, Kovy but in a salary capped league you cant expect to get everything you want. Sometimes you need to compromise and make the decision of what is of most importance to you. Life isnt always fair and the money is not always equal. The reports that he has gone back and forth with LA with the Kings breaking off negotiations on more than one occasion suggests that he either really wants to play there or he needs to keep them in the bidding to drive up his asking price from the Devils or any potential KHL team.
The fact that his agent Jay Grossman announced via twitter that a decision would be made this past monday the 5th and then wasnt, in my opinion really suggests that #17 wants to go to LA since on monday LA was considered out of the sweepstakes. All of the sudden no decision was made and word trickles out that the Kings jumped back in. Sounds like a last ditch effort by Kovy to milk as much dough out of LA as possible. Once again, the Kings smartly refusing to be used as leverage have come out publicly and announced that they are once again stepping back from this fiasco.
Finally, we have one player, Lebron who is overly concerned with his legacy and another player, Kovalchuk who obviously has demonstrated no regard for his.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
My updated Flyers plan
Okay, so tons of rumors swirling around the Flyers this holiday weekend so I am taking the opportunity to lay out a plan that makes sense to me based on all the speculation.
part 1
Gagne to LA for Simmonds (courier post's Chuck Gormley says we want him)
straight up clears around 4.3 million
part 2
JVR and either Coburn OR Carle to Ducks for Bobby Ryan
deal would just about even up cap wise if Ryan gets around 5 mill per.
I would also try to pry Sbisa back from ANA or a pick/prospect
part 3
stash Cote and Boosh in AHL which would clear another 1.475 million.
total cap space created roughly 5.775 and add that to the 577k we are already under which would then put us around 6.3 under
Budget no more than 2.5-3.0 mill for a goalie (Turco?) and 1.5-2.0 mill to sign 1 more Winger(Guerin?)
keep the remaining cap space for flexibilty purposes.
thoughts ?
part 1
Gagne to LA for Simmonds (courier post's Chuck Gormley says we want him)
straight up clears around 4.3 million
part 2
JVR and either Coburn OR Carle to Ducks for Bobby Ryan
deal would just about even up cap wise if Ryan gets around 5 mill per.
I would also try to pry Sbisa back from ANA or a pick/prospect
part 3
stash Cote and Boosh in AHL which would clear another 1.475 million.
total cap space created roughly 5.775 and add that to the 577k we are already under which would then put us around 6.3 under
Budget no more than 2.5-3.0 mill for a goalie (Turco?) and 1.5-2.0 mill to sign 1 more Winger(Guerin?)
keep the remaining cap space for flexibilty purposes.
thoughts ?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Young Goalies Flyers should inquire about
Below is a list I put together of some young promising goalies that are currently blocked at the NHL level by established net minders. I placed them in order of preferrence.
1) Jonathan Bernier LA 21yo (AHL) 30-21-6 2.03 .936 9so blocked by (Johnathan Quick) LA may choose to instead deal Quick given Bernier's elite prospect status. Plus he went 3-0 with 1.00 in the NHL after call up.
2) Jonas Enroth BUF 21yo (AHL) 28-18-1 2.37 .919 5 so blocked by (Ryan Miller) great numbers across the board and has zero shot to unseat Ryan Miller. Plus Buffalo has always been great at developing goalies.
3) Corey Schneider VAN 24yo (AHL) 35-23-2 2.51 .919 4so blocked by (Roberto Luongo) once again, zeroshot this guy gets a chance. has been a top goalie in the AHL for 3 seasons. Canucks need to be fair and move him somewhere he can play. was a horse logging 60 gms this year plus small NHL stint.
4) Michal Neuvirth WAS 22yo (NHL) 9-4-0 2.75 .914 0 so blocked by (Varlamov and Theodore) though
he could be backup to Varlamov in 2010-11
5) Justin Peters CAR 23yo (AHL) 26-18-2 2.54 .917 1 so Cam Ward is only 26 and still has a cup on his resume'. If CAR decides to go with Peters I am sure Laviolette wouldnt mind a reunion.
6) Dustin Tokarski TAM 20yo (AHL) 27-25-3 2.51 .915 4 so (Nitty and Smith) Niitymaaki is a FA and Mike Smith is mediocre at best so this kid in my opinion is the least likely of this group to be moved since he stands a good chance of getting major playing time at the NHL level this season.
1) Jonathan Bernier LA 21yo (AHL) 30-21-6 2.03 .936 9so blocked by (Johnathan Quick) LA may choose to instead deal Quick given Bernier's elite prospect status. Plus he went 3-0 with 1.00 in the NHL after call up.
2) Jonas Enroth BUF 21yo (AHL) 28-18-1 2.37 .919 5 so blocked by (Ryan Miller) great numbers across the board and has zero shot to unseat Ryan Miller. Plus Buffalo has always been great at developing goalies.
3) Corey Schneider VAN 24yo (AHL) 35-23-2 2.51 .919 4so blocked by (Roberto Luongo) once again, zeroshot this guy gets a chance. has been a top goalie in the AHL for 3 seasons. Canucks need to be fair and move him somewhere he can play. was a horse logging 60 gms this year plus small NHL stint.
4) Michal Neuvirth WAS 22yo (NHL) 9-4-0 2.75 .914 0 so blocked by (Varlamov and Theodore) though
he could be backup to Varlamov in 2010-11
5) Justin Peters CAR 23yo (AHL) 26-18-2 2.54 .917 1 so Cam Ward is only 26 and still has a cup on his resume'. If CAR decides to go with Peters I am sure Laviolette wouldnt mind a reunion.
6) Dustin Tokarski TAM 20yo (AHL) 27-25-3 2.51 .915 4 so (Nitty and Smith) Niitymaaki is a FA and Mike Smith is mediocre at best so this kid in my opinion is the least likely of this group to be moved since he stands a good chance of getting major playing time at the NHL level this season.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
My Flyers offseason plan of attack
So here it goes. The Flyers enter this offseason with roughly 8.8 million dolars of available cap space.
1) Trade Jeff Carter (5.5mill) to LA for RW Wayne Simmonds (525,000) and G-Jonathan Bernier (765,000). Creates 4.2 million. LA already needs offense and may yet lose Alexander Frolov in free agency to make matters worse. Carter gives them another offensive force to go with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Bernier is potentially a stud goaltender in the near future but is blocked at the NHL level by Jonathan Quick who is only 24 and had an impressive 39 wins in 2009-10. Simmonds is only 21 and posted 16 goals and 40pts while registering an outstanding +22 in 14 minutes a game.
That leaves about 13.0 million now in cap space
2) Trade Braydon Coburn, preferrably at the draft, for a package including a pick and a Player. His play is too inconsistent for my blood. He has tremendous skill but I am not sure he will ever develop the proper insticts to warrant the dollars he will seek this offseason as a restricted free agent(RFA).
3) Sign either D-Anton Volchenkov or Dan Hamhuis for around 4million. Volchenkov made 3.2 million in 2009-10 and could cost closer to 5mill per so I prefer Hamhuis who made 2.5 and could be had for around the 4.2 you cleared in the Kings deal.
So now we are down to roughly 9.0 million or so left in cap space.
4) Sign D-Carlo Colaiacovo or Jordan Leopold for 2.5-3.0 million. Colaiaocovo had 32pts and was a +8 while earning a modest 1.4 million this past season in St. Louis. Leoplold had an impressive 11 goals from the point while spending the year with both the Panthers and Penguins. He made 1.75 million.
Now we should be near 6.0 million left in cap space
5) Sign RW-Bill Guerin for 1yr-2mill. I have long wanted to see Guerin in the orange and black. He is 39 and can add toughness and skill to any of the teams top 3 lines. He posted 21 goals with 11 being on the powerplay and had 45 pts while earning every penny of his 2 million dollar salary. My guess is we might have to up the ante to get him out of Pittsburgh. Thats assuming the Pens plan to retain him.
This should leave Flyers with 3.5-4.0 million left to re-sign their own restricted free agents
D-Ryan Parent (765k in 2009-10) 900k?
LW-Dan Carcillo (938k in 2009-10) 1.2?
C-Darroll Powe (532k in 2009-10) 700k?
The above moves dictate no need to re-sign any of our own UFA's so let them all leave.
RW Aaron Asham : Good contributor but Simmonds and Guerin render him expendable.
D Lukas Krajicek : Did a nice job but my above mentioned free agent plan is a definite upgrade.
G Michael Leighton : In an Ideal world I would bring him back at a modest number and have him split time with my newly aquired Bernier while we figure out which one is the real deal.
G Ray Emery : His career threatening degenerative hip condition make this decision an easy one. Its a shame we never got to see what he could have accomplished with this team for a full season and postseason.
So, there you have it. A blend of youth, ascending mid twenties defensemen, and a grizzled veteran leader with cup titles on his resume. Its not my dream scenario but it is a scenario that in my opinion is possible given the nature of the salary cap. It is also a scenario that I believe would put this team in great position to make another run at Lord Stanley's cup.
1) Trade Jeff Carter (5.5mill) to LA for RW Wayne Simmonds (525,000) and G-Jonathan Bernier (765,000). Creates 4.2 million. LA already needs offense and may yet lose Alexander Frolov in free agency to make matters worse. Carter gives them another offensive force to go with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Bernier is potentially a stud goaltender in the near future but is blocked at the NHL level by Jonathan Quick who is only 24 and had an impressive 39 wins in 2009-10. Simmonds is only 21 and posted 16 goals and 40pts while registering an outstanding +22 in 14 minutes a game.
That leaves about 13.0 million now in cap space
2) Trade Braydon Coburn, preferrably at the draft, for a package including a pick and a Player. His play is too inconsistent for my blood. He has tremendous skill but I am not sure he will ever develop the proper insticts to warrant the dollars he will seek this offseason as a restricted free agent(RFA).
3) Sign either D-Anton Volchenkov or Dan Hamhuis for around 4million. Volchenkov made 3.2 million in 2009-10 and could cost closer to 5mill per so I prefer Hamhuis who made 2.5 and could be had for around the 4.2 you cleared in the Kings deal.
So now we are down to roughly 9.0 million or so left in cap space.
4) Sign D-Carlo Colaiacovo or Jordan Leopold for 2.5-3.0 million. Colaiaocovo had 32pts and was a +8 while earning a modest 1.4 million this past season in St. Louis. Leoplold had an impressive 11 goals from the point while spending the year with both the Panthers and Penguins. He made 1.75 million.
Now we should be near 6.0 million left in cap space
5) Sign RW-Bill Guerin for 1yr-2mill. I have long wanted to see Guerin in the orange and black. He is 39 and can add toughness and skill to any of the teams top 3 lines. He posted 21 goals with 11 being on the powerplay and had 45 pts while earning every penny of his 2 million dollar salary. My guess is we might have to up the ante to get him out of Pittsburgh. Thats assuming the Pens plan to retain him.
This should leave Flyers with 3.5-4.0 million left to re-sign their own restricted free agents
D-Ryan Parent (765k in 2009-10) 900k?
LW-Dan Carcillo (938k in 2009-10) 1.2?
C-Darroll Powe (532k in 2009-10) 700k?
The above moves dictate no need to re-sign any of our own UFA's so let them all leave.
RW Aaron Asham : Good contributor but Simmonds and Guerin render him expendable.
D Lukas Krajicek : Did a nice job but my above mentioned free agent plan is a definite upgrade.
G Michael Leighton : In an Ideal world I would bring him back at a modest number and have him split time with my newly aquired Bernier while we figure out which one is the real deal.
G Ray Emery : His career threatening degenerative hip condition make this decision an easy one. Its a shame we never got to see what he could have accomplished with this team for a full season and postseason.
So, there you have it. A blend of youth, ascending mid twenties defensemen, and a grizzled veteran leader with cup titles on his resume. Its not my dream scenario but it is a scenario that in my opinion is possible given the nature of the salary cap. It is also a scenario that I believe would put this team in great position to make another run at Lord Stanley's cup.
Friday, April 23, 2010
NFL Draftscout's best available
CBS sports' NFL draft scout page has posted thier best remaining available players as we enter rounds 2 and 3 of the draft this evening.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/13276994?tag=coverlist_active;coverlist_footer
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/13276994?tag=coverlist_active;coverlist_footer
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Eagles move up, draft Michigan's Graham
For weeks, fans have been hearing speculation about the Eagles moving up in the draft. I mean, why not, the Birds came into round 1 loaded with all the ammunition necessary to do just that. Lions at 10, Broncos at 11, Miami at 12 were all potential trading spots for the Eagles. Denver traded out of 11 and slid back to pick 13. Automatically, I got worried. The player I wanted, that most Eagles fans wanted, Texas safety Earl Thomas was still on the board. Lo and behold, it happens, all of the sudden the Eagles have struck a deal with Denver for the 13th pick. We got him! Mr Commisioner, "with the 13th pick in the 2010 NFL draft the Philadelphia Eagles select...DE from the university of Michigan, Brandon Graham.
To be honest, since I was feverishly tracking rumors via twitter and other media outlets, before Roger Goodell even opened his mouth I knew the Eagles were taking Graham. That might explain why reality and logic set in so quick for me on this one. I like the pick. The birds didnt take the guy I wanted, but I am ok with that and here is why...
The biggest deficency on this team was its pass rush. The front four were unable to get to the QB consistently enough without Defensive coordinator Sean Mcdermott dialing up a blitz. Football has always started with the offensive and defensive lines so we should not be surprised that Graham was the pick. The guy is a disruptive force having recorded 26 tackles behind the line of scrimmage as a senior in the big ten. Whether his skill set translates to success in the NFL remains to be seen but then again so is the case with everyone else drafted this evening.
A great pass rush will help make your secondary better. The less time your DBs have to cover the more aggressive they can be. The Eagles still have 6 picks left in this draft to address other needs including 2 2nd rd picks at #37 and #55.
A few names to consider on day 2
1) Nate Allen, safety from south Florida
2) Dexter McCluster, RB/WR from Ole' Miss
3) Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB from Indiana(pa)
4) Morgan Burnett, Safety from Georgia Tech
5) Darryl Washington, OLB from TCU
6) Taylor Mays, Safety from USC
To be honest, since I was feverishly tracking rumors via twitter and other media outlets, before Roger Goodell even opened his mouth I knew the Eagles were taking Graham. That might explain why reality and logic set in so quick for me on this one. I like the pick. The birds didnt take the guy I wanted, but I am ok with that and here is why...
The biggest deficency on this team was its pass rush. The front four were unable to get to the QB consistently enough without Defensive coordinator Sean Mcdermott dialing up a blitz. Football has always started with the offensive and defensive lines so we should not be surprised that Graham was the pick. The guy is a disruptive force having recorded 26 tackles behind the line of scrimmage as a senior in the big ten. Whether his skill set translates to success in the NFL remains to be seen but then again so is the case with everyone else drafted this evening.
A great pass rush will help make your secondary better. The less time your DBs have to cover the more aggressive they can be. The Eagles still have 6 picks left in this draft to address other needs including 2 2nd rd picks at #37 and #55.
A few names to consider on day 2
1) Nate Allen, safety from south Florida
2) Dexter McCluster, RB/WR from Ole' Miss
3) Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB from Indiana(pa)
4) Morgan Burnett, Safety from Georgia Tech
5) Darryl Washington, OLB from TCU
6) Taylor Mays, Safety from USC
Happ to the 15 day dl
Today J.A. Happ's bullpen session was cut short to 20 minutes. Obviously that was not what he or the Phillies had hoped for so Happ was subsequently placed on the 15 day DL. Nelson Figueroa will take Happ's place in the rotation and start saturday. With a roster spot open, the Phils activated LH reliever J.C. Romero.
Tonight's Flyers' line combos
Carcillo-Richards-Laliberte,
Hartnell-Briere-Leino,
JVR-Giroux-Asham,
Powe-Betts-Laperriere.
Only surprise here is that Laliberte and not Leino is on the top line. Of course that might change during the course of the game. Also, not real shocked that Giroux and/or JVR were not moved up. The 3rd and 4th lines have played so well that there is no reason to disrupt their chemistry. It will be interesting however to see who is out there on the power play units. Of course if this game plays out the way the last 2 have then we will most likely see the Flyers' penalty killers 3 or 4 times before the power play gets a crack at it.
Hartnell-Briere-Leino,
JVR-Giroux-Asham,
Powe-Betts-Laperriere.
Only surprise here is that Laliberte and not Leino is on the top line. Of course that might change during the course of the game. Also, not real shocked that Giroux and/or JVR were not moved up. The 3rd and 4th lines have played so well that there is no reason to disrupt their chemistry. It will be interesting however to see who is out there on the power play units. Of course if this game plays out the way the last 2 have then we will most likely see the Flyers' penalty killers 3 or 4 times before the power play gets a crack at it.
Flyers, Phillies, and NFL Draft, what a day?
Morning folks! Great day and night ahead for we sports fans here in Philadelphia. The day is sure to be choc-full of juicy rumors leading up to tonights NFL draft. Who will draft who, who will pick where, and the Eagles figure to play a prominent role in tonight's proceedings with just about anyone and everyone expecting the Birds to trade up to get one of the top 2 safeties available(Eric Berry of Tenn, or Earl Thomas of Texas).
Wait, theres more! Hope your remote control skills are up to snuff since the Phillies start @7:10, the Flyers look to eliminate the devils @7:30 which is the same time the draft will be getting underway. I for one, will place my main focus on the draft and the Flyers while occasionally checking up on the Phillies given the levels of importance. I am more likely to have an extra window open on my laptop to track the Phillies on ESPN or MLB.com.
I am curious to know your order of importance...
Wait, theres more! Hope your remote control skills are up to snuff since the Phillies start @7:10, the Flyers look to eliminate the devils @7:30 which is the same time the draft will be getting underway. I for one, will place my main focus on the draft and the Flyers while occasionally checking up on the Phillies given the levels of importance. I am more likely to have an extra window open on my laptop to track the Phillies on ESPN or MLB.com.
I am curious to know your order of importance...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Phils' win, Halladay goes to 4-0
So my guess is Roy Halladay had last night's bullpen debacle front and center in his mind when he took the mound tonight against the Braves and figured he would just go out and throw another complete game and not take any chances. Then again, this is what Roy does, he shuts teams down. The result, a 2-0 shutout and a much needed night off for the bullpen. However make no mistake this wasn't a one man show. The Phillies flashed more leather than the Sons of Anarchy, high lighted by a Troy Glaus homerun robbing Shane Victorino in CF, a crucial bases loaded doubleplay to end the 7th inning and a great diving stab by Ryan Howard.
2 games, 2 top notch pitching performances from the starting staff but only 1 victory. Jamie Moyer goes for the Phils in the rubber match on thursday which means, even with a great Moyer outing, the bullpen is likely to get its 1st shot at redemption. They could have gotten that shot tonight, But Roy "Doc" Halladay had other plans.
2 games, 2 top notch pitching performances from the starting staff but only 1 victory. Jamie Moyer goes for the Phils in the rubber match on thursday which means, even with a great Moyer outing, the bullpen is likely to get its 1st shot at redemption. They could have gotten that shot tonight, But Roy "Doc" Halladay had other plans.
Gagne and Carter out for game 5 vs Devils
The thrill of victory has been cooled somewhat by the agony of "the feet". Coming off of last night's dominant 4-1 victory over New Jersey the Flyers got the news that both Simon Gagne and Jeff Carter will be out atleast for tomorrows game 5 with foot injuries. Replacing them in the lineup will be Ville Leino and David Laliberte.
Carter, coming off of his 2 goal performance last night will undoubtedly be missed, Gagne, however has been less than spectacular, but still there is a dropoff in talent that the Flyers must compensate for come thursday night.
Given what this team has shown against the Devils this season don't be surprised if they do just that.
Carter, coming off of his 2 goal performance last night will undoubtedly be missed, Gagne, however has been less than spectacular, but still there is a dropoff in talent that the Flyers must compensate for come thursday night.
Given what this team has shown against the Devils this season don't be surprised if they do just that.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
my top prospects part 2, the safeties
In the 1st installment of my top 10 we focused on the cornerback position. Here, we focus on the other half of secondary, the safety position.
1) Earl Thomas* Texas 5'10 207 4.43 21 dnj corner skills
2) Eric Berry* Tennessee 5'11 210 4.40 19 43" corner skills/ball hawk
3) Morgan Burnett G'Tech 6'1 210 4.51 16 dnj work ethic/ball skills/run support
4) Taylor Mays USC 6'3 232 4.31 24 41" freakish athlete/low prouctivity
5) Nate Allen S'Florida 6'0 205 4.50 16 smarts/instincts/atheticism
6) Darrell Stuckey Kansas 5'11 208 4.46 17 39.5" solid/fundamental
7) Chad Jones LSU 6'2 223 4.59 9 36" huge upside/knack for big plays
8) Major Wright Florida 5'11 205 4.44 14 37.5 goes for knockouts/doesnt wrap up
9) Reshad Jones Georgia 6'1 215 4.51 24 39.5 seek & destroy hitter
10) Larry Asante Nebraska 6'0 213 4.62 14 37.5 needs seasoning/early special teamer
1) Earl Thomas* Texas 5'10 207 4.43 21 dnj corner skills
2) Eric Berry* Tennessee 5'11 210 4.40 19 43" corner skills/ball hawk
3) Morgan Burnett G'Tech 6'1 210 4.51 16 dnj work ethic/ball skills/run support
4) Taylor Mays USC 6'3 232 4.31 24 41" freakish athlete/low prouctivity
5) Nate Allen S'Florida 6'0 205 4.50 16 smarts/instincts/atheticism
6) Darrell Stuckey Kansas 5'11 208 4.46 17 39.5" solid/fundamental
7) Chad Jones LSU 6'2 223 4.59 9 36" huge upside/knack for big plays
8) Major Wright Florida 5'11 205 4.44 14 37.5 goes for knockouts/doesnt wrap up
9) Reshad Jones Georgia 6'1 215 4.51 24 39.5 seek & destroy hitter
10) Larry Asante Nebraska 6'0 213 4.62 14 37.5 needs seasoning/early special teamer
Phillies @ Braves tonight, 1st pitch 7:10
The Phightins (8-5), look to get back in the win column tonight in the ATL. Kyle Kendrick takes the bump against the Braves (7-5) and righthander Tommy Hanson who so far is 1-1 with a stellar 2.38 era.
With Phils' pitchers Joe Blanton, Brad Lidge, and J.C. Romero progressing toward a return from the disabled list, coupled with the fact that waiver claim Nelson Figueroa has been solid, means this start is crucial to Kendrick's efforts to remain in the big leagues. I dont care how good the Phillies offense can be, the 27' Yankees could'nt score enough runs to support Kyle's current gargantuan 17.47 era.
If the Phillies bats are to get back on track in this series they have their work cut out for them to say the least with the Bravos slated to send Hanson, Hudson, and Lowe to the hill against Kendrick, Halladay, and Moyer. On paper the edge goes to Atlanta but last time time I checked they play games on grass so I say Phils take 2 out of 3 with atleast one game being of the 9-7 variety.
With Phils' pitchers Joe Blanton, Brad Lidge, and J.C. Romero progressing toward a return from the disabled list, coupled with the fact that waiver claim Nelson Figueroa has been solid, means this start is crucial to Kendrick's efforts to remain in the big leagues. I dont care how good the Phillies offense can be, the 27' Yankees could'nt score enough runs to support Kyle's current gargantuan 17.47 era.
If the Phillies bats are to get back on track in this series they have their work cut out for them to say the least with the Bravos slated to send Hanson, Hudson, and Lowe to the hill against Kendrick, Halladay, and Moyer. On paper the edge goes to Atlanta but last time time I checked they play games on grass so I say Phils take 2 out of 3 with atleast one game being of the 9-7 variety.
Flyers dance with the Devils in crucial game 4 tonight @7:30
Tonight in South Philly the Flyers will look to take a commanding 3 games to 1 lead in their best of 7 series with the New Jersey Devils. Such series' strangleholds are rarely overcome in the NHL. The last time the Devils were able to win 3 straight elimination games in a single series was a decade ago against...yep you guessed it, the Philadelphia Flyers. Anyway, that was then and this is now. The orange and black have had Jersey's number all season long and the 1st 3 games of this series have done nothing but supply further evidence to support that fact.
A quick glance at the final score of Sunday's 3-2 overtime thriller would suggest two evenly matched opponents, but anyone who watched the game saw just how much the Devils were outplayed. How much Chris Pronger and Kimmo Timmonen have dominated. How the Flyers have gotten offensive opportunities from all four lines and how, if not for Martin Brodeur, Sunday's contest would have been no contest at all. Sure, the once impenetrable Brodeur is no longer what he once was but make no mistake, he has kept New Jersey in this series.
For the Flyers to win game 4 and put their collective foot on the throats of the Devils they need only do that which they have already done. They must continue to out hit, out skate, and out work their counterparts, limit the legitimate penalty calls, and overcome the questionable ones. Do that, and barring an epic Marty Brodeur performance, the Flyers stand a great chance of pushing the favored #2 seed Devils to the brink of elimination.
Prediction: Boucher turns in his best performance to date. Flyers 3-1 sealing the deal with an empty net goal
A quick glance at the final score of Sunday's 3-2 overtime thriller would suggest two evenly matched opponents, but anyone who watched the game saw just how much the Devils were outplayed. How much Chris Pronger and Kimmo Timmonen have dominated. How the Flyers have gotten offensive opportunities from all four lines and how, if not for Martin Brodeur, Sunday's contest would have been no contest at all. Sure, the once impenetrable Brodeur is no longer what he once was but make no mistake, he has kept New Jersey in this series.
For the Flyers to win game 4 and put their collective foot on the throats of the Devils they need only do that which they have already done. They must continue to out hit, out skate, and out work their counterparts, limit the legitimate penalty calls, and overcome the questionable ones. Do that, and barring an epic Marty Brodeur performance, the Flyers stand a great chance of pushing the favored #2 seed Devils to the brink of elimination.
Prediction: Boucher turns in his best performance to date. Flyers 3-1 sealing the deal with an empty net goal
My top Prospects part 1, the Cornerbacks
The 1st installment of my top prospects available for the 2010 NFL draft will focus on the Cornerback position, a position that cannot be overlooked given the current state of affairs in the pass happy NFL. Ideally you would like your CBs to be no smaller than 5'10, between 180-200lbs with sub 4.5 speed.
Here is my top 10 cheat sheet.
1) Joe Haden Florida 5'10 193 4.52 18 35" ball skills/good in run support
2) Kareem Jackson Alabama 5'10 195 4.40 13 37.5 athletic/tough/passionate
3) Devin McCourty Rutgers 5'11 191 4.38 16 36" solid all around/return skills
4) Kyle Wilson Boise st. 5'10 193 4.44 25 Punt return skills
5) Patrick Robinson FSU 5'11 192 4.46 15 39" run support/tough kid/#2 CB
6) Akwasi Owusu-Ansah Indiana(PA) 6'0 205 4.32 -- 35.5 Hard worker/return skills
7) Jerome Murphy S'Florida 6'0 194 4.50 16 38" hard nosed/over aggressive
8) Myron Lewis Vandy 6'1 205 4.42 10 37" might project to safety
9) Brandon Ghee Wake Forest 5'11 190 4.37 15 37 questionable ball skills
10) Kevin Thomas USC 6'0 190 4.41 19 34.5 underachiever but amazing athlete
Here is my top 10 cheat sheet.
1) Joe Haden Florida 5'10 193 4.52 18 35" ball skills/good in run support
2) Kareem Jackson Alabama 5'10 195 4.40 13 37.5 athletic/tough/passionate
3) Devin McCourty Rutgers 5'11 191 4.38 16 36" solid all around/return skills
4) Kyle Wilson Boise st. 5'10 193 4.44 25 Punt return skills
5) Patrick Robinson FSU 5'11 192 4.46 15 39" run support/tough kid/#2 CB
6) Akwasi Owusu-Ansah Indiana(PA) 6'0 205 4.32 -- 35.5 Hard worker/return skills
7) Jerome Murphy S'Florida 6'0 194 4.50 16 38" hard nosed/over aggressive
8) Myron Lewis Vandy 6'1 205 4.42 10 37" might project to safety
9) Brandon Ghee Wake Forest 5'11 190 4.37 15 37 questionable ball skills
10) Kevin Thomas USC 6'0 190 4.41 19 34.5 underachiever but amazing athlete
Monday, April 19, 2010
My NFL Draft prospect rankings coming soon...
The 2010 NFL draft is fast approaching with round 1 taking place this Thursday evening starting @7:30 pm, rounds 2 and 3 on Friday night starting @6pm and wrapping up rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday with an early wake up call for we Draftniks @10am.
The draft's new 3 day format may be easier on NFL front office types, giving them even more time to hem and haw over their choices, and look at combine pictures of young men in their underwear, but for some of us working stiffs the old Saturday-Sunday marathon formula was better. Chase away the wife and kids, transform your living room, basement or den into draft headquarters, grab A yellow legal pad, multiple pots of coffee, and the draft guide of your choice and settle in cause this puppy would start at noon one day and end at 6 or 7pm the next.
It was a nice ritual. 9 to 5'ers, were off for the weekend anyway so it made for a nice 2 day reminder that training camp wasn't far away. For me, a guy making his living in the service industry, my dedication was as such that I would annualy take the weekend off of work which meant giving up a saturday shift and the a whole lot of dead presidents.
So, for all of us who will get done work Thursday and Friday and have to fight through rush hour traffic to get home in time I thought of something that I could provide to help make things less complicated, a top 10 list at each position. A cheat sheet if you will. I will give you heights, weights, forty times, reps, and verticals. Also will be a few, very few words to describe the player, i.e., 3-4 OLB etc.
Okay, enough for now, I'm going to sign off for now. Look for the 1st installment of my top tens to be posted sometime mid afternoon.
The draft's new 3 day format may be easier on NFL front office types, giving them even more time to hem and haw over their choices, and look at combine pictures of young men in their underwear, but for some of us working stiffs the old Saturday-Sunday marathon formula was better. Chase away the wife and kids, transform your living room, basement or den into draft headquarters, grab A yellow legal pad, multiple pots of coffee, and the draft guide of your choice and settle in cause this puppy would start at noon one day and end at 6 or 7pm the next.
It was a nice ritual. 9 to 5'ers, were off for the weekend anyway so it made for a nice 2 day reminder that training camp wasn't far away. For me, a guy making his living in the service industry, my dedication was as such that I would annualy take the weekend off of work which meant giving up a saturday shift and the a whole lot of dead presidents.
So, for all of us who will get done work Thursday and Friday and have to fight through rush hour traffic to get home in time I thought of something that I could provide to help make things less complicated, a top 10 list at each position. A cheat sheet if you will. I will give you heights, weights, forty times, reps, and verticals. Also will be a few, very few words to describe the player, i.e., 3-4 OLB etc.
Okay, enough for now, I'm going to sign off for now. Look for the 1st installment of my top tens to be posted sometime mid afternoon.
Eagles get Sims in rare NFL 3 way trade
Today in what is a rare occurence for the NFL, a 3 team trade was consumated between the Eagles, Lions, and Broncos. In the deal the Eagles sent their lone 5th round pick in the 2010 draft to the Lions in exchange for 26 yr old LB Ernie Sims. Detroit in turn shipped the Birds pick to Denver and recieved TE Tony Sheffler along with the Broncos 7th round selection in this weeks draft.
In Sims, the 9th overall pick in 2006 out of Florida St, the Eagles get an undersized, yet proven NFL linebacker. A commodity that would not have been available to them with the 5th rd selection they surrendered in this trade. lets consider this a no brainer and a job well done by the Eagles' front office for doing their homework and targeting Sims. At 6'0 225, and fast, Sims was a perfect fit in the Lions system circa 2006, however, lack of team success(0-16 anyone?) brings coaching changes and changes in philosophy.
Detroit's current regime is in search of bigger backers to fit their scheme. Sims, in the last year of his deal and coming off a season that saw him miss games(5) due to injury for the 1st time in his career, was a prime candidate to be moved this offseason.
I know its in our nature to determine who wins and loses in any deal, but this deal, in my opinion worked out well for all the teams involved The Eagles add proven talent at a need position. The Lions move a player that no longer fit their system for a Pass catching TE in Sheffler to go alongside injured and rehabbing 2009 1st rounder Brandon Pettigrew. The Broncos use a player they no longer had use for(Sheffler) to turn a 7th round pick into a 5th in a very deep draft.
My only disapointment stems from the fact that I didnt see this one coming.
In Sims, the 9th overall pick in 2006 out of Florida St, the Eagles get an undersized, yet proven NFL linebacker. A commodity that would not have been available to them with the 5th rd selection they surrendered in this trade. lets consider this a no brainer and a job well done by the Eagles' front office for doing their homework and targeting Sims. At 6'0 225, and fast, Sims was a perfect fit in the Lions system circa 2006, however, lack of team success(0-16 anyone?) brings coaching changes and changes in philosophy.
Detroit's current regime is in search of bigger backers to fit their scheme. Sims, in the last year of his deal and coming off a season that saw him miss games(5) due to injury for the 1st time in his career, was a prime candidate to be moved this offseason.
I know its in our nature to determine who wins and loses in any deal, but this deal, in my opinion worked out well for all the teams involved The Eagles add proven talent at a need position. The Lions move a player that no longer fit their system for a Pass catching TE in Sheffler to go alongside injured and rehabbing 2009 1st rounder Brandon Pettigrew. The Broncos use a player they no longer had use for(Sheffler) to turn a 7th round pick into a 5th in a very deep draft.
My only disapointment stems from the fact that I didnt see this one coming.
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