Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Fantasy steal riding the Philadelphia pine


Sure the 76ers have studs in Allen Iverson and Chris Webber, but the key to winning your fantasy league championship is to find a sixth man who you can steal from the waiver wire when necessary.

My tip would be to pick up or watch reserve G/F John Salmons. The fourth year player from Miami (FL) is having a career year. It just so happens that it's also a contract year. When a player is looking for a big payday, it's music to my fantasy playing ears.

More good news about Salmons is that the man is owned in only about 9 percent of leagues on ESPN.com. In addition, he's been taking the ball to the rack with a fervor never before seen out of this 6-6, 207 pounder. He's shooting a little over 52 percent while averaging more than 10 points. He also gives you three boards, a steal and nearly three dimes per contest.

The knock on him, and pretty much any player from the Philly bench (sorry Steven Hunter fans, but he's been relegated to the folding chairs), is that head coach Mo Cheeks sometimes forgets to dole out the minutes. Without time on the floor, the stats just won't come.

Sure you can look for 3-point specialist Kyle Korver, but he is only available in about 17 percent of ESPN.com leagues. This leaves Salmons, who can be used at multiple positions on your roster in many leagues, as the only viable option available on the Sixers.

Is this good government?


The situation in Iraq. The war against terrorism. The tensions with North Korea. The disagreement with Iran's nuclear dreams. The rebuilding of America following a devastating hurricane season. The Terrell Owens saga?

That's right fans, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) has become the latest person to jump into the T.O. flavored mud. The distinguished gentleman announced on a radio show this Monday that he was exploring the possibility of having his senate judiciary committee set up a subcommittee to look into the way the NFL and the Eagles handled the T.O. situation. It seems he thought some antitrust laws may have been violated.

Antitrust laws? What happened to Owens takes place everyday in corporate America. Employees get suspended, and then, depending on their work status with the company, are either laid off immediately or paid to stay home until the contract runs out. T.O. received the latter.

To use tax payer money for this matter would be a spit in the eye to all Americans. But maybe we should look at the source. To really believe words that come from this man, you need to put out of your mind the JFK assasination's "magic bullet" theory. Specter, while working as a Warren Commission staffer, is the one who proposed and is credited with the idea of a single bullet making all of the wounds in two people.

Since I found that out when I was young, every time I hear his name come up, the first thing that comes to mind is "wack-job." This is just another one of those instances.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Bedtime Fan Fuss - Flash of Greatness?


It's official. Billy Wagner has just signed on with the New York Mets for $43 million, leaving the Phillies searching for a closer. Where to look? How about in the same city as Wagner, but with the real NYC team, the Yankees.

Reliever Tom "Flash" Gordon, who amassed 46 saves in 1998 for Boston, is now on GM Pat Gillick's radar. With a 2005 salary of under $4 million, Gordon would be a steal if he can return to his past form. The catch is that Gordon is already 38. How long of a contract can you give a player that old, especially when he's never come close to duplicating his career year?

If the Phils are looking for longevity, they need to search elsewhere. The time has come for the team to get creative, and bringing in a guy who's nearly 40 with one great year is not the answer. The Blue Jays and Mets have both secured solid closers, because they looked around for the best player available.

Not to take anything away from Flash, but I think that nickname might better describe his "flash" of greatness '98 campaign more than it describes his current abilities. If the Phillies want to go after someone older, why not try for Trevor Hoffman of the Padres. The guy has had 10 consecutive seasons (min. 10 games) of more than 30 saves, including 53 in 1998. Or maybe Troy Percival of the Tigers, who before a sub-par season this year had racked up nine straight seasons of at least 27 saves.

Gordon might come in and close out 40 for the Phillies, but that's highly unlikely. As a believer of history, we should let it guide us. With the way fans in this town expect results for their money, Gordon could be gone in a Flash too.

Monday, November 28, 2005

Bedtime fan Fuss - Big Mouth to Big D


Well it appears that Jerry Jones and his Dallas Cowboys are looking to add suspended Eagle Terrell Owens next season. Jones recently made comments to that effect on a Dallas radio show.

"In general, I am a risk-taker. We've gone down that road," Jones said when asked if the Cowboys might be interested in Owens. "I probably have a propensity to try and make things work. ... A top receiver could flourish with Drew Bledsoe. That's always appealing."

The comments supposedly broke a league rule, forcing Philadelphia to file a complaint with the NFL. Why file a complaint? Owens is under contract with the Eagles until released, and it's not like the Birds plan on keeping him in the nest.

The Jones comment did take me by surprise, however, as on a tour of Texas Stadium in April of this year, the guide frequently made references against T.O. After all, he has a pretty villainous history there. While playing for the 49ers, Owens expanded his endzone celebration to mid-field twice in the same game. On his next visit to Big D, this time with the Eagles, he made it clear he was the epitome of the enemy racking up 134 yards and three TDs.

But Jones does make a point when he says he's been down that road before. The last major player who was deactivated, Keyshawn Johnson, has resurrected his career in Dallas. The foot-in-mouth disease that plagued Johnson's stints with the Jets and Bucs seems to be all but gone under head coach Bill Parcells.

Perhaps T.O. can flourish in Dallas. With the Cowboys on the Eagles schedule twice a year, I'd relish the opportunity to watch Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard size up #81. Considering that T.O. is a cancer for any team he is a part of, there is no team in the league more deserving than the Cowboys.

Buyer beware.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Luck of the Irish


How do you explain the Eagles season thus far? You can't, unless you want to point to mental errors, destructive wide receivers, poor play calling and a slew of injuries that'll increase the squad's insurance costs tenfold. Recently, though, you can chalk it all up to the luck of the Irish.

Last week, still reeling from the events surrounding the ex #81 and the loss of All-Pro QB Donovan McNabb, the offense hung in against a New York Giants' defense which hadn't allowed a TD in more than 10 quarters. The key was Mike McMahon. Though he threw for 298 yards and a score, and ran in another TD, he got the loss. (Two missed calls by the officiating crew led to the loss.)

This week, the Eagles took down the Green Bay Packers. McMahon was back at the helm, but his line was dreadful. He threw for only 91 yards and no touchdowns. Yet, McMahon got the win. Just proving the point of why football is the ultimate team sport, and why, hopefully, the Eagles can hold onto their lucky charm.

Bedtime Fan Fuss - Rollercoaster season


Through 14 games, the 76ers are 7-7, sit atop the Atlantic Division, and score more than any team in the NBA. Let the rollercoaster season begin.

Games like today's loss the New York Knickerbockers should be common. I foresee the team winning against teams like the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and both Los Angeles squads, but losing to teams like the Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz. The problem isn't scoring, they average 103.9 ppg, the problem is an inconsistent defense.

Watching the game today, it seemed like most of the Sixers were just watching the Knicks score at will in the second half, waiting for someone else to make a play. When the team shut down Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, it was a group effort (even Kyle Korver played real "D" that game), and no one hesitated to make a play.

The other problem the team has is use of the bench. John Salmons and Steven Hunter are always ready to step in. But the team will also need to utilize the skills of Lee Nailon. He's a player who averaged more than 14 ppg last season, and now he's not even one of the top four players off the bench. In a game that was lost at the overtime buzzer, maybe his services could've been exploited for more than this line: DNP Coach's Decision. Nailon's a career 47% shooter, and he was relegated to nothing more than a spectator.

Make sure your seat belts are clicked and you keep your arms and hands inside the ride at all times. This is going to be one fun season as the Sixers will be involved in many shootouts. Too bad the early indications show that they'll likely lose half of them.

Friday, November 25, 2005

Bedtime Fan Fuss - South Beach Diet


With the Florida Marlins trimming more fat than Anna Nicole, the Philadelphia Phillies should be chomping at the bit to bring back a familiar face. Todd Jones, whose contract is meager ($1.1 million) in comparison with the premier closers in the league, racked up 40 saves in 2005, the second best year of his career. After playing for seven teams in five years, it also put an exclamation point on his comeback.

With the Jim Thome trade official, the Phillies are a closer away from a respectable team. GM Pat Gillick upped the team's offer to free agent Billy Wagner, but it appears he's headed up the turnpike to the divisional rival New York Metropolitans. Good closers are hard to find and there is no factory that produces them, so when you find one available for a bargain price you jump on it like a $10 digital camera on black Friday.

Other closers are available, but with Florida dumping salaries two years after their second World Series title (they did this right after their first championship, in 1997, as well), why look elsewhere?

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Bedtime Fan Fuss - Going, going, gone


As a fan I'd like to say thank you to Jim Thome for the years he spent in Philadelphia. His presence brought with it a sense of respectability for a franchise that has been bottom feeders for more than a century. When Thome stepped to the plate, it was noticed. We hadn't seen the likes of him since the great Michael Jack Schmidt decided to hang 'em up.

Yesterday I mentioned how trading Thome to the Mariners for a closer would help the team. Then today, GM Pat Gillick found a would be taker in the world-champion Chicago White Sox. The money that the Phillies will save this season from his salary compared to Aaron Rowand ($13.16 million for Thome and only $2 million for Rowand) can be used to secure a deal with a closer. Thome is owed $43.5 million over the next three seasons, so the savings, and potential room for expanding the club's depth, is phenomenal.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

So good he's gone.


Farewell, bon voyage, au revoir, buon viaggio, Mr. Terrell Owens. A malcontent among men, Owens's ticket is finally (ok, officially) punched. All I have to say is good riddance.

In his absence, Reggie Brown, the rookie from Georgia has stepped up and had two huge games, one with 94 yards and a TD, and another with 88 yards and a score. Sure he drops some passes, he's a rookie (ok when you're a rookie, not ok when it's Todd Stinkston in the freezing cold), but Brown's shown flashes of brilliance that keep hope alive for the future.

Happiness abounds in my heart knowing that the boat rocker finally tipped his life raft. Exiled from San Francisco, escaping Baltimore, Owens thought he could brash talk his way to the center of the Eagles nest. As he stands at the mirror staring at his only audience, maybe T.O. will learn his lesson.

Eagles fans have no fear. The birds made it to four straight NFC title games and a Super Bowl WITHOUT Owens. After this season of regrouping, the Eagles will once again soar above.

Bedtime Fan Fuss - Closed!

This is a new series that I plan on writing nightly just before I hit the sack. I call is bedtime fan fuss, because I plan to rant more than some write. My first topic, and my first post about the Phillies, is Billy Wagner.

Just let him go. Why drag on the fans of Philadelphia acting like you might sign him? History has proven that Wagner is damaged goods. His arm is still lively, when in service. But is a sports car really that good if it spends half of the year in the shop? No.

The mere fact that the Mets are into signing him, making an initial contract offering today, should be a sign that he is not worth the money that you'd be paying. The Mets have been overpaying for damaged goods since losing to the real NYC team in the subway series. Besides, there are more serviceable players that can rifle a fastball for an inning every two to three days.

My pitch would be to Seattle. Send them Jim Thome, who is done as far as playing in the field and would make a perfect DH, in exchange for "Everyday" Eddie Guardado. He's only making $4 million a year compared with the $10 million that Wagner is seeking. He also had 36 saves in 58 games, compared with Wagner's 38 in 75 games. I know, Eddie has some injury woes, but it comes at half the price, with the same results come September.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Playoffs Anyone?


The NBA season is already a few weeks old, but I just started this blog so I'm making my early season Sixers predictions. I smell the playoffs.

With "Sixer for life" Mo Cheeks leading the way, the team looks prepared and in rhythm for the first time since Larry Brown departed for the Motor City. With his liberal, and effective, use of the bench, Cheeks has been able to keep the starters fresh and productive. He has also found some gems on the pine to help in the playoff push.

The gems I speak of are Lee Nailon and John Salmons. Nailon is new to the Sixers this season, so he didn't deal with the rotating coaching situation over the past couple of years. Salmons was there for that tumultuous period, and survived. He's having his best season (coincidently it's a contract year), and is my pick to win the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award.

This is all well and dandy, but let me not forget that Philly sports two of the game's best in Allen Iverson and Chris Webber. The latter is averaging 21 points and 10 boards, this in his 13th NBA season. AI, a perennial scoring champion, is averaging 32.5 points. But his most telling stat is the 8.3 assists he's dishing out. If the Sixers make it further than expected this season, AI will certainly be the MVP of the league for the second time of his 10-year-career. He'll also be vying for the scoring title, again.

To sum it up, my pick for Philly is the fourth seed in the playoffs.

Does the hospital serve Chunky soup?


The original Philly Mac (no offense Jim McMahon, but you're a Bear in my mind) has elected to have surgery, likely shutting it down for the rest of the season. To me, it's seven weeks and four losses too late. Why Donovan McNabb didn't have the surgery after the Dallas game is beyond me. He'd be coming back right now, in time for the stretch run.

After watching yesterday's game, it is clear to me that a healthy Mike McMahon is better than an injured McNabb. If he'd have had the surgery after week five, McNabb would be coming back to a 6-4 team. Instead, the Birds are 4-6 and McNabb is out for the season.

As if losing the Chunky soup man for the final stretch wasn't bad enough, the Eagles will also be without All-Pro cornerback Lito Sheppard. After a weird collision with the Giants' Plaxico Burress, Sheppard was carted off the field and will require surgery on a sprained ankle. This won't help the Birds' secondary which has already let up 17 TDs this season after allowing only 16 all of last year.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Optimism after Disappointment


What a season it's been for the birds in green. After 10 games, they've amassed three more losses than their Super Bowl chumpian season of yore. But fans don't fret.

Taking the snaps now is a new Mac Daddy, Mike McMahon. First game for the birds and he racked up 298 yards through the air with a TD and an INT. In addition, he rushed for 31 yards and a score. Not bad for the guy promoted from third string. (Ok, he was really second string all along, but Koy Detmer was listed that way because he holds the snaps.)

Further optimism can be taken in the fact that the referees missed two blatant calls, the results of which would've resulted in a 21-20 Eagles win. In the second quarter, after the Eagles muffed the punt snap and the Giant's blocked and recovered it, the birds stuffed Brandon Jacobs at the one yard line on first down. On second down, Jacobs fumbled and Mark Simoneau came up with the recovery. Replays clearly show that he fumbled, but the men in stripes said Jacobs was down by contact. After another stop of Jacobs on third down, the Giants scored on fourth and one. The ball should've been the Eagles', and those seven points shouldn't have been on the board.

In another example of Braille Institute officiating, toward the end of the third quarter, TE L.J. Smith was held in the end zone on second down, the result of which should've been an automatic first down. A referee "no call" led to an Eagles field goal. If the referee makes the correct call, the Eagles get a new set of downs, likely score a TD instead of settling for a FG, and add four points to their total. Those four points, combined with erasing the earlier Giants' TD, would've made the final score 21-20 in favor of Philly.

So fans, my suggestion is that we remember that even with a backup QB throwing to a backup WR the Eagles would've won in a cleanly called game.