Randy Wolf, the now 32 year old starting left-hander, was drafted by the Phillies in 1997 and pitched for the club from 1999-2006. His best year was 2003 when he went 16-10 with 200 innings and he was selected to the All Star Team. In July 2005, Wolf had major shoulder surgery (the infamous Tommy John operation) and didn't play again until the latter half of the following season.
In 2007, he entered free agency and signed with the Dodgers for whom he went 9-6. In 2008, he pitched for both the Astros and the Padres exclusively as a starter and went a combined 12-12 in about 200 innings. His ERA was 4.30 which matched his career mark.
Wolf is again a free agent and during the off season a number of teams have indicated an interest in his services including the D-backs, Cardinals, Mets, Nationals, Astros and even the Phillies. However, most recently the Cubs and Dodgers seem to be in the forefront. It's too bad because the southpaw would be an excellent addition to the Phils' starting rotation and provide the team with significant flexibility and depth. However, apparently Wolf's asking price is too high, at least $10 million a year.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
The $18 Million Man
When Ryan Howard was victorious in arbitration prior to last season, his new salary of $10 million marked an exponential increase from his previous contract. He then proceeded to get off to an absolutely dreadful start and it didn't get a whole lot better from there. With Howard heading into the late summer with his batting average mired in the low .200's, unspectacular power numbers by Citizens Park standards, his usual boatload of strikeouts, and the shabbiest defense since the Maginot Line, that 10 million was looking less like a bargain and more like a heist. Then Ryan went on his now famous September tear, leading the Phils to the playoffs and belatedly throwing his hat into the MVP ring. That stretch run could turn out to be one of the most lucrative since Secretariat won the Triple Crown.
If Howard had finished the season at .220 with 37 or so home runs, which is where he was headed until late August, he surely would have been in no position to seek a salary upgrade. In fact, the Phillies could have reasonably sought a reduction to maybe 8 mill, although the team would probably have been accused of being cruel and heartless. Alternatively, the team might have made a concerted effort to trade the first baseman. But history took a decidedly different turn.
Now, with their bargaining position resurrected, Ryan's negotiators are pushing the envelope, seeking $18 million for 2009. At that rate, his September binge translates to as much as an extra 10 million for this year alone, and who knows how much more down the road. Quite a windfall. Of course, all of this is very hypothetical. The arbitration process has all the predictability of a Ouija board, and it may not even reach arbitration. However, it's not unreasonable given the goings on in pro sports in general and major league baseball in particular.
But is Ryan Howard "worth" 18 million bucks a year? "Worth" is a loaded term. In a free market you're worth whatever they are willing to pay you, especially if the "they" includes somebody named Steinbrenner. You might argue that it's not really a free market when you have seemingly unlimited television dollars chasing an artificially limited number of players - MLB in fact has a notorious anti-trust exemption. But that debate is for another day. In the more intuitive sense, is he worth it?
The feeling here is that the 14 million that the Phils have offered is more than fair. The Albert Pujols or Derek Jeter-like consistency is just not there to justify more. Jeter and Pujols produce week after week, month after month. If their hitting slumps, they can help their teams in many other ways. Or take the example of a megastar in another sport. Kobe Bryant is paid about $20 million by the Lakers for his trouble but Bryant is almost certain to provide 40 minutes of virtuosity nightly, even if his shot happens to be off. Howard can go a week or two without going deep or even having a multiple hit game. And he can't fall back on defense or base running. Yes there are intangibles like getting pitched around but not $18 million worth.
Howard needs to prove that the numbers he put up in his MVP year a few years back were not a fluke if he is to move into the rarefied air of the very top salary earners in the game. Not that he needs to hit 58 hrs every year but his batting average needs to come off life support. It also wouldn't hurt if every time he fields a ground ball, it wasn't the equivalent of going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
If Howard had finished the season at .220 with 37 or so home runs, which is where he was headed until late August, he surely would have been in no position to seek a salary upgrade. In fact, the Phillies could have reasonably sought a reduction to maybe 8 mill, although the team would probably have been accused of being cruel and heartless. Alternatively, the team might have made a concerted effort to trade the first baseman. But history took a decidedly different turn.
Now, with their bargaining position resurrected, Ryan's negotiators are pushing the envelope, seeking $18 million for 2009. At that rate, his September binge translates to as much as an extra 10 million for this year alone, and who knows how much more down the road. Quite a windfall. Of course, all of this is very hypothetical. The arbitration process has all the predictability of a Ouija board, and it may not even reach arbitration. However, it's not unreasonable given the goings on in pro sports in general and major league baseball in particular.
But is Ryan Howard "worth" 18 million bucks a year? "Worth" is a loaded term. In a free market you're worth whatever they are willing to pay you, especially if the "they" includes somebody named Steinbrenner. You might argue that it's not really a free market when you have seemingly unlimited television dollars chasing an artificially limited number of players - MLB in fact has a notorious anti-trust exemption. But that debate is for another day. In the more intuitive sense, is he worth it?
The feeling here is that the 14 million that the Phils have offered is more than fair. The Albert Pujols or Derek Jeter-like consistency is just not there to justify more. Jeter and Pujols produce week after week, month after month. If their hitting slumps, they can help their teams in many other ways. Or take the example of a megastar in another sport. Kobe Bryant is paid about $20 million by the Lakers for his trouble but Bryant is almost certain to provide 40 minutes of virtuosity nightly, even if his shot happens to be off. Howard can go a week or two without going deep or even having a multiple hit game. And he can't fall back on defense or base running. Yes there are intangibles like getting pitched around but not $18 million worth.
Howard needs to prove that the numbers he put up in his MVP year a few years back were not a fluke if he is to move into the rarefied air of the very top salary earners in the game. Not that he needs to hit 58 hrs every year but his batting average needs to come off life support. It also wouldn't hurt if every time he fields a ground ball, it wasn't the equivalent of going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Alumni Update: Larry Brown, Kyle Korver
How Are They Doing?
Larry Brown's Charlotte Bobcats are 17-25 and in 4th place in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. But they are 10-9 since they acquired Boris Diaw and Raja Bell from the Phoenix Suns. The consensus in Charlotte is that with the personnel moves the team has made in the last month or two, they have a very solid nucleus including a good mix of young players and veterans. However, their bench needs strengthening. The team bears watching.
Kyle Korver played 4 1/2 seasons with the Sixers. In his best year, 06-07, he averaged 30 minutes and 14 ppg. Overall, he averaged about 10 ppg, as a long-range shooter at guard or forward, usually off the bench. His shooting stroke is considered one of the purest in the league, although he is a spot-up shooter, not a creator. In December 07, Korver was traded to Utah for guard Gordon Giricek and a draft choice, primarily for salary cap considerations. How has Korver done with the Jazz? His role is the same as it was in Philly - to provide instant offense off the bench. In about a year, he is averaging about 22 minutes and just under 10 ppg. However, this year his points and especially shooting percentage are down. Team observers attribute this to injuries to key big men, notably Carlos Boozer, enabling opponents to focus their attention on Utah's outside people, especially Korver, who as noted above is not adept at creating his own shot. Even with numerous injuries to key people, the Jazz, 25-18, are in the thick of things in the Northwest Division.
Larry Brown's Charlotte Bobcats are 17-25 and in 4th place in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. But they are 10-9 since they acquired Boris Diaw and Raja Bell from the Phoenix Suns. The consensus in Charlotte is that with the personnel moves the team has made in the last month or two, they have a very solid nucleus including a good mix of young players and veterans. However, their bench needs strengthening. The team bears watching.
Kyle Korver played 4 1/2 seasons with the Sixers. In his best year, 06-07, he averaged 30 minutes and 14 ppg. Overall, he averaged about 10 ppg, as a long-range shooter at guard or forward, usually off the bench. His shooting stroke is considered one of the purest in the league, although he is a spot-up shooter, not a creator. In December 07, Korver was traded to Utah for guard Gordon Giricek and a draft choice, primarily for salary cap considerations. How has Korver done with the Jazz? His role is the same as it was in Philly - to provide instant offense off the bench. In about a year, he is averaging about 22 minutes and just under 10 ppg. However, this year his points and especially shooting percentage are down. Team observers attribute this to injuries to key big men, notably Carlos Boozer, enabling opponents to focus their attention on Utah's outside people, especially Korver, who as noted above is not adept at creating his own shot. Even with numerous injuries to key people, the Jazz, 25-18, are in the thick of things in the Northwest Division.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Philly Alumni Update: Iverson, Nelson, etc
How Are They Doing? Philly Sports Figures Who Have Moved On
Allen Iverson: In the first blockbuster NBA trade of the season, back in November, Iverson was traded to the Pistons from the Nuggets for Chauncey Billups. Overall the Pistons are in second place in the Eastern Conference's Central Division with a record of 23-17. Iverson has played in 36 of those games and Detroit is two games over .500 in that span with AI averaging 18 ppg. Billups is averaging 19 ppg and Denver is in first place in their division with a 27-15 record. There is little dispute that Denver is better off.
Matt Carroll: The Hatboro-Horsham and Notre Dame alumnus played for the Charlotte Bobcats for the last 4 years with a reputation as a proficient three-point shooter. This year he was only averaging 4 ppg and was recently traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Matt's younger brother Pat, a St Joe's star also via Hatboro-Horsham, was unable to latch on to an NBA team and has been playing pro ball in France and Spain the last two seasons.
Allen Iverson: In the first blockbuster NBA trade of the season, back in November, Iverson was traded to the Pistons from the Nuggets for Chauncey Billups. Overall the Pistons are in second place in the Eastern Conference's Central Division with a record of 23-17. Iverson has played in 36 of those games and Detroit is two games over .500 in that span with AI averaging 18 ppg. Billups is averaging 19 ppg and Denver is in first place in their division with a 27-15 record. There is little dispute that Denver is better off.
Matt Carroll: The Hatboro-Horsham and Notre Dame alumnus played for the Charlotte Bobcats for the last 4 years with a reputation as a proficient three-point shooter. This year he was only averaging 4 ppg and was recently traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Matt's younger brother Pat, a St Joe's star also via Hatboro-Horsham, was unable to latch on to an NBA team and has been playing pro ball in France and Spain the last two seasons.
St. Joe's Jameer Nelson was already having a breakout year in this, his 5th season with the Orlando Magic, but recently he has elevated his game to an even higher level. The Magic beat the Lakers on Friday night with Nelson scoring 28 pts including 15 in the fourth quarter. In the next game, against Denver, Jameer scored 21 pts in the first half, making it three straight games over 20.
Nelson's running mate at St. Joe's, Delonte West, was having his best season, as a shooting guard for the Cavaliers, averaging 12 ppg. However, on January 15, he sustained a fracture of his right wrist and he is expected to be out for about 6 weeks.
The successful Villanova basketball teams of 2004-06 were guard-oriented, led by Randy Foye. Allan Ray, Kyle Lowry and Mike Nardi. Foye is another former Big 5 guard who is having a breakout season in the NBA. He is averaging 16 pts and 5 assists for the rejuvenated Minnesota Timberwolves. Ray played one season with the Celtics and is currently playing professionally in Italy. Lowry is in his third year with the Memphis Grizzlies although he lost almost his entire first year due to injury. This season he is averaging 8 pts and 4 assists off the bench. Nardi, like Ray, is playing in one of the Italian professional leagues.
Another Look At Elton Brand
Elton Brand Revisited
The Sixers, from the coaching staff to the players, are - surprise, surprise - saying that they will be a better team with the return of Elton Brand to the lineup. It is possible that this will turn out to be true, if not now, then down the road. But what it also almost indisputably true is that the team has been playing easily their best ball of the season in the course of winning seven in a row with Brand out with a shoulder injury. The Sixers are now playing the way they finished last season - loose, running with abandon, aggressive on defense. Contributions are coming up and down the roster and even Sam Dalembert has been getting into the flow. None of this could be found early in the season with Brand in the starting lineup and it probably cost Mo Cheeks his job.
When the Sixers streaked improbably into the playoffs last season and gave the Pistons a bit of a scare in the first round, the conventional wisdom was that the home team had maxed out. For them to go deeper the next time, they needed another piece to complete the puzzle. When Elton Brand became unexpectedly available, it was not unreasonable to think he could be that piece - a blue blood, blue chip player with a low post game. And when Brand joined the club, he did what he is payed to do, a double-double every night and maximum effort at both ends. But the team's chemistry was disrupted and players seemed confused about their roles. Perhaps in the course of Brand's second tour of duty, everything will fall into the place. There is really no good reason why it can't. But there is also the nagging concern that the Elton Brand acquisition could turn out to be a very expensive mistake.
Random Thoughts
The vicious hit suffered by Baltimore running back Willis McGahee late in yesterday's playoff game cast a pall over an afternoon and evening of football. If the NFL fails to implement policies immediately to eliminate such gratuitous violence from the game, it will be a gross dereliction of responsibility.
The Sixers, from the coaching staff to the players, are - surprise, surprise - saying that they will be a better team with the return of Elton Brand to the lineup. It is possible that this will turn out to be true, if not now, then down the road. But what it also almost indisputably true is that the team has been playing easily their best ball of the season in the course of winning seven in a row with Brand out with a shoulder injury. The Sixers are now playing the way they finished last season - loose, running with abandon, aggressive on defense. Contributions are coming up and down the roster and even Sam Dalembert has been getting into the flow. None of this could be found early in the season with Brand in the starting lineup and it probably cost Mo Cheeks his job.
When the Sixers streaked improbably into the playoffs last season and gave the Pistons a bit of a scare in the first round, the conventional wisdom was that the home team had maxed out. For them to go deeper the next time, they needed another piece to complete the puzzle. When Elton Brand became unexpectedly available, it was not unreasonable to think he could be that piece - a blue blood, blue chip player with a low post game. And when Brand joined the club, he did what he is payed to do, a double-double every night and maximum effort at both ends. But the team's chemistry was disrupted and players seemed confused about their roles. Perhaps in the course of Brand's second tour of duty, everything will fall into the place. There is really no good reason why it can't. But there is also the nagging concern that the Elton Brand acquisition could turn out to be a very expensive mistake.
Random Thoughts
The vicious hit suffered by Baltimore running back Willis McGahee late in yesterday's playoff game cast a pall over an afternoon and evening of football. If the NFL fails to implement policies immediately to eliminate such gratuitous violence from the game, it will be a gross dereliction of responsibility.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
McNabb's Road to Redemption
Seven weeks ago, most of the sports talk in town concerned the means which should be employed to run Donovan McNabb, not to mention his coach, out of town. Now the discussion has grown a tad more civil. Now it's: Is Donovan the greatest quarterback in the history of the franchise, or may even the universe? Or does Donovan deserve immediate induction into the Hall of Fame? Or how about McNabb for governor? The sitting governor is a big Eagles' fan and would gladly step down. And then there is always the Noble Prize Committee. Perhaps they might honor Donovan with a lifetime achievement award. The Philly QB had no idea he had so many friends and admirers.
McNabb came into the league as an exciting quarterback who could run. Age, injuries and discretion have transformed him to a pocket passer but he can still run in a pinch. Going into this season, Donovan probably already was the Eagles' all-time QB based on longevity and solid career stats. He has always had the ability to make plays but this was tempered by a maddening inconsistency which could sometimes but not always be excused by a lack of capable receivers or a reliable running game.
The legendary New York sportswriter Dick Young once described Joe Namath, for all his genius and bravado, as being far less than great on too many Sundays. The same might be said for Donovan McNabb. But McNabb is in a position to add a Super Bowl championship or two to his resume and that would secure his legacy and maybe punch his ticket to the Hall of Fame. Who knows how many more McNabb fans would come out of the woodwork then.
McNabb came into the league as an exciting quarterback who could run. Age, injuries and discretion have transformed him to a pocket passer but he can still run in a pinch. Going into this season, Donovan probably already was the Eagles' all-time QB based on longevity and solid career stats. He has always had the ability to make plays but this was tempered by a maddening inconsistency which could sometimes but not always be excused by a lack of capable receivers or a reliable running game.
The legendary New York sportswriter Dick Young once described Joe Namath, for all his genius and bravado, as being far less than great on too many Sundays. The same might be said for Donovan McNabb. But McNabb is in a position to add a Super Bowl championship or two to his resume and that would secure his legacy and maybe punch his ticket to the Hall of Fame. Who knows how many more McNabb fans would come out of the woodwork then.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Measuring the Sixers' Progress
Sixer Status Check:
With 4 wins in a row culminating with a strong performance against the much improved Atlanta Hawks, the Sixers are showing some consistency at both ends of the court, particularly on offense. They are making three's and scoring in the open court. But the fact of the matter is that the team is just now approaching the level of play it displayed in the last three months or so of last season. And this is almost half way into this season. In the short term, they need to show they can sustain this level for the next couple of weeks. Then they will face the added challenge of incorporating a healthy Elton Brand into the lineup without upsetting the team's chemistry. In other words, here we go again.
Random Thoughts:
In the late stages of the Villanova-Louisville game on Saturday, a timeout was called. Play resumed but just a few seconds later, there was a stoppage of play and another timeout was called, this one the required TV timeout. Then came the final two minutes and another flurry of timeouts ensued. Presumably the sponsors love all this time to peddle cars and beer but it really disrupts the flow of the game for the players and fans. It's long past time for something to be done about it and not just in the college game. But don't hold your breath.
Joe Gordon, an old-time baseball player with the Yankees and Indians, was just voted to the Hall of Fame by a Veterans Committee. This is not about whether he deserves the honor. But Admission to the Hall is too subjective, if not downright whimsical. Gordon died 30 years ago and cannot enjoy his honor. At least Jim Rice, who had to wait 15 years, can. Criteria for admission should be clarified and streamlined, and players should not have to wait this long.
With 4 wins in a row culminating with a strong performance against the much improved Atlanta Hawks, the Sixers are showing some consistency at both ends of the court, particularly on offense. They are making three's and scoring in the open court. But the fact of the matter is that the team is just now approaching the level of play it displayed in the last three months or so of last season. And this is almost half way into this season. In the short term, they need to show they can sustain this level for the next couple of weeks. Then they will face the added challenge of incorporating a healthy Elton Brand into the lineup without upsetting the team's chemistry. In other words, here we go again.
Random Thoughts:
In the late stages of the Villanova-Louisville game on Saturday, a timeout was called. Play resumed but just a few seconds later, there was a stoppage of play and another timeout was called, this one the required TV timeout. Then came the final two minutes and another flurry of timeouts ensued. Presumably the sponsors love all this time to peddle cars and beer but it really disrupts the flow of the game for the players and fans. It's long past time for something to be done about it and not just in the college game. But don't hold your breath.
Joe Gordon, an old-time baseball player with the Yankees and Indians, was just voted to the Hall of Fame by a Veterans Committee. This is not about whether he deserves the honor. But Admission to the Hall is too subjective, if not downright whimsical. Gordon died 30 years ago and cannot enjoy his honor. At least Jim Rice, who had to wait 15 years, can. Criteria for admission should be clarified and streamlined, and players should not have to wait this long.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Eagles, Celtics, Miller vs Kidd, Braves, etc
Random Thoughts:
The biggest play of yesterday's Eagles' win, and of David Akers' career, may have been on the opening play when Akers pushed kick returner Ahmad Bradshaw out of bounds to prevent a touchdown. Actually "push" may be too strong a word.
Including Friday night's pasting in Cleveland, the Celtics have lost 7 of 10. If Jim Stefanksi were calling the shots in Beantown, he would probably seek a "new direction" and fire Doc Rivers.
So far in the off-season, the Atlanta Braves failed to sign Rafael Furcal and lost John Schmoltz to the Red Sox. Coming off a horrible season, the Braves need to make some moves to challenge the Phils, Mets and Marlins but so far they're coming up empty.
Who's the better point guard, Jason Kidd or Andre Miller? Kidd certainly has the higher profile but Miller is the choice here.
The popularity of Dick Vitale is one of the great mysteries of western civilization ranking right up there with the Bermuda Triangle and the mysterious UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico.
Before North Carolina lost their conference opener to Boston College, they were virtually conceded the number 1 ranking and given an outside shot to be the first team in 33 years to run the table. On Sunday, NC lost again, this time to Wake Forest. The ACC is looking very strong and it's not inconceivable that Carolina could end up no better than third, or even fourth in their own conference behind Duke, Wake Forest and Clemson. The Tar Heels are a very good, and very deep team, but probably not as good as their hype. Hansbrough and Lawson, in particular, have been oversold.
Duke handily beat Davidson last week. Davidson's star Stephen Curry scored scored 29 points but 21 came in the second half when the game was all but decided. What was curious was that Curry took only one shot in the first 10 minutes of the game, even though he was not double-teamed. He insisted on repeatedly forcing passes to teammates which often resulted in turnovers. He didn't shoot much more in the remainder of the first half as Duke built up a commanding lead. It was a very odd performance from presumably the most potent offensive weapon in the college ranks.
The biggest play of yesterday's Eagles' win, and of David Akers' career, may have been on the opening play when Akers pushed kick returner Ahmad Bradshaw out of bounds to prevent a touchdown. Actually "push" may be too strong a word.
Including Friday night's pasting in Cleveland, the Celtics have lost 7 of 10. If Jim Stefanksi were calling the shots in Beantown, he would probably seek a "new direction" and fire Doc Rivers.
So far in the off-season, the Atlanta Braves failed to sign Rafael Furcal and lost John Schmoltz to the Red Sox. Coming off a horrible season, the Braves need to make some moves to challenge the Phils, Mets and Marlins but so far they're coming up empty.
Who's the better point guard, Jason Kidd or Andre Miller? Kidd certainly has the higher profile but Miller is the choice here.
The popularity of Dick Vitale is one of the great mysteries of western civilization ranking right up there with the Bermuda Triangle and the mysterious UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico.
Before North Carolina lost their conference opener to Boston College, they were virtually conceded the number 1 ranking and given an outside shot to be the first team in 33 years to run the table. On Sunday, NC lost again, this time to Wake Forest. The ACC is looking very strong and it's not inconceivable that Carolina could end up no better than third, or even fourth in their own conference behind Duke, Wake Forest and Clemson. The Tar Heels are a very good, and very deep team, but probably not as good as their hype. Hansbrough and Lawson, in particular, have been oversold.
Duke handily beat Davidson last week. Davidson's star Stephen Curry scored scored 29 points but 21 came in the second half when the game was all but decided. What was curious was that Curry took only one shot in the first 10 minutes of the game, even though he was not double-teamed. He insisted on repeatedly forcing passes to teammates which often resulted in turnovers. He didn't shoot much more in the remainder of the first half as Duke built up a commanding lead. It was a very odd performance from presumably the most potent offensive weapon in the college ranks.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Andre Miller's Future with the Sixers
A decision about Andre Miller's future is fast approaching and and how it plays out will be crucial to the development of the Sixers. Miller becomes a free agent at the end of the season so the Sixers have at least three options: trade him before the trading deadline next month to get something for him; negotiate a contract extension; wait until the end of the season and try to resign him.
What complicates the issue is that Miller is so darn good. Playing out west for so long, he really didn't get that much exposure around the country nor is he flamboyant or media-centric. Charles Barkley he is not. But we now know this guy is one of the very best point guards around. He is durable, having never played less than 80 games in a season. He is smart, unselfish and, what probably has been most surprising, he is a terrific scorer. He penetrates, can finish and draw fouls. And his outside shot is deceptively effective. In the latter case, he is reminiscent of great point guards such as John Stockton and Magic Johnson. They were not pure shooters but they could make the shot often enough to keep you honest, especially in the clutch.
Miller may be the most important player on the Sixer squad right now. Of late, he has been no less than brilliant. True, his age is a consideration but he should be able to perform at a high level for at least three more years. Unfortunately, the Sixers have a limited number of strings to pull. We don't know if Miller wants to stay in Philadelphia. He has implied in the past that he would be more comfortable on the West Coast. And the fact that the team has been so disappointing this year can't be helping. But it's abundantly clear that if the Sixers lose Andre Miller it would be a major setback. He is irreplaceable.
What complicates the issue is that Miller is so darn good. Playing out west for so long, he really didn't get that much exposure around the country nor is he flamboyant or media-centric. Charles Barkley he is not. But we now know this guy is one of the very best point guards around. He is durable, having never played less than 80 games in a season. He is smart, unselfish and, what probably has been most surprising, he is a terrific scorer. He penetrates, can finish and draw fouls. And his outside shot is deceptively effective. In the latter case, he is reminiscent of great point guards such as John Stockton and Magic Johnson. They were not pure shooters but they could make the shot often enough to keep you honest, especially in the clutch.
Miller may be the most important player on the Sixer squad right now. Of late, he has been no less than brilliant. True, his age is a consideration but he should be able to perform at a high level for at least three more years. Unfortunately, the Sixers have a limited number of strings to pull. We don't know if Miller wants to stay in Philadelphia. He has implied in the past that he would be more comfortable on the West Coast. And the fact that the team has been so disappointing this year can't be helping. But it's abundantly clear that if the Sixers lose Andre Miller it would be a major setback. He is irreplaceable.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Two in a Row for Sixers
Sixers Return Home to Beat Rockets
It's hard to draw any conclusions from one game. A few notes:
The 29 fast break points was a season high but how much of it was due to Yao Ming's inability to get up and down the court?
Dalembert left early with foul trouble and logged only 13 total minutes. Once again, Ratliff and Speights stepped in and the team jelled. Obviously, the management has to be diplomatic but Dalembert's stock with this team is diminishing. And Elton Brand's return is not going to elevate it.
The Sixers made only 3 three's but the opposition made only 5. A good trade-off. But the Sixers made only 19-35 free throws.
Sixers Go Back on Road and Beat Bucks
The Sixers hung on to beat the Bucks Wednesday night:
The team gave up 9 three's but made 8 as part of a new emphasis by coach DiLeo. Royal Ivey made 3 of these and he has been making a significant contribution as of late and this is altering some of the substitution patterns.
Andre Miller had another remarkable game with a loaded stat sheet including 28 pts. His 9 rebounds equalled the combined total of Dalembert, Ratliff and Speights.
It's hard to draw any conclusions from one game. A few notes:
The 29 fast break points was a season high but how much of it was due to Yao Ming's inability to get up and down the court?
Dalembert left early with foul trouble and logged only 13 total minutes. Once again, Ratliff and Speights stepped in and the team jelled. Obviously, the management has to be diplomatic but Dalembert's stock with this team is diminishing. And Elton Brand's return is not going to elevate it.
The Sixers made only 3 three's but the opposition made only 5. A good trade-off. But the Sixers made only 19-35 free throws.
Sixers Go Back on Road and Beat Bucks
The Sixers hung on to beat the Bucks Wednesday night:
The team gave up 9 three's but made 8 as part of a new emphasis by coach DiLeo. Royal Ivey made 3 of these and he has been making a significant contribution as of late and this is altering some of the substitution patterns.
Andre Miller had another remarkable game with a loaded stat sheet including 28 pts. His 9 rebounds equalled the combined total of Dalembert, Ratliff and Speights.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Pat Burrell's Legacy
Pat Burrell's power numbers with the Phillies were impressive. A 30 hr, 100 ribi guy who also drew a ton of walks. But watching Burrell play in Philadelphia could also be maddening. The slowfootedness in the field and on the base paths. Taking good pitches and swinging at bad ones. The strikeouts. A lot of strikeouts. And yet he typified, as much as anyone, the 07-08 Phillies - tough and professional, the consummate team player.
A few years back, when Burrell was struggling mightily, it would have been very easy for him to pack it in and circle the wagons. He wasn't producing and his big contract put a giant bull's-eye on his back for the boo birds. He was a lightning rod for everything that was wrong with the team. But Burrell seemed to draw motivation from it. He didn't feel sorry for himself nor offer excuses. He just kept working at his hitting, like a golfer practicing his swing in the most unlikely places. And even his fielding, while not elegant, was serviceable, surely a product of pride and determination, not athleticism. He willed his game back to respectability.
In the 2007-2008 campaigns, Pat was a critical part of the Phils' attack. When the team's offense sputtered, which it often did, he carried them for long stretches. Even when Pat slumped, which he often did, he could still conjure up with some timely hits. Many times in the late innings when it looked like another fine effort by a starter was about to be wasted, Burrell would go deep, or at least work his way on to get something started. This frequently occurred after he was coming off some very ugly at-bats and there was little reason for optimism.
Perhaps most important was his attitude. He was the first off the bench cheering his teammates and never showed displeasure when Eric Bruntlett replaced him in the late innings. A team guy. A Philadelphia guy. Burrell's departure has been in the cards for a long time, and Raul Ibanez seems to be a class act. But Pat Burrell will be missed in this town.
A few years back, when Burrell was struggling mightily, it would have been very easy for him to pack it in and circle the wagons. He wasn't producing and his big contract put a giant bull's-eye on his back for the boo birds. He was a lightning rod for everything that was wrong with the team. But Burrell seemed to draw motivation from it. He didn't feel sorry for himself nor offer excuses. He just kept working at his hitting, like a golfer practicing his swing in the most unlikely places. And even his fielding, while not elegant, was serviceable, surely a product of pride and determination, not athleticism. He willed his game back to respectability.
In the 2007-2008 campaigns, Pat was a critical part of the Phils' attack. When the team's offense sputtered, which it often did, he carried them for long stretches. Even when Pat slumped, which he often did, he could still conjure up with some timely hits. Many times in the late innings when it looked like another fine effort by a starter was about to be wasted, Burrell would go deep, or at least work his way on to get something started. This frequently occurred after he was coming off some very ugly at-bats and there was little reason for optimism.
Perhaps most important was his attitude. He was the first off the bench cheering his teammates and never showed displeasure when Eric Bruntlett replaced him in the late innings. A team guy. A Philadelphia guy. Burrell's departure has been in the cards for a long time, and Raul Ibanez seems to be a class act. But Pat Burrell will be missed in this town.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Reid, Manuel, Burrell, Rollins and McNabb
Not so long ago, many observers in the Delaware Valley and elsewhere, including some eminent local sportswriters, were calling for the scalps of Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb, the poster children of the Eagles' failures. Now the critics are silent as the squad is probably in as good a position as any of those teams still standing, in this age of NFL parity, to extend their season to February. Sports prognosticators are proving to be as accurate as stock market prognosticators in 2008.
The twists and turns of the Eagles' soap opera have some intriguing parallels to the Phillies of a few years back. The baseball team back then had no shortage of critics. Many thought Charlie Manuel was the wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place. Too much of a players' manager. Not tough enough. Pulled pitchers too quickly. Too fond of lefty-righty switches. Stuck with Pat Burrell too long (a la Reid and McNabb). Burrell himself, now a former Phillie headed for Tampa, was derided mercilessly for a couple of years.
But Manuel's loyalty to Burrell payed off in 2007 and 2008. And the manager's brief benching of Jimmie Rollins last season for not running out a hit, similar to Reid's early removal of McNabb in a mid-season game, seemed to send just the right message to the entire team.
Manuel and Burrell can now afford to be magnanimous toward their former detractors. Reid and McNabb are close to being in the same position.
The twists and turns of the Eagles' soap opera have some intriguing parallels to the Phillies of a few years back. The baseball team back then had no shortage of critics. Many thought Charlie Manuel was the wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place. Too much of a players' manager. Not tough enough. Pulled pitchers too quickly. Too fond of lefty-righty switches. Stuck with Pat Burrell too long (a la Reid and McNabb). Burrell himself, now a former Phillie headed for Tampa, was derided mercilessly for a couple of years.
But Manuel's loyalty to Burrell payed off in 2007 and 2008. And the manager's brief benching of Jimmie Rollins last season for not running out a hit, similar to Reid's early removal of McNabb in a mid-season game, seemed to send just the right message to the entire team.
Manuel and Burrell can now afford to be magnanimous toward their former detractors. Reid and McNabb are close to being in the same position.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Sixers Lose Two Games In Texas
Dallas Ends Sixers' Streak At 1
After beating the lowly Clippers on New Year's Eve, the Sixers hoped to play up to the competition two nights later and for a while they did. But they ultimately lost to the Mavericks. The Sixers scored 86 points and they can't expect to win too many games scoring less than 90. Other notes:
For once, the three-point line wasn't unfriendly, but it wasn't kind either. Philly shot 5-14 and the Mavs 8-22, but the Texans, led by Jason Terry and Dirk Novitzky, hit a flurry of three's in a late-game rally to break the game open. Novitzky, because of his size, is always tough to stop but Terry got too many good looks.
Thaddeus Young reverted to his recent pattern, scoring but 8 points in almost 40 minutes. Not enough for a primarily offensive player.
Sam Dalembert scored 0, that's spelled Z-E-R-O, IN 21 minutes. It's easier to find a parking spot in mid-town Manhattan than for a 7-footer to get shut out in the NBA. In the meantime, Theo Ratliff continued to play much younger than his 35 years.
Sixers Lose in Gut-Wrenching Fashion to Spurs
Tony Parker may as well have been blindfolded when he put up his last second, turnaround baseline jumper, but the ball hit nothing but twine and the Sixers lost again. Parker's shot negated a valiant effort by Thaddeus Young, Andre Iguodala and especially Andre Miller. But near-misses in the NBA don't count for much:
Three-Point Watch: Sixers 4-12, Spurs 15-26. Enough said.
Dalembert Watch: 16 minutes, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 2 points. Ratliff was again much more effective and Speights shot well. Why Speights did not play the night before is material for an Agatha Christie mystery.
Willie Green scored 2 points in 21 minutes. Starting Lou Williams in his place may or may not be the answer. Whether he, Miller, Iguodala and Young would blend well together is not a foregone conclusion but Green's inconsistent production may force coach DiLeo to make a change.
Remind me again why the Sixers made a coaching change.
After beating the lowly Clippers on New Year's Eve, the Sixers hoped to play up to the competition two nights later and for a while they did. But they ultimately lost to the Mavericks. The Sixers scored 86 points and they can't expect to win too many games scoring less than 90. Other notes:
For once, the three-point line wasn't unfriendly, but it wasn't kind either. Philly shot 5-14 and the Mavs 8-22, but the Texans, led by Jason Terry and Dirk Novitzky, hit a flurry of three's in a late-game rally to break the game open. Novitzky, because of his size, is always tough to stop but Terry got too many good looks.
Thaddeus Young reverted to his recent pattern, scoring but 8 points in almost 40 minutes. Not enough for a primarily offensive player.
Sam Dalembert scored 0, that's spelled Z-E-R-O, IN 21 minutes. It's easier to find a parking spot in mid-town Manhattan than for a 7-footer to get shut out in the NBA. In the meantime, Theo Ratliff continued to play much younger than his 35 years.
Sixers Lose in Gut-Wrenching Fashion to Spurs
Tony Parker may as well have been blindfolded when he put up his last second, turnaround baseline jumper, but the ball hit nothing but twine and the Sixers lost again. Parker's shot negated a valiant effort by Thaddeus Young, Andre Iguodala and especially Andre Miller. But near-misses in the NBA don't count for much:
Three-Point Watch: Sixers 4-12, Spurs 15-26. Enough said.
Dalembert Watch: 16 minutes, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 2 points. Ratliff was again much more effective and Speights shot well. Why Speights did not play the night before is material for an Agatha Christie mystery.
Willie Green scored 2 points in 21 minutes. Starting Lou Williams in his place may or may not be the answer. Whether he, Miller, Iguodala and Young would blend well together is not a foregone conclusion but Green's inconsistent production may force coach DiLeo to make a change.
Remind me again why the Sixers made a coaching change.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
And Now the Latest Sports News ...
Here are the latest headlines from the world of sports:
Charles Barkley admits to a gambling problem.
Plaxico Burress shoots himself in the foot with an unlicensed hand gun in a New York nightclub.
Plaxico Burress is found to be driving a vehicle without automobile insurance when he rear-ended another car.
A small cache of weapons and ammunition is found at the house of Plaxico Burress.
Charles Barkley calls Burress an "idiot" for carrying a gun on his person.
Charles Barkley is arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona for suspicion of DUI.
Burress is unavailable for comment.
Video at 11.
Charles Barkley admits to a gambling problem.
Plaxico Burress shoots himself in the foot with an unlicensed hand gun in a New York nightclub.
Plaxico Burress is found to be driving a vehicle without automobile insurance when he rear-ended another car.
A small cache of weapons and ammunition is found at the house of Plaxico Burress.
Charles Barkley calls Burress an "idiot" for carrying a gun on his person.
Charles Barkley is arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona for suspicion of DUI.
Burress is unavailable for comment.
Video at 11.
Ratliff Leads Sixers
A win over the Clippers normally wouldn't be a cause for celebration, even on New Year's Eve. This is a bad team. So everything has to be taken with a grain of salt, or if your doctor insists, a salt substitute. But at least the Sixers ended a four game losing streak. Thaddeus Young had his most productive game in a while, 20 points on 10-14 shooting and Andre Iguodala made 14-17 free throws. Less encouraging was the team's continued futility from three point land, this time 1-9.
But the real story, dare I say it, is that the Sixers seem to play better with Theo Ratliff in the middle. In 26 minutes, Ratliff scored 2 pts, but with 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. The team also ran quite effectively with Theo in the lineup. Very interesting.
Eric Gordon is a very nice looking rookie guard with the Clippers. Gordon got out of the University of Indiana while the getting was good as the entire Indiana U basketball program has now been put under witness protection.
But the real story, dare I say it, is that the Sixers seem to play better with Theo Ratliff in the middle. In 26 minutes, Ratliff scored 2 pts, but with 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. The team also ran quite effectively with Theo in the lineup. Very interesting.
Eric Gordon is a very nice looking rookie guard with the Clippers. Gordon got out of the University of Indiana while the getting was good as the entire Indiana U basketball program has now been put under witness protection.
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