Eagles add weapons on day 1

The Philadelphia Eagles finally answered the call from fans to trade for a stud receiver - no, not Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards.

The Eagles traded up from the 21st pick and selected Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin 19th overall.

As they did last year by beating the Tampa Bay Bucs on the last day of the season, helping the Eagles get into the playoffs, the Oakland Raiders again helped the Birds.

Many believed Maclin would be taken seventh overall by the Raiders. However, in a stunning move, Al Davis chose to reach for Darrius Heyward-Bay. This was a very surprising pick given that Maclin and Michael Crabtree were still on the board.

This started the domino's in Maclin falling to the Eagles.

Crabtree was taken 10th overall by the San Francisco 49ers before the Eagles jumped on the opportunity to move up two spots to take Maclin.

Maclin is a versatile player, who is a big-play threat and also a top notch return man.

Many thought the Eagles would take running back Knowshon Moreno or Brandon Pettigrew in the first round. Moreno was drafted by Denver with the 11th pick and although Pettigrew was still on the board at 19, the Eagles decided Maclin was too good to pass up. Pettigrew went to the Lions at 20.

The Eagles came away with another offensive weapon before day one of the draft ended, as they took Pitssburgh running back LeSean McCoy with the 53rd overall pick. McCoy is described as a Brian Westbrook clone, who has a good burst out of the backfield and who can also catch the ball.

Add in offensive lineman Jason Peters, who the Eagles traded the 28th pick for prior to the draft and the Eagles got a great value from rounds one and two.

So while the Eagles did not add a veteran receiver, they sure did add weapons to this offense. They are going to have young and fast talent that is going to give opposing defenses fits.

I am stunned. I did not expect the Eagles to draft a receiver.

I am excited though and give the Eagles an A for day one of the draft.

Eagles fans are going to be disappointed today

To trade for a proven pro-bowl receiver or not to trade for a proven pro-bowl receiver - that is the question.

Rumors were swirling yesterday about the possibility of the Eagles trading for Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin. It was reported that the Cardinals backed off their demand for a first round draft pick and that the Eagles offered a third round pick this year, a second rounder next year, and Winston Justice. It was rejected.

The Eagles have to make this trade happen, especially with the news that they would not have to give up a first round pick.

Boldin would be a game-changer. Imagine defenses having to game-plan for Boldin, Desean Jackson, Brian Westbrook, and Donovan McNabb. And that does not even include receivers Kevin Curtis or Jason Avant.

And get this. If the Eagles were able to get Boldin without giving up a first rounder, they could still draft Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno. Some believe the Eagles would need to move up in the first round to trade for him. No problem, the Eagles could package their first and another draft pick.

Wow. The Eagles have an opportunity to walk away today with having added pro-bowl tackle Jason Peters (who they got from Buffalo in a trade for their first round 28th pick), Anquan Boldin, and Knowshon Moreno.

Now that would be amazing.

But I know better. This is the Eagles we are talking about. When are fans ever pleased with their draft?

It's more than likeley Eagle fans will walk away disappointed today.

Take this to the bank - the Eagles will not trade for Boldin or walk away with Moreno.

And fans will be left with again wondering why in the world the front office is not doing everything it can to win now.

Lidge blows first save as Phillie

Perfection is over.

Brad Lidge blew his first save as a Phillie tonight, after saving 47 straight.

Lidge has looked shakey this season, especially tonight. He gave up a lead-off double in the ninth and the tying run on a ground ball out. But it got worse as he gave up a three-run homerun following that.

Chase Utley tied the game in the bottom of the 8th on a Chase Utley home run and took the lead on a sacrifice fly by Pedro Feliz.

Lidge could not hold the lead.

The fans showed their appreciation for Lidge's accomplishment, giving him a standing ovation after he was pulled from the game.

It's not often anyone receives an ovation after giving up four runs, espcially in Philadelphia.

Lidge was due to blow a save, but the Phillies will need him to get back on track.

Flyers lack passion

The Flyers looked a lot like my seven year old's soccer team - lot's of standing around and not being aggressive.

In a huge game that would either see the Flyers tie the first round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins or go down a daunting 0-2, the Flyers sat back after getting a lead and did not go for the kill.

It cost them as the Penguins tied the game with a little over three minutes remaining.

Then in overtime, the Flyers reverted back to their lack of discipline, taking two straight penalties, leading to a five-on-three goal to end the game.

Frustrating.

The Flyers look tired, like they have run out of gas. Pittsburgh wants it more and it shows.

Philadelphia had chances to put the game away after taking a 2-1 lead. Combined with their lack of killer instinct and a few great opportunities turned away by Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, they just could not pull away.

A bad call against Jeff Carter put the Penguins on the power-play with under four minutes left. Pittsburgh's Jordal Staal, driving for the net, put Carter's stick under his arm and pulled it toward him. Carter was called for hooking.

It cost the Flyers and now they find themselves down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Put a fork in the Flyers, they are done.

Phillies lose their voice: Harry Kalas passes away

As a lifelong Phillies fan who grew up in Philadelphia, there were two things that I missed dearly when I moved to Ohio seven years ago. One was watching the Phillies. Even more than that, I missed hearing the voice of Harry Kalas.

Growing up, Kalas was a regular visitor to my living room. His deep, baritone voice brought life to baseball games like no other announcer could.

Calls like "swing and a miss, struck him out to end the ballgame" made simple times like winning a baseball game into magical moments.

Kalas had a voice that drew people to baseball. His voice was recognizable, immitated by many, and loved by baseball fans across the country. He added excitement to games throughout long summers. His calls were memorable.

Phillies president David Montgomery said that the Phillies lost their voice today.

Kalas joined the Phillies in 1971. He was not only the voice of the Phillies. He was the Phillies.

Generation after genration grew up listening to Kalas.

He was famous for calls like, "Swing and a long drive. Watch that baby. Outta here!"

To this day, I still remember calls word for word from 1993 when the Phillies won the National League. I remember game one agains the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS. With the game tied at one in the 10th inning and John Kruk on second, Kim Batiste connected for a game winning hit. "Swing, a hard groundball, basehit, basehit, down the leftfield line. Kruk scores. Phils win 4-3 on the RBI hit by Kim Batiste!"

I remember the call in game six when the Phillies won the pennent. "Now the stretch, the 3-2 pitch. "Swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Phillies are the '93 National League Champions! Mitch Williams, a 1-2-3 save and this place is bedlam at Veterans Stadium."

I'll always remember Mike Schmidt's 500th home run. "Swing and a long drive... there it is... No. 500, the career 500th home run for Michael Jack Schmidt and the Phillies have regained the lead at Pittsburgh 8 to 6."

I'll always remember when the Phillies won the NL East in 2007. I watched the call over and over on-line. "Curve ball, struck him out. The Phillies are National League East champions. Look at the scene on the field. Look at the scene in the stands. This is incredible. The Phillies are National Leagues East champions and going to the postseason for the first time since 1993. Wow!"

And the same for 2008. "The pitch to Zimmerman... ground ball up the middle... J-roll dives... to Utley one.. relay... double play. The Phillies are the National League Eastern Division champions on a spectacular double play by J-roll to Utley to Howard. What a play by J-roll!"

Kalas was not just a part of the media. He was a part of the team, friendly with players and fans alike.

He will be remembered for the nicknames he gave Phillies players. Lenny Dykstra was known as The Dude. Mitch Williams was known as Mitchie-poo. Schmidt was known as Michael Jack Schmidt.

"I know I can speak for the Phillies when I say Harry Kalas was loved by everyone," Hall of Fame third baseman Schmidt said. "All of us could relate to our daily confrontations with his smile, his charm and his warmth. He spread his passion for people, and baseball, all over the country for almost 50 years. His voice will resonate in my mind the rest of my life. I will never be called 'Michael Jack' again without seeing his smile."

Kalas died doing what he loved. He was in the booth preparing for today's Phillies game against the Nationals when he was found unconscious around 12:30. He was pronounced dead at 1:20.

There are momments in life where you will always remember where you were when you got news. I will never forget looking online today and my heart dropping at the headline that Kalas had passed away.

It was like losing a friend that I grew up with and loved listening to.

Kalas had the opportunity to experince one last breath of jubulation this past October, when the Phillies won their second World Series in their 125 year history. Kalas also called their championship in 1980. But it was the 2008 call that I will always remember Kalas for.

"One strike away, nothing-and-two the count to Hinske. Fans on their feet, rally towels are being waved.... Brad Lidge stretches ... the 0-2 pitch ... swing and a miss! Struck him out! ... The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! Brad Lidge does it again and stays perfect for the 2008 season, 48-for-48 in save opportunities and let the city celebrate!"

Nervous over Phillies start

It's only four games, but why am I getting nervous that the Phillies have looked terrible?

I know, I know - there are 158 games remaining and it is a loooong season. But every win counts. And with the Mets' improvements to their bullpen and how the Braves and Marlins playing, it is probably going to take more than 95 wins to make the playoffs.

So while it is early, I know that every win gets the Phillies one closer to the number they will need to get to.

The Phils are only hitting .215 as a team. Five of their eight starters are hitting .200 or under. That's terrible. They have two home runs. Not so good for a power hitting team.

Even scarier is that their pitching has been worse. Every starter minus Chan Ho Park (who has not yet pitched) has been rocked. Cole Hamels, their ace, did not even make it through four innings yesterday, allowing seven runs in a loss to the Rockies.

The team ERA is an astronomical 7.46. Not one starter has an ERA under 6.00.

I don't know why I expected them to get off to a good start. They never do.

But this is ridiculous. Not one aspect of their game is clicking.

And their on only win (12-11 over the Braves) was a gift, as they rallied from a 10-3deficite on five bases-loaded walks in the seventh inning.

It's still early, but the Phillies need to get on track and they need to do it soon.

Phils get their rings

Pat Burrell got one last standing ovation from the Philadelphia crowd.

The Phillies received their World Series rings on Wednesday. The starting lineup from game five of the World Series was announced in reverse order and the fans went nuts when Burrell was introduced. Dressed in a suit, Burrell was hugged by a teary former GM Pat Gillick, owner Dave Montgomery, and manager Charlie Manuel.

The rings have 103 diamonds, which signifies the number of wins they had last season.

The fans enjoyed the ceremony which included chants of "Charlie, Charlie,"

It was a special day for the team and a celebration of their 2008 title, which ended in a completely shocking ending to a game in which the Phils were down 10-3 in the seventh inning. Four bases-loaded walks, a ground out, and a couple of base hits later the Phillies won 12-11.

All of the celebration for 2008 is now complete and it's time to fully move on to 2009.

But before we do, take a look at the photo and video of the ceremony.



www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR6FUDd-4aA

Would Eagles consider adding Burress?

Would the Eagles dare add another troubled wide receiver?

Plaxico Burress, who was recently released by the New York Giants, has been in all kinds of trouble with the law lately.

But, he is a heck of a receiver and would add another desperately needed play maker to the offense. His height and ability to pull down touchdown passes would solve many of the red-zone issues the Eagles have had over the past couple of years.

It would eliminate the possibility of giving up draft picks to trade for another receiver and allow the Eagles to use either keep their top draft picks, use them to trade up in the draft, or use one to trade for offensive lineman Jason Peters.

Essentially, signing Burress would come at no cost, minus the contract, as they would not have to give anything up.

Consider other options that have been rumored out there. One is a trade for Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards. While I would welcome a trade for either of these players, it would cost the Eagles a first round pick and more. This would eliminate other options, such as trading up in the draft or signing Peters.

Burress would immediately become the Eagles number one receiver of what would be a very strong corps with Desean Jackson and Kevin Curtis. Imagine Donovan McNabb being able to throw the fade to Burress.

How would defenses plan to stop Burress and Brian Westbrook? It would be a tough task.

This is one move that could put the Eagles on another level and make them contenders in 2009.

Remember what Terrel Owens did for the Eagles in 2004, as their offense was unstoppable and they made it to the Super Bowl. Adding Burress would put them in a similar position.

Honeymoon over for Phillies

So much for a honeymoon period.

It only took until the second inning of opening night for Phillies fans to boo.

After winning the World Series last season, Phillies opening day starter Brett Myers got off to a terrible start last night, giving up three home runs in the first two innings, including a two run blast to Braves catcher Brian McCann in the first inning.

Myers settled down after a terrible start, but the Phillies could never get the bats going. Atlanta ace Derek Lowe, who was signed as a free agent, completely dominated the game, allowing no runs and only two hits in eight innings.

But in the ninth, the Phils still had a chance to pull even. Braves closer Mike Gonzalez was wild and allowed two baserunners. Ryan Howard came up with a chance to tie the game with one swing of the bat, but struck out looking on an inside fastball. Gonzalez then got Raul Ibanez swinging to end the game.

The evening started off in grand fashion, as the Phillies entered the field on a red carpet from Ashburn Alley. Charlie Manuel raised the championship banner and fans cheered the defending champs.

National League Preview 2009

The Philadelphia Phillies ended a 28 year drought last season, winning their second title in 126 years. No National League team has defended its title since the Cincinnati Reds in the 70's. So to say the least, the defending champs have their work cut out for them. Here is how I see the National League turning out.

NL East
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) New York Mets (wild card)
3) Florida Marlins
4) Atlanta Braves
5) Washington Nationals



For the past two seasons, the Mets have collapsed at the end of the season and the Phillies have surged past them. With a greatly improved bullpen (adding Francisco Rodriguez and JJ Putz) I don't expect the Mets to collapse. I do expect the Phillies to be better though. The defending champs bring back most of their team that won the title last year. They lost Pat Burrell but added Raul Ibanez, who brings more consistency. Both the Phils and Mets will make the playoffs this year. Watch out for the Marlins though. Their young pitching staff is very good and they will be in the race until September.

NL Central
1) Chicago Cubs
2) St. Louis Cardinals
3) Cincinnati Reds
4) Milwaukee Brewers
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates



The Chicago Cubs were awfully good during the regular season last year, and there is no reason not to expect the same. They will enter the playoffs with a chance to end their 101 year drought. St. Louis brings in one of the games best hitters in Albert Pujols, who will compete for the MVP trophy, but they don't have enough depth. The Reds will surprise many this year, as their young pitching staff will only improve. Without CC Sabathia pitching every three days down the stretch, expect a big drop off for the Brewers.

NL West
1) Los Angeles Dodgers
2) Arizona Diamondbacks
3) Colorado Rockies
4) San Francisco Giants
5) San Diego Padres



Manny Ramierz is back and expect the Dodgers to be back in the playoffs. The Dodgers lost ace Derek Lowe but Chad Billingsly is ready to take over that roll. With guys like Matt Kemp, Andre Eithier, and James Loney, the Dodgers should be primed for a good year. Arizona will be the only real competition, but will fall a tad short.

NLDS
Phillies over Dodgers
Mets over Cubs

NLCS
Phillies over Mets

World Series
Phillies over Red Sox

The rivalry will grow even more as both the Phillies and Mets will make the playoffs and I have them playing with a trip to the World Series on the line. In the end, the Phillies will parade down Broad Street for the second year in a row.

American League preview 2009

Prior to the start of last season, nobody would have ever guessed that the Tampa Bay Rays would have a winning season. They did that and more, winning the American League championship. It was a great story of the underdog. But can they repeat in an even tougher AL East? Here are my predictions:

AL East
1) Boston Red Sox
2) New York Yankees (wild card)
3) Tampa Bay Rays
4) Toronto Blue Jays
5) Baltimore Orioles



In a stunner, it was not the Red Sox or Yankees who won the East last year. The Tampa Bay Rays overtook the two powerhouses of the American League on its way to the American League crown last year. But the Rays will not surprise anyone this year. Tampa added Pat Burrell and have a strong rotation, but their offseason did not compare to that of the Yankees. New York did not get the memo about the bad economy and spent $423 million in the offseason on three players - CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Mark Teixeira. Sabathia was a stud down the stretch last year for the Brewers and will be an ace for the Yanks. Teixeira will add a power bat to their lineup. However, they are getting old in a couple of positions (catcher and shortstop - Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter). The Yankees improved greatly, but it will be the Red Sox back on top of the division. Their rotation is very strong led by Josh Beckett and Jon Lester. Jason Bay is primed for a monster year in his first full season with the Red Sox. With David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell and MVP Distin Pedroia, their lineup will certainly score runs. The Sox will win the division and the Yankees get back into the postseason as the wild card.

AL Central
1) Minnesota Twins
2) Cleveland Indians
3) Chicago White Sox
4) Detroit Tigers
5) Kansas City Royals



The Twins rarely have too many big time players. But they always find ways to win with strong pitching, good defense, and timely hitting. After taking the White Sox to a play-in game last year, the Twins missed the playoffs. With Francisco Lirano back for a full season, the Twins rotation will land them back atop the central. The Indians will be much improved after a down year last season and give Minnesota a run for their money. But in the end, Travis Hafner will not have a good enough year for the Indians and the Twins will take the division.

AL West
1) Los Angeles Angels
2) Oakland A's
3) Texas Rangers
4) Seattle Mariners



The Angels lost slugger Mark Teixeira and stud closer Francisco Rodriguez. That would spell trouble for most teams. But not in this weak division. While the Angles will not be as good as last year, they will still win the division. Watch out for the A's though. They have some good young pitching.

ALDS
Red Sox over Twins
Yankees over Angels

ALCS
Red Sox over Yankees

Tune in tomorow for my NL and World Series predictions.