Hey Reuben, Cheers To a Happy Halladay

What do I want from Santa this year? Well...I did want a third basemen, a back up catcher, and a quality pitcher to fill out the rotation, but I think that is a little too much to ask for. However, as of Wednesday December 16th, Reuben Amaro Jr., Philadelphia's new Santa Claus, has granted all of my wishes this holiday season. When the Phillies trade with the Mariners and Blue Jays was finalized earlier last week, Roy Halladay, arguably the best right hander in the league, became a Phillie. That capped off a remarkable off-season for the club. Not only did Amaro reel in Halladay, he also brought in; career .300 hitter Placido Polanco and a solid back up Catcher in Brian Schneider, everything I asked for. My next wish for the Phils, to keep up the recent success, and that...just became a lot more likely.

While the Phillies lineup may have seemed flawless during points of the '08 season, the signing of Placido Polanco made it substantially better. While Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino have been excellent catalysts at the top of the Phils lineup, they haven't been catalysts in every sense of the word. Victorino, in the two spot, swings and misses a lot, has trouble moving the runners over and really would benefit from taking a spot down in the lineup. With Polanco we are getting a guy who makes a living out of being a situational hitter, hardly ever strikeouts, and hits .300 consistently from year to year; the exact hitter that the club has been yearning for. With all of the homers, doubles, and late inning heroics, the Phillies' hitting has struggled with consistency, and that is exactly what Polanco brings to the table.

While Cliff Lee being Philadelphia's Jesus during the playoffs last year makes it all the more harder to see him go, the Phillies now have Roy Halladay and with that one of the strongest rotations in the league. What Halladay brings to the table; the pitches of a superstar and the mentality of a work horse. He just eats up inning after inning every year regardless of the score. An arm of pure rubber. As one of the best right handers in the league, Halladay joins a staff with the young developing star Cole Hamels and arguably the "real" rookie of the year in lefty J.A. Happ. While Cliff Lee was the ace that the Phillies needed, Roy Halladay is the pure star that this rotation has lacked since Steve Carlton in the 80's. Since the days of Carlton, Philadelphia has never seen anyone dominate the pitching hill like Doc Halladay. What does the signing of Halladay ultimately bring to the Phillies? Possibly an edge in the rotation that the club never had.

As for the new back stop, Schneider finally brings good balance to the position. While Coste could hit and not field, and Bako could field and not hit, Schneider can virtually do both and will be a solid off day replacement for Carlos Ruiz, as well as a solid bat off the bench as a pinch hitter. The experience of the NL East journeyman will be valued as well in the locker room and his savvy "vet" ways will also earn him a leadership role.

So in the end I am echoing my thoughts displayed in my '09 wrap up article; that the chances to win are better this year. The chances to win are now even better because, we upgraded at our one weak spot on the field, third base and brought in the best arm on the market. Want me to make a prediction right now? Halladay + Polanco + All of the studs that are returning from the '09 team = parade down Broad St. next November. The Yankees and Red Sox are tough, but we just got a lot tougher. What do I want for Christmas now? How bout a bullpen Amaro? Give me a reason to write again in a couple of weeks; for now, you've earned this one.

JD

The Flawed Election of 2009

The myth of the "Sophomore Slump" is officially terminated in College Football. When Crimson Tide Running Back Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy Saturday Night, he joined Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow as the third straight sophomore to win possibly the biggest individual award in all of sports. The crew that Ingram edged out: Longhorn QB Colt McCoy, Stanford Running Back Toby Gerhart, former Heisman winner Tim Tebow, and Nebraska defensive linemen Ndaumukong Suh, all seniors. While I was happy for the young Ingram as he accepted the award, I am still having trouble seeing how Toby Gerhart didn't win it. Is the Heisman even about stats anymore? If so, Gerhart was the clear cut winner. But that is when it hit me that the Heisman is barely about stats at all, but is merely a political election. If Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators beat Alabama in the SEC Championship, Toby Gerhart would be joining Jim Plunkett as the second Heisman winner in Stanford history. Instead, Ingram and the Crimson Tide are heading to the BCS Championship next month, and are bringing a Heisman Trophy with them, well deserved or not.

It wasn't only several second place votes that separated Stanford's Toby Gerhart and Mark Ingram, but also 11 touchdowns and 200 total yards in favor of Gerhart. The question is no longer why didn't Gerhart win, Because that is slowly becoming unanswerable. But rather why did Ingram win? And there is only one answer, he plays for Alabama. Say we swapped the two players, put Ingram on Stanford and Gerhart on Bama. Same stats, results, and team BCS positions. Gerhart wins in a heartbeat, and I guarantee you that not one Heisman voter would deny that, and that is the problem with the system. The Heisman Trophy is supposed to be handed out to the player who has the best season, regardless of where his team stands at the end of the year.

If Alabama gets defeated by Florida in the SEC Championship, Ingram probably wouldn't of finished top two, and Tebow would have most likely slid into a top spot in the voting, but Gerhart would have won. It is not Gerhart's fault that Stanford didn't have a good a year as Bama, but in the Pac 10 you can certainly not down play the numbers he put up. He did everything he could to help the Cardinal win this season, and played a lot of good defenses, where he played his best. This wasn't a case like Colt Brennan a few years back where it could be argued that he played in a very easy WCC and wasn't challenged all season. Gerhart was challenged, and when he was he came through. Rushing for 26 touchdowns and 1,7000 yards is no joke anywhere, especially in the Pacific 10 Conference.

What I am doing, is not downplaying what Mark Ingram did this year, but simply showing the flaws in the Heisman system. There is no doubt that Toby Gerhart should have won the award with flying colors. No doubt. But hey, congratulations to Ingram, he utilized a bunch of specialists who thought he was "2nd place" and is the one taking home the hardware, touche NCAA.

JD

Get Your Popcorn: Here Comes the Show

If you haven't heard yet, Allen Iverson is again a Sixer. Known for his scoring, chest pounding and.. explicit rapping, Iverson is back in a Sixers uniform to squeeze any magic that he may have left on to the floor of the Wachovia Center. With "The Answer" back in town, Philadelphia is slightly interested in the team that has the second worst attendance record in the league, I ask myself; am I the only one who didn't and still doesn't want A.I.? While I push out the image of Iverson infamously stepping over Tyronne Lue in the 2001 Final out of my head, I remember that were not talking bout a game, but practice.

While I may be in the minority in Philadelphia, I consider myself an actual Sixers fan who stays interested for 86 games (82+the four that it takes the Number 1 seed to beat us in the first round of the playoffs). This season, the Sixers are going through what every franchise in every sport goes through, save the Bronx Bombers, which is a rebuilding process. It is a time for young players like Jrue Holiday, Jason Smith, Thaddeus Young, and Lou Williams to get some minutes, get some experience and ultimately get their feet wet in the NBA. It is evident that the Sixers title run is not going to come again for some years, so why waste our time on someone like Iverson? Why hinder this process in which we breed our young players to mature into competent NBA players? There is a time to add question mark veterans who can make or break your team, and for the Sixers that time is not now.

While I will be on my feet like everyone else when A.I. hits a jumper at the top of the key to tie the game, or split the defenders to draw the foul while making the basket, I still wonder am going to be wondering why. What is Iverson going to bring to this team that will benefit the future? And with the team we have in Philly the future is where our eyes should be. If Iverson comes in and starts to drop thirty a game and we sneak into the playoffs yet again, I could be looked at as a naysayer who has been proven wrong; but to me, that is not the kind of success we need. We need to make sure that when the time comes, that these young players can be basketball players. That was supposed to start now, Iverson will certainly delay the process.

Doo Doo Doo Doo (The Jeopardy Song)

At points of his career Brian Westbrook's ability to get around the edge and virtually make something out of nothing has had him tagged has one of the league's best weapons. In '09, the Philadelphia Eagles have a mere 5-4 record, and can only look to one thing to explain why; Brian Westbrook's inability to stay off the disabled list. Now eight years in the league, Westbrook has yet to play a full sixteen game season, and has fans wondering how tough the juggernaut back from Villanova really is. Is it his fault that he keeps getting hurt? No. But is he keeping a football franchise from reaching its full potential? Absolutely yes.

After his second concussion of the year Westbrook is out for Sunday Night's game against Chicago, and has been reported to be out for at least three more games. The biggest problem with Westbrook has not really been the injuries completely, but the fact that even if he isn't injured and finds his way onto the field, Brian never practices and is always in some sort of reduced role. In the Birds' current two game skid Westbrook didn't play against Dallas, and was sidelined shortly after kickoff against San Diego. In a season that is still young, the Eagles are going to need Westbrook to be back in action as the FULL time Running Back, because the Eagles can no longer afford to lose what they do when he is not on the field.

When the Eagles lose Westbrook, they don't only lose one of their best play makers but an edge that only a handful of teams in the NFL have; the ability to beat a defense through the air and on the ground. Even though Lesean McCoy, the Birds' rookie running back from Pitt, is proving himself to be adapting quickly to the NFL game, the second the Eagles are "Westbrook-less" they just about quit on the run altogether. Once the Eagles stop running, it then takes away the play action and the screen which are two staples of the west coast offense that Philly runs. Without Westbrook, the Eagles are simply not the Eagles.

The fact of the matter is becoming that the Eagles once "element of surprise" is becoming an element who's weight has become way too much for the Eagles to carry. Next time you catch Westbrook in action in a Green # 36 jersey. take out your Kodak and snap a quick photo. While photos last a lifetime, Westbrook's days in Philly are surely numbered.

JD

Dancing in November

As another year in which the NCAA challenges the NBA in a popularity contest creeps upon us, like most years I am at a loss for words. Not because I am in awe or happy or sad but solely because my knowledge of NCAA basketball is limited until we hit about mid-season. In an attempt to educate myself, here are my spontaneous thoughts for the upcoming NCAA season. 

If I had to call myself a fan of one NCAA team it would be the Villanova Wildcats. After losing in the Semis to the Champion UNC Tarheels, the Cats lost both starting big men Dante Cunningham and Shane Clark. To replace what was a superior front court, Jay Wright recruited two big men in the Top 50 ESPN recruiting class, Mouphtaou Yarou 6'9'' and Isaiah Armwood 6'8''. Along with these two will be returning players Scottie Reynolds, Corey Fisher, and Corey Stokes most likely in the starting lineup. Scottie Reynolds' ability to score, a very deep bench and the assumption that Nova's Freshman big men will mature quick has them landed #5 in the AP rankings. Last year, when Corey Fisher took a deep breath and slowed down the pace of the game Nova prospered while they lived and died on the three. If the shooters are hittin' this year the rest of the country will have to watch out. 

Kentucky #4? Give me a break Associated Press. We all know that every year, unless your Greg Oden or Kevin Durant, there is some sort of period in which Freshman need to get acquainted with the NCAA. Kentucky is putting a lot of trust in Freshman John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Daniel Orton among others, and that is just asking for a tough road. Other teams with top recruits at least have some older mentors to guide the youngsters as they transition from High School to College, but John Calipari is just throwing the young bucks right into the fire. Come tourney time freshman can get hot or go ice cold, and thats when Kentucky is going to want a deeper team. 

There is no way to write about the NCAA and not touch on the Battle of Tobacco Road. After a blow out loss to Nova in last year's dance, Coach K has reloaded in the front court, with recruits Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly to join Brian Zoubek, giving them three players who are 6'10'' or bigger. With four of UNC's five starters leaving it has opened the door for bench players Deon Thompson, Ed Davis, Larry Drew, Marcus Ginyard, and Tyler Zeller to take starting roles. Along with five solid freshman recruits, Roy Williams has built his usual deep squad. While this rivalry seems to be filled with strong big men, the key this year will be the guard play. With Duke's returning experienced back court with Scheyer, Singler, and Smith, look for Duke to have the upper hand against the inexperienced back court of UNC. 

Ranked #20 in the AP Poll the Georgetown Hoyas are going to creep up in the rankings as they stage the Greg Monroe show. Following a slightly disappointing Freshman season as a top recruit for the Hoyas, Monroe will break out in his sophomore and lead Georgetown to some solid results in the Big East. Hopefully I'm right. 

This year's sleeper team: Mississippi State, who is coming out of a conference that doesn't seem to have a real standout team. With the top ten recruit Renardo Sydney, John Riek the 7'2'' Center from Sudan, possibly the best defensive player in College Basketball Jarvis Varnardo, and guard Barry Stewart, the Bulldogs are going to be a team to be reckoned with this year, after showing promise in the SEC last year. 

This year's sleeper player, is coming from the sleeper team, and that is Center John Riek. You can teach shooting, you can teach dribbling, and you can teach passing but you can certainly not teach height, and this Freshman certainly has a lot of that. Look for Riek to pull down many boards for Mississippi St. and also be someone who will be looked to to score for the Bulldogs. Watch out recruiting class because along with his feel good success story and rare stature, John Riek could very well grab the freshman spotlight this year. 

Lastly, a shout out to Andrew Jones and Jason Love two upcoming big men from my high school Abington Friends. Jason at Xavier and Andrew at Penn State will both be looked upon to take bigger roles on offense and defense for their teams who both compete in prominent college conferences. Jason who averaged 7 points and 6 boards as a Junior for Xavier last year, is the leading returning scorer and will have to take an offensive role that he has never had before, in order for the Musketeers to keep up their dominant success in the A 10.  Jones who averaged 6 and 6 last year as a red-shirted Sophomore, will have to take on a bigger offensive role as well with offensive big man Jamelle Cornley leaving the Nittany Lions. Jones will be a key component if Penn State wants to repeat as NIT Champions or maybe do a little dancing this March. 

The biggest question of the NCAA season is who is going to step up and take that #1 draft spot? In recent years Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, Oden, Derrick Rose, and Michael Beasley have risen to the top in the NCAA and become top draft choices. Tuning into ESPN every morning I will definitely anticipate to see who is putting up those big numbers this season. 

JD

Move On and Look Ahead: There Is a Very Bright Light

While the '09 Phillies World Series run didn't come to the same magical ending and close with a parade as it did in '08, it was still a remarkable run in itself. As we move on from the feeling of "almost" of '09, I take you to 2010 where I think are chances are good again, if not better. For two years running now the Phillies have had no problem getting to the world series. Parody is shrinking in the National League and thankfully the Fightins are on top. Without a doubt the hardest part about winning a world series is getting there. Grinding out a 162 game season and then getting through that ever so scary 5 game series, then getting past your best competitor in the LCS. The best problem a team can have is losing the World Series once you get there, because that is the easiest to fix. The Phils will get back to the dance, and will get back to the biggest stage, because frankly, who will stop them?

The Power Returns

Only several times in history has a team had 4 players hit for 30 home-runs in a single season, and last year the Phillies did just that. The returning 3,4,5,6 is absolutely deadly in the Phillies lineup and next year could possibly be even better. Ryan Howard and Jason Werth will have similar years as last year, and Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez could have even better years if they stay consistent throughout the whole year. Both had substantially large slumps to end the season. Look for power to be a theme again at the Bank next season, it will not be pretty for opposing pitchers.

Another J-Roll

Statistically Jimmy Rollins had the worst year of his career in 2009, and most likely the worst year of the rest of his career. Next year's Rollins won't be the same as the '07 MVP, who was absolutely amazing, but he will be a better table setter. With Shane Victorino who will continue to be steady they will be on base a lot more for the meat of the Phils lineup. Hopefully they will both take more pitches; but results are results.

Finally a Five?

For the first time in a long time, the Phils could very well possibly start the year with 5 stable starting pitchers. They signed the "new" Ace Cliff Lee for another year and Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, and J.A. Happ are all returning starters as well. Like Rollins, Hamels had one of the worst years of his career, and for a young pitcher who can be elite, there is only one way to go, up. Every year the Phils have rotation problems, and this year the fifth spot could be filled by the old cult hero Pedro Martinez, possibly Kyle Kendrick or even Kyle Drabek, or someone they may pick up in the off-season. Bottom line is, the Phillies have gone sometime without knowing at the start what the pitching staff will look like at the end. And with the Ace that has been missing since Schilling left town, it could be one of the league's best staffs.

The Lights Will Go Back Out

Like Rollins and Hamels but more extreme, Brad Lidge was absolutely atrocious in '09. Blowing a league worst eleven saves, grabbing eight losses, and having an ERA over 7.00 was the epitome of a year from hell. Like Hamels and Rollins Lidge can only go up. I do not expect the greatness of '08; his perfection year, but the Phillies won the division with ease this year with a closer who ruined eleven of their games. The bullpen as a whole will be stronger then it was in the post season, with J.C. Romero and Clay Condrey coming back healthy next season. When everyone is healthy it will be easier for Manuel to assign specific roles that will make it easier for the pen to capture some of the greatness it showed in '08.

The bottom line is that the Phillies got to the World Series this year with a lot of key elements not playing even close to their full potentials. While the theme of '09 was repeat, next it is to "redeem" and get the hardware back in Philadelphia.

JD

The Tenth Man

Not enough is said about the tenth man in sports; not enough is said about the element of a team that can be the difference maker in any close game. I am talking about the fans, the die hards, the beloved faithful; the ones who camp out in the frigid cold just to get nosebleed tickets, the ones who scream until their throat burns to maybe get that offensive tackle to jump offsides and make 1st and 10, 1st and 15. The fans are so key to any team because besides the players that they put out on the field, it is all they have, their players and their fans. 

However over the past week while watching October Baseball's Divisions Series on TBS the "tenth man" took a different form. While fans screamed, jumped, and waved their rally towels they were certainly not the ones making the difference in some big games, their thunder was stolen by the men in black; the umpires. While teams gritted it out in games 163, 4 and 5, you would think the umps would simply go about their business as usual and merely be mediators on the field of battle. If so, you thought wrong. In two key spots during the Division Series' umpires made calls that became fatal to teams, and in the long run could be fatal to the purity of the game.

With the game tied in the 11th inning in Game 2 of the ALCS Series between the Yankees and Twins, AL batting champion Joe Mauer stepped up to the plate to simply do some damage. He proceeded to line a ball down the left field line that hopped up into the stands for a ground rule double, or so he thought. With the ball bouncing a few feet into fair territory Mauer was slowing rounding first with his rare free pass to second when the LEFT FIELD umpire Phil Cuzzi raised both his arms into the air indicating that the ball had fallen foul. There are times when umps can be excused for making bad calls, this situation was however not one of them. Let us recall that a little while back baseball insisted on paying six umpires instead of four to make sure that they had people not only on top of what was going on in the infield, but the outfield as well. Well Phil Cuzzi you are a waste of a sixth umpire, and maybe with five umps on the field the third base umpire could have made a better call. Mauer would single later in the at bat. The two men who followed him would single as well, but the Twins would leave the bases loaded, and would lose on a Mark Texiera walk-off in the next inning. Had Mauer had been on second to start the inning, he would have scored on one of the singles, and changed that game and the series completely. 

Similar story in Colorado. With the Game tied at 5 in the top of the ninth Chase Utley stared down Huston Street with the go ahead run in the form of Jimmy Rollins standing at second base with one out. He proceeded to lazily stick his bat out in front of the plate and squeeze a chopper down the first baseline. When Utley went to run it out, the ball made contact with his side while he was still in the batter's box. Utley being the heads up player that he is ran the play out and found himself standing safe on first with a smirk on his face. Ryan Howard followed with a sacrifice fly that would put the Phillies ahead and would later win the game. Replay showed that Utley's ball struck him while he was still in the box, and should've have been called a foul ball, which would have meant Rollins would have never been on third base for Ryan Howard. Just like the case in New York, the outcome of the game was altered by an umpire and the outcome of the series as well. 

The point here, is that baseball, America's Pastime, is slowly going to lose its purty. Baseball is one of the few sports left that is called solely by the man's naked eye, it is one of the few sports left that has final results that are not artificially made; because it is simply, pure. But when does purity relinquish its grip on baseball to make way for justice? When will instant replay in baseball stretch farther than just disputed home runs? If steroids bringing about fake home runs and fake heroes wasn't bad enough, fans will soon be robbed of their man made results soon as well, because the sixth umpire on the field forgot to put his contacts in before the game. The day where baseball starts to use instant replay to decide close calls is a day that will be sad, and frankly, is coming soon.

JD

Day of the Rising Stars

While Sunday may have seemed like any other week in the NFL, for a few young quarterbacks, it wasn't. Yes Sunday had an upset with the Bengals defeating the Super Bowl Champ Steelers and had a Cinderella fall when the 49ers lost to the Vikings on a last second play, but the big stories of the day was where history was made by young fellas at the quarterback position. 

It hadn't been since week sixteen of 2007 that the city of Detroit had seen the Lions win a football game, but Sunday that streak was ended. However the guy who dug them out of their hole was not the guy who got them in it, but rookie quarterback Matt Stafford. When the streak started and continued last season with an 0-16 record, Stafford was the quarterback of the Georgia Bulldogs. The Lions drafted him number one for the very reason of him to be the savior that brings them out of the worst losing streaks in NFL History. Stafford stepped up into the clutch and did something that hadn't been done for two years; he won as a quarterback for the Detroit Lions. 

When Donovan McNabb broke a rib during Philly's week 1 rout of the Carolina Panthers it made way for third year player Kevin Kolb. In his first start the Eagles suffered a tough 48-22 loss to the Saints, but Kolb however had a solid game with 2 touchdowns, three interceptions and 391 yards passing. On Sunday, Kolb in his second game threw for 327 yards and 2 more touchdowns and this time left no margin for error as he did not turn over the ball once, as the Eagles rolled over the Chiefs 34-14. When Kolb threw for 300 yards for the second week in a row, he became the first quarterback of all time to throw for 300 or more yards in their first two starts. Not Elway, Marino, Aikman, Brady, the list could go on forever, can say that they did that. 

The last of the young quarterback headlines was Mark Sanchez, the rookie out of the University of Southern California. Sanchez joined the Jets at the same time as first time Head Coach Rex Ryan and together they have created a New York Drama. At first Sanchez was fighting for the job with Kellen Clemens, but he proved in the pre-season that he was the man for the job. Now Sanchez comes into the league beats up on everyone's surprise team Houston Texans, beats divisional rival New England at home, and then on Sunday beats Tennessee at home throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for one. Welcome to the league Mark Sanchez, not only have you proved a lot of critics wrong but in the process you have become the first NFL quarterback of ALL-TIME to win your first three starts. Starting that Hall of Fame resume early?

While Sunday was just a normal week in the NFL, these three quarterbacks showed why they are already becoming household names. Chalk one up for them, and the future of pro football. 

JD

I Got His Autograph..Am I a Bad Person?

A friend of my family has luxury suite season tickets for the Eagles, so my dad and I made the hike to South Philadelphia to see the Eagles play their home opener against the Saints. After Sunday, I think it is safe to say that the Suite Level is full of "important people." My dad tapped a guy on the shoulder to ask how much a hat was at a souvenir stand, and the face that stared back at us was Sixer guard Willie Green, just minutes after we got off the elevator with former Sixer Aaron Mckie and his family. Even I was almost starting to feel important, almost. When we got to our suite, due to our lack of a sharpie, we were "autographless." After smiling, nodding, and shaking hands with people that I didn't know but had to act otherwise, I was handed a ticket by the suite holder that had Michael Vick's signature on it, wow. I thanked the guy for the autograph and retreated to my seat not really knowing how to feel. If I felt excited I could easily be labeled as a "dog-hater," and if I felt nothing I was not fulfilling my duties as a Philadelphia Eagles fan. But when I sat down to decipher on how I felt about the "dog killers" signature that I held in my hand, it took me into a much deeper thought on the subject.

Let's make this first part quick. I am all for Michael Vick playing football again. I am a person that believes in forgiveness, and as someone who has devoted their whole life to football Michael Vick deserves to play football again despite going to jail. He tortured and killed many dogs and I recognize that as a horrific crime, but he has paid his debt to society. Now in anticipation for Michael Vick's return to the football field on Sunday, I would like to address something that has gotten completely lost with the whole story; the fact that he is still a football player. 

What can we expect from Vick when the Eagles play the Chiefs on Sunday? We can expect boos, cheers, yes, whatever, who cares! Vick is not only a symbol of dog fighting and someone who you may see as lucky to get another chance, but in the end he is still a quarterback. I have always liked Vick as a football player. He is one of the pioneers of this new age type of scrambling throw on the run quarterback that I find interesting. My one problem is, I don't really see how he helps the Birds. With McNabb out, he will of course be good to have as a weapon who can pick up yards with his feet and through the air, but once McNabb is off the disabled list, I do not see much rationality in picking him up. When Vick was brought in during pre-season from time to time taking McNabb off the field in the process, it rattled Donovan. In the post game press conference McNabb was beating around the bush in saying that Vick being randomly shoved onto the field really wrecked the offenses rhythm. He wouldn't come straight out and say it, but us Eagles fans have known McNabb for years, we can certainly tell when he's upset, and an unhappy quarterback is an unhappy team. 

As to what Vick will bring to the table, most Eagles fans will quickly jump to saying, "The Wildcat!" Look, the wildcat is a cool type of offense that I enjoy watching; when the Dolphins use it. While a lot of teams have started to pick up this new age offense with a sprinter at the quarterback position, the Eagles are a team who are following the group but really don't need to. The offense under McNabb, the classic Eagles drop back west coast offense, is an offense that led us to the Conference Championship the year before. Why do we need Vick to an evolve an offense that is already successful. 

So when Vick takes the field on Sunday, I am not mad because he is an ex-con, or mad because I think what he did was wrong, but simply confused; because on terms of football, I just don't see the point. 

JD

Stories of Summer 2009

As yet another summer in sports is coming to a close, like every year it is safe to use the cliche, it was a memorable one. In my attempt to account for the happening happenings of the three steaming months of 2009, I bring you the first annual "Stories of Summer."

The Feel Sick Story

It has officially been proven that in Major League Baseball, money can buy happiness. When the season started Mark Texiera, A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and Nick Swisher were all in evil pinstripes, it just wasn't clicking yet, and it seemed as though it would be just another year of wasted money for baseball's bad guys. Then the All-Star break rolled around and the Yankees started to live up to the name the Bronx Bombers once again, and the Evil Empire is officially back and better than they have been for years. Steibrenner one, sanity zero.

The Feel Pity Story

From one New York City burrow to the next, the story is sadder in Queens. The Mets have been god awful. As of September 1st they are in 4th place in the NL East, and 18.5 games behind the first place Phillies, but wait, that's not too shabby if you look at their lineup. The Mets injury list includes Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Johan Santana, J.J. Putz, John Maine, and Oliver Perez. And David Wright has just returned to full health. Omar Minaya, that is the money you could be saving with Geico, or in this case could have saved if you could see into the futre. The Mets in one summer have gone from one of baseball's biggest spenders, to one of baseball's biggest jokes.

The Feel Relieved Story

When altercations with Derrick Rose's high school SAT scores became national news the NCAA decided to take action by completely terminating Memphis's 2007-08 record setting 38-2 campaign. Now when I heard this my first thought was, thank god Mario Chalmers hit that shot to force the Finals of the NCAA Tournament into overtime, that would later lead to a Kansas win over Memphis. If that shot would have rimmed out, we would not only be taking away a season from Memphis and its fans, but we would be taking away a title. If not for Chalmers, there would be a void in the 07-08 line for NCAA Champions, a void that would only be filled by the memory of the raising of their banner, and the memory of it being taken down.

The Feel Slightly Excited Story

I'm not really a soccer guy to any extent, but I was for some reason religously tuning in to the Confederations Cup earlier this summer. U.S.A. made it through group play then took it to National power house Spain in the semi-finals, handing them their first International tournament loss in thirty some games. They moved on to lose a heart breaker to Brazil in the finals, but the U.S.A. squad showed what I'm pretty sure was some promise. With the 2010 World Cup right around the corner in South Africa next summer, I can only maybe look forward to maybe cheering for the Americans, where I thought I never would.

The Feel Bad Story

When Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg with a gun that he was not legally allowed to carry last year in a New York night club, he was later arrested for illegal gun possession. A charge which never really had offenders treated harshly, was figured to be no different for the New York Giants wide receiver. However, Plaxico's celebrity status seemed to hurt him in the case, when he got two years in prison, more than anyone ever has for that crime in the state of New York. When Burress shot himself last year, he did not only lose blood to the floor of the night club, but also the first year and a half of his soon to be newborn baby's life, and possibly his football career as well.

The Feel Disappointed...Again Story

The list of Major League Baseball players who have cheated with illegal substances grew this summer. Manny Ramirez recently used, and served a 50 game suspension. David Ortiz his wing man for many years was a member of the "anonymous" 2003 survey. This only means that the number of clean sluggers in Major League Baseball is shrinking by the second, and that possibly the 2004 Red Sox, the team that lead the fight to represent everything good that baseball stands for, is now just another fluke.

The Feel Undecided Story

Michael Vick served his time in prison, and is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Does he deserve the National spotlight after being so cruel to man's best friend? Well whether you think he does or not, ESPN is making sure he has it. The Worldwide Leader in Sports won't go more than five minutes on a segment of SportsCenter without mentioning his name, when the Eagles are playing next, and the time in which Vick is scheduled to get. Justice has been served, and whether you like it or not, Vick is a super star once again.

The Feel Confused Story

Is anybody else wondering why Michael Crabtree still hasn't signed with the 49er's? Somebody, his agent, his college coach, maybe himself, should know that the way he plays or in this case acts in his rookie season really defines his market value in the future. While all Crabtree is trying to do is give his market value some justice and get the money he thinks he deserves, he is just making it worse. If he sits out this year, like he has threatened to do countless times this 0ff-season, look for his new book on Oprah's book club list; "How to Ruin Your Career For Dummies", he is really building the life experience.

The Feel...Awkward? Story

After Alberto Contador won the Tour de France it was already known that Lance Armstrong would not be riding with Alberto or the team Astana in next year's Tour. Contador continued to sit down and give a much insulting interview regarding Armstrong. He said things along the lines of, I do not repsect Lance, and I am not impressed with Lance's story. I only felt uncomfortable debating to myself whether Contador was just being another egotistical athlete, or if he knew some dark secrets about the "True American Hero" we all think we know.

The Feel Humored Story

Never failling short of expectations, Shaquille O'neal has done it again. This time off the court, O'neal has created one of the most clever reality shows of all time; "Shaq Vs." It is a show where he challenges world class athletes to their sports, and then continues to train at that sport all the way up to the challenge. So far he has played volley-ball with Misty May-Treanor, competed in a Home Run Derby against Albert Pujols, and played in a game of football against Pittsburgh Steeler Ben Reothlisberger. While Shaq can be amusing on the basketball court to begin with, you can't help but laugh out loud watching the big guy go at it and smack talk with the world's best.

The Feel Annoyed Because Brett Favre Won't Retire Story

I tried like hell to stay away from this one, but it is always the top story of every summer. Favre is now a Viking, but this time I was actually surprised that he made his way back into the league. After his average peformance as a member of the New York Jets, I actually thought he would call it quits, but he couldn't. The question is now raised when will he actually retire? How much longer are we going to see Favre lift receivers on his shoulder after a touchdown pass, or as of late get fined thousands of dollars for illegal chop blocks; Brett thought the fifteen yards was enough, what a kid. But now a new question is raised for me, what would this game that so wants him gone, be without him? The man brings life to a football field, the man who has a full gray beard and is older than the Eagles new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, is one of the few players left in the NFL who brings youth to the game. As I carelessly agree with everyone in saying that Brett should just retire already, and claim that I lose respect from him each time he fakes a retirement, a small part of me deep down inside wants to see number 4 out there again, for one more year, but just one more.

There you have it, the Stories of Summer 2009 has come to a close and will not be back until we have seen one more memorable summer of sports a year later. As a final shout out, I wish Adam "Pacman" Jones much luck in the Canadien Football League, I know he will do just fine.

JD

The New Crew

When the clock struck Midnight on July 31st, like every year it did not only signify the end of July and beginning of August but also the end of the period in which Major League franchises can trade players. Jake Peavy was now a member of the White Sox, Victor Martinez had become a Boston Red Sock, and Roy Halladay the deadline's diva had not been moved. Above all else that happened in the week leading up to the trade deadline, the most important acquisition was Cliff Lee becoming a Philadelphia Phillie. With that move, Phillies GM Reuben Amaro Jr. did not only give his team that much more of a shot to win a second straight World Series title, but also finished  a puzzle long in the making while doing so, inserting the final piece into what is now the best starting rotation in baseball. 

The Ace

Cliff Lee is one of the newest members of the Phillies rotation and in only four starts has already made himself the Ace of the staff. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner has dazzled opponents in every start he has made since putting on red pinstripes. In his first start he threw a complete game on the road in San Fransisco only surrendering one run on four hits to the Giants. He followed suit in his next two starts only giving up one run in Phillies wins. In his most recent start he beat the Arizona Diamondbacks giving up an earned run throwing a complete game and only giving up two hits. Cliff is the ace that the fans have been itching for since Curt Schilling left the club years ago. He works fast and his command on the mound can only be matched by the league's best, the ones whom are grazed with his presence. 

The Movie Star

The story has it that when Cole Hamels first walked up to big league camp he was wearing his big sun glasses, khaki shorts, and polo shirt just like a California boy, earning him the nick name Hollywood. While he is almost an outcast in a sea of blue collar players in the Phillies clubhouse, Hamels' work ethic and performance makes him fit in the with the bunch, no one is harder on Cole than Cole. Hamels, the once ace of the staff is struggling a little bit in '09 but he is a pitcher who knows how to throw down the stretch and certainly when the pressure is on in the playoffs, as he was the recipient of the NLCS and World Series MVP Awards in '08. While Cole hardly seems to be pitching like it he completes the rotation's 1-2 punch with Cliff Lee as the Phillies two pitcher.

The Work Horse

Pat Gillick brought Joe Blanton to the Phillies at the '08 deadline and he has hardly faltered since. He had a rocky start to the '08 season, but has really settled in as the year has worn on. Joe has not given up more than three runs in a game since June 18th and he has pitched seven or more innings in seven of his last eight starts, truly a work horse. Blanton has substantially lowered his ERA to 3.86, and his 8-6 record doesn't speak for itself, while Joe on occasion has not gotten run support, as hard as that is to believe with the Phillies lineup. Big Joe has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since the All-Star break, and has really padded his case as one of the league's most underrated players. 

The Young Gun 

J.A. Happ has been the pleasant surprise for the Phils pitching in '09. Happ in his first full season won over the starting position when Chan Ho Park was struggling and cemented himself into the rotation when Brett Myers went to the DL. He has been nothing short of brilliant since. He has a 9-2 record and a 2.66 ERA and his making himself a strong case for the NL Rookie of the Year. His two complete game shutouts (one on the road in Toronto) showed Philly fans what he is capable of doing when he is really on, amidst his consistency. Having a pitcher who will give you a legitimate shot to win every time he goes out there is so valuable, especially in the form of a twenty seven year old rookie. 

The Daddy

Who can forget when Pedro Martinez said the words "Who's your Daddy?" in that infamous interview regarding his then rivals New York Yankees. That alone illustrates the personality and charisma that Pedro can bring to a ball club. The Phillies signed Martinez for 1 million dollars for one year taking a small risk with him as he was one year removed from baseball. Pedro beat the Cubs in his first start, and was settling into his second start when rain struck and ended his day in just three innings. His pitches seem to be on point and his two Cy Young Awards along with his "down the stretch" experience makes him very suitable to hold down the fort as the fifth starter. 

A combination of Ruben Amaro Jr. and Pat Gillick has built this mammoth of a pitching staff, something that the Phillies have not had in a long time. Combining with possibly the league's best lineup, this pitching has to make you like the Phillies chances, they can just smell October, and it smells like repeat.  

JD

Who Let The Dogs Out?

I'm a vegetarian who owned a dog most of his life, so you would think I would be a PITA nut... I'm not. I believe more in the justice system which sentenced Michael Vick to two years in jail and put him in bankruptcy. I also believe he did his time and deserves his right to return to the job he has trained for, because just like a lawyer an NFL football player trains 4 years in college to try and obtain a job afterwards.

Now here's my problem, he's on my team. The team that represents my city, the team that cheer for proudly. That's right, Philadelphia. The place where over 350 murders were committed last year, and this year to many cops have lost their lives, has brought in their symbol of change, oh wait no, Michael Vick, a thug who hung, electrocuted, and bred dogs to fight to the death is our newest acquisition. I would have loved it if the Eagles won their first Super Bowl and brought this city together just like the Phillies. But now I just don't know. The thought of that guy having a ring telling him he is the best makes me want to puke.

When I think of Kansas City the first thing that comes to my mind is the Chiefs. A place like St. Louis, my mind first goes to the arch and then to the Rams. When people think of Philadelphia, there going to think Vick, the Liberty Bell, and then the Constitution center, and so on. But for this whole season, Vick comes before the birthplace of the United States of America, before all of the fallen officers. All news centers will talk about Vick not about the murders or the poor defenseless children who have been caught in the cross-fire. A football season I was looking forward to is now ruined, because I cringe at the thought of seeing a stadium full of people cheer for him scoring a touchdown to win the game.

I love that Philly fans spit, push, and heckle opposing fans to tears. That is what home field advantage should be, and I myself have done some of the above to make it that way. Our own govenor threw snow balls at Santa with pride, and I say that Philly fans did it with my own heart. Things like that show that we love our teams. But now with Vick, the fan base is going to be torn apart, and people on T.V. aren't going to think that were tough and physical, Philly fans are going to become dirty. During my days of travel sports we were all told to play bigger, play more physical, but when a kid played dirty he was taken out and taught a lesson. Bonds is remembered for playing dirty, and Diego Maradonna, who had so many sensational goals in his soccer career is remembered for the one that he scored with his hand.  You don't play dirty!

The minute a fan cheers for that monster, Philadelphia fans will no longer be admired. The second Michael Vick steps onto Lincoln Financial Field it is no longer going to be a tough place to play, it's going to be a dirty place to play.

DF

NFL Preview- Divisions and Wild Cards

NFC East

1.    Eagles

2.    Cowboys

3.    Redskins

4.    Giants

While losing Owens seemed like the loss of a distraction, it is also the loss of one of the league’s premiere weapons, and it makes Dallas lose their edge a little bit in the NFC East. The Redskins just don’t cut it yet, and the Giants have lost both of their starting receivers Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress, leaving “little” Manning just about no one to throw to. That leaves the Eagles, a team that has had quite the off-season. Losing their on field defensive leader Brian Dawkins to the Broncos, and their off the field defensive leader Jim Johnson to cancer, the Eagles will find their losses on the D side as a source of inspiration to really prove themselves as a unit. With fresh leg on the offensive line with Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews, and fresh legs in the skill positions with rookies Lesean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin, along with ultimate weapon slash convict Michael Vick, the Birds will have their usual consistent offense and will have a slightly easy time taking the division title.

NFC North

1.    Bears

2.    Vikings

3.    Packers

4.    Lions

This is a division that is not as clear cut as the NFC East or NFC West. There is no power in the North and that is mainly because each team in this division has a hard time putting points on the board. The Vikings should be the favorite to take the division, but the whole Brett Favre deal had to have taken a toll on the team’s off-season, and now the quarterback situation still isn’t cleared up. While the Lions are still hopeless, the Packers are in what I would call somewhat of a rebuilding year, leaving Jay Cutler and the Bears to back up Cut’s off-season division smack talk. Cutler along with second year running back sensation Matt Forte (let’s pray for no sophomore slump Windy City), will be the one two punch that combines with a well above average defense to take the NFC North.

NFC South

1.    Falcons

2.  Panthers

3.    Saints

4.    Buccaneers

The Saints and Bucs for me start the season out of the picture, although I could see the Saints making a push later in the year if Reggie Bush can get his act together, Brees can’t do it alone. This division really comes down to two really good offensive teams in the Panthers and Falcons. The Falcons list of weapons grew with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez, just another toy for young Matt Ryan to play with. The Panthers found their stride as a team last year, getting a first round bye in the playoffs and really figuring out how to use all of their weapons Deangelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and of course Steve Smith. Both teams made the playoffs last year, and I see that happening again, with a first round bye most likely coming from this division as well.

NFC West

1.    Cardinals

2.    San Francisco

3.    Seahawks

4.    Rams

For the last few seasons just about every win that each of these teams get is within their own division. That was until the Cardinals blossomed last season, having a great year under Ken Wisenhut, with ageless Kurt Warner at the helm. The Cardinals will certainly not have the same fate as last year while they represented the NFC in the Super Bowl, but there is no doubt that they will take the NFC West, with the best receiving core in football, and a strong defensive unit.

NFC Wild Cards- Panthers and Cowboys

While the Cowboys had key losses on both sides of the ball with Roy Williams and Terrell Owens leaving the team, I cannot see there being a season for a while where there aren’t to be two NFC East teams in the playoffs, and they are that next team in 2009. The Panthers will in the end get beat out by the Falcons in a close race, either heads up or a let down loss to a team that will be out of the picture, but their record will carry them into the playoffs regardless, maybe Simpson will show up when Romo is winning again.

AFC East

1.    Patriots

2.    Dolphins

3.    Bills

4.    Jets

This season the AFC East teams are going to be brought back to reality because the Pats one year sabbatical is over, and Brady is back. The Patriots will run away with this division with almost as much ease as they did when going 16-0. The Dolphins will fall from last year’s results because the “wild cat,” the staple of their offense will now be in every team’s scouting report, resulting in them losing a creative edge that they had when they won the division in ’08, less people will be surprised. The Bills gained a weapon in Owens, but are losing their running back Marshawn Lynch to a three game suspension to start the year and Pro Bowl linemen Jason Peters to free-agency. A slow start will haunt the Jets for the remainder of the season, as I believe they won’t have their true starting quarterback by at least Week 5. The Pats will prosper whether or not Brady is still ailing or not, they will beat up on their own division, making it a hard time for the rest to get a spot in the playoffs with a wild card.

AFC North

1.    Steelers

2.    Ravens

3.    Bengals

4.    Browns

My philosophy is that you can never doubt the defending champs. The Steelers won it in ’08 behind possibly the league’s best defense, and a above average offense with a lot of weapons. Therefore they have a legitimate shot to do it again, and I can’t see anyone in this division challenging them too much. The Ravens will have another solid year with Flacco at the helm, and their strong defense will make them the team that will challenge the Steelers. The Bengals got stronger because the departure of Housh will mean a better Ocho Cino, and Lavreneus Coles will not need as much attention as the two guy. They also added play-maker Roy Williams to help out the back of their defense substantially. I don’t feel as though Cleveland needs to be mentioned, prove me wrong Brady Quinn. 

AFC South

1.    Colts

2.    Texans

3.    Titans

4.    Jaguars

I understand Marvin is gone, but Joseph Addai will be back and will have a much better season than last year. Harrison makes room for Anthony Gonzalez who I have liked since he came into the league. The Colts will de thrown the Titans, but who didn’t see that coming. Call me crazy but for the first time in a while, Houston we don’t have a problem. Behind play makers Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson, and a defense that will suffice in this division, the Texans will be the team that will make a run at the Colts not the Titans. The Titans will be figured out by now, and their ability to “run” away with victories will end starting in ’09. The Jags need help on offense and on defense, I wish them luck, but grant them no chance.

AFC West

1.    Chargers

2.    Broncos

3.    Raiders

4.    Chiefs

The quarterback is the most important position in football, and without one a team will struggle, alot. Jamarcus Russell, Kyle Orton, and Matt Cassel just don’t  cut it yet, and therefore my logic says they just don’t cut it as teams. That leaves the Chargers with Philip Rivers, who will take this division and maybe get home field advantage solely because of the fact that they will most likely get 6 within this division. The Raiders ground game showed promise with Michael Bush’s week 17 coming out party, and a young Darren McFadden that still has time to develop, the Chiefts signed a still young and in my mind unproven Cassel and added Amani Toomer to be aside Dwayne Bowe in the receiving, and the Broncos have new management and new additions with rookie playmaker Knoshown Moreno and Brian Dawkins. Despite, the Chargers are the team to beat in the worst division in football, its like being the smartest of the dumb, but they’ll get a playoff berth.

AFC Wild Cards- Ravens and Texans

Houston’s first good year in franchise history will not end with a second place finish, but a wild card berth to top it all off. The Ravens will be the shoo in Wild Card team, taking it for two years in a row. Flacco will be a sophomore but already showed that he has the ability to play like a veteran in the NFL in his rookie season. The Texans are to say the least due, and the Ravens are an experienced team (counting out Ray Rice and Joe Flacoo), that knows what its like to play down the stretch for a playoff spot. Miami will challenge each of them for a spot, but will fall short, leaving way for the Birds of Baltimore and the Texans of…Texas.

JD

The Summer of Halladay

In 2008 teams such as the Brewers and the Dodgers made trade deadline additions to their rosters that put them in contention to win a World Series. While 2008's deadline rumors held players like Mark Texiera, Manny Ramirez, C.C. Sabathia, and Rich Harden, this year's rumors have been completely dominated by one man, Roy Halladay. 

The 2008 World Champion Phillies seem to be subject of all the Halladay trade talks. The Blue Jays G.M. J.P Ricciardi has said that the team has to be wowed by an offer in order to trade Roy Halladay, who has proven over the years to be one of the elite pitchers in the game today. If you look through the young talent that the Phillies have to offer, it is indeed wowing to the say the least. Among that talent is, shortstop Jason Donald, Stanford product Michael Taylor, and Triple A starter Carlos Carrasco. However, those three who have proven themselves as great minor league talents, are just the supporting cast in this summer saga, while the leads are Single A Blue Chip outfielder Dominic Brown and pitchers Kyle Drabek and J.A. Happ. The Jays seem to be most interested in the two young pitchers Drabek and  Happ who have both posted great numbers in '09,  Happ in the majors (7-1 2.97 ERA) and Drabek in Double A Reading (10-2 2.80 ERA). The Phillies seem to be willing to deal either of these two but not both in the same deal, while they seem to be trying mostly to keep Drabek who is the son of former Cy Young award winner Doug Drabek. While a great pitcher combined with a great farm system seems like a match made in heaven, the question is how far should the Phillies go. 

The Blue Jays need to deal Halladay, because no matter what, when the time comes he is not going to stay with the club, because he is a great pitcher who is hungry for a chance to win it all. The Jays first asked for all three of the players that I tagged as the top prospects in the mix, Brown, Drabek and Happ. The Phillies declined and countered with Happ, Carrasco, Donald and Taylor, but the Jays were not quick to pull the trigger on a deal that didn't include two of the three players that they asked for in the first place. What I think; he is not worth it. I am marveled at the fact that the Jays didn't accept the latest deal that the Phillies offered them. Halladay is great, but it was 2004, five whole years ago that he won the Cy Young award. I'm not saying he is slowing down, but it is a only a matter of time until he does, at which point the Phillies would have traded away the nucleus of one of the best farm systems in the game. As a die hard Phillies fan I would love to see Halladay in red pin stripes, but who wants this team that we have in Philly now, that can be pinned as the greatest team in Phillies history, to be followed by a period of losing seasons. Right now the franchise is in line to keep the success going even after this potent lineup is gone, but getting Halladay however puts that in jeopardy. While Halladay pads the chance that the Philies have to win the World Series for a second straight year, it buries any sort of five year plan that they team may have. 

JD

The Greatest Sports Moment of All-Time

DF-  To me what makes the greatest sports moment, is one that you can ask a kid who is 7 or an old man who is 80 about and they can sit in a room and talk about that same moment for hours. The moment has to be so special that even the sub-par sports fan would understand. With this criteria I had to pan through moments like Cal Ripken breaking the record for most consecutive games played, or 1982 Cal vs Stanford when "The band is on the field!", and even the vaguely titled yet so well known "The Catch" had to be eliminated. Thus the greatest moment had to be 1980 USSR vs USA hockey in the Olympics.

This was a moment that had everything. The underdogs of the USA somehow beat behemoths of the Soviet Union team. It was more than sports it was one nation against the other, this game meant so much more than just hockey, it was for national pride. This moment is the only time that a game which was slotted as the semi-finals, for all anyone cared was the finals. The USA could have lost 100-0 against Finland in the actual finals and no one would have cared. Something special happened during this game, there must have been some sort of solar alignment eclipse thing going on because not only was the game itself magical, but no sports call was better than Al Michael's "Do You Believe In Miracles...YES"

I challenge the readers of this to go to their local square, park, or just run to the dairy section of the super market, get up on the cheeses and yogurts with a USA hockey jersey and yell "Do You Believe In Miracles" and 9 out of 10 times at least one member of the crowd surrounding you will yell "YES". Try doing the same thing with any other moment in history. You couldn't jump up and say any other sports quote, because in the big long list of quotes this one took on a mind of its own. It means so much more, and that's why you can go into the supermarkets around the country and start a chant, because bringing back such a special memory can't get you in trouble, because chances are the people not yelling YES, are screaming it in their heads.

JD- They called Lou Gehrig the Iron Horse. Starting June 1st, 1925 Gehrig embarked on a streak that would take him all the way to April 30th, 1939, in which time he would never miss a game. On April 30th 1939 he stood on the field of Yankee Stadium and spoke the words, "Fans, for the past few weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth." His bad break, Multiple Sclerosis, better known now as the Lou Gehrig disease. Despite the fact that MS was eating away at him with every minute that passed, he found himself feeling lucky. Lucky because he had played basebal consecutively longer than any other play in the history of the game, playing for almost fifteen full seasons without ever taking a day off. It was a record that took so much determination, so much strength, and most of all so much passion for the game. A record in which no one would ever possibly be able to break, because there would never be another Lou Gehrig, there would never again be a figure that we could simply call baseball. Then in 1982 a man named Cal Ripken Jr. entered the league, he would not only eventually take the title of "iron," but prove the world wrong while doing so. 

Just 46 games into the Baltimore Orioles 1982 season a young infielder Cal Ripken Jr. was just merely 66 games into his career. May 30th seemed like just another game for Ripken, going 0 for 2, with a strikeout, and the final result for the O's a six nothing loss. What Ripken didn't know was that that game, that seemed like just another game, was the first of 2632 steps toward greatness. That was the first game of the streak that would eventually break Lou Gehrig's streak of consecutive games played, know as one of baseball's unbreakable records. The game he broke the record, well that is a whole different story, that brings us all the way from May 30th 1982 to September 6th 1995. 

Ripken had gone yard in each of the first two games of a three game set with the California Angels at Camden Yards. He followed suite in the series grudge match and finale with another home run, but that was hardly the story of the day. Just the day before Ripken had tied Lou Gehrig's elusive consecutive game streak record, and on September 6th 1995, he was going for sole possession. Ripken did it, he shocked the world, because he broke the record that seemed unbreakable. But certainly not anymore. Heroism was alive at Camden Yards, because someone had matched the greatness of Lou Gehrig, possibly the most respected player in the history of the game. But what made the moment so special, so priceless, so spectacular, was the way that Ripken chose to celebrate. He shared the moment with the fans, the ones who had been there cheering him, chanting his name, and wearing his shirt for 2,131 games straight as well. Ripken took a lap around the stadium, high fiving and shaking hands with all the fans that were lucky enough to push down to the first few rows. Ripken took a moment that was great for himself and his career and made it a moment for every baseball fan out there, he made it a moment for man kind. So it was the greatest moment in the history of sports, because he broke a remarkable record and did it with class, grace, and most of all with the regard to share with everyone else. Ripken did something that I can now safely say, will never be done again, but can you be so sure anymore?

DF & JD

Guilty Until Proven Guilty?

Welcome to the sport of cycling, if you don't know The Tour De France is currently going on, which is the Super Bowl of the sport. Cycling is a sport that requires more endurance than any other sport in the world, this no one can argue against. Stages that are about 160 miles long are bad enough flat, but they take their riders about a mile high where the air is thick and the roads are steep and even the decents aren't anything to look forward too. These nasty decents take a rider over 60 mph twisting and turning, with nothing but a skin tight suit that peels away against the pavement for protection. I used to watch every stage LIVE waking up at 8 to watch from the beginning of the coverage to the end. Then Lance Armstrong left...

When Lance left I stopped watching I saw no point, and I know that I was not alone in my abandonment of cycling, whose one shining moment is this 3 week long tour that is only given air time on Versus, all the way up on channel 603 on direct tv with the Spanish Channels. Once Lance left everyone was caught doping, all of the main contenders were suspended and a sport that was already without a leader was doomed. Then the next year and the next there was still a Tour De France riders still thrashed their bodies over this grueling course. These riders aren't doing anything for themselves either. Spanish riders push themselves in Spain to the point that their heart can literally no longer beat any faster. Meanwhile French riders push themselves harder to steal the win from the Spanish riders. You sit watching a world war unfold, as different rivals fight for not just themselves but their countries. Riders will go on break aways which is a small group that breaks away from the main field, these riders push themselves to escape with just one stage victory for their country, sacrificing their legs and most likely their ability to finish The Tour.

Now, enter Lance Armstrong for a comeback, a man whose 37 in a sport where the oldest man is 40. Currently he is third overall and on a team that is the equivalent of the Yankees (Astana for those of you who ARE cycling buffs). This 37 year old cancer survivor is a mere 8 seconds off the lead. What a story. What a Comeback. Yet everytime Brett Favre sneezes ESPN gives it more coverage. So everyday that I wake up at 8 to watch The Tour I ask myself is this really worth it. Will there even be a Tour De France when I tell my grand kids about this superhero Lance Armstrong a name that to them will seem as foreign as someone like DJ Mbenga, a back up center on the LA Lakers. The dirtiest sport in the world, with the cleanest hero, now I watch and wonder can one man ever be bigger than a sport? For the sake of the greatest athletes in the world I sure hope so.

DF

Rock the Vote '09: Then Cut the Vote '10

While fan voting is a fun way to pick the MLB All-Stars every year, the vote "stuffing" is also getting more and more excessive with every year that passes by. In a perfect world the All-Star picks would be made by the managers of the teams, therefore letting the most worthy players appear in the mid-summer classic. 

Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton who rode the DL for almost the whole year so far, is hitting .263 with only 6 dingers is starting in right field for the AL, while a player like Adam Lind who is hitting .308 with 18 home runs finds himself fighting for a spot in the Final Vote with four others, all four of which probably deserve a spot over Hamilton as well. I like Hamilton as a player, he over came a lot and has a good story behind his success but he has a lot more All-Star games to come when he is actually playing well, or playing at all. 

As much as I love my Phillies, the '07 MVP Jimmy Rollins stuck around in the NL shortstop race as well, and get this, he barely held on to the Mendoza line. As much as I appreciate what Jimmy does for the defending champs not only on the field but in the clubhouse, he was not worthy to even be on the ballot this year. When he lost the spot to the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez not even Manuel was unconscious enough to take him on as a reserve. 

Everyone's favorite cheater Manny Ramirez was sticking around for a while as a starter in the NL outfield. When he served his 50 game suspension it was just Manny Being Manny when he started to descend as his suspension began to drag along. Too bad, I think we were all excited to see if there would be a Mannywood section at Busch Stadium, one can only dream. 

Ichiro Suzuki was on the ballot for the Home Run Derby. I looked and tried to convince myself it was a typo, but after awhile accepted what my eyes were looking at. For someone who never hit more than 15 home runs in a season, it would be a crime for even Mariners fans to vote him in. 

While the year seems a little odd as far as voting goes, one thing that was right on point was the picking of Tim Wakefield. The veteran one pitch wonder has 11 wins so far this year and was well deserving of an All-Star appearance. Now who is going to catch  him? Joe Maddon is fumbling around his desk for Doug Mirabelli's number he knows he has it somewhere. 

While the '09 All-Star game, will like every year be a showcase of the league's best power, speed, fielding, and pitching, as the years roll on so does the purity of it all. However, the managers are the ones, while making their reserve selections, giving the guys shots that really have earned the chance. Such as Ben Zobrist and Aaron Hill for the AL, and Freddy Sanchez and Miguel Tejada for the NL, guys who are playing past their potential and may never have a shot to be one of the leagues best ever again. 

JD