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