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Eagles Vacation
Aug 30, 2010 Eagles Commentary, Me, The Site Leave a comment
Back when this blog was most active it was, probably at a minimum, eighty percent Eagles content. That was simply a reflection of what I’ve been most passionate about, which was always the Eagles. This was my space for barfing up my Eagles stream of consciousness.
But something happened to me as last season came to an end. Maybe this was unique to me but I don’t think it was. I got burned out.
It had nothing to do with a change in how much I cared about the Eagles. Far from it, that fire still burns. But I simply couldn’t spend another off-season reading every day about another failed playoff run and the predictable, tired “who will McNabb play for next season” drama while the same arguments play out in every paper, radio, and blog that covered the subject. I just wasn’t up for it, so I reduced my winter and spring investment in the Eagles to basic news.
The trade made me feel as twisted up as anyone else. And all the relief that came with Donovan’s baggage (well, most of it) being taken by truck down to DC somehow reinforced my decision to keep the Birds at arms length for a while. It was cathartic.
It’s nice to be getting back in the swing of things, though. I’m guessing I’m not alone. Just seeing NFL teams square off this August really got the blood flowing again and I feel like I’ve hit stage 8 or 9 of my Donovan recovery. Just in time.
Around the Internets 8-30-2010
Aug 30, 2010 LinkUp, Random Leave a comment
[Iconic Photos] Today’s Iconic Photo is especially brutal, and the story is incredible. If you aren’t already regularly stopping by this site, you really should. Especially if you’re a history buff.
[XKCD] Yep, it really is an exciting time for anyone interested in space.
[Football News Now] Seems like every day Jamaal Jackson increases his odds of playing in the season opener. And in inconsequential site news that no one cares about, we’ll be avoiding linking to Philly.com directly as long as their site is intrusive and obnoxious with their ads.
[Iggles Blog] Get the game review from Tommy Lawlor of this weekend’s frustrating game against the Chiefs.
[Washington Post] MLB trying to grow the game in China.
Salty and the Sox
Aug 19, 2010 Fantasy Baseball, MLB Leave a comment
Take it from someone who has unwisely found a roster spot for Jarrod Saltalamacchia on his fantasy squad year after year… the guy is always an injury waiting to happen.
So when they decided to combine Salty’s injury history with what is happening to the Red Sox this season, something like a “mysterious leg infection” was bound to happen. In fact, he’ll probably be dead soon.
Why Are the Pirates About to Fire John Russell?
Jun 16, 2010 MLB Leave a comment
Update: Just an additional thought that came to me. It’s been mentioned in several places that this would be exclusively a PR move rather than a baseball decision, to assure Pirates fans that the organization is “committed to winning”, whatever that means. But firing Russell now would likely have the exact opposite effect. Firings aren’t a feel good story, and that breeds negativity in the fan base in a season where the Pirates have at least a few things going the right way. A few days worth of stories about yet another Pirates’ failure is what the organization should be trying to avoid.
The baseball guys at FoxSports.com report that the Pirates could be on the verge of firing John Russell, who is in the middle of his third losing season with the Buccos. According to the report and “multiple league sources”, the Pirates are holding talks about his immediate future.
It is a perfectly legitimate exercise for a team like the Pirates to have discussions about the future of anyone in the organization, and certainly the manager. But you have to wonder, in the middle of a season where the Pirates are (rightfully) undertaking a major youth movement, what would be the wisdom of suddenly changing the skipper.
The team has no expectations of contending, of course. So unless Russell is not the right guy to get the young guys behaving and training like major league players, all this move will do is add instability to an already tumultuous season.
“Stiff, impassive demeanor” is a phrase being used to criticize Russell apparently. Funny, that it’s in stark contrast to the “player friendly, good-guy” image of Dave Trembley that got him fired.
Frankly, it’s our belief that young players need a stable, level-headed guy at the helm, especially when the losses are piling up. Dismissing Russell would be a mistake at this point, especially since an attractive alternative isn’t available (Bobby Valentine, seriously?).
Let the season play out, continue to call up the young players. No managerial change at this point is going to convince your fans your “determined to win”. You know what will do that? Actually winning.
Fantasy Baseball: Be Careful With Mike Stanton
May 28, 2010 Fantasy Baseball 6 Comments
It’s all over the rumor mill by now, the Marlins will be calling up the much-hyped outfielder Mike Stanton very soon. Right now he’s likely owned in many NL-only leagues and guys in mixed leagues will likely be paying close attention and probably trying to pick him up before their fellow owners.
Stanton has incredible power which he put on display during spring training. He already has 17 HR’s for Triple-A Jacksonville. His power stroke will likely translate immediately (though tempered a little) in the majors.
But be careful here. He’s hitting .306 this season, but this is a guy who has 45 strikeouts in 160 at-bats. Major League pitchers will not be as forgiving, they’ll find those holes in his swing. This is a player who is likely to hurt, not help your average both in the short and long-term.
Bid, but don’t overbid on Stanton.
Oil Spill — Under the Surface
May 27, 2010 Random Leave a comment
This is an absolutely terrifying look at what you haven’t been seeing. Under the surface in the Gulf.
With the news today that BP’s initial estimates of oil spill rate were — surprise! — well under reality, things really look bleak for the GoM ecosystem.
Strasburg Dominates the Red Wings
Got to watch Stephen Strasburg for the first time last night, as he cruised through 6 and a third innings of shutout ball. They are sticking with his 90 pitch ceiling. In that time he was able to set a new personal high-mark for strikeouts with 7.
His fastball was consistently 96-98, breaking stuff was unhittable. Now, to be fair, the Red Wings have generally found everything unhittable this year. So take it for what it’s worth.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the night came as Strasburg was being fetched off the mound by his manager in the seventh. The sell-out crowd gave him a standing ovation, but that turned to a loud chorus of boos when he never acknowledged it. No tip of the hat, no wave, nada.
C’mon man. I know you probably think this is small-time stuff, but show the paying customers some respect and be a little gracious.
Joe Girardi Cares About the Fucking Rules
May 19, 2010 MLB Leave a comment
You’ve probably read that the Yankees officially protested last night’s game. What offended the Yankees’ skipper?
The beef was not that Girardi thought there was no evidence that Beckett was injured. Rather, he was protesting the fact that Delcarmen was called for before the umpires were informed that Beckett was injured (i.e. it was “indicated’ that he was injured).
Conspiracy
May 19, 2010 MLB Leave a comment
The rain gods decided I was not to see Stephen Strasburg last night. Of course, I’m unable to go to the make-up tonight. Damn you, rain gods.
Goodbye Trevor Hoffman
May 19, 2010 MLB Leave a comment
I remember watching the ‘98 Padres and seeing Hoffman trot out of the bullpen during the playoffs. That season he saved 53 games in one of the greatest seasons ever for a reliever.
Trevor Hoffman turned 31 that season.
It’s been a great career, but it’s finally over. Hoffman faced five batters yesterday and he retired none of them. That likely will be the final straw for Brewers’ management, who have rightfully given him time to work through this.
Unfortunately for them, Hoffman’s five blown saves in 10 chances have meant five losses that should have been wins, and perhaps a hole they can’t dig out of.
