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Little brother fights back … Big 5 update
Did you ever compete against a younger brother growing up?
Time after time you would beat your younger sibling in whatever challenge was on the table. Whether it was backyard whiffle ball or eating Oreos, you always had the upper hand. Sure there were time’s when you let you brother almost win (kinda cruel wasn’t it?), but by the events end you always got the upper hand. After all, that’s what being the big brother is all about.
I was reminded of that this week watching the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. It is an event that features 11 teams from the ACC taking on 11 teams from the Big Ten. For the last 10 years it has been big brother picking on little brother year after year. There were times when little brother got close and may have fooled some into thinking he had a chance, but in the end it never developed. Coming in to this season the ACC was 10-0 in the event.
Then something funny happened. On Wednesday Wisconsin took down mighty Duke to give the Big Ten a 6-5 win his season, their first such in the rivalry.
At last a victory for little brother.
Will it last? Probably not. The ACC may just go on and win the next ten vents. But for one day, little brother stands tall.
Now an update on the Big 5:
La Salle (3-2): The Explorers have performed about as well as expected thus far, getting nice wins over Davidson and Tulane, and holding their own against a much better Villanova team, before fading in the second half. Rodney Green has given the team a consistent low post threat, providing 17 points and seven rebounds a game.
Penn (0-4): Off to the worst start in the Big 5, Penn has had trouble on offense, scoring over 65 just once. That came in a tough 97-95 overtime loss to Drexel. The team has a shot at its first win on Friday when it takes on Navy (3-4).
Saint Joseph’s (3-3): It’s been an uneven season for the Hawks, who have dropped three straight after a hot start. Things don’t look to get any easier for St. Joe as it faces a Cornell team that is 6-2 and Villanova in its next two contests. The Hawks do have balance, with four players averaging between 10.3 and 12.5 ppg.
Temple (5-2): Fran Dunphy has his team off to a fast start, though the Owls have not knocked off anyone that would be considered a quality opponent. Their best showing (at least credibility wise) might have been a loss, when they led Georgetown for much of the fourth quarter before falling by one. As expected, Ryan Brooks is leading the team in scoring with 13.6 per game.
Villanova (7-0): After a couple of close wins in the first week of the season, the Wildcats appear to have hit their stride. Led by Scottie Reynolds (13.9 ppg) Villanova has risen to No. 3 in the rankings and is a favorite to get to the Final Four. Their first big test may not come until Jan. 2 when they open Big East play against Marquette.
More Hardware for the Hometown Boys
I am currently writing from my brand new Arc located right smack dab In the middle of the East Coast. Any more rain and we will be gathering animals 2 by 2.
Does anyone else think that they should get rid of the DH and Pitcher award slot for the Silver Slugger award? Instead, just create a utility position and give it to the next best hitter at any position in the league. Since the National League does not have the DH it seems like a reasonable idea to me. Let’s face it; giving this award to a pitcher with an average of .217 is kind of watering down the award, just a thought.
The American and National League announced its 2009 Silver Slugger Awards Thursday afternoon. Phil’s second baseman Chase Utley won his 4th straight Silver Slugger Award, proving that he is not just the premier second baseman in both leagues, but one of the best complete players in the game. Utley hit .282 with 28 doubles, 4 triples, 31 homeruns and 93 runs batted in during the 2009 campaign.
Here is the complete list for 2009:
NL SILVER SLUGGER AWARDS
| POS | PLAYER | HR | RBI | AVG |
| 1B | A. Pujols, Cardinals | 47 | 135 | .327 |
| 2B | Chase Utley, Phillies | 31 | 93 | .282 |
| 3B | R. Zimmerman, Nats | 33 | 106 | .292 |
| SS | H. Ramirez, Marlins | 24 | 106 | .342 |
| OF | Ryan Braun, Brewers | 32 | 114 | .320 |
| OF | Andre Ethier, Dodgers | 31 | 106 | .272 |
| OF | Matt Kemp, Dodgers | 26 | 101 | .297 |
| C | Brian McCann, Braves | 21 | 94 | .281 |
| P | C. Zambrano, Cubs | 4 | 11 | .217 |
AL SILVER SLUGGER AWARDS
| POS | PLAYER | HR | RBI | AVG |
| 1B | M. Teixeira, Yankees | 39 | 122 | .292 |
| 2B | Aaron Hill, Blue Jays | 36 | 108 | .286 |
| 3B | Evan Longoria, Rays | 33 | 113 | .281 |
| SS | Derek Jeter, Yankees | 18 | 66 | .334 |
| OF | Jason Bay, Red Sox | 36 | 119 | .267 |
| OF | Torii Hunter, Angels | 22 | 90 | .299 |
| OF | Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners | 11 | 46 | .352 |
| C | Joe Mauer, Twins | 28 | 96 | .365 |
| DH | Adam Lind, Blue Jays | 35 | 114 | .305 |
Men’s basketball Big 5 preview
College basketball season has arrived which means it is time to look at the Big 5. The Big 5 is a collaboration of Philadelphia’s five major Division I schools – Villanova, Temple, St. Joseph’s, LaSalle, and UPenn. Bellow is a team-by tam look at each school. To view the team’s outlooks individually, check back to phillysportsblogs main page.
Villanova Wild Cats
Coming off last year’s Final Four Appearance, Jay Wright’s squad is not only the favorites to win the Big 5 and the Big East, but also an early favorite to make it back to the Final Four. The Wildcats are ranked #5 (AP) and #6 (USA Today) in the latest Pre-Season polls. The loss of 1st team All Philly Big Five Dante Cunningham (16.1 ppg. and 7.5 rpg,) Dwayne Anderson and Shane Clark to graduation will definitely be hard for the Wildcats to overcome. The Cats will also be without forward Reggie Redding for the first 10 games until he becomes a “Student in good Standing” according to University policy.
2008-2009 Recap: The Wild Cats went on an improbable run through the NCAA Tournament all the way to the Final Four losing to eventual National Champion North Carolina. They finished the season with a record of 30-8 overall and 13-5 in the Big East.
Backcourt: This is by far the strongest part of the team. Led by senior captain Scottie Reynolds and juniors Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes, the Wildcats return one of the best back courts in the country. Reynolds, who put his name in the NBA hat, but eventually decided to return for his senior year, was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2009 East Regional, Honorable Mention All Big East and 1st team All Philly Big Five. He is a favorite for not only Big East Player of the Year, but National Player of the year as well. Fisher is back after being named Big East 6th man of the year last season. Stokes is a model of consistency at the other guard spot.
Frontcourt: If there is a weak point on this year’s team or better yet, a question mark, it would be the front court. However, coach Wright expects big things out of the combination of red shirts, transfers and a few freshman. Red shirt freshman Marice Sutton is expected to jump right in at the center position. Sutton is a 6’11 natural shot blocker, who can play with his back to the basket. Perhaps the biggest addition for the Wildcats is Duke transfer Taylor King. King is a 6’6 forward who averaged 5.5ppg in 34 games with Duke. King has the ability to be a prolific scorer as he was in his high school days as a McDonalds All American in 2007, averaging 26.6 points per game.
Recruits: The Cats have one of nation’s top recruiting classes. According to Scout.com it is ranked #2 and ESPN has the class ranked #3. Jay Wright brought in two McDonalds All Americans in Dominic Cheek and Maalik Wayns. Despite their great depth at the guard position, these youngsters are expected to play a significant role this season. Coach Wright also recruited two teammates from Montrose Christian in Maryland, Isaiah Armwood and Mouphtaou Yarou. Yarou is expected to start in the front court, while Armwood will also see minutes.
Biggest Loss(s):The dominating play of Dante Cunningham will be missed.
Key Player(s): Scottie Reynolds is by far the key to their success.
Pleasant Surprise(s): Taylor King will be the biggest surprise of not only the team, but the entire Big East. I expect a great year from King.
Freshman of the Year: Well, if you count red shirt freshman, then Marice Sutton will run away with this. However, as far as true freshman go, I will say Mouphtaou Yarou.
Prediction:
Big 5: 1st
Big East: 1st
Bonus: 2nd straight Final Four appearance
LaSalle Explorers
LaSalle fans should have a lot to cheer for this season as the Explorers return four players that averaged double-digit scoring last season. Rodney Green is like to be an All-Atlantic 10 player and will do a little bit of everything his season.
2008-2009 Recap: Green led the team to an 18-win season. LaSalle also played well against its Big 5 foes, going 3-1, with its only loss coming against Villanova. However it did not do enough in the A-10 Tournament to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Backcourt: Green returns for his fourth year as a starting point guard and could end up being the best player in the Big 5. Last season he averaged 17.8 points, five boards and three assists per outing. He will be joined by Ruben Guillandeaux, who averaged 10.1 ppg and led the team with 44 made threes.
Frontcourt: Yves Mekongo, and Kimmani Barrett return to the forward positions. Barret was second on the team in scoring (11.8) and has great range as evidenced by 35 made threes last season. Mekongo was good for 10.4 ppg and led the team with six boards a night. He is also a versatile player that can step out and hit the three. Having two big men that can shoot will stretch out opposing defenses.
Recruits: Aaric Murray is a consensus top 40 recruit and is the top-rated recruit that is playing outside of the BCS conferences. He is a preseason All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team selection and will see immediate playing time. Also watch out for guard T.T. Carey. Carey is the third all-time leading scorer in the state of Virginia, behind only Moses Malone and Allen Iverson.
Biggest loss(es): The Explorers did not lose a single key contributor from last year’s squad.
Key player(s): LaSalle’s hopes to get to the NCAA Tournament rest on Green.
Pleasant Surprise(s): The only thing that will make this season truly special is a trip to the NCAA Tournament. LaSalle getting there would certainly qualify.
Freshman of the Year: While I am intrigued by Carey, Murray will see more playing time and has the ability to be an NBA player in a few years.
Prediction: While Dayton, Xaveir and Duquense are drawing the most attention, the Explorers will be in the mix.
Big 5: 2nd
Atlantic 10: 3rd
Temple Owls
We can officially call this Fan Dunphy’s team. Dunphy took over for legendary coach John Chaney in 2006, but this will be the first time he is leading a team that is full of his recruits. It is hard to say Dunphy is on a hot seat because the Owls have qualified for the NCAA Tournament each of the last two seasons, but Temple has not had the measure of success that became the standard with Chaney running the show. This season could be a defining one for Dunphy.
2008-2009 Recap: The Owls (22-12, 11-5) struggled to find an identity early in the season but turned it on during the A-10 Tournament and gained an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. The Owls were eliminated in the first round of the tournament by Arizona State.
Backcourt: Senior Ryan Brooks returns as the starting shooting guard and will have an increased role with Dionte Christmas gone. He shot 41 percent from beyond the arc last season.
Frontcourt: Junior Lavoy Allen will be the go-to guy in the low post. Last season Allen averaged 11 points and nine boards. Allen is a high-energy player, whose aggressiveness makes him a menace on the offensive glass. Michael Eric will team with Allen in the frontcourt, but is not much of a scorer. He had a limited role last season and will be counted on this year mostly to use his 6’11 frame to clean up the glass. Argentinean Juan Fernandez, who averaged six points last season, will also see minutes.
Recruits: Rahlir Jefferson, a 6’6 freshman from Chester, Penn., is the highest-touted recruit on the team. The Owls have seven freshman on the roster, but it is Jefferson and guard Khalif Wyatt who standout. The duo faced off as high school seniors, with Wyatt scoring 31 and Jefferson going for 17 and 12 boards.
Biggest Loss(es): This one is easy. Dionte Christmas was one of best players to come through Temple in a decade. He provided scoring (20 ppg) and leadership, which will both be missed. Christmas was an All-American, though he didn’t get drafted. He was signed by the Sixers and later cut. The Owls also lost their starting center in Sergio Olmos. The 7-foter gave them 1.5 blocks a game, but averaged just four rebounds a night.
Key Player(s): The Owls will try to spread the ball around this season, but it is Brooks that will be counted on to lead the scoring.
Pleasant surprise(s): Michael Allen will have a much bigger presence than he had last year on both ends of the court.
Freshman of the Year: It usually takes forwards longer to make an impact than guards, so Wyatt has the advantage.
Prediction: Because Christmas in no loner there expectations are tempered for the Owls.
Big 5: 3rd
A-10: 7th
St. Josephs Hawks
The St. Joseph’s Hawks are in a rebuilding year and most likely will finish 3rd or 4th in the Big 5. Losing seniors Ahmed Nivins and Tasheed Carr to graduation leaves the Hawks with two big holes to fill. Nivens is the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, 1st team All-Philly Big 5 and last season’s leading scorer (19.2 ppg.) and leading rebounder (11.8 rpg.) for the Hawks, while Carr was the calming influence and floor leader from the guard position.
2008-2009 Recap: The Hawks found themselves in the mix last season around midseason. Unfortunately, Martelli’s bunch went on to lose 7 of their last 10 games to finish 17-15 overall and 9-7 in the A-10. It appeared that the Hawks ran out of gas at the end of the season, as four players averaged 34 minutes a game.
Backcourt: The Hawks will depend heavily on their returning seniors Darrin Govens and Garrett Williamson. Govens will be depended upon to score and direct traffic. If the Hawks expect to compete in the Big 5 and A-10, Govens will have to increase last years 12.7 ppg output. Williamson, a defensive specialist is a big guard at 6’5 and will be looked at to shut down the opposition’s top scorer.
Frontcourt: To fill the void that was left by Nivens, Martelli will depend on junior forward Idris Hilliard to step right in and produce. Hilliard averaged 9.2 ppg and 5.5 rpg last season and is expected surpass those numbers while logging more minutes. 6-11 Sophomore transfer Todd O’Brian from Bucknell, will also be counted on to solidify the front court for the Hawks.
Recruits: Even though the Hawks are strong in the backcourt, they will also depend on two freshman guards, Justin Crosgile and Carl Jones. While Jones is expected to log more minutes then Crosgile, both will be counted on to spell Govens and Williamson. Freshman forward Carl Baptiste could also see some time this season.
Biggest Loss(s): Without a doubt, losing Ahmed Nivens is going to hurt.
Key Player(s): The key to the Hawks success will depend heavily on the play of Hilliard and Govens.
Pleasant Surprise(s): Transfer Todd O’Brian will be a pleasant surprise in the front court.
Freshman of the Year: Jones will get to play significant minutes and could be a starter by the end of the year.
Prediction:
Big 5: 4th
A-10: Middle of the pack (8th or 9th)
University of Pennsylvania Quakers
Penn is in a tough spot this year. They figure to be better than last year’s team which finished eight games under .500, but are not considered a serious threat to dethrone Cornell as Ivy League Champions. The team has a couple of nice players, but does not have that one guy who can put the team on his shoulders.
2008-2009 Recap: IT was not a pretty year for Penn as it went 10-18 and just 6-8 in the Ivy League. Some young players emerged, but the Quakers struggled to score points al year.
Backcourt: Tyler Bernardini led the team with 13.7 ppg, though he shot just 40 percent from the field. He has scored in double digits 20 times in the last two years. Now a junior, the Quakers will need Bernardini to elevate his game even further this year. Sophomore Zach Rosen scored 8.1 ppg lat year and was voted Big 5 Freshman of the Year. His 4.96 assist average led the Ivy League.
Frontcourt: Jack Eggleston will be the big man the Quakers will count on the most. He was good for 9.6 points and 5.9 rebounds last season and got stronger as the year went on. He scored in double digits 14 times last season and was 5th in the IVY League in rebounding.
Recruits: Junior transfer Zach Gordon will be joined by freshman Carson Sullivan, Sean Mullan and Brian Fitzpatrick on the roster. None of the freshmen are expected to make an immediate impact.
Biggest losses: Guard Harrison Gaines and his 9.9 scoring average will be missed by a team which lacks scoring options.
Key Player(s): Darren Smith. Three years ago Smith scored 17 points twice as a freshman and figured to be a main cog for years to come. A knee-cap injury cost him the last two seasons, so he will return as a wildcard. Penn needs some unexpected contributions and Smith could be that guy. Meanwhile, Bernardini will be counted on to win games.
Predictions: With most of its starters back Penn should be a couple games better this year. They will be a challenge to Cornell, who was a unanimous Ivy League No.1 in a preseason media poll.
Big 5: 5th
Ivy League: 4th
Villanova season preview
Villanova Wild Cats
Coming off last year’s Final Four Appearance, Jay Wright’s squad is not only the favorites to win the Big 5 and the Big East, but also an early favorite to make it back to the Final Four. The Wildcats are ranked #5 (AP) and #6 (USA Today) in the latest Pre-Season polls. The loss of 1st team All Philly Big Five Dante Cunningham (16.1 ppg. and 7.5 rpg,) Dwayne Anderson and Shane Clark to graduation will definitely be hard for the Wildcats to overcome. The Cats will also be without forward Reggie Redding for the first 10 games until he becomes a “Student in good Standing” according to University policy.
2008-2009 Recap: The Wild Cats went on an improbable run through the NCAA Tournament all the way to the Final Four losing to eventual National Champion North Carolina. They finished the season with a record of 30-8 overall and 13-5 in the Big East.
Backcourt: This is by far the strongest part of the team. Led by senior captain Scottie Reynolds and juniors Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes, the Wildcats return one of the best back courts in the country. Reynolds, who put his name in the NBA hat, but eventually decided to return for his senior year, was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2009 East Regional, Honorable Mention All Big East and 1st team All Philly Big Five. He is a favorite for not only Big East Player of the Year, but National Player of the year as well. Fisher is back after being named Big East 6th man of the year last season. Stokes is a model of consistency at the other guard spot.
Frontcourt: If there is a weak point on this year’s team or better yet, a question mark, it would be the front court. However, coach Wright expects big things out of the combination of red shirts, transfers and a few freshman. Red shirt freshman Marice Sutton is expected to jump right in at the center position. Sutton is a 6’11 natural shot blocker, who can play with his back to the basket. Perhaps the biggest addition for the Wildcats is Duke transfer Taylor King. King is a 6’6 forward who averaged 5.5ppg in 34 games with Duke. King has the ability to be a prolific scorer as he was in his high school days as a McDonalds All American in 2007, averaging 26.6 points per game.
Recruits: The Cats have one of nation’s top recruiting classes. According to Scout.com it is ranked #2 and ESPN has the class ranked #3. Jay Wright brought in two McDonalds All Americans in Dominic Cheek and Maalik Wayns. Despite their great depth at the guard position, these youngsters are expected to play a significant role this season. Coach Wright also recruited two teammates from Montrose Christian in Maryland, Isaiah Armwood and Mouphtaou Yarou. Yarou is expected to start in the front court, while Armwood will also see minutes.
Biggest Loss(es):The dominating play of Dante Cunningham will be missed.
Key Player(s): Scottie Reynolds is by far the key to their success.
Pleasant Surprise(s): Taylor King will be the biggest surprise of not only the team, but the entire Big East. I expect a great year from King.
Freshman of the Year: Well, if you count red shirt freshman, then Marice Sutton will run away with this. However, as far as true freshman go, I will say Mouphtaou Yarou.
Prediction:
Big 5: 1st
Big East: 1st
Bonus: 2nd straight Final Four appearance
St. Joseph’s season preview
St. Josephs Hawks
The St. Joseph’s Hawks are in a rebuilding year and most likely will finish 3rd or 4th in the Big 5. Losing seniors Ahmed Nivins and Tasheed Carr to graduation leaves the Hawks with two big holes to fill. Nivens is the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, 1st team All-Philly Big 5 and last season’s leading scorer (19.2 ppg.) and leading rebounder (11.8 rpg.) for the Hawks, while Carr was the calming influence and floor leader from the guard position.
2008-2009 Recap: The Hawks found themselves in the mix last season around midseason. Unfortunately, Martelli’s bunch went on to lose 7 of their last 10 games to finish 17-15 overall and 9-7 in the A-10. It appeared that the Hawks ran out of gas at the end of the season, as four players averaged 34 minutes a game.
Backcourt: The Hawks will depend heavily on their returning seniors Darrin Govens and Garrett Williamson. Govens will be depended upon to score and direct traffic. If the Hawks expect to compete in the Big 5 and A-10, Govens will have to increase last years 12.7 ppg output. Williamson, a defensive specialist is a big guard at 6’5 and will be looked at to shut down the opposition’s top scorer.
Frontcourt: To fill the void that was left by Nivens, Martelli will depend on junior forward Idris Hilliard to step right in and produce. Hilliard averaged 9.2 ppg and 5.5 rpg last season and is expected surpass those numbers while logging more minutes. 6-11 Sophomore transfer Todd O’Brian from Bucknell, will also be counted on to solidify the front court for the Hawks.
Recruits: Even though the Hawks are strong in the backcourt, they will also depend on two freshman guards, Justin Crosgile and Carl Jones. While Jones is expected to log more minutes then Crosgile, both will be counted on to spell Govens and Williamson. Freshman forward Carl Baptiste could also see some time this season.
Biggest Loss(s): Without a doubt, losing Ahmed Nivens is going to hurt.
Key Player(s): The key to the Hawks success will depend heavily on the play of Hilliard and Govens.
Pleasant Surprise(s): Transfer Todd O’Brian will be a pleasant surprise in the front court.
Freshman of the Year: Jones will get to play significant minutes and could be a starter by the end of the year.
Prediction:
Big 5: 4th
A-10- Middle of the pack (8th or 9th)
Yummmm….Gold Glove Update
I happened to be visiting Philly this past weekend for the first time in a while. I decided before I left that it was extremely important for me to take what I call the Pats vs. Gino’s Challenge. So, a buddy and I went into South Philly and first stopped by Pats. After following the directions printed on the building, we ordered our “Philly Wiz Wit” and of course cheese fries. I was very pleased. Not wasting anytime we walked across the street to Gino’s and after the fifteen-minute wait, we ordered two more “Philly Wiz Wits.” Although, I thought it was good, in my eyes it did not match up to Pat’s. Maybe the difference was Pats pouring on the whiz and Gino’s just smearing a little on the bread. Whatever the case, Pats won my challenge and I had to get an angioplasty. Let me hear ya Philly!!!
As expected Phil’s Short Stop Jimmy Rollins took home his 3rd consecutive Gold Glove Award on Wednesday. Teammate Shane Victorino secured his second straight award for his stellar defensive play in center field. One of the biggest keys to a good baseball team is to be strong up the middle and the Phil’s are definitely that with Ruiz, Rollins, Utley and Victorino.
The Phil’s, Cardinals and Dodgers dominated the awards by winning two Gold Gloves each. The Nationals and Padres also had players win Awards. Here is the entire list of award winners:
C: Yadier Molina
P: Adam Wainwright
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
2B: Orlando Hudson
SS: Jimmy Rollins
3B: Ryan Zimmerman
OF: Shane Victorino
OF: Michael Bourn
OF: Matt Kemp
Gold In Sight
Tomorrow the National League Gold Glove Award Winners will be announced. There is a good possibility that the trophy room will be “philled” with red and blue.
Jimmy Rollins with his Major-League best .990 fielding percentage will almost certainly win his 3rd straight Gold Glove, but he may not be alone. Shane Victorino and Chase Utley also have a good chance of joining Rollins. For Victorino, it would be his 2nd consecutive Gold Glove and for Utley his 1st. Carlos Ruiz, Pedro Feliz and Jason Werth are sure to receive some consideration. Stay Tuned….
The American League announced its Gold Glove winners earlier today:
P: Mark Buehrle
C: Joe Mauer
1B: Mark Teixera
2B: Placido Polanco
SS: Derek Jeter
3B: Evan Longoria
OF: Adam Jones
OF: Torii Hunter
OF: Ichiro Suzuki
Now That the Dust Has Settled
Is it safe to come out yet? Now that most of you phanatics have had a chance to calm down and have a nice cry, it’s time to take a look forward. For my first blog, I would like to look towards the off-season and our wish lists. What do you want the front office to bring you for Christmas? What’s the biggest need? Would you add to the rotation by jumping into the Lackey sweepstakes? Would you make a splash by luring Pettite to Philly? Or would you go low risk high reward after a Rich Harden? Maybe your wish list includes fixing the pitiful bench. Do you want Marco Scutaro or maybe a Coco Crisp? How about Eric Brunlet I am sure all of these names will be mentioned and many more. But for now I am not interested in the so-called experts opinions. I want the fan perspective.
As for me, I believe that they could use at least one more starter. Perhaps Rich Harden, would be a nice replacement for Pedro. Obviously, Lackey would instantly give this team the best rotation in baseball, but most likely is wishful thinking. This goes without saying, but they have to extend Cliff Lee, yesterday. They absolutely must upgrade their depth. Ben Francisco and Matt Stairs are not going to cut it. This is where they could go after a Marco Scutaro or even former Penn QB Mark DeRosa, although he would fill the need at the hot corner full time. I am sure there will be talks of Adrian Beltre, which would be a significant upgrade offensively. Any of those players would upgrade an already very good team. I expect names such as Chone Figgins and Jose Valverde to also pop up. Valverde would immediately stabilize a struggling back end of the bullpen and make them even better.
This team also needs to find another outfielder, maybe not for this year, but Raul isn’t getting any younger. To recap, I believe that the Phillies biggest off-season needs are (in no particular order) bench depth, at least one outfielder, a third basemen, another starter and some bullpen help. With a stronger bench and a steadier bullpen, Philly may have been celebrating their 2nd straight World Championship!!!
Sports Columns
Grinding My Gears is all the stuff that gets under your skin. Bad calls in a game, fans storming the court after a regular win, comments by players...
By The Numbers simply put is research comparing records and statistics from today to bygone eras.