The700Level.com - Philly Sports & Minutiae

A Rivalry Worth The Hype

Sure, you may get sick of Dickie V. and ESPN's overblowing of everything about the rivalry, but in my opinion, Duke vs. UNC is one rivalry worth the hype.  I get sick when ESPN pumps up their Yankees/Red Sox coverage, but I really enjoy a good North Carolina vs. Duke match up.

This ESPN intro shows some of the amazing players -- Stackhouse! -- who have played through this epic rivalry.

Fun random fact: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the only university that denied me admittance.  /sheds single baby blue tear

The Pefect Storm of Taunting?

ESPN's Buster Olney wrote yesterday that he thinks the Mets should consider signing Barry Bonds.  If the unlikely scenario ever came to fruition it would most certainly lead to some interesting taunting.  It would be awfully fun to watch fans harass Barry Bonds, as a Met, playing in Philadelphia.  9 times in 2008.  Unrelated: Buster also notes that Delgado's injury may be an issue.

Sammy Needs to Look Into The Sights of the Sun

That's where the fun is.

"I'm just trying to get the fun back. It's been a little while since I've had the fun. It's been a while since I've enjoyed myself."

-Samuel Dalembert

Poor guy seems a bit down.  You're winning!

Birds Offer Not Enough to Land Fitz... So Far

With Randy Moss still very much off the market, the Eagles have been pursuing trade talks with the Cardinals for Larry Fitzgerald. However, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, their rumored offer thus far—Lito Sheppard and Reggie Brown—doesn't interest the Cards.

It's likely the talks will continue as long as the Cardinals and Fitzgerald remain unable to come to terms on a contract renegotiation, but it remains to be seen how much the Birds will be willing to give up in return. Still, it's encouraging to see how aggressively they're pursuing their targets this off-season.

Somers also alludes to a sentiment we've heard mentioned about Fitz that we completely disagree with:

The impact of the Fitzgerald situation reverberates throughout the organization. It calls into question Fitzgerald's sincerity and commitment to winning, Rod Graves' acumen as a general manager and owner Bill Bidwill's willingness to write a check with a lot of numbers to the left of the decimal point.

It's not as if Fitz is demanding more money here—he just wants what the team agreed to pay him, a contract he's more than lived up to. In a league where aging players are dropped left and right due to their contracts, it's completely unfair to question a young Pro-Bowler's desire to win just because he wants what is owed to him. Also, how can "commitment to winning" and "playing for the Cardinals" be part of the same equation?

Jaws: Moss to Pats Deal 'Falling Apart'

As a guest on SR950's Jody MacDonald show, former Eagle and now ESPN analyst Ron Jawarsk says the deal the Patriots had in place for Randy Moss, "is falling apart."  Jaws made it clear that as of 3:30 this afternoon, Randy Moss had not yet signed on the dotted line with the New England Patriots and the two sides may be arguing over numbers.

Jaws and Jody Mac are in Atlantic City for tonight's Maxwell Football Club Awards dinner.  Tom Brady and Bill Belichick had committed to being at the dinner to receive their awards but later backed out.  Could we see another reneging by the Patriots?

Jaws says the Eagles may not be out of the running just yet for Randy Moss.  "I would not be surprised if Andy or somebody might be on the phone right now just trying to stir those coals a little bit to see if Randy Moss has any interest in coming to Philadelphia."

I ripped the audio of the interview from Red Lasso, after the jump.

Video: Iverson's Crossover on Antonio Daniels on Way to 47

Allen Iverson will make his return to the Wachovia Center for the first time as a member of the Denver Nuggets on March 19th.  In the two weeks leading up to the game, we're going to be posting random highlights from A.I.'s time in Philadelphia.  If you have a favorite, send it our way.

In one of the last games I ever got to watch Iverson in person as a Sixer, he dropped 47 points on the Washington Wizards.  It prompted me to write a post telling Billy King to never trade Allen Iverson.  That was the game where A.I. made Antonio Daniels look silly.  Twice.  In one play.  Video below.

This Adam Eaton Thing Can't End Well

It wouldn't be the worst situation in the world if Adam Eaton made something close to the veteran minimum.  But even that could be overvaluing him.  The reality is Eaton will get paid just over $8 million dollars this year.  Maybe he should give some of that to Cole.

As Todd Zolecki points out, Eaton may be the fifth starter whether we like it or not.  His spring stats so far this year: 0-2 with a 15.75 ERA in two starts.

I'm thinking the only solution is to start some sort of Adam Eaton ERA pool.  I've got dibs on 8.88.

Brett Myers is Quite the Bowler

I find this weird.  On Wednesday, I wrote a post titled, "Myers Throwin Rocks in Split Game."  Clearly I was talking about his three scoreless innings on the mound that day.  It turns out that evening he went on to bowl a 279 in the Phillies weekly bowling challenge which I did not know existed.

Pat Burrell Caught Looking Again

But can ya blame him? A Hooters ballgirl? Great capture by Jake SG.
What are you looking at?, originally uploaded by jakesg.

Cote the Killer

For the most part, Riley Cote's won-lost record hasn't exactly been what Flyers fans are used to from their enforcers. He's listed in three of Newsday's top 10 fights for this year, but didn't exactly win any of them. But the one thing that has to endear Cote the screaming masses is that he isn't afraid of anyone, and he keeps brawling and brawling. Philly loves a winner, but we can also get behind an underdog like no other. 

Riley has fared a bit better of late, winning a few battles and some fans along the way. Last night, on MS Awareness night at the Wachovia Center, Cote dropped the gloves twice with Andre Roy. Keep in mind, Cote is one of the biggest reasons the Flyers are having an MS Awareness night, as his sister has MS. Way to fight for that cure, Riley.

In the first scrap, Cote's hand caught the glass and he was cut on the knuckles, but he stayed in the game long enough to battle Roy again, and boy was it worth it. Here's Round 1, and Round 2 plus a clip of Roy crying up a storm is after the jump. Also, after getting off to another feeble start, the Flyers won the game, 3-2, on the strength of 2 goals by Jeff Carter (on fire with 7 points in 4 games) and one by Danny Briere.

Spikes Speaks

The recently released Takeo Spikes was a guest of Jody Mac today, and he says he has no hard feelings toward the Birds' front office. Spikes wanted to stay in Philly, but when it seemed as if the Eagles might favor playing their young LBs more this season, he said he'd rather be released now than to wait for the inevitable. Here's a link to the interview podcast.

Eagles Cut Takeo Spikes Loose

Comcast Sportsnet is reporting that the Eagles have parted ways with linebacker Takeo Spikes.  Spikes was the big off-season acquisition made by the Birds last season to fill in at what was a very thin position for the Eagles.  His contract is likely the issue here because Spikes performed adequately in 2007.  Did he perform up to his contract value?  It looks like the Eagles didn't think so or at least don't think he would in '08.

Also, the Freak goes back to Titans.

The Flyers Ice Girls Need Your Support

A blog called "Puck That Hit" is holding balloting on which NHL team has the hottest ice girls. We're big fans of anything involving these lovely ladies, but this contest is clearly going to be about who can get the most fans of a particular team to vote for their hometown ice girls, since you're likely not going to support another club's, whom you've likely never seen outside of the links he provides.

However, the blog owner does a disservice to our Delta Dental Ice Team, describing them as follows:

The Flyers are known for being a big, tough, bruising team. No different for these gals. I’m not saying they’re hefty… but they may want to stop after their second cheese steak.

Bite your tongue! We don't know what he's smoking, but having been to quite a few games, we can tell you he's categorically wrong about the ladies in Orange & Black. As much as it hurts us to give traffic to a site that disparages the ice girls, we encourage you to go vote them up here. After all, the guy did put together a nice little poll for us to enjoy.

Bill Conlin: Astronomy Expert

Bill Conlin this morning talks about the planets aligning and something about three Phillies being pretty good. [Daily News]

Wide Receivers on the Brain

Commenter extraordinaire Kulp has been fairly vocal in the comments lately about the potential receivers the Eagles could still add this off-season.  We asked him to weigh in on the subject for this guest post.  Many thanks.

If the Andy Reid era ends without a Super Bowl Championship, it will perhaps best be known for the fans’ constant obsession with wide receivers.  The Eagles inability to get consistent production from that position has been a serious issue for years, and as a result, some of our expectations have become completely unreasonable.

Since Terrell Owens’ amazing ’04 season, the team has not been able to replace those 14 touchdowns, and last season they finally hit rock bottom.  After scoring 17 points or less in 10 games and ranking 24th in red zone scoring, there is no question the Eagles once again must be in the market for a receiver.  However, this time the need is more specific.  Unlike the years prior to T.O., there are already effective options on the roster.  Kevin Curtis managed 1,100 yards and can be an effective deep threat.  Reggie Brown seemed to have a down year, but he still hauled in 61 passes.  The problem is they combined for only 10 touchdowns.

For that reason, the Eagles mostly steered clear of free agent wide receivers.  They made an exciting and somewhat surprising play for Randy Moss, but there was no interest in the rest of the group.  We’ve already seen what Donte Stallworth has to offer, and they replaced him with Curtis who has similar skills.  Bernard Berrian was also a popular choice for some, but he doesn’t appear to be a solid red zone option. Both have reached agreements with other teams.

Now the question on everyone’s mind is what the team will do next.  The trade rumors have been pouring in nonstop, but the point that has been lost in the madness is not just anyone would be a good fit.  Which receivers would help restore order in the red zone, and which players don’t really make sense?  The candidates, after the jump.

Myers Throwin Rocks in Split Game

The Phillies went 1-1 on Wednesday down in Florida.  Brett Myers looked sharp in a Phillies win while J.D. Durbin looked shaky in a Phillies loss.  Chase Utley is thankfully still fond of doubles.  Also of note: Lidge and Benson seem to be progressing well.

Phillies Spring Standouts Thus Far

The Phillies had a pair of games today (simultaneously!) but they was unfortunately not available via MLB Gameday Audio.  Looks like one of the Phillies teams is winning while one is losing.  Exciting.  Anyway, during this slow news day, Beerleaguer brings us his five stars of spring thus far.

Ryan Howard: The big man has connected for seven hits in 16 at bats (.438) and tallied 13 total bases – with just three strikeouts. Jamie Moyer: Near perfect so far in this his 243rd spring training. Carlos Carrasco: Even better than four scoreless frames are the accolades from the skipper. Francisco Rosario: A strong showing in the Caribbean Series has translated into spring training (5.1 IP, 7 SO, 2 BB, 1 ER). Out of options, the right-hander holds the early edge in the battle for the sixth inning. Eric Bruntlett: New utilityman working it out (7-15, 2 XBH) before a season on the bench.

What? No Adam Eaton???  Jason has some thoughts on Kyle Lohse who the Phils have said they no longer want anything to do with at even $4m a year.

Top 50 Bars of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Weekly has a nice list of Philadelphia's top 50 bars.  Choice of bars is, in my opinion, entirely subjective but their list is a real nice starting point.  Coming in at number one is Grace Tavern.  I found that one a bit surprising.  Grace is alright but certainly not the most amazing atmosphere.  I'd much rather go to other top ten choices N. Third, Good Dog, Royal, or the Standard Tap.

Of the top 25, I don't believe I've ever been to Sugar Mom's, McMenamin’s Tavern, Southwark, or Atlantis: the Lost Bar, or Belgian Cafe.  That makes me feel like I drink a lot.

>>Philly's Top 50 Bars [Philadelphia Weekly]

Asphalt of the Week: Chris Glorioso

A New York City weatherman for the CW11 named Chris Glorioso had a hilarious slip of the tounge the other night during the 10:00 news.  While outside reporting, he explained that the snow was coming down pretty hard.  So hard, that the snowflakes were starting to stick to the asphalt.  Except he misspoke on the "asphalt" part.

Heehee:

(Enrico says: I told meech not to post this, but he didn't listen.)

Joe Banner Says Offers Rolling in For Lito

In an interview on Comcast, Joe Banner makes it seem like Lito Sheppard's days as an Eagle may be numbered.

Will Sheppard be dealt?
“We suspected that we would get calls from people saying this is a hard-to-find position, and they’ve got three starters, and that’s exactly what has happened. We’ve gotten a lot of calls, and we’ve gotten some very significant offers, and in the end we’ll have to decide if it will make more sense to make the move or whether it will make more sense to try and keep the three of them for at least the short term. At some point it becomes difficult to keep three guys like that happy.”

The corner situation is not one many fans saw coming this off-season.  I suppose it's not such a bad dilemma to have but Lito was certainly a fan favorite when healthy.  Always that qualifier with Lito these days.

Caption Contest: Kyle Korver, Fearless Defender

Via BallHype user Bars & Stripes, we have this great photo of former Sixer Kyle Korver.

Rashad McCants is pulling up for a jumper, so it's not the traditional posterization, but um... wtf, Kyle?

Feel free to leave your captions for this, our second favorite picture of the day, in the comments. [favorite]

Chase Utley: Faux Soap Opera Star

I'm not going to lie, I don't know if this is a play off of All My Children or One Life to Live.  Or, in fact, if those are actually the names of real soap operas.  Anyway, ESPN's new Fantasy Baseball promos feature a play off of some soap opera.  Perhaps Clare or some other lady can translate these into manspeak?

For all the ESPN hating in the blogosphere, their promos are usually top notch.  These?  I'm not so sure.  But hey, anything that features our fearless second baseman has to be decent.  It's too bad they couldn't come up with some sick and twisted plot scheme involving Anna Benson and the entire Mets roster.

Scottie Upshall Ends Henrik Tallinder's Night Early

For the second time in a week, Scottie Upshall delivered a devastating hit behind the net. Unfortunately, the hit came in an embarrassing loss to the Sabres, who are within striking distance of putting the Flyers out of the playoffs.

Upshall also added a goal, but it wasn't enough to give Marty Biron the cushion he needed in the third period. Biron was chased from the net just a few minutes into the third, after giving up 3 goals in the frame to allow the Sabres to go up 5-2. He was replaced by Antero Niittymaki, who just one game ago needed relief after giving up 4 goals before the game's halfway point.

[Previously]

Briere Latest Flyer Out With an Injury

As if the Flyers needed a greater degree of difficulty in making the playoffs this season, they're now without Danny Briere for tonight's matchup with the Sabres. Briere, who suffered a sprained shoulder sliding into the boards in Sunday's game against the Rangers, joins Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Derian Hatcher, and Joffrey Lupul on the shelf. No word yet on how long Danny will be out.

Video: Allen Iverson Breaks Ankles

Allen Iverson will make his return to the Wachovia Center for the first time as a member of the Denver Nuggets on March 19th.  In the two weeks leading up to the game, we're going to be posting random highlights from A.I.'s time in Philadelphia.  If you have a favorite, send it our way.

Below is a simple crossover that A.I. put on Jacque Vaughn of the Nets.  Nasty.

Geoff Jenkins CRUSHED Over Brett Favre Retirement News

The Phillies biggest outfield addition this off-season agreed to do a mock press conference today to document his reaction to the Brett Favre retirement news.

"I'm crushed," Jenkins told me and a few Phillies beat writers here in Orlando before playing the Braves. "What can you say? The man was tremendous.

"Seeing how good the (Packers') running game was getting and the defense, too, he could have come back, but who knows?"

Perhaps my favorite anecdote from the story: Shane Victorino ended the interview by hitting Jenkins in the nads with a baseball.

The Sixers Just Keep Winning

The Sixers continued their impressive west coast swing last night by defeating the Clippers.  It's safe to say they've been playing some hot ball.

The kids over at Empty the Bench have written a state of the Sixers post.  If you're a casual NBA fan -- and it seems like everyone is these days -- it may be a bit wordy for your liking.  But if you're enthralled by this young squad, you will certainly enjoy their analysis.

Andy Reid Says Randy Moss Was Always Going Back to New England

As a guest this morning on ESPN's Mike & Mike, Andy Reid says he always believed Moss would go back to New England.  Read more and listen to the entire interview at FanHouse.

Golson, Carrasco Gaining Fans in Clearwater

Golson Golden, originally uploaded by furnstein.

Every Spring Training there seems to be a player who shines a little more than expected, garnering the hopeful attention of wintered fans and bored beat writers. Some of them carry that momentum into a regular season gig, like Chris Coste did two seasons ago. This year, that player might be Greg Golson (no, not this guy), who has opened some eyes with a few home runs in Clearwater, as well as a diving catch (Update: Meech has viddy). More after the J.

10 Goals and a Safety

I got to watch one of hockey's greats put on a show last night at the Verizon Center in DC.  Alex Ovechkin had a hat trick in the first period on the way to a 10-2 romping of the Boston Bruins.  The man is a pleasure to watch on the ice.  Also, what kind of hockey game sees one team score ten goals?!? One of the most exciting parts of the evening was when former Flyer Donald Brashear, who scored a goal (!), was circling the giant Zdeno Chara in what one hoped to be a battle for the ages.  Until they made contact.  Talk about a let down.

Eagles ALMOST Land Randy Moss

Blah, blah, blah, Almost my ass.  Horseshoes and hand grenades.  The Eagles almost had Randy Moss. [ESPN]

Andre Miller sounds thrilled to be a Sixer

Sixers PG Andre Miller was a guest on the Jody Mac show this evening on 950 WPEN.  A couple of minutes into the interview, I was debating with myself whether or not he was THEE worst interview of all-time, or just Top 5.  Then, outta nowhere, he became interesting.

After an introduction and the requisite basketball talk, Jody MacDonald started asking a subdued, sidetracked Andre (his hotel phone kept ringing) about his contract situation, his desire to stay with the team and feelings on Philadelphia.  He didn't sound too enthusiastic...

Jody Mac:  Have you or your agent talked to the Sixers at all about doing a possible contract extension?

Andre Miller:  No.

JM: Do you want to?

AM:  I don't know, it's too early to worry about that stuff right now.

JM:  If it were me, I'd at least start thinking about it.

Do you enjoy it here in Philly?  Do you like it here in Philly?  Do you wanna stay here in Philly?

AM: Well, you know I'm a west coast boy so.. ya know.. I mean, Philly's alright, ya know, as long as I got a job, I'm happy.

JM: (laughing) As long as the check shows up on the 15th & 30th, right?

AM: Exactly.

A wise man once said, "As long as somebody 'CTC,' at the end of the day I'm with them."   Still, you'd like to see a player be a tad more excited about playing in Philly than, "It's alright."

Hear it for yourself, after the jump.

Iverson Driving While Sexin'

We've posted about Allen Iverson's apparent sexual prowess before in regards to rapper Nas' former baby mama but now it seems there are rumors of Bubba Chuck's skills in the bedr... uh... front seat of his Bentley.

Some Philly radio DJ claims:

“Once during the playoffs I knew he wouldn’t get back to the hotel before morning, so I figured I’d get it right there at the stadium.” [Natson] went on to say that there sexual escapades occurred in the most untraditional places: like in the front seat of his Bentley … while he was driving.

Surely, A.I. deserves a ticket for that one.  The female DJ reportedly also had a lesbian fling with rapper Lil' Kim but calls Iverson the "best sex of her life."

Temple Storms Back to Beat St. Joe's

Temple and St. Joe's went at it again yesterday at the Palestra in another Big Five battle to the death.  St. Joe's lead most of the way until Temple stormed back to win by a point 57-56.

One of our Temple loyalists at the game said the TU rowdies were showing their support more so than the SJU folk with signs reading "FLAP YOUR WINGS IF YOU SUCK" as well as masks of Phil Martelli.  The Joe went ice cold in the final 10 minutes. For some reason they stopped pounding the ball inside against undersized Temple and it proved costly.  Tyndale looked like a man possessed in the final five and lead the Owls to victory.  Video below.

Photo: Two Of The Game's Best in Florida

Rodriguez  & Utley, originally uploaded by largodeb

Maybe Adam Eaton, who knows he's overpaid, should take a pointer or two from Andy Pettitte.  The Phillies faced the Yankees yesterday in spring training action.  Eaton didn't fare very well.  However, the Phillies best prospect Carlos Carrasco looked sharp in three scoreless innings.

More photos from yesterday's game can be seen here.  Don't forget to add your Phillies photos to The 700 Level's flickr group.

Phillies Don't Care That Chuck Norris Waits in Line for Cole Hamels' Autograph

On the heels of the second consecutive year featuring a public contract dispute with a core player, the Phillies have another All-Star feeling "low-balled" by the team's yearly renewal. On Friday, Bill Conlin's column ominously worried that this Phillies front office is likely to have trouble staying competitive with the other large-market teams as salaries continue to go skyward and their young (but maturing) core continues to excel on the field, a concern many of us share. Today, the Phillies news is focused on Cole Hamels, the Phils' true ace, who yesterday was given a $100,000 raise over his 2007 salary of $400,000, a bump with which he was less than thrilled.

Hamels, who was asking for a salary of $750,000 at this, the time of his annual renewal, called the raise a "low blow." Going an impressive 15-5 with a 3.39 ERA and 177 K's last year, Cole showed that he's well on his way to being a dominant pitcher, and he didn't think he was asking for much, but apparently the $250k difference was more than the Phillies were willing to part with. Unfortunately, it may cost the front office (and possibly Cole's fans in Philly) in the long run. David Murphy quotes Cole as follows:

While acknowledging that the team is being "business-savvy," the 24-year-old pitcher also said he felt disrespected by the deal, calling it a "low blow" that he will remember down the road.

"You just want to be treated fairly, equally, and if you're not, then you're going to remember it,"

Before we take the road most traveled and pile on the Phillies management, Jim Salisbury soberly cautions that Hamels is out of line, and that the current situation has little in common with what we've witnessed between the club and Ryan Howard over the last two years.

Eagles Shopping Lito... To 'Skins?

With the signing of CB Asante Samuel, most of us are wondering what the next step in the Eagles plan is. Many are speculating that Lito Sheppard will be dealt, while others aren't so sure. Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post has heard that the Eagles are shopping Sheppard, and they aren't opposed to dealing him within in the division, something many fans would be opposed to. No one likes to see a former Eagle twice in a season. According to La Canfora, the Eagles were targeting Shawn Springs, but the Redskins haven't shown interest in Sheppard.

Ah, rumor season.

Cross Walker Off the Wish List

It sounds like the Eagles aren't interested in recently cut WR Javon Walker after all. From Profootballtalk.com:

A league source tells us that the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins are no longer among the teams interested in acquiring the services of receiver Javon Walker.

There’s a suspicion that Walker’s agent is puffing in this regard, overstating to the media the interest in the player in an effort to create a market for him.

>>Eagles, 'Skins Out of Walker Sweepstakes [profootballtalk.com]

Quotable: Even Eaton Himself Knows He's Overpaid

It's possible you're of the opinion that a 3-year deal worth $24 million is excessive for an oft-(but not oft enough) injured starter who put up the worst ERA in the NL last year. We'd tend to agree. And ya know what? So does said pitcher, Adam Eaton.

"I'm getting paid extremely handsomely, probably more than I'm worth. But everyone is not worth what they're getting paid."

Here's hoping there's a Kyle Kendrick in the minors somewhere. Maybe it's Carrasco's year to surprise everyone by sprouting early. Anything to keep Eaton out of the fifth starter's position. Question is, where do you put him? He's atrocious in the 1st inning, as demonstrated again yesterday, so relief work isn't exactly looking like his second calling. I say give him a rake and at least get something for your money.

>>Phillies Adam Eaton not worried about job [Zolecki]

Sixers Beat Shaq & The Suns in PHX

How 'bout them Sixers?  They went out on the road last night and beat The Big Cactus and the Phoenix Suns 119-114.  Iguodala hit a half court shot to end the third and he saw it the whole way: "The funny thing is I knew it was in.  I put my hands up before it went in."  It was the first time the Sixers won in Phoenix in six years.