The700Level.com - Philly Sports & Minutiae

Kevin Jones Wouldn't Mind Coming Home

Free agent running back and Cardinal O'Hara alum Kevin Jones was among the many people surprised to find out he'd been cut by the Detroit Lions a few days ago. After all, who are the Lions to be cutting anyone? But after the shock wore off and the phone calls from interested teams started coming in, Jones now sounds excited to be considering his suitors.

Joe Santoliquito of the Daily News reports that one of the 12 teams in contact already were the Eagles, and playing in Philadelphia would be a dream come true for the Chester native.

"When the Lions drafted me, it came as a big shock, because they weren't that much in the picture. It wasn't my dream situation. It would be a dream, however, to play for the Eagles. Going back to Philly, with all my relatives and friends back there, that's home to me. Chester will always be home to me. I have a real support system there in Philadelphia. Playing for the Eagles would be great."

And sharing a backfield with Eagles star Brian Westbrook...

"Are you kidding me? That would be awesome," Jones said. "I'd love to play with Brian Westbrook. He's one of the best backs, if not the best back in the league. I definitely wouldn't mind doing that. I can learn some things from Brian Westbrook."

I'd like to see Jones playing for the Birds, but if he calls a press conference, pump fakes putting on an Eagles hat, and signs with the Redskins, I'd pull up the red carpet pretty quick. A public apology for that Penn State gag might be in order regardless.

>>Jones says Eagles among teams interested in his services [Daily News]

Eagles Sign Dan Klecko

The Eagles have reportedly signed fullback and special teamer Dan Klecko, a Temple product, to a 1-year deal. Although he's been a defensive end to date, the Birds are looking to use him at FB, filling the void left by Thomas Tapeh's departure. Klecko has a few Super Bowl rings and plenty of playoff experience, so it could prove to be a relatively significant minor signing.

So yeah, apparently it's my alma mater day here at The 700 Level, although America is celebrating another holiday as well.

PhillyBurbs Finds Innovative Way to Get Soul Dancers' Numbers

Chris Illuminati of phillyburbs.com today ran the inaugural post in a series of interviews with the Philadelphia Soul's dance team, the Soulmates. We applaud this creative yet poorly veiled effort to gain the favor and phone numbers of professional hotties. Our hats are off to you, sir.

A sampling:

Has anyone ever been rude to you? Maybe a fan…

No, not at all. Well, every once in a while, when we dance on the stairs in the crowd, you get the one fan that gets mad because we are standing and maybe dancing in their view.

(Editor’s Note- This is directed at those fans.  Eight or more attractive women are dancing in front of you and you are concerned with missing a play? I want names; I am personally revoking season tickets for those people. Numb nuts.)

Because No One's Tired of the 12th Man Gimmick

The Nationals, wanting fans to feel all warm and cozy in the confines of the new stadium they're set to open this spring, are actually going to attempt to apply the "12th Man" theme made popular by Texas A&M and the Seattle Seahawks. So I guess Phillies players and fans should be intimidated by the menacing 10th man  in DC, despite their not having even set foot in the new stadium yet, nor the Nats having finished higher than 4th since relocating from Puerto Rico Montreal.

Even the Mottrams disapprove.

Another Day Closer

Vic, originally uploaded by jakesg.

Detroit Cuts O'Hara Product Kevin Jones

After enduring lisfranc and ACL injuries and requiring surgery twice during the last 2 years, Cardinal O'Hara product Kevin Jones has been released by the Detroit Lions. Jones has decent stats through his first 4 years in the league, including 27 touchdowns in 49 games, but his injury history (and near future) have him looking for a new gig. RotoWorld says it's believed Jones won't be ready to start the 2008 season healthy, and it may be until 2009 before he's 100%.

Jones, who broke team, Catholic League, and PA state records at O'Hara, will surely catch on somewhere this off-season, but it will be as a backup until he can prove he's healthy again.

Juqua Thomas No Longer

Juqua Thomas has legally changed his name to Juqua Parker, something his late father requested of him years ago. "My father died in 2005, but before that he asked me to change my name to Parker. That was his last name. I just took a long time to get around to doing it. The name on my birth certificate was Juqua Thomas. I can't figure out why. My mother married after she and my father split up and her name became Thomas. My dad wanted it this way and that's why I did it."

Perhaps there is something about guys with the last name Thomas wanting to change their names?

Louis Williams On the Ones and Twos

As we mentioned a few months back, Sixers guard Louis Williams was all set to get his own radio show.  It looks like he has hit the airwaves.  Now, J.E. Skeets has unearthed this YouTube video.  Anyone heard the show?

The Sixers beat the Pistons last night.  The PISTONS! Alright boys.

PEDs Are Great for Hangovers Too.

Buster Olney is one my favorite baseball writers, and I try to check out his stuff as often as possible. In addition to regular briefs on the hot news around the league, his ESPN Insider blog has a lot of insights and stories he's picked up in his years of coverage. After the jump, you'll find what I assume is one of many great Lenny Dykstra stories floating around American press rooms.

Mailbag: Time For Lohse?

From reader Dan:

Look man, I know as well as anyone that the preseason doesn't mean much of anything.  However with the less than stellar performances out of Kendrick and any of the laundry list of possible #5's (Durbin, Durbin, Eaton, Blackley), do you not think it is time to sign Kyle Lohse?  Are we putting a lot of eggs into the Benson basket which might not be ready until late April?  I don't know man, say something to make me feel better.

Something to make you feel better.

As Charlie Manuel would say after a pitiful April, "It's a long season."  Worrying about our fifth starter isn't fun but it also isn't the worst problem to have.  Myers, Hamels, Moyer should be a solid 1-2-3 and I think (and really hope) Kendrick will be fine.

The Dugout Chat, Featuring Phils Newcomers

By now you've probably caught the genius that is The Dugout, but if you haven't, today's a great time to get your first dose. In this installation, a few of the latest additions to the Phillies discuss being added to the roster.

The highlight for me had to be:

>>Spring Dugz: Philadelphia Phillies [The Dugout at the FanHouse]

Fear Not... Spring Is on Its Way

And the $10-million man is already looking good, while the Mets begin searching for another backup 1B. Howard is 13 for 34 (.382), with 3 homers, 7 RBI, 26 total bases, and only 6 Ks this spring. As well as he's raked the last three summers, we can't wait to see what he does next.

Ryan Howard 2, originally uploaded by jakesg.

Lupul's Ready to Return

Ladies, your prayers have been answered. After sitting out almost a month with a high ankle sprain, Joffrey Lupul will return to the Flyers lineup tonight. In the wake of an epic bed-shitting last night in Toronto, which saw the Flyers blow a 3-0 3rd period lead to lose in OT, the team needs a spark, and Lupul could be it.

Dennis Tolpeko will also return to the lineup, as will Jaro Modry. Sami Kapanen is out with the flu that I've had for a week (for which I recommend nothing less than a 24-hour NyQuil-induced coma). Marty Biron will start in goal, despite having a long night in the league's capital last night.

On Jeremy Shockey And Humble Eagles

Meanwhile, uptown, at the NYTimes NFL blog, the DJ ...

Matt wrote a post asking New Yorkers if they'd be willing to part with Jeremy Shockey.

And I wrote a post about the Eagles being humbled this off-season.

I'm Going to Beijing For the Olympics

Fun news! I recently purchased a plane ticket to Beijing, China!  I will be heading there for the Olympics in August.  I will be sure to write about my tales in this here space.  And in the months leading up to 08/08/08, I will be writing about the Olympics for FanHouse.

From a recent FanHouse post: George Clooney Vocal About China Issues: A little known fact about the Hollywood superstar is that he once tried out for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Unlike most of the women in his life, the Reds rejected him.

What Are the Big 5's Prospects of Dancing?

With selection Sunday just a few days away, we turn to our friends from Storming the Floor for a look at the prospect of any team from the Big Five making the big dance this year.  Enjoy.

Strange days for the college hoops scene in Philadelphia. With just four days until Selection Sunday, there is a real possibility that Philly could be shut out of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977. Hoping to avoid adding another chapter to Philadelphia sports futility while maintaining this city’s place as the best college hoops city in America (not DC, despite what Steinberg may tell you), here are NCAA Tournament prospects for the remaining Big 5 teams ...

Villanova – Left for dead after being blown out by Saint Joseph’s at the beginning of February, the Wildcats have rallied back to the brink of the tournament and have the easiest road of any Philly team to the dance. If they can beat Syracuse in the first round of the Big East Tournament today at noon and avoid a blowout against Georgetown tomorrow, the Wildcats will be dancing. Don’t forget that Nova may be given some slack by the committee for controversial losses to NC State and Georgetown early in the year.

Jimmy Rollins in April Men's Journal

The April issue of Men's Journal is reportedly on stands today and features on interview with Young James.  The Inqy has an excerpt of  the interview.

MJ: Are the Phils still the team to beat in '08?

Rollins: That wasn't a one-year thing. It's still gonna ring true in 2008, and every year I'm with the Phillies. We're going to win; it's gonna come down to who wants it more, and we want to win more than the Mets do. Truthfully, I don't worry about anybody in our division, or anybody in our league for that matter. I'm not worried about getting into the playoffs, because that part is accomplished. We're a playoff team now. Our next goal is to win the World Series.

Don't Read This, Just Give Me Your Money Instead

Former Phillie Lenny Dykstra is in the investment business and was profiled by HBO.  The Inquirer's Frank Fitzpatrick found the key to a good article, just cut and paste a conversation from HBO.  We do the same:

Host Bernard Goldberg: "Is it true you once said you don't read books because they might hurt your batting eye?"

Lenny Dykstra: "Yeah. You got to rest your eyes, man, plus it makes you think too much."

Goldberg: "Reading?"

Dykstra: "Too confusing."

Is Anquan Unhappy? An Eagles Trade Rumor Is Born

Despite the fact that both sides had continuously indicated that it would happen, most of us were fairly disappointed to see that Larry Fitzgerald had restructured his contract and will remain with the Cardinals. But fear not, Eagles fans, the next round of possibly meritless but entirely enticing speculation may have just begun! When Cardinals management closes a door, Adam Schefter and Mike Florio open a window.

Via Profootballtalk.com:

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, Anquan Boldin could want more money and/or a trade in the wake of Fitzgerald’s $10 million-per-year contract.

Per Schefter, some in the Cardinals organization actually regard Boldin as the better wideout.  But Boldin will make far, far less than Fitzgerald over the next three seasons — he’s due to earn base salaries of $2.5 million, $2.75 million, $3 million in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively.

And wait for it... wait for it...

Possible destinations are Philly, Dallas, and the Redskins.

YES! Possible!

>>Anquan Boltin? [profootballtalk.com]

Photo: Caption These Pitchers

Pitchers, originally uploaded by jakesg

Myers: "Come on Durbin, you've gotta be better than Eaton.  What about you Bens? Your wife wouldn't have married you if she knew you were worse than Adam Eaton."

All Balls All the Time

Inquirer gossip columnist Michael Klein has some sports bloggery news today.

AJ Daulerio, who's blogged for Philadelphia Magazine's Daily Examiner for its first year, gave notice, effective March 28. He's rejoining Deadspin.com, this time as a senior writer based in Philly.

There Will Be No Midnight Green Fitzgerald Jerseys

From Larry Fitz's site:

The Arizona Cardinals have reached a contract agreement with All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Pending NFL approval. The 24 year old Fitzgerald, who helped the Cardinals to a 8-8 record in 2007 their best in ten years will remain with the Cardinals after signing a four-year contract extension.

The contract guarantees Fitzgerald $30mil, and he gets out of it well before his 30th birthday. He done well for himself. Eagles fans who'd been holding out hope of seeing him in Philadelphia can now relinquish said hope.

Quotable: Lidge Survives Second Encounter With Mound

Phils fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as Brad Lidge is looking to be on track to return by Opening Day. After a scary brush with a pitcher's mound on his first several pitches of Spring Training, Lidge required surgery to clean up his knee, but apparently, yesterday went much better.

"I was real happy," Lidge said. "I didn't feel it at all. I threw 25 pitches in there, and I tried to let it go. And it felt great. So I'm real encouraged by that. Obviously, that's a big step for me."

And a giant leap for our bullpen... (sorry).

>>Phillies watch Lidge, Eaton, Benson pitch [Zolecki]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mitch Williams!

I wish more former athletes put this much effort into providing material for Where Are They Now posts:

While observing the game from the stands, he took umbrage to the fact that the female official wasn’t calling fouls against the opposing team.  Normally, when this kind of thing happens at a Catholic Youth Organization 10-year old girl’s basketball game, you let it slide. But Mitch decided to hit the female ref with a barrage of F-bombs from the stands and got himself tossed from the gym.

I can't wait to hear what the morning crew at WIP does to him over this. Big Ups to the Mighty One for blowing up the blogs with this gem today, and nice work all around by Meech, Walkoff Walk, and HHR.

>>Dan Gross: Mitch Williams still a little wild [The Mighty Dan Gross]

The 700 Level @ NYTimes.com, cont'd

Our week of guestblogging at the New York Times' football blog The Fifth Down continues, with today's post on how Eagles fans would handle the signing of Jesse Chatman, and yesterday's on Isaac Bruce wearing Jerry Rice's number in San Fran.

Jon Runyan Wants to Play for Washington

The uh... Washington Generals that is. (I'm sorry, was that title misleading?)

Big Jon Runyan has signed on to play for the Generals when they tip off against the Harlem Globetrotters on St. Patrick's Day at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

When asked about the up coming experience, Runyan replied, “It was not until my 11th grade year in high school that I played organized football. Basketball was my passion as a kid and still is. Growing up in Michigan I loved watching the Globetrotters every year they came to town. Now being able to play against them with my kids in attendance – well that’s just awesome.

We hope that someday, when our kids inevitably have the opportunity to ask why that man keeps dunking on daddy, we'll be as enthusiastic as Big Jon is about it.

The Phillies Are Foo

I don't know what is in the water over at the MLB FanHouse but they're just pumping out goofy baseball previews.  First it was the Phillies haiku and now it's this video in which Jon Bois says the Phillies don't change.  Just like... The Foo Fighters?

Fan Reports: We Want Your Game Experience

With the 2008 baseball season less than 3 weeks away, I'd like to share an idea I have for a new feature on The 700 Level.  Going to CBP to watch the Phils play is one of my favorite things to do in the world.  Unfortunately, I don't have season tickets and usually only make about 15 trips to CBP a year.  But that shouldn't mean we can't all read about the experience.

The idea: have a fan -- could be you! -- write about their experience at the ballpark about once per home series at CBP.  There are no rules per se, but Matt and I are still going to be writing about the games we watch as we usually have in the past.  It's up to you really whether you want to write about how you almost saw Cole Hamels throw a no-no, saw a huge fight, or got hit in the head with a hot dog.  Was there an innordinate amount of annoying Mets fans in your section? Was Shane Victorino having a little fun with the fans on the balcony in center?  We want to know.  Of course, photos or video are always a plus.

We have a couple special people already lined up and ready to go but as I mentioned, I'm hoping to do this about once per series at CBP.  Hit us up if there is a series you know you'll be at and we can set you up.  And if you're a fan not living in Philadelphia and would like to cover a Phils road game, let us know.

Sixers Up-Tempo Game Drawing in Casual Fans

The following guest post comes to us from long-time supporter and commenter Gootman, a huge Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers fan, who has recently found himself drawn in by the young, fast-paced Sixers squad. If you haven't been watching, here's a recap of the Sixers' recent winning ways, and a preview of the 4-game reality check that starts tonight.

You may have been too wrapped in speculating Eagles trades for a WR or worrying about the Phils pitching staff to notice that Sixers have won 12 out their last 15 games, their last 8 at home, and 4 in a row.  The past 3 games they have looked impressive, winning by margins of 24, 32, and 22... Of course, it was against the lottery-bound Clippers, Sonics, and Bucks.  In fact, over these past 15 games, only 3 of their 12 wins have come against teams over .500.  The Sixers have 3 weeks before baseball starts, and if they are going to prove to this city they should pay attention to their playoff run, they need to beat teams with a winning record, and this week will be an extreme test. After the jump, a preview of the week ahead.

The 700 Level Takes Over NYTimes.com

One of the lead writers behind the New York Times NFL Blog thought it would be a great idea to hand the keys to the castle over to a pair of Eagles fans for the week.  Being the fine Philadelphian that I am, the first sentence that appears under my name on the New York Times website is "I hate the New York Giants."  Ha.

Also, they did a quick Q&A to let people know who we are.  Matt and I will probably be linking to our stuff over there all week.  Let us know what you think.

>>Uncomfortable Feelings: On Watching the Giants Win the Super Bowl [NYTimes]
>>Meet the Bloggers (The 700 Level) [NYTimes]

Phillies Haiku. Exciting Stuff.

The fine people over at the MLB section of FanHouse asked me if I'd like to contribute to their MLB Poetry Previews.  I thought long and hard for about 2 minutes and came up with a haiku to help the cause.

Ryan and Jimmy
won M.V.P. back to back
Chase Utley is next

Try the veal!  And feel free to nominate me for poet laureate of Citizens Bank Park.  Please add your own suggestions in the comments.

>>MLB Poetry Preview: Philadelphia Phillies [FH]

From the Department of Gimmicky News Reporting: Riley Cote & Butterbean!

Riley Cote has a tendency to get into battles of fisticuffs on the hockey rink.  Hockey! Fight!  It's an exciting part of the NHL game.  So what did NBC 10 do on their Sunday night sports final? Why they teamed Riley Cote up with a heavyweight bout with... Butterbean!  Um ... on Nintendo Wii.

Here's hoping to a pairing next week of bass fishing star/lunatic Mike Iaconelli and Sixers coach Mo Cheeks in a battle of Zelda fishing on the Wii.

Mathieson Stood Up By Pee-Wee Herman

Loved this little tidbit from Ken Mandel of MLB.com:

OK, so Pee Wee Herman didn't attend Sunday's game, as had originally been thought.

Yes, you read that correctly. Paul Reubens and pitcher Scott Mathieson struck up a conversation on a recent flight from Los Angeles to Florida (Reubens' mother lives in Sarasota) and Mathieson had left tickets for the game.

Reubens had to cancel.

Mathieson grew up watching "Pee Wee's Playhouse" (who didn't?) and the two have become friends.

Fortunately, Chairry and Conky were able to make it, as was Cowboy Laurence Fishburne. Also, John Daly threw some BP.

MLB 08 The Show Featuring Ryan Howard Looks Sick

It's been a quite a while since I've played a video game (I believe I bought one of the Tiger Woods golf games 2 years ago or so) but MLB 08 The Show which features Ryan Howard on the cover may make me go dust off my PSX that's probably hidden in my parents basement.

Brian Powell of The Sporting Blog has a full review of the game and praises it as one of the best baseball videogames ever: "The visuals the game puts before you are absolutely amazing and the players look like doppelgangers of their real selves. The commentary of Matt Vasgersian, Rex Hudler, and Dave Campbell is spot on and even the umpires give you attitude from time to time. "

Over at the newly branded Yahoo! Sports Blog, MLB writer 'Duk has a quick Q&A with Ryan Howard about the game.  Howard in response to being asked about Jose Reyes gracing the cover of rival baseball game 2K8, (laughing) "2K8, yeah, I saw that. Hey, this (rivalry) isn’t just on the field anymore. We’re taking it into the stores!"

Check out this video promo consisting of a Ryan Howard commercial spot followed by some sort of montage.  The look of the Liberty Bell ringing in centerfield after The Big Guy flips his bat after a homer makes me want to run out and buy this.

Jimmy Rollins Doesn't Mind Being Slightly Underpaid

Phil Sheridan has a nice piece this morning talking about how Jimmy Rollins, instead of bitching about out being underpaid, is cool with the fact he makes millions of dollars.  "I knew what I was signing when I signed it," Rollins says. "I know the value of money.  I used to cut hair to make money, so my parents didn't have to give me money for the things I wanted to do. It's still the same thing, except my toys are a little bigger now."  I hope J-Roll outperforms his contract again in 2008 and buys himself plenty of toys to play with.