The700Level.com - Philly Sports & Minutiae

Carlos Beltran Says Mets are Team to Beat

With (Santana), now, I have no doubt that we're going to win in our division," Beltran said. "So this year, to Jimmy Rollins, we are the team to beat."

That's what Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran had to say.

I have no problem with the Mets acting confident, but to go out and address Jimmy Rollins personally? That's seems a little classless if you ask me.

So Jimmy, we anxiously await your response. And, of course, we hope it happens on the field.

>>Beltran: Mets are Team to Beat [Star Ledger Blog]

This Is Not a Freefall. There Is No Need for Alarm.

Five straight losses. Going from second the conference to on the brink of being on the outside looking in. Being compared negatively to the Sixers. Another concussion. Costly turnovers by should-be-Phantoms. No skate that fits. No clear-cut number 1 in net. Again.

All these elements have many Flyers fans digging through closets for baseball gloves and fastidiously reading reports on pitchers and catchers in Clearwater. In Philly, we know all to well how to rush the season, talkin' Mel Kiper Jr, fifth outfielders, and ping pong balls. But it's nowhere near time to write off this Flyers team. I'm not saying don't go out and have a 37º catch in the yard. By all means... Just don't get off the Orange & Black bandwagon before the homestretch.

True I may not have seen the worst of these recent Flyers games. Someone had to look pale and out of shape by a pool in Arizona while all ya'll chipped ice off your windshields and played bumper cars on 76 and the Blue Route. But I have a theory about these recent losses: They're a good thing...

Virtually every great season sees a time of failure and futility—a slump. Slumps are inevitable over a several-month season, whether you're talking 162+playoffs on the diamond, 16+ on the gridiron, 80+ on the hardwood, or 82+ on the ice. Pretty much every decent-to-great team has that reality check, look-in-the mirror, cold-shower leg-sweep. But as long as two very important things are part of the equation, there's no need for alarm.

Beijing Olympic Ceremonies Will Kick Pyrotechnic Ass

I wrote another Olympics post over at FanHouse.  This time about the Pyrotechnic genius in charge of blowing stuff up at the opening ceremonies. [FH]

Video: Sir Charles on David Letterman Show

My new motto: More Sir Charles, All the Time.

Barkley appeared on Friday night's Late Show with David Letterman and was his typical humorous self.  They touched on many topics including Charles' weight issues, gambling issues, the Shaq trade, his support of Barrack Obama, and his opinions on Paul Shaffer's Craig Sager-esque suit.

Some choice lines: "What the hell's the point of smoking pot if you don't inhale?!?"

On the prospect of betting $1 million dollars on a single game: "I would never bet that much money on a sporting event unless I was in it.

Charles to David: "I'm convinved that me and you are the only two guys on television that know what the hell we're talking about."

On his bad boy image as a player: "I was always acquitted."

Part II after the jump.

Charles 'The Cobra' Barkley Shoots Pool

If there was a Charles Barkley television network I would probably never change the channel.

Terrell Owens Shows His Hops In New Orleans Celebrity Game

Former Eagle and current Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens played in the celebrity game at this year's NBA All Star Weekend in New Orleans.  T.O. has made it well known that basketball was always been his first love.  He's even dabbled in some semi-pro ball.  The guy can ball.

He made the highlight reel from last night's game.

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Computer Says Eagles Play Calling Sucks

A computer that analyzed the play calling of all 32 NFL teams says that the Eagles play calling is among the league worst.  To top that off, the play calling under what the rankings describe as "critical situations" for the Eagles is the second worst in the league behind only the amazing Detroit Lions.

Read more about the rankings here at Gelf Magazine.

NBA All Star Weekend Memories

The NBA All Star Weekend festivities kick off tonight in New Orleans.  I probably have a soft spot for the NBA events mostly because I had the chance to see it all up close in personal in Las Vegas last year.  Man, what a great trip that was.

I suggest you take a trip back in time and check out all of the cool shit we did in Vegas last year.  And if you're more interested in what's up in Nawlins, Skeets is down in Louisiana.

Tonight is the All Star Celebrity Game at 7:00 on ESPN! Last year this was dominated by Reggie Bush.

>>From the Archives: The 700 Level's All Star Weekend Wrap Up

Eagles Fans: Best in Congress!

Many thanks to DMac for pointing us to this phenomenal story.  U.S. representative Patrick Murphy is a green blooded Eagles fan.

On Wednesday, the House passed a resolution congratulating the New York Giants on winning this year’s Super Bowl “and completing one of the most remarkable postseason runs in professional sports history.” The resolution passed by a vote of 412 to 1.

 

Murphy, a diehard Eagles fan who worked at Veterans Stadium as a security guard when he was 16, was the only House member to vote against it. “As a former 700-level security guard and lifelong Eagles fan, I couldn’t, in good conscience, vote for the New York Giants,” Murphy said Thursday. “The only thing worse would have been a resolution honoring the Dallas Cowboys.”

Truly awesome.  We solute congressman Patrick Murphy for this tremendous act of patriotism.

>>Murphy won't cheer Giants [Philly Burbs]

Phils Yearly Motivational Tees Fail to Motivate Anybody Except the Clientele at Bump

They couldn't go with something a little more lame and cheesy like "2008: Unfinished Business" or "Fuck The Mets?"  Instead someone on the Phillies goes and puts a very buff and shirtless image of Pat Burrell on a tee shirt and asks, "Man or Machine?"

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Sixers Coaches Have Some Fun With Aaron McKie

The Sixers won their fifth (!) straight game last night completing their longest home stand of the season without a loss.  Memphis is a rather pathetic team and they actually employ former Sixer Aaron McKie.  McKie, of course, was a throw in to the Pau Gasol trade to the Lakers.  Aaron wasn't in the lineup on Wednesday night, but Sixers assistant coach Jim Lynam made sure McKie showed up in the scouting report.

Scouting Report: Aaron McKie - Memphis Grizzlies

• Savvy vet
• Not as good a shooter as he thinks
• Used to defend
• Don't guard
• Rotate off of him

Don't feel bad for Aaron.  He's getting payyyyyyy-aid! $750,000 or so for his "services" this season.

The Sixers also wore the throwback unis with the old school block lettering.  (click the photo for bigger image)  We miss the old unis.  Notes: If the season ended today, the Sixers would be in the playoffs.  Also, video explanation of the McKie joke after the jump.

Pitchers and Catchers: Baseball in 2008!

You certainly can't tell from looking out your window but spring is right around the corner.  Tomorrow marks the official day for Phillies pitchers and catchers to report to Clearwater.  Baseball in 2008 has arrived.

Many players have actually already been in Florida for days to get in to the swing of things.  The Inqy has some photos.

Having never been to spring training myself, there is a chance I may be making a trip to Clearwater in March.  Is this a trip worth taking?  Are there fun/entertaining things to do nearby other than baseball?

With the signing of Kris Benson today to a minor league contract, the 2008 baseball chatter has certainly picked up some steam.  It'll be March 31st before you know it.

Phils Nab Kris Benson

Todd Zolecki is reporting the Phillies have signed Kris Benson, pending physical.  I think it's a nice low risk, high reward type move.  What do you think?  For a closer look at the... deal, go here.

If You Grow It, You Will Win

Enrico says: Today we have a guest post from Mr. Connor McNally who thinks he has found the key to the Phillies success.  I'm not completely sold on the theory but it has certainly grown on me.

January 29th, 2008.  Three words… twelve syllables… one meaning – The day the Mets traded three future Sonic Burger employees and a bag of dicks for Johan Santana; perhaps the greatest pitcher ever to grace the diamond since Henry Rowengartner dawned Cubbie blue. 

Before the Mets pulled off the greatest trade rape in the history of sports, you had to feel pretty optimistic if you were a Phillies fan.  Not only did the Phils have a psychological edge over the Mets thanks to last year’s historic meltdown, but they probably had the best overall team in the division.  They managed to keep their core intact (Hamels, Myers, Rollins, Howard and Utley); they upgraded their bullpen (re-signing Romero and trading for Houston’s Brad Lidge); they found a suitable replacement for Rowand (signing Geoff Jenkins); and they found an answer for the season long migraine that was third base (signing Pedro Feliz). 

Now here we are, one day away from the start of Spring Training (pitchers and catchers officially report tomorrow), and the Phillies seem to be the second team mentioned when talk begin about the NL East… all because of Johan Santana.

Sports Bloggers Wanted!

Do you love Philly sports?  Do you know how to use Blogger or Wordpress?  Can you type?  Do you sound like me?  If so, somebody wants you to blog about sports/entertainment in Philly.  From a Craigslist posting:

We're looking for a sports/entertainment blogger for Philly. Must love Philly teams and be from the area. We want somebody who can blog about sports and the city in general. Check out www.the700level.com for the type of writing we are looking for. Please send us a sample of your writing. This is a great opportunity to make extra cash as well as getting in on the ground floor of a rapidly expanding company. We can pay based on writing or on ad sales. It's up to you.

So if you can write like us, somebody wants to hire you!  I think you should all apply.  Also, we here at The 700 Level are not actively looking for other writers but if you have something you'd like to say, we're always open to a guest post.  So let us know.

>>Sports/Entertainment Blogger [Craigslist]

Dr. J. Converse Ad

The man was smooth.  To quote Mcquade, here is video of Converse's new ad spot featuring "America's Greatest Doctor in classic form."

Chase & Jen Utley Love Animals

Athletes -- like most groups of people -- can't all be bunched into one big generalized stereotype. There may be many Mike Vicks of the world but there is also Mr. and Mrs. Chase Utley saving the puppies.

You Should Totally Go To Watch The Sixers Game Tonight

Not only could you watch them win their fifth straight (!) but you could also be lucky enough to get one of these badass Mr. Potatohead things.  For some reason I picture this little toy having the voice of Marv Alberts.  Yesssss!

Phillies Close to Signing Kris Benson

Delaware News Journal's Scott Lauber says the Phillies are that much closer to landing pitcher Kris Benson.  This appears to be a positive move from all angles.  For starters, it could mean that Adam Eaton's ability to break your heart may be moved to the bullpen.  Any move that gets Eaton out of the rotation surely won't anger Phillies fans.  Then there is the shear blogability of Kris Benson's wife, Anna.  She would make the 2008 season that much more enjoyable to watch.  And finally, Benson, you know, might be able to pitch a little bit.  The fact that he hasn't pitched in ages leaves a ton of question marks but as most analysts are saying, this is a low risk high reward type guy.  I welcome the move.

>>Agent: Phillies close to deal with pitcher Benson [Delaware News Journal]

You Want To Know Why We're Miserable?!?

Forbes says Philadelphia is a miserable place.

"How miserable is Philly?" the report asks. "The residents of the City of Brotherly Love once booed Santa Claus and pelted him with snowballs at an Eagles game."

No way?!  For real?  When did that happen??? You want to know why Philly is so miserable? Because stupid fucking hacks like you keep bringing up Santa Claus.  That is what makes me miserable.

>>Ugly, constipated, drunk, fat, racist, slovenly, and miserable! [Inqy]

Sixers Win Fourth In A Row!

How bout them Sixers?!?

Charles Barkley drops "about $400,000" $100k on the Super Bowl

(Updated at the bottom)

Charles Barkley called into Jim Rome is Burning yesterday and admitted he was "drepressed" from listening to the so-called experts on ESPN, who prompted the round mound to switch his bet on the Super Bowl from the Giants to the Patriots. 

Observe:

Four Hundred-Thousand?!!!??!

That's more than I make in a whole month!

**UPDATE** via the great SPORTSbyBROOKS, we learned that Barkley "only" lost $100,000 on the game (well, I'm assuming it's $110,000 if you factor in the vig).  In typical gambler fashion, he equated not betting the Giants on the money line (4/1) as a loss.  So he didn't actually lose 400k, he just thought he was supposed to win it.  Which is basically a loss in degenerate gambler-speak. (yeah, I speak it fluent)

Context is a mutherfucker.

Villanova Gets Robbed on Phantom Foul Against Georgetown

It's been a rough season for Jay Wright's Villanova team.  It got a little bit tougher last night when 'Nova lost a really tight game to the Georgetown Hoyas.  The Wildcats were called for a foul with one tenth of a second left with the score tied.  Georgetown hit the free throws and won the game.

I don't even like Villanova all that much and I think they got totally shafted on this call.  Watch the highlights after the jump and decide for yourself.

Braydon Coburn Tore His Ass Up

Flyer Braydon Coburn tore an artery in his ass.  That's gotta hurt.  He'll likely miss two weeks. [ESPN]

Andre Miller Named Player of the Week

If Ed Stefanski ever wanted to trade Andre Miller, his stock has pretty much reached an apex.  Miller was named the Eastern Conference player of the week and has been playing some killer ball as of late.

During a 3-1 week for the Sixers, Miller averaged 19.5 points, 9.0 assists and committed only 10 turnovers. He outscored opposing teams’ starting point guards 78-35. Miller recorded a Sixers’ season-high 14 assists on Feb. 5, in a 101-96 win over the Washington Wizards.

As Ed mentioned in my interview with him last week, teams seem to only want to give up cap space and a future draft pick for Miller.  According to Stefanski, that will not get a deal done.  Could teams be tempted to give the Sixers a better deal as the trade deadline approaches in two weeks?  Miller's certainly playing at a high enough level to entice some contenders in need of a floor general.

>>Miller and Stoudemire named players of week [NBA]

Ali Larter Made It Big Thanks to the Phillies

Here's a fun fact I'm sure none of you knew.  Heroes star and Victoria's Secret's Sexiest Pair of Legs 2008 Ali Larter made it big thanks to the Phillies.  Check it.

Hmm.  Stripper mom with multiple personalities?  We may have to start watching this Heroes show.

Now if that's not the most tangential reason for a post, we don't know what is.  We couldn't track down the original Phillies commercial -- anyone? -- but we did find out a little bit more.

Where Ryan Howard Gets His Wood

Back in April of '06, I posted about the size and length of Ryan Howard's wood.  35 inches is a big piece of lumber.  Sunday's USA Today has an article about Jack Marucci and the Marucci Bat Co. from which Ryan Howard and Chase Utley get their bats.

Marucci started making bats as a hobby down in Louisiana and now produces about 15,000 bats a year.  They also make bats for Mets stars Jose Reyes and David Wright.

Wright, the Mets' All-Star third baseman, remembers the hot days of July last season, when he felt a slip at the plate. He needed to make some adjustments, so he called Marucci.

"I asked him to take an ounce off here, an ounce off there, thin the handle out a little and send some new bats," Wright says. He chuckles over the phone. "When you start to have a little slump, it's never your fault, it's always the bat's fault."

Wright hit .333 in July — and .394 in August. He finished the season as the Mets' leading hitter (.325).

Some Philly lunatic needs to get this Marucci's cell phone number and pay him off to start sending Wright the wrong bats.

Also, in continuing along with the homo-erotic nature of this post, here is a video of Ryan Howard in tights.

>>Bat Man of Louisiana Fins Way to Majors by Accident [USA Today]
>>Previously: Ryan Howard Has a Big Stick [The 700 Level]

Flyers Drop Third Straight as Sixers Win Third in a Row

Something strange is brewing in South Philadelphia.  The Flyers, a team many think can play deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs, have dropped three straight.  The Sixers, on the other hand, have gone out and won three in a row.

The Sixers are in Dallas tonight with a 7:00 p.m. tip off.  The Flyguys will next take the ice Tuesday on Strong Island.

Some weekend news from all four of our teams plus some college:

The Sixers won by 21 points on Saturday night against the Clippers.  The Sixers had five guys in double figures and Thaddeus Young had 9.  Louis Williams led the way with 18.  Tom McGinnis called his 1,000th game. Nice.  [ESPN] image above from Yahoo! photos.

The Pens found a way to get to the slumping Flyers yesterday and beat our boys 4-3 in the 'Burgh.  The worst news: Simon Gagne suffered another "mild concussion."  Ugh. [Inquirer]

Temple beat UMASS in OT yesterday 80-70.  Those college kids need to learn some cell phone etiquette.  [Inquirer]

St. Joe's fell to 13th ranked Xavier.  But that Phil Martelli.  He's a funny guy. /Ray Liotta voice [Comcast video]

One of the 10 reasons the Phillies will beat the Mets to win the NL East again this season: "Cole Hamels is going to be everything that Johan Santana is. At age 23, Hamels was 15-5 with a 3.39 ERA and 177 strikeouts. When Santana was 23, he was 8-6 with a 2.99 and 137 strikeouts."

More Chris Berman!  This time on drugs, "A little 8% Codeine never hurt anybody." [SbB]

What's up with channel 6's sports anchor Keith Russell?  Guy needs to smoke some pot and mellow out or something.  Am I wrong?  Anyone else watch this guy and think wtf? [Video]

And finally, nobody puts BWest in a corner. [T7L]

Another Scary Skate to the Face Incident

After linesman Pat Dapuzzo suffered a broken jaw and needed 60 stiches as a result of taking a skate to the face yesterday, another horrific skate to the head injury has taken place today.  Florida forward Richard Zednick took a skate to the throat that had blood gushing everywhere.

We all love a good fight in hockey but injuries like these are certainly scary.

Nobody Puts Brian in a Corner

Since I'm guessing about 8% of you actually watched the Pro Bowl this evening, I'd like to let you know that Brian Westbrook was given one carry. What kind of garbage is that? You give BWest one carry and you give Adrian Peterson 16? Blasphemy.

Westbrook had that one carry for four yards and also tacked on two catches for eight yards. Exciting! Adrian Peterson was the MVP but Terrell Owens also had some impressive numbers with 8 for 101 and 2 TDs.

Oh. And the NFC won.

>>The Pro Bowl: ZZZZZ [ESPN]

Flyers Try to Continue Recent Dominance of Pens

The Flyers will try to follow up their rough loss to the Rangers yesterday with a win over the Pens this afternoon. The Flyers have won four straight against the team from the 'Burgh.

Feel free to discuss the game action in the comments.

Also of interest: apparently this quote was from the middle of the week, but it just came across my laptop.

On Wednesday in Ottawa, Senators center Jason Spezza told reporters Forsberg's return will come in a Flyers uniform.

"Hate to break it to you guys, but he's going to Philly," Spezza said. "I'd love to have him here, but I don't think it's going to happen."

As of Thursday afternoon, Holmgren had not heard from Baizley since making a contract offer for Forsberg on Monday.

"Sooner or later he's going to make up his mind if he's going to play and where," Holmgren said.