As the 3:00 PM trade deadline got closer and closer, it appeared as though the Flyers were going to stand pat. Considering their position in the Eastern Conference standings and their limited salary cap flexibility, they would have done well to do nothing.
Then I read this posting on ESPN's running trade deadline blog:
"We just confirmed the Coyotes traded Daniel Carcillo to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Scottie Upshall and a second-round draft pick."
Why the hell would they make a move like that? In case you're not familiar with Carcillo, check out his stat line. So basically they traded a young, third-line winger with speed and grit who can chip in a few goals AND a second round draft choice for a poor man's Riley Cote. Brilliant.
So what was the purpose? It's not like they cleared a ton of salary by moving Upshall ($1.25 million). Maybe they did it to set up another move.
That second move? Acquiring defenseman Kyle McLaren from the San Jose Sharks organization. Not the Sharks, but their AHL affiliate. Again, its hard to see the logic in this one. Does McLaren crack the top six, or was this a move to bolster the Phantoms' Calder Cup chances?
Before the deadline, the Flyers had three solid lines (Mike Richards centering Simon Gagne and Mike Knuble, Jeff Carter pivoting Scott Hartnell and Joffrey Lupul, and Danny Briere between Claude Giroux and Upshall). They also had the option of swapping Upshall and Gagne to and creating a modern-day French Connection line with Gagne, Briere, and Giroux.
With Upshall gone, it will be hard for John Stevens to juggle his lines. You can't play Aaron Asham, Cote, and Carcillo together. They'd spend more time in the penalty box than on the ice. Would that line get four minutes of ice time in a playoff game?
Thier D pairings were also good - Kimmo Timonen with Ryan Parent, Matt Carle and Braydon Coburn, Randy Jones and Andrew Alberts. Whose shifts does McLaren take?
The formula was in place for the Flyers to make another run - settle on a starting goalie (Read: Antero Niittymaki), stay healthy, and secure home-ice advantage in the first round. I'm not saying that still won't happen, but I liked their chances a lot more yesterday than I do today.
All because Paul Holmgren made trades simply for the sake of making trades.
March 4, 2009
March 1, 2009
The Three Stooges: Jeff, Joe & Andy
Let's take a look at the Eagles off-season so far:
Donovan McNabb delays signing a contract extension, voicing his desire to see the team add some pieces and solidify their standing as a legitimate championship contender. Not an outrageous request, especially considering that the Eagles were three minutes from winning the NFC Championship game in January, have tradeable assets, and plenty of room under the salary cap.
Free agency opened on Friday with the Birds signing either Tra Thomas or Jon Runyan's replacement, tackle Stacy Andrews from Cincinnati. He's bigger and younger than Runyan or Thomas, plus he can team with baby brother Shawn on one side of the line.
On the same day, reserve running back Correll Buckhalter flying the coop for Denver. Considering the fragility of Brian Westbrook, they easily could have ponied up some money to keep Buck around. But he wasn't going to supplant a healthy Westbrook as the starter, so it's understandable.
Here's where the moves go from justifiable to asinine.
In a move that was long overdue, the Eagles traded disgruntled cornerback Lito Sheppard to the Jets. Their take? A fifth round pick in 2009 and a conditional pick in 2010. Really? That's all they get for a former first round pick with Pro Bowl talent? Fifth round picks are guys that get cut in training camp or compete for spots on the practice squad. This is the best deal you can get for Sheppard?
The wide receiver everyone wants, Bengals cast-off T.J. Houshmandzadeh, reportedly fell out of favor with the Eagles because he was allegedly asking for more money from them then other suitors. Wait, you mean to tell me a free agent is looking for as much money as he can get on the open market?
No other receiver news to report. It's doubtful that The Stooges have even inquired about Anquan Boldin, and they may have their window of opportunity. How much would it cost to acquire Tony Gonzalez? Will they take a chance on Marvin Harrison? Would you even want them to at this point?
The most crushing blow has to be Brian Dawkins, the heart and soul of the defense (and probably the whole team), walking away without so much as an offer from Larry, Moe and Curly. Through it all, Dawk intimated his desire to stay here. He probably would have taken less than he got from the Broncos. I mean, does this sound like a guy who wanted to leave? How can you put a price on the intangibles that Dawk brought to the table?
So in review, the Eagles entered 2009 needing to stabilize the tackle position, add a running back (Derrick Ward, anyone?), safety, tight end and perhaps a receiver. So far, they've lost people at all of those positions (when you factor in the failure to re-sign Runyan, Thomas, and L.J. Smith).
The sliver lining here is that the Eagles have two first round picks and salary cap space. The gray part of the cloud is that Jeff, Joe & Andy are still calling the shots.
Donovan McNabb delays signing a contract extension, voicing his desire to see the team add some pieces and solidify their standing as a legitimate championship contender. Not an outrageous request, especially considering that the Eagles were three minutes from winning the NFC Championship game in January, have tradeable assets, and plenty of room under the salary cap.
Free agency opened on Friday with the Birds signing either Tra Thomas or Jon Runyan's replacement, tackle Stacy Andrews from Cincinnati. He's bigger and younger than Runyan or Thomas, plus he can team with baby brother Shawn on one side of the line.
On the same day, reserve running back Correll Buckhalter flying the coop for Denver. Considering the fragility of Brian Westbrook, they easily could have ponied up some money to keep Buck around. But he wasn't going to supplant a healthy Westbrook as the starter, so it's understandable.
Here's where the moves go from justifiable to asinine.
In a move that was long overdue, the Eagles traded disgruntled cornerback Lito Sheppard to the Jets. Their take? A fifth round pick in 2009 and a conditional pick in 2010. Really? That's all they get for a former first round pick with Pro Bowl talent? Fifth round picks are guys that get cut in training camp or compete for spots on the practice squad. This is the best deal you can get for Sheppard?
The wide receiver everyone wants, Bengals cast-off T.J. Houshmandzadeh, reportedly fell out of favor with the Eagles because he was allegedly asking for more money from them then other suitors. Wait, you mean to tell me a free agent is looking for as much money as he can get on the open market?
No other receiver news to report. It's doubtful that The Stooges have even inquired about Anquan Boldin, and they may have their window of opportunity. How much would it cost to acquire Tony Gonzalez? Will they take a chance on Marvin Harrison? Would you even want them to at this point?
The most crushing blow has to be Brian Dawkins, the heart and soul of the defense (and probably the whole team), walking away without so much as an offer from Larry, Moe and Curly. Through it all, Dawk intimated his desire to stay here. He probably would have taken less than he got from the Broncos. I mean, does this sound like a guy who wanted to leave? How can you put a price on the intangibles that Dawk brought to the table?
So in review, the Eagles entered 2009 needing to stabilize the tackle position, add a running back (Derrick Ward, anyone?), safety, tight end and perhaps a receiver. So far, they've lost people at all of those positions (when you factor in the failure to re-sign Runyan, Thomas, and L.J. Smith).
The sliver lining here is that the Eagles have two first round picks and salary cap space. The gray part of the cloud is that Jeff, Joe & Andy are still calling the shots.
January 15, 2009
Getcha Resume Ready
Word out of Dallas is that Cowboys management will begin internal discussions regarding the possible release of Terrell Owens, or as I like to call him, that asshole that used to wear Jason Avant's number.
As we all know, anytime a receiver becomes available, the Eagles are one of the teams mentioned as a potential landing place. Inquirer columnist Bob Ford even mentioned something about it in his blog today.
So would I want him back? Let me be perfectly clear on this.
No.
Hell no!
No fucking way!!!
Next question.
Here's the reality. Terrell Owens has been on three NFL teams and has divided three locker rooms. He's feuded with quarterbacks, other receivers, coaches and management. I don't care how talented he is. I don't care that on the field, he can be a difference-maker if he wants to be.
But last time I checked, he's not on the field right now.
To be honest, I don't think they need him. Three weeks from now, we may be talking about the Super Bowl champion Eagles and never again will we have to recount the litany of mediocre pass catchers that Donovan McNabb has had to deal with during his tenure.
And seeing as Jerry Jones holds Owens in high regard, for reasons unbeknownst to me, best bet is he'll be running routes in Dallas next season, watching as Tony Romo airmails passes over his head.
Good thing he has him some him to love.
As we all know, anytime a receiver becomes available, the Eagles are one of the teams mentioned as a potential landing place. Inquirer columnist Bob Ford even mentioned something about it in his blog today.
So would I want him back? Let me be perfectly clear on this.
No.
Hell no!
No fucking way!!!
Next question.
Here's the reality. Terrell Owens has been on three NFL teams and has divided three locker rooms. He's feuded with quarterbacks, other receivers, coaches and management. I don't care how talented he is. I don't care that on the field, he can be a difference-maker if he wants to be.
But last time I checked, he's not on the field right now.
To be honest, I don't think they need him. Three weeks from now, we may be talking about the Super Bowl champion Eagles and never again will we have to recount the litany of mediocre pass catchers that Donovan McNabb has had to deal with during his tenure.
And seeing as Jerry Jones holds Owens in high regard, for reasons unbeknownst to me, best bet is he'll be running routes in Dallas next season, watching as Tony Romo airmails passes over his head.
Good thing he has him some him to love.
January 10, 2009
The Condiment Column
OK, so THAT happened...
Yes, I've been underground for a while, thanks in part to a family vacation to DisneyWorld, holidays, two weeks of Mom's home cooking, and a computer hard drive crash that caused all of my files to disappear like Kaiser Soze.
But now I'm back for 2009, and hopefully better than ever even if I am ten pounds heavier. Though the time for resolutions has past, I have a few for this column in 2009:
1. Shorter, more frequent posts - easier to read and, quite frankly, write
2. Increased inclusion of photos and links I find enjoyable and relevant
3. No more censorship - I'm surly by nature and swear like a truck driver. I'll continue to watch my language in front of my children and around the office, but in this forum I'm going to let it fly. If that offends you, please accept my apologies.
With all that said, I've been stewing over a lot for the last two months. Allow me to catch up (Get it? Ketchup? "The Condiment Column?" God, I'm such a fucking dork).
The Eagles have made a somewhat surprising run to the second round of the playoffs. Based on pre-season expectations, it's not shocking that they're still playing in January. But a season that looked lost after a tie in Cincinnati and the unnecessary benching of Donovan McNabb against the Ravens has been salvaged. The defense has been sensational, especially in the December 7th dismantling of the Giants in Jersey.
The stars aligned in Week 17 when Chicago lost in Houston and Oakland overcame a ten-point deficit and beat a Tampa Bay team that was in the midst of a collapse that would make New York Mets fans cringe. As a result, the Eagles-Cowboys game was essentially a playoff, and since we all know Dallas doesn't win playoff games (4,396 days since their last victory) we were treated to this face:
Speaking of treats, the Flyers are in first place in the Atlantic Division at the midway point of their season. Despite that, they only have one All-Star (Jeff Carter). Thank you, dumbass Montreal Canadiens fans, for making a mockery of the game by voting guys like Mike Komisarek (1 G, 2 A in 24 games this season) and Alexei Kovalev (11 G, 20 A) as starters while more deserving players like Washington's Nicklas Backstrom (12 G, 33 A) and Mike Green (10 G, 16 A), Boston's Phil Kessel (24 G, 17 A), and of course Flyers Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, and Kimmo Timonen will be at home on All-Star weekend.
I've vented before about the issues with fan voting, but this one takes the fucking cake. If Gary Bettman had any kind of stones, he'd intervene and send Mike Komisarek home.
Hello, Raul Ibanez, Chan Ho Park, and, if you believe the rumors, Mr. Mia Hamm!
Happy trails, Maurice Cheeks, Pat Burrell, and L.J. Smith (Oops, got a little ahead of myself on that one. Check back in a couple of weeks).
The last time the Phillies won the World Series, the Eagles won the NFC and advanced to the Super Bowl. I'm not saying, I'm just saying...
Yes, I've been underground for a while, thanks in part to a family vacation to DisneyWorld, holidays, two weeks of Mom's home cooking, and a computer hard drive crash that caused all of my files to disappear like Kaiser Soze.
But now I'm back for 2009, and hopefully better than ever even if I am ten pounds heavier. Though the time for resolutions has past, I have a few for this column in 2009:
1. Shorter, more frequent posts - easier to read and, quite frankly, write
2. Increased inclusion of photos and links I find enjoyable and relevant
3. No more censorship - I'm surly by nature and swear like a truck driver. I'll continue to watch my language in front of my children and around the office, but in this forum I'm going to let it fly. If that offends you, please accept my apologies.
With all that said, I've been stewing over a lot for the last two months. Allow me to catch up (Get it? Ketchup? "The Condiment Column?" God, I'm such a fucking dork).
The Eagles have made a somewhat surprising run to the second round of the playoffs. Based on pre-season expectations, it's not shocking that they're still playing in January. But a season that looked lost after a tie in Cincinnati and the unnecessary benching of Donovan McNabb against the Ravens has been salvaged. The defense has been sensational, especially in the December 7th dismantling of the Giants in Jersey.
The stars aligned in Week 17 when Chicago lost in Houston and Oakland overcame a ten-point deficit and beat a Tampa Bay team that was in the midst of a collapse that would make New York Mets fans cringe. As a result, the Eagles-Cowboys game was essentially a playoff, and since we all know Dallas doesn't win playoff games (4,396 days since their last victory) we were treated to this face:
Speaking of treats, the Flyers are in first place in the Atlantic Division at the midway point of their season. Despite that, they only have one All-Star (Jeff Carter). Thank you, dumbass Montreal Canadiens fans, for making a mockery of the game by voting guys like Mike Komisarek (1 G, 2 A in 24 games this season) and Alexei Kovalev (11 G, 20 A) as starters while more deserving players like Washington's Nicklas Backstrom (12 G, 33 A) and Mike Green (10 G, 16 A), Boston's Phil Kessel (24 G, 17 A), and of course Flyers Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, and Kimmo Timonen will be at home on All-Star weekend.I've vented before about the issues with fan voting, but this one takes the fucking cake. If Gary Bettman had any kind of stones, he'd intervene and send Mike Komisarek home.
Hello, Raul Ibanez, Chan Ho Park, and, if you believe the rumors, Mr. Mia Hamm!
Happy trails, Maurice Cheeks, Pat Burrell, and L.J. Smith (Oops, got a little ahead of myself on that one. Check back in a couple of weeks).
The last time the Phillies won the World Series, the Eagles won the NFC and advanced to the Super Bowl. I'm not saying, I'm just saying...
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