The Phillies Rotation as of 28 Aug 2010,

#1 Roy Halladay AKA Doc.

              ERA           W/L             SO           BB           WHIP             IP                 CG

Career   3.32         182/85          1681         188          1.182             2253.2           57

Best       2.22(10)  22&7(03)      208(09)     18(05)     .960(05)         266(03)         9(03/08&09)

Season   2.22        16/9              186(OP)    25           1.024             207.0(OP)     8

      A big guy who stands 6’6” who bats and, throws right handed.  The guy is everything you want in an ACE pitcher. He’s got four good pitches that at any time can be his “out pitch”.  He eats up innings like Blanton in the cheesecake factory and, giving the pen a reset day every 5th day. He’s thrown 207 innings this year and is on pace to throw another 47. Every time he takes the hill you can almost assume that putting three runs on the board will probably give the Phillies a win. He’s a former CY Young winner (2003) and, a candidate in this year’s Cy Young race. He threw MLB’s 20th Perfect Game against Josh Johnson and the Marlins. He’s already matched or, is on pace for his personal career highs, in almost every meaningful category and, with another 6 starts left this season he should top a few of those. His pitching arsenal consists of a four seam fastball (94-95), a 2 seam sinking fastball (92-94), a curveball (77) and, a cutter (92-94). At age 33, the pitcher signed through 2012.  He’s a top 5 ACE, probably closer to top 2 but, for my #1 starter I wouldn’t want anyone else (Sorry Cliff).

His full stats can be found here- http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hallaro01.shtml

#2 Roy Oswalt

             ERA           W/L                     SO           BB                  WHIP                     IP                           CG

Career  3.32         146&83                1622         455                 1.193                     1965.2                    19

Best%  2.27(01)  14&3(01)               208(01)   24(01)              1.059(01)               241.2(05)              4(05)

2010     3.22         9&13                     149          43                    1.097                     162.1                     1

Astros   3.42        6&12(Ouch)          120          34                    1.109                     129.                       1

Phillies  2.43        3&1                        29             9                     1.050                     33.1                      0

      He’s a shorter pitcher standing only 6’0’ throws and bats right handed.  Oswalt is currently considered to be among the elite pitchers in the National League. Known as a strikeout pitcher his pitching arsenal is one of the most complete in baseball and, consists of a fastball (92-94) and, two types of curveballs the first of which is a hard snapping curve (79-81), the other of which is a slower looping type (69-71) a changeup (80) and, a slider (80). A three a time All Star Selection with an NLCS "MVP" are just a few highlights on his resume. After completing nine years in the Astros he publicly asked for a trade so, on July 29, 2010, Oswalt was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies (full deals can be found here http://www.thegoodphight.com/2010/7/29/1594928/done-astros-trade-rhp-roy-oswalt ). He is the victim of the worst run support MLB with only 2.61 runs per game to work with his win loss numbers for 2010 do not tell the story of how well he has pitched. This is a guy who is the #1 on easily 20-24 other teams. However he’s 32 and, with his violent delivery to the plate and, his age climbing you wonder if the years are beginning to catch up with him as he’s reported back pain in Aug. 2009 sent him to the DL June 2009 11 & 13 sidelined with wrist pain yada, yada, bla, bla, bla…. He’s still pitching fantastic. If you’re interested a Full list of injuries can be found here.  http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/378/Roy_Oswalt

His full stats can be found here- http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/oswalro01.shtml

#3   Colbert Hamels AKA” Cole”

                ERA        W/L                   SO            BB                       WHIP               IP                     CG

Career     3.63        55&44                856           237                     1.185               902.2                7

Best         3.09(08) 15&5(07)           196(08)    47(07&09)           1.082(08)         227.1(08)         2(067&8)

Season    3.47        8&10                 176(OP)   50(OP)                1.229               172                  1(8 innings)

Last start,

8 Innings, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 SO, 115 Pitches thrown.

     A taller lanky guy who throws and, bats left handed. This kid is only 26 is in his 5th season as a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. Has never been sent back down to the Minors (Doc.) and, is on a tear this season loosing every game by what seems like a solo homerun given up in the middle innings of the game ex. the Muts series where he lost 2 games 0-1. He’ll set the opposition down as easily as Big Roy can however, I think it's because he trusts his stuff mainly his fastball, we all remember the comment last year “I just can’t wait for this season to be over.” he didn’t make a ton of fans that day but, to his credit he’s come back this year looking like a #2 that could match up with most staffs Aces. He’s had his rough spots but, still the way he turned his career around is impressive.  This kid has been the Ace of the staff, he’s been the NLCS MVP he’s been the WS MVP (2008 WFC GO PHILLS). He still has all the tools he had then and, has added a few too. During his 09 campaign he was known as a “Fastball & Changeup” swing and miss type of pitcher and, got into lots of trouble with a frustrating season where he was moved down to the number three starter behind Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez , mainly due to his fastball location or lack of … I really think that his being s dominant during his ENTIRE BASEBALL LIFE was what did him in his 09 campaign, see he never had to work hard to get guys out his stuff was just that good. Then he took the off season “off” and paid the price however, he worked hard during this offseason, he came out in spring training firing strikes and, the only news that you could read in the paper about the Phillies was “Roy looks good blab, blab...” and, “Cole looks like he’s back from 08 he added a Cutter and Curve that he’s learned to work into his game and the Fastball looks “Heavier” than it ever has (Reminds me of another Left hander that was here for a playoff run….) and, he looks primed to be a #1 on 10 other pitching staffs and, right now I would put him against any other #2 in the league (Subtracting Chris Carpenter ... He's downright nasty), and what may be the most frustrating  thing to other teams that is he may just be a #3 guy.“Cole Hamels will win 1 Cy Young... and 11 Cole Hamels” I found this funny. But, back to the business at hand. This is a young man who could very well be in contention for a CY Young for the next 5 years the only thing holding him back is he’s probably going to be playing 2nd fiddle to his teammate(s) in Roy and/or Roy (But ,if you’re going to follow someone it’s no insult to follow them).

His full stats can be found here- http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamelco01.shtml

 #4  Joe Blanton AKA Cupcake

                  ERA         W/L             SO             BB                 WHIP                    IP                           CG

Career        4.33        68&60           738           322                1.342                     1185.2                    6

Best%       3.53(05) 12&8(09)     163(09)   40(07)           1.217(05/7)         230.0(07)              3(07)

Season      5.32        5&6               95           30                   1.432                    132.0                     0

      A big right handed pitcher (No pun intended)  who was signed to a multi-year deal last offseason to the tune of 3 years 24 Million he just hasn’t panned out to be the number 3 guy that he was viewed to be. He has shown flashes of brilliance but, the BIAP monster has just murdered him this year. He’s a bigger guy who over the last few years 06-09 would get the start go seven innings and surrender 3 runs then he came out. He’s got the playoff experience and talent to be successful but, when he was forced to come back from an abdominal injury too soon his stats this year suffered greatly. He seems to do much better when he has an extra day of rest but, than again who doesn’t? Post ASB he’s really turned it on and, has come out like he’s playing for his spot in a Postseason rotation but, I really think the #4 starter is his and his alone. When I look at his Wikipedia page there is nothing under his awards and, I’m sorry to say it but he’s not really deserving of anything too special. Oh he did hit a HR game 4 of the WS off of reliever Edwin Jackson in a game that could be described as a “Coffin Nail” in the Tampa Bay Rays hopes of becoming 2008 WFC a title reserved for the Philadelphia Phillies. In fact after looking at his career numbers I’m wondering why Rubin signed this guy. Why didn’t he let him walk than, go after Cliff Lee who was still under contract for a year….. But that’s another day’s post. 

His full stats can be found here- http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/blantjo01.shtml

#6  Kyle Kendrick, AKA “Harvey Two Face”

                 ERA            W/L              SO          BB                WHIP               IP                         CG

Career      4.66           32&21            204         132              1.426                452.1                   1

Best%      3.87(07)     10&4(07)     72(10)   25(07)         1.273(07)        155.2(08)            1(10)

Season    4.66             8&7              95           41               1.366               149.1                   1

     He’s your #6 starter he came into spring training with hopes of overtaking old man Moyer for the #5 job however,… The Old Man was making 9 Million a year and, no way was he going to the pen after banking that type of cash money. O and add in the fact that Moyer is just a better pitcher but, as a cruel twist of fate the day he was sent back to AAA to get his stuff under controlee / develop his stuff a bit more before being thrown to the preverbal lions.  Blanton goes down with an abdominal injury witch sidelines him for a few weeks. Than Harvey 2 Face catches another break when J.A.Happ goes down with elbow tightness, would you believe it just as soon as J.A. Happ gets back up to the big club Moyer goes down for the season so bang KK is now you’re full time #5 starters. Kyle was first called up to the Phillies after pitcher Freddy Garcia was placed on the DL. Kendrick singled to right field in his first major league at-bat during his first major league appearance but, for the life of me I can’t remember him getting a hit the entire 2010 season. He’s Dr Jekyll & Mr. Hyde on the mound. When you look at his stats its tough decipher how good he has been at times and, how bad he has been. I’ve seen him throw brilliantly such as the rubber game against the Yankees where he only gave up 4 singles in seven innings and leave with a 3-1 lead but, we’ve also seen the bad side of Kyle Kendrick… Where he gives up a run an inning and, only makes it into the 5th and, more often than not the offence has bailed him out but, the worst statistic in the League for pitchers is Wins & Losses. However, I’m on record saying “If this kid figures it out watch out he’s gona be really, really good.

His full stats can be found here- http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendrky01.shtml

If you've enjoyed this than Rec this and post comments I’ll try my best to keep it up to date.

Thanks and God bless

     I know this is a bit off topic but, some of you may have noticed I’ve been away for a few days. I’m sure some of you thought it a nice break from my misspelling and grammatical butchering ways. See I have given my lab top to my father who’s in the hospital.

     My father just had heart sugary (In his words “Double bypass with a new aortic valve on the side”) he made it though just fine. However, about 30 to 40 hours after he left the O.R. he devolved a “minor” infection. Now because of the infection the Docs don’t want to pull the blood draining tube from his chest and it’s causing him terrible pain to the point that he’s not breathing properly and because he’s only taking short breaths his heart is working harder to get blood to his body. That is causing his body temperature to raise and making him sweat to make things worse they gave him a saline wash a day or two before the operation and he’s sweating it out and he says “It’s like being pepper sprayed all day.”. I know there are a few religious people here if you wouldn’t mind please say a prayer for him. His name is Bruce and we would all appreciate it.

     I developed my faith during my first Iraq tour. The old saying “There is no Atheist in a fire fight” is the truest thing I’ve ever heard. During Akashack, I’m not sure of the spelling but, it’s about 20K north of Camp Korean village (but that’s a story for another day).  If you have someone you would like me to pray for then just let me know in a comment

Thank you for your time.

Postscript

Thanks for your time “LETS GO PHILLS!!”

EDIT

Thanks to everyone who remembered him their prayers. The tube is out and his breathing is better than it has been since the operation. He's still not out of the woods as far as the infection is concerned but, doc said it's minor and should be cleared up with antibiotics.

Edit x2

For those who were concerned my father is out of the hospital and back to his home. Docs tell him he should be back to 100% in about 6 weeks. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Let me first start by saying that I think he will be a phenomenal player in the NFL. I hope they compare him to Hue Douglass, Jerome Brown, Reggie Wight and other greats.

However lets get back to reality for just a few minuets. He's a rookie DE coming out of a 3-4 Defence in Michigan that wasn't that good. For those of you who know just a bit about football 3-4 and 4-3 DEs are 2 different positions. Sure the object is the same get sacks and tackle the running back for a loss however in a 4-3 system you're asked to not shake off the block but, to take the block square and be able to play 2 gaps and let the people behind you make the play. That may not sound like much but it's like trying to take everything this young man has learned and wiping the slate clean.

One of my other concerns is he's a monster, plain and simple he's been bigger stronger faster then everyone he's ever faced his entire football life, guess what that WILL NOT happen at this level the NFL is a combination of the biggest strongest fastest men in the world.

Don't worry about his progression and weather he is in camp or he's not . As long as he's in the weight room studying film and has his nose in the playbook he can get away with it.

Why shouldn'tt you worry about him getting as meany reps as he can... ( This is the part people don't want to admit ) He's a rotational DE behind Parker who at this point and time is #1 on the Depth Chart ( But I think the coaching staff is looking for a chance to give the job to the following guy ) and #2 is Tapp. who is a monster DE who suffered greatly from a horrid Seahawks secondary (only posting something like 4 sacks ) and still had 16+ QB hurries.

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http://www.sbnation.com/admin/entries/new?community_id=68&entry_type=FanPost

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Yesterday I was cleaning out the basement and found the magic 8 ball I slapped a top secret sticker on during my last deployment ( i was making fun of the manner in witch decisions were made by the senior leadership) and I asked it a few questions. Once more it was correct in predicting a big 6th inning and more runs in the 8th. So it just told me to start cole hamels and sit any socks players you may have.

According to the official Madden NFL video game simulation, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be charged with sexual assault for his incident in Georgia. However, the clutch, two-time Super Bowl champion will be found not guilty. The simulation also predicts that months later he will pay his accuser six figures to make a civil suit go away.

EA Sports used the Roethlisberger case simulation to announce its new feature for the upcoming 2011 version of the game.

"The new Law-and-Order feature will make the game more realistic than ever," said Madden 11 lead designer Scott Powers. "Arrests and lawsuits are as much a part of the modern NFL game as touchdowns and tackles and we felt it was time the game reflects that reality."

Gamers will have the option to turn off the Law-and-Order setting on Madden 11 just as they can for injuries. Or they can toggle the frequency of Crimes as with the penalties setting.

"For teams like the Bengals, you can't completely shut off crimes," said Powers. "The Ravens, too. And we may add a downloadable patch after the game comes out that does the same for the Steelers."

In the opening arguments of the Roethlisberger EA simulation, the defense went hard after the victim’s credibility and were quick to point out the fact that no semen was accumulated, and without such, it can’t be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that there was any indication of assault. The simulation predicts the prosecution will counter with the fact that this is not the first time Roethlisberger has been accused, and his refusal to speak with police for a second time should throw up red flags. But it will ultimately be in vein, as a lack of tangible evidence will catch up to the prosecution. And the Steeler's defense will put it away late with a witness saying the accuser also falsely accused him of sexual assault.

The accuser's attorney, Stephen Rawlings, discounted the validity of the simulation.

"It's nothing more than a simulation. The prosecutor still has to go out there and do his job if there are charges," he said. "Although, I will admit -- the courtroom graphics were pretty awesome. You could see every strand of hair in Ben's goatee. And I thought it was very realistic how he was wearing a suit with a devil face tie. Great games nail the details like that."

EA also announced that their season-long simulation shows that in Week 5 Roethlisberger will throw for 415 yards and three touchdowns and be accused of sexual assault by the court stenographer he was openly hitting on during his trial.

Brett Favre has confirmed that his daughter, Brittany, recently gave birth to a son, making him a grandfather for the first time. But what the 40-year-old quarterback apparently does not know is that the father of his unmarried daughter's child is his former backup in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers. "It's true," said one of Brittany's friends. "They met when her dad was still in Green Bay, and they hook up from time to time. Britt doesn't have the heart to tell Brett." Rodgers also confirmed it's true. "Oh, yeah. Definitely," he said offering a high-five to everyone in the room. "I knocked up Favre's little girl. That's my baby. Suck it, Brett. I hope it looks exactly like me, beard and everything. And I can't wait until he watches the sex tape of us that I sent him that I titled 'Favre Highlights.'"

Brett Favre has confirmed that his daughter, Brittany, recently gave birth to a son, making him a grandfather for the first time. But what the 40-year-old quarterback apparently does not know is that the father of his unmarried daughter's child is his former backup in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers. "It's true," said one of Brittany's friends. "They met when her dad was still in Green Bay, and they hook up from time to time. Britt doesn't have the heart to tell Brett." Rodgers also confirmed it's true. "Oh, yeah. Definitely," he said offering a high-five to everyone in the room. "I knocked up Favre's little girl. That's my baby. Suck it, Brett. I hope it looks exactly like me, beard and everything. And I can't wait until he watches the sex tape of us that I sent him that I titled 'Favre Highlights.'"

Rams - QB Sam Bradford

Lions - OT Russell Okung

Buccaneers - DT Ndamukong Suh

Raiders (From Redskins) - QB Jimmy Clausen

Chiefs - OT Bryan Bulaga

Seahawks - DT Gerald McCoy 

Browns - FS Eric Berry

Redskins (From Raiders) - OT Anthony Davis

Bills - WR Dez Bryant

Jaguars - RB C.J. Spiller

Broncos - LB Sergio Kindle

Dolphins - DE Derick Morgan

49ers - CB Joe Haden

Seahawks - Earl Thomas

Giants - CB Kyle Wilson

Titans - DE Everson Griffen

Steelers - RB Ryan Mathews

Patriots (From Falcons)  - TE Germaine Greshem

Texans - DT Brian Price

Bengals - TE Aaron Hernandez

Patriots - LB Rolando McClain

Eagles - CB Devin McCourty

Ravens - SS Chad Jones

Cardinals - G Mike lupati

Cowgirls - FS Taylor Mays

Chargers - OT Trent Williams

Jets - OLB Sean Witherspoon

Colts - C Maurkice Pouncey

Saints - FS Morgan Brunett

 Don't be too meen to me it's my first time

If the pats offerd you two secound round picks for the #24 spot would you take it? I've been throwing this idea around in my mind and the more I think about it the more I like the idea. Bill and Andy went to the same school of drafting so neithor of them like to stay put and do what everyone expects them to do. That would give us 4 picks in the 2nd and could realy dictate the way the rest of the draft went.

This is my 2nd attempt at a depth chart breakdown, I will be adding new names removing old and looking at how our draft will reflect that.

For a view of my first http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/3/12/1369676/a-look-at-the-depth-chart

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So I've created sacrilege and visited all three of our NFC east rivals this I confess to god and ask for forgiveness.

That being said almost every post reads something along the lines of "Why would the Eagles do this?, I'm glad the giant killer is gone cause the skins can't beat us" and the famous "WTF Shanahan YOU GET A QB WITHOUT AN OFFENSIVE LINE TO PROTECT HIM." But if you read a bit deeper you find the occasional post "Wow that roster is young and they are all talented. If KK is above average that offense will not miss a beet and they have 11 draft picks this year if they hit big on a few of there defensive picks they will be around for another 4-7 years.

To the rest of the NFC East

I'm going to go on record and say Kevin is above average and more. He will frustrate opposing teams more than McNabb ever could have. Picture this It's 3&6 McNabb throws a 90 MPH bullet to a wide open receiver who is wide open and it falls at the intended target's feet. Who else needs a new flat screen cause there is a remote sticking out of it?

We can now sustain drives move the ball on a more constant basis and run those timing routs that our former QB couldn't have made. He has a touch for the ball that can be compared to Chad Pennington AKA easy to catch. He will make out defense better because they will be on the field less of the time. and thus will not be sucking air by half time, and we will hit on a lot of our picks more so then usual and here's why. The NFL has made the Draft a 3 day prime time event to market the event and this gives teams more time between rounds and an extra day to take a step back reset look at were you are who's left who's gone (Players) who is up and what they've drafted already and where they are likely to go (Position, Players, and trades). Combine that with a team that drafts better that a third of the league and  the deepest draft in 20 years... sounds like to perfect storm to me.

Round 1

#24

Round 2

#23

Round 3

#6 (From Seattle)

#23

Round 4

#7 (From Cleavland)

#23

Round 5

#6 (From Cleavland)

Round 6

#31 (From Indy)

Round 7

#36 (Comp)

#38 (Comp

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I'm going to be looking at the depth chart and judgeing them on a scale of 1-5 the way it looks 1 being lowest and 5 being highest.

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Pull Klob into the office and tell him "We want you to have the ball but you have a lot of value right now so go to Seattle and stink up the show they will release you we will resign you and use the picks we get to bolster the team for your return"

Just an idea on how to take advantage of Klob's value and keep our future quarterback. Like having your cake and eating it too.

Are we ready to make a run at the Division.

When I ask this question I want you to look at our cons and look hard do you think we are ready to make a run?

Our side of the ball.

I Don't think we are ready to get past the Cowgirls at this point. Now I think we are in better position to win then the hated ones but as a roster heads up I don't see us getting past them. They have a great DE with a strong Nose tackle and there LBs are as stout as anyone in the league. What i think a lot of people don't seem to realize is that a weak Offence can Expose your D more often then not.The offensive line I've seen them play great but I've seen too many 3-4 Schemes leave us confused disgruntled and out of sync.

How do we fix this. The 3-4 needs a big strong Nose tackle and if teams are able to run right up the gut for 4-5 yards a carry the LBs get anxious and they get burnt by the pass.

Our D

Lets face it guys we're not that good. We were exposed a lot last year in the run, and that play action pass. We were great at causing turnovers thank you riverboat. But our LBs more often then not found themselves out of place at the worst time. Much of it had to do with the lack of production from the FS spot. Lets face it guys we got spoiled while JJ (r.i.p.) and B Dawk were on deck. we could bring 9 up the middle and not worry about being burnt, that made our pass rush look outstanding. I'm going to try to break it down the way I'm see it

FS , Not playing up to par TEs and overload blitzes burn us bad.

LB, Know that FS is not there to back them up and play stiff, thinking about not getting burnt they get over caustics and stop playing a position that needs rhythm and flow, and turn into road blocks.

DLine, Knowing all that's going on behind them get worried and off the same page aka 2 decide to go all out abandon stopping the run try to get the pass rush going to keep everyone from being exposed. 2 decide to hold back play the run and the RB / FB that is kept in on pass blocking not needing to make a chose of who to block.

So we picked up a new DB that from all accounts is a solid tackler sounds like a SS to me.... But we don't need a SS do we? and once again do you think we are ready to win?

Offense is about stepping up and making a play, it's about betting your man and showing your numbers, it's about a shift to leave a defender with broken ankles.

That's not what Defence is about. It's D is about knowing what your roll is you do your job the man next to you dose his and when it's all put together it is effective. Now what dose this mean. As a MLB if your job is to cover the RB in the flat but you see a TE running across the middle then guess what you move to cover the RB in the flat. Dawkins was a pro at accountability. This year there was no accountability and what that turned into was a breakdown. LBS didn't have confidence in the SS and FS, CBs didn't have confidence in the LB .... Why??

I think what a lot of people don't realize is what the FS position did in a JJ defence. Everyone had a job but there were more assignments than people performing the jobs a lot of the time and Dawkins was able to through experience know what the offense was trying to do and what part of the field needed support or who was going to be left uncovered and move into position to cause the play to break down. With the inexperience at the FS position and Sean taking over ( I'm not blaming Sean everyone knew he wasn't JJ) with new concepts and old philosophies it didn't work and a new more talented FS will not fill the void next year. It's something that needs to be consumed with, surrounded with hours and hours in the film room studying what the NFL offensives philosophies are trying to accomplish.

I read a post called "The Safety Dance" where a blogger was talking about moving Sheldon to a FS position and drafting a talented corner and why I was thinking this guy is a jacka*s, I mean why would you move one of the stronger cover men in the game into a position that he's unfamiliar with? But, the more I thought about it the more it made me think it's a good idea. Sheldon was with Dawkins for his entire NFL creear and knew what JJ wanted to do as well as anyone in the league. I'm a believer in Hanson as a #2 corner with room for improvement and good corners are easyer to find then good safeties. Will Sheldon be an upgrade at FS I think so Will Hanson be a fall off I think so but I think as a whole we would be better off. Can anyone think off hand of some good cover men coming out of the draft that may fall to somewhere in the 19th ranged pick in the 2nd round that would be able to step into a starting roll / nickle corner? Andy will move up if it's worth the talent and has proven he will take good CBs with upper echelon picks.

I've seen a lot of mock drafts with Philly trading 5 picks to move up 7 spots to get a player they have their eye on or staying put and drafting a QB that's not going to happen. Philly will move up and Philly will move down it is all dependant on who's on the board and what we have to work with.

1. Philly is stacked at QB right now, we have 3 on our roster that could start in 1/2 the teams in the NFL and for those of you who don't believe me think about this Mick Vick is our #3 guy. Now McNabb is entering the last year of his contract and after back to back losses at the cowgirls McNabb has all but worn out his welcome. Some potential suites include but are not limited to Raders, Rams, Browns, Deadskins, and Vikings to name a few. Also Vick has porven he can take a 3-13 team and turn them into a .500 team and Philly weathered the Media backlash or taking a man right out of prison but still only worth a 3rd in my mind. So unless both are traded dont expect to see the birds swooping an a qb early.

2. LB Much has been said about our LB corps over the last year with good cause we couldn't stop the run and we couldn't cover a TE to save our lives. but i will say that loosing Stew Bradly at the beginning of the year was a HUGE .... HUGE...... HUGE loss he did so much for the middle that nobody really appreciated him till he was gone. With him coming back the addition of Will Witherspoon and the emergence of Foko (who has all the talent in the world just needs to pull his head out of his behind and learn to not make dumb plays) I think our starters  are in place so with gocong and ganther as back ups i think depth wise we are good unless there is a stand alone talent on the board don't expect to see one drafted in the first 2 rounds.

3. FS / SS The reason I added SS into the mix is even with the solid play of Mikell his natral play is FS the only reason he moved over was the myth the man the legend was playing FS the man Brian Dawkins. So drafting a FS or SS high may happen cause Mikell has the ability to play both positions and Macho and Demps are solid deapth guys they are not starters and we saw that this year.  With the past draft history of A (linemen high) ' be shocked to see one taken  in the first round if his talent is worth the price.

4. LDE Trent Cole is a beast at RDE however without a ligitmint threat  from the other side he willl continue to see double teams every other down. and for those of you who dont think trent is a beast think about it he had around 12 sacks can a non eagles fan name 1 other player on the D line for philly? So short end of the story is andy loves drafting linemen high and a LDE is a Major need for us so that's a good place to start looking.


5. RB. God bless Brian Westbrook he has given his all for this team and I think this last year proved he had nothing left to give I hope I'm wrong but, I dont expect to see him in a football uniform next year. Lesean McCoy was a plesant supprise mixed with the emergence of Weaver at FB andy is not known for drafting RBs high but if there is a speedy / shifty guy who can pick up a pass block then he would be hard pressed to not snack him up.

6. ?G / RT , Once again Andy loves taking linemen high and with the andrews sisters doing nothing in the way of football and most / all Eagles fans dont expect to ever see Sean in a football uniform again and Stacy is comming off a knee injury this year and riding the bench (takes 2 years i have my fingers crossed hoping we can salvage one of them)  the offensive line that was made out to be one of the best if not the best in the NFL leading into training camp last year fell far short of expcations.

7. C. If Jamal Jackson didn't suffer a knee injury i would have laughed at the idea of Andy picking up a C with a top pick but not it isn't so far fleched.

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First of all Merry Chrismass to everyone and their famlies,

     I was lissening to 97.5 and they had the coach from the champion Villanova Wildcats on today. He made menchion of one player http://www.villanova.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/szczur_matt00.html His name is Matt Szczur. According to the coach he is beter then "That guy from the pats" AKA Wes Welker. He actualy called Andy Reid about this kid. So what does that mean? The only other player he has brought attention to Andy is only the best RB in the Reid aera (11 years or so) none other then Brian Westbrook.

     And just a real good story for the hollday season This kid found out he was the bone marrow match for a 1 year old girl batteling lukiema and 2 days after the final game of the season was in for segiey. It realy speeks to his chracter.



PS. Spell check isn't working so please be nice

I know it's a little off topic but, how bout them Phillies. They won game 5 and force a game 6 back in NY and I'm looking forward to it for more then a few reasons.

Andy's dealing for NY, he wasn't spectacular in game 3 he was good but not great. He hasn't pitched on 4 days rest all year he will be pitching on 3 days rest. He's an old man and as everyone knows the longer your on this earth the longer it takes to come back from tough physical performances. I'm not expecting him to get through the 4th. That being said Philly did some rough things to the Yankees middle relief in game 5 they are worn out as well.

On the other hand you have Pedro who started off slow when he first started pitching in the big leagues again. However up until the playoffs his starts were only getting better and through the playoffs he has exceededmy personal expectations caped off with his gem against LA where he went 7 scoreless and didn't pitch the 8th (we ended up loosing that game tho). The media is making a big deal about Pedro not starting on 4 days rest all year however his first game in the playoffs yeah it was a long time between starts but he had been pitching simulated games so I'm not as worried. He has faced this Yankees team in NY in game 2 of this series and knows what it's going take to get it done. Now the offensive side our bats are starting to come to life and it's just a mater of time until Howard gets back to the "Just get me to the plate" form.

With all that being said Philly is keeps their title of World Champs for yet another year after 7 games due in large part to bad management on the NY side.

In his 3 starts this post season he has only given up 3 earned runs and the dodgers have not had an earned run against philly's starting pitching in 15 innings. With Blanton on the mound tonight I'm a bit weary of his bulldog approach but i have confidence in him and his ability's to get things done. That being said how about the big man gettin things done again last night.

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Any idea what's wrong with him? how long is he going to be out i've seen him on the sideline and i'm hoping that it's jsut a sprain and they are giving him some time before bringing him back. If he goes down i'm not sure how much depth we have at that LT position and the depth that is there what kind of quality we're lookin at.

Over all i've seen a bunch of miss Qs on offence things that can be corrected in the LR maby switch to some max protect and send djax and jmac with celic and let mc nabb trear them appart.

7 shutout innings all for not .... but boy has he looked good, that being said boy our bullpen needs to find it's self very soon

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What are the major responsibilities of a Full Back? I asked myself this question a few days ago and I only came up with a few answers.

1. Run blocker - A quality FB needs to be a good blocker in the run game often asked to take on a DE or LB to open up holes in the run game.

2. Pass blocker - Once again and espicaly  in an Andy Reid offence you are going to be put on an island and you need to come up big.

3. _ and inches - I'm sure everyone on BGN remembers 3 & 5+ no problem 3 & >1 "OOOO NOOOOO".

4. _ and goal from the >5 - Once again you are going to be asked to blow up a whole in the run game, throw a crucial block to buy your QB those seconds to scan the end zone for an open target, and finally lower the shoulder and plow in taking a defender or 2 with you.

5. Pass catching - From the flat as a check down option or bursting through the line of scrimmage getting 5 yards up field and showing your #s to your QB you need to have reliable hands.

With that being stated .....If you were asked to name the top 5 Full Backs in the league could you? If you were asked to name 5 FBs could you.

If you're like me I know of 1 and that is LW. He has come up with some big plays over the season so far and there is no reason to think he will stop.... but he was signed to a 1 year deal and after his production thus far he is probably going to either command a larger investment then management will want to pay..

If he opts to leave after this year has anyone thought of converting a TE into a FB position and revolutionize the position by making it a HUGE threat in the passing game?

I've seen the idea of him being in an eagles uniform tossed around and i don't want him here he's a douche bag. I've seen the idea of him ending up in the NFC East I don't like it cause the guy can flat out play. I hope he stays in the AFC on a team that will only win 3 games cause they trade away all of their young talent and sign older players who are slowing down ( No disrespect to Dawk but he is not worth what Denver paid for him) and fire hall of fame head coaches

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We have 1 more week until preseason starts. Cross your fingers we don't loose anyone else before then.

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Story from http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/bloghead/

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson hyperextended his right knee during Saturday's morning workout. The injury update was provided by Derek Boyko, the team's director of football media services.

In other injury-related news, rookie tight end Cornelius Ingram underwent an MRI on his knee Saturday morning. No word on the results.

Those players who did not practice Saturday morning included running back Brian Westbrook, offensive lineman Shawn Andrews, tight end Matt Schobel, linebacker Stewart Bradley, defensive end Victor Abiamiri and defensive tackle Trevor Laws.

-- Posted by Bob Kent, 10:48 a.m., August 8

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BETHLEHEM - Their arrivals were less widely anticipated than Jeremy Maclin's, but that didn't make Matt Wilhelm or Jason Babin any less happy to get to Lehigh yesterday.

Wilhelm is the veteran linebacker the Eagles decided to sign in the wake of Sunday's season-ending ACL tear suffered by starting middle linebacker Stewart Bradley. Babin, a former first-round pick of the Houston Texans (in 2004), will join the mix at defensive end. Both will be learning a new, complex defense on the fly, but neither Wilhelm nor Babin was enjoying the odd feeling of watching at home while training camps opened around the NFL.

"The week's been tough; there's been a lot of ups and downs," said Wilhelm, 28, who was unexpectedly cut by the Chargers on July 24. A fourth-round pick in 2003, he started seven games for San Diego last season, but ultimately lost his starting role to Tim Dobbins.

"Coming from a 3-4, there'll be a lot of learning for me, going to a 4-3 defense, but that downhill, fill-the-gap type of player is something I've been in the past, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

In the short run, Wilhelm just fills out the linebacking corps; Joe Mays seems to be inheriting Bradley's starting role, with Omar Gaither rotating in for Mays as part of the nickel defense, when Bradley would have remained on the field. But at 6-4, 245, with 71 games played, Wilhelm is bigger and more experienced than either Mays or Gaither.

Wilhelm said he got caught up in a chaotic year for the Chargers' defense in 2008, starting with Shawne Merriman going down to knee surgery after the first game and continuing through the firing of defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell at midseason.

"It was a lot of things happening, all at one time, fingers getting pointed in every direction," he said. "Luckily, we hung on and rallied, won the division, as Denver collapsed late in the year."

Wilhelm, a former Ohio State star, said he hasn't played in a 4-3 since his rookie season.

Babin, out of Western Michigan, split last season between Seattle and Kansas City, with the Chiefs letting him become a free agent in February.

"I've been trying to find the right home," said Babin, 29, who has been a 3-4 linebacker and a 4-3 end; the Eagles apparently see him as an end. "They put me at outside linebacker; I'd played end in college . . . I always wanted to get back to defensive end. The last 3 years I've been kind of on that journey, trying to get back."

The reason for bringing in Wilhelm was pretty straightforward. It's unclear what Babin's signing means. It could just be that the brain trust wants another body at that position while Victor Abiamiri's chest injury heals. Or it could be that the Birds still aren't satisfied with the mix opposite Trent Cole, that 2008 third-round pick Bryan Smith hasn't taken the steps forward they'd hoped to see.

"It's a smaller, faster, downhill defense," said Babin, listed at 6-3, 267. "I believe that's where I fit in the best."

With Maclin joining the roster - he was scheduled to take the field for the first time this morning - along with Wilhelm and Babin, the Eagles had to cut three players: defensive tackle Jervonte Jackson, cornerback Courtney Robinson and wide receiver Marcus Thigpen.

Jackson, half-brother of Eagles center Jamaal Jackson, was featured in a May 22 Daily News story in which he spoke of hoping his pro earnings would fund an appeal for his imprisoned mother, Avonda Dowling, who is serving a 20-year sentence in California for dealing drugs.

Birdseed

 

Left tackle Jason Peters (quad) did not practice yesterday. Ditto tight end Matt Schobel (calf) . . . Dunkin' Donuts sponsored a trip to Lehigh for 100 Police Athletic League children and officers, who seemed to have an excellent time . . . Jeremy Maclin said he texted with Donovan McNabb throughout the contract negotiation that finally ended late Monday night, 8 days after Maclin was scheduled to arrive in camp. That communication might be one reason McNabb didn't seem too worried about Mac-lin's absence . . . Corner Asante Samuel declined to tell reporters why he missed the final week of voluntary minicamp in June . . . Another strong day for rookie running back LeSean McCoy.

It may be somthing to realise that Wilhelm played behind Shawne Merriman and that's kind of like being Farve's backup what did you realy do??

Babin was taken from his happy place (DE) and put into a hostile situsation (LB). I am not a fan of switching players around and this kid at one point showed enough tallent to be taken in the First Round by the Texans who may not have the most successfull records over the last 5 years have drafted so GREAT players witch tells me they are a good evaluater of tallent.... For what it's worth

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I spent last football season foward and I had a lot of time to look at college guys and I saw Crabtree and said "Man I hope Philly moves up and takes this kid he's gonna be good." I was thinking he was the best thing since sliced bread.

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Call me crazy but I think this kid is gona be a biger success then maclin on his worst day. He comes from a west coast system, was on an unsecucessful team his Sr year that droped his draft day projections and, from what the meida has said about him he looks a lot like Chris Carter, and baring a 2nd year slump from Jackson, I look for him to take curtus's roster spot . 2 years.

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