Dropping Like Flies! Sports Betting In DE

Our wonder TE pick, Cornelius Ingram, who was drafted in the 5th round is now likely out for the season with a torn ACL (same knee as in his last season at FL). I guess there's a reason why folks drop in the draft (ala Winston Justice). Who's next to exit for the season?

On a completely unrelated note:
Meanwhile, those sports leagues are taking on the State of Delaware's sports betting now on a Federal level, claiming Delaware is violating Federal Law by allowing Single Game bets, something they hadn't been offering back when they received the exemption from the then created Federal Law. Early this week, the Federal Court did not issue an injunction against Delaware's moving forward, despite the attempt by these Sports Leagues to file and request one. Immediately after that, the NCAA then stooped and declared that no NCAA Championships can ever take place in DE if they offer single game bets. Nice. Trying to manipulate the state as pawns of the NFL and who else? Hypocrisy, as the Delaware betting laws prohibit betting on on Delaware teams. NCAA = frauds... as they continue to EXPLOIT students for millions and millions with no direct compensation. Talk about hypocrisy. Enslavement with repayment only possible in the "professional" leagues (like the NFL). No wonder they are in bed with them and acting like children.

For The Love Of...

Whatever.... Can we please not move Happ to the bullpen? 10Ks. A shutout CG. An 8-2 record. Why in the world would we put him in the bullpen and move up Martinez? So he can come out of the bullpen and clean up the mahem behind either Martinez or Old Man Moyer? Please, Happ belongs in the starting rotation and Moyer ought to head to the BP.

And for whoever thinks Happ could just return to the rotation for the playoffs, what is the point of that? To get him out of rhythm in the BP and then suddenly have him start starting again come Sept/Oct? Dumb. And, I'll go so far as to say if they're going to do something dumb like this, they may as well have traded him and Drabek and gotten Halladay too.

A rotation of C. Lee, C. Hamels, J. A. Happ, and Blanton seems pretty darned fine to me w/ Martinez (or Moyer) mixed in as needed to keep the mileage off of those guys. Good gracious, Happ to the bullpen?????

Please, put us out of our misery

Either somebody at WIP tell Ike Reese nobody wants to hear his interminable, unfunny monologues that make up 80% of his tiresome show or replace him. I once compared him to Steve Fredericks, but Reese is actually worse. There are plenty of people at WIP that know how to actually host a radio show that have way more interesting things to say, even when it comes to the Eagles - Reese's lone area of expertise. Give one of them the 7-11 pm slot and give Reese the fill-ins at 11pm after most people go to bed.

[end dumb rant]

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Maclin finally signed tonight. Will Reid punish him for his "insolence" and make him a non-factor for the season to the detriment of the team? Probably.

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The question on WIP came up for the millionth time today - is this a football or a baseball town? All you have to do is look at WIP to answer this dumb question. Planned programming during the Eagles season includes Football Fridays, The Football show on Saturday morning followed by Ray Didinger, Eagles expert, talking about the Eagles and football for another 4 hours. Then on game day hours of a pregame show and then hours of a post-game show. Then the day after there is another 4 hour show with an Eagles player as a co-host. This leaves out all the non-programmed show content that is dominated by football and the Eagles. And would Ike Reese have solo 4 hour show in prime time if this wasn't a football town?

Also take into account everything on 950 ESPN and the local TV stations focused on the Eagles. Where is the baseball equivalent?

Down Goes One!

Stewart Bradley out with a torn ACL? While everyone else is so positive on this Birds' season, I continue to be less and less excited about it. I just don't see it. This isn't gonna help. The D has taken three major hits now. How does a team recover from that? The draft??????

Lee a Phillie?

Fox Sports is reporting the Phillies have acquired Cliff Lee from the Indians. No Drabek, no Haap, no Brown in the deal.

WillWeEverWin is calling all the hospitals for confirmation ...

Jim Johnson, May 26, 1941 – July 28, 2009

Jim Johnson had been a coach for 10 years in this town and nobody really said a bad word about him. That is a reflection of how great he was. Jim Johnson is a guy that loved football and he's somebody that you wish you knew personally. He will be missed.

Is you is, or is you ain't, Halladay?

Looks like this Roy Halladay business will go right down to the trade deadline, and it sounds like the Jays and the Phillies — supposedly the most likely team to get a deal done — are at loggerheads over who the Phils would have to give up. Reportedly — as seen here in Great Sports Debate alum Jayson Stark's story — the Jays are demanding current starter J.A. Happ, top starting prospect Kyle Drabek and top (?) outfield prospect Dominic Brown. And the Phils are balking.

Out of that deal, the player that hurts the most for me is Happ, because I don't like messing with the current rotation. I could care less about prospects that may never pan out — and the Jays aren't asking for eight guys here. It's three or four. But giving up Happ hurts a bit. Even so, I'd do it. I'd rather throw in a couple more minor leaguers instead, but I'd still do it.

If Indians starter Cliff Lee has to be our safety college choice, then that would stem my Hallday disappointment a good deal. He has pitched much better than his record indicates this season. Had he the run support the Phillies normally provide, he would be right up there with the best AL starters.

But Lee is being targeted by other teams as well, as indicated by Stark.

So the pressure is on for first-year GM Ruben Amaro Jr. Would you give the Jays what they're asking? How much would you give up? Is another starter the answer? Do we not even need another starter?

NOTES:
— The new terminology on repeat in every discussion of potential trades by the national media types is "pain," as in how much pain will the Phillies have to suffer to acquire Halladay. Just an observation.

— Bucks County Courier Times reporter Randy Miller supposedly wrote an article today in which several Phillies players, who provided their names, said they want Halladay on the team. I'd link to it but the PhillyBurbs site sucks big time.

Joe Banner speaks

Via Bob Ford: Banner: Birds' roster best in NFL

Various

The Erin Andrews peephole video has allowed the usual dinosaurs (even the good sports talk hosts) to slam blogs with the usual tired schtick. Mike Missanelli used the occasion to decry blogs and their "lack of standards" which I assume include reporting things without really knowing the facts. So he then "reported" what happened with Deadspin and the video without really knowing the facts. But of course his points regarding blogs still stand. And look, I linked to Deadspin in my post on this story which has been standard practice since the Mosaic browser. That must mean I agree with and support everything they do.

And can anyone really tell me what the difference between blogs and sport talk radio is except you don't have to wait an hour on hold to state your opinion in a 2 minute time limit?

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As the Eagles begin their 2009-2010 season, the national media supposedly is in love with the Eagles chances this year (note: I actually haven't read anything myself, but it's what I hear). There of course are many questions regarding the team going into the season. The biggest of course is what will the loss of Jim Johnson mean, not just for the defense, but the coaching of the entire team - everything will be on Reid now. Then there's also the loss of Dawkins, the status of Westbrook's health and the depth at running back, the brand new offensive line and its ability to gel with the Andrews brothers as big question marks, and can the backups that are now starters really play. I'll also add are this year's draft picks going to do anything, especially the WR, RB, and TE, and the required "what about McNabb?"

One thing not being mentioned though regarding the Eagles and their chances, is the difficulty of their schedule.

Sept. 13 at Carolina, 1 pm
Sept. 20 vs. New Orleans, 1 pm
Sept. 27 vs. Kansas City, 1 pm
Oct. 4, Bye
Oct. 11 vs. Tampa Bay, 1 pm
Oct. 18 at Oakland, 4:05 pm
Oct. 26 at Washington, 8:30 pm
Nov. 1 vs. N.Y. Giants, 4:15 pm
Nov. 8 vs. Dallass, 8:20 pm
Nov. 15 at San Diego, 4:15 pm
Nov. 22 at Chicago 8:20 pm
Nov. 29 vs. Washington, 1 pm
Dec. 6 at Atlanta, 1 pm
Dec. 13 at N.Y. Giants, 8:20 pm
Dec. 20 vs. San Francisco, 1 pm
Dec. 27 vs. Denver, 1 pm
Jan. 3 at Dallass, 1pm

The really hard part is the middle. After 2 consecutive road games at Oakland (west coast travel) and Washington (Monday night game), they play New York and Dallass (Sunday night game) at home, and then go on the road again for 2 straight to San Diego (west coast travel) and Chicago (Sunday night game). The travel, 3 straight vs. division rivals, playing some tough teams plus throw in the 3 prime time games which also mess up a team's routine, and you can see what could doom the Eagles.

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While 99.9% of politicians are hypocrites, Republicans seem to have a special affinity and relationship with hypocrisy. The party that loves to scream about states rights when the federal government implements things they don't like, like civil rights, proves once again they couldn't care less about states rights when states exercise them by doing things they dont like. Uber conservative Republicans and perpetual busy bodies, John Kyl and Orrin Hatch, wrote a letter last week to Attorney General Eric Holder urging him to enforce a federal ban on sports betting in Delaware - never mind Delaware had sports betting before the ban and was grandfathered in.

But why do Senators from Utah and Oklahoma want to stop the good citizens of Delaware, whose democratically elected representatives approved sports betting, from putting 20 down on the Eagles to cover? According to the Senators, "sports betting threatens to undermine the integrity of our national pastimes." HA HA HA. Good one clowns. The only thing these idiots can really stop is the single game betting, so they must think single game betting is somehow corrupting but parlay betting is benign. Makes sense to me! And last I checked Las Vegas is still around and yet somehow the integrity of the pastimes the citizens enjoy seems more at risk from steroids and corrupt referees.

And not to be outdone in idiocy, the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball, the NHL and the NCAA filed a complaint to stop Gov. Jack Markell and the Delaware State Lottery Office from taking bets on their games. Delaware followed the letter of the law. Good luck morons. I love how corporations think they can write the laws. Oh wait...

Here's an idea, how about overturning the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act and make sports betting legal everywhere instead. Step up real Republicans, and bring down the Nanny State! Let adults be adults.

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This Roy Halladay crap is more drawn out and tedious than Wingbowl tryouts, Wingette tryouts, intern contests, etc. Make it stop.

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The Mets suck.

Vote Victorino

You have until 4 p.m. today to vote for Shane Victorino in MLB's Final Vote for the All-Star Game. And, unlike traditional Philadelphia elections, voting often is encouraged AND legal, as opposed to just encouraged.

Victorino is as deserving as anyone else on the ballot, and isn't hurting his case with some clutch hitting this week. And with Carlos Beltran hurt, could he even start if elected? I don't know, but Uncle Charlie is the NL manager. Put him in coach.

You can vote at MLB.com or at the Phillies site, which for some reason is advocating an Inge/Victorino ticket. Why? I don't know.

UPDATE: The Hawaiian will be flyin' to St. Louis for the All-Star game. Mission accomplished.

Flyers sign two

The Flyers signed free agents Ian Laperriere and Brian Boucher. This is the right wing and back-up goalie that fans and media have been pointing to as missing from the team. Laperriere I like, a total team guy, but skill wise he is yet another Asham/Carcillo type. I guess Holmgren hopes Ian can kill penalties and win a few draws as well as hit, fight and agitate. Laperriere, who hates losing, was stoked to be signed by the Flyers.

“When Philly called, I got very excited,” said Laperriere of joining the Flyers organization. “They show their fans and they show their team that they want to win, and they’ll do anything to win.

Boucher is the quintessential back-up keeper and that is what the Flyers were searching for, so he is a good fit. I am sure all Flyers fans are looking forward to being able to chant "Boooooooooooooooooouch" again. Flyers propaganda here. Mike Knuble signed with the Capitals. Unfortunately the Flyers do not have a player on the roster who is big enough, tough enough, and skilled enough to truly occupy Knuble's "office" in front of the net (especially on the power play). Maybe Carcillo will blossom into that role?

One Pronger attack

About the Flyers acquiring Chris Pronger for Sbisa, Lupul and 2 first round picks: there's always the fear that it's Beezer, Mike Rathje, or Darien Hatcher all over again - getting a guy past his prime on the downside of his career. It will never be as bad as a Paul Coffey or Adam Oates though. The Flyers are hoping that they are finally getting a defenseman that is intimidating, plays with hate, has the ability to make Crosby cry, and can clear out the front of the net to prevent all those cheap goals Biron and Company love to surrender. Hopefully Emery will also do his part without getting suspended.

In addition to the violence, Pronger also has some offensive skills and should provide needed defensive depth and "leadership in the room" as the professionals like to say. Although "old," Pronger played all 82 games last year, had 11 goals, 37 assists, and averaged 27 minutes a game.

But if Pronger walks after 1 year this trade would end up looking pretty bad considering what the Flyers gave up. But Pronger is a difference maker and Snider is going to die soon and needs to win the Cup now so I understand that it's a risk they needed to take. The Flyers are a young team and the picks they gave up wouldn't be making an impact on the Flyers for years.

I think the trade has improved the team and will be good for the Flyers, but at the same time I don't think it's going to win them the Stanley Cup. But let's see what Holmgren does next.

UPDATES: Knuble felt dissed by the Flyers "unfair" offer and signed with the Capitals. Flyers signed right wing Ian Laperriere and his totally crooked nose, and brought back Brian Boucher to back up Emery. Good luck with that, although Boucher apparently played pretty good for San Jose last year with a .917 save percentage and 2.18 goals against average.

There's a ton of interesting player movement right now in the NHL, and not all of it is 3rd line players and backup goalies.

Smellies

Damn the Phillies have been annoying to watch recently. I wouldn't have minded them flipping the switch on offense and rolling up teams as soon as they went back out on the road — like they did in their first game in Tampa Bay — because at least they'd be winning again. But it was one good game in Tampa and then right back to the really annoying quality of play exhibited at home against Toronto and Baltimore (aside from a good/wasted Blanton performance Wednesday).

What's so annoying? Let's see:

— Forgetting what out it is.
— Throwing to the wrong base.
— Only throwing one pitch (develop a change-up Bastardo, quickly).
— Matt Stairs playing in the outfield. Play the kid Mayberry! Heaven forbid a right-handed player actually face a right-handed pitcher. Probably never happened in baseball before, I know. LET THE KID PLAY, especially as he can actually move around a little bit in the outfield! It's been Stairs or someone else the last four of five games. With Ibanez out, Mayberry should be starting five or six days a week.
— Jimmy Rollins stinks on ice right now. Drop him to sixth or seventh in the lineup and leave him there. Hit your way out of it Rollins!
— Pitchers throwing meatballs. Meatballs go on my subs, not over the plate guys!
— Not being able to boo people through my TV.
— Pat Burrell stunk all year ... until this series.

I'm sure there's more. Add your own.

As a side note, the Tampa Bay Rays' fans are super weak. Way to (not) turn out for a World Series rematch, losers.

USA Dos, Spain Cero.

It’s not everyday the United States' soccer team beats the number one team in the world, but it happened today while most Americans lucky enough to still hold jobs were at work doing what Americans do best: not giving a fuck about soccer. Frankly the USA was very fortunate to even be in the semi finals, as the team lost to Italy and Brazil before beating robbery victims Egypt in the final game of match play 3-0. It was only because Italy was weaker than a 50cc Vespa with two flat tires in their game versus Brazil that the Americans even made the playoffs.

The United States did make the most of their chance, shutting down Spain’s superhuman metrosexual midfielder Xavi and goldilocked striker/crybaby Fernando Torres. The manly named Clint Dempsey and the strangely named Jozy Altidore scored goals while Tim Howard was strong in the net. Michael Bradley got red carded late so I think he will be illegible for the final on Sunday, an event that will surely receive less media coverage than Wimbledon, Tiger Woods not winning another tournament, and maybe, just maybe even the NHL draft. The game can be seen on ESPN2 while the Professional Bowlers Tour airs on ESPN.

Suddenly, this has added meaning

It's being reported the Flyers may soon sign goalie Ray Emery. This could turn out to be a disaster, but I like the move, and Emery's Hextall-esque attributes should go over well in Philly.

Throw in a Jay Bouwmeester signing, and this offseason could be a good one.