Flyers looking at Emery

With all three of the organizations top goaltenders' free agents, the Flyers are reportedly closing in on a deal with Ray Emery, formerly of the Ottawa Senators. He cannot sign a contract until July 1. Just 2 years ago Emery went 12-3 in the playoffs to reach the Stanley Cup Finals before falling to Anaheim in 5 games. His career derailed after that with rumors of drug use and partying and maybe a slight anger problem. "I'm not drinking excessively, that's for sure", said Emery when confronted about his behavior - or was that me last weekend when I was asked about my behavior. He has admitted on television that he has been stopped by the police over 30 times.

This past season Emery played for the Atlant Mytischi of the Kontinental Hockey League and is on a 2 years contract there with permission to seek an NHL job between seasons. Incumbent starter Marty Biron must see the writing on the wall if the Flyers are not only looking to replace him but replace him with a guy who kicked his a$$ a few years back.

Ray Emery, huh? It's a good thing the Flyers are going after character guys now. No seriously, if this guy can keep his head on somewhat straight, he could be one of the better goalies in the league. Yes that is aking a lot. The Flyers are also looking at Florida Defenseman Jay Bouwmeester who would significantly bolster the blue line.

Can you imagine Sean Avery playing those games that he was playing against Brodeur in the playoffs, against Emery? Could be entertaining but they may want to find a decent backup to fill in for the suspensions. Read More

Philly.com to Charge for Content

This really pisses me off. Brian Tierney, the Chief Executive of Philadelphia Media Holdings, told Good Day Philadelphia that Philly.com will begin charging for its content by the end of the year. Philly.com includes content from both The Daily News and The Inquirer.

"I think by the end of this year we'll starting doing what a lot of other newspapers are looking at doing and charging something for it,” Tierney said. “We can’t spend $53 million on newsroom costs and give it away on the back door in terms of things. There will be a small charge for that.”

When asked by Fox 29’s Steve Keeley when such a charge would go into effect, Tierney said “by the end of the year.”

I am a big fan of Philly.com, as a lot of times I can't get my hands on a newspaper while at work or at home. I'll be honest though, I refuse to pay to read news online. I don't know if I'm in the minority or not, but I am fine gettting my news and sports elsewhere if they begin charging. National sports and news sites are abundant (and free), and as much as I love the sports section of The Daily News, I will make the sacrifice. I know times are tough, but I don't think this is the answer to their problems.

Will you pay to visit Philly.com?

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Let the Hype Begin: Drabek throws 7 Scoreless

Kyle Drabek threw 7 shutout innings in his Reading Phillies debut Wednesday night. He struck out 4, walked 3 and allowed 3 hits. His last start for Clearwater was a complete game shutout. GM Ruben Amaro, special assistant Dallas Green and Dickie Noles were behind home plate watching.

http://www.readingphillies.com/Game0603.htm

Hopefully there will be no bum talk about this guy. Read More

Braves cut ties with 305 Game Winner

The Atlanta Braves have released future HOF pitcher Tom Glavine. The team thought that the pitcher, who was part of the rotation that brought Atlanta to 5 World Series appearances during the 90's, didn't have good enough stuff to get Major League hitters out - according to sources. The Braves will save $1 Million, the bonus Glavine was due to receive for pitching in the majors this year. The 1995 World Series MVP is still looking to pitch and has gained velocity in his last 2 rehab starts while throwing 11 scoreless innings.

The LA King's 1984, 4th round draft pick's release comes on the day the Big Unit will try to become the first pitcher since him to win 300 games. (more on that below)

Glavine was a great pitcher and the Phils certainly have seen him enough while playing against the Braves and Mets but here's hoping they don't go near him when looking for another starting pitcher.

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The Unit

Just three days after Jaimie Moyer picked up his 250th career win there is another big unit trying to make his mark in history. I think for the first time in their short lived franchise all eyes will be on National Stadium. Randy Johnson will be pitching against the team that originally drafted him when they were known as the Montreal Expos for his 300th career win. This is Randy Johnson's 22nd year in baseball and has dominated for most of his career. Could this be the last 300 game winner that we will ever see? Also, is he the most dominant pitcher of this era? His numbers back it up and with 6 more wins he will move ahead of Tom Glavine for 21st all-time in victories. This guy is a first ballot Hall of Famer, and most importantly he is on my fantasy baseball team. So for all of your sake and mine lets see The Big Unit close the deal on 300 tonight.
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J.C.'s Back

J.C. Romero will return to the Phillies bullpen today after serving his 50 game suspension for (unknowingly) taking performance enhancing drugs. Romero should be a welcome addition to a 'pen which has been heavily worked due to the early season struggles of the starting rotation.

Will Chalie insert him right back into his 7th inning role or will he ease him back maybe into a lefty specialist or 6th inning role until he shows he is back? J.C. has been one of the best relievers/setup guys in baseball since being aquired by the Phillies in Mid '07. After being released by Boston he came to Philly and sported a 1.24 ERA throughout the rest of the year and followed that up by putting up a 2.75 ERA last year.

The Phillies sent down Sergio Escalona to the 'Pigs to make room. Jack Taschner will stay with the club. Read More

Bastardo Impresses in First Start

Antonio Bastardo came out throwing heat, and he never really stopped bringing it until he was pulled from the game after pitching six strong innings in San Diego last night. The 23-year-old was impressive in his first career major league start, looking every bit like a veteran stud on the mound, giving up only one run on four hits in six innings while striking out five. He was spotted four runs in the 1st inning and never looked back; his only real mistake coming on an Adrian Gonzalez HR in the 6th. Personally, I only made it through three innings before fallings asleep, but from what I saw he was throwing a steady diet of fastballs in the 93-95 MPH range. He works fast and seems to have that JC Romero intensity on the mound. I liked what I saw, not really much to criticize. If he stays in the rotation, which I would assume will be the case, the Phillies will have only one right handed starting pitcher. I’m sure this has been done in the past, but has it been successful?

I still believe they need to make a trade for another starter. They cannot enter the postseason with Joe Blanton as the #2 SP - they will not win a series if that is the case. Imagine Hamels-Peavy/Oswalt– they would be favored against anyone, no questions asked.

By the way, I can't wait to see the fan club for Bastardo at CBP. Bastardo’s Bastards? Bastardo’s Illegitimates? What do you think? Any ideas? Read More

No Longer 'The King'?

As reported by John Gonzalez of the Inquirer on Tuesday, Howard Eskin of 610 WIP may not be the king of sports talk radio anymore. Mike Missanelli, whose show airs on ESPN 950, recently beat Eskin in the 25-54 male demographic, the most important demo in terms of their target audience.

I find Eskin to be a smug, arrogant ass, and I usually can't listen for more than five minutes. He hosts a call in talk show, yet rarely allows his callers to voice an opinion differing from his. Missanelli used to have a similar style when he was on 610, but since moving over to 950 has adopted a new approach - now he's 'the nice guy' on sports talk radio. Isn't he the same host who was once fired for punching his producer during a commercial break? Read More

Sheldon a No-Show at OTA's

Disgruntled cornerback Sheldon Brown did not report to Eagles organized team activities this morning. He was the only player not to make an appearance today. While OTA's are advertised as being voluntary, the fact of the matter is that players around the league know they are mandatory. Brown not showing up will surely do nothing to help his quest to get traded or have his contract restructured.

I don't know what Brown is hoping to accomplish by not making an appearance. If the past is any indicator, the Eagles will not respond favorably to strong arm tactics by players under contract, and they seem to get especially irked when a player feels the need to make his case public. In my opinion, his best bet would be to show up, shut up, and let things play out behind the scenes. Read More

Drabek gets Promoted to Reading

2006, first round draft pick Kyle Drabek gets his first taste of AA ball on Thursday night against the Akron Aeros. Drabek was 4-1 in 9 starts for the Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League before his call up. Son of 1990 Cy Young award winner Doug Drabek, Kyle tossed a 9 inning complete game shutout his last time out. He missed a big chunk of the provious 2 seasons rehabbing from "Tommy John" surgery.

Kyle is a "top of the rotation" talent who may not be ready for the majors this year but it would not be out of the question if he come out and pitches well at Reading. Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer mentioned Kyle, on Sunday before his promotion, as a possible "in-house" replacement who "has some of the best pure stuff in the system and enough toughnes to be mentioned". Again, he may not be the short-term answer to the Phillies starting pitching dilemma but is worth keeping an eye on.

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