State of the Eagles

Looks like us Philadelphians are in for a repeat of last season, when the Birds finished with an underachieving 8-8 record and missed the playoffs.

Right now, there's no reason to expect anything better. I headed into this season predicting a 13-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance as I do every single year. But this year seemed different (as I say every single year).

In the offseason, we had fixed our linebacking problem by picking up DeMeco Ryans from Houston and selecting Mychal Kendricks in the second round of this year's draft. Both have been impressive thus far.

The drafting of Fletcher Cox would further our effort into solving last year's issue of the defense being slaughtered by the run. Vinny Curry, the pick acquired in the Kevin Kolb deal with Rodgers-Cromartie, had potential to piggyback on Trent Cole and Jason Babin's substantial sack totals.

We'd traded Asante Samuel to the Falcons for essentially nothing, but that wouldn't matter because he didn't fit into the scheme and now DRC could start opposite Nnamdi Asomugha.

We were ready, and after winning out in the preseason, we were really ready.

A one-point win against the lowly Browns followed. Uh-oh. But it was still a W. We'd recover. The Ravens were next. It was awfully close again, and despite Vick's three turnovers, we still pulled out a win against a contender. 2-0. Life's good.

The Cardinals were the reality check.

Part 2 tomorrow.

2012 MLB Awards - Who is Most Deserving

These are not projections, but rather who I personally would vote for. 

AL Manager of the Year: Bob Melvin, Oakland A's

This was a close decision over the Orioles' Buck Showalter, who may well win the award. Both made the most out of what appeared to be putrid rosters heading into the season (although the O's looked a bit better than the A's). While both are worthy, Melvin should win because he was able to lead his team to a division crown, while the Orioles won a wild card.

Runners up (in order): Buck Showalter, Baltimore Orioles; Robin Ventura, Chicago White Sox


NL Manager of the Year: Davey Johnson, Washington Nationals

Manager of the Year often goes to a skipper whose team turned it around in the standings, which makes Davey Johnson a favorite. He took his team from below .500 a year ago to the best record in baseball (98-64) this season. Johnson's main opposition is Dusty Baker, whose Reds pioneered on without former MVP Joey Votto for six weeks

Runners up (in order): Dusty Baker, Cincinnati Reds; Bruce Bochy, San Francisco Giants


AL Comeback Player of the Year: Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays

A lot of people campaign for Adam Dunn for this award, but I don't care how many home runs he hit; he struck out 222 times and batted a paltry .204. If it wasn't for his pop, all that would be deserving of is a demotion. Alex Rios is intriguing, but recently his career path has included up and down seasons, and all he seems to be doing is following that. Then there's Fernando Rodney, who came out of nowhere to convert 48/50 saves with a 0.60 ERA. Case closed.

Runners up (in order): Alex Rios, Chicago White Sox; Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins; Rafael Soriano, New York Yankees


NL Comeback Player of the Year: Kris Medlen, Atlanta Braves

Buster Posey is probably going to win this award. But I'd rather give it to a relative unknown than a superstar returning from injury, Kris Medlen, (who is also coming back from injury: Tommy John surgery). He was an afterthought when the Braves announced their Opening Day rotation, as they had five young starters and a recovering Tim Hudson. To start the season, Medlen posted a 2.48 ERA in 38 bullpen appearances. But this is where it gets nasty: Since joining the Braves' staff on July 31, Medlen has gone 9-0 with a 0.97 ERA. 24 innings short from the required 162 to qualify for percentage stats, Medlen can't qualify for any of them. If 138 innings was the cutoff, though, he would lead the NL in ERA (1.57), winning percentage (.909), and HR/9 IP (0.4). There's almost a better argument for him for Cy Young than teammate Craig Kimbrel.

Runners up (in order): Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves; Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants; Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals; David Wright, New York Mets


AL Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Yoenis Cespedes could have won it almost any other year.

Runners up (in order): Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland Athletics; Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays; Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers


NL Rookie of the Year: Wade Miley, Arizona Diamondbacks

No, it shouldn't be Bryce Harper, in fact, he could even be argued for fourth place. Wade Miley won sixteen games with an anemic offense behind him, and possessed a 3.33 ERA. Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario hit .270 with 28 home runs, and could be an offensive force for years to come. But he's a liability behind the plate. Statistically, Miley deserves this award, but in five years, he will likely not be the most talked about candidate on this list.  

Runners up (in order): Wilin Rosario, Colorado Rockies; Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals; Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds; Norichicka Aoki, Milwaukee Brewers; Jordan Pacheco, Colorado Rockies


AL Cy Young: David Price, Tampa Bay Rays

Fernando Rodney will sure have support, but I'm of the belief that a closer, no matter what, should not win the Cy Young. The award is basically a toss-up between Justin Verlander and David Price. Price's ERA is seven points lower and he has three more wins on a worse offensive ballclub. Verlander, though, has tossed 27.1 more innings (in two more starts) and has 34 more strikeouts.

Runners up (in order): Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers; Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays; Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim; Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners; Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox


NL Cy Young: R.A. Dickey, New York Mets

Craig Kimbrel's situation is the same as Rodney's. He pitched about as well as he could, but for no more than an inning a night. Johnny Cueto pitched in a bandbox and finished with a 2.78 ERA and nineteen wins, both third in the league. Clayton Kershaw, going for back-to-back Cys, led the league in ERA and WHIP, but with such similar stats to the others a 14-9 record won't cut it. Gio Gonzalez won 21 games but simply wasn't quite as impressive as R.A. Dickey or Cueto. Dickey led the league in complete games, innings pitched and strikeouts, finished second in ERA and wins and third in WHIP, all while throwing a power knuckler and being 37. He gets my vote.

Runners up (in order:) Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers; Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds; Matt Cain, San Francisco Giants; Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves; Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals


AL Most Valuable Player: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

The rookie Mike Trout will get his in due time. But Miguel Cabrera hit for the Triple Crown. I value defense as much as anyone, but c'mon, Cabrera hit for the Triple Crown.

Runner up: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
(Oh, and to discount that WAR argument made by Trout's supporters: Baseball-reference.com has Darwin Barney's WAR this season at 4.5, and Josh Hamilton's at 3.6. Using WAR alone, Ben Zobrist would be a two-time MVP winner.)


NL Most Valuable Player: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

Andrew McCutchen was the favorite for most of the season, but like his team, he cooled down once August started, batting only .252 from then to now. It's essentially between Buster Posey and Ryan Braun. Braun led the NL in home runs, runs scored, slugging percentage and OPS, finished second in RBI and third in batting average. Posey, the National League batting champion, was second in OPS, third in slugging percentage and sixth in RBI. Both play stellar defensively, but Posey will win because he is a catcher. When both had such similarly impressive seasons, that is certainly a deciding factor.

Runners up (in order): Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers; Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates; Chase Headley, San Diego Padres; Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals

2012 NFL Player Rankings - Wide Receivers

Being a prima donna might get a few guys demoted a little. But not too much.

Here's the list:

1) Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
2) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
3) Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
4) A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
5) Victor Cruz, New York Giants
6) Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers
7) Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
8) Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
9) Wes Welker, New England Patriots
10) Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers
11) Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
12) Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants
13) Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears
14) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
15) Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings
16) Dwyane Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
17) Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys
18) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
19) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles
20) Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
21) Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints
22) Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
23) Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins
24) Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
25) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
26) Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
27) Eric Decker, Denver Broncos
28) Stevie Johnson, Buffalo Bills
29) Nate Washington, Tennessee Titans
30) Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
31) Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland Raiders
32) Danny Amendola, St. Louis Rams

2012 NFL Player Rankings - Running Backs

These rankings are not for fantasy value. And yes, Darren Sproles may be too high, but I like the way he plays, and the dual threat he brings to the offense. Here's the list:

1) Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
2) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
3) Arian Foster, Houston Texans
4) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
5) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
6) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
7) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
8) Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
9) Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
10) Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins
11) Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
12) Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
13) Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers
14) Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
15) C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills
16) Darren Sproles, New Orleans Saints
17) Willis McGahee, Denver Broncos
18) Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns
19) Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots
20) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals
21) DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
22) Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
23) Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
24) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
25) Michael Bush, Chicago Bears
26) Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
27) Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers
28) Ben Tate, Houston Texans
29) Cedric Benson, Green Bay Packers
30) Andre Brown, New York Giants
31) Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
32) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

2012 NFL Player Ranks - Quarterbacks

No writing on my part here. I'm simply going to rank the top players at each of the fantasy skill positions. Not by fantasy value, but by who I think is the best. Because I feel like it.

Some of you may think Andy Dalton is too high on this list, and he might be. But I feel he's going to prove me right this season.

Russell Wilson is a guy who I hope proves me wrong. I haven't seen much of his ability in the NFL yet, but there is definitely a chance he can be a top twenty signal caller this season. I like how he doesn't possess the ego of fellow newcomers Cam Newton (2nd year) and Robert Griffin III. His work ethic rivals anyone in the league, he doesn't complain about other teams "playing dirty" (RGIII) or charge fans cash for autographs (Newton).

Anyway, here's the list:

1) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
2) Tom Brady, New England Patriots
3) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
4) Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
5) Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
6) Eli Manning, New York Giants
7) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
8) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
9) Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
10) Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
11) Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
12) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
13) Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
14) Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
15) Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
16) Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
17) Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
18) Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
19) Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans
20) Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders
21) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
22) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills
23) Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs
24) Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals
25) Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings
26) Mark Sanchez, New York Jets
27) Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
28) Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
29) Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars
30) Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
31) Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
32) Brandon Weeden, Cleveland Browns

To Sum Up a Few Things...

The sports media has a tendency to beat a dead horse until its guts spew out on a slew of topics. What I'm going to do here is write what I think is the bottom line to all of them. Some topics I talk about may be overdone in the media, while others I feel inclined to write about for no specific reason.

1. Robert Griffin III has had one spectacular performance thus far this season against a rather poor defense. What he did was impressive, but if he had had a crummy game, we'd all be screaming that he was a bust the way we are about Ryan Tannehill and Brandon Weeden. What I'm saying is, while Griffin will probably go on to have a terrific career, one game is far too small a sample size to evaluate an NFL player.

2. Beating the Bills proved nothing for the New York Jets. The Bills may well win two games this year. The Jets are still a circus as of now. If they can win two out of three against the Steelers, 49ers, and Texans, maybe it's time to start to think they are legitimate. But right now, they're still an 8-8 team at best.

3. Tim Tebow still cannot pass the football. It's kind of weird to me how for all the work he does, he can't correct his throwing motion and throw spirals. He'll be in the league awhile, but would be better off becoming a tight end. It'd also be nice if, as a backup quarterback backing up a mediocre starter and special teams player, Tebow would be talked about less than most teams. But as long as ESPN exists, we all know that's not going to happen. 

4. If the NFL is going to fine multiple defensive players each week, there has to be a way for them to fine guys on the other side of the ball as well. Slap DeSean Jackson fifty grand for admitting he didn't play hard last year or something.

5. The NFL needs to quit making the rules so the offense scores every time and everyone gets 350 passing yards. Heck, even Blaine Gabbert amassed 260 last week. The league needs to start catering to the hardcore fan instead of the casual one, which we know will never happen. I won't get into player safety here.

6. If my Phillies fall short in their comeback bid for the playoffs, go A's and O's. Love the fight these teams possess despite such minute payrolls (by pro sports standards, of course).

7. I'm still not getting why the NFL is still hiding the evidence in the bounty scandal. Looks more and more each day like they don't have any. We'll wait till the meetings are finished.

8. Michael Vick should be benched for Nick Foles if he pulls another dud this week against Baltimore.

9. I really hope Seattle gets an NBA team back. And they should call them the SuperSonics again, because that was by far the best name in pro sports.

10. It's a real shame the Pirates are collapsing again. The way they're going, it's bound to be losing season number twenty in a row. As they're accustomed to this time of year, Pittsburgh has already turned their full attention to the Steelers.

White Mamba Calls it a Career

NBA great Brian Scalabrine, known for his hustle on the court and by his nickname "White Mamba," retired from the league today. He turned down an offer from Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau to be an assistant, instead electing to serve as the play-by-play guy for Boston Celtics games.

A fan favorite around the league, Scal will surely be missed in Chicago. Today marks the first day in history that Bulls fans express jealousy toward Celtics supporters. People have been clamoring for his numbers, 24 and 44, to be retired league-wide.

Maybe I'm mocking him a little, but in all honesty, I respect the guy. He's a hard worker relatable to fans due to his straightforwardness and simply likeable character and wonderful personality. Teammates and coaches alike respect him for his work ethic, which has kept him in the league for a decade. Thibodeau thought so much of him that he offered him an assistant coaching position. But what really makes him a legend is this:

College Football's Flaws: Part One

It's a joyous occasion for college football fans across the country: Week One Saturday, which features a horde of competitive matchups. LSU vs. North Texas. Arkansas vs. the Gamecocks of Jacksonville St. In fact, we get all of TWO ranked vs. ranked games this weekend! Weak non-conference scheduling is the least of the problems, though, when it comes to college football.

It's simply a corrupt industry. Every day you hear about so and so from USC or Ohio State or whatever school receiving gifts from boosters or recruiters, or a story that surfaced about former UNC standout Julius Peppers regarding academic fraud or classes created for athletes to get by. Cam Newton, the guy you just took with your second round pick in your fantasy draft, got paid thousands to play for Auburn but got no penalty because his dad orchestrated it, or so he said. As any casual college football fan knows, these types of things go on at almost every large football school. Pressuring teachers to change players' grades. Preferential treatment to the players, in all aspects by the school, since they generate revenue. What do I mean? I'm not just talking about the free ride, but rather such things as additional academic help not available to other students just to keep players eligible, and having the football program bail its players out from trouble with school's police.

Fans simply look away during bowl season when corporate sponsors take advantage of college kids' talent in moneymaking schemes. Take the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, for example. The financial corruption was endless (check the hyperlink for details). This is all centered around an amateur sport.

Small Market Stars

Much talk has been made over Felix Hernandez' love affair with the Seattle Mariners and their fans. Rumors have swirled for the past few years that the small-market M's were going to trade him away for building blocks for the future, but GM Jack Zduriencik has stated repeatedly that the franchise is going to build around King Felix instead.

People can't decide whether to believe Felix when he states that Seattle is the only place he wants to be. He's become a local hero, has his own fan section in left field, the King's Court, and has apparent faith in the Mariners' front office that they will be able to build a winner with reduced payroll. He has promised to return to Seattle after his five-year, $78 million deal is up. But is he sincere, or will he just sign with the Yankees and achieve Alex Rodriguez status at Safeco?

Here are some other small-market franchise icons and their current contract situations.

Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates - The NL's leading MVP candidate avoided arbitration years and showed his allegiance to Pittsburgh in signing a six-year, $51.5 million extension in the offseason. The contract includes a club option for 2018, and is the largest deal in the 130-year history of the Pirates. McCutchen has lead the Bucs into relevancy, and put butts in beautiful PNC Park's seats, which will lead to the team expanding on its 26th-ranked $62 million payroll.

Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays - As a rookie, Longo originally agreed to a six-year, $17.5 million deal, with club options through 2016 that will push the deal to $44 million. Not bad for a player that has achieved superstar status. The Rays have become perennial playoff contenders, which can be  attributed to GM Andrew Friedman shaping the roster "years and years in advance." He scored big in taking a chance with then 22-year old Longoria, a guy who will be difficult for them to afford come 2016.

Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals - "Country Breakfast" inked a four-year, $30 million deal prior to the 2011 season, which includes a $14.5 million club option for 2015. As exhibited by the Royals' faithful during this season's All-Star festivities (booing Robinson Cano vivaciously for not picking him to represent the AL in the Home Run Derby), he is a hometown hero in KC. Right-handed bats like him (.302/.370/.508, 25 HR, 79 RBI this year) don't come around often, and he will be hotly pursued in a few years if he keeps up his production.

Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies - Tulo is basically a Rockie for life, as he is signed through 2020 in a deal that pays him $157.75 million is this decade. He is the best all-around shortstop in the game, and even while the team struggles with him hurt, he is not going to be traded for pitching prospects that the Rockies desperately need. Same goes for CarGo, who signed a seven-year, $80 millon agreement prior to the 2011 season. While the Rockies have a plethora of issues, keeping their superstars is not among them.

Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks - After such a downhill year and his current situation (which I'll get to), Upton doesn't really qualify in this "face of the franchise" category. An MVP candidate last year, things have gone downhill quickly for the 25-year-old, so much so that he has been placed on waivers. Reports are that he has been claimed by an unknown team, where he could receive a fresh start and another chance at stardom. Arizona might keep him and look to trade him in the offseason, or leave the team that acquires him on the hook for the rest of his six-year, $51.25 million deal.

Sixers 2012 Roster Projections

The Philadelphia 76ers head into the 2012-2013 with a 14-man roster consisting of only five players from a season ago. But among Philadelphians, there is a renewed confidence in this team even after just finishing a game away from the Eastern Conference Finals. Had it not been for the Andre Iguodala - Andrew Bynum deal (the Dwight Howard trade), much of that optimism would not be present.

With an almost entirely new roster, head coach Doug Collins will have his hands full trying to mix and match the correct lineups, leading this team to play to its caliber as a championship contender. Here is an overview of each player, how much playing time they should get, and how much time Collins will actually give them.

Lavoy Allen: Should play 25 MPG. Will play 15-20 MPG

Allen earned his stripes in the postseason with his stellar defensive showing against Kevin Garnett. KG was running all over Spencer Hawes every minute the two were matched up, but Allen was able to contain him. Unfortunately for Allen, it looks as if Doug Collins thinks more of Hawes as a player right now, as Hawes has been named the starter at PF for some goofy reason. Allen might even get stuck behind Kwame Brown on the depth chart, although I am confident Lavoy will impress during training camp, and maybe take Hawes' starting job some point during the season. In addition to his defense and consistent rebounding, the sophomore also possesses an above-average mid range jumper, and double-double potential.


Kwame Brown: Should play 5-10 MPG. Will play 15 MPG

Brown was brought in for defensive prowess. But he isn't any better on that side of the ball than Lavoy Allen is, and his offensive game is almost nonexistent. It was a scary thought to Sixers fans when Doug Collins had him at starting center before the deal was made for Andrew Bynum. Although he probably shouldn't be, Brown will probably serve as Andrew Bynum's backup, leaving less minutes for Allen and rookie Arnett Moultrie.


Andrew Bynum: Should play 30-40 MPG. Will play 30-40 MPG

The concerns for Bynum are not his basketball skills, but rather his knees, his dedication, his effort, his maturity, his decision-making, etc. He appears to be thrilled to be in Philly, and if all goes as planned, he'll sign a max deal at the end of this season. The Orthokine knee procedure he has decided to undergo in Germany should be a positive sign, as he is being proactive about his health.


Spencer Hawes: Should play 5-20 MPG. Will play 25-30 MPG

Spencer Hawes is a backup NBA big. He can get a mid-range jumper going, but is downright terrible at defense. He cannot guard any quality big man. He plays somewhat soft and isn't imposing to anyone driving straight at him. He can play in this league, but the team would be far better off if Lavoy Allen, or maybe even Arnett Moultrie were to start in his place.


Jrue Holiday: Should play 30-35 MPG. Will play 30-40 MPG

It is said the future of this team is in Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner's hands. Based on what I saw last season from Holiday, I'd be concerned. I'm not as excited about him as other Sixers fans. He plays defense lackadaisically, takes questionable shots and dribbles around pointlessly too often. As the team's starting point guard last season, he averaged a measly 4.5 assists. Last year should have been his breakout this; this year better be.


Royal Ivey: Should play 0-5 MPG. Will play 0-5 MPG

Ivey, in his second stint with the Sixers, is a guy who can provide veteran presence and can help mentor the young guys on how to be NBA players. He will rack up the DNP-CDs, and will compete with rookie Maalik Wayns for garbage time minutes at point guard.


Arnett Moultrie: Should play 15-25 MPG. Will play 0-15 MPG

If Doug Collins has a flaw as a head coach, it might be his development of young players. He was criticized for his treatment of Evan Turner last season, even if it might have been for the better. Collins' decision to play Spencer Hawes over Lavoy Allen shouldn't be encouraging for the rookie overflowing with potential, as it shows his doesn't favor his young bigs. Moultrie likely won't get enough of an opportunity to prove himself this year, barring an injury to someone.


Jason Richardson: Should play 15-20 MPG. Will play 15-25 MPG

It remains to be seen whether J-Rich will be a starter, as opposed to Thaddeus Young or Dorell Wright. The bottom line is the Sixers are a very deep team, and won't find enough playing time for everyone. Richardson can still play, and will contribute with whatever opportunity he gets.


Evan Turner: Should play 30-35 MPG. Will play 30-35 MPG

It is now Evan Turner's time. If his jump shot is the same as it's been in the past, there is cause for worry. But he is arguably the best rebounding guard in the league, and last year he showed flashes of being able to score twenty a night and put up double-doubles (yes, he's that good on the glass) with regularity. His passion during the game has the power to endear him to Philly fans if he puts up the numbers.


Maalik Wayns: Should play 0-10 MPG. Will play 0-10 MPG

He is known fondly in Philly for his starring role with Villanova. His status with the team isn't set in stone yet, but word is that he will be on the roster, meaning he'll probably get some garbage time minutes. A natural scorer, somewhat suspect defensive player and average passer, Wayns has the far-off chance to develop into Philly's next Lou Williams if Nick Young leaves after this year.


Dorell Wright: Should play 25 MPG. Will play 10-20 MPG

This guy can play. He has a killer touch from long range, can play D and will be a great late-game player due to his free-throw shooting (80% career). With the logjam of players at his position, he won't get the minutes he should, but will still be a contributor for this team.


Nick Young: Should play 10-25 MPG. Will play 15-30 MPG

I hate this guy's game. He can score, albeit very inefficiently. He is a ballhog. He doesn't play defense, and probably isn't intelligent enough to know what the word means. That being said, the Sixers struggled putting the ball in the hoop last season, and Young can go on offensive outburts a la Lou Williams. For cheap, he's not an awful pickup.


Thaddeus Young: Should play 20-35 MPG. Will play 25-30 MPG

Is he a three or a four? Probably neither; just a basketball player. He's a little small to guard power forwards, but looks a bit awkward at the three. Doesn't really matter. He causes ruckus whenever he is in the game, and will find a way to get his without ever having a play called for him. His endless energy is something Andrew Bynum should take note of.

Olympic Thoughts

So the consensus right now is that Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian ever. The argument is simple: he has 22 medals; eighteen of which are gold. The fastest man in the world, none other than Usain Bolt, has four golds currently. He's not really in the discussion (at least in the United States), since Phelps has fourteen more gold medals.

Phelps' sport gives away far more medals than a track athlete can achieve. People say, "Michael Phelps competes in up to ten different events, while all Bolt does is run the 100m and 200m." This doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Sprinters in track and field must sculpt their bodies entirely differently than a longer-distance runner, so it wouldn't be plausible for Bolt to win any more medals than he already does. It's the same reason Phelps doesn't compete in, say, the 1500m freestyle.

The only way the uneven medal distribution for track and swimming could be compensated for would be by events such as, say, a backwards race, which would be swimming's equivalent to backstroke.

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On a more serious note:

You might have heard about this already. Seven of Cameroon's Olympians have been missing from Olympic Village. Based on the article, is sounds like they are just fine, and there's no cause for worry, however. They have simply used their situation to their advantage. Seems pretty smart, actually.

Olympic defections date back to 1948's Olympics, which were also held in London. Marie Provaznikova, then president of the International Gymnastics Federation, refused to return to her native Czechoslovakia due to "lack of freedom."

Fifteen-year-old Ethiopian torchbearer Natnael Yemane went on the from his hotel in Nottingham this past June.

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Michael Phelps probably could have come closer to repeating his Beijing performance in this summer's Olympics. He admitted in an interview to NBC's Bob Costas how he slacked off in his training for London, saying he "relaxed" and was "just having fun." He went on to explain how he would do whatever he could to avoid the weight room, and did not start training seriously until 2010. Natural talent certainly aided him in what was still an impressive farewell Olympic performance for one of the world's greatest athletes.

BREAKING NEWS: Tune to your TV, as NBC is set to air the Kennedy assassination tonight in a number of minutes for the public to see...  Okay, but really, this tape delay has been really annoying.

At least ESPN doesn't get the Olympic coverage, or it'd go something like this:

"Usain Bolt approaching the finish, looks like a new world re..."

"We interrupt these Olympics for SportsCenter breaking news!!...Tim Tebow just completed two passes in a row at Jets training camp. Now, back to the Olympics."

"That was amazing ladies and gentlemen, a once in a lifetime race!"