Monday Morning Mehta 5/16/05
Edition # 119
May 16, 2005
Phils
There really isn't anything I can say that I haven't said in 2003, 2004 or this season. After another poor 3-4 week (against the Brewers and Reds) the Phils continue to be mired in baseball mediocrity (actually, that would be a compliment for this year's version).
Since I have nothing further to say about the debacle that is the Phillies, we'll let a Mailbag letter discussing the huge Marlon Byrd for Endy Chavez deal.
Chris Cook from Philadelphia, PA writes:"This might be it for Ed Wade. Why the Phillies would give up on a prospect they loved so much before because he had one bad year is beyond me. They were about to give up on Myers, and look what happened. Byrd was a very good minor leaguer, and they had no reason to believe he would not eventually be a good major leaguer. I thought it was a good idea when they brought in Lofton, because he would only be here a year or two, then Byrd could take over. And we got total crap for him. If they wanted Endy Chavez, they could have just called Doug Glanville--he isn't doing anything.
Wade was good when they didn't have any money, but he really sucks when they are supposed to be a contender. I really hope Byrd turns out to be a star and makes the Phils look bad while we trot out J-Mike, Victorino, and Chavez. It is like they are striving to be mediocre forever."
MMM response: Chris, I couldn't agree with you more. While trading Marlon Byrd isn't exactly the worst thing in the world, just the fact that they think Endy Chavez is a better player than Marlon Byrd tells you all you need to know about this organization. Byrd is at least a serviceable bench player, Chavez services nothing. He's got plenty of speed but you need to actually get on base to use your speed. Chavez makes Jimmy Rollins look like Barry Bonds in terms of drawing walks.
- There are a few positives that have come out in the past week. Bobby Abreu is as hot as any player in baseball (not named Tino Martinez). Brett Myers is also pitching incredibly well. I really cannot believe this is the same player we saw last year.
- Please keep Ryan Howard in the majors for a few more weeks. Jose Offerman is useless, cut him.
Around the MLB
The MLB news of the week has to be the red hot New York Yankees. They've moved back to .500 by winning 8 straight against the lowly A's and Seattle. This team has certainly turned the corner but has a long ways to go to live up to expectations. With the "BamTino" hitting the way he is, the offense on the team will obviously keep scoring runs.
It's time to give credit to the Arizona Diamondbacks. This team is certainly the biggest positive surprise in the NL. Troy Glaus has been the FA pickup of the year so far.
The White Sox have cooled a bit, and actually had their first game all year yesterday, in which they didn't hold a lead at any point. Jon Garland has been awesome, but I think Mark Buerhle is finally putting together a Cy Young season.
The Orioles look for real. I still can't believe it looking at their starting pitching, but Miguel Tejada is an absolute terror in the middle of that lineup.
The Braves are in midseason form. They beat the Dodgers 2 out of 3 in a series which had a playoff type atmosphere. If they could get closer Danny Kolb to remove his head from his rear end, they'd really be onto something. Eric Gagne is back for the Dodgers which should give them the best bullpen in the NL.
More from the Mailbag:From Chetan Patel, Houston, TX: "I think Ed's section should no longer be called "NHL Review". How about "Ed's World"? Put it in the mailbag!"
MMM response: I will certainly pass this along, but if you had your act together you'd be giving all us readers something on the Winky Wright pounding of Felix Trinidad forcing him into retirement.
Also from Chetan Patel: "How many times are you going to mention Utley's need to face left handers"? You have been saying that for the past 10 weeks! Give it a rest or go talk to Charlie yourself."
MMM response: There, I didn't mention it this week. Note: I was FUMING earlier in the week seeing Tomas Perez start at first TWICE this week against lefties instead of Utley or Howard.
Mike Fafalios from Detroit, MI writes: "Dude, no mention of 2 Philly horses finishing 2nd and 3rd in the biggest race of the year?!?!?!?!?!? Especially following the Year of Smarty in Philly sports?? Get your head out of your a$s!"
MMM response: Yeah, I guess looking back I should've done something on the Derby. I got too much hate mail for leading with the Masters a few weeks back so I guess I got gun shy!
NFL
Not much going on in the NFL these days besides the Terrell Owens controversy. But I always like taking a few moments to rip on Peyton Manning. From the Atlanta's Journal Constitution; Speaking at Emory University's ''Class Day'', Manning told students that he had a dream in which he went to heaven and was shown his home, a modest house adorned with a faded Colts flag. Behind that, though, was a mansion decked out in Patriots regalia. Manning said he asked God why (Tom) Brady, while a three-time Super Bowl winner, had been given such a massive estate. Said Manning, ''He said, 'Peyton, that's not Tom Brady's house. That's my house.'''
Oh, thanks Peyton. God likes the Patriots that's why you can't beat them, it has nothing to do with your pathetic play...
NBA - Derreck Sura
EAST
Washington v Miami - Heat win 4-0. The Wizards probably should have won one of their home games in which Shaquille O'Neal did not play, but when you take into consideration that Washington's "Big 3" shot a combined 38.1% from the field in this series, you can see how they got swept. The Wiz have nothing to be ashamed of though, because they had a great season that laid the foundation for better things in the future. Miami is the only undefeated team left in the playoffs, and regardless of the level of their competition so far, that's still pretty impressive. The Heat now get another week off, which is very good news for Shaq's bruised right thigh. O'Neal obviously hasn't been the same player since the injury occurred back on 4/17, and in the next round Miami is going to need the big fella to be much closer to 100% then he has shown thus far.
Prediction update - Heat in 5 was close.
Indiana v Detroit - Tied 2-2. The Pistons have to realize that they are in a dog fight now and make sure
their proverbial switch is flipped to the "on" position for the rest of this series. Richard Hamilton's movement without the ball has an underrated effect on getting his teammates open looks. That's why Rip being some what limited by a sore right calf has Detroit struggling in their half court offense. Jamaal Tinsley rounding back into form has been huge for the Pacers. Tinsley uses his quickness to push the ball in transition as well as penetrating the lane in half court settings. Jamaal normally makes good decisions distributing the ball in both of those situations, and is a pretty solid defender too. Indiana's superior depth could end up playing a factor in which team eventually wins this series if it goes the full 7 games because Pistons' coach Larry Brown is only using seven players for the most part. If Detroit wants to win this series they will have to match the Pacers' energy and intensity every night.
Prediction update - Pistons in 6 ..... "Stay on target."
WEST
Seattle v San Antonio - Tied 2-2. The two guys I thought the Sonics needed to play well if they were going to be competitive, Rashard Lewis (sprained left big toe) and Vladimir Radmanovic (sprained right ankle), have both been non-factors in Seattle's two wins. The Sonics have impressed me by playing with more determination and chemistry under pressure then I thought they had. Ray Allen deserves credit for a lot of that, as he has stepped up to become Seattle's emotional leader. One can only wonder if Ray's "improved" play this post season is for a new contract? The Spurs missed an opportunity in game 3 by shooting 19-34 from the free throw line (55.9%), including 4-10 in the last 4:01, and lost by one point. SA still has games where their offense bogs down and they can't throw it the ocean, but as long as the Spurs continue to play tough perimeter defense, they should be fine.
Prediction update - SA in 6 ..... "Stay on target!"
Dallas v Phoenix - Tied 2-2. Joe Johnson underwent successful surgery last Thursday to repair a broken bone in his left eye socket. He has already been ruled out of Wednesday's game 5, and is due to be re-evaluated by doctors this Thursday. Being without JJ is a huge loss for the Suns because he does a little bit of everything for them. Joe is an unselfish player with a good basketball IQ that can score, rebound, defend, shoot 3's, finish on the break, and he even passes well enough to be their backup PG. I'm just not sure Phoenix is deep enough to overcome the loss of Johnson. Mavericks' coach Avery Johnson needs to continue to utilize his bench strength and hope it pays off if a game 7 is necessary. It's also important for Dallas to continue to be physical with Steve Nash and make him work at both ends of the court. Dirk Nowitzki must guard Amare Stoudemire down the stretch in the 4th quarter. If Dirk can hold his own defending Amare in crunch time, that could be enough for the Mavs to advance.
Prediction update - Suns in 7 ..... "STAY ON T"
NHL Week in Review By: Ed Wasser
- If anybody gives a crap the U.S. hockey team lost in the World Championships to the Czech Republic. The real news coming out of the World Championships is the rumor that USA Hockey supposedly offered the TV rights to the tournament to ESPN for free but they turned them down. Nobody really knows for sure because TSN (Canada's answer to ESPN) paid for the broadcasting rights to the World Championships and they may not take it too kindly to hear that their American brethren at ESPN were offered the rights for free so everybody's keeping quiet.
- Here's a great website www.fireedwade.com. Make sure to visit it and sign the petition.
- I gotta talk about the Phillies. Yesterday's win aside this team is not just unwatchable at times, and they're not just seeing their fan base disappear quicker then Bruce Willis' hair, but they're making people mad...I mean really pissed off. The outright smugness of the organization and it's players toward their fans is incredible. Pitcher Brett Myers essentially told reporters that he wanted to shove his last win up the ass of the fans, Jimmy Rollins essentially called the Phillies' fans stupid, and Phillies president Dave Montgomery, who has one of the most punchable faces in all of pro sports, told reports that there won't be any changes made in the foreseeable future. Quick message to the Phillies because they obviously don't know this...YOU'RE IN LAST PLACE!!!! They've gotta be kidding me with this crap. It's like it's the Phillies versus the fans. I'm waiting for the players to start screaming at the fans like The Rock did at Wrestlemania XX. But the worst part is the players don't care. Say what you will about Allen Iverson but the guy plays his ass off. Even Terrell Owens, who is setting himself up for an unceremonial Eric Lindros-esque exit from Philadelphia, plays his ass off. Watch the Phillies, especially Mike Lieberthal. I've seen more intensity from guys playing beer pong. I hate this team, I swear I do.
- The guys that edit the fight sequences on the show 'The Contender' should just be handed the Emmy for Best Editing. Don't bother having the ceremony, don't bother nominating anybody else, just hand them the statues. Between the editing and the music, those guys could make two 8 year olds playing Chutes and Ladders seem like Ali vs. Frazier I.
- If you have any doubt who runs Philadelphia sports wise think about this....last Wednesday the Phillies had an afternoon game, a loss of course, against the Brewers. But what was the lead story on the 6:30 PM episode of 'Sportsnite' on Comcast? Freddie Mitchell granted an interview to Derrick Gunn. Not the actual interview, just that it occurred and it'll be airing in the future. Think about that...a guy that got kicked out of town in part for running his mouth agreed to run his mouth some more and that story trumps all other sports stories in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, it's the Eagles and everything else is just details.
- NHL Week in Review will be off next week because I'll be attending the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. No, no, no....don't cry, I'll be back May 30th.
Comments (Frank, was this early enough for you?):
saurinmeht@aol.com
dsura@peacehealth.org
ewwasser@hotmail.com
May 16, 2005
Phils
There really isn't anything I can say that I haven't said in 2003, 2004 or this season. After another poor 3-4 week (against the Brewers and Reds) the Phils continue to be mired in baseball mediocrity (actually, that would be a compliment for this year's version).
Since I have nothing further to say about the debacle that is the Phillies, we'll let a Mailbag letter discussing the huge Marlon Byrd for Endy Chavez deal.
Chris Cook from Philadelphia, PA writes:"This might be it for Ed Wade. Why the Phillies would give up on a prospect they loved so much before because he had one bad year is beyond me. They were about to give up on Myers, and look what happened. Byrd was a very good minor leaguer, and they had no reason to believe he would not eventually be a good major leaguer. I thought it was a good idea when they brought in Lofton, because he would only be here a year or two, then Byrd could take over. And we got total crap for him. If they wanted Endy Chavez, they could have just called Doug Glanville--he isn't doing anything.
Wade was good when they didn't have any money, but he really sucks when they are supposed to be a contender. I really hope Byrd turns out to be a star and makes the Phils look bad while we trot out J-Mike, Victorino, and Chavez. It is like they are striving to be mediocre forever."
MMM response: Chris, I couldn't agree with you more. While trading Marlon Byrd isn't exactly the worst thing in the world, just the fact that they think Endy Chavez is a better player than Marlon Byrd tells you all you need to know about this organization. Byrd is at least a serviceable bench player, Chavez services nothing. He's got plenty of speed but you need to actually get on base to use your speed. Chavez makes Jimmy Rollins look like Barry Bonds in terms of drawing walks.
- There are a few positives that have come out in the past week. Bobby Abreu is as hot as any player in baseball (not named Tino Martinez). Brett Myers is also pitching incredibly well. I really cannot believe this is the same player we saw last year.
- Please keep Ryan Howard in the majors for a few more weeks. Jose Offerman is useless, cut him.
Around the MLB
The MLB news of the week has to be the red hot New York Yankees. They've moved back to .500 by winning 8 straight against the lowly A's and Seattle. This team has certainly turned the corner but has a long ways to go to live up to expectations. With the "BamTino" hitting the way he is, the offense on the team will obviously keep scoring runs.
It's time to give credit to the Arizona Diamondbacks. This team is certainly the biggest positive surprise in the NL. Troy Glaus has been the FA pickup of the year so far.
The White Sox have cooled a bit, and actually had their first game all year yesterday, in which they didn't hold a lead at any point. Jon Garland has been awesome, but I think Mark Buerhle is finally putting together a Cy Young season.
The Orioles look for real. I still can't believe it looking at their starting pitching, but Miguel Tejada is an absolute terror in the middle of that lineup.
The Braves are in midseason form. They beat the Dodgers 2 out of 3 in a series which had a playoff type atmosphere. If they could get closer Danny Kolb to remove his head from his rear end, they'd really be onto something. Eric Gagne is back for the Dodgers which should give them the best bullpen in the NL.
More from the Mailbag:From Chetan Patel, Houston, TX: "I think Ed's section should no longer be called "NHL Review". How about "Ed's World"? Put it in the mailbag!"
MMM response: I will certainly pass this along, but if you had your act together you'd be giving all us readers something on the Winky Wright pounding of Felix Trinidad forcing him into retirement.
Also from Chetan Patel: "How many times are you going to mention Utley's need to face left handers"? You have been saying that for the past 10 weeks! Give it a rest or go talk to Charlie yourself."
MMM response: There, I didn't mention it this week. Note: I was FUMING earlier in the week seeing Tomas Perez start at first TWICE this week against lefties instead of Utley or Howard.
Mike Fafalios from Detroit, MI writes: "Dude, no mention of 2 Philly horses finishing 2nd and 3rd in the biggest race of the year?!?!?!?!?!? Especially following the Year of Smarty in Philly sports?? Get your head out of your a$s!"
MMM response: Yeah, I guess looking back I should've done something on the Derby. I got too much hate mail for leading with the Masters a few weeks back so I guess I got gun shy!
NFL
Not much going on in the NFL these days besides the Terrell Owens controversy. But I always like taking a few moments to rip on Peyton Manning. From the Atlanta's Journal Constitution; Speaking at Emory University's ''Class Day'', Manning told students that he had a dream in which he went to heaven and was shown his home, a modest house adorned with a faded Colts flag. Behind that, though, was a mansion decked out in Patriots regalia. Manning said he asked God why (Tom) Brady, while a three-time Super Bowl winner, had been given such a massive estate. Said Manning, ''He said, 'Peyton, that's not Tom Brady's house. That's my house.'''
Oh, thanks Peyton. God likes the Patriots that's why you can't beat them, it has nothing to do with your pathetic play...
NBA - Derreck Sura
EAST
Washington v Miami - Heat win 4-0. The Wizards probably should have won one of their home games in which Shaquille O'Neal did not play, but when you take into consideration that Washington's "Big 3" shot a combined 38.1% from the field in this series, you can see how they got swept. The Wiz have nothing to be ashamed of though, because they had a great season that laid the foundation for better things in the future. Miami is the only undefeated team left in the playoffs, and regardless of the level of their competition so far, that's still pretty impressive. The Heat now get another week off, which is very good news for Shaq's bruised right thigh. O'Neal obviously hasn't been the same player since the injury occurred back on 4/17, and in the next round Miami is going to need the big fella to be much closer to 100% then he has shown thus far.
Prediction update - Heat in 5 was close.
Indiana v Detroit - Tied 2-2. The Pistons have to realize that they are in a dog fight now and make sure
their proverbial switch is flipped to the "on" position for the rest of this series. Richard Hamilton's movement without the ball has an underrated effect on getting his teammates open looks. That's why Rip being some what limited by a sore right calf has Detroit struggling in their half court offense. Jamaal Tinsley rounding back into form has been huge for the Pacers. Tinsley uses his quickness to push the ball in transition as well as penetrating the lane in half court settings. Jamaal normally makes good decisions distributing the ball in both of those situations, and is a pretty solid defender too. Indiana's superior depth could end up playing a factor in which team eventually wins this series if it goes the full 7 games because Pistons' coach Larry Brown is only using seven players for the most part. If Detroit wants to win this series they will have to match the Pacers' energy and intensity every night.
Prediction update - Pistons in 6 ..... "Stay on target."
WEST
Seattle v San Antonio - Tied 2-2. The two guys I thought the Sonics needed to play well if they were going to be competitive, Rashard Lewis (sprained left big toe) and Vladimir Radmanovic (sprained right ankle), have both been non-factors in Seattle's two wins. The Sonics have impressed me by playing with more determination and chemistry under pressure then I thought they had. Ray Allen deserves credit for a lot of that, as he has stepped up to become Seattle's emotional leader. One can only wonder if Ray's "improved" play this post season is for a new contract? The Spurs missed an opportunity in game 3 by shooting 19-34 from the free throw line (55.9%), including 4-10 in the last 4:01, and lost by one point. SA still has games where their offense bogs down and they can't throw it the ocean, but as long as the Spurs continue to play tough perimeter defense, they should be fine.
Prediction update - SA in 6 ..... "Stay on target!"
Dallas v Phoenix - Tied 2-2. Joe Johnson underwent successful surgery last Thursday to repair a broken bone in his left eye socket. He has already been ruled out of Wednesday's game 5, and is due to be re-evaluated by doctors this Thursday. Being without JJ is a huge loss for the Suns because he does a little bit of everything for them. Joe is an unselfish player with a good basketball IQ that can score, rebound, defend, shoot 3's, finish on the break, and he even passes well enough to be their backup PG. I'm just not sure Phoenix is deep enough to overcome the loss of Johnson. Mavericks' coach Avery Johnson needs to continue to utilize his bench strength and hope it pays off if a game 7 is necessary. It's also important for Dallas to continue to be physical with Steve Nash and make him work at both ends of the court. Dirk Nowitzki must guard Amare Stoudemire down the stretch in the 4th quarter. If Dirk can hold his own defending Amare in crunch time, that could be enough for the Mavs to advance.
Prediction update - Suns in 7 ..... "STAY ON T
NHL Week in Review By: Ed Wasser
- If anybody gives a crap the U.S. hockey team lost in the World Championships to the Czech Republic. The real news coming out of the World Championships is the rumor that USA Hockey supposedly offered the TV rights to the tournament to ESPN for free but they turned them down. Nobody really knows for sure because TSN (Canada's answer to ESPN) paid for the broadcasting rights to the World Championships and they may not take it too kindly to hear that their American brethren at ESPN were offered the rights for free so everybody's keeping quiet.
- Here's a great website www.fireedwade.com
- I gotta talk about the Phillies. Yesterday's win aside this team is not just unwatchable at times, and they're not just seeing their fan base disappear quicker then Bruce Willis' hair, but they're making people mad...I mean really pissed off. The outright smugness of the organization and it's players toward their fans is incredible. Pitcher Brett Myers essentially told reporters that he wanted to shove his last win up the ass of the fans, Jimmy Rollins essentially called the Phillies' fans stupid, and Phillies president Dave Montgomery, who has one of the most punchable faces in all of pro sports, told reports that there won't be any changes made in the foreseeable future. Quick message to the Phillies because they obviously don't know this...YOU'RE IN LAST PLACE!!!! They've gotta be kidding me with this crap. It's like it's the Phillies versus the fans. I'm waiting for the players to start screaming at the fans like The Rock did at Wrestlemania XX. But the worst part is the players don't care. Say what you will about Allen Iverson but the guy plays his ass off. Even Terrell Owens, who is setting himself up for an unceremonial Eric Lindros-esque exit from Philadelphia, plays his ass off. Watch the Phillies, especially Mike Lieberthal. I've seen more intensity from guys playing beer pong. I hate this team, I swear I do.
- The guys that edit the fight sequences on the show 'The Contender' should just be handed the Emmy for Best Editing. Don't bother having the ceremony, don't bother nominating anybody else, just hand them the statues. Between the editing and the music, those guys could make two 8 year olds playing Chutes and Ladders seem like Ali vs. Frazier I.
- If you have any doubt who runs Philadelphia sports wise think about this....last Wednesday the Phillies had an afternoon game, a loss of course, against the Brewers. But what was the lead story on the 6:30 PM episode of 'Sportsnite' on Comcast? Freddie Mitchell granted an interview to Derrick Gunn. Not the actual interview, just that it occurred and it'll be airing in the future. Think about that...a guy that got kicked out of town in part for running his mouth agreed to run his mouth some more and that story trumps all other sports stories in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, it's the Eagles and everything else is just details.
- NHL Week in Review will be off next week because I'll be attending the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. No, no, no....don't cry, I'll be back May 30th.
Comments (Frank, was this early enough for you?):
saurinmeht@aol.com
dsura@peacehealth.org
ewwasser@hotmail.com
posted by Monday Morning Mehta at 6:53 AM
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