Philly Dime

Protests Muted, but Emotions Still High for Vick

2009-09-28T12:28:00.001-04:00

By Tim McManusThe day Michael Vick plays his first game as an Eagle.Everyone wondered what The Day would be like. Just how big of a circus would come to town? How large of a demonstration would encompass the sports complex? And how much of the hostility would spill into the Linc?In terms of grandeur, the scene fell short of a spectacle. Turns out, most of the battles were subtle if not

Flyers Prospect Camp

2009-07-12T19:51:00.004-04:00

I was able to squeeze out two days this week at the Flyers 2009 Rookie Camp at the SkateZone in Voorhees, NJ. Watching these players for just two mornings really does not allow for a complete review but I figured I would talk about some of the more important names in the Flyers system that we may very well see suiting up for the Orange and Black in the next few seasons.James vanRiemsdyk - 2007

Free Agent Frenzy

2009-07-05T22:29:00.006-04:00

Going into the NHL draft at the end of June, the Flyers had already come to terms with new starting goalie Ray Emery on a one-year deal. The team was still looking for a top-tier defenseman, a back-up goalie, and other role players at the forward position.Just prior to draft Friday I wrote my last blog talking about Jay Bouwmeester and how I thought he would be the best option for the Flyers to

NHL Draft Week

2009-06-23T01:18:00.005-04:00

There is a lot going on right now in the Philadelphia sports world. The Phillies are attracting a lot of attention, and rightfully so, after finishing up one of their worst homestands in team history. The Eagles recently finished up OTAs and the local media is still finding more ways to dissect McNabb's new contract. And the Sixers are preparing for the NBA draft this week and trying to launch

Your Philadelphia Seventy-Tricksters

2009-05-07T16:31:00.003-04:00

By T. WilliamsHorrendous, appalling, awful, dreadful, abominable, frightful, ghastly, horrible, and shocking. These are the adjectives that I use to describe the shameful way that the Philadelphia 76ers underwhelming season concluded in Game 6 of the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic. Listen, despite the fact that at the start of the season I had Philly winning 50-55 games,

Crosby vs Ovechkin

2009-05-05T00:53:00.003-04:00

When something in sports is hyped as much as this series, it usually does not live up to it. Through the first two games, Crosby and Ovechkin have stepped up to the plate and delivered for their respective teams. This may in fact go down as the best playoff series of all-time.Game 1 was played last Saturday on NBC in front of a sold out Verizon Center in Washington with Caps fans "rocking the

TV appearance

2009-04-27T16:45:00.001-04:00

950 ESPN's Tim McManus on ESPN News

RedLasso

2009-04-24T20:55:00.000-04:00

RedLasso

Harry Kalas tribute info

2009-04-16T17:35:00.002-04:00

- Courtesy of the Phillies The Kalas family and the Phillies have announced the following details for Saturday’s Harry Kalas tribute to be held at Citizens Bank Park:Beginning at 8:00 a.m., on a first come, first served basis, fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects on the field as they pass by Harry’s casket which will be located behind home plate. To accommodate as many fans as

When did Abreu grow stones?

2009-04-13T10:43:00.000-04:00

Top five teams to win it all (Part II)

2009-04-12T18:21:00.003-04:00

By T. WilliamsEditors note: The Original copy of this was written before Manu Ginobili suffered a season ending injury. San Antonio was the original team I had seated at #3, pending the health of their big 3. Now, with Ginobili out, San Antonio no longer makes my top 5. So Boston and Orlando move up a slot and Utah is now the 5th team on my list#3 Utah JazzJerry Sloan has been coaching the Jazz

2009 NBA Finals: Tops 5 teams to win it all

2009-04-03T18:09:00.006-04:00

By T. WilliamsA few months ago, I wrote a piece about the NBA having only three legitimate title contenders: Boston, Cleveland and Los Angeles. This was written around the quarter point of the season. Now with only a fraction of the season left, a couple of teams have stepped their game up and have shown some promise. Meanwhile a couple of teams have taken some big steps back. So I, in turn,

Bears win Cutler sweepstakes

2009-04-02T17:36:00.003-04:00

Reports out of Washington were premature. In the end, the Bears gave up two first-round picks and Kyle Orton and snagged Jay Cutler.

Cutler appears to be headed to NFC East

2009-04-02T17:14:00.004-04:00

The Washington Examiner quotes an NFL source who said a deal between the Redskins and Broncos for Jay Cutler is "going down as we speak."

Cutler called "a little bitch"

2009-04-02T10:42:00.001-04:00

One man who would not recommend the Eagles swap McNabb for Jay Cutler...

'Nova heading to Detroit

2009-03-29T18:07:00.001-04:00

Get used to watching this highlight...

A New Eagle Must Land

2009-03-25T22:02:00.006-04:00

We are now entering the month of the Draft and the Eagles have yet to make an eye-opening acquisition this off-season. I can only imagine Donovan McNabb’s thoughts the past month as he has watched long-time teammates and talent depart for new teams with little to no replacements filing on to the roster. This doesn’t mean the Eagles were wrong in letting go of their locker room leader, a massive

And the Race is On…

2009-03-25T11:55:00.003-04:00

By Theo WilliamsBefore March, 9th 2009 fans and spectators of the NBA were involved in a heated debate about which NBA superstar would win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. Before March 9th, 2009 Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were entwined, not only in a race for the NBA’s MVP award, but also in a race for regular season supremacy and home court advantage through out the playoffs. Then came

Don't write bad things about the Eagles on Facebook

2009-03-10T16:53:00.001-04:00

Especially if you work for the team, it cost this man his job.Here's a spot he did for Fox in Philadelphia.

Geoff Geary reflects on the Phillies in a positive light, but the fans are a different story

2009-03-07T09:33:00.004-05:00

Brian McTaggert of the Houston Chronicle wrote a story on Geoff Geary and his thoughts on the Phillies. The former Phillie reliever talked about what it was like watching them make their World Series run last year, but also discusses the fan base.Here's an excerpt.“My last year before I got traded, there were fans who were threatening my life and threatening other people, saying they were going

Are we witness to a rebuild?

2009-03-02T18:52:00.004-05:00

By Tim McManusThe news has been fast and furious, and your head is probably spinning much like mine is (how could it not after being blindsided by the Dawkins news, right?). But let's take a step back and evaluate what's going on around us. We headed into free agency under the impression that at least one of the tackles and certainly Brian Dawkins would be retained; that Donovan McNabb had a good

T.J. Houshmandzadeh won't be an Eagle

2009-03-02T18:49:00.004-05:00

It was just reported on SportsCenter that free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh signed a five year deal with the Seattle Seahawks. Mike Greenberg was able to interview him live on air, and here's a little bit on what he said.Why the Seahawks?"I just felt like it was the best destination, the best team and the best choice for me. It just felt right. I like Coach Moore, I like Matt

Free agency is coming, what will the Eagles do?

2009-02-26T03:28:00.005-05:00

With free agency on the horizon, Les Bowen gives some scenarios on who the Eagles might sign, and who they're looking to keep.Ray Parillo also chipped in with some possible free agents that the Eagles might look to sign.ESPN blogger James Walker gives some possible destinations for T.J. Houshmanzadeh and explains why the Birds may or not get him.Other news....Christopher Murray has more on the "

Maybe he did get it off in time

2009-02-25T04:52:00.005-05:00

Tom Moore says the Sixers have given in and say the Devin Harris miracle shot counted.For more on the shot, here's what Bernard Fernandez wrote.Kate Fagan says the Sixers still feel the sting from the unbelievable loss.The team is now trying to move on, Martin Frank says.A visit from injured soldiers could be what gets them over the hump, Bernard Fernandez said.Now it's understandable that most

Baseball is coming...

2009-02-25T04:35:00.002-05:00

With the Phillies warming up for the regular season, let's take a break from the Eagles and focus on the team that knows how to win a championship -- the Phillies.Joe Blanton will start the spring training opener says David Murphy.Murphy also reports that Shane Victorino won't be playing in the World Baseball Classic.Scott Lauber reports that Greg Dobbs will likely stay on the bench.Bill Conlin

Sixers-Blazers trade?

2009-02-19T15:50:00.000-05:00

Here's what David Aldridge is saying:A source indicated that a potential trade of 76ers point guard Andre Miller to Portland still had a faint heartbeat Thursday afternoon. The deal would involve the expiring contract of Blazers center Raef LaFrentz and another Portland guard in exchange for Miller and forward Reggie Evans. The problem is that Philly wants Portland rookie guard Jerryd Bayless,

Carlos Beltran wants the Mets to "kill" Cole Hamels

2009-02-18T02:42:00.002-05:00

Not with a knife or gun, but on the baseball field after Cole Hamels was goated into calling the Mets "choke artists" on the radio.Here's the quote from AOL's Fanhouse.With the Phillies entering the year as World Champs and the Mets making some moves, this should be the best year of this fairly new rivalry

Boldin to Philly?

2009-02-13T08:08:00.003-05:00

John Clayton keeps reiterating it: The Eagles are the front-runner to land Anquan Boldin.

PREACH JOHN, PREACH!

2009-02-03T14:10:00.003-05:00

The professor John Clayton talked about how he thought Anquan Boldin was going to be traded this offseason. Potential suitor? "The Eagles...for maybe a 1st and a 3rd."John obviously reads the Dime. Tell your friends, they probably should too.

Load up the weapons

2009-01-29T17:31:00.004-05:00

By Eric Feather This off-season will determine the fate of this Eagles franchise for the next two to three years. It is no secret that this team lacks the star quality on offense to be a strong Super Bowl contender with their current philosophy; if Joe Banner and Andy Reid don’t snap out of their delusional, stubborn state then disappointment will be waiting once again in January 2010. This is

One Last Run....

2009-01-28T19:41:00.004-05:00

By Matt MattareIf the Birds are going to take this roster and gear up for one last run before age and impatience leads to blowing it up and starting over, it's time to go full-throttle this off-season. TARGET #1: ANQUAN BOLDINHe's not happy. The Cardinals won't give him up for a King's ransom--doesn't matter. The Birds can package picks (1st, 3rd, and 5th) and Lito together. If they want the

And now for the main event...

2009-01-25T13:21:00.004-05:00

By Tim McManusI wonder, now that the Eagle green mist is beginning to lift, what life will be like when the Phillies fully regain the spotlight.The Eagles run and ultimate fall in the postseason -- and the fans' hard line stance of win or go away -- disproved those who thought Philadelphians would morph into a kinder, gentler fan base now that the championship clock has been reset to zero.The

After further review...

2009-01-22T18:39:00.003-05:00

Sunday, Blood Sunday – AgainBy Pat Callahan, This Week in Pro FootballGet your FAQ straight:Q: Why did the Eagles lose Sunday to Arizona?A: It had to be preparation and coaching. It seems unanimous that Philly had superior overall talent; Donovan really didn’t play that badly (26-47-1, 325, 3TD); and while home, Arizona had not enjoyed a bye week. So what happened? Well, clearly, the Eagles

Cardinal nation is growing!

2009-01-22T11:27:00.001-05:00

Good news: John Lennon is alive, he lives in Wisconsin, and he's a Cardinals fan.

Cardinals fans busted

2009-01-21T23:56:00.002-05:00

Winning really does make a difference. Apparently, they're Cardinals fans that are really nuts about their team. Either that or they hoped on the bandwagon after Jake Delhomme's fifth interception in the NFC Divisional Playoff game. But before the NFC Championship game, two guys decided to destroy the grass on Donovan McNabb's front lawn of his Arizona home. Thankfully, they were caught.Deadspin

32-25: A Microcosm of Another Frustrating Season

2009-01-19T20:08:00.003-05:00

By Eric FeatherSunday’s NFC Championship game loss had all the components from this emotional rollercoaster season. The Eagles looked like the team who got blown out in Baltimore after being almost run out of the building in the first half, 24-6. Lets not kid ourselves—not many of us believed this team could come back and win just like we didn’t think they could make the playoffs. However,

Eagles Predictions

2009-01-16T19:40:00.002-05:00

I'll add to Tim's with my five predictions...5. The Eagles will get to Kurt Warner and force at least three turnovers4. The Eagles inability to run the ball will make this game closer than it should be3. Donovan McNabb will not be able to bring the Birds back if they fall behind late2. The Cardinals will be down more than two touchdowns and claw back late...but it won't be enough1. Eagles 20

Eagles-Cardinals predictions

2009-01-16T16:25:00.002-05:00

The "nobody believed in us" card is as effective as any in the NFL, and it will be used by the Cardinals this Sunday.Expect the Arizona special teams to set a frisky tone from the opening kickoff, and for it to carry over through the first half.The crowd will be into it, and it may seem that the roof is about to collapse on the Eagles season at some point in this game.Donovan McNabb will be in

Stay classy, Giants fans

2009-01-14T09:55:00.001-05:00

Not sure if you've seen this. Giants fans, after the loss to the Eagles on Sunday, take out their anger on a Posche and later, a truck. How is this not getting more national play?

950 ESPN's Mikey Miss on ESPN this morning!

2009-01-13T13:12:00.006-05:00

He was on to discuss the excitement that's enveloping the city during the Eagles run and defended the fans' treatment of Donovan McNabb. When ESPN analyst Smarty Jones--I mean Dana Jacobson (pictured on the left)--said that the unfair treatment of McNabb started during the draft-day booing in 1998, Mike pulled out a sugar cube and fed it to her.

Jason Whitlock is a big Donovan fan

2009-01-13T01:45:00.002-05:00

Jason Whitlock said some pretty interesting things in his column on FoxSports.com. Some of them will blow your mind, some might make you think he's never seen an Eagles game or talked to an Eagles fan before (read No. 9).Here it is.

McNabb answers the call

2009-01-13T00:40:00.003-05:00

As the Birds head to the NFC title game, here's a look at how McNabb closed out the last two games.With the game already in hand, McNabb had to make a quick call after he ran out of bounds on the Giants sideline.Remember this from the end of the Vikings game.

LLLLLET'S GET READY TO RAMBLE!

2009-01-11T22:01:00.002-05:00

By Matt MattareToo much has gone on over the past few weeks to choose a single thing to write about, so let’s touch’em all from the Birds to Happy Valley to Sir Charles to Pat the Bat.I don’t think you can call him the MVP (because that distinction belongs to the offensive line), but Brodrick Bunkley had himself a ballgame and showed up in two of the games defining moments. His penetration on

From the papers

2009-01-08T17:48:00.002-05:00

Here's some Eagles' news to get you to Sunday.If Donovan McNabb answered questions like this during his time in Philly, I'm sure people wouldn't accuse him of always making excuses, John Smallwood writes in his column.The Eagles don't consider themselves last year's Giants, which is good because they would rather be this year's Eagles.Antonio Pierce doesn't think the Birds are last year's Giants

One down

2009-01-05T19:26:00.002-05:00

Let's just enjoy this for a minute...

Burrell sleeping with the enemy

2009-01-05T14:46:00.002-05:00

Pat Burrell is close to wearing a Rays uniform. That's just wrong.

Life is good

2008-12-30T15:03:00.000-05:00

Sal Pal nails it

2008-12-29T15:51:00.002-05:00

Sal Paolantonio was on with Pat Callahan and I on Saturday on 950 ESPN and laid out how Sunday would play out, leading to an Eagles playoff berth.Damn if he didn't nail it.- Tim McManus

Going to the playoffs!

2008-12-28T22:32:00.003-05:00

The Eagles needed a lot to happen before they played the Cowboys to even have a shot at the playoffs. But the Bucs did their job by losing to the Raiders at home, and the Bears lost to the Texans.It was then up to the Birds to do their job, and they did so with ease.Here's what was said about the game.The Eagles can go deep into the playoffs according to Phil Sheridan.Paul Domowitch gave out his

"The Reggie Brown catch"

2008-12-23T09:39:00.001-05:00

The 2008 Eagles season, defined, complete with Merrill's play-by-play.

Don't throw snow at Shaun Ellis

2008-12-23T05:00:00.002-05:00

Seattle Seahawks' fans showed some class after their team beat the New York Jets on Sunday by throwing snow at the visiting team as they went into the tunnel.Shaun Ellis, already mad about losing to a 3-11 team and his team's downfall after beating the Titans and Patriots in back-to-back weeks, responded.

News about an 0-15 team, besides the fact that they're 0-15

2008-12-23T04:51:00.004-05:00

Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli and Rob Parker, a writer of the Detroit Free Press, had an interesting exchange after Sunday's game and it drew quite a bit of media attention.Joe Barry, the Lions defensive coordinator, is the son-in-law of Marinelli, so Parker asked him if he wishes his daughter would have married a better defensive minded man.Here's the exchange and what the FOX studio

Post Game Thoughts: Redskins 10, Eagles 3

2008-12-22T02:12:00.004-05:00

Prehaps everyone was too quick to pronounce the Eagles as the Super Bowl favorites. Donovan McNabb looked sharp against the Browns and Cardinals, and everyone said he's back. Well fast forward to Washington, a team that has a defense that is comprised of more than just 11 guys with a pluse, and you get three points.Here's what the writers had to say.Sam Donnellon of the Daily News says Donovan

Catching up with Royal Ivey

2008-12-20T22:34:00.004-05:00

This summer, the Philadelphia 76ers made a big splash in the offseason by signing forward Elton Brand -- the top free agent on the open market -- to a long term contract.They brought back a familiar face at center in Theo Ratliff, a much needed sharp shooter in Kareem Rush and Reading native Donyell Marshall.In the 2008 NBA Draft, the Sixers continued to build the team when they

Reporter feud brewing

2008-12-19T13:42:00.002-05:00

Mike Florio of Profootballtalk.com tends to get in his share of verbal scuffles with various members of the media, generally stemming from issues of accountability and accuracy. Another feud has flared up right here in Philly.The other party? Paul Domowitch, who ripped into Florio for his recent posting on Dick Vermeil.Florio countered, first on his site, then on Philadelphia airwaves.

Afternoon Tug-Thems Are Phighten Words!

2008-12-18T13:27:00.008-05:00

After Cole Hamels goes on the New York airwaves and declares the Mets choke artists, the war of words continues with Mets pitcher John Maine firing a fastball right down Broad Street.Check out what is on the minds of Redskins fans, now that Head Coach Jim Zorn has officially labeled himself the worst coach in the NFL and the season of dreams is over...Hip Hip Hooray!For everyone that is on the

Brand out a month

2008-12-18T12:45:00.002-05:00

News just in that Elton Brand's MRI revealed a fracture of the humeral head (bone) and a tear of the labrum, which was expected along with his dislocated right shoulder. No surgery is expected, but the injury is likely to sideline Brand for a month.

Flip to the Sixers?

2008-12-18T12:26:00.003-05:00

Here's a post that is creating a stir:SI.com reporting that Flip Saunders is the Sixers' first choice to be the long-term coach of the club.The current coach, Tony DiLeo, was on with Jody Mac and Harry Mayes today, talking about his new gig and how the Elton Brand injury will affect the team.

London Fletcher feels that he's a Pro Bowler

2008-12-18T01:10:00.002-05:00

Redskins LB London Fletcher feels that he's been done wrong by those involved with the Pro Bowl voting. Notice the possible little dig at T.O.

Old Andy Reid Press Conference

2008-12-17T04:55:00.001-05:00

Andy seems to give good answers here, I don't know why everyone rips on his pressers.

Through the Tube: Don't mess with Jim Boeheim

2008-12-17T04:47:00.003-05:00

I interviewed Jim Boeheim at the Big East Media Day, and he's very soft spoken. One thing I have learned though is to not piss him off. In honor of Matt Mattare, who updates on the Big Five, he has to warn the Villanova PR people to leave the Boeheim alone, and not to mess with his microphone.Also, don't make stupid proclamations about his players being overrated or else this might happen.He may

Colleges beware, the Flyers are crashing a party near you

2008-12-17T04:35:00.003-05:00

The Inquirer says the Flyers have crashed a party at Temple. Watch out preppy, tough guy frat boy, you might be next in being emasculated.Adam Gretz of FanHouse gives his thoughts on the Flyers party life.Lovin' those outdoor games Mr. Philadelphia Hockey fan, well Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post says there's a long shot chance of one coming to Philly.Ed Moran writes on the Flyers

I'm not a Sixer, but I'm still in your headlines

2008-12-17T04:17:00.005-05:00

Sixers' fans thought Mo was gone. Well not yet. We got more Mo for ya.Martin Frank of the News Journal says DiLeo wants to speed up the Sixers.The Courier Post said Maurice Cheeks made a classy exit.Kate Fagan has more on Cheeks.John Gonzalez of the Inquirer has a Mo Cheeks love hangover.Sam Donnellon said the firing was just a matter of time.Frank Ziccarelli of the Toronto Post said Mo Cheeks

Eagles in the News

2008-12-17T03:37:00.004-05:00

Deborah Hirsh of the Courier Post writes about the Eagles giving back to a young fan.Ray Parrillo of the Inquirer writes about the offense spreading the ball around.Geoff Mosher talks about the Eagles' in the Pro Bowl.Les Bowen says McNabb is likely to return as a starter next year.Pal Sokoloski of the Times Leader says the Birds are feeling good about their playoff chances.Tim Lemke of the

Pro Bowl rosters out

2008-12-16T18:51:00.002-05:00

Pro Bowl rosters were released, the Eagles had three selections.How do you feel about the choices?

From the press box

2008-12-16T13:32:00.008-05:00

By Tim McManusSights and sounds from the Eagles-Browns game...Mini-Reid goes greenHoward Eskin's transformation into an Eagles company man is complete. His blind support for Andy Reid and the team is well known, but Howard "being on the Eagles payroll" is no longer just a disparaging remark. Welcomed by a mixture of laughs and grumbles from the press corps, Eskin strolled into the Reid postgame

Your typical Cowboys fan...

2008-12-15T15:50:00.000-05:00

T.O. being T.O.

2008-12-15T05:14:00.004-05:00

The funny part about Terrell Owens signing with the Cowboys was all the Dallas fans thinking Owens was a changed man. The man has stirred the pot and tore apart the locker room everywhere he's been, and they thought everything would be fine.Owens was fine when he first got there (same in Philly), and the fans all said 'see, the man has learned his lesson and just wants to play football.If Owens

Some Morning Reading

2008-12-15T04:31:00.002-05:00

Inquirer columnist Phil Sheridan reminisces about Pat Burrell.Keith Law, of Scouts Inc. on ESPN.com, isn't impressed with the Phillies' new addition, Raul Ibanez.Bob Brookover of the Inquirer said the Eagles' offense receives a boost when he takes off with the ball. Ashley Fox said the Birds' are gaining some late-season confidence.

BIG FIVE SKINNY

2008-12-13T22:23:00.008-05:00