August 8, 2008
Brian Westbrook
It appears Brian Westbrook will finally be happy in an Eagles uniform. He will likely sign a new contract today in an unprecedented move by the powers to be in Eagleville. The Eagles head to Pittsburgh tonight for the first preseason game. Here are the most intriguing questions going into tonight’s game.
Across the street, at Citizens Bank Park, Pat Gillick finally got his lefty reliever he sought before the non waiver trade deadline. The Phillies landed Scott Eyre from the Chicago Cubs after he cleared waivers. Eyre, pronounced ‘air’, has had an awful year. However, his career stats are respectable.
Meanwhile, the Flyers have replaced Terry Murray with Craig “The Chief” Berube on their bench as an assistant coach. Berube was the head coach of the Phantoms.
August 3, 2008
Lorenzo Booker
It was a quite day at Lehigh University as the Eagles held their morning practice in front of a modest crowd.
Eagles’ chairman Jeffrey Lurie got involved in practice when he joined the quarterbacks in a fumble recovery drill.
Lorenzo Booker continues to impress on offense and special teams. It seems Booker will be Brian Westbrook’s backup at running back and the primary kick returner. At one point, in a live 11 on 11 drill, Booker zigzagged his way through the second team defense for a 26 yard gain. Booker continued to get reps with the first team offense due to Westbrook’s illness. Westbrook did some light drills in the morning before leaving the practice field early. He continues to deal with flu like symptoms.
Another crowd pleasing moment came in an 11 on 11 drill with the first team defense and second team offense. Kevin Kolb tried to lead Jackson with a pass with Sheldon Brown in pursuit. Brown made a full extension dive for the ball and swatted it away from his rookie teammate.
DeSean Jackson practiced returning kickoffs this morning. Jackson is primarily a punt returner and will likely not see much time returning kickoffs in the regular season. He didn’t look comfortable in this unfamiliar role. However, he continues to turn heads with his punt returning skills. There, he can use a more open field and show off his explosive speed and athleticism.
Shawn Andrews remains missing in action. His absence cannot be overlooked. He is a Pro Bowl offensive lineman who is critical to Donovan McNabb’s attempt to stay healthy throughout the season.
August 2, 2008
(Updated 6:03pm)
The Eagles held their afternoon practice as scheduled. It was a quick one hour and fifteen minute “10/10/10″ practice.
Over on a separate practice field, while the offense and defense practiced in front of the crowds, the special teams unit raised a few eyebrows. David Akers and Sav Rocca switched roles. Rocca practiced kicking field goals with Akers in the holder’s position. This was certainly to give Rocca, who will likely be Akers’ backup in case of an injury. Rocca hit a long field goal from 43 yards.
During punt return practice, one fan yelled out, “Hey DeSean Jackson! Devin Hester’s got nothing on you!” Jackson gave a thumbs up and continued to impress as he has throughout training camp.
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The Eagles cancelled morning practice today due to a water main break which has left the practice fields at Lehigh University flooded.
The break occurred next to the fields inside the locker room building. There is currently no water running in the building. As of 10:15 am, crews were working on clearing up any flooding on the field. However, it began to lightly rain a few minutes later, which, if it becomes any heavier, could hinder the process. There is no official word on whether afternoon practice will be held.
Developing…
August 1, 2008
Donovan McNabb
I am up at Eagles training camp for the next three days as some of the same story lines continue to play out.
Shawn Andrews is still M.I.A. Asante Samuel remains out with a hamstring injury. Although, Jim Johnson said he would likely be back on the field next week.
Today, Sean Considine and Joselio Hanson left practice with injuries. Considine suffered a right oblique strain while Hanson had a right quad contusion. Brian Westbrook missed practice today with a viral illness.
Donovan McNabb looked very healthy and sharp as he has throughout training camp. McNabb, who has been throwing more fade routes to the back part of the endzone during red zone drills during training camp completed a touchdown pass to Hank Baskett today on a great fade pass. Baskett used his 6′4” 220 pound frame to leap over his defender and complete the catch in the end zone.
After the team left the field following the morning practice, McNabb, for the second time this week, ran voluntary ‘wind sprints’, which is a grueling exercise.
DeSean Jackson put on a show of true athleticism. He made great catches and showed how he can run past defenders with his great speed in the open field.
Linebacker Omar Gathier had a terrific practice. I was at camp for a few days last week and he continues to be the vocal leader on the defensive side of the ball. Gathier appears to be the heir apparent to Brian Dawkins at the defensive team leader.
The most exciting moment in practice came when David Akers drilled a 60 yard field goal. Akers looks strong and comfortable with snapper Jon Dorenbos and holder Sav Rocca.
On the Michael Smerconish Show, which was live at camp today, ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio predicted the Eagles would finish the season with a 10-6 record and land a wild card berth. Ray Didinger said he could see the Eagles winning 8-10 games.
Filed under Uncategorized
Tags: Asante Samuel, Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, Donovan McNabb, Hank Baskett, Jim Johnson, Jon Dorenbos, Joselio Hanson, Michael Smerconish, Omar Gathier, Ray Diddinger, Sal Paolantonio, Sav Rocca, Sean Considine, Shawn Andrews
July 31, 2008
Nothing. The Phillies have still done nothing in the days and hours leading up to the Major League Baseball non waiver trade deadline.
There is no buzz from ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports or MLB Trade Rumors about any possible deals involving the Phillies.
I still think they add a lesser known lefty reliever, but nothing to make the team much better.
In other news, Junior Griffey has officially accepted a deal to the Chicago White Sox for two minor leaguers. The Marlins landed Arthur Rhodes and are still in talks with Boston and Pittsburgh to land Manny Ramirez in a three team trade.
July 30, 2008
Charlie Manuel and Pat Gillick
With less than 24 hours remaining until the non-waiver trade deadline, the Phillies have yet to make a splash.
So far, the Phils have only landed Joe Blanton at a hefty price. It is too early to fully evaluate the deal, but it isn’t looking good so far (7.88 ERA in two starts). That’s what you get when you trade for a pitcher from Oakland.
The Phillies have been involved in blockbuster rumors, but rumors can’t help a struggling lineup or pitching staff. The Phillies appeared very interested in trading for Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes a few weeks ago. Then, the rumors switched to Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte. Now, Manny Ramirez to Philadelphia is the latest rumor which has fans sketching out dream lineups but doesn’t help on the diamond.
In reality, the Phillies will likely trade a mid level prospect or two to land a lefty reliever. Some of the names being discussed include John Grabow, Arthur Rhodes, Will Ohman and Jack Traschner according to Jayson Stark.
Another possibility involves trading for a starter after the non waiver deadline in Myers or Blanton don’t pan out. These deals would likely be in the same vein as Jamie Moyer in 2006 and Kyle Lohse in 2007.
An odd rumor from ESPN radio involves the Phillies trading Jayson Werth to the Tampa Rays. The deal makes sense for Tampa who wants a steady outfielder with some pop. However, Werth is a good right fielder for the Phillies and it is not clear what the Rays would give up to land Werth. It’s something to keep an eye on.
The good news? The Mets aren’t expected to make major moves either. However, the Marlins continue to be involved in Manny speculation.
Who knows, maybe Pat Gillick, in his final year as Phillies General Manager, will surprise us all and make a big splash in a big puddle.
July 30, 2008
Joe Paterno
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports today that a feature on ESPN’s Outside the Lines may mean big trouble for Penn State coach Joe Paterno.
The show investigated the number and magnitude of criminal activities by Penn State football players since 2002 and questions whether Paterno has lost control of his team. Another allegation involves a member of the coaching staff sending out a text message trying to keep the team in line while using Paterno’s name behind his back.
July 30, 2008
Manny Being Manny
It just wouldn’t be right to have Manny Ramirez in the news without drama and mystery. The powerful and colorful slugger from Beantown seems to be interested in a trade – anywhere.
Ramirez went so far as to say he would play in Iraq if it meant he could create more drama and keep himself in the headlines.
Back to reality, or as close as we can get to reality when talking about Manny Ramirez trade rumors, there are mixed reports as to the Phillies’ interest in Ramirez.
Yesterday, Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reported that the Phillies are the leaders in the Manny sweepstakes.
SI.com followed up today in their ‘Truth and Rumors’ section that the Phillies remain the front runners for Ramirez.
However, the New York Times reports the Phillies will pass on Manny.
ESPN’s Jayson Stark talked with a Phillies official who claimed the team had no interest in bringing Ramirez to Philadelphia.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports believes it is a long-shot that the Red Sox trade their slugger before the deadline.
Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports the Phillies have at least talked about the possibility of Manny being Manny in Philly.
Will the Phillies add Ramirez to a lineup Charlie Manuel can only dream about? Probably not. But, with Manny, you never know what could happen.
July 29, 2008
Jayson Stark reports the Phillies are interested in trading for left-handed reliever Ron Mahay. A deal with Kansas City for Mahay would likely cost the Phillies AA shortstop Jason Donald who is one of the top prospects in the Phillies’ farm system.
Mahay, 37, has posted a remarkable 1.81 ERA this year in 45 games for the Royals.
Donald was recently selected as a member of team USA for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Jayson Stark
