Let's start with the Eagles, who as we have mentioned had what seemed like a very good draft. Right now, the Eagles are better on paper than they were at the end of last season. Not only that, they put themselves in a good situation for next year's draft by having a lot of picks to work with, which you know they love. Time will tell if the draft pick's and acquisitions actually work out, but it seems like most are happy with the moves. I am a little nervous about Jeremy Maclin, and his ability to contribute right away, and learn the offense. Since he played in a spread offense in college, his numbers are a little inflated, and he has never done a lot of the stuff he will be asked to do on the Eagles. The Eagles just completed a successful mini camp, and the next thing on the horizon for them is Rookie Camp, which begins on May 20.
The Flyers are watching the rest of the NHL playoffs from their TV's, and the golf course. Recently, the Flyers have shown some interest in goaltender Ray Emery, formerly of the Ottawa Senators, and most recently playing in Russia. Emery is a little bit of a head case, but is only 26 years old. The Flyers definitely have some decisions to make at the goaltender position this offseason as both Biron and Niittymaki are free agents. Biron is a little bit above average, but nothing special, while it seems like the Flyers do not have the same high hopes they once had for Niittymaki. The Flyers also need to add a good, young defenseman like Joy Bouwmeester of the Panthers. Look for the Flyers to dangle Danny Briere and Simon Gagne as trade bait to see what they could get for them.
The Sixers, much like the Flyers are watching the NBA playoffs from home. The Sixers are in a bad situation right now, with a lot of money tied up in certain players, and thus not much room to make any moves. They have a lot of money and years invested in Iguodala, Brand, and Dalembert. Dalembert really should not be a starter for this team, and I would love to see him not on this team. Willie Green should also not be a starter. Lots of rumors going on right now about trading Iguodala, possibly for Tracy McGrady. Andre Miller, who may have been the best player down the stretch for the Sixers, will most certainly not be on the team next season, which means the Sixers need to address a point guard for the future, along with a big man.
The Phillies are in first place in the NL East, but are not really winning conventionally or easily. The pitching staff, mostly the starters have continued to struggle. Chan Ho Park finally had a very good outing last night in a 1-0 loss to the Mets. Let's hope he can build off of that good start. Brett Myers has flat out not been very good. Jaime Moyer is what he is, which is an average starting pitcher. Cole Hamels, despite leaving the last two games with minor injuries, looks like he is getting better with each start. The offense has been strong, and is the main reason that the Phillies are in first place. The Phillies have scored the 3rd most runs in the NL, and are doing it without much contribution from leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins. Once Rollins gets going, look out. The Phillies sit at 14-11, with a 1 game lead over the Marlins in the NL East.
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Regarding the Flyers: As mentioned in previous comments, I agree that Biron is only slightly above average. But to describe Emery as "a little bit of a head case" is a gross understatement. This guy has had some drug issues and continues to exhibit over-the-top anger management problems. In Russia this season he physically attacked the team's trainer on the bench, even following him down the corridor to the locker room to smack him around some more. As a result, he was temporarily demoted for a few games to the team's minor league equivalent in -- and you can't make this stuff up -- Siberia! On top of that, his stats haven't been any better than Biron's -- and in fact are a bit worse. Now this isn't to say that he can't turn things around, but it would be a real crap shoot, and I don't entirely get why Homer would be considering taking this much of a risk at such a crucial position -- particularly since the stats don't seem to justify the risk.
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