The Final Stages, and where the Flyers Stand

          The NHL led by Gary Bettman have put another proposal on the table, in attempt to salvage the 2012-13 season. Like I said many times, Donald Fehr is the reason we haven't seen the Flyers on the ice yet, but I do believe this offer could be the one that gets the puck dropped on January 19th. The Los Angeles Kings have been waiting to raise their Stanley Cup banner, and in less than three weeks there wish should come true. The leagues latest offer was over 300 pages long, so I will break it down with the most important details that can truly end this lockout.

          Gary Bettmans' main goal is to win the fans back. He may have done that by offering a 10 year agreement through 2021-22 (with an option to opt out after 8 years). This would give fans plenty of games to watch without having to worry about whether or not we will have a season. A 50-50 revenue split between Clubs and Players with current HRR Accounting is next in the offer, which was one of the biggest requirements requested by the Players' Association. Next, the NHL posted a $300 million make-whole payment to compensate players for the reduced value of Player contracts in the early years of the new CBA. Plain and simple, there are contractual roll backs of players salaries. Clubs can operate with an effective Upper Limit of $70.2 million in 2012/13; must come into compliance with $60 million Upper Limit for the start of the 2013/14 season. The final part is expected to be counter offered by the PA, and the sixty million will be changed to 70 million. You can read all about the new proposal if you click this link http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=412383. With a few tweaks by Fehr and the owners, I believe this season will be saved.

          When this lockout ends, I will finally be able to start writing about how the Flyers are doing in the standings, whose on fire, and whose struggling. Below I will give a preview of what's to come for the Flyers, who I think will be playing their first game on the 19th.

           Unfortunately, it looks like captain Chris Pronger has played his last game in the NHL. Chris moved back to Saint Louis during the off season, and hasn't really made any progress since being struck in the eye with a stick back in November of last year. With Pronger done, Ed Snider and Paul Holmgren will name the 19th captain in Flyers history. I think it comes down to three candidates; Claude Giroux (24), Danny Briere (35), and Kimmo Timonen (37). Giroux has shown he is ready and I think he'll get the call, if Pronger officially retires. They don't have the team they had last year, but still could be competitors especially with Sean Couturier and Brayden Schenn playing in their second full year. Below I will put together what the lines will most likely look like come the first game. The parenthesis will show how old everyone is.

Line 1: Voracek (23) Giroux (24) Hartnell (30)

Line 2: Simmonds (24) Briere (35) Read (26)

Line 3: Couturier (20) Schenn (21) Talbot (28)

Line 4: Fedotenko (33) Wellwood (22) Rinaldo (22)

Defensive 1: Timonen (37) Coburn (27)

Defensive 2: Grossmann (27) Meszaros (27)

Defensive 3: L.Schenn (23) Gustafsson (24)

Goalie: Ilya Bryzgalov (32)

          With only 5 of the listed 19 players 30 or over, the Flyers come in as one of the youngest teams in the NHL. This team is our future and I look forward to covering them in the next decade. Hopefully my next update talks about the lockout being over, but for now the optimism bar must remain high.

-Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat writer for the Sports Goombahs)

Twitter: @jimmyfort28

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It's Almost Time

          January 2nd is just around the corner and that means we will finally get a decision on what will happen with the 2012-13 NHL season. Today marks the 103rd day of the lockout, which has cancelled over 600 games total and half of the Flyers season.

          Two weeks ago we were apparently at the finish line, but once again that was a complete lie. Donald Fehr has told the players they are going to wait and see if the NHL is bluffing with their deal which is expected to be their final offer on the table. I don't see how Fehr keeps his job if the season is dropped. Frankly,I don't see Bettman making it to his 21st year as the commissioner. 

          It has been two weeks since the NHL and NHLPA have had face to face talks and reported to the media. However, according to many sources they may be having secret meetings which could be a good thing. They don't want the media to be a part of the final stages reporting false information, which has been the case for the past three months.

          January 2nd will be a day that has fans attached to their Twitters and NHL.com. If the NHLPA files a disclaimer of interest, just like 2004, there will be no season. However, if they do not file the disclaimer, they will agree to start negotiating again and January 10th will likely be the drop dead date for the season to be axed.

          I believe the fans who have suffered immensely will get to watch some intense hockey games that could have playoff implications starting January 20th. This would be when the season starts and 48 all conference games will be played. On January 2^nd, if the NHLPA is smart they will not file the disclaimer and they will negotiate until a deal gets done. They have already lost millions of dollars so you have to think they don't want to lose a penny more. Right? More to come in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for reading!

-Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat reporter for the Sports Goombahs)

Follow me on twitter: @jimmyfort28

Like the goombahs on Facebook. Just search Sports Goombahs

Whats Next?

          The rumors swirling around twitter and Facebook were 100% false involving Josh Hamilton and the Phillies. Today the Los Angeles Angels signed Hamiltion to a 5 year 125 million dollar contract. The Angels now have rookie of the year Mike Trout, slugger Albert Pujols, and now Hamilton. This is the first time in MLB history that an outfielder will make 25 million per year. The Phillies made the right move by not offering Hamilton a long term contract, but will now have to make up for it by signing one of the remaining free agent outfielders that remain on the market. Not getting Hamilton means Ruben Amaro Jr. has money for a corner outfielder, 8th inning pitcher, and a 5th starter in the rotation. Lets take a look at the Phillies options are.

          Cody Ross is probably the first option. A right handed batter who hits well at Citizens Bank Park, and has a good arm in left field. Ross would bring 20+ home runs and 80+ runs batted in. Phillies fans know this man very well, because of what he did in the 2010 NLCS hitting 2 home runs in one game off Doc Halladay. He later went on to win the NLCS MVP and would then help the Giants beat the Rangers in the World Series. Philadelphia booed him then, but if he signs a deal here, I'm sure we would be willing to give him a fresh start.

          Nick Swisher is the other outfielder available. Swisher is a switch hitter who can hit for power and contact. He played right field very well with the Yankees, and I don't think we would see a difference if he came here. Swisher hits home runs, brings home plenty of base runners, and is a guy that can spark this team in the locker room. The only concern is, do we really want another batter who strikes out over 125 times? at this point Ruben has to take the risk. In my opinion Swisher is the guy I want in the lineup. He can hit from both sides and he could help mix the batting order by batting 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th to help Utley and Howard.

          Another option is to trade for Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Ruben Amaro tried to sign him in 2007 when he received a deal he couldn't refuse from the Cubs. Soriano provides power smacking more than 25 home runs a year in 9 of the 12 full years he has played. In order to get Soriano, the Phillies would have to part ways with Dominic Brown. The best part about this is that the Cubs have been said to eat 26 of the 36 million owed, so the Phillies would only pay him 10 million which is affordable. I would like this deal a lot and I think Rube should pull the trigger.

         After getting a corner outfielder the Phillies need to do two things plain and simple. Sign Jair Jurggens as our 4th starter, and sign Mike Adams as the setup man for Jonathan Papelbon. All the cards are on the table for Ruben, and he needs to go all-in if he wants a championship. I'll have an update on where we are in the NHL lockout coming soon. Stay tuned.

Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat writer for the Sports Goombahs)

Follow me on twitter: @jimmyfort28
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Spoiler Alert!

         The Philadelphia Eagles have been officially eliminated  from playoff contention for the 2nd straight season. This is the first time under Andy Reid that the birds missed the postseason two years in a row. Fans are hoping they lose out and get a good draft pick but here's what I think they should do:

          Like they say "go out on a high note" that's exactly what the Eagles should do. On Thursday night Cincinnati comes to town, with hopes to stay alive in the AFC wildcard race. The Eagles should go out on Thursday show us fans that they still have heart and play this game like it's for the NFC championship. Andy Dalton has been a solid QB and AJ Green is one of the best receivers in the game right now. With the firing of Jim Washburn came a new defense not called the wide nine and the birds played really good against Tampa Bay and I think they can shut down Dalton as well. My hope is that Nick Foles performs well, wins the game, and causes the Bengals to miss out on the playoffs.

          Revenge is what the Eagles will be looking for in two weeks when Washington comes to town. The skins beat us badly by a score of 31-6 back in week 11. RGIII was nearly perfect going 14/15 with 4 tds and 200 yards. A late run by the Redskins have them hoping to knock the Giants and Cowboys off for the NFC east title. This is another home game for the birds and I think with the new defensive setup, that Foles and company can beat Washington, and put them in danger of missing the playoffs.

          The Eagles best game of the season came against the Giants on September 30, by winning 19-17 on the night they retired Brian "Weapon X" Dawkins' number. At that point the Eagles were looking down at standings in 1st place with a 3-1 record and a rest of the year schedule that could have given them 9 or 10 wins. Well, after that win the Eagles lost 8 straight and were quickly out of the playoff race. The final game of the season is against Eli and the Giants. It would be perfect if the Eagles went to the new meadow lands and were the reason the Giants didn't make the postseason.

          With the final 3 games I believe the Eagles can win out and put all their opponents in danger of missing the playoffs. So why not play the spoiler role, and send Andy Reid out of Philadelphia with 4 wins in a row. I expect to be a playoff team next year and I expect the rest of Philly sports to have bounce back years as well.

Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat writer for the Sports Goombahs)

Follow me on twitter: @jimmyfort28
       

True or False?

         There have been reports going around on twitter that Ruben Amaro Jr. has offered free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton a monstrous 3 year deal worth 80 million dollars. As of right now this is the best offer Hamilton has received from anyone. The Seattle Mariners offered 3 years 60 million but appear to be out of the race. At this point the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies are his likely landing spot. Who will give the most money? well I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

        Last week the Phillies got their everyday starting center fielder in Ben Revere from Minnesota. Revere is making a little more than 500,00 dollars, which gives the Phillies some room to work with, by bringing in a corner outfielder and a setup man. A couple days later the Phillies sent Josh Lindblom and Lisalverto Bonilla to Texas in exchange for 3rd basemen Michael Young, a guy who has been on Amaro's radar since 2010. Young was owed 16 million dollars and the Rangers ate 10 million to help the Phillies. This is where the story gets interesting.

         Michael Young and Josh Hamilton are best friends. Cliff Lee was apart of the world series run Texas made back in 2010 where they were defeated by the San Francisco Giants. Lee developed a good friendship with Josh, and I believe Young and Lee could be a reason why Hamilton might choose Philly. If Ruben makes the big splash and signs the power hitter, the Phils would become immediate contenders for the World Series title.

          Could you imagine how many home runs Hamilton would hit at Citizens Bank Park? My guess would be close to 40. Josh is a left handed hitter, which causes some concern for the organization considering we have Utley and Howard, making the 3, 4, 5 hitters all lefties. There shouldn't be a concern however, because Hamilton can crush righties and lefties. If Hamilton lands in Philadelphia the projected lineup for opening day would look like this:

          1. Jimmy Rollins (SS) (Switch)
          2. Michael Young (3B) (Right)
          3. Chase Utley (2B) (Left)
          4. Ryan Howard (1B) (Left)
          5. Josh Hamilton (LF) (Left)
          6. Erik Kratz (C) (Right)
          7. Darin Ruf (RF) (Right)
          8. Ben Revere (CF) (Left)
          9. Roy Halladay (P) (Right)

          With this lineup you have to remember that our everyday catcher Carlos Ruiz is suspended for the first 25 games of the season because of violating the league's drug policy. I can see Amaro going for a low end 5th starter to replace Vance Worley and also an 8th inning guy to setup closer Jonathan Papelbon. Pitchers and catchers are reporting in 2 months and hopefully we will see some new guys in red pinstripes.

Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat reporter for the Sports Goombahs)

Follow me on twitter: @jimmyfort28

Hope is a Virtue

       On Monday the NHL cancelled the remaining games scheduled in December, which turns out to be a total of 35 games lost for the flyers so far. These cancellations don't really mean anything however, because the season at the earliest would start January 1. With the games being cancelled, it gives a chance for concerts, and other events the opportunity to book the arena they want that they couldn't have because of the scheduled games.

        Back to the table is where the NHL and NHLPA will be on Wednesday afternoon. With the recent collapse, Gary Bettman, and Bill Daly have decided that it would be best that the owners stay out of this meeting, since they could have been the reason no deal was done last Thursday. As of right now there is a 99.9% chance the season will start on January 12, with either a 48 or 52 game season.

        This would make the season a lot of fun to watch considering every game will be seen as crucial and could have the playoff atmosphere that we see in mid April all the way to late June. Hockey fans should be getting an early Christmas present when they find out that this dreadful lockout approaching day 90 has finally come to an end. The 48 or 52 game season will be all conference games, so the Stanley Cup match-up would consist on two teams that didn't see each other in the regular season.

        Many fans have said they are done with the NHL, and I feel your pain, but in all honesty if you are a die hard hockey fan do you really think you will turn away from one of the best sports ever? I think you'll be back along with many others. What happened last Thursday needs to be forgotten and on Wednesday Bettman and Fehr will sit down at the table and should not leave until a deal is done. When Donald Fehr announced he was very happy with the talks and that the lockout would be over shortly, he was lying straight to our faces. This man is the kryptonite of the NHL and needs to either resign or be fired after a settlement is reached.

        Gary Bettman stated that the proposed deal on Thursday was ready to be accepted, until Fehr told the players he could get more. I've said it a few times on the Sports Goombahs radio station he will not, I repeat will not get the players more money in this deal. I know it sucks right now with no hockey, but come January i think the winter will get a lot better with players finally stepping on the ice. I really hope that this is my last post that has anything to do with the lockout. I am ready to start writing about Claude Giroux amazing the NHL world, and watching Ilya Bryzgalov have a comeback year. Two things we should remember; there will be a season this year, and hope is a virtue.

Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Sports Goombahs Beat reporter)

Don't Have a Panic Attack!

        The Sixers have a 9-6 record, placing them 3rd in their respective Atlantic Division. Some new additions to the squad have been real fun to watch, including the 3 point specialist Jason Richardson, sharpshooter Nick "Swagy P" Young, and the high flyer Dorrell Wright who can also shoot the 3 ball. Jrue Holiday is showing that he is the new leader with Andre Iguodala being traded to the Denver Nuggets in the off season, that brought one of the best centers in the league Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia.

        Andrew Bynum however, hasn't played one game for the Sixers this year, and no one knows if he ever will play this year. That makes it even bigger for Jrue to have a year to remember. Holiday is averaging close to 19 points a game and 9 assists, putting him third in the league for assists per game. Jrue always played in the shadow of Iguodala, and now that he's gone the spotlight shines very bright on the former UCLA guard.

        Thaddeus Young is racking in the rebounds every night, and has that sweet left hook that he gets opponents to bite on 9 out of 10 times. Thad signed a contract extension before the season, and Doug Collins said he would like Thad to be a Sixer for life, along with former number 2 draft pick from Ohio State Evan Turner, who has had a solid year so far. Turner has become the everyday starter and is showing signs of improvement with his jump shot, and he is close to averaging 8 rebounds a game.

        Losing Lou Williams, and Elton Brand along with Andre, gave the Sixers a chance to bring in some young talent, and that's exactly what they did. They got Jason Richardson who is ranked 14th all time in 3 point shots made with over 1500. Nick Young is a sharpshooter and can hit a basket from almost anywhere on the floor. Dorrell Wright signed as a free agent this year and he brings a healthy 3 point shot and can also rattle the rim with some high flying dunks. Wright also brings to Philly great defense which the Sixers lost when they lost Iguodala. Doug Collins is very high on Dorrell Wright, and the fans should be too

        I know everyone is concerned about not seeing Andrew Bynum yet, but I'd rather see him play when he's 100 % ready rather than 50 % where he can't perform to his best ability. The way the team is playing right now I am confident that we can place in the top 5 of the Eastern Conference and have Andrew Bynum ready to dominate in the playoffs. So fans in Philadelphia, don't panic just yet about Bynum, because once he steps on the floor for the first time, you will be amazed what he can do, and understand why he took all the time he needed to rest that knee. SHOW YA LUV AND LETS GO SIXERS

Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat writer for the Sports Goombahs)

Free Agent Possibilities.

        With the Phillies missing out on the guy they wanted most this off season B.J. Upton, they're still a few guys left in the market that I think can suit the phils perfectly. On Wednesday night, it was confirmed that  Upton would sign a 5 year 75 million dollar deal with the NL EAST rival Atlanta Braves. The Phillies and Braves were in a bidding war, but it looked like Ruben Amaro Jr's best offer was 5 years 55 million, so Atlanta won their guy.

        With Upton in Atlanta, Michael Bourn will not return as their center fielder and could have a reunion with the Phillies this season. Bourn was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 2003 amateur draft and played just 2 seasons with them until he was traded to the Houston Astros, which brought Brad Lidge to the Phillies.  That deal worked out because Lidge was perfect and won the world series in his first year. Recently Bourn has been providing stolen bases, runs scored, and became a decent lead off hitter in Atlanta. Bourn has been linked to the Phillies this off season and in my opinion I don't think we need another guy who strikes out 125+ times a season.

        Next on the list is Josh Hamilton. Hamilton declined the Texas Rangers qualifying offer of 3 years 33 million, and is hoping to receive close to 7 years 160 million dollars. Hamilton has been an RBI machine, home run hitter, base stealer, and he has a strong arm in the outfield. Ruben Amaro is known to make a splash during free agency and at the trade deadline, so look for the Phillies to sign Hamilton and don't worry too much about his off the field events, just be amazed what this guy can do on the field.

        Reunited and I don't think it would feel so good. The man I am talking about is Shane Victorino. Shane was a big part of the World Series championship in 2008 and is a threat in all areas. The problem is he is trying to hit home runs every at bat like Ryan Howard. He is starting to remind me of Willie Mays Hayes from  the "Major League" movies. Trying to hit a home run, but evidently popping up and striking out. Although he knows the organization well, and he's a great outfielder, I don't think the phils will bring back the Flying Hawaiian.

        The last 2 guys on my list is Cody Ross, and Angel Pagan. Cody Ross is a right handed hitter who can provide some power which we've been lacking and can knock in close to 100 runs. Angel Pagan who is coming into the market as a world champion, had a solid year and will probably make some decent money. Out of these two, I would want Pagan who is a switch hitter, and has good speed on the bases and can score plenty of runs.

        Out of these guys, My first choice is Hamilton. If we can't get him, and we go for Bourn, I would hope RAJ brings in maybe Victorino or Pagan to play right field, and then we could use Darin Ruf in left field. From what others are saying, I am actually comfortable with Frandsen as our everyday third basemen and look forward to seeing him become a big part of this organization. Lets hope with all this talk Ruben makes the right move that will bring the World Series trophy back to Philadelphia.

Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat Reporter for the Sports Goombah's)

When Will It End?

        The frustrating lockout in the NHL continues today, and is getting close to day 80. As it has been reported by numerous sources, many fans have given up on the season and will not rely on the NHL to play a season this year. Meeting after meeting there just wasn't any progress going on between the NHL and NHLPA, so a mediation group joined the table a couple of days ago. Today was the final meeting between them and below is what www.hockeybuzz.com reporter Eklund stated:

        "Mediation has ended and apparently no results to speak of...however the mediation was cordial and one of the by-products may be the sides realizing the personal aspects of these negotiations are killing the potential deal. With that in mind it is being reported that Bettman has proposed the sides meet without he or Fehr. Just Players vs. Owners. I agree 100% with Gary on this one. It has gotten too personal...Players are making this about Gary, owners are making this about Fehr.....It should be about deal making."

        Let's just say this process is getting way out of hand. Donald Fehr is becoming a joke and in my opinion should be fired when and if a deal ever gets done. The NFL was in a lockout but got a done before the regular seasons first game. The NBA was in a lockout and got a deal done so a shortened 66 game season could be played starting on Christmas last year. The MLB has had work stoppages but never so many days to cancel the season at least from the time I was born. So the question coming from fans is, why can't they just agree on a deal. The answer is and always will be MONEY. Players want to play, Donald Fehr wants more money for the players. This isn't going to happen and Fehr should torched ASAP!

        To conclude this blog, I believe somehow someway the players will force Fehr to make an agreement with Bettman, and we will see hockey right after Christmas or right after New Years Day. Here's to hoping that we get to watch some hockey this upcoming winter.

-Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat Writer for the Sports Goombah's)