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)