Unfortunately the SI article in the May 20, 2013 issue reflects that there are still those involved with Penn State football (And make no mistake-this article is about football) who will go to pretty much any lengths to discredit those whom they feel are responsible for the demise of Joe Paterno. Trustee Anthony Lubrano’s comments about Coach Bill O’Brien after the release of the article demonstrate that. For the record I successfully resisted the urge to verbally confront Lubrano at Coach O’Brien appearance in Philadelphia on April 30th. Perhaps that was because Mrs. SCC was there and would have been displeased-but I think that I also realized I would be talking to a brick wall.

Coach O’Brien did appear at a short press conference on Wednesday-one that was cut short by him having to attend his son’s Little League game. BOB’s message throughout the presser was as follows: the safety and well being of his players is his top priority. It should be noted that the only player whose circumstances were brought out was a walk on who is no longer on the team. Once again he is someone who may have an axe to grind. However, I will give him credit-at least he is named in the story. Obviously there were anonymous sources used by the author. Rumors on who they might be have shown up on various message boards; Jay Paterno even came out on his Twitter account and specifically denied that he was one of them.

In short, my message to those who want to defend the Old Regime at all costs is three words: Just. Shut. Up. The actions/inactions of Joe Paterno and the other members of the “Gang of 4″ led to the events of November 2011. What was done then was totally justified. I am not going to defend the NCAA’s reaction to the whole Sandusky mess-but if immediate steps had not been taken following Sandusky’s indictment I believe the likely consequence would have been the Death Penalty for Penn State football-something that would not have been in the best interest of anyone.

I honestly hope that my next PSU article here will not be about this topic. I do look forward to previewing the 2013 season starting in late July. And a side note to any Rutgers alums and fans out there: Have fun starting your B1G football experience 0-5 in 2014. RU’s first five conference games are PSU, Michigan, at tO$U, at Nebraska and Wisconsin. Good luck Scarlet Knights. You’ll need it.

The post SI Gets Played With its “Special Report on Penn State Football” appeared first on The High Phive.

Since taking over in January, Chip, and his offense that he employed at Oregon, has been scrutinized, and put under the microscope by every analyst, talk show host, columnist, and bar patron in Eagles Nation.  ‘How can he run this offense at the pro level?”, “What kind of defense are they going to use?”, “How can he keep this guy or that guy?”. His philosophy has never really been adapted at the NFL level so these questions have merit. However the added burden he shoulders is the stigma of secrecy that has been the norm around here this century. Can you count on 1 hand the number of times the Eagles under Andy Reid were forthcoming with the public…about anything?  Every tidbit of information that came out of their mouths was meticulously primed for minimal impact. So now every time Chip answers a question about what he is going to do, or how he is going to play, his answers are met with great skepticism.

When he says that he is going to adapt his offense to utilize the talents of the players he has here, not many people have seemed to believe him. Nick Foles, not exactly the poster child for being fleet of foot, would seemingly not fit into the offense that Chip ran at Oregon. But he still remains here and in an open competition for the starting QB job. They drafted Matt Barkley, who also isn’t the prototype for a read-option QB. To hear Chip talk about him though sounded like he finally landed the one that got away after failing to recruit him to Oregon. With a young GM in Howie Roseman and a futuristic approach to the game, all the pieces are being put in place to move this team and hopefully the fans into the next era of NFL football.

His attitude and openness with the media and public alike is similar to a present that you have waited years for only to never receive. When you finally do get it, you wonder where the strings are, or if you are being filmed for a reality show. He has held court with reporters for over an hour at the GM meetings, in Pre-Draft pressers he was asking them who they would take. His training methods include blasting upbeat music during workouts, developing custom smoothies for each player for after practice consumption. These new age methods of sports and science are revolutionary to the NFL and in particular this organization where the last coach had a regular habit of “fast food” Friday.

Now all of these things that Chip is trying to implement can result in the greatest face lift of a franchise in this city’s history or fall into the abyss created by Steve Spurrier, Nick Saban, and a slew of other college turned pro coaches that couldn’t translate their success from Saturdays to Sundays. The injection of life into this team and also this city has been desperately needed for a couple of years, let’s hope that the patient doesn’t have an allergic reaction to this medicine and the prognosis for success is bright…for all of our sakes.

The post Can Chip Kelly Take the Eagles & the Fanbase Into the Next Era? appeared first on The High Phive.

2012-13 Stats: These are the actual stats for each player this season with games played (GP) , goals (G) , assists (A) and overall points (Pts).

2012-13 Full Season Projections: Here I just extrapolated the average goals and assists and points for each player based on their number listed above to come up with a full season projection. It is not perfect but fun to put together and look at in a short season.

Contract- I added this section because with the new CBA and lower salary cap, contracts and cap hits are now very important. This team also has a very interesting dilemma following next season with a lot contract’s being up, and with those I have listed whether each player will be a restricted or unrestricted free agent.

Recap- This is just a brief recap that will hopefully provide insight into each players season.

Enjoy!

Jakub Voracek-

2012-13 Stats: GP- 48; G- 22; A- 24; P- 46

2012-13 Full Season Projection: G- 38; A- 41; Pts- 79

Contract- Signed through 2015-16 season- $4,250,000 annual cap hit

Recap: Voracek was a silver lining in the dark cloud that was the Flyers season. He led the team in goals, was tied for 2nd in assists and was 2nd in overall points while playing in every game. He was 8th in the NHL in goals, 7th in power play goals and 18^th in points. Jake set a career high in goals in a short season and never went more than two games without registering at least one point. Jake won the Bobby Clarke Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player.

Claude Giroux-

2012-13 Stats: GP- 48; G- 13; A- 35; P- 48

2012-13 Full Season Projection: G-22; A- 60; Pts- 82

Contract- Signed through 2013-14- $3,750,000 annual cap hit- Restricted Free Agent

Recap: Giroux averaged a point per game and was one of two players (Voracek) on this team to play in every game. He led the team in assists and points and was 3rd in goals. Claude was 6^th in the NHL in assists. His longest streak without a point was three games and that happened just once. Over a full season, based on the short season stats, Giroux may have seen a slight drop in scoring but it is hard to determine how his season progresses with a full camp and normal schedule. Claude’s contract is going to be a hot topic over this offseason and next season if he is not locked up. He is due for a big raise and is the centerpiece to this team for a long time.

Wayne Simmonds-

2012-13 Stats: GP- 45; G- 15; A- 17-; Pts- 32

2012-13 Full Season Projection: G- 27; A- 31; Pts- 58

Contract- Signed through 2018-19- $3,975,000 annual cap hit

Recap- Simmonds was another player that really stood out this season. He was 2^nd on the team in goals, 5^th in assists and 3^rd in points. He registered two Gordie Howe Hat Tricks (at least one goal, assist and fight in the same game) in four days!! Simmonds played with nothing but heart the entire season. He scored; he fought and stepped up as one of the better young players on this team.

Brayden Schenn-

2012-13 Stats: GP- 47- G- 8; A- 18; Pts- 26

2012-13 Full Season Projection: G- 14; A- 31; Pts- 45

Contract- Signed through 2013-14 season- $3,110,000 annual cap hit- Restricted Free Agent

Recap- It’s still hard to get a read on Schenn, who is 21 years old and still hasn’t played more than 54 games in an NHL season. The best statistic of this season was that Brayden was able to stay healthy and only missed one game. He got off to a good start with points in 14 of the first 22 games but went ice cold for most of March. In a ten game span between March 5^th and March 28^th, Schenn was held without a point. These were also important games, “must win” games while the team was fighting for a playoff spot, and there was very little production. Schenn is still a young player with a lot of talent. This is another interesting contract situation the Flyers have to deal with over the next year.

Matt Read-

2012-13 Stats- GP- 42; G- 11; A- 13; Pts- 24

2012-13 Full Season Projection- G- 21; A- 25; Pts- 46

Contract- Signed through 2013-14 season- $900,000 annual cap hit- Unrestricted Free Agent

Recap- Read suffered a rib injury this season against the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 20^th and missed six games. Read returned to the line-up, again against the Pens, on March 7^th. Prior to the injury, Reed had 13 points in 17 games. After the injury, Read had 11 points in 24 games.  Coming off the injury, probably a little early, Read registered just one point in his first eight games back. Read is a talented player who spent time on the top line with Giroux and Voracek. This is another contract situation that needs to be monitored as Read will be due for a raise if he hits the unrestricted free agent market after next season.

Danny Briere-

2012-13 Stats- GP- 34; G-6; A- 10; Pts- 16

2012-13 Full Season Projection- G-14; A- 24; Pts- 38

Contract- Signed through the 2014-15 season- $6,500,000 annual cap hit- amnesty candidate

Recap- Briere saw a significant drop in his offensive numbers this year. Whether you look at the short stats, the extrapolated stats, the splits, the game log, nothing puts a positive spin on Briere’s season. In addition to struggling, he missed ten games due to a concussion. After starting the season with 11 points in 16 games, Briere finished with just five points in his last 18 games of the season. With two years left on his contract and a massive cap hit, it has become almost a certainty that Briere will be amnestied and has played his last game as a Flyer.

Sean Couturier-

2012-13 Stats- GP- 46; G-4, A- 11, Pts- 15

2012-13 Full Season Projection- G-7; A-20; Pts- 27

Contract- Signed through 2013-14 season- $1,375,000 annual cap hit- Restricted Free Agent

Recap- The lockout shortened season may have been the longest of Couturier’s hockey career. He struggled mightily this season and became a poster child for the Flyers struggles.  Couts started with 7 points in first 16 games then when 15 straight games without a point and finished with 8 points in his last 15 games. Couturier had scoring opportunities this year and just couldn’t finish and also had turnover issues for most of the season. The youngster finished strong and it will be interesting to see how he rebounds after a challenging year. This is a guy who should still be untouchable in the offseason no matter what is offered in return.

Scott Hartnell-

2012-13 Stats- GP- 32; G- 8; A-3; Pts- 11

2012-13- Full Season Projection- G- 21; A- 8; Pts- 29

Contract- Signed through 2018-19 season- $4,750,000 annual cap hit

Recap- Hartnell missed 16 games with a foot injury that really affected his play the entire season. In a short year, it is tough to miss that amount of time and Hartnell, like Matt Read, probably came a little too soon and had to play injured in a compressed schedule. Hartnell’s new six year contract starts next season so hopefully he can return to his 25-30 goal per year form. It is worth noting that Hartnell’s points this past season came in seven games, with an April 15^th hat trick helping out his scoring numbers a bit. Hartnell has a lot of skeptics who think he is not a 30+ goal scorer and they are having a lot of fun after this past season. Next season will determine just how good or bad his contract will be for this club.

Maxime Talbot-

2012-13 Stats- GP- 35; G- 5, A- 5; Pts- 10

2012-13 Full Season Projection- G-12; A- 12; Pts- 24

Contract- Signed through 2015-16 season- $1,750,000 annual cap hit

Recap- Talbot was coming off a season where he set career highs in goals, assists and points and was far more productive offensively than anyone expected, so a drop was to be expected. Talbot struggled early but really started to come alive in the second half of the season, with four goals in his last nine games, before suffering a season-ending broken leg March 31^st against the Washington Capitals. Talbot is good player with a cap friendly contract and the injury may have prevented him from being dealt at the deadline.

Zac Rinaldo-

2012-13 Stats- GP- 32; G- 3; A-2; Pts- 5

2012-13 Full Season Projection- G8; A-5; Pts- 13

Contract- Signed through 2014-15 season- $750,000 annual cap hit

Recap-Rinaldo really refined his game this year to become one of the most effective pests in the NHL. He had to draw more penalties per time on ice than any other player on this team. Rinaldo only knows how to play at 110% and there were less stupid penalties this season and more of him goading other players into doing something stupid. With how effective the Flyers power play was, Rinaldo’s role on this team was very important. It was good to see the team lock him up for two more years and he is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Simon Gagne-

2012-13 Stats- GP- 27; G- 5; A- 6; Pts- 11

2012-13 Full Season Projection- G-11; A-24; Pts- 35

Contract- Currently an unrestricted free agent

Recap- Gagne was acquired from the LA Kings midseason for a fourth round draft pick and played really well for the Flyers. He is a great veteran leader, still has speed and is a huge fan favorite in Philly. I speak for all Flyers fans, both male and female, when I say that I sincerely hope this team brings Simone back next season.

I am not going to recap any forwards who did not play more than 25 games this season. Names we have left off are Tye McGinn, Jay Rosehill, Adam Hall, Harry Zolnierczyk and Scott Laughton. McGinn could have a role on this team next season and played well in his 18 games with the big club. Rosehill was traded for to be an enforcer and was signed to a two year contract, ensuring the Flyers have a heavyweight fighter to protect the guys at the top of this list. Harry Z was shipped to Anaheim in the Rosehill deal. Scott Laughton looks like a guy who has great chance of making the big club next year and we will talk about him in more detail over the summer. Ruslan Fedotenko was also left off this list as he has decided to sign outside the NHL.

The Flyers have a lot of depth and talent up front but it remains to be seen who can be signed and who cannot. Some of this depth may be traded for a top 2/3 defensemen or a more proven scorer. The team may be patient and try and win with this young core going forward. Another interesting summer is upon us in Philly.

The post A Statistical Look Back At The Flyers Forwards appeared first on The High Phive.

Q: First of all Martin, thank you very much for taking the time to share a little bit about yourself. Before we get into your journey to the NFL, I wanted to touch a little on your career at Temple University. You obviously had a tremendous career at Temple but looking back over your career, is there a specific memory or moment on the football field that stands out for you? If so, why was this moment so special for you?

A: One of my best memories was the 2011 season which culminated in the first bowl win for Temple University in over 32 years. Through out that entire spring and summer, I bonded with a tremendous offensive line and team. As a unit, the offensive line had played together for over three years and I had only joined them one season prior, as I was a transfer student from Northeastern University after they terminated their football program. They accepted me, we trained together, we hung out together and we ate together. We were a family. Today I still talk to those guys. They are my brothers, in a sense. That entire team, no matter where we are in life or how old we get, we will always remember one another because we all endured and persevered for a goal and, together, we achieved it.

Q: At what moment in your career did you begin to realize that you may have a legitimate chance to live out your dream of playing in the NFL? And how did this realization affect you? Was it a distraction? A confidence boost? It must be a unique feeling knowing that you have a chance to stand side by side and work with some of your childhood heroes.

A: I realized I had a future in the NFL during the 2011 season. I was sitting in the upper lobby of the football facility and met an NFL scout from the Atlanta Falcons. He asked for my name and I told him. He looked down at his roster and said, “Oh you are the junior.” At the time, I was a redshirt junior and my Offensive Line companions were seniors. I was the only junior who was starting. I realized at that moment I had a chance at pursuing my NFL dream, but if I wanted to get there, this would not be my defining moment. I had to take it. In a way, it made me more determined to get where my brothers were going. It will definitely be a walk in a surreal world during the first real week, but like any other moment, if you live in it too long, it can become hindering toward your success.

Q: How have you spent your offseason thus far? Have you been involved in any NFL training programs or private coaching sessions? If so, where was it located or who did you work with? What would a typical week look like for you preparing for the pre-draft workouts or combines?

A: I spent the beginning of my offseason just working out at home in New York City and letting my body recover from the season. Shortly after the season I proposed to my fiancé Emily Frazer so I spent my Christmas with her and her family then came back to New York City so she and I could spend time with my parents. After those three weeks I spent 3 months in Hiram, Georgia training with Paul Doyle and his team from the Doyle Management Group. While down there I learned how to run faster become more flexible and get away from depending on college coaches for motivation when things get tough. I became self motivated again like in high school when I had to workout all the time when I graduated from the team and was waiting to go to college. A typical week with Paul Doyle and his team would be working out for 2 and half hours twice a day until Wednesday when we had only one workout the twice a day until Saturday when we had an early morning run. After the three months in Georgia, I flew back to Philadelphia to do a workout for the Cinncinati Bengals. Following the workout I participated in Temple’s Pro Day. After Pro Day, I began working out with Jeremy Scott, the strength coach here at Temple. Since the, I went on visits to the Vikings, Chargers, and Bengals. I had workouts with the Patriots, Giants, Jets, and Eagles. Once the visits and the workouts were done I watched the Draft with my fiancé and waited to hear from a team, in the end I found a Free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. Since then I have been working out twice a day with Coach Scott until I have to report to rookie camp.

Q: What were your expectations heading into draft weekend? Did you expect to be drafted? Did you and your family have any plans for draft weekend or did you keep a low profile?

A: My expectations in the draft were that the third day was going to be the day I needed to be alert. I had heard if I was going to be drafted it would be a later round decision, but I was prepared for not being drafted. I kept a low profile I went to Atlantic City with my fiancé and just watched the draft and just enjoyed being around one another.

Q: What was it like when you got the call from the Cleveland Browns? Who did you talk to? How did that conversation go and why did you feel like Cleveland was the best place for you to be? Were there any other teams you were talking with?

A: The call was very relieving once I knew where I was going. The conversation between me and Coach George Warhop, the Offensive Line coach was good. We talked about what I will be coming into and when I should report. He told me what he saw when he watched my tape and how he felt about it.

Q: Now that you have signed, what is the next step for you? Will you be visiting the team or heading into a mini-camp soon? Have you been instructed at all on the upcoming process?

A: The next step is to stay in shape and report to rookie camp on May 9th. I will be there until June 20^th when the offseason program ends.

Q: What is the one piece of advice you have gotten at Temple that you plan to carry with you into the NFL and throughout your career? Who gave you this advice and why does it resonate with you?

A: One piece of advice my former teammate and current Chicago Bear, Derek Dennis gave me was that football is the game you know how to play. Mistakes will happen, but it is important that you learn quickly and start thinking about what you have to do next. Another valuable piece of advice came from Coach Dante Scarnecchia, the Offensive Line coach for the New England Patriots. He said “you have to forget what you learned from college and be open to learn everything that is new”.

Martin, thanks again for taking the time to share your experience and best of luck to you in Cleveland. The entire Temple family and city of Philadelphia will be rooting for you!

The post North Broad to the NFL: Interview with Martin Wallace appeared first on The High Phive.

First, let me preface this by saying that my undergraduate degree is in Psychology, so this kind of stuff – understanding how and why we do what we do, think how we think – fascinates me.  I was able to dig around and found an article by Associate Professor of Education Mary Ann Davies (Northern Arizona University) titled “Learning… The Beat Goes On”, in which Davies summarizes research on how, and how well, music aids our learning and retention of knowledge.  The article was from the journal Childhood Education (Spring, 2000) but was written to encompass education in general.  Reading it within the context of football is really interesting.

Davies explains that music synchronizes the right and left sides of the brain: “The hemispheres of the brain work together when emotions are stimulated, attention focused, and motivation heightened.  Rhythm acts as a hook for capturing attention and stimulating interest.  Once a person is motivated and actively involved, learning is optimized.”  The word “rhythm” here is significant, because not only is rhythm important to music, it is also what a football team seeks to establish on the field.  To this end, rhythm is what Kelly has created within his “periods” of practice.  (Side note: There are many terms/phrases shared between music and football, or between music and sports in general: rhythm, periods, setting the tone, tempo, etc.)

Following this line of research, studies show that playing music in the ear opposite the hand being used in learning a task helps students learn faster than those attempting the task without music.  According to Davies, music “appears to aid the brain in working more efficiently” (we know how Kelly loves efficiency).  And the style of music matters.  Researchers have found that people learned more quickly with dramatic, forboding music than with calm, positive music.  For tactile or body/kinesthetic learners, which I would imagine most football players are, listening to high energy music while being active on the field has its advantages. No Kenny G or Enya here.

Music also aids with memory recollection.  When I was a Psychology student, I learned of a study involving marijuana.  Test subjects were divided into two groups.  One group was asked to study or memorize content for an exam while under the influence of marijuana.  The other group did the same with no marijuana.  Then, each group was divided into two subgroups.  One subgroup took the exam while sober and the other subgroup took the exam while high.  The group which studied sober and tested sober clearly outperformed the other groups, however, the group that studied high and tested high outperformed the groups who either studied high/tested sober or studied sober/tested high.  The point here is that humans can maximize performance when our mental learning state equals our mental testing state.

According to research, music does the same thing. As Davies explains, “Music heightens emotional involvement in learning.  This heightened involvement creates stronger neural connections, which in turn make it easier to remember information.  As an example of how this involvement works, think of a favorite song.  As you ‘play’ the song in your head, chances are you will trigger memories associated with that song.  Music helps us store and retrieve rich, multisensory memories.”  This is significant for Chip Kelly’s football players.  Emotional involvement is key.  The music he has chosen to play at practice is also music that tends to play in stadiums on game day.  This “state-matching” technique will allow players to more easily recall on Sunday what they have learned in practice during the week.

Music creates a positive learning environment.  It reduces stress and increases productivity.   Research suggests (and common sense supports) that too much stress interferes with learning.  Davies explains that stress reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, resulting in mental blanks, a reduced willingness to take risks, difficulty in engaging in higher-level thinking, and more times than not a sense of helplessness.  All things that coaches in the NFL want to minimize.

Music stimulates creativity and complex thinking; its power evokes emotions, an essential ingredient on the football field.  Again, this goes back to matching the mental/emotional learning state to the mental/emotional execution state.  Kelly uses music during practice to duplicate the emotional state created on game day in order to maximize game day execution.  Davies explains further that “the rhyme, rhythm, and repetition of music make it easier to remember facts.  Music captures our attention and balances repetition with novelty, which, in turn, facilitates retention.”  Additionally, our bodies “feel” the rhythm.  The rhythm, the beat, aids our physical sense in the remembering process.

Music helps the human body remember; it reduces stress, increases our higher order thinking skills and enhances creativity.  More importantly, music is pervasive.  It’s by definition, human.  It’s one of the reasons I can’t simply ask “Are you ready for some football?”  Instead, I have to sing it.  For Chip Kelly, music is a primary ingredient in a grander recipe.  Everything he does in practice, on the field and off – starts and stops that mimic commercial breaks, coaching with film, etc. – is done in order to prepare his players for the season, for game day.  Since it is anything but ephemeral, why not make music a part of that?

The post The Science Behind The Use of Music by Chip Kelly appeared first on The High Phive.

Announced this week was the singing of former Cowboys’ first round selection, Felix Jones who will complement LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown nicely in Chip Kelly‘s expected run-heavy offense.  Jones signed a one year contract with the Eagles, and is likely to play a role in the Eagles rushing attack, though we do not know what that exact role will be.

Jones is a speed back with good hands and is an excellent route runner, so filling in as a 3rd down RB in passing situations seems like an ideal fit for the former Cowgirl. Coming into his sixth out of Arkansas, Jones will bring needed depth to the special teams units as well as he could fill in on KR duties. In five seasons for the Cowboys, Jones recorded just one TD in 64 attempts as a kick returner, but did record over 1,000 yards receiving to pair with over 2,000 yards on the ground. Jones’ main problem in Dallas was staying healthy, the former Razorback played all 16 games only twice in his five seasons in Dallas.

In his last season in Dallas, Jones tallied 402 yards on 11 carries and added three rushing TD’s. Adding to those totals, Jones caught 25 of the 36 passes thrown to him in 2012, good enough for 262 yards and two TD’s. It was Jones’ versatility and cheap price tag that made him an easy sign for the Eagles’.

Injury concerns aside, Jones could play a somewhat significant role for the Eagles this season, and at the very least will add depth to an already talented backfield. Regardless of how Jones’ role with the Eagles plays out, his presence will go a long way towards making the Eagles’ rushing attack one of the best in football.  

The post Former Cowboy Joins the Birds; How Will Felix Jones Contribute? appeared first on The High Phive.

Charlie Manuel Decided to give Chase Utley a 2 day break, and decided to start Kevin Frandsen at 2^nd base; this decision did not take long to pay off as Frandsen hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 1^st inning to put the Phillies up early 1-0.  Unfortunately that lead did not last all that long, as Pettibone allowed 2 quick runners to start the 2^nd inning and they both scored after a Michael Brantley single.

After a couple boring innings the Phillies found themselves with 2 runners on after a single by Domonic Brown, and a Carlos Ruiz walk.  John Mayberry then came up and played both of those gentlemen with a 2 rbi double to give the Phils a 3-2 lead which would be all they would need.  The Phillies tacked on 3 more runs on a solo home run by Domonic Brown (who like I have said for a while, is hitting the ball well), another John Mayberry RBI hit, and a Freddy Galvis pinch hit RBI single.

Pettibone, Brown, and Mayberry were the stories of this game.  Pettibone found himself in jams a couple times this game;  in the 2^nd inning after allowing a 2 RBI single, he got out of a 1 on 1 out jam by striking out back to back hitters.  In the 3^rd inning he walked a batter, then hit 2 batters, and had the bases loaded to face Mark Reynolds who has 11 home runs this year and got him to pop up to end the inning.  Brown and Mayberry went a combined 5-8 scoring 3 runs, knocking in 4, and hitting 1 out of the park; Brown is also 8 for his last 21 over the last 5 games and is heating up yet again.

Fun Facts: this is 3rd time in 8 games that the Phillies have won 6-2.  This is the first time this year that they have beaten an Ohio team this season (0-3 against the Reds, 0-2 against these same Indians).  The Phillies in games started by Jonathan Pettibone, Kyle Kendrick, and John Lannan are 12-4; in games started by Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, and Roy Halladay (that make a total of 64.5 million dollars) they are 5-8.  This has nothing to do with how Cole and Cliff have pitched, it is just fun to point out.  The last time the Phillies faced Scott Kazmir 2 hitters hit back to back home runs off of him, and if you can guess them (and did not watch the game last night, or google it… I owe you a hug)… The answer is Sal Fasano, and Abraham Nunez.

This afternoon the Phillies get back out there at 1 PM as Cole Hamels takes the hill looking for his 2nd win of the year, against Corey Kluber Lang.  1 win today brings the Phillies to 1 game under .500 and could even bring them to 2.5 games back of the division lead,  they have been hitting and pitching well, but Cole is on the mound, so expect the offense to disappear.

The post Phillies beat an Ohio team, win 6-2 appeared first on The High Phive.

Since the time he was drafted 2^nd overall, and the pick was infamously booed, there has been a stigma attached to him that he has never been able to shake. Now I will admit that he hasn’t exactly been willing to let it completely go, but his play on the field over the years should have been more than enough to endear him to Eagles fans.  For a city that was desperate for a winner at the time, Donovan rose out of the abyss that was the ‘99 Draft and became the best QB in franchise history. For most of his time here he was surrounded by less than average wide receivers (And that is about as nice as I can be). When he was given the talent around him, they went 13-3 and headed to Jacksonville for the Super Bowl.  He carried this team on his back, had 23 4^th quarter drives for wins. In the 5 year stretch from 2000-2004 he was 54-19 as a starter with 4 Division Titles and 7 playoff wins. Just for comparison, Ricky Williams in that same stretch had 2 positive drug tests, 1 trade, and a voluntary retirement from football to “find himself”. BOOOOOOOOO.

Now the announcement comes that he will retire as an Eagle, and will most likely have his number retired. This seems to have rekindled the furor over Donovan’s worthiness for such an honor. If we discount the championship part of the argument, since NO Eagle in 53 years has that on their resume, Donnie Mac certainly deserves to have his number retired alongside that of Brian Dawkins, Reggie White and Jerome Brown from the Super Bowl Era. His stats alone put him at the top of the class. And while we all look at the playoff losses to Tampa, Carolina, Arizona and the New England (Cheaters) Patriots, it goes unmentioned how many playoff wins were needed to get into those big games. Apparently, playoff games are only big games if you lose them.

He has been picked apart by some media in this town, and then in turn by fans, for his personality. Playing air guitar, smiling after bad plays, his parents involvement in some issues. If you just look at his accomplishments on the field, as it pertains to the Philadelphia Eagles, then Donovan is more than deserving of having his #5 retired.

I have grown up with this team, suffered through many Sundays when I knew they didn’t have a chance of winning. I still have not seen a Championship, but I am willing to give credit and praise to those who deserve it for their play on the field. When you look at this era of Eagles football there are only 2 names that stand out above all others for their play on the field. Donovan McNabb and Brian Dawkins. They both deserve to be honored for what they gave to us on the field. One has already had his day. It’s time for the other to have his. Can we finally give Donovan McNabb the respect he deserves for his play on the field?

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Perhaps the most compelling storyline coming out of Eagles’ mini-camp is the starting front seven on defense featuring Isaac Sopoaga, Fletcher Cox, DeMeco Ryans, Connor Barwin, Trent Cole, Mychal Kendricks, and Cedric Thornton. Six of the seven were projected starters, but surprisingly it is Thornton at defensive end instead of Brandon Graham. Graham spent his time with the second team defense learning a role as an outside linebacker within a 3-4. Evidently Eagles defensive coordinator Billy Davis does not see Trent Cole as an interior lineman, but as a pure edge rusher who will complement established OLB Connor Barwin. As for Thornton, the 6’4” former Mulerider of DII Southern Arkansas University weighs over 300lbs and will provide excellent athleticism and burst rushing ability to an already athletic defensive line.  Trent Cole also saw reps with the 3^rd team defense at DE, so his role is anything but set in the defense, and could be determined by Brandon Graham’s ability to play OLB.

Other surprises on defense included Kenny Phillips’ role as second free safety, which may have been due to questions regarding the health of his surgically repaired knee. Phillips will be a starter when healthy, and was replaced by Nate Allen at FS.

As for the offense, the first shake-up occurred in the wide receiving corps where Arrelious Benn saw time with the first team’s offense as an exterior receiver. Kelly could be moving Benn outside to make room for Jeremy Maclin or DeSean Jackson in the slot. Either Maclin or Jackson would become a deadly weapon as a third receiver due to their tremendous speed.  Another speedster in the Eagles’ offense, Michael Vick, saw more 1^st team reps than his opponent for the starting QB job, Nick Foles.

Missing from camp were TE Zach Ertz and CB Jordan Poyer, the Eagles’ second and seventh round picks respectively. Neither have signed a contract with Philadelphia and as Chip Kelly said, there is no telling how the time missed will affect the rookies. On a more positive note, Matt Barkley has been early to every day of mini-camp, and has drawn respect from Kelly. Though we do not know the certainties of Kelly’s projected game-plan, the OTA’s will go a long way towards determining the Eagles starting 11 for the upcoming season. Regardless, Chip Kelly’s playlist is giving Eagles’ fans a ‘Good Feeling’.

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The 76ers have hired Houston Rockets Assistant GM, Sam Hinkie as their new general manager. Hinkie is considered a highly intelligent basketball man who has helped shape the Rockets over the past couple of years with shrewd draft and free agent moves.

Going forward, Hinkie can be counted on to use a highly analytic method towards running a franchise, which will go over much better than the “throw darts at a name of players” practice that has hindered the 76ers for the past few years.

Better than all of this is that Hinkie doesn’t have any connection to the 76ers. He’s not one of Thorn’s boys or a friend of DiLeo’s, so he can come in and shape the franchise the way he’d like.  His first move, before the draft is going to be picking a coach.

Hinkie will have his hands full, trying to rejuvenate a stale franchise that’s been saddled with poor decision making, bad drafts, horrible trades, and ridiculous free agent signings over the past few years. The team, while still loved in Philadelphia, has lost it luster with the locals who yearn for a team that they can get behind and support, but that’s good to watch with talented players. Think of the complete opposite of Lavoy Allen and Nick Young.

Whether Hinkie is the first step in the road to recovery or another in a long line of mistakes remains to be seen, but for the time being, he looks like a solid decision that had broken from the mold of picking from within the organization that has produced only repeated failures.

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