Housh Wants to Wear Green

Free agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh sent a text message to ESPN 950 saying “If they want me I’d be an Eagle tomorrow.”

Houshmandzadeh seems to be still waiting it out to schedule any visits, but he’s the type to take less to play for a winner. He’s also made it clear that he’d love to play with Donovan McNabb. The interest may not be mutual.

Roy Williams and Roy Williams Teammates?

More news from Cowboy country.  The Dallas Cowboys are busy today and apparently discussing with the Detroit Lions a trade for wide receiver Roy Williams.

The biggest douchebag owner in all of sports, Jerry Jones, believes Williams can provide an immediate boost to a faltering offense without quarterback Tony Romo and views him as a potential long-term solution as the eventual replacement for aging Terrell Owens.

The source said the Cowboys are willing to make the deal, but the Lions seem hesitant because they are operating without a GM since the long awaited firing of Matt Millen.  The Lions have been demanding a 1st rd draft choice just to consider a deal, and it is not known if Jones is willing to make the trade at that compensation level. The Cowboys could offer a 2nd and 3rd round pick, since they have multiple choices in the 3rd round.

According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said one GM stated that there was a strong possibility the Lions would trade Williams to the Cowboys or Eagles on Tuesday, however Philadelphia is believed to be more interested in Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez as previously mentioned here.

The Eagles once again have Lito and two 1st  round picks to dangle out there.  MAKE A MOVE BIRDS.

Romo Out a Month

Not only did the Cowboys lose in a thriller to the Cardinals on Sunday but they also lost their starting QB Tony Romo to a broken finger on his throwing hand for ‘up to’ four weeks.

Romo broke his right pinkie on the first play of overtime in a 30-24 loss at Arizona on Sunday.

According to ESPN.com’s Michael Smith, the Cowboys had no plans Monday to sign a veteran quarterback or trade for one before Tuesday’s trade deadline.  Veteran Brad Johnson looks to be the starter for now with Brooks Bollinger backing him up.

The Cowboys will travel to St. Louis to play the Rams this Sunday before hosting the Bucs the following week and then playing division rival, the Giants at the Meadowlands the week after that.

PacMan in Trouble Again…?

That’s right, theres a question mark after the title.  Apparently Pacman was in an altercation in a motel with his bodyguard that caused minor damage to the room (and maybe Pacmans face).  Now I have a source who says Pacman had his ass handed to him and could have some serious damage to his grill piece. This source is credible (maybe).

However, according to ESPN.com, that fight was very minimal and is being blown way out of proportion.  This is actually according to Cowboys press people and Tank Johnson, from whom ESPN obtained their story.  Now do I believe Jerry Jones’ people and Tank.  You god damn right I don’t.

Tank Johnson scolded one reporter and said he didn’t think Goodell, a man he’s quite familiar with, would take action.

I think it’s something we can handle in-house.  Sometimes you don’t have to go to the principal’s office. You can just handle it in the classroom.

Sixers 8th in ESPN’s Power Rankings

Marc Stein of ESPN.com has ranked YOUR Philadelphia 76ers 8th in the NBA in the pre-season Power Rankings.  This is probably the highest the Sixers have ever been on Marc Stein’s over-hyped ranking system, but you know, I’ll take it.

I am a diehard Sixer fan, probably one of the few Philadelphia sports fans where the Sixers are my favorite over the Eagles, Phillies and Flyers (which would be the order of importance to me).  I have never been more pumped for the start of an NBA season then I am for this upcoming season.  The Sixers were hands down the outright winners of the offeason and the team they are about to trot onto the hardwood could be the best in years.  The run and gun style combined with a true post presence really gives me goosebumps when I think of the potential this team possesses.

Mr. Stein ranked us 8th in the NBA, but behind fellow Eastern Conference mates: Boston (1), Cleveland (6) and Detroit (7).  He had this to say about our franchise heading into the 2008/2009 NBA season.

The Sixers were undisputed champs of the offseason, but it’s also true that Mr. Brand might lift last season’s No. 7s only one spot. Philly can finish anywhere from No. 2 to No. 6, like Cleveland, Detroit, Orlando and Toronto.

I think Mr. Elton Brand will indeed lift us higher then then 7th seed in the East.  I’m predicting a 3 seed (behind Boston and Detroit), it’s bold, it’s a tad high, but who ever said lofty expectations were bad.   I think Mr. Brand is the best pickup we possibly could have made.  Not only was he the best FA out there, but he also filled our biggest need at a true Power Forward.

Things are looking bright Sixer Fans and I’m jumping on the bandwagon now, wait, I was always on the Sixer bandwagon… anyway, see you on opening night.

Brian Westbrook is Officially Day to Day

Andy Reid held a press conference Monday and updated the media as to the severity of Brian Westbrook’s injury, or lack thereof.  Westbrook left the Pittsburgh game after he stepped on his own teammate and landed awkwardly on his other ankle.  Although Westbrook limped off the field, it didn’t look too serious.

During the press conference, Big Red stated that there was no ligament or tendon damage.  Reid stated that Westbrook’s status is day-to-day.  The injury is being listed as a sprain and Westbrook hasn’t been ruled out for this Sunday night’s game against the Chicago Bears.

Personally, I think the Eagles play this one safe and plan for the Chicago Bears without Westbrook in the lineup and let him get back to 100%.  I think we can handle the Bears without him and this will give some key reserves the reps they desperately need.

Magic Number = 4

Determined to stay on top, the Phils are playing their best baseball at the right time.

Pat Burrell hit a three-run homer in the eighth and the NL East-leading Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 6-2 Monday night for their 10th win in 11 games.

The Phillies reduced their magic number for clinching their second straight division title to four after the New York Mets lost 9-5 to the Cubs to fall 2½ games back. Philadelphia’s magic number for clinching a playoff berth is three.

LeBron to Miss US Exhibition

After making a dramatic guarantee a few days back, LeBron looks to be out of the lineup indefinitely for the US Mens team’s first game of exhibition play against the Canadian National team.

According to US coach Mike Krzyzewski, ‘LeBron James is a 95 percent no-go for Friday’s exhibition against Canada.’

I think it wont really matter that much as the Canadians are no match for the superior talent of Team USA.   Tune your television dials to ESPN at 8:00 pm ET for the tip, as Team USA makes its way towards Olympic Gold.

ESPN Material, Ehh?

Ahh my first feature on ESPN. Matthew Berry’s reaction to his list of the top 340 fantasy baseball players.

Here’s the link to the full story, the section I am featured in is below:

phillyphan644 (ESPN Conversation): Matthew Berry should be fired for putting Ryan Howard at No. 9. He might not even be the ninth best hitter on his team.

TMR: Yup, I can’t see it now:

TMR: (walks into office, closes door) You, uh, wanted to see me, boss?
Boss Man: Matt, I’m sorry. We’re gonna have to let you go.
TMR: But … why?
Boss Man: Well, you ranked Ryan Howard ninth. Seems insane to me.
TMR: But last April, he hit .221 with three home runs and finished with 47 homers. In April 2006, he hit only five home runs, the lowest of any month that year, and finished with 58 jacks.
Boss Man: Don’t throw your crazy stats at me. We don’t need you anymore. We just found out we can get bkcox …

bkcox (ESPN Conversation): ESPN, where do you get these writers? Do they do any research before putting together an article, or is this what you are looking for? I am available to write.

hebajeba (ESPN Conversation): Hmm … Fukodome after Ankiel? Justin Upton after Hunter Pence? Scherzer ahead of Volquez? Hamilton behind Corey Hart? What the hell is going on with this list? I just lost complete faith in this guy. I clearly can write a better column than he can. ESPN, I am available?!?!

TMR: I still stick by my 40 homers for Ankiel, and I think pitchers will adjust to Fukodome, so his numbers will come down his second time around the league. Have you seen Upton’s numbers? Remember, he stole 19 bases in the minors last year, too. I went with Max in part because of the offense and bullpen behind him, and Hamilton doesn’t have the speed and power of Hart. He also is more of an injury risk. … Wait, are you or are you not available? You used an interabang (both a question mark and an exclamation point), so which is it? You are available and are excited about it? Or are you questioning me because you don’t know whether you are available and want me to tell you? This is important, ’cause we’re about to go slap a contract on bkcox.

My response: Berry – I was busting your balls for some moronic placing of certain players. I understand you were ranking on potential and you are always going to have haters when your putting together a large list, especially 340. Hey its ok, nobodys perfect buddy, especially you.

As far as my comment goes, I have nothing against you as a writer, I actually enjoy you a lot compared to some of your co-workers. I was most likely just pissed at work, tired, cranky, hungry, you get the idea, and decided to join in on the bashing in the comment section.

Now as for writers I REALLY DISLIKE on the ESPN payroll:

• Jemele Hill
  Jemele Hill is awful, has no insight, and is Jim Romes fill-in. Jim Rome is the worst, but to be the fill in for the worst, well that would make you .. worst-er? (is that a word).
• DJ Gallo
  Too easy. Read his work, you’ll quickly find out.
• Gene Wojcie – asdfjashdtjkrt – ski
  I don’t read much of his work but I just can’t stand his picture on the front page of ESPN every – single – f-ing – time I scroll down the page. Rotate that $hit or something, put Berry in there for craps sake.

Fool’s Gold Rush

With numerous April Fool’s rumors swirling around the Philly sports world today, as probably every major market, lets put to rest a few articles that some assholes tought would be hilarious to post. 

• Lito traded to Detroit Lions in exchange for WR Roy Williams.  Philly.com
• A source in Dallas say that Lito could end up in Cinci and the Eagles could land Ocho Cinco. Yahoo Sports

 This however is true, and really awesome.

• The Eagles were awarded 3 more draft picks (a 4th rounder and two 6th rounders) PhiladelphiaEagles.com
• And we are getting some nice offers apparently for Lito, just wait as the draft nears.  OTR

On a more serious note now, I went home for lunch today and tuned into ESPN to hear the NFL segment where they put teams on the clock and go over their needs and wants as the draft approaches. 

The Vikings happened to be the featured team and at first they discussed their incredible rookie sensation Adrian Peterson and how they are stacked at RB with Chester Taylor spelling him.  After that they questioned their quarterback position (Travaris Jackson) and mentioned how Donovan McNabb is their guy to fill the spot.  WHAT THE F?

I thought all this Donovan trade talk was put to bed a while ago, and here we have ESPN, the Mecca that is sports TV and Media, broadcasting (spreading more rumors) to the world that this guy is back on the market and most likely going to be dealt.  I swear these fuckers just make shit up to fill time on their show.  Personally I don’t know where they come up with this stuff, and it seems as though their researchers/reporters in the field have as much access and knowledge as a blogger like myself.