Flyers Showing Interest In Rick Nash

Reports have been floating around all week that the Philadelphia Flyers are looking into the proposition of acquiring Columbus Blue Jackets right winger, Rick Nash. According to CSN Philly's Tim Panaccio, these reports have some truth to them, but it might come at a hefty price. Maybe too much for the Flyers. In order to bring in a super star caliber player like Nash, the Flyers might have to part ways with some of their best youthful talent, which is a very risky chance to take. The asking price may come down to Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, and possibly Sergei Bobrovsky who has struggled mightily as of late and gave up three, third period goals in this afternoons loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Another option would be to part ways with James Van Reimsdyk, and a mixture of early round draft picks. The true weakness on the Flyers roster is obviously defense, but bringing in a player like Rick Nash could turn any type of bad fortunes in the other direction. Nash is 27 years old, and has recorded 18 goals, 21 assists this season for Columbus.
The Flyers might only be listening, but imagine a line consisting of Nash, Giroux, and Jagr/Hartnell.... Frightening for opposing defenses... Don't tease me.

Spencer Hawes Injury Update

When able to stay healthy this season Spencer Hawes has been a driving force in the Philadelphia Sixers starting lineup. Hawes has made the Sixers a noticeably better team when able to stay on the hardwood but the center has been dealing with aching back and achilles injuries which will put Hawes out for another two plus weeks, and will be put in a walking boot to help stabilize his achilles.

The big man who was acquired in a trade from the Sacramento Kings two seasons ago has been limited to just fourteen games this year, all of which he started and is averaging the second best point total of his career (10.5 PPG) and a career best 8.3 rebounds per night. Hawes will see a foot specialist in the next couple of days. After tonight's ESPN telecast against the reigning NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, Hawes will have missed his seventeenth game thus far in this 2011-2012 campaign.

Finally, The Flyers Have Picked Up A Defenseman

The Phildaelphia Flyers are in the midst of a terrible slump. Since coming off the All-Star break the orange and black have just two wins in seven games and have given up 25 goals in that span. Well, good news hath arrived! The Flyers have traded a 2012 second round draft pick (acquired from the Kings) and a 2013 third round pick (acquired from the Wild) to the Dallas Stars for defenseman Nicklas Grossman. The Flyers have been in need of a big pressence since Chris Pronger took a stick to the side of his head resulting in a season ending concussion but this move should add some beef to a struggling defense. Grossman weighs in at 6' 4'' 230 pounds and has recorded five assists and one hundred blocked shots for the Stars this season. The Flyers may not be done, as they have been labeled as a possible candidate to acquire Columbus Jackets star Rick Nash. Stay tuned.

Allen Iverson Needs A Return To Basketball

When the Philadelphia 76ers drafted the skinny guard out of Georgetown University with the number one overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft , everybody knew the multitude of talent Allen Iverson had. Through tough times, and great, controversial, and memorable, Iverson showed glimpses of greatness at Bethel high school as well as in college where he flourished under head coach John Thompson at Georgetown University. Iverson, who could of gone to a division I school as a quarterback, kicked off his college career with being named the Big East Rookie of the year, eventually leading the Hoyas to a Sweet Sixteen appearance. His sophomore year, he put up eye opening statistics taking his Hoyas squad to an Elite Eight appearance averaging just under 23 points per game on his way to a nod on the first team All-America team. 

It then became evident that Iverson's best interest would be to enter the NBA Draft, but who was going to take the risky proposition of drafting a guy who was known to have personal issues? Iverson received a boat load of grief for the mistakes he made and some of them were well deserved but what you couldn't argue is one man's heart and Iverson proved again and again that he contained just that and the Sixers took the chance of drafting the flash of lightening.

For eleven seasons in Philadelphia "The Answer" wowed crowds and was the main reason why arenas sold out for eighty two separate game a season. After being traded to Denver, a little bit of his heart was taken away. Although he still managed to continue to be a lethal scorer on the hardwood it was just straight up odd to see him in the baby blue and yellow Denver Nuggets threads, and Iversons career seemed to go downhill from there.

A.I was traded to Detroit in 2008, managing to put up 17.5 points per game but again, he clashed with a head coach. A season later, Iverson traveled down to Memphis and signed a one year deal, but it didn't work out from there. After some time off, Allen Iverson resigned with the Philadelphia 76ers and everyone thought this would be the move that revived his career. The Sixers were in the midst of a ruthless season under head coach Eddie Jordan and a move needed to be made to fill the empty seats in the arena with a terrible team on the court. Allen Iverson could only last twenty five games, averaging 14 points per game and left the team due to "personal issues"..The next year, the once repetitive scorer, and leagues most exciting offensive player was playing basketball in Turkey.

It's now 2012 and Allen Iverson is reportedly broke, having spent $150 million dollars. A.I still has a lifetime contract with Reebok but who do you see still rocking A.I-3 gear out on the streets or on the court other then a few select true fans? It was reported that Iverson could have become a Los Angeles Laker at the beginning of the 2011-2012 season but because the organization wanted Iverson to start the season in the NBA's developmental league, the deal fell through becauase Iverson refused to take part in minor league basketball.

A few months can certainly change a person's make up and it is reported that Iverson is willing to play minor league basketball. His party has reached out to teams in Puerto Rico, the Carribean, and NBA teams insisting that Iverson will only join a team if he is able to make his way back to the NBA. If not, Iverson will be forced to retire in what could possibly be the most disappointing downfall of a star player in the history of sports.

$150 Million dollars down the tube.....Try to swallow that thought.

But what is extremely surprising to me is how no team will take a chance on the eleven time All-Star rand one time MVP. Part of the reason Iverson took so much heat for his style of play was because he refused to be a past-first type player. He came into the league as a point guard and during the tenure of his career made some of the most jaw-dropping passes I have ever witnessed. Why can't Iverson re invent his came and become a true point guard?
 I guarantee you that if you put A.I in the gym, get him in shape, and have him change his style in a 360 degree fashion he could become an above average point guard. Iverson's court vision has always been impeccable, and there's got to be some type of mileage left in his athleticism tank. If the man can just screw his head on tight and clear his mind that I'm sure is just whirling with a thousand thoughts. Iverson could possibly find his way back into the NBA. Iverson needs it, his family and friends want it, and us as fans would sure as hell like to see it, but again...You can't fit a square peg into a round hole. We can just hope and pray that one of the leagues greatest players of all time (number six on the all time scoring list) can turn his life around and fight with as much grit off the court, as he did on the hardwood. 

Desean Jackson To Get Franchise Tag

Desean Jackson wants to get paid big bread. He has openly expressed that through interviews on and off the camera. Jackson just completed the final season of his rookie contract in which he made $685,000 in 2011. Not a bad bargain considering when in mind is in the game, Jackson is arguably the most explosive deep threat in the National Football League. Personally, I think it is a good idea to get the deal out of the way and pay D-Jac. He has exceeded all expectations from the time when he was drafted in the second round by the Eagles until now. Although he is somewhat controversial and doesn't hold back from expressing his swagger, Jackson is a very, very talented player. Jackson implements many positives on the offensive side of the football, Michael Vick loves throwing to him, and he is a threat to take it to the house every time every time he gets his hands on the ball. (58 receptions, 961 yards, 4 touchdowns, no punt returns for touchdowns in 2011). 

Indeed, he does lack the size and physicality to cross the middle of the field at 5'10'' 175 pounds but his speed and agility doesn't come across the eyes of football fans all too often. If given the franchise tag, Jackson's salary in 2012 will sky rocket to $9.4 million for just one year. The only question is, will the Eagles keep him or use him as trade bait? One for one players trades in the NFL are rare, but with a player of Jackson's talent, the Birds would be able to fill a decent void with a very solid defensive player and possibly go after a tall physical Randy Moss or Plaxico Burress type receiver whom will cost considerably less dollars.

The smart move in my eyes would be to sign Jackson to a multi-year deal, as well as picking up a tall red zone target. Randy Moss stated today that he wants back in the league but will only sign with a team that has the opportunity to win a ring. The Eagles have not had a big presence on the outside since Terrell Owens and it paid huge dividends for Donovan McNabb in 2004....The year when the Eagles advanced to the Super Bowl (Heart Breaker). Michael Vick would benefit greatly with having Jackson, Maclin, Celek, Avant, and a tall receiver to throw the skin up to in the red-zone. Scary to think about but if the Eagles Front Office wants a stellar chance at winning a ring they'll make the necessary moves. Keep in mind that Vick had no time to work with the coaching staff last offseason because of the lockout ridden season. Something that won't be the case this year.

Andre Iguodala Named As A Reserve For 2012 All Star Game

It took eight long years of ridicule and praise but Andre Iguodala has been named to the Eastern Conference All-Star Team. This marks the first time the Sixers are represented in the All-Star Game since 2006 when Allen Iverson was selected in 2006, but Iverson was then a Denver Nugget because of the December trade that sent him to the Nuggets along with Ivan McFarlin for Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first round picks in the 2007 draft which led most notably to Thad Young being drafted along with a European that failed to make an impact at the professional level.
It was a question whether the Sixers were going to have a representative in this years festivities (held in Orlando) but leading the Atlantic Division with an 18-8 record helped Iguodala's cause. The 6 foot 6 inch small forward was drafted by the Sixers in the 2004 draft with the number nine overall pick after his sophomore year at Arizona.
When Iverson was shipped away, Dre was expected to be the next franchise player but being just an offensive scorer doesn't benefit to what Iggy does best and Iguodala has taken some heat for that over the years. Along with the fact that after averaging 19.9 PPG during the 2007-2008 season, Iguodala was given an $85 million dollar contract. A bit too much? Maybe, but what people don't realize is that Andre Iguodala guards the oppositions best players every single night, and doesn't get enough credit for that.
Putting that aside, Iguodala has molded into one of the best all-around players in the game during his career and is one of the best dunkers of the decade. Number 9 just recently was named one of twenty finalists to compete for the United States Basketball Team during this years Summer Olympics in London. Because he is an unselfish player who can score, dish the rock, defend very well and rebound the basketball, his chances of representing the U.S on the final roster are high. The 28 year old is averaging 13 PPG, 5 assists, 1.8 steals and just under 7 rebounds a night. The only other player in the NBA to average those numbers in all four categories is LeBron James...(Pretty damn impressive). Iggy's reaction on Twitter to being named as an All-Star below:
@mindofAI9 : The phone is blowing up... Thanks to for the love... Truly a blessing... @mindofAI9: Thanks to all the coaches who voted for me in the All Star game 2012...

CONGRATS IGGY!

Start To Recognize...The Sixers Are Back

Whats good Philly? This week has been a bit hectic with boat loads of school work to do (procrastination is a bitch in college) so I haven't gotten around to any posts, but it's time to break the silence.

If you read last weeks post on the possibilities of Dwight Howard coming to the Sixers, then you know I'm on board with this years team. THEY ARE GOOD, and after the last four games in which the Sixers took down the Magic, Bulls, Hawks and Lakers, you should giddy your ass up and hop on the bandwagon. I had the pleasure of attending both the Bulls and Heat games last week so I saw first hand how much potential this squad has and you could feel the excitement returning to the arena. People can put up their argument that the Sixers can't contend with the Heat, who are by far the elitists in the Eastern Conference and you have your stake to claim. What you can't argue though is that the Heat recognized it. LeBron James stated that they must take the Sixers as if they are forreal, and for three quarters...The Sixers were just that, trailing 67-63 heading into the final frame. What goes unnoticed is that if Andre Iguadola's buzzer beater that was called off by the length of Michael Jordans hair (corny) did in fact beat the red light, the momentum could of totally shifted in Philadelphia's favor...But we know how the story ended. The Sixers faltered down the stretch and got outscored 32-16 in the fourth. Both games against the Heat were without Spencer Hawes, and when the seven footer is on the floor and healthy, the Sixers are noticeably better. The Sixers are within striking distance of being able to contend with high caliber teams like Miami.

On Monday, Kobe Bryant came back home to Philadelphia in what could have been the turning point for this Sixers team. Philadelphia hadn't taken down LA since Andre Iguodala hit a clutch buzzer beating tre-ball at the Staples Center in 2009, and the way Kobe was shooting in the first half (20 first half points) it looked like he and the Lakers would yet again steal the script...But not so. The Sixers, as we've seen since Doug Collins became head coach played magnificent defense down the stretch and never gave up. Iggy held Kobe to just 8 points in the second half (10-26 FG) for the night and sweet Lou came up with one of the most clutch fourth quarter performances I've seen in recent time, willing the Sixers to a huge victory dropping 12 points in the finals quarter (24 Points for the game) in front of a sold out crowd at the Wells Fargo Center (20,064). On a night where Kobe Bryant passed Shaquille O'Neal for fifth place on the NBA's all time scoring list, Andrew Bynam put together a 20 Point, 20 Rebound performance, and the Lakers pulled down 25 more rebounds, it was the Sixers who came out on top. 

The atmosphere on Monday night was like that of the days when Dr. J, and Mo Cheeks ruling the Spectrum back in the 80's. Or when Allen Iverson was schooling fools for 30 points on every given night... It was special. Even more special? During the four wins in one weeks span, the Sixers had a different leading scorer in each game. The "Beat LA" chants coming from the  crowd gave me the chills and were something I haven't seen or heard IN YEARS. 

Face it, this team is back and they are legitimate. After the Heat loss I was saying that the one thing they lack is that offensive presence who can take over a game in the final stages. Lou Williams has shown flashes of that the last two seasons, and on Monday night he boiled over his past performances. If he can be that guy to take over the game down the stretch...This team has the likings of being a scary contender. A win over a championship caliber team like the Los Angeles Lakers can go a long way for such a youthful group of players and boost their confidence to the level of infinity, and this win may of just done that. The Sixers are learning how to win big games and with the Spurs and Clippers on the schedule next, we will have an even better idea on what this team is about. There is a famous saying stating "there is no I in team" and that is the motto for the 2011-2012 Sixers. People are starting to recognize, teams are starting to realize, and the Sixers fan base is accumulating in masses with every passing day. Lace up your kicks and throw on whatever Sixers gear you have crumbled up in your closet because the Sixers are giving Philadelphia something unique and special that resembles what ths city is al about. A hard working, dedicated, ambitious, team winning formula. And this could just be the start of it all. 

Passionate. Intense. Proud

Nationals Management Trying To Ban Phillies Fans From Nationals Park

Since the opening of their stadium and basically because the Nationals flat out suck, Nationals Park has become the Phillies "home away from home"..The Phillies Phaithful has flooded into Washington's ball park over recent years and have outnumbered, outdone, and scared off the home teams fan base...Now, the Nationals management is trying to put that to an end. Starting today (February 3rd) if you try to purchase Phillies@Nationals tickets for the first month the tickets are on sale, you must have a credit card linked to an address inside the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia area.
Wow, now that is really soft. But knowing how devoted the Phillies phan base is, and will remain to be, Phils fans will still find their way into Nationals Park.
If you visit the Nationals website, they have this typed up, in obnoxiously big letters directly on the home page so your eyes cant miss it "Take Back The Park..#OurPark..More Info"
That is pathetic. I guess that is what the Nats organization must do in order to get the devoted fans' attention.
According to foxphily.com this is what Nationals COO Andy Feffer had to say about the situation to the Washington Post:
“Frankly, I was tired of seeing it,” Nats COO Andy Feffer told the Post this week. “Forget you, Philly. This is our park, this is our town, these are our fans, and it’s our time right now.”
Well, Andy. You may want to start putting a winning team on the field because the last time I checked the only time "your park, and your town" was full was when the Yankees, Orioles, or Phillies came through the area to smack your mediocre ball club in the jaw. Secondly, your taking all of our left overs (Brad Lidge, Chad Durbin, Jayson Werth) so have fun with dumping money on them. Quite frankly, although the Washington Nationals are a team on the rise, the NL East is the Phillies division to lose..


It's almost Friday Night, so cheers to a big middle finger to you, Andy Feffer, and the whole Nationals organization.
 

Miami Heat Were On Campus Today..They Practiced at McGonigle Hall

In anticipation for tonights matchup with the hometown Sixers, the Miami Heat traveled north up Broad Street and practiced right on campus at McGonigle Hall. This easily overtakes any game the Temple Women's Basketball Team has played, any Temple Fencing match, and Gymnastics meet combined, which is what McGonigle is mainly used for. Lebron James and company arrived in town yesterday and practiced late this morning at the newly renovated facility. After practice was through some Heat players stopped for photo's and some Temple students even received autographs while I was in my Urban Dynamics class...You lucky bastards.
Video of Heat leaving McGonigle Hall

NBA All-Star Starters Revealed

The 2012 NBA All-Star Starters have been named and six of the ten play their home games in Miami and Los Angeles. This years festivities will take place February 24th-26th in Orlando, Florida.

Eastern Conference: 
Dwayne Wade-Miami Heat
LeBron james-Miami Heat
Derrick Rose-Chicago Bulls
Carmelo Anthony-New York Knicks
Dwight Howard-Orlando Magic for the time being

Western Conference:
Chris Paul-LA Clippers
Kobe Bryant-LA Lakers
Kevin Durant-OKC Thunder
Blake Griffin-LA Clippers
Andrew Bynam-LA Lakers

Friday February 24th:
All-Star Celebrity Game

Saturday February 25th:
Shooting Stars
3 Point Contest
Dunk Contest

Sunday February 26th:
2012 NBA All-Star Game


All Time Series Record:
East-36 wins
West-24 wins

Clippers Add Another Established Veteran, Sign Kenyon Martin

With the NBA lockout looming for months, and set to hit free agency, Kenyon Martin went ahead and signed a one year deal with the Chinese club Xinjiang Flying Tigers and headed overseas just like a handful of other ballers across the league. The only problem with the deal was that it wouldn't allow Martin to start NBA activities until the league season was over on February 15th. FIBA then proceeded to slim that date down to February 2nd so Martin could sign with an NBA team and start his 2011-2012 season. The former first overall pick of the New Jersey Nets has reportedly signed a one year deal with the pacific division leading LA Clippers (13-7) for $2.5 million according the the LA Times. When healthy, Martin is a relentless and physical player in the post and will most certainly bring some more swagger and highlighted dunks to the Clippers alongside Blake Griffin. With DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, and Kenyon Martin the Clips now have one of the most lethal paint presences around the NBA. Has the makings of a scary, scary combo. 

Career Stats: 13.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG

Check out Martin's top 100 dunks of his career below

Kobayashi Takes Home Wing Bowl 20 Victory

Full of floats, crazy drunk fans, half dressed women (if that) and gentleman of starvation who stuff their face and use their "god given talents?" to down hundreds and hundreds of chicken wings, WIP's Wing Bowl is one of the wildest events held across the country every year. Always occurring in Philadelphia, it consistently draws a huge crowd and for this years version just like any other year, tickets went quickly selling out the Wells Fargo Center for Wing Bowl 20.

The competitive eating phenomenon, Kobayashi, regained his title by downing a total of 337 Wings, 167 in the first round (record). Courtesy of Steven Singer Jewelers Kobayashi brought in some doe as well... $20,000 to be precise. What he'll spend that on? I don't even want to know.

Photo via 610wip.com

Ranger Star Josh Hamilton Has A Relapse

According to The Dallas Morning News, Josh Hamilton has experienced a relapse and was seen downing brews at a bar in Dallas on Monday night. Hamilton's addiction to drugs and alcohol have been very well documented but has kept a strong faith in god through a long and strenuous battle with the disease. When healthy, Hamilton is one of the best all-around players in Major League Baseball blasting 31 home runs in 2011(.298 BA) and 40 jacks in 2010 (career best .359 BA)
The 30 year old, who will eventually turn 31 in May is entering the last year of his two year $24 million deal. The Rangers, coming off two straight World Series losses have expressed interest in resigning Hamilton but with stories like these coming to surface it makes it tough to commit eight money figures to a player who has had notable off the field issues. We will keep you updated on the situation.

Boxing Loses a Legend, Money Mayweather Granted License to Fight

The term "Fly like a bird, and sting like a bee" were some of Muhammed Ali's most recognizable words. The legendary fighter whose 70th birthday just passed is by far the greatest boxer of all time and much of his success can be coined to his former trainer Angelo Dundee. On Wednesday night Dundee lost his own fight and passed away at the age of 90. Dundee was without a doubt one of the sports most sought after trainers willing Muhammed Ali in some of his most highlighted victories during his career over elite competition against the likes of Joe Frazier and Sonny Liston and also assisted Ali in winning the heavy weight title three times.

In 1992, Angelo Dundee was inducted into the International boxing Hall of Fame and during the span of his career that lasted sixty plus years, trained a total of fifteen world champions.

In recent boxing news, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been granted a license to fight Miguel Cotto on May 5th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This isn't the matchup that the boxing audience wants to see though but you cant blame that on Mayweather's party. Mayweather recently called out Manny Pacquiao to a test in the ring, but both sides were not able to come to an agreement after"Money Mayweather" reportedly requested that he be compromised with more than a 50/50 split in revenue which Pacquiao's party didn't find appealing. It would be a matchup between two of the most successful boxers in recent time, and could rejuvenate the sport of boxing which has taken a notable downfall is popularity over the last decade.

Mayweather who is the world welterweight champion accumulating a flawless resume (42-0, 26 knockouts) will step up a weight class and fight Cotto who holds the junior middle weight title (37-2, 26 knockouts). 

The license is only for a single fight though. Mayweather will be serving his 90 day prison term starting in June. After the hearing in which he was granted the license to fight Cotto, Mayweather took to his Twitter account (@FloydMayweather) and directed a tweet to Pacquaio saying:

 "I'm fighting Miguel Cotto on May 5th because Miss Pac Man is ducking me"....The anticipation continues!

-Mayweather's greatest hits below 

Owl Nation...Stand Up!!

Temple Hoops
Behind 25 points from Ramone Moore and another 24 from Khaliff Wyatt, Temple(16-5, 5-2 A-10)dump trucked Fordham at the Liacouras Center and strolled to their fifth straight win. The Owls NCAA tournament resume is looking brighter and brighter with some crucial games on the horizon (February 11th vs Xavier, February 22nd@LaSalle, February 29th@UMass). All teams are among the best squads in the conference. With the win Temple now sits at second in the Atlantic 10 and along with Philly foe LaSalle are the only teams with two losses inside conference play. Temple will travel north to Rhode Island on February 4th to square off with Rhode Island. Be sure to kick it on your couch, and catch the game on ESPN2.
Temple Football
Although rumored to be a candidate for the vacant Rutgers head coaching job earlier in the week, Steve Addazio stomped on those rumors and today announced that the up and coming program signed twenty-seven National Letters of Intent on signing day. Fourteen of which will be making the short move from Pennsylvania. With the twenty-seven signees thus far this spring (15 on the defensive side of the ball), Temple has the number one recruiting class in the Mid Atlantic Conference according to Rivals.com.
What's the schedule looking like?
Temple's practices will get underway on March 12th and the annual Cherry & White instrasquad game will be held on April 14th (Saturday) at Lincoln Financial Field. Some of the noted games of the 2012 season include September 1st vs Villanova, September 8th vs Maryland, September 22nd @ Penn State, and November 17 @ Army.
#PHILLYPROUDTEMPLETUFF

Phillies Shopping Joe Blanton

Reports are surfacing around greater Philadelphia that the Phillies could be shopping Joe Blanton. The star studded Phillies rotation already includes the likes of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels..Roy Oswalt and his decaying back look to be heading to either the Rangers, or those pesky, pesky St. Louis Cardinals. Vance Worley who had a very successful season at the back end of the rotation in 2011, which leaves "Big Country Joe". Marred by an elbow impingement for most of the 102 win season that resulted in a first round exit thanks to goddamn St. Louis (this song will make you sick) Blanton was only able to take the hill for just over 40 innings and a 5.02 ERA. After being chosen in the first round by the Oakland Athletics in 2002, Blanton has had a sub four ERA just once (2005, 2007) and is set to make $10.5 million this year. Who takes Blanton's spot if he is shipped off? Two options...
The Phils recently signed Kyle Kendrick to a 1 year $2,450,000 who is coming off arguably his most successful season in the big leagues as a spot starter and long reliever going 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA.
Another option could be Joel Piniero who the Phils inked to a minor league deal just a few shorts week ago. If the name sounds familiar, the Phils were rumored to be looking into acquiring him through free agency when he was one of the top prized pitchers on the market after winning 15 games in 2009 compiling a 3.49 ERA with the Cardinals. He wound up signing a big deal with the Angels. Last year, Pineiro didn't conquer the same success and had quite a disastrous season giving up 182 hits in just 145 2/3 innings (5.13 ERA). If Blanton is dealt the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation will most likely come down to a battle between Kendrick and Pineiro with Kendrick being favored. Pineiro is going to have to turn some heads during spring training in order to make the squad, but keep your eyes on the 33 year old.
Clearly, dealing Blanton will free up a ton of bread which wouldn't hurt the rapid spending Phillies.