Divisional round playoff picks: Saturday

Baltimore Ravens (10-6) @ Denver Broncos (13-3)

4:30 p.m. EST

TV: CBS

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Another slate of playoff football continues on Saturday as the Baltimore Ravens travel to mile high to take on the Denver Broncos.

Last week we saw some good football and some bad football and yours truly went 3-1 on the weekend with the only loss coming because of Marvin Lewis’ inability to put together a solid game plan after a 16 game regular season and Andy Dalton seemingly thinking more about his glory days at TCU then the current task at hand, putting up one of the most miserable playoff performances at the quarterback position in recent memory.

If you don’t believe it, just check out this stat line:

14/30 for 127 yards and a pick-The red head just couldn’t come through, but I guess the arm chair quarterbacks out there can just blame Dalton’s performance on a “sophomore slump.”

Since last weekends Wild Card Round the weather has been unseasonably warm in the northeast, Robert Griffin III went from rookie of the year and possible future MVP candidate, to injury prone and under the knife after tearing his LCL and ACL in Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks.

We also learned that Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan has not changed and will continue to blow smoke up our Asses and put on a front when he needs to. What is the REAL story regarding the process of clearing RGIII to play? To people watching the game it looked like Shanahan and the prestigious Dr. James Andrews kept RGIII in the ball game against a bone-jarring defense on some Fed Ex Field turf that looked like the shrubs in my back yard. But again, I could be wrong.

Photo:Lobshot.com
Since last weeks divisional round I also almost didn’t make it to 12:00 on my 21^st birthday after being fed multiple shots and beers, but got some fresh air and recovered to only stay up until 4:00 a.m. in celebratory fashion of finally being legal to take down some alcoholic beverages-I can talk about it now since I am of age, right?

Oh yea, and the Eagles still don’t have a head coach!

Enough messing around lets cut to the chase!

Since starting 2-3, the Broncos have only reeled off 11 straight wins; no biggie, right?

Come on now…

After many of us speculated and said in our heads “Maybe Peyton Manning doesn’t contain the magic we have come to see from him over the years?” Manning has done non other than throw some ice cold water in our faces as we lie in our beds, hung over after a long night of heavy drinking and blowing cash…Or something like that.

Manning returned this season after a neck injury that could of very well put him on his couch rather than in an NFL uniform and signed a 5 year, $96 million contract with the Broncos that had some thinking that John Elway might have gone crazy.

Manning has since thrown for 4,659 yards, and 37 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions and catapulted the Broncos into sole possession of the No. 1 seed in the AFC with and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Oh yea, and by the way, Manning’s 37 touchdowns are the second most of his career.

For some reason though, I have a really odd feeling about this game.

I know the Broncos are coming in hot. I know and we all know that we never know what type of Joe Flacco will show up on any given day. I know the Broncos basically man handled the Ravens on December 16^th, but Peyton Manning is 0-3 in playoff games in which the temperature dips below 35 degrees.

Game time temperature in Denver? A blistering 18 degrees.

Ray Lewis announcement that he will be retiring at seasons end carries the Ravens for one more week and we don’t get to witness another epic Manning vs. Brady playoff battle.

I’m going against the grain here, people.

Its either going to be close and the Ravens seize the victory, or the Broncos storm out the Kentucky Derby gates and leg kick the Ravens right in the face.

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Prediction:

Ravens 27, Broncos 23

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Green Bay Packers (11-5) @ San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)

8:00 p.m. EST

TV: Fox

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The story line to keep an eye on is between the two quarterbacks.

First, Aaron Rodgers.

Born in Chico, California, Aaron Rodgers did not receive much interest from Division I programs coming out of high school. Rodgers enrolled at Butte Community College, tore it up there, transferred to the University of California, tore it up there, entered the NFL draft where 23 teams passed up on him until the Packers chose Rodgers with the 24^th overall pick.

One of the teams that passed up on Rodgers? You guessed it. Rodgers favorite team growing up, the San Francisco 49ers.

Second, Colin Kaepernick.

In fourth grade, Kaepernick wrote a letter to himself saying he would either play quarterback for the 49ers or Packers when he grew up, and we know how that story ended up. See the note below:

Alex Smith suffered a concussion, Kaepernick got a shot to shine, did just that and has been the starter ever since.

Saturday will be Kaepernick’s first ever playoff game. Do I expect this to be a huge factor? No, but Rodgers is motivated, and one of, if not the best quarterbacks in football is looking to put the Packers on his back for another Super Bowl ride.

Rodgers didn’t put up a brilliant performance last week vs. the Vikings, but he didn’t really have to because Joe Webb granted and handed the Packers a win on a silver platter. Or maybe just a regular plastic plate, I don’t know.

You get my point, though. The Packers dominated, Rodgers was efficient and it set up a fantastic matchup between Green Bay and San Francisco.

The 49ers are above and beyond a better team than the Vikings, and the atmosphere at Candlestick is going to be rowdy, but the Packers receivers are a little bit healthier, and playing in a warm climate should help their case even more.

The Packers defense stymied the Vikings last week and with Charles Woodson also another week healthier, I see the Packers defense stepping up and causing the 49ers problems, but they must contain Kaepernick.

Its blatantly obvious that the 49ers are going to hand the rock to Frank Gore and let him do his thing, but if the Packers can’t contain Kaepernick in the pocket and let him scramble, it could get ugly.

I’m predicting Aaron Rodgers steps up, breaks out the discount double check in front of the San Fran faithful and the Packers move on to the NFC Championship.

My admirations for the road teams continue, and the Packers pick up the road win.

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Prediction:

Packers 31, 49ers 28

Lafayette 85, Penn 83; Leopards hand Quakers seventh straight loss

First, the opening tip off was delayed due to the shot clock being set to 30 seconds instead of 35. After finally getting the shot clock situation worked out, Penn junior guard Miles Cartwright was unable to control the rock, which caused a second jump ball before action finally got under way.

It was an entertaining game at the Palestra between Lafayette (7-10) and Penn (2-12) as the Quakers returned to their home court for the first time since Dec. 8losing a thriller to the Leopards, 85-83, on Tuesday night.

“I didn’t think we deserved to win the game today,” Penn coach Jerome Allen said. “We battled down the stretch and never gave up, but we did not deserve to win the game as a team.”

Penn was looking to end a six-game losing streak dating all the way back to Nov. 28, but the Leopards of Lafayette had other plans behind a marvelous performance from senior point guard Tony Johnson.

Johnson turned in a season-high 25 points on 10-for-14 shooting and as a team Lafayette knocked down 61.2 percent (30-for-49) of its shots from the floor.

“Tony Johnson dominated the game. We could not keep him out of the paint or any of their guards for that matter,” Allen said. “We did not have anyone that could guard Johnson.”

Tuesday’s victory is the first win on the road for Lafayette this season.

“It’s a huge win,” Johnson said. “It’s our first huge road win as well and we needed to figure out how to win on the road over the course of the Patriot League because we all know it doesn’t get any easier from here.”

Penn’s Miles Cartwright goes up for a shot Tuesday night against Lafayette. (Kris Mendoza/Philahoops)

The first half had everybody’s head shifting back in forth due to a fast-paced and high-scoring first frame in which Penn and Lafayette combined for 81 points and seven lead changes in the opening 20 minutes.

The Quakers were able to force 10 Leopards turnovers and get out in transition to take an early lead led by Cartwright and sophomore forward Greg Louis.

Louis entered the game averaging just 4.4 points per game, but utilized his size advantage to score 10 first-half points.

Penn looked crisp early on, but the Quakers’ youth seemed to catch up with them and Lafayette was able to keep it close behind Johnson and guard Seth Hinrichs.

Hinrichs hit a 3-pointer from the wing to give Lafayette the lead with 2:25 left in the first half and although Penn returned the favor with a Dau Jok layup to salvage back the advantage, Penn could not regain the rhythm it maintained early on.

Lafayette came out hot in the second half, taking a 75-60 lead with 7:47 minutes left in the game, but Jok and forward Darien Nelson-Henry helped Penn climb back within 4, at 79-75, thanks to three 3-pointers from Jok.

Jok led the Quakers with 18 points, including four big 3-pointers and Nelson-Henry, a freshman, chipped in with 17 points to pace Penn.

“I thought Dau was great,” Allen said. “He rebounded the ball, he made shots when he was open, he competed. I wish more guys had played with a more sense of urgency like Dau did. He just values every opportunity that he gets whether it’s one minute or 31 minutes, and he just makes plays.”

Penn’s Darien Nelson-Henry looks to get around a Lafayette defender Tuesday. (Kris Mendoza/Philahoops)

With Lafayette in the bonus, forward Dan Trist hit a pair of free throws to give Lafayette a 81-77 lead, but Jok hit a layup and after a missed jump shot by Trist, Penn freshman guard Tony Hicks used his blazing speed to sweep across the lane and lay it up high off the glass to tie it at 81 with 3:14 left.

Bryce Scott hit a 3 to give Lafayette an 84-81 advantage with 1:55 left and after Henry Brooksconverted on a layup to pull the Quakers within 1,Levi Giese converted on 1-2 shots at the line to give Lafayette a two-point lead, 85-83.

Penn got the ball back with 7.5 seconds left and Hicks got the ball off the inbounds drove into the lane and kicked it out to Steve Rennard for a wide-open 3 in the corner that would have won the game for Penn, but Rennard could not hit the shot and Penn’s losing streak now sits at 7 games.

Penn has a very young team and has been going through some rough times, but Lafayette coach and Villanova graduate Fran O’Hanlon had some encouraging words for the inexperienced Quakers.

“I really like (Allen’s) team, his youngsters I think their future is bright,” O’Hanlon said. “They’ve played a hellacious schedule playing LaSalle, Butler and Villanova, that’s not easy to do. I think as you get to this point now it’s the middle of January I think they’re going to be a very good basketball team if this is an indication.”

Penn’s Ivy League schedule will kick into full gear on Saturday when the Quakers travel to Princeton for a 6:00 p.m. tip off.

Temple mascot, Hooter the Owl featured in "This is Sports Center" commercial

ESPN does a fantastic job with their "This is Sports Center" commercials. I am not sure there is one out there that I don't find funny- (That might be an exaggeration, but still, you get my point people.)

Temple's mascot, Hooter is featured in one of the latest commercials to release, so be sure to check it out below and chuckle a bit.

Wild Card Playoff Picks: Sunday

Two games today will keep avid football fans on their couches from noon until about 8:00 p.m. here on the east coast and I'll be one of them with some food and drink within reach.

I have to cover the Temple basketball team as they take on the No. 6 ranked Kansas Jayhawks so I'm keeping it light with the picks this morning.

Lets cut to the chase.

Colts (11-5) @ Ravens (10-6)
TV: CBS
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The 1:00 p.m. game features 2012 No. 1 overall draft pick, Andrew Luck and the Colts facing the Baltimore Ravens in B-More.

Ravens linebacker, Ray Lewis issued a statement and had a press conference this week announcing his retirement at seasons end. This could be a move to spark his club to one more memorable playoff run and I think the Ravens get it done. The Purple and Black's defense is not as good as we have seen in years past, but I never see the day where the Ravens are not a tough, gritty, smash mouth, hard hitting defense, and I think they cause problems for Andrew Luck.

With news just breaking that Colts offensive play caller and former interim head coach, Bruce Arians will not be on the sidelines today because of an illness that sent Arians to the hospital, I think the Ravens nab the W.

Prediction:

Ravens 26, Colts 21

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Seahawks (11-5) @ Redskins (10-6)
TV: Fox
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Who would of thought that at the start of the NFL season, we would be talking about a first round playoff matchup between the Seahawks and Redskins?

Well, we are.

Personally, this is the best game of the weekend.

The Seahawks and Redskins are two of the hottest teams in all of football and are led by two dynamic rookie quarterbacks in Russel Wilson and Robert Griffin III.

This game is going to be close and fun to watch, but I think Seattle's defense is going to be the difference in this ball game.

I see it being back and forth and this game could go in either teams favor, but Seahawks win late and move on to face the Falcons next weekend.

Prediction:

Seahawks 23, Redskins 21

Wild Card Playoff Picks: Saturday

Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) @ Houston Texans (12-4)

4:30//NBC
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Cincinnati and Houston will kick off the 2012-13 NFL playoffs for the second straight season. Even without starting quarterback Matt Schaub, the Texans steamrolled the Bengals 31-10 behind 153 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns from Arian Foster.

The Bengals ended the season with wins in seven of their last eight games.

After starting 11-1, the Texans finished the season losers in three of their last four games and have not played a solid stretch of football in nearly two months.

What happened to the Texans? Did they peak too early?

Matt Schaub is healthy and will make his first career playoff appearance, but has failed to throw more than two touchdowns since November, 18th.

The Bengals on the other hand are starving for a playoff victory and have not won a playoff game since 1991.

Under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, the Bengals have one of the NFL's best defenses and today will be no different.

I see the Bengals defense causing problems and Andy Daulton responding to the challenge of winning his first postseason game.

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Prediction:

Bengals 24, Texans 21

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Minnesota Vikings (10-6) @ Green Bay Packers (11-5)

8:30//NBC

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In a thriller last Sunday, it was do or die for Minnesota and the Vikings denied the Packers of a No. 2 seed and a first round bye in the NFC by taking down the Pack 37-34.

Quite a coincidence that the two teams will meet again tonight in the first round of the playoffs.

Adrian Peterson has been a bio mechanical beast this season and came within 9 rushing yards of breaking Eric Dickerson's single season rushing record after scampering for 199 yards on the ground, but the Vikings rank last in the NFL in passing yards per
game, which will turn out to be the deciding factor tonight.

Peterson has single handily put the Vikings on his back en route to a comeback season for himself and the team, the leagues best running back and possible MVP can only take a team so far.


For the Vikings to have any chance of winning at the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, Ponder must step up and throw the ball effectively.

I just do not see that happening.

It will be c-h-i-l-l-y at Lambeau and the Packers are close to unbeatable at home during the playoffs.

Aaron Rodgers has proven that he is the leagues top quarterback and after an early exit in the playoffs last season, the Packers are bound for a deep run in the playoffs.

The Packers have far too many lethal weapons on the offensive side of the rock and with Randall Cobb returning to the lineup, Rodgers is poised for a monster game-Rodgers threw for 365 yards and 4 touchdowns in last weeks loss to the Vikings and could very well duplicate that performance.

Cornerback Charles Woodson returns to the Packers lineup after suffering a broken collar bone on October, 21st, which will give the Packers defense a boost.
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Prediction:

Packers 31, Vikings 24

Making sense of the Phillies offseason acquisitions - Part One: The trade for Ben Revere

With pitchers and catchers set to report to Clearwater, Florida in a little over a month for spring training, its time to start the baseball chatter here in Philadelphia.

This kicks off part one of a series called “Making Sense of the Phillies Offseason Acquisitions” where we will look into each move the Phillies have made so far while baseball has not been in session. 

The Phillies have not made any big splashes so far this offseason, rare for General Manager, Ruben Amaro Jr, but the organization has made some quality acquisitions to improve their ball club.

Photo: CrossingBroad

The corner outfield spots remain a vivid concern, though.

As we sit here today, the Phillies project to have a double-platoon in left and right field entering spring training, consisting of Darin Ruf, John Mayberry Jr., Domonic Brown and Laynce Nix, which has all of us scratching our heads. ------->

That does not sound all that pleasing and currently, I still do not see the Phillies as a playoff team in 2013, but I do believe they are a better team then the squad that won 81 games a season ago.

Heading into the winter meetings in December, Amaro Jr. admitted that improving the teams outfield was at the top of his to-do list.

With a free agent outfield class headlined by Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn, B.J. Upton, Nick Swisher, Cody Ross and Angel Pagan, there were certainly highly valued players on the market that could improve a teams ball club.

The only problem was the amount of dollars the respective players and agents were/are demanding on the open market.

Photo:DallasNews

Josh Hamilton was the biggest fish in the free agent pond and the Los Angeles Angeles reeled him in after the two parties agreed to a five-year $125 million contract-A figure far too high for a player who has a shaky and injury prone past.

B.J. Upton, who the Phillies voiced interest in inked a five-year deal worth $75 million. A hefty contract for a player who has a career .255 BA and has never hit more than 30 homeruns in a season.

Nick Swisher and the Cleveland Indians agreed on a four-year, $56 million deal. Now don’t get me wrong, Swisher is a good player coming off a 24 homer, 93 RBI season and brings a positive personality to the clubhouse, but the price tag for Swisher was a little much for the Phils’ liking.

Cody Ross tortured the Phillies in the 2010 NLCS and hit .267 with 22 homeruns and 81 RBI’s last season for the Boston Red Sox, but is he worth 3-years, $26 million? I say no, but you make the call.

Centerfielder Angel Pagan was said to be high on the Phillies wish list, but at 4-years, $45 million, is he the guy you want to see roaming center field with the aforementioned price tag? Pagan played a huge role for the Giants in their World Series run, hitting .288 with 8 homeruns, 56 RBI’s, 15 triples and 29 stolen bases. Pagan also has a great speed in the outfield with a nice arm and a good glove, but not a move I would have been crazy about.

Michael Bourn is still on the market, but as a client of mega agent Scott Boras, Bourn will get a contract similar to that of B.J. Upton’s 5-year, $75 million deal.

Enter Phillies center fielder, Ben Revere.

The Phillies traded right handed starting pitcher Vance Worley and minor league starting pitcher, Trevor May to the Twins in exchange for Revere on December, 6^th. Some claim that the Phillies overpaid for Revere, who has never been a full time starter in his three year Major League career by trading Worley and May, but I do not necessarily agree with that sentiment.

As a rookie in 2011, Worley went 11-3 with a 3.01 ERA and provided the Phightins with a solid back of the rotation starter, but last season, Worley was 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA and was shut down early because of bone chips in his elbow that required a surgical procedure.

Cole Hamels had the same procedure done following the 2011 season, so its not a serious injury, but Hamels pitched through it effectively, while Worley struggled mightily.

The Phillies were a little worried about Worley’s elbow injury and saw him as a solid trade chip

Worley is not a hard thrower, rarely exceeding 92-93 MPH on the radar gun and relies heavily on hitting the corners of the plate with movement and pinpoint location.

We have seen that the movement on his fastball and changeup are very effective, but his stuff, nor his numbers are eye popping-A solid pitcher? Yes, but I don’t see Worley ever being better than a number three starter in MLB.

May on the other hand was a fourth round pick back in 2008 and at 6-5, 215 lbs. has a powerful arm with a solid curveball in his repertoire.

Heading into 2012, May was the 69^th rated prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America, but struggled to find success at AA Reading.

May started 28 games for Reading, going 10-13 with a 4.87 Era and struck out 151 batters in 149.2 innings.

May owns a career 3.92 ERA in the minor leagues and has a high ceiling, but I find it concerning that he struggled the way he did last season at AA.

Revere is a former 2007 first round draft pick and has never played a full season at the major league level, but is coming of a solid year with the Twins in which he played in 124 games, starting 118 of them.

Revere can play all three-outfield positions and played in 84 games in right field, 39 games in center field and 5 games in left field. He had 8 outfield assists, 6 coming from right field, 2 coming from center field and had no errors in the field.

Revere made 553 plate appearances, with 511 official at bats, striking out only 54 times and managed to hit .294, with 13 doubles, 6 triples, 32 RBI’s, 70 runs scored and a .333 on base percentage. (OBP)

Revere’s .333 OBS would have ranked fourth on the team with players that recorded at least 300 at bats (Juan Pierre, Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz) but didn’t hit a single home run.

Revere did have a 21 game hit streak late in the season with the Twins.

Revere has great speed in both the outfield and on the base paths, swiping 40 bags in ’12 and his 40 stolen bases would have been the most out of any Phillies player last season, but has a weak-throwing arm from the outfield.

Another plus about the acquisition of Revere is that he is young and affordable. At 24 years old, (turns 25 on May 3^rd) Revere made just $492,500 dollars in ’12.

Positives:

-Revere is coming off a good year at the plate (.294 BA)

-Gets on base

-Makes good contact

-Does not strike out often

-Can steal bases

-Has an above average glove

-Is young

-Comes at a cheap price

-Flexible in where you can put him in the lineup

Negatives:

-Revere has never played a full season in the Major Leagues

-Has a below average arm from the outfield

-Hits a lot of ground balls

-Has no power

-At 5-9, 170 lbs, is Revere durable to last 140+ games?

My thoughts:

I think this was a good move for Philadelphia. The Phillies got a young player with a high ceiling, who is coming off a good year. Obviously, the “small ball” oriented Phillies did not work out last season, but Revere brings a patient presence to lineup club that has not been patient at the dish in recent years.

Revere is a nice all around player with the exception of his power and throwing arm and reminds me of a Juan Pierre, Michael Bourn type of player. Now lets not blow that out of proportion, but Revere has very similar numbers to Bourn through their first three years in the big leagues.

I think Revere has the chance to be good. Whether he can be a full time starter is up in the air, but he will get that chance in 2013. If that comes to fruition, it will be a great move for the Phillies given the pieces they gave up and the money they owe Revere compared to some of the crazy price tags other outfielders demanded this offseason.

Revere is not a guy who can lift the outfield production to new heights, but he is a solid piece, especially if Brown, Ruf, Mayberry and Nix can step up to have a big year, or if the Phillies can bring in a corner outfielder that has some solid pop via trade.

Phillies fans have come to learn that you can’t put anything past GM Ruben Amaro Jr.

Next up on “Making Sense of the Phillies Offseason Acquisitions” we will look at the trade for Texas Rangers third baseman, Michael Young.

Stay tuned!

What are your thoughts on Ben Revere?

Leave a comment or tweet me @BallSoHardPHI

Top 5 Philadelphia Athletes of 2012

New years eve is always a celebration I look forward to because a new chapter is filed and flipped to the left, but 365 fresh, white pages confront you, begging for the ink on your pen to be wet, because there is even more to conquer accomplish and document.

A new year has come and gone, but a new chapter has arrived in which the jar of personal aspirations and goals is overflowing with open opportunities and heck, if we can all make it through the "end of the year" anything is possible, right?

When it comes to Philadelphia's four major sports teams, it was 365 days of disappointment in the City of Brotherly Love.

In a year full with promise and hope, the papers owning those words of encouragement, for the most part at least, were burnt with whatever one chooses to ignite the flames.

Personally, I’ll choose matches so I can strike the box and slowly watch the match burn down the pages of discouraging headlines and box scores that turned out to be what we hadn’t predicted.

In the history book of Philadelphia sports, 2012 should read as follows for the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and 76ers:

2012:

-A year where the Phillies were riddled by injures and lackluster play, resulting in the Phillies hitting the links in October, instead of playing playoff baseball, which we became accustomed to seeing from 2007-2011.

-A year where the Eagles arrived at training camp in a 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo with Super Bowl hopes, that eventually broke down around week 5 or 6, causing the fan base and organization to purchase a 2000 Honda Civic until seasons end, where we then saw the winningest coach in the history of the franchise sent out the door with a pink slip and commemorative football on the last day of the year.

-A year where the Flyers signed what looked to be a franchise net minder to a 9 year $51 million deal, but found out he’s a head case that may not be able to ever succeed in Philadelphia.

The Flyers as a team, though, took us through an incredible ride in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins in a thrilling 6 game series in one of the most exciting and physical playoff series in the recent history of the Orange and Black, but fell in 5 games to a Devils team nobody thought could advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

-A year where the 76ers actually provided us with a pleasant surprise as Doug Collins’ No. 8 seeded team took down the No. 1 seeded Chicago Bulls in a fun 6 games series, that ended in Andre Iguodala hitting two free throws at the end of the game to notch a 79-78 victory and set up a second round date with the Boston Celtics.

I use the word “fun” series because Derrick Rose suffering a season ending torn ACL in Game one paved the way for a Bulls first round exit.

To their credit, the young Sixers went blow for blow with the Celtics in a 7 game series that Boston took 85-75 at TD Garden.

The 76ers again raised our hopes by trading for Lakers center Andrew Bynum, a move that could of catapulted the 76ers into being a top three team in the Eastern Conference, but it is January 2^nd now, and Bynum has yet to throw on a 76ers uniform.

For the most part, it has been a year of disappointment, but I’m in the mood to keep it light and positive, so here are my top 5 Philadelphia athletes of 2012.

#5. Andre Iguodala

I know some of you are reading this saying “No way, how could you!?!?” but Iguodala deserves a spot in the top 5.

Photo:LehigValleyLive.com

After being chosen as the 9^th overall pick in the first round of the 2004 NBA draft out of Arizona by the 76ers, Iguodala was expected to take the reigns as “franchise player” when Allen Iverson was traded to the Denver Nuggets.

Iguodala never became that star player, and took flack from the fans because of that reason. Other than 2007-08, Iguodala never averaged more than 19.9 points per game, but evolved into one of the NBA’s best all around players.

In 2012, Iguodala averaged 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assits per game and earned his first career trip to the All Star game--the first time a 76er made the All Star game since Allen Iverson.

Iguodala then averaged 12.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game during the 76ers playoff run and hit two deciding free throws at the end of the game to defeat the Chicago Bulls 79-78, sending Philly to the second round.

Iguodala then made the United States National team and brought home a Gold Medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Iguodala was then traded to the Denver Nuggets as part of a four team deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, which landed Andrew Bynum on the 76ers.

Not too bad a year for Andre Iguodala.

#4. Jonathon Papelbon 

Photo:DeadSpin

Fresh off of signing a 4-year contract worth $50 million in November, 2011, Papelbon pitched the most innings of his career (70.0) and gave the Phillies a feared closer at the back end of the bullpen.

Papelbon was elected as an All Star and converting on 38 of 42 save opportunities, ranking him third in the National League and compiled a 2.44 ERA.

If the Phillies had a viable setup man in 2012, Papelbon could have recorded 40+ saves.

#3. Carlos Ruiz

Photo: Philly.com

Carlos Ruiz broke out in 2012, en route to having the best year of his career and was the Phillies most feared bat in the lineup.

The man whose nickname is “Chooch” hit .325 with 16 homeruns and 68 RBI’s, but only appeared at the plate 372 times in 114 games.

Ruiz could be higher on the list, but the fact he only played 114 games keeps him from cracking the top three

Chooch evolved into a fan favorite in Philadelphia, thanks in large part to what he accomplished in 2012 and was chosen to the National League All Star team as a back up to Giant’s catcher, Buster Posey.

Ruiz’ 16 homeruns were the most by a Phillies catcher since 2004, when Mike Lieberthal hit 17.

#2. Cole Hamels

Photo: RittenhouseEd

Entering the last year of his contract in 2012, Cole Hamels entered spring training as the teams No. 3 starter behind Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee.

With a fatigued and injured Roy Halladay having one of the worst seasons of his career and Cliff Lee showing the inability to maintain leads, that quickly changed and Cole Hamels emergence as the teams ace moving forward became evident.

The Phillies realized this and signed Hamels to the second-largest contract ever signed by a pitcher at six-years years, $144 million on July 24^th.

Hamels made the NL All Star team for the second straight year and third time of his career and finished eighth in the NL Cy Young voting.

Hamels won a career high 17 games and struck out a career best 216 batters in 215.1 innings pitched, all while recording a 3.05 ERA, the second lowest of his seven year tenure in the Big Leagues.

#1. Claude Giroux

Photo:BleacherReport

Writing this now is just a punch in my own gut with no hockey currently being played because of a lockout that should be long gone by now, but Claude Giroux earns the No.1 spot on my list of the top 5 Philadelphia athletes of 2012.

Giroux finished third in the National Hockey League behind Evgeni Malkin and Steven Samkos with 93 points.

Giroux tallied 28 goals and 65 assists in 77 games played. His 65 assists were the second most in the NHL.

Giroux then had one of the greatest postseasons in NHL history and proved that the soon to be 25 year old is among the top 5 players in hockey after going up head to head against Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

In 10 postseason games, Giroux scored 8 goals and dished out 9 assists, good for a total of 17 points in 20 games.

Although the Flyers were bounced in the second round, Giroux was the overall points leader in the playoffs.

Giroux was then named the cover athlete for NHL 13.

Those are my top 5 Philadelphia athletes of 2012

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below or tweet me @ballsohardphi