Will Philly Sports Teams Improve in 2013?
Roster movements for Phillies, possible new coach for Eagles and maybe Andrew Bynum return for Sixers could spark rebound.
Items linked to major league sports teams are always popular. This wood-framed montage of former Phillies sells for $125.
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Rebounding, not rebuilding.
That is hopefully the mindset of the owners of our four Philadelphia sports franchises as their teams head into 2013.
First off, who knows when the NHL will return to play any games this year, but if so, the Philadelphia Flyers will make their usualy Stanley Cup run.
The Philadelphia 76ers have fought hard so far this year, sparked by the young shooters Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner.
But in order to get into the playoffs and maybe over the hump, getting center Andrew Bynum on board -- even for a month or so -- just might be enough to turn this team into an elite contender.
Look what Moses Malone once did. Imagine a healthy Bynum marking his territory in the middle of the floor?
The Philadelphia Eagles will end another dismal season and Coach Andy Reid could be fired a few days after the season, ending his 14-year tenure as the most successful coach in team history.
Who knows what direction team owner Jeff Lurie heads in to pick his next coach, whether to grab a rising talent from college or the NFL coaching ranks or to seek a seasoned veteran like Jon Gruden, who might fire up the fan base.
The roster will face a major shakeup, but the team should focus on developing its young talent than trying to sign big name free agents. (Look how that turned out a few years ago: It basically sunk the franchise.)
With LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Brett Celek, Nick Foles, Bryce Brown and Jason Kelce on offense and Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Fletcher Cox and Mychael Kendricks on defense, the team has a young nucleus that it could build around.
As for the Phillies, fans might have the most hope.
Spring Training will be right around the corner. And hope usually springs eternal.
But 2013 will depend on the health of the Phillies core: Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Roy Halliday.
Maybe Cliff Lee will bounce back too and Cole Hamels will continue to be a stud pitcher like he was last year.
It will be interesting to see how newcomers Ben Revere, Michael Young and Terry Adams blend with the team. All will be key in the team's success.
It will be interesting to see who emerges as the Phils' fifth starter, even with the signing of John Lannan, and what will become of the outfield.
Can Domonic Brown become a star? Will Darin Ruf show the power he did all year? Who will fill the void in right field?
Yes, there are so many questions.
There are so many questions for all of our Philadelphia sports teams in 2013.
Dave Fiedler
9:32 am on Saturday, December 29, 2012
I expect the Phillies to improve over what we saw in 2012 but unfortunately it won't be enough to reach postseason. They still lack right-handed power, which makes the rest of the line-up (mostly Lefties) less effective. The real reason I lack confidence on a playoff berth is that the teams that finished ahead of them last season actually got better. Yes, the Phillies also made some moves to improve, but they are likely not enough to negate the other teams' actions and/or cancel out the fact that the Phillies' stars are all aging or have medical issues. Will Howard ever fully recover from his Achilles injury? Can Halliday adjust to a new style of pitching as he ages? These are among an entire series of questions. I'm a season ticket holder, so naturally I wish them well. I'd welcome being proven wrong on my prognostication.
Starship Trooper
9:59 am on Saturday, December 29, 2012
Dave...I'm looking for a 50% share partner in my Full season ticket package. My seats are in Section 132 Row 18 Seats 5&6. These are excellent seats right at Third Base.. If you have a 17 game plan here's your chance to get closer to the action. if interested please call me at 610-716-2337.
I have a much more positive outlook. Phils had the best record in baseball after the All Star break last season.They were 17 games below 500 at one point. The Phillies have addressed all of their pressing needs except for another corner outfielder. The addition of Adams in the bullpen will give their stud starters some breathing room to only pitch 6-7 innings. Utley is healthiest he has been in 3 years . Howard's injury has completely healed. I sense a nice comeback year. Playoff berth and who knows,
Pitchers and Catchers in 47 days !
Robert B. Sklaroff, M.D.
10:31 am on Saturday, December 29, 2012
Regarding Adams, a reality-check...
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/Adams-officially-joins-Phillies.html
..that suggests why this aging-tosser was only signed for two years.
As a physician who is familiar with the import of the fact that "underwent surgery in October for a condition known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome," it should be appreciated that some pre-op neuro-damage may not completely resolve...as he candidly admits in the rest of the piece.
Robert B. Sklaroff, M.D.
9:39 am on Saturday, December 29, 2012
Regarding the Phillies, what might remain problematic is middle-relief.
Regarding the Eagles, you are too-kind when you suggest Reid "possibly" will be fired within "a few days," because most people consider that it's a certainty...to transpire within a few HOURS thereof [after some intrepid reporter gets to him as he leaves the visitors' suite]. It surely is gratuitous to suggest that--absent a superbowl ring--Reid is "the most successful coach in team history."
Reid may have more wins, but Vermeil [the workaholic] remains more beloved. Those broadcasters who claim he'll be a coach somewhere else next year are thereby suggesting that some other owner will accept his mantras ["I take full responsibility...for the fact that we weren't prepared...to make the plays." ... etc.].
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Eagles
[Perhaps someone should ask Robert DeNiro -- in "Silver Linings Playbook" -- whom his choice would be!]
Robert B. Sklaroff, M.D.
9:53 am on Saturday, December 29, 2012
Documentation of points about the Phillies contrasts a column of almost a year ago by a "homer"...
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/blogs/philthy-stuff/Phillies-Grades-The-Bullpen-139064849.html
...with an out-of-town observation penned last month...
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-02/news/sns-rt-bbo-phillies-team-reportsx07f23a1-20121101_1_phils-eye-antonio-bastardo-cole-hamels
...that segues into this slide-show summary...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1450375-5-reasons-how-the-philadelphia-phillies-will-win-the-nl-east
...which appears both optimistic AND sobering.
Robert B. Sklaroff, M.D.
10:11 am on Saturday, December 29, 2012
Two "editorial comments" regarding the Phillies are also germane.
*
First, Carlos is a druggie...
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/Phillies_catcher_Carlos_Ruiz_suspended_25_games_for_Adderall_use.html
...and this sheds a pall over his achievements.
*
Second, early in the season [before the suspension, while injuries were being juggled], I witnessed [and cringed @] the lack-of-hustle Rollins demonstrated consistently throughout a Saturday-afternoon game when the future for the Phillies seemed bright [sunny day, etc.].
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/rollins-benched-blunders-phils-beat-194559891--mlb.html
Therefore, he has a lot to prove...in the clutch...when it truly matters.
Starship Trooper
10:50 am on Saturday, December 29, 2012
Dr.Sklaroff...far be it for me to question your assessment of Carlos Ruiz and his Adderall use but I have ADHD and I can tell you Adderall works ! I have been on theses meds for years and they help me to focus and plow through a busy schedule. I dont undestand why this drug works but it does. Was Carlos diagnosed with ADHD?
Regarding Rollins ...YES he is a moody player but no one on that team is more clutch than Rollins in a pressure packed game.
Robert B. Sklaroff, M.D.
11:04 am on Saturday, December 29, 2012
@ Joe:
First, I've prescribed Adderall and am aware of its effectiveness, but Cooch didn't claim he had the diagnosis...
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/phillies-catcher-carlos-ruiz-gets-25-game-suspension-for-violating-mlb-drug-policy-230202836.html
...and, if he did, he should have divulged that fact prospectively.
*
"I'm just sayin' " that J-Ro may now be a developing "shadow" of his rookie-days, as is suggested here...
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/31/jimmy-rollins-apologizes-to-charlie-manuel-for-not-hustling-on-pop-up/
...and it is notable that he failed to apologize for his lack of hustle to the players and/or FANS...
“It was confusion more than frustration....You’re in the cage and it’s going right, and then, 40 feet from the cage to the field, ‘What happened?’ ....“First, I didn’t get the run in [from third base]. Second, ‘Damn, you were just in the cage working on that very thing and how do you do it again?’ That was all that went through my mind.”
...immediately after his coach had accused him of being "disrespectful"!
http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/phillies-talk/Rollins-apologizes-to-Manuel-for-dogging?blockID=766199&feedID=704
Jonm
9:32 am on Sunday, December 30, 2012
The Philadelphia Phillies have the best chance of improving in 2013 and make a final runfor the World series. The off season moves made my management has helped the team in my opinion. Like the the wiz kids of 83, who made it to the World series with a veteran aging team. This Philadelphia Phillies team of 2013 will make a little bit of magic.
Robert B. Sklaroff, M.D.
9:53 am on Sunday, December 30, 2012
Improvement doesn't yield dominance, particularly in a tough division...fyi.
Adam Young
3:37 pm on Sunday, December 30, 2012
Have I missed something?? Exactly what moves have the Phillies made to improve for 2013? All they have done is gotten older. "Fantasyland" is a nice place to visit - with regard to the idea that the Phillies have any kind of shot to make the post-season - but it's not facing reality.
Phillyboy
5:21 pm on Sunday, December 30, 2012
Adam...You have missed plenty. Phils have addressed all pressing needs with exception of corner outfielder.The addition of Mike Adams as the middle reliever-8th inning guy insures that Manuel doesnt Have to pitch Halliday or Lee beyond 7 innings.Last year that option wasnt there because there bullpen was a disaster.The Phils didnt have Utlley or Howard for 1/2 the season and neither was 100% healthy when they returned.Phils had best record in baseball after the all star break with a disastrous bullpen and Utley/ Howard still not 100%. Adding Young at Third base brings great defense and a a consistent bat. Revere brings great defense and blazing spped on base paths. Phils trainers say Utley is in best shape since rookie year. Howards injury has completely healed. Chooch is arguably the best catcher in the NL and their starting pitching is still the envy of MLB. They have solid closer . Are their questions...sure...Will Dom Brown step up? Will Darin Ruf continue his stellar play. ? The Biggest question ...WILL THIS TEAM STAY HEALTHY ??? If they stay relatively healthy expect a great season .They will compete for the Division and make the playoffs and who knows.
David Franklin
10:00 pm on Sunday, December 30, 2012
You didn't miss a thing.......old. I have no idea what drugs "Phillyboy" is taking, but they must be raising havoc with his brain. Mike Adams, 35 next July - old. Chase Utley, 34, recurring disease - old. Roy Halladay, 36 next May, putrid, deteriorating fastball - old. Michael Young, 36, declining batting average - old. Cliff Lee, 34, lousy 2012 - old. Carlos Ruiz, had a good year because of steroids, suspended for 25 games, turns 34 in January - old. Ryan Howard, 33, experts say he may need another year before injury fully heals - old.
Marc L.
8:14 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
The Phillies will improve, as long as their big players remain healthy and the top three pitchers (Halladay, Lee, Hamels) return to form. This is their last shot, though, as the team is on it's way down after a nice run in the late '00s.
The Sixers are a young team that made it to the Eastern Conference finals last year. Even if they manage to get Bynum for a couple dozen games (at best) they have a long way to go to improve upon last season's performance.
The Flyers would need the NHL to unlock its doors and allow them on the ice to compete. My guess, however, is that in a shortened season with so many of their players already banged up a bit from overseas play will be a disappointing one for Flyers fans. Don't look for them to make a deep run into the playoffs if a season even takes place.
The Eagles are a team in transition. Next season will be a rebuilding year. New coach. New QB. Same result. Look for another bottom of the division finish for the Birds in 2013 while they wash the stink of the Reid/Vick Eagles off of the team and get ready for a resurgence in 2014.
Dr. Bob
8:33 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
@ Marc
Please refrain from suggesting Vick besmirches the Eagles; the same perception of the culture in which he arose may have led him to commit federal crimes...but it also may have prompted him to adopt a fearless attitude @ game-time...potentially to his long-term psychological interest.
An interested bystander
8:49 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
@Dr. Bob, I didn't read Marc's comment that way regarding Michael Vick. Vick didn't besmirch the Eagles, he just isn't that good anymore since he lost some speed.
Dr. Bob
8:58 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
@ Bystander:
When I read "wash the stink of the Reid/Vick Eagles off of the team," I fail to note any distinction made by the author between anything generated by Reid vs. what Vick may have done.
Marc L.
9:58 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
Allow me to clarify. The Eagles have gone downhill since Michael Vick joined the Eagles. The entire Vick era under Reid as coach has been one colossal letdown for fans after another. When I say to wash the stink off of the team I mean just that. This is a team that will need an overhaul from what was built around Vick & Reid to what will be built around a new offensive strategy with new key components.
Also, Dr. Bob, please refrain from making recommendations on what I suggest. It's called an opinion for a reason.
I'll make it very clear that I think Michael Vick is a piece of trash. That the day he signed on with the team was the last day I was a fan. I've awaited this day since the moment he arrived. When Vick is unceremoniously dumped on his ex-con butt and Andy Reid goes right along with him.
Dr. Bob
10:05 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
@ Marc [whose comment was e-mailed, but hasn't yet appeared on this site]:
First of all, I surmised the thrust of your "opinion" correctly.
Second, I have defended Vick aggressively, and he may be best suited as back-up; can you deny the possibility that he could HAPPILY adjust to a new offensive strategy, perhaps based on a rigorous implementation of the West Coast version thereof?
http://palmer.patch.com/articles/what-will-be-andy-reid-s-legacy
Marc L.
10:14 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
Vick can thrive as a backup somewhere. It's hard to him to turn the ball over when he's on the bench.
Vick needs a team to be built around him with an amazing offensive line, an above-average running game (so that play-action and option formations can open up the field for him) and a dink-and-dump passing strategy. He is not the athlete he was years ago and he's never been the level of QB people made him out to be.
For the record, I can say what Vick would "happily" do since I'm not inside his head. But my guess is that if the money was good enough, and he realized this is his last contract that he's about to sign, then he'd be happy doing whatever if the money was right. I don't think that's likely. Odds are, he'll find himself somewhere like the Jets (as a backup to Sanchez) or in Jacksonville (if they don't trade for Tebow) or maybe somewhere like Kansas City or Oakland. In any case, his time as an elite-level QB in a starring role is over.
Dr. Bob
10:18 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
@ Marc:
I start the day knowing that your revised comment [complete with one syntactical error, "It's hard to him to turn the ball over...."] is not dissimilar to my opinion, and no longer drips of venom.
"There is a God!"
Phillyboy
10:20 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
Dave Franklin...what qualifies you as an expert? No drugs here pal. I love the Phillies. The only Franchise to win a title amongst the Philly teams since the 76ers in 1983. Maybe you should fully comprehend what people are saying before spouting your mouth. if the Phils stay healthy YES they will compete for the division and have a very good year regardless of thier age. Tell me this expert....how did this washed up injured band of old guys come back from 17 games below .500 to finish 81-81 . Luck??? They had the best record in baseball after the All Star break??? Was i on drugs then or was that a mirage?
Dr. Bob
10:28 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
@ Philllyboy:
Even if all the qualifiers [primarily related to health] are met, their improvements [outfield, middle-relief] are hardly stellar.
Phillyboy
12:24 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
Dr. Bob...The Phils did fine this off season in a year when there were few quality free agents on the market. Listen...I understand all the prognostication. However...you cant tell me that their second half comeback last year was a mirage. That was a significant turnaround considering Halliday began to falter, Lee was less than stellar, Utley /Howard returned less than 100% . The bench stunk and their bullpen was a disaster yet still pulled it together to finish .500.
Its all perspective I guess and since I am a fan I choose to think positvely w/out being a Homer.
Robert B. Sklaroff, M.D.
12:36 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
@ Phillyboy:
My goal was to temper your positive-thinking with the fact that the "improvements" were perhaps marginal...in areas well-known to be highly-problematic.
Phillyboy
2:50 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
Doc...Thanks for your voice of reason. Believe me...I'm a true negadelphian generally. I came out the womb Boooing!!! Since the stars of this team delivered a World Championship I give these geriatric Phils every benefit of the doubt .Realistically , If Manuel uses his bench and bullpen properly there should be no reason why this team doesn't compete for the division and possible wild card position.
Robert B. Sklaroff, M.D.
3:07 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
...reminiscent of the "wheeze-kids"?
Joe K
4:16 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
Andy Reid...Players coach.+ Stubborn and just could never make gametime adjustments..A good strategist, but a poor field general..The man can not process in real time. Gets less than 100% from his players, and is not great at evaluating players or assistants..Good move today
Dr. Bob
4:37 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
What is saddest is that even casual knowledge of the game--harbored by fans such as myself--would sustain such observations.