TGE’s 2008 NFL Preview

In our extensive 2008 NFL Preview, we pick every division, the playoffs, MVP and Rookies of the Year. But, reader beware: we’re not buying the chic media picks.

September MMLBRC: Philadelphia Phillies

On the first Monday of each month we roll out our Monthly MLB Report Card (forever to be known as MMLBRC) for the Mets, Phillies and Yankees. We’ll still check in from time to time with short posts to quickly take the pulse of each team, but think of the MMLBRC as an in depth physical (anal probing not included). Truthfully, a month is probably too small of a sample size to make overarching claims like we will attempt to, but dammit, you want content! So rather than write well-reasoned quarterly updates, we’ll make rash decisions based on far too little data. Now in the box: the defending NL East champs.

August MMLBRC: Philadelphia Phillies

On the first Monday of each month we roll out our Monthly MLB Report Card (forever to be known as MMLBRC) for the Mets, Phillies and Yankees. We’ll still check in from time to time with short posts to quickly take the pulse of each team, but think of the MMLBRC as an in depth physical (anal probing not included). Truthfully, a month is probably too small of a sample size to make overarching claims like we will attempt to, but dammit, you want content! So rather than write well-reasoned quarterly updates, we’ll make rash decisions based on far too little data. First up: the boys from Philly.

Say it ain’t so, Joe!

Let’s not beat around the bush here: I’m not a big fan of this trade. I understand that the Phillies needed a starter, and I appreciate what Joe Blanton brings to the table, but I just don’t think this was the right move. For ease of expression, I’ll break my complaints down into two components.

In case you haven’t heard…

Our goal at Them’s Good Eaton has always tended more toward “analysis” than “up-to-the-minute updates,” as we try so intently to explain in our About TGE section. So when Ed Stefanski masterminded the free agent signing of Elton Brand for the Sixers, we set about thinking of some different kind of analysis we could give you on the move.

July MMLBRC: Philadelphia Phillies

On the first Monday of each month we roll out our Monthly MLB Report Card (forever to be known as MMLBRC) for the Mets, Phillies and Yankees. We’ll still check in from time to time with short posts to quickly take the pulse of each team, but think of the MMLBRC as an in depth physical (anal probing not included). Truthfully, a month is probably too small of a sample size to make overarching claims like we will attempt to, but dammit, you want content! So rather than write well-reasoned quarterly updates, we’ll make rash decisions based on far too little data. First up: the Fightin’ Phils.

The case for J.A. Happ

Maybe we’re making a bigger issue out of this than it really is — after all, by Thursday this could be a moot point if Pat Gillick & Co. exercise the same logic we’re about to — but we feel pretty strongly that J.A. Happ should be the man to replace the recently-demoted Brett Myers. Since the early noises coming out of Gillick’s camp are a bit mixed regarding Myers’ replacement, we figured it was a good opportunity to lay out the case for the lanky southpaw.

So listen up, Mr. Gillick…

Truth.

We don’t usually deal in short posts, but when something someone else writes perfectly sums up our thoughts, we feel linking to it is better than rehashing the same points in our own words. Thus, please enjoy this commentary on the events that transpired at the WaMu Theatre last night, courtesy of The Knicks Blog.

Addendum: Ironically, it’s the same thing with our take on the Sixers’ draft.  Check out Depressed Fan for your Marreese Speights fix.

NBA Draft Preview: Philadelphia 76ers

While we don’t claim to be NBA gurus here at Them’s Good Eaton, we like to think we’re in tune enough with this Draft stuff to provide you with a preview. It won’t be anywhere near 10,000 words — though we do suggest reading that back and forth between Bill Simmons and Chad Ford, as it’s quite good — but hopefully we’ll scratch the surface and provide you with a few links to let you dig deeper should you desire.

Red Sox help Phils realize their need for a pitcher

Red Sox Nation [red soks ney'-shuhn] Noun
1. An imaginary tool used by the Boston Red Sox organization for marketing purposes.
2. A synonym for the annoying band of bandwagon-jumpers who adopted the Red Sox as their team after the 2004 World Series title. E.g.: Citizens Bank Park was invaded by Red Sox Nation, all of whom have been diehard fans for almost four years.
3. A gimmick that sickens true Red Sox fans.