* What's wrong with the Flyers? They were shut-out again by the Minnesota Wild, 3-0, last night, their league-leading 5th shut-out this early season.
Like the last few seasons, the Flyers just don't score enough goals. They have the talent. What's the common link? Coach Dave Haksto? He doesn't seem to be aggressive and it seems the team has taken on his personality.
The Flyers go to Winnipeg tomorrow night before returning home Saturday afternoon against the Calgary Flames.
* The Sixers play their final game of their western road trip with a clash with Alonzo Ball and the Lakers tonight. Coming home off a 3-2 trip would be nice, as the 76'ers get ready for a huge showdown with the world champion Golden State Warriors The Wells Fargo Center will be rocking.
* A very nice life celebration tribute to the late Roy Halliday was held in Clearwater, Fla. at Spectrum Field yesterday. Speakers included Cole Hamels, Chase Utley and Charlie Manuel.
The Phillies always do special ceremonies well. It was a touching tribute, and I'm sure the organization will do something, maybe on Opening Day, for Doc.
As a special touch, Chris Carpenter, the St. Louis pitcher who bear Doc 1-0 in Game 5 of the deciding division series in 2011, gave tearful, honest and courageous speech to Halliday.
* The Eagles continue to practice for their big game against the hated Dallas Cowboys Sunday night. Dallas is the more desperate team. A loss would drop them to 5-5 and all but out of the division race. I hate having to wait all day to get to the Eagles game, but I'll get used to it. The Birds ar eon Monday Night Football on Christmas night, and their games with the Rams and/or second Cowboys game may be flexed as well.
Looking at the Dallas schedule, here's the breakdown:
Sun. 11/19 Eagles- LOSS
Thurs. 11/ 23 (Thanksgiving) WIN
Thurs. 11/30 Redskins- WIN
Sun. 12/10 at Giants- WIN
Sun. 12/17 at Raiders- LOSS
Sun. 12/23 Seahawks- WIN
Sun. 12/31 at Eagles- LOSS
The Seattle game could go either way, with the Seahawks needing a win to stay with the Rams. I generously gave Dallas a victory, Elliot's return.So, if my predictions are true, Dallas would finish 9-7, maybe good enough to get a wild card spot but not the NFC East crown.8-8 is possible if Seattle needs that game badly enough.
Anyway, if Dallas should win this Sunday night it would give them some hope. The eagles have a chance to cut the head off the snake and they need to take that opportunity and make life a lot easier for themselves in the process.
* There's a rumor around that the Phillies ar einterested in free agent Cleveland frist baseman Carlos Santana. He hit 23 hrs last season and led the American League in walks.
He plays first base- so does Rhys Hoskins ( so does Tommy Joseph, but he's out the door soon). Would Hoskins stay in left?
I would be much more interested in getting J.D. Martinez for the outfield. Trade Odubel Herrera, play Aaron Altherr in center, and you have a solid outfield with Nick Williams.
Rumors will be running wild with the general Manager and Winter meetings ahead.As long as the Phils don't forget about pitching.
* There's a report that WIP Sportrsadio afternoon host Chris Carlin will be leaving the station , heading back to New York. I never liked Carlin, always thinking he was a New York guy in his heart. A clone of the obnoxious Josh Innis, Carlin was a loud-mouthed blowhard. He wasn't able to overtake The Fanatic's Mike Missinelli in the afternoon shot. of course, having the weak Ike Reese as a partner didn't help.
So what now? Putting Glen Macnow and Ray Didinger on for the rest of the football season would draw ratings. In the long run, nighttime host Jon Marks may work. He may be being primed for the morning show once Angelo Cataldi retires, but Marks is the young sports guy who would appeal to millinials.
Marc Farzetta would be worthless. He doesn't know sports and he thinks he is cool. If Anthony Gargano moved back to WIP- very unlikely- he could fill the afternoon slot. Would Tony Bruno return?
No more outsiders, like Innis or Carlin. Philly fans relate to Philly guys. Another tip: even though football is the most popular sports, especially with the Eagles Super Bowl-bound, I wouldn't make it a strictly football guy wither. You already have Reese, Jon Ritchie and Dan Klecko part-time.
I've been asking for a weekly Hot Stove baseball show, like WIP did last winter, giving us Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen an hour a week for a month.
Program Director Spike Eskin has his work cut out for him. He could name his iconic father, Howard Eskin, as the afternoon guy. Instead of having a regular co-host, rotate co-hosts depending on the season.A lot of people hate Eskin, but he is well-respected for his knowledge and stories, and he would give Missinelli a good run for his money.
Guys like Joe Gigilo, Jody McDonald, Paul Jolavich are not prime-time type talent. They re what they are- fill-in guys.
So, it will be interesting to see what WIP does.
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