* Hope DE Chris Long returns to the Eagles next season. He made key plays this year, and was a leader off the field. He and Lane Johnson brought the "underdog" theme to life. Long is a winner, having won a Super bowl the year before with new England. Hopefully he stays.
* Still on a high from the Birds' championship season.Baseball is just gearing up, and I've got my tickets for the summer. The Sixers and Flyers are strong candidates to make the playoffs. Still, can't get enough Eagles. Still see tons of Eagles' merchandise around,- Super Bowl caps, shirts, you name it.
I think the Philly fans will be basking in the bright sun of victory, at least until September when it happens over again.
* Free agency will be next on the agenda as the off-season is two weeks old. What will happen with the injured players, especially Darren Sproles and Jason Peters? And the big question about whether Nick Foles will be traded near the NFL draft.
* Even though two former Eagles will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this August, I'm glad the team won't be playing in the hall of Fame Game. The pre-season is long enough without playing an extra game.
Fans will be chomping at the bit as the regular season nears. Imagine the feeling as the opener - a Thursday night game at the Linc- finally arrives.
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*The Phillies continue to work-out in Clearwater. The full camp reports tomorrow.
Interesting that new first baseman Carlos Santana is lockered next to Mychael Franco. Santana is a real pro, who knows how to work a pitcher and take a walk. In fact, he had more walks the last six year then any other batter in the American League. Hopefully Franco learns a little plate discipline from Santana. Franco may need a mentor at this point, He's still a young player and Santana seems to be a leader.
This probably is Franco's last chance with the Phils. Oriole Manny Machado will most likely be a free agent after the 2018 season. Whether Machado plays third or shortstop, if Franco doesn't produce this summer, he may get dealt.
* If one can take GM Matt Klentak at his word, looks like the game-plan for Phillies' pitching this year is to rely heavily on the bullpen. if they do sign a veteran pitcher or not, young hurlers abound, with Valasquez, Pivetta, Eflin, Thompson and Eichoff needing to step up.
So, the plan is to get five or six innings out of the starters, then let the bullpen finish the game. That's great, as long as the 'pun doesn't get burned out by summer. New manager Gabe Kapler will have his hands full there, and it will be interesting to see how the first-time skipper handles the staff.
* Vegas has made the Phillies' over/under win total at 76 1/2 games. I would take the over, especially if the team gets more pitching help. A .500 season shouldn't be out of reason. Vying for a wild card spot would make the summer very interesting. Getting off to a fats start would help and would create enthusiasm for Phillies' baseball.
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Between the Sixers and Flyers, they have only lost one game in the Eagles won the Super Bowl two weeks ago.The Flyers are playing the Rangers in New York as I blog. The 76ers are off for the All-Star break, having won five games in a row.
Both would make the playoffs if their respective seasons ended today.
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* A big future attraction at the South Philly sports complex will be a new Sports Museum. It sounds like a cool idea, long overdue.
I can think of a few items that could go into the museum: the real Santa Claus suit from the Santa who was pelted with snowballs at a 60s Eagles' game; A pair of harry Kalas' white shoes, and Richie Ashburn's pipe.
Unique items would be cool. But I wouldn't mind see the basketball which scored Wilt Chamberlain's 100th point or the replca Liberty Bell from center field at the Vet.
I'm sure there will be old uniforms, actual seats from Connie Mack Stadium, The Spectrum and the Vet, as well as famous and historical baseballs, footballs and pucks.
If there is a virtual room, the suggestion was made to recreate the infamous Fog Bowl, so fans could relive what it was like for the Eagles and bears at Soldier Field during that playoff game.
They need sections to honor the great announcers and the old stadiums. Old-timers would love it and younger fans get a chance to experience things in the past which should never be forgotten.
It sounds like a wonderful experience for any sports fan, to relive special moments and share memories from generation- to- generation. Can't wait! The museum is scheduled to be completed sometime by next spring.
Any other suggestions for the new Philly Sports Museum?
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