* GM Howie Rossman does it again. The Eagles signed free agent WR Mike Wallace to a one-year contract. Wallace gives the Birds a speedy veteran receiver they need since Torry Smith left for Carolina.
Wallace is cheaper plus he's an upgrade at the position. Look for the Eagles to also drat a young WR/Kick and or Punt Returner. Wallace is the fast guy on the outside to keep defenses honest, a wide-out capable of taking the top off.
Rossman's formula is to sign veteran players, trying to milk an extra year out of their career, still with something left in the tank, players who are thirsting for a championship.
More work to do, as there is really only one tight end on the roster. With Blount leaving there is an opening at running back. The draft is only a month away.
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* Jake Arrieta pitched two innings in Clearwater for the Phillies. He gave up two runs, including a home run to Miguel Cabrerra. Arrieta said he was happy with his initial outing with the Phils. hitting 95 MPH on the radar gun and throwing strikes. I would expect him to pitch one more game early next week in Florida before going north for the season. Maybe he goes five innings in his first regular season start next weekend in Atlanta or Monday in New York.
* Much speculation as to when the team will send Scott Kingery down to Lehigh Valley. Could be today or when the team breaks camp next Tuesday.
I get it why it may happen- service-time issues. I worry that GM Klentak will keep Kingery down on the farm longer then April 13th, especially if Cesar Hernandez gets off to a fast start. Kingery can also play third if Franco falters. Either way, I hope the fans keep the heat on Phillies' management not to forget Kingery.
It seems stupid to sign Carlos Santana and Jake Arrieta, then waste a year with one of your best young prospects in Lehigh Valley, a star-in-the-making who is now major-league ready.
* Yesterday's game with the Tigers turned into a bean-ball brawl, with five guys getting tossed out of the game. The Phils travel to Lakeland on Saturday to again face Detroit. Could be more fireworks. Too bad the teams don't play each other in the regular season.
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* The Flyers won last night, beat the awful Rangers 4-3. The Flyers cling to the first wild card spot. They will probably make the playoffs, but again, they won't go far. They are too inconsistent and need a new coach and a true no. 1 goaltender.
* Meanwhile the Sixers are streaking , winning five games in a row, as they cruised past Orlando. They are only one game behind Cleveland for the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Clinching home court advantage would be big. I always like a hot team going into the playoffs, so I wouldn't put it pass the 76ers to go far in the postseason.
Are they young? Yes. Do they turn the ball over too much? Yes. Are they ready to win? Probably not. But the Sixers have nothing to lose with youth on their side. Sixers vs the Cavs or Celtics would be entertaining as hell.
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