Monday, June 5, 2017

PHILLY SPORTS CORNER

It's Monday, the start of a new week of sports drama. The Phillies continue their long, dreadful season, the Eagles are always in the news, the Sixers and Flyers are preparing for their upcoming drafts. Here's the latest...

EAGLES-

In a surprising move late Friday night, the Kansas City Chiefs- AKA Andy Reid- released former Eagles WR Jeramy Maclin. Maclin was injured last year, playing in 12 games. His production was down, still the cut was a shocking move by the Chiefs, who signed Maclinas a free agent two years ago.

Will the Birds make an offer to bring Maclin back to Philly? Probably not. He's 29 now, has a hefty contract and the Eagles are almost set at wide receiver going into training camp. They brought in a pair of free agents ( Jeffery and Smith), drafted two rookies ( Hollins and Gibson) and have Jordan Matthews in the mix.

Would I rather have a Maclin rather than a Dorial Green-Beckham or Nelson Agalor? Yes! Maclin, if healthy, could still be a solid no. 2 receiver. Both Jeffery and Smith ar eon 1-year contracts; Hollins and Gibson  are unproven. So, bringing back Maclin would add depth. I'm still not confident in Afalor, despite reports that he looked good in recent OTAs.

I think there will be many more suitors for Maclin around the league. Still, GM Howie Rossman liked Maclin, so, although unlikely, it wouldn't be surprising wither to see no.1 8 come home to the team that drafted him out of Missouri.

PHILLIES-

It's great the Phillies won the last two games against San Francisco, winning their first series in 11 tries, and winning back-to-back games  for the first time since April. I'm still down on this team, still on a pace to lose over 100 games. Playing at home against a weak Giants team, it's no great feat for the Phils to win 2 out of 3 weekend games.

Hopefully Herrera will turn it up after two great games over the weekend. I'm still not a Herrera guy. To me, he will always be an inconsistent, Rule 5 type of player. He's not as good defensively as the media makes out. He goes brain-dead on the bases at times. He swings at over 49% of balls out of the strike zone. And he often dogs it, not running full tilt, with an annoying habit of bat-flipping, a real hot dog.

He's a quirky, colorful character, a player you would hate if he wasn't on your team. He will need to be motivated during his entire career. His recent 3-game benching may be the reason for his weekend resurgence.

It's great he is playing better. Not only does it help the current club, but it increases his trade value. I wouldn't be surprised if the Phillies dangle him again this off-season.

There was talk of Herrera- and Franco- perhaps being demoted to Lehigh Valley to send a message to these two underachieving guys. That won't happen now, as GM Matt Klentak has stated that he has confidence in both. Sending both to the minors would only decrease their trade value. Better to bench both, or fine both hen/if they don't hustle

The Phils go back on the road for 9 games, with stops in Atlanta, St. Louis and Boston. Not easy, especially considering how the team has played. The bats will need to continue to come alive and the starting pitchers will need to consistently go 7 innings or more. Anything less will add up to another losing road trip.

I think they will split their 4 games with the Braves, lose 2 out of 3 to the Cardinals and get swept by the Red Sox, which adds up to a 3-6  record.

I still believe  the team needs to do 3 things immediately to try and salvage this hopeless season. We aren't even into summer yet, and the team is 15 games out of first place in National League East. Here are my 3 suggestions:

1. Where is Andy MacPhal?

The team president needs to speak to the fans. Some one needs to reassure the city, not piss them off as Klentak has done, with stupid, nerdy, geeky analytic remarks. MacPhal needs to let fans know he cares, he hears their concerns and shares their frustration, that changes will be made. MacPhal is the architect of this rebuilding process. Come out of your bunker, take responsibility for the poor season so far, and breathe some life and hope into a so-far dreary season.

2. Fire pitching coach Bob McClure.

 I get it that McClure hasn't thrown a pitch this season. But the young pitchers on this staff aren't getting any better. It will be interesting to see how Nick Pivetta pitches tonight in Atlanta. He has been called up yet again to join the rotation. He is 5-0 in Lehigh Valley this year, yet has struggled with the big club. Is it the major league hitters or the difference in pitching coaches? Does Pivetta have the mental make-up of a major league pitcher? To me, the Phils can do better than Bob McClure. They need a fresh positive perspective, especially with young kids making their way to Philadelphia.

3. Start to open roster spots.

You can't promote prospects unless there are openings on the big league roster. Begin to release (  Michael Saunders- what's the point?, trade ( Rupp, Hellickson, Kendricks, Joseph) and promote this summer. Give the fans something to watch. See who can play and who can't so you can build your team in the future.

Keep an eye on the future, but don't forget the present team. Does a Manny Machado want to come to a 100-loss squad after the 2018 season?  Give the potential free agents a reason to come to Philly.

Interesting note: The Phillies farm system has the potential MVP in the International League (Rhys Hoskins) and the Eastern League ( Scott Kingery). Hope is on the horizon. Now, the organization needs to do the right thing and promote Kingery to Lehigh Valley and bring Hoskins to Citizens Bank Park later this summer.

ON DECK-

Mark June 23 on the calendar as draft day for both the Sixers and Flyers. Now, there are rumors that the Lakers are backing away from selecting point guard Lonzo Ball with the overall no.2 pick. If he slides to the Sixers at 3, would they take him, despite all the baggage that goes with him? Would that mean they have given up their plan of playing Ben Simmons at point guard? Would the team trade down, maybe to Sacramento at 5, select a needed shooter such as Milik Monk, and get something else in return form the Kings?

As predicted here, it looks like both Golden State and the Pittsburgh Penguins will win world titles again. The {ens will have a tougher time with Nashville than the Warriors will have with Cleveland. It only foes to show how far the Sixers and Flyers have to go to even reach the finals, much less win championships.

Saturday, June 3, 2017

SPORTS QUIZ

The topic for today's sports quiz is BASKETBALL....



1. Who hit 206 of 215 free throws in 1980-81 for an NBA season record .958 accuracy mark?

2. What NBA team did Julius Erving join in 1972 before a court order forced his return to the ABA?

3. Who sat out 1980-81 in a contract dispute and became the NBA comeback player of the year the next season?

4. What NBA legend was born on December 7, 1956, in French Lick, Indiana?

5. What school won the first NCAA title, beating Ohio State 46-33?

6. Who was the only player to win NCAA and NBA scoring titles in the 19702?

7. What team posted a 14-68 record in 1982-83, one of the worst in NBA history?

8. What forward was named to the NBA's all-defensive first team for six consecutive seasons starting in 1968-68?

9. What former NBA star was the first coach of the ABA's San Diego Conquistadors?

10. What NBA team has retired the most jersey numbers?

10. What country captured five consecutive women's world championships from 1959 through 1975?





ANSWERS-

1. Calvin Murphy
2. Atlanta Hawks
3. Gus Williams
4. Larry Bird
5. Oregon
6. Pete Maravich
7. Houston Rockets
8. Dave DeBusschere
9. K.C. Jones
10. Boston Celtics

Friday, June 2, 2017

IN THE NEWS- PEDIATRICIANS PRESSED TO HELP FAMILIES OF KIDS WITH DISABILITIES

This from Disability Scoop..

Doctors are being urged to do more to collaborate with families of children with developmental disabilities as they face decisions about diagnosis, treatment and supports.

New guidance issued this week from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that physicians should employ a process known as shared decision-making when working with kids who have intellectual, physical or neurodebelopmental conditions.

:Often in the discussion of treatment plans, there are gaps between the child's/family's values, priorities and understanding of perceived 'best choices' and those of the clinician," reads the clinical report published in the June issue of the journal Pediatrics. "When conducted well, (shared decision-making) affords an appropriate balance incorporating voices of all stakeholders, ultimately supporting both the child/family and clinician."

The guidance encourages pediatricians to make sure that information is "exchanged in both directions," that everyone involved understands what treatment options are available and that each party's values and priorities are taken into account.

Doctors should regularly employ shared decision-making practices when helping families of children with disabilities make assessments about diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, care management and support services, according to the report, so that a framework is in place if more significant or critical situations arise.

Children ought to be involved in discussions about their care in a manner that's appropriate for their developmental level, the pediatricians group said.

"With increasing knowledge of and functional use of ) shared decision-making) skills, the clinician will become an effective partner in the decision-making process with families, providing family-centered care," the guidance states. "The outcome of the process will support the beneficence of the physician, the authority of the family and the autonomy and well-being of the child.

SPORTS QUIZ

Another great sports quiz! This time the topic is: Sports Nicknames.




1.What did former NHL goaltender Lorne Worsley answer to?

2. What was the name of the New Jersey entry in the Women's Professional Basketball League?

3.  What was the nickname of the ABA's Miami entry?

4. What major league righthander was dubbed The Dominican Dandy?

5. What's the nickname of the DePaul basketball team?

6. Who was the Houston Astros' Toy Cannon?

7. What baseball stadium was known as The Launching Pad?

8. What school's 1982-83 basketball team was dubbed The Phi Slama Jama Fraternity?

9. Who was called The Greatest Cub Ever?

10. What legendary baseball righthander out of St. Paul, Nebraska, was known as Old Pete?









ANSWERS-

1. Gump
2. Gems
3. Floridians
4. Juan Marichal
5. Blue Demons
6. Jimmy Wynn
7. Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
8. Houston
9. Ernie Banks
10. Grover Cleveland Alexander

Thursday, June 1, 2017

SPORTS QUIZ

 A new, regular feature on Wheeling Around Phoenixville will be a Sports Quiz ( along with the normal Baseball Quiz)... Enjoy!

This time, the theme of the quiz is sports NUMBERS:


1. How many home runs did Mickey Mantle hit the season Roger Maris belted 61?

2. How many World Series home runs did Willie Mays hit?

3. What number did Boston Celtics guard Bob Cousy wear in his NBA glory days?

4. How many different major league clubs did Casey Stengel manage in his career?

5. What's a perfect score in ski jumping?

6. How many of the first 17 Super Bowls pitted two teams making their first appearance?

7. How many pro seasons saw basketball star Rick Barry average 30 or more points a game?

8. How many ABA teams did the NBA absorb at their merger?

9. What's the most goals Gordie Howe scored in a single NHL regular season- 49, 52 or 55?

10. How many rounds did George Chuvalo go against Cassius Clay ( later Muhammad Ali) in their 1966 bout?





ANSWERS

1. 54
2. 0
3. 14
4. 4
5. 20
6. 3
7. 4
8. 4
9. 49
10. 15

AFTER OUTRAGE, ED DEPARTMENT UNVEILS NEW IDEA SITE

From Disability Scoop..

Three months after a key government special education website crashed, federal officials are introducing a revamped online presence.

The U.S. Department of Education launched a new website recently dedicated to housing information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The updated resource, which is based on feedback from parents, educators, disability advocates and other stakeholders, offers a design that's more consistent with the rest of the Education department's branding. The site features better search capabilities, enhanced accessibility and more content, the agency said.

"It is incumbent upon the government to provide accessible and accurate information to our citizens. That's why one of my first actions as secretary was to direct the department to fix and revitalize it's woefully outdated IDEA site so that parents, educators and service providers could readily access the resources they need," said Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

The moves comes after the first weeks of DeVos' tenure were marred by concerns from special education advocates when idea.ed.gov went dark.

Education Department officials said that technical problems were to blame for outages that plagued the site for weeks before it was restored in late February. They indicated that the site had been neglected for years and included outdated information leading DeVos to order that a new platform be developed.

The old site at idea.ed.gov is expected to remain live for some time while the agency continues to collect feedback on the updated version.

"The department will continue to improve upon the new site by seeking and incorporating feedback from IDEA stakeholders in the coming months," DeVos said. "We are committed to ensuring all students with disabilities and their families have the supports and services guaranteed under the IDEA."

PHILLY SPORTS CORNER

The latest in Philly sports gossip..

PHILLIES-

GM Matt Klentak spoke before yesterday's game ( another terrible loss to Miami) and came off-again- sounding like a geeky, nerdy know-it-all jerk. He has no clue and doesn't know how to dig out of a bad situation.

Again, despite the Phillies 6-22 record in May- their worst May since 1928- despite the fact that the team is the worst in baseball, 14 games out of first place- Lentak still believes the organization should not take the "quick fix" of promoting prospects from Lehigh Valley. He almost sounds like he wants to tank the entire season ( ala the Sixers) to get the no. 1 pick in the MLB draft next summer.

He talks about "exit velocity"  and "launch angle"and other stupid analytical terms that most Philly fans don't understand or don't care about. He doesn't want the struggling  Franco go to triple A  to hopefully straighten out his swing and his head. He states the organization needs to have confidence in Franco- even though it's clear that Franco no longer has confidence in himself.

And where is Andy MacPhal or John Middleton during this mess? They give the fans no reassurance and no hope by laying low and allowing Klentak to frustrated and anger the fans while making a fool of himself.

Meanwhile Manager Pete Mackanin looks and sounds defeated, hung out to dry with a lifeless squad that has little talent and is underachieving in every aspect of the game. His wish of playing .500 for the season seems like a dream. Currently, this awful Phillies team is on a pace to lose 109 games or more.

We all know of the Phillies' multiple problems. The debate continues about whether to bring up the kids or not. By not promoting the prospects it gives the impression that the organization is scared they will fail ( typical losing mentality) and the sham front office will be revealed as not being able to evaluate talent.

The three most obvious things that need to happen right away are:

1. Andy MacPhal needs to step up and have a news conference. He needs to show the fans he cares. He needs to let it be known this ridiculous losing won't be tolerated and heads will roll if improvement isn't shown soon. He needs to reassure the city. He needs to climb out of his foxhole and over-rule Boy Genius Klentak and make some changes.

We would find out if MacPhal is making these decisions or allowing Klentak to be in charge, while overseeing this disaster? Who can the fans blame? Someone needs to take responsibility and accept the consequences.

2. Fire Bob McClure. The pitching coach needs to go because none of the pitchers are getting any better. The young pitchers looks and sound "clueless and confused".They seem to pitch better in Lehigh Valley, Look at Pavetta, Thompson, Eflin, all of whom pitch well in the minors, but in Philadelphia, under the watchful eye of McClure, proceed to stick.

McClure was average the past few years with the Phillies, and got fired from Boston and Kansas City. Shaking up the staff would send a message and be a welcome,refreshing change for the young players.

3. Start making trades. Before you can bring up the kids you need to open roster spots. So Klentak needs to start releasing players ( Michael Saunders) and making deals ( Hellickson, Rupp, Kendrick, among others). This clears the way for the prospects to get their feet wet this summer in Philly, gives the fans something to watch, and starts to clean up the toxic environment that now suffocates the current Phils.

I'm sure trades will be made in July. Until then, the fans deserve better than to suffer as they are through a potentially historic season of losing.

By the way, Klentak's one lone major trade- sending closer Ken Giles to Houston for Vince Valasquez, among others, now looks like a disaster. Valasquez hurt his elbow and is heading to the disabled list. Giles is pitching great for the Astros, who own the best record in baseball. Gile sis still young. The Phillies bullpen is still average. I wasn't opposed to trading a luxery like a lights-out closer for prospects, but it seems like Klentak didn't get the right prospects.

Ask yourself- Klentak has been on the job for a  1 1/2 years. What has he done to save his job, other than turn a bad team into an even worse team?

EAGLES-

Fletcher Cox finally got his ass into OTAs this week. He had some lame excuse about spending time with his family, even though he had four months to hang out with them.

What was he trying to prove? While he was on vacation with his family, other Eagles were in camp and sweating it out. True, the camp is voluntary but what does it say for Cox as a leader?

He mentioned that last season he made the Pro Bowl, despite having a lackluster season. Going to the Pro Bowl is more of a popularity contest anymore. No matter how Cox tries to spin it he wasn't as effective in last year.

By September no one will care about events in June. But Cox better step it up and have earn his money.