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Career shutouts for Cliff Lee after 3-0 win over Marlins on Wednesday

Ruben Amaro Jr. couldn’t have liked what he saw in Atlanta the weekend before the non-waiver trade deadline, and soon after began wheeling and dealing with an eye toward 2013 and beyond.

We take a look at who was traded, what they fetched and what we think of the trades that were made, as well as some that weren’t.

All of the local Football Championship Series (FCS) and Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football programs have something to prove. Temple and head coach Steve Addazio (pictured) want to prove their success will come with them to the Big East. Villanova, the Owls’ opponent in Friday’s Mayor’s Cup, wants to prove that last season’s 2-9 mark was an aberration. Delaware and Penn both want to return to title contention after, by their standards, sub-par seasons. Penn State has so much to prove — on so many levels — under first-year head coach Bill O’Brien as it tries to put 10 months of turmoil behind it.

After pointing out last week what seems to now be obvious – that the NL East being a close race is a myth – Ron Opher now asks whether the Phillies’ 2012 season is already over.

Archive for the ‘Top 10’ Category

Top 10 list

Posted by Ron Opher On April - 17 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS

With the Eagles selecting Lane Johnson with the 4th pick in the NFL Draft, we decided to pick the 10 best and 10 worst Eagles first-round draft choices of the past 40 years. This means some draft gems selected after the first round (i.e. Brian Dawkins, Brian Westbrook) won’t be included. It also means running back Leroy Keyes (3rd overall, 1969) will not be included. Not only was Keyes not worthy of being the No. 3 pick in the draft, but the Steelers took legendary defensive tackle Mean Joe Greene with the fourth selection.

When making our list, we took into account the player’s career, where he was selected and who was left on the board when the Eagles drafted.

Let’s just say it was a lot easier to come up with 10 bad first-round picks than it was to find 10 good first-round picks.

Here are the Eagles’ 10 worst first-round draft picks of the last 40 years:

10. (tie) Brandon Graham, DE, 13th overall (2010) and Danny Watkins, G, 23rd overall (2011)

Maybe it’s too early to call Watkins or Graham a bust. Then again, maybe it’s not. The Eagles traded up to select Graham,sending their first-round pick (24th overall) and two 3rd-round picks to Denver for the 13th pick. The first-round pick, which was subsequently traded to Dallas, was used to select WR Dez Bryant. One of those third-round picks turned out to be WR Eric Decker. After the Eagles took Graham at No. 13, the Seahawks selected safety Earl Thomas at No. 14 and, even worse, the Giants selected DE Jason Pierre-Paul at No. 15.

Watkins is a great story – a fireman who used to play hockey – but he’s been a disappointment on the field. He lost his starting position in 2012. The Seahawks take OT James Carpenter at No. 25, Bears take OT Gabe Carimi at No. 29,Raiders take center/guard Stefen Wisniewski at No. 48. 49ers select QB Colin Kaepernick with 36th pick.

9. Freddie Mitchell, WR, 25th overall (2001)

Aside from fourth-and-26 against the Packers, “FrederalExpress” didn’t deliver. He caught 5 TDs during his Eagles career. With the 30th pick, the Colts selected WR Reggie Wayne. Bengals select WR Chad Johnson at No. 36.

8. Antone Davis, OT, 8th overall (1991)

Davis played in the NFL for seven years, including five with the Eagles. But he didn’t perform anything like a Top 10 pick. To make matters worse, the Eagles traded up to get him, giving up 19th pick in 1991 and 1st-round pick in 1992. Packers traded that1992 pick (No. 17 overall) to Falcons for Brett Favre, who was drafted 33rd in 1991. Davis was really good at losing weight after his Eagles career, however, as featured in the reality TV show “The Biggest Loser.”

7. Jon Harris, DE, 25th overall (1997)

Everyone else had Harris as a mid-round draft pick. The Eagles selected him in the first round. Everyone else was right. Harris finished his 2-year Eagles career with two sacks. Bills take DE Marcellus Wiley at No. 52.

6. Mike Mamula, DE, 7th overall (1995)

Mamula wasn’t terrible, but he never came close to living up to being the 7th pick in the draft during his five-year career. DT Warren Sapp goes to Bucs at No. 12. DE Hugh Douglass to Jets at No. 16.

5. Lester Holmes, guard , No. 19, and Leonard Renfro, DT, No. 24 (1993)

We combine Holmes and Renfro into one awful hour in Eagles history. They were the lowlights of a disastrous draft for the Eagles. Holmes only lasted 46 games. Renfro did not register a sack during his 23-game career. 49ers select Dana Stubblefield, the 1993 Defensive Rookie of the Year and future Defensive Player of Year, with the 26th overall pick.

4. Michael Haddix, FB, 8th overall (1983)

Haddix never rushed for more than 280 yards in a season, although he was a serviceable fullback. Houston selectsoffensive lineman/guard Bruce Matthews with ninth pick. Bills take QB Jim Kelly at No. 14. Dolphins take Dan Marino at No. 27. Redskins take CB Darrell Green No 28. All four of those players were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

3. Kenny Jackson, WR, 4th overall (1984)

Jackson caught 1 TD each of first 2 seasons, with 40 receptions in his second year being his career high. Jackson had 30 receptions and 6 TDs in his third year. He finished 8-year career, almost all with Eagles, with 126 receptions, 11 TDs. Bears take LB Wilber Marshall No. 11. Even when taking into account Jackson’s good special teams play and catering ability for team lunches on practice days, he still was the third worst pick on our Top 10 list.

2. Jerome McDougle, DE, 15th overall (2003)

The Eagles traded the 30th pick and 63rd pick to move up to get McDougle. He finished his four-year NFL career (3 with the Eagles) with 3 sacks. Not only did the Eagles trade up, but there were numerous quality players available. Steelers select safetyTroy Polamalu with No. 16 pick. Tight end Dallas Clark goes to Colts at No. 24. Running back Larry Johnson to Chiefs at No. 27. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to Raiders at No. 31.

1. Kevin Allen, OT, 9th overall (1985)

After an undistinguished and short tenure, Allen was released in October of 1986, shortly before he was arrested for rape (he spent three years in prison). Chargers select three-time All-Pro offensive tackle Jim Lachey at No. 12. 49ers take Jerry Rice at No. 16.

Here are the Eagles’ 10 best first-round draft picks of the last 40 years:

10. Jerry Robinson, LB, No. 21 overall (1979)

Robinson still stands as the most recent linebacker the Eagles selected in the first round, but it’s not because they were burned with this pick. He was productive for 13 seasons; six seasons with the Eagles and seven with the Raiders. Robinson made the Pro Bowl in 1981.

9. Roynell Young, DB, No. 23 overall (1980)

Young had a 9-year NFL career, all with the Eagles. He made the Pro Bowl in 1981. Young had 23 career interceptions, 4 in each of first 3 years.

8. Keith Jackson, TE, No. 13 overall (1988)

Jackson was a terrific tight end, catching 81 passes as a rookie and being named first-team All-Pro three times.

7. Charlie Young, TE, 6th overall (1973)

Young made the Pro Bowl and was named first-team All-Pro after his rookie season, when he caught 55 passes for 854 yards, 6 TDs. Young went to the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. After his fourth season, the Eagles traded Young’s rights to the Rams for quarterback Ron Jaworski’s rights. Young played 9 more seasons in NFL, 3 each with Rams, 49ers and Seahawks.

6. Lito Sheppard, CB, No. 26 overall (2002)

The first pick in a strong draft that included safety Michael Lewis and cornerback Sheldon Brown in the second round and Brian Westbrook in the third round. Temple defensive end Raheem Brock was selected in the 7th round, but never signed with the Eagles.

5. Jerry Sisemore, OT, No. 3 overall (1973)

Sisemore started on the offensive line from his first day in the NFL to the last of his 12-year career, all of which was spent with the Eagles. He shifted to right guard for a few years before moving back to right tackle, where he twice made the Pro Bowl. Sisemore and Stan Walters gave the Eagles quality and stability on the offensive line for many years.

4. Tra Thomas, OT, No. 11 overall (1998)

The Eagles received 11 terrific years from Thomas, a 3-time Pro Bowler who provided stability at left tackle. Looking at the draft, there are no regrets even though Randy Moss drops to 21st (Vikings) and guard Alan Faneca goes 26th (Steelers)

3. Jerome Brown, DT, No. 9 overall (1987)

A dominating defensive tackle who was named first-team All-Pro twice before his career was tragically cut short by a fatal car accident. Steelers selected defensive back Rod Woodson No. 10.

2. Donovan McNabb, QB, No. 2 overall (1999)

There may be regrets that McNabb didn’t lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl, but he turned out to be far better than the other quarterbacks in the heralded quarterback class of 1999. He was also a better choice than running back Ricky Williams, who had the vocal support of Mayor Ed Rendell and WIP’s Angelo Cataldi, leading to a torrent of boos by Eagles fans attending the draft when McNabb was selected. Other QBs: Tim Couch (No. 1, Browns), Akili Smith (No. 3, Bengals), Daunte Culpepper (No. 11, Vikings), Cade McNown (No. 12th, Bears); McNabb eclipsed all NFL stats of 1999 drafted quarterbacks, combined.

1. Mike Quick, WR, No. 20 overall (1982)

Quick gave the Eagles a stellar six seasons before knee injuries slowed him down during his final three years. Quick went to 5 Pro Bowls and was named to All-Pro first team twice. Quick finished his career, all with Eagles, with 363 receptions for 6,464 yards, 61 TDs. He averaged 17.8 yards per catch. Thank goodness the Buffalo Bills took Clemson’s Perry Tuttle, the receiver Eagles really wanted, at No. 19, paving the way for the less-touted ACC product Quick to make a name for himself from N.C. State to the NFL.

Worthy of note: The Eagles were so happy to trade away first round picks that they went FIVE straight years (1974-78) without making a first round selection. We will never know whether that was a missed opportunity to add to the “best” list or the “worst” list.


 

WrestleMania Top 29

Posted by Eric Fisher On April - 1 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS

For this week’s Top 10 List, PhillyPhanatics.com’s Eric Fisher updates his list of the top WrestleMania matches of all-time. Because Sunday marks the 29th WrestleMania, we’ve updated this list to include the top 29 WrestleMania matches of all-time.

For the second straight year, we have three contenders from the previous WrestleMania to add to this list. The obvious choice from WrestleMania XXVIII is the Hell in a Cell match between Undertaker and Triple H. This match had a terrific storyline, including Shawn Michaels, the special guest referee, intimating that he didn’t think his good friend Triple H could beat the Undertaker. There was fantastic drama in this match and a final end-of-an-era moment with all three competitors on the stage together after the match. Undertaker-Triple H joined the match between the same combatants at WrestleMania XXVII in our Top 10. Check the list to find out if it ranks above or below their previous WrestleMania encounter.

The main event of WrestleMania XXVIII was The Rock against John Cena. This match was a huge draw, but I only thought it was a decent match. If Rock and Cena weren’t involved, there’s no way it would rank among our top 29 WrestleMania matches. In fact, I don’t blame those who preferred C.M. Punk’s WWE Championship defense against Chris Jericho over the Rock-Cena match. I was basically left with the choice of putting both matches on the list or neither of them on the list. I chose to put neither match on the list.

Please keep in mind that this list is subjective. It could change from month to month, week to week or even day to day. There were a few minor changes since last year. Next year the Rock-Cena and Punk-Jericho matches might make our top 30 list.

With a blockbuster show lined up for Sunday at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey, this list could change again within days. With Rock and Cena having a rematch — this time with the WWE Championship on the line — Undertaker vs. C.M. Punk and Triple H battling Brock Lesnar on the card, WWE has to hope that there will be at least a couple new additions to this list next year.

In one man’s opinion, these are the top 29 WrestleMania matches of all-time:


(WrestleMania number and site in italics)

29. Chris Jericho vs. Christian (XXN.Y.) An undercard match that mixes terrific technical wrestling with wonderful story-telling

28. Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels (Mike Tyson is referee) (XIV, Boston) The build-up for this WWE Championship match, with tension between Austin and Tyson (and Vince McMahon), was fantastic. Michaels, who has been accused of using injuries as excuses to avoid losing titles in the ring, deserves credit for fighting through back problems that would sideline him for the next four years to put on this tremendous match.

27. Roddy Piper vs. Bret Hart (VIII, Indianapolis) A wonderful Intercontinental Championship match between friends, with Piper (now a good guy) fighting his bad-guy demons as well as fighting Hart

26. Hulk Hogan/Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper/Paul Orndorff (I, N.Y.) The match that launched the WrestleMania rocket ship. Without the success of this match, WrestleMania may have been a one-year venture.

25. Randy Savage vs. Ultimate Warrior (VIILos Angeles) A terrific “retirement” match with an emotional post-match surprise

24. Edge vs. Mick Foley (XXII, Chicago) Edge helps Foley attain his “WrestleMania moment” (below) with this fantastic hardcore match

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23. Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage (VIII, Indianapolis) The build-up to this WWF Championship match, with Flair implying he had a prior relationship with Savage’s girlfriend, Miss Elizabeth, was pure gold. Manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and executive assistant Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig added immensely to the story-telling, and Flair and Savage delivered in the ring.

22. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit (XVII, Houston) A match that sometimes gets overlooked because of the other great matches on the same card. A wrestling clinic.

21. Edge vs. Undertaker (XXIV, Orlando) An excellent match between two of the best. Undertaker improves his unblemished WrestleMania record to 16-0 and captured the World Heavyweight Championship.

20. The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan (XVIII, Toronto) The emotion in this match is absolutely incredible. The crowd makes this match, but Hogan and Rock deserve tons of credit for adjusting to the crowd’s reaction and turning this into a memorable match.

19. Money In the Bank Ladder Match (XXI, Los Angeles) This ranks at the top of the MITB WrestleMania matches because, as the first one, it was so innovative

18. Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior (VI, Toronto) An exciting face vs. face WWF Championship match in which Hogan passes the torch to the Warrior

17. The Rock vs. Steve Austin (XVII, Houston) A terrific WWF Championship match featuring a surprising ending. This is the best of the Austin-Rock WrestleMania encounters, all of which were very good.

16. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho (XIX, Seattle) An often-overlooked match because no title was on the line and it is on the same card as Angle vs. Lesnar and Steve Austin vs. The Rock (which turns out to be Austin’s final match)

15. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (XII, Anaheim) What do you do with two of the best wrestlers of all-time? Give them an hour to entertain the fans on your biggest show of the year. An excellent iron man match between two real-life rivals for the WWF Championship match.

14. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H (XXN.Y.As good a triple-threat match as you’ll ever see. This WWE Championship match may have ranked higher except the feel-good moment of seeing Benoit finally win the world title is spoiled by the knowledge that Benoit kills himself and his family a few years later.

13. Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair (XXIV, Orlando) Flair’s retirement match (left). An incredibly emotional match that might bring a tear to your eye.

12. Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar (XIX, Seattle) Two former NCAA wrestling champions battle it out in this tremendous WWE Championship match. Angle is an Olympic gold medalist. Lesnar later won the Ultimate Fighting heavyweight championship.

11. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (X, N.Y.) Michaels and Ramon brought ladder matches to the masses with this dramatic confrontation

10. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (X, N.Y.) The Hart brothers put on a wrestling clinic in the opening match of WrestleMania X. Perfect execution, with younger brother Owen pulling off the upset of Bret, who won the world title later that night.

9. Undertaker vs. Triple H (XXVII, Atlanta) The Undertaker takes a brutal beating from HHH, but still pulls out the victory to extend his WrestleMania winning streak to 19-0

8. Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant (IIIPontiacMich.) The match that arguably sold the most tickets in wrestling history. Not a technical masterpiece, but the magnitude of this WWF Championship match earns it a top-10 ranking.

7. Undertaker vs. Triple H (XXVIII, Miami) The Undertaker survives Hell in a Cell, extending his WrestleMania winning streak to 20-0. Shawn Michaels does a tremendous job as guest referee. Seriously.

6. TLC (XVII, Houston) Edge and Christian, Matt and Jeff Hardy, and D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley brought the house down with this innovative Tables, Ladders and Chairs match for the Tag Team Championship. (You thought TLC stood for Tender Loving Care?)

5. Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (XXVI, GlendaleAz.) Undertaker’s WrestleMania winning streak vs. Michaels’ career (Michaels loses and retires)

4. Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels (XXI, Los Angeles) A tremendous example of story-telling in the ring. An amazing match.

3. Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (XXV, Houston) An outstanding match featuring two of the all-time best. Fantastic series of big moves, near-falls toward the end.

2. Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat (IIIPontiacMich.) An all-time classic for the Intercontinental title that still holds up after all these years.

1. Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (XIII, Chicago) An outstanding brawl featuring a perfectly executed double heel/face (bad guy/good guy) turn. By the end of this match, the fans are vociferously booing Hart and wildly cheering for Austin. Hart and Austin use their actions to tell a story, which is what professional wrestling is all about.

Honorable mention: 20-man Battle Royal featuring NFL players (II, Chicago); the British Bulldogs vs. Greg Valentine/Brutus Beefcake (II, Chicago); Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Savage (V, Atlantic City); Shawn Michaels vs. Diesel (XI, Hartford); Triangle Ladder Match (XVI, Anaheim); Undertaker vs. HHH (XVII, Houston); Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle (XX, N.Y.); Randy Orton/Batista/Ric Flair vs. The Rock/Mick Foley (XX, N.Y.); Randy Orton vs. Undertaker (XXI, Los Angeles); John Cena vs. HHH (XXII, Chicago); Undertaker vs. Batista (XXIII, Pontiac, Mich.), Randy Orton-C.M Punk (XXVII, Atlanta), Rock vs. John Cena (XXVIII, Miami), C.M. Punk-Chris Jericho (XXVIII, Miami)

Andrew Bynum continues knee "rehab"