Trade to Japan seems likely after latest outing

Rich Dubee is no Jimmy Rollins. The pitching coach who proclaimed Kyle Kendrick to be the "front runner" for the 5th rotation spot needs some work on his Nostrodamus-like skills. In today's game against the Atlanta Braves, Kendrick was shelled - giving up 8 runs and 10 hits in 3 innings of work. Kyle's spring ERA has now ballooned to 14.29. Many Phillies coaches and personnel feel Kendrick needs to get his mental edge back to return to 2007 form. I, on the other hand, think its time to look at other options. 

"They hit the mistakes. They were just mistakes, really."

Kendrick is beginning to sound like another Phillies pitcher (Mr. Eaton) in the excuse making department. As much as I like Kyle, I think it's time for him to face the reality that he is just a mediocre pitcher and maybe 2007 was just a lil something I would like to call luck. 

Siyanara, Scottie!

One week ago from today, Scottie Upshall was traded from the Flyers to the Coyotes for Daniel Carcillo. Upshall, who wasn't living up to the "hype" for the Black and Orange, cleared up salary cap space. In return, we received a "tough guy" who leads the NHL in penalty minutes, yet one of the current concerns is to stay out of the box. Many blogs across Philadelphia have expressed uncertainty and confusion with this trade. I myself, have mixed feelings. Even though I don't see the logistics of this trade on the ice, I am glad that someone is happy to be in Philly. When traded to Philadelphia, Carcillo was quoted saying:

"They were my favorite team growing up, it's kind of a dream come true to put on the uniform."

Upshall, on the other hand, was disappointed, but optimistic about his trade. Despite being traded away from a Stanley Cup hopeful, Upshall will also miss the night life in Philadelphia. (Couldn't you tell by his teary eyes in the Comcast interview?) It is widely speculated that Scottie was considered the "Pat Burrell" of the Flyers - being spotted around town during the late hours of the weekend. He also was quite the ladies man. Slump Busters were able to speak to one NHL source who shared that Scottie and best friend Jordin TooToo (of the Nashville Predators) "could be filled with STD's" - while I am sure it is an exaggeration, it wouldn't surprise me. What I would do to be a pro athlete. Good luck, Scottie. Make sure you stop in Southern CA for a lil' action. 

Who doesn't love barbecued chicken?

Chris Bosh may hate the once beloved food. After Shaq, now known as Shaqtus, OWNED the Toronto Raptors Forward in a 133 - 113 Phoenix Suns win last week, some words between the two have been exchanged.

Angry at the officials for a lack of 3 - second lane violations called, Bosh claims the Big Shaqtus cheated in route to his 45 point night:

"He was just camping down in the lane. I mean, if they're not calling
three seconds -- I thought it was a rule, but I guess not."

After that same game, unaware of what Bosh had stated yet, Shaq gave yet another "Shaqtastic" response:

"I'm the only player who looks at each and every center (in
the NBA) and says to myself, 'That’s barbecued chicken down there.'"

Wait! There's more. In retaliation to Bosh's comment, Shaq gives this instant "Top 10 Shaq Comments":

"I heard what Chris Bosh said, and that's strong words coming from the RuPaul of big men. I'm going to do the same thing (in their next meeting) I did before - make him quit. Make 'em quit and complain. It's what I do."

The Suns and Raptors won't play again this season . . . unless they make the championship series. I'm guessing we'll just have to wait till next season to see a Shaq vs Bosh re-match.

This will all blow over by then, I'm sure. Still vintage Shaquille O'Neal.

Dawkins' loss feels as real as a death in the family . . .

Before a major purchase, most people tend to take a few days to mull things over. You contemplate important questions such as "Is this the right move for me?", "Will I regret this if I pull the trigger too quickly?", or maybe even "Who could I potentially hurt by doing this?" Okay, that last question might be a bit of a stretch when thinking about the situation at hand, but in the case of Brian Dawkins (B-Dawk) that last question should have applied moreso than any other question racing through his mind.

After 13 passionate seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles, Strong Safety Brian Dawkins parted ways with Philly by signing a deal worth 5 years and $17 million with $7.2 million guaranteed. Also, the deal has a termination clause after 2 years. If Dawkins is to be cut by the Broncos after his first 2 years there, Dawk would then be entitled to $1.8 million.

But to focus back on these questions which we should tend to ask ourselves before making such a big move, I question the fact if B-Dawk really gave this move the necessary amount of time to sink in before he threw down his John Hancock on that piece of paper.

I find myself wondering why and how the Philadelphia Eagles could let the heart and soul of the entire team and city, leave so quickly into the NFL free agency period. Even more so, how could B-Dawk ever sign with another team? I immediately started thinking of certain scenario's that could have prompted this seemingly rash decision.

My conclusion: The Eagles must have severely pissed off their most passionate player with a disrespectful offer to a seasoned veteran who still, after 13 seasons, still hits just as hard as mack truck (. . . at the very least).

Reportedly the Eagles offered Dawkins a 2 year contract but couldn't agree on the monetary figure. So, tell me, why didn't Dawkins wait things out like Ray Lewis is currently (and who is most likely going to end up back in Baltimore due to the Dallas Cowgirls signing of Keith Brooking and the NY Jets' signing of Bart Scott).

To say the least, Dawkins seems to experiencing "buyer's remorse". But then again, no one knows the full story yet. B-Dawk refuses to talk about the specifics of what happened between the Eagles organization and himself. But I think it is safe to say that this story has yet to completely unfold.

Despite all of the drama that engulfed the beginning of free agency this past weekend, the simple fact remains that Brian Dawkins won't be seen dawning a beautiful green on his uniform or an intimidating Eagle on his helmet that has caused many NFL players an extreme amount of pain.

Don't believe me? Ask any player in the NFC, or better yet, ask Alge Crumpler. I'm sure that smack down B-Dawk laid on him still floats in that dislodged brain of his.

Brian Dawkins will go down in the Eagles' history books as being the most revered player ever. His pure passion and emotion are what true Philadelphia fans show every time one of our major sports teams goes to battle. And for that, we will always love him.