Game 65: Flyers at Islanders

I've been sick lately, so that's why there haven't been many updates. Obviously, there's some big news going on in Philadelphia sports that I'll try and get to tomorrow.

Philadelphia Flyers: 32-25-7, 71 points
New York Islanders: 31-27-7, 69 points

Martin Biron v. Rick DiPietro (I honestly don't know, but I'm not sure what else you could assume)

The Flyers begin a two day trip to New York tomorrow afternoon, when they take on the Islanders on Long Island. Fresh off a win against Ottawa last night, they'll try to further secure better playoff position in the crowded Eastern Conference. The Islanders are in the hunt too; they're just two points behind the Flyers and the 8 seed in the playoffs.

I expect Martin Biron to get another start. He played well against Ottawa and he might be finding a rhythm in net again. Ride the hot hand.

The Flyers are 3-1-0 in four meetings against New York this year. The most recent meeting, a 4-3 Islanders win, happened in the middle of that wretched losing streak. That was the Islanders first home win of 2008, and they were generally in control of the game the whole time. Despite the fact that Philadelphia has been ahead of New York for most of the year, all of their meetings have been close, with no game being decided by more than two goals.

They'll be excited to turn a page on their calendars after the month of February saw them go just 4-8-2 and fall out of the picture of elite teams. They got banged up and played bad hockey. After a couple moves and hopefully some more injured players coming back, things should start to come together again. Modry could be back as soon as tomorrow or Sunday, which means Kukkonen could be forced out of the lineup again. We have so much depth on the blue line, but really only a couple of high end guys.

Bill Meltzer will have scratches and lineup notes tomorrow, probably closer than 16 hours until gametime. I'm going up to New York for the game and have to leave very early. That's why this is up so soon.

Game 64: Senators at Flyers

Ottawa Senators: 36-22-6, 78 points
Philadelphia Flyers: 31-25-7, 71 points

Ray Emery v. Martin Biron (not positive on him)

After Monday's miraculous shootout win against Buffalo, the Flyers will try to build their first winning streak for the first time in a while against Ottawa at the Wachovia Center. Both of these teams are struggling now. Ottawa's dream of going wire to wire as the top team in the East has been dashed, as the New Jersey Devils have passed them in the standings. The Flyers are also fighting for playoff position, one month after being one of the hottest teams in the league.

You have to figure Martin Biron will get another start tonight. After a terrible first 15 minutes against the Sabres, Biron made a huge turnaround and kept the Flyers in the game. Maybe he's getting hot again.

Both of these teams will be dealing with some changes tonight, Ottawa's being the most drastic. This will be their first game since firing coach John Paddock, as GM Bryan Murray takes over behind the bench. The team is upset that the Sens didn't keep up their great pace and are slumping at the worst time. The goalie switching has been ridiculous, but if no one gets hot, what's the guy supposed to do?

Vinny Prospal will make his re-debut tonight. Bill Meltzer says he'll be playing on Briere's line, and I agree with his defensive concerns. The Flyers are hoping that their bolstered lineup will help them regain some momentum and keep them afloat until guys like Lupul, Richards and Hatcher get back. The Flyers managed to hang with the Senators until losing to them in a shootout last meeting, despite the Flyers being in a huge tailspin at the time.

The scratches are listed in the link a few lines up.

Jesse Boulerice
Stefan Ruzicka
Jaroslav Modry
Dennis Tolpeko
Mike Richards
Joffrey Lupul
Simon Gagne
Derian Hatcher
Mike Rathje

It Did Not Begin

The game was postponed, but I seriously doubt they'll bother making this one up. The PA announcer said they still expect to take on Cincinnati tomorrow to kick off the real start of the exhibition season.

I'm not sure how this will affect the pitching schedules yet.

It Begins

The Phillies start the Spring Training schedule tonight, with an exhibition game before the real exhibitions start. Joe Savery will get the ball for at least the first couple innings against Florida State, who is actually one of the better teams in the college landscape. The Mets nearly lost to Michigan earlier, so hopefully the Phillies can blow the Seminoles out of the water again. Before I talk about the game even more, I want to detail the hitters in camp like I did with the pitchers and catchers.

25- On last year's 25 man roster before they expanded in September.
40- On 40 man roster
NRI- Non Roster Invitee
FA- Free Agent Signing
T- Trade acquisition
R5- Rule 5 draft selection

Infielders
Eric Bruntlett, 40T- He's the other guy in the Brad Lidge trade, and I'd imagine he'll play the Abraham Nunez role this season. He should be a little better at the plate than Nunez, but it's scary how his SLG% has dropped significantly each of the last four years. He can play every position, but defensively, he's not as good as Abe. 9/10

Mike Cervenak, NRIFA- Honestly, I'm not sure what this guy brings. He hasn't hit particularly well for a couple years, so maybe he plays good defense? Either way, since it seems he can only play 1B and 3B, I don't like his chances. 0/10

Greg Dobbs, 25- He was the hero of last year's camp, and now he has a bit more job security. With the acquisition of Pedro Feliz, it remains unclear what his role will be this year. Even if he doesn't start a lot, he can still make great contributions off the bench. 9/10

Jason Donald, NRI- Donald had a breakout 2007 campaign in the minors, where he had a great showing with the bat in addition to his highly regarded defense. One problem moving forward is his position. He's blocked at 2B and SS, so can he play 3B? The outfield? He's a pretty polished guy and could continue ascending through the system quickly. 0/10

Pedro Feliz, 40FA- Feliz was a bit of a late addition, but one that made a lot of Phillies fans happy. Defensively, he might be the best 3B in the league. Offensively, as I reviewed the week he was signed, it's a different story. 10/10

Brad Harman, 40- Harman was just added to the 40 man roster this offseason, likely as Rule 5 draft protection. He boosted his stock with a solid 2007, but he has to prove that the improvement wasn't a fluke. 0/10

Wes Helms, 25- Helms was a bit of a disappointment last year. A lot of people were counting on him to add some punch to the bottom of the lineup, but he couldn't deliver. With Feliz and Bruntlett added in the offseason, Helms could be on the move. 4/10

Ryan Howard, 25- The slugger should be happy with the salary debate behind him, and he looks like he's in great shape. Can he improve his defense and eliminate the mental block throwing to second base? That's the only question about him; there's no reason to worry about the stick. 10/10

Brennan King, NRI- Brennan King is back for his umpteenth straight year of big league camp. He gets a lot of time on the field when the regulars have already hit the showers, and he's one of the nicest guys in the game. Maybe he'll get a shot someday. 0/10

Ray Olmedo, 40FA- He wasn't technically a free agent, but he was picked up on waivers today nonetheless. He has a great glove, but he can't hit. Defense is obviously important, but if you're as bad at the plate as Olmedo is, it's tough to justify keeping him on the roster. 1/10

Valentino Pascucci, NRIFA- Random fact: Pascucci was a World Baseball Classic participant for team Italy. Unfortunately, they don't exactly have a rich baseball tradition. He's listed as a 1B, but he's played a little OF in his career. He's been a very good minor league hitter, but he didn't impress in his brief big league stint with Montreal, yes, the Expos, back in 2004. 0/10

Jimmy Rollins, 25- The reigning MVP still has doubters to prove wrong, but it's going to be tough to top 2007. Hopefully, he can continue to progress even more as a hitter and leader and get this team back to the playoffs. 10/10

Casey Smith, NRIFA- I don't know much about him, but judging from his minor league numbers, Smith has to have a great glove. He can play all around the infield, but has not seen any success at the plate. 0/10

Andy Tracy, NRIFA- Here's another 1B/3B hybrid guy. Tracy too did not play well in his brief time with the big clubs, but he's always hit well in the minors. He's pretty old, and I don't see him sticking. 0/10

Chase Utley, 25- Can he make it three MVP's in a row? He might've won it last year if he didn't get hurt. Utley is a franchise player who really has no weak points in his game. He improved his defense tremendously, and he could even win a Gold Glove or two, in addition to the accolades with his bat, by the time his career is over. 10/10

Outfielders:
T.J. Bohn, 40- He was a late season pickup who really didn't see any action with the Phillies organization. I'm pretty sure Pat Gillick was the one who originally drafted him, and that's why he found his way onto the 40 man last year. He doesn't do anything particularly well, so I'd imagine he'll be designated for assignment at some point this year. 1/10

Pat Burrell, 25- In his contract year, Pat Burrell looks to become a little more consistent. His 2007 was almost a tale of two seasons, but when everything was said and done, he had a solid year. We all know he can't run and needs a defensive substitution, but he has some power and a good eye. 10/10

Greg Golson, NRI- The highly talented, highly puzzling Golson will be in his first big league camp. He has all the tools to be a great player, but his game still needs to be refined. Hopefully, working with guys like Manuel and the major league staff will help him adjust his approach at the plate, reduce his strikeouts and make more contact. 0/10

Geoff Jenkins, 40FA- Geoff Jenkins is the replacement for Aaron Rowand in the lineup. He's expected to platoon with Jayson Werth in RF, and those two have a good chance of matching the numbers Rowand put up last season. He also doesn't kill you in the field, which is nice. 10/10

Chris Snelling, 40T- Snelling was acquired for the ever popular cash considerations, and he's a sleeper to make the roster. He's been troubled by injuries over the years, but he's been a pretty decent hitter in his career. Gillick originally signed him as an amateur, so that's probably why we picked him up. 4/10

So Taguchi, 40FA- Taguchi was signed with the expectation of becoming the 5th OF, but I don't think it's as much of a lock as a lot of people do. I think Snelling has more potential, but there's also more risk with his injuries. Taguchi is alright; he's average at the plate, pretty good on the bases and pretty good in the field. That's what you get from a 5th OF. 7/10

Shane Victorino, 25- Victorino will finally make the transition into CF to replace the departed Aaron Rowand. He was a huge asset in RF last year, because of his strong arm and great range. His range will be more tested now since he has to naturally cover more ground in center, in addition to compensating for Pat Burrell. 10/10

Brandon Watson, NRIFA- Brandon Watson had a great hitting streak in the minors last year, and that's his calling card. He's been up in the majors in brief stints with very little success. He's a good minor league player, but he's just one of many who could never take his game to the next level. 1/10

Jayson Werth, 25- After a slow start to 2007, Werth came back from a wrist injury and proved to be an asset off the bench and as a starter. He got hot late in the season, and with the leg injury to Shane Victorino, showed why so many people thought so highly of him as a prospect. This year, he'll see a lot of time in the field from the start in a platoon with Jenkins. 10/10

So that's it. Those are the 2008 Spring Training Phillies. John Ennis was apparently DFA'd. Tonight, their season kicks off against the Seminoles. I expect the regulars to get some cuts in, Savery to pitch a couple innings, and then let the other guys take over. The game will be broadcast here.

However, a late report from Florida says that the tarp is on the field and they're dealing with some rain. The game may be off.

If the game does take place, Scott Lauber has your lineup. Unfortunately, I can't find an actual link.

Rollins SS
Victorino CF
Utley 2B
Howard 1B
Burrell LF
Jenkins RF
Feliz 3B
Helms DH
Ruiz C

Prospal Comes Full Circle

The Flyers have traded for Vinny Prospal.

In 1993, he was a 3rd round pick by the Flyers. In the 1996-97 season, he made his debut for the team, but two years later, he was traded for Ottawa. 10 years later after a couple of stops in the Sunshine State, he's back.

Philadelphia sent D prospect Alexandre Captain Picard and a conditional 2009 draft pick to Tampa for Prospal after their victory against Buffalo. Prospal has 29 goals and 57 points in 62 points this season, playing on a line with Vinny Lecavlier and Martin St. Louis. He was a bit of a late bloomer, and now that he's become a pretty good player, the Flyers are hoping he can provide a spark playing with Danny Briere and get this team to the playoffs.

Picard could become a good puck mover, and all things considered last year, he did a good job for the Flyers. He wasn't ready to play, but he showed a little promise. However, he wasn't good enough to be deemed untouchable, and he was moved for Prospal, who will likely just be a rental player.

Ten Million Dollar Man

Cha-tatatatatata! Cha-tatatatatata! Cha-tatatatatata! Cha-tatatatatata!

The 10 million dollar man is Ryan Howard, obviously, who won his arbitration hearing last week. This ties the record for arbitration awards, but the guys he tied with were in their last year of eligibility. The Phillies' offer of 7 million would've tied the arbitration record for first year players.

I'm surprised the Phillies didn't win this one. Not because they've historically been the best team in the league in these cases, but I didn't think the arbitrators would give Howard the record like that. 7 million was the previous first year record, and I thought it would be fair to give that to Howard. No way would they let him shatter the record, right? Dead wrong.

What this ruling basically means is Howard is the best player to ever go to arbitration. This system has been in place for a while, and that's really important. If he doesn't sign a long term deal before next February, which I don't think he will, the Phillies are going to go through all of this again. Who knows how it'll turn out? He already tied one record, and there's no precedent for what comes next.

As I mentioned, I don't think he'll sign an extension. Unless Howard's not very confident in his ability to stay in shape and produce and needs to opt for long term security, why would he? He has the Phillies backed in a corner, and for the next three years, he owns them, with MLB's support. If he won arbitration in his first year with an offer that shattered the previous first year record, how can he not win the next three? It's going to be tough for the Phillies. Howard and Casey Close see big bucks in his future. He wants a giant deal, and I'm not sure if the Phillies can accommodate him.

Either way, he's a franchise player, and hopefully he's here for a while. I'm not concerned about his weight or his defense as much as a lot of people, and I hope he can be productive well into his 30's. He could be a Philadelphia legend when it's all said and done, and I think he'll be able to deliver.

The Foot Is Back

Peter Forsberg has agreed to come back with... Colorado?

Peter obviously has a lot of loyalty to that organization, but the decision is disappointing nonetheless. The Flyers are closer to the playoffs than Colorado, and if he were on this team, I think they would be a better shot to win the Cup than the Avalanche.

I'm surprised he's actually coming back, and I'm surprised it's not with the Flyers.

Game 63: Flyers at Sabres

Philadelphia Flyers: 30-25-7, 67 points
Buffalo Sabres: 30-24-8, 68 points

Martin Biron v. Ryan Miller

Now that the losing streak has reached 10 games, the Flyers will try to end it against another team who has had a 10 game losing streak this year. Right now, Buffalo is 6-3-1 in their last 10, so they're playing pretty good hockey at the moment. The Flyers have to do something, anything to get out of this slump. The season is on the line, and there isn't much time left to right-size this ship.

However, as just about every Flyers fan knows, playing Buffalo has been quite problematic in recent years. Since the lockout, the Flyers are only 4-9-3 against the Sabres, including that embarrassing playoff series from two seasons ago. Most of us would like to forget that one, in which the Sabres raced in out, around over and under the Flyers, piling up multiple goals in every game. The Buffalo system just matches up well against the Flyers, and it seems that whoever is in the lineup, they'll have an answer.

This game has pretty big playoff implications. At the moment, Buffalo is the 8 seed and the Flyers are the 9 seed. If the Flyers win, they'll knock Buffalo out and be back in the playoff picture. If the Sabres win, they build a bigger gap between the playoff and non playoff teams, and pull even with Boston for the 7 seed, despite the B's having a game in hand. It's hard to believe that even with all of this losing and things spiraling out of control, you could wake up tomorrow and the Flyers would be the #8 seed. Mark Eckel guarantees it.

Bill Meltzer has the lineup notes. Downie could play tonight, and that would bring a little boost to the sagging offense. I'd imagine Ruzicka won't be scratched if Downie can't go.

It's tough to be confident against Buffalo, a team that has completely destroyed the Flyers in recent years, but the losing has to end sometime, right?

Richards Out 3, Probably More Weeks

According to the first article that came up on Google News Search. This is a serious problem for the Flyers. He's their leading scorer, a leader on and off the ice and he might be the best player on the team.

They've dealt with some injuries before, but this might be the worst yet. Combined with the heartbreaking loss against Florida, and I'm not sure this team has it in them anymore. This is a tough way to come down the stretch after playing so well for so long.

Lidge Out 3-6 Weeks

You can't make this up. Mike Radano has more. New closer Brad Lidge will miss 3-6 weeks. Basically it's some problem that's different from what he had before but still in the same knee.

Where does this leave the Phillies? Ideally, Lidge gets back before the season, but I don't think it's necessary to rush him back. Tom Gordon can definitely hold up as closer for a little bit, and hopefully Lidge's knee gets right and it won't be a problem again.