SB Nation Philly: All Posts by Tim Blankhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48987/philly-fave.png2012-12-27T11:01:02-05:00https://philly.sbnation.com/authors/tim-blank/rss2012-12-27T11:01:02-05:002012-12-27T11:01:02-05:00Babin calls Eagles' management 'socialistic'
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<figcaption>Norm Hall</figcaption>
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<p>Former Philadelphia Eagles' defensive end Jason Babin recently criticized the Eagles' management on how they treated him while in Philadelphia.</p> <blockquote>
<p>"That was probably their approach because they don't have amicable splits with people," Babin said during a conference call with Tennessee reporters. "You saw how dirty they did [Washburn] with leaking out the false stories and the way they talked about him on the way out. It's kind of a big socialistic system that they have. I didn't really care."</p>
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<p>For the full story, <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20121227_Babin__Eagles_have_a__socialistic_system_.html">check out Philly.com</a>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philly-sports/2012/12/27/3807950/jason-babin-blasts-eagles-management-socialisticTim Blank2012-12-20T11:45:32-05:002012-12-20T11:45:32-05:00McCoy wants to play despite meaningless game
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<figcaption>Chris Graythen</figcaption>
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<p>Philly.com sports: Les Bowen looks at why Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is so adamant on playing in Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins, despite the team being eliminated from playoff contention.</p> <blockquote>
<p>Asked Wednesday why he would want to play now, with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> eliminated from postseason consideration, McCoy said: "Why would I want to play? Why wouldn't I want to play? They pay me to play this game. I love to play this game, so why wouldn't I play? What would that be, for me not to play?"</p>
<p>Theoretically, by starting as scheduled Sunday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>, McCoy could risk another concussion, or of course, any other kind of injury that might dim his 2013 prospects, trying to win a game many Eagles fans probably would just as soon lose, to enhance their draft position. But nobody in the locker room or on the presumably doomed coaching staff is thinking about that.</p>
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<p>For the complete story, <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20121220_Redskins_game_not_meaningless_for_McCoy__who_will_return.html">check out Philly.com</a>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/12/20/3788494/lesean-mccoy-wants-to-play-despite-meaningless-gameTim Blank2012-12-20T08:35:00-05:002012-12-20T08:35:00-05:0076ers losing streak extended to 5 games
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Philadelphia 76ers have seen things crash around them, losing five games in a row. What is their next chance to snap this streak?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> have struggled mightily as of late, dropping five games in a row including two games this week. On Tuesday, the Sixers lost to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a>, 107-100, followed by a loss on Wednesday to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>, 125-103.</p>
<p>In Tuesday's loss, the Sixers allowed Mavericks guard <span>O.J. Mayo</span> and center <span>Chris Kaman</span> to score 26 and 20 points respectively, where the only player to break 20 points for the Sixers was reserve forward <span>Dorell Wright</span> with 25. <span>Spencer Hawes</span> added 18 off the bench and forward <span>Evan Turner</span> poured in 17 points.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, the Sixers could not overcome 33 points by Rockets guard <span>James Harden</span>. Center <span>Omer Asik</span> scored 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the game. Four other Rockets players scored in double figures while the team shot 56 percent from the field including 11 three-pointers. The Sixers were paced by guard <span>Nick Young</span> with 21 points off the bench. Wright added 20 and <span>Thaddeus Young</span> scored 17.</p>
<p>The Sixers have a chance to snap their current losing streak on Friday night as they host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a>. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip off and the game will be broadcast on CSN Philadelphia and radio coverage will be provided by 97.5 The Fanatic. </p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/12/20/3787774/nba-scores-2012-philadelphia-76ers-losing-streakTim Blank2012-12-13T12:10:10-05:002012-12-13T12:10:10-05:00What are Eagles looking for in a new head coach?
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<p>From Philly.com: What could the Philadelphia Eagles possibly be looking in for a new head coach?</p> <blockquote>
<p>Wanted: Head coach for highly successful yet frustrated franchise. Candidate must be highly motivated and a background in offense is preferred but not mandatory. Candidate should be in his mid-40s and come from another NFL team.</p>
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<p>For more about what Ed Barkowitz thinks could be needed for a new coach of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20121212_What_the_Eagles_might_look_for_in_a_coach.html">check Philly.com</a>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philly-sports/2012/12/13/3763034/philadelphia-eagles-new-head-coachTim Blank2012-12-13T11:18:00-05:002012-12-13T11:18:00-05:0076ers fall to 4th in Atlantic
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<figcaption>Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Philadelphia 76ers fall to fourth place in the Atlantic Division after their Wednesday loss to the Chicago Bulls. Where does the entire division line up?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> are currently looking up at the top of the Atlantic Division, 4.5 games behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a> after their loss on Wednesday night to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a>. That puts them in fourth in the division only a half-game behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a>.</p>
<p>Both the Nets and the Celtics have identical 12-9 records and find themselves four games back of the division leading Knicks who play on TNT Thursday night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> at home. Bringing up the rear in the division is the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> who are 13 games back of the division lead thanks to a six-game losing streak.</p>
<p>The 76ers will try to make up some ground on Friday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> at Bankers Fieldhouse. Tip off on Friday is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be televised on Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia with radio coverage on 97.5 FM The Fanatic.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/12/13/3762742/nba-standings-2012-philadelphia-76ers-atlantic-divisionTim Blank2012-12-13T10:54:58-05:002012-12-13T10:54:58-05:0076ers fall to Bulls, 96-89
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<figcaption>Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The 76ers lost to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, but how did the rest of the Atlantic Division do?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia 76ers</a> dropped a 96-89 contest to the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a> at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday night. Guard <span>Jrue Holiday</span> scored 26 points to lead all the scorers in the game. Holiday also recorded nine assists. As for the Bulls Center Joakim Noah scored 21 points, grabbed seven rebounds and recorded five assists to help the Bulls win and keep the lead in the Central Division.</p>
<p>In the rest of the Atlantic Division, the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a> held on in overtime to defeat the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a>, 117-115 thanks to 34 points by forward <span>Paul Pierce</span>. Guard <span>Rajon Rondo</span> scored 16 points and recorded 15 assists. As for the Mavericks, guard <span>O.J. Mayo</span> lead the team with 24 points.</p>
<p>In a divisional game, the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a> defeated the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a>, 94-88 thanks to 23 points by guard <span>Joe Johnson</span>. Raptors forward <span>Ed Davis</span> led all scorers in the game with 24 points and 12 rebounds.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/12/13/3762648/nba-scores-2012-philadelphia-76ers-atlantic-divisionTim Blank2012-12-06T11:10:47-05:002012-12-06T11:10:47-05:00Phillies and Rangers discussing trade for Young
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Philadelphia Phillies are currently in talks with the Texas Rangers in regards to possibly landing infielder Michael Young.</p> <p>Major League Baseball's winter meetings are entering their final day and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Philadelphia Phillies</a> are currently talking with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> about a trade that would send infielder <span>Michael Young</span> to the Phillies. If the Phillies can make the deal, Young, along with <span>Kevin Frandsen</span> and <span>Freddy Galvis</span> could all be in the mix to play at third base.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/phillies-talk/Phils-in-serious-talks-for-Texas-3B-Youn?blockID=810577">CSNPhilly.com Phillies Insider Jim Salisbury</a> acknowledges that acquiring Young will come at a price:</p>
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<p>The first hurdle: Young, who has spent his entire 12-year career with Texas, has full no-trade rights and is deeply connected to the area. The second hurdle: He is signed for 2013 at $16 million, a high price for a 36-year-old player considered to be on the decline.</p>
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<p>Young's numbers declined sharply in 2012, batting only .277 with eight home runs and 67 RBIs with a .687 OPS (on base plus slugging percentage). The Phillies hope that they can get production similar to 2011 where he averaged .338 at the plate with 11 home runs, 106 RBIs and a .854 OPS.</p>
<p>Right now the Phillies are trying to buy a little more time to develop prospect Cody Asche, who played for Double-A Reading last season.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-phillies-offseason-news-rumors/2012/12/6/3735750/phillies-rangers-rumors-michael-young-2012Tim Blank2012-12-06T10:47:09-05:002012-12-06T10:47:09-05:00Creative solutions for centerfield search?
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<figcaption>Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Philadelphia Phillies may not be able to land centerfielder Michael Bourn. If they cannot do that, what are their options?</p> <p>After the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Braves</a> signed <span>B.J. Upton</span> and the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Nationals</a> traded for <span>Denard Span</span>, the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Phillies</a> are now looking for other solutions in their search for a centerfielder. While manager Charlie Manuel would like to go after <span>Michael Bourn</span>, sources say that the Phillies are a 'long shot' to land the player, according to <a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/phillies-talk/A-long-shot-for-Bourn-Phillies-have-to-b?blockID=810447&feedID=10994">CSNPhilly.com Phillies Insider Jim Salisbury</a>:</p>
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<p>"Not only does Bourn project to be very expensive - he figures to want more than the five years and $75 million that Upton got - but he doesn't fit the Phillies' need to add right-handed pop."</p>
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<p>So what are some options if the Phillies can't land Bourn? Some names that have been floated as possible players the Phillies could trade for include the <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Angels</a>' <span>Peter Bourjos</span> or <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rockies</a>' <span>Dexter Fowler</span>. There is also an interesting idea where the Phillies could sign <span>Ichiro Suzuki</span> to play center and then trade for <span>Josh Willingham</span> to play one of the corners.</p>
<p>General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. knows that there are several directions the Phillies could go this offseason:</p>
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<p>"We have to be creative. None of these players are without warts. No player is going to give us all the combinations that we want. We're going to have to be creative to get those combinations."</p>
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<p>The Winter Meetings are scheduled to end around noon on Thursday with the Rule 5 draft. The team hopes to be involved in the draft, but they could wind up losing minor league pitcher Juan Sosa in the draft.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/csn-philly/2012/12/6/3735620/mlb-winter-meetings-phillies-centerfieldTim Blank2012-12-06T08:57:48-05:002012-12-06T08:57:48-05:0076ers tied for 3rd in Atlantic Division
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<figcaption>Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Philadelphia 76ers are currently third place in the Atlantic Division, tied with the Boston Celtics. How does the rest of the division look after Wednesday's games?</p> <p>After Tuesday's loss to the <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>, the <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia 76ers</a> find themselves tied for third in the Atlantic Division with the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a> at 10-8. Both teams start a home-and-home series on Friday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>Both teams are looking up at the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a>, who are 13-4 after their buzzer-beating victory over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Charlotte Bobcats</a> on Wednesday, 100-98. The Knicks next travel to play the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a> at AmericanAirlines Arena on Thursday. Both the Sixers and the Celtics are 3.5 games behind the Knicks.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a> are second in the division after dropping their last two games, the same number of games that they are back of the Knicks. They have a chance to get back on track Friday as they host the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Golden State Warriors</a> at the Barclays Center.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a> bring up the rear in the division at 4-15, 10 games back of the Knicks after Wednesday's 107-100 loss to the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sacramento Kings</a>. Their next game will be on the road Friday against the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a> at the EnergySolutions Arena.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/12/6/3735254/nba-standings-2012-2013-philadelphia-76ers-atlantic-divisionTim Blank2012-12-06T08:36:41-05:002012-12-06T08:36:41-05:0076ers drop to 10-8 after loss to Timberwolves
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<figcaption>Howard Smith-USA Today Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Philadelphia 76ers are now on a two-game losing streak after Tuesday's 105-88 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. When is their next game?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia 76ers</a> dropped their second game in a row on Tuesday as they lost to the <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>, 105-88. The loss dropped the Sixers to 10-8 on the season and 6-5 in games played at home.</p>
<p>The Sixers defense allowed reserve guard <span>Alexey Shved</span> to lead the Wolves in scoring with 17 points and four assists. Starting forward <span>Josh Howard</span> scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to help the Wolves earn a seven rebound advantage in the game over the Sixers.</p>
<p>For the Sixers, four players scored in double figures, led by forward <span>Evan Turner</span> with 19 points. Unfortunately, Turner also led the Sixers with three turnovers. Guard <span>Jason Richardson</span> added 14 points and guard <span>Jrue Holiday</span> and forward <span>Thaddeus Young</span> both added 13 points each.</p>
<p>The Sixers were held to just 42.2 percent shooting from the field, mostly weighed down by going 5-for-20 from three point range the entire night. The Sixers next play the front end of a home-and-home with the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a> at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia with tip off scheduled for 7 p.m. ET with a national broadcast on ESPN.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-76ers/2012/12/6/3735190/nba-scores-2012-philadelphia-76ers-minnesota-timberwolvesTim Blank