When Philadelphia Phillies slugging first baseman Ryan Howard grounded weakly to second to shockingly finish off the 2011 season against the eventual World Champions St. Louis Cardinals, an immediate impact on the 2012 opening day lineup was born.
Howard not only made the final out of the Phillies’ most successful season (regular season record-wise) but he also blew out his left achilles tendon in the process. Affectionately known as “The Big Piece” by Phils skipper Charlie Manuel, Howard was undergoing surgery five days later and the prognosis was quickly released as being out for five-to-six months. Manuel will have to start the season with a big missing piece right in the heart of the lineup.
Also gone from 2011 will be left fielder Raul Ibanez. Ibanez finished second on the team behind Howard in games played. Howard played in 152 games while Ibanez participated in 144. Most would be surprised to know that Ibanez, not Victorino, Utley or Rollins, was also second on the team in home runs and RBI.
Phils GM Ruben Amaro Jr. went out and found plenty of options for Manuel to work with to replace Ibanez and hold down the fort until Howard is due back, which can be anywhere from early May to the All-Star break.
First, Amaro signed former Phillie and future Hall-of-Famer Jim Thome. Thome will turn 41 in September and hasn’t played first base in the field since the 2007 season, just four games since being traded from the Phillies after the 2005 season. So it still remains to be seen how many games Thome can play at first. He might be more of a replacement for the departed left-handed pinch-hitting specialist Ross Gload.
A little after the Thome signing, Amaro swung a deal with the Colorado Rockies to bring in versatile slugger Ty Wiggington. Wiggington was a 2010 All Star for the Baltimore Orioles and played 98 games at 1B that season. Last year, Wiggington played 3B primarily but still saw 36 games at 1B and 21 in left field. Without a doubt, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to play all three of those positions this season while hopefully still knocking the ball out of the park on occasion.
Next, the Phillies surprisingly gave 1B/OF Laynce Nix a two-year contract. Nix set career-highs in games played in 2011, playing in 124 for the Washington Nationals. 85 of those games were in the outfield (73 in left) and he also chipped in nine games at 1B without making an error. Nix also slugged 16 home runs in 2011 and could possibly surpass that in the much more HR-friendly Citizens Bank Park.
The trio of Thome/Wiggington/Nix have one more teammate that should assist in making up for the Howard injury and Ibanez departure. John Mayberry was one of the bigger Phillies surprises in 2011. In just 267 at bats, Mayberry hit .273 with 15 Home Runs and 49 RBI.
Big John played primarily CF in 2011 but he also played 21 in LF and 18 at 1B. So again, Manuel has four options for LF and 1B come opening day: two left-handed sluggers in Thome and Nix and two righties in Mayberry and Wiggington.
The rest of the every-day players will look very familiar. Two of them, 2B Chase Utley and 3B Placido Polanco have been given clean bills of health after injury riddled seasons in 2011. SS Jimmy Rollins will return after signing a three-year contract in the offseason.
CF Shane Victorino is coming off one of his better seasons while RF belongs to Hunter Pence, who will make his first Phillies opening day lineup. Lastly, Carlos Ruiz returns to handle the pitching staff while providing the Phils with one of their more clutch bats.
So how does this all shake out? I really don’t think Jim Thome can just dust off his first baseman’s mitt and go out there and not be a liability. The Phillies bats aren’t what they used to be and they tend to play a lot of close games.
Due to Thome’s age and lack of defense to back up their fine pitching rotation, he’ll be resigned to late inning pinch-hitting duties. That leaves Laynce Nix to play either 1B or LF vs. right-handed pitching and Ty Wiggington will play 1B vs. left-handed pitching, leaving LF for John Mayberry. Mayberry might also get the opportunity to play full-time if he has a strong spring, no matter who is pitching. Here’s how it all shakes out for opening day:
Vs RIGHT
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Placido Polanco,3B
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Hunter Pence, RF
5. Shane Victorino, CF
6. John Mayberry, LF
7. Laynce Nix, 1B
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
Vs LEFT
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Placido Polanco, 3B
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Hunter Pence, RF
5. Shane Victorino, CF
6. John Mayberry, LF
7. Ty Wigginton, 1B
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
Couple of notes. If Polanco shows signs of not being 100 percent this spring, look for him to drop down to seventh in the lineup like late 2011. Victorino would then move to second with Mayberry protecting Pence at fifth. That scenario is much more likely versus lefties, as I don’t think Manuel wants two RH hitters back-to-back at the fourth and fifth hole vs. right-handed pitching. Nix would probably move to fifth vs. righties.
First Regime
Black Marlin Sites -
February 21, 2012 by
indyfootballreport
Black marlin have a place in Black Marlin fishing folklore all of their own, as do blue marlin, and they have both been immortalized by writers like Ernest Hemmingway and Zane Grey. Almost exclusively existing in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the black marlin is a highly migratory, pelagic species of fish that are most commonly found in deep waters, though they rarely swim deeper than a hundred feet, near bottom structures such as continental shelves and reefs. The black marlin’s immense size and strength make it a favored target among many big-game fishermen.
In Comparison with Blue Marlins
When a black marlin weighing under a hundred pounds is captured it is very commonly confused with its cousin, the blue marlin. One distinguishing characteristic the black marlin possesses independent of the blue marlin is that its pectoral fin will not fold over when pushed. Also, the bill on a large black also tends to be much shorter and heavier than that of a blue marlin. Finally, in conjunction with having a dorsal fin that is proportionately the lowest of any billfish in existence, the black marlin is the only marlin with non-retractable fins.
Physical Characteristics
In terms of color, the black marlin possesses a slate hue that turns into a silver belly. When excited, the black marlin has been known to show off light blue stripes as well. Some researchers have noted that a few black marlins obtain a silvery haze over their bodies. This caused some in the pacific to mistakenly label them “silver marlins”. An enormous fish when mature, black marlins can reach lengths of up to 15 feet and weigh in at well over 1000 pounds. Most prize-winning black marlin that are caught a female, however, as it is extremely rare for a male black marlin to weigh more than 300 pounds. A black marlin’s diet consists of dolphin, squid, octopuses, swordfish, and tuna. It has been proven through stomach analysis that these fish use their long, sharp bills to conquer and eat their prey.
Fishing for Black Marlin
If you are trying to catch a black marlin there are a few tips you will need in order to be successful. First, it has been shown that a great way to catch black marlin involves live baitfish, trolling, and rigged bait. If you then are fortunate enough to lure a black marlin onto your hook, you are in for a very serious challenge. Fights with black marlin have been known to go on for several hours before either the angler or the fish give in. Also, if you have gotten a black marlin on your line you might also be lucky enough to see one of them majestically leap from the surface of the water early in your battle. It’s fun to go Blue Marlin fishing.
Third Shift Open Thread -
February 21, 2012 by
indyfootballreport
It’s Monday and we’ve had plenty of news to tide us over already this week. The NFL Combine starts on Thursday and of course free agency is on the horizon.
This is your open thread for the night. Use it to talk about whatever you’d like.
Arrowhead Pride
The Philadelphia Eagles are going to try to play a spoiler the last couple of weeks of the year. They looked good in thumping the Dolphins 26-10 in Miami last weekend. The Jets have won three games in a row as they are trying to win a wildcard spot in the AFC playoffs. Here is a look at the matchups in this game:
When the Eagles have the ball: The Eagles are going to try to run the ball on the Jets this weekend. Lesean McCoy (1,172 yards rushing) is going to have to work hard tomorrow as the Jets will likely be keying on him and they are only allowing 3.9 yards per carry so far this year. The Jets don’t have a great pass rush, but they have an awesome secondary. That means that Michael Vick is going to have to be careful throwing the ball to his banged up WRing corps. I think the best bet for them will be to attack the middle of the field and challenge the Jets’ safeties with a lot of throws to TE Brent Celek.
When the Jets have the ball: The Eagles will try to focus on stopping RB Shonn Greene early in the game, forcing Mark Sanchez to beat them with his right arm. The Eagles already have 42 sacks so far this year, so they are going to be coming after Mark Sanchez in an effort to make him throw the ball to their CBs. WR Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes and TE Dustin Keller are all solid receivers, so the secondary is going to have their hands full tomorrow.
PREDICTION: JETS 21, EAGLES 20
Philadelphia Eagles NFL News – Eagles Football Blog
Sunday Night Open Fred -
February 20, 2012 by
indyfootballreport
Fred Dryer. Fred Astaire. Fred Gwynne. Fred Rogers. That’s right … I’ve done it at last. The very first ever (you might want to be sitting down for this) … Open Fred!
via www.biography.com
Arrowhead Pride
Easy Passport Application Hints -
February 19, 2012 by
indyfootballreport
Getting a passport can be either a simple process or a tough one. All citizens in need of traveling abroad are required to poses this vital document. Everyone is required to have this legal traveling document regardless of their age. Note that infants or young ones under the age of 16 have some special requirements needed for them to be issued with one. The United States passport application is an easy process if one follows the necessary steps.
Plan Early
The initial step that you require to do is planning ahead or early. The first process takes like four to six weeks that is inclusive of the delivery process. In the scenario where you had not planned ahead and you urgently need the travel document, then you will need to get expedited services. These services are quite fast but it takes two to three weeks and they are quite expensive.
Documents
The second step is ensuring that you have your important documents close in the event you are demanded to present them. This will really be convenient. These documents include your ID card, driver’s license and birth certificate. These documents are used to verify that you are a citizen of a particular country.
First Time Applicants
In case you are applying for this document for the first time, you should consider obtaining an application form from the main office or the designated outlet in your city. Availing yourself to the center will enable you to ask questions or even offer helpful information to the agency. Note that you can download the form from the web but visiting the head office is most appropriate.
Filing Proper Forms
Make sure that you fill in all the columns carefully before submitting the form. This form is supposed to be submitted to the passport office in person or via authorized personnel. You can also drop this document at the district collector’s office.
Pictures
Remember to have two passport-sized photographs. Ensure that you position yourself well during the process. This photo is very vital because if not taken properly, you might be asked to retake it. For this reason you should look for a professional photographer who is able to produce high quality work. The expert should also advice you on how to position yourself.
Cost
When you are in need of US pass port renewal, always consider the price of acquiring it. The normal process is cheap, but if you need it urgently expedited services should be your choice. These services are quite expensive but you will get the document fast compared to the normal process. The process you wish to use will be dependent on your financial strength and situation.
Mike Reiss reports draft analyst Todd McShay shared his insight as to some of the “value” areas that could be there for the Patriots in the late first round.
Receiver: “Michael Floyd [of Notre Dame] would be a good fit, a guy who can get down the field and has some size. Kendall Wright [of Baylor] I think also could be a good fit; he’s undersized like some of their other guys, but he has explosive, explosive speed. He can get down the field and provide that big play, vertically, that they’ve been missing. He also can help in the return game should they choose and he’s great after the catch.”
Cornerback: “It will be interesting to see if any of these corners drop. By any of them, I mean Dre Kirkpatrick from Alabama. Obviously Bill Belichick has a great relationship with Nick Saban and will have a great feel for Kirkpatrick and whether he fits what they want to do or not. He certainly looks like a corner who would fit what they like in terms of the versatility. He’s not an elite man-to-man cover corner, but very instinctive in zone. The knock on him, outside of the baggage, is that he gets there and bats down a lot of balls and is in position to make tackles after the catch, but doesn’t make a lot of big plays. Janoris Jenkins would be another guy, a Florida guy who was dismissed from the team and played at North Alabama this past season. I think he has very good man-to-man cover skills and certainly can play on the outside for them and I think would upgrade their corner situation.”
Safety: “Mark Barron from Alabama could drop a little bit [hernia]. He won’t be working out at the combine.” Pass rushers: “Chandler Jones, the Syracuse defensive end, I know I’m probably higher on him than most guys. But I do think he has a chance to be a really good player and I love his versatility. I think he would fit New England from that perspective. Andre Branch is another one, out of Clemson – 6-4, 260, could play defensive end but also could drop when they go back and forth in their four-man front and three-man front. There is some depth to this class. Ronnell Lewis is another one, from Oklahoma. They can find a pass rusher should they decide to draft one.”
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Pats Pulpit
With their eyes on repeating as Super Bowl Champs, the Packers didn’t have much P.T. to offer their rookies in 2011. That doesn’t mean that they didn’t find some keepers though. Here is a look at how the rookies did during the regular season in 2011:
22-year old OT Derek Sherrod was the Packers’ first round pick last April. He only played in 5 games (0 starts) for the Packers in 2011 as his season ended early due to a broken leg. Sherrod will be a starter for the Packers in the near future as long as he can stay healthy.
21-year old WR Randall Cobb was picked in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Cobb played in 15 games for the Packers this year in which he caught 25 passes for 375 yards (15.0 avg) with 1 TD grab and he also carried the ball 2 times for 5 yards (2.5 ypc). He made his biggest mark on special teams for the Packers in 2011. Cobb returned 26 punts for 195 yards (11.3 avg) with 1 TD return and he also returned 34 kickoffs for 941 yards (27.7 avg) with 1 TD return this season. Cobb has a huge upside as he will be the best player the Packers picked in this draft.
23-year old RB Alex Green was picked in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft. Green only played in 4 games for the Packers last year and he carried the ball 3 times for 11 yards (3.7 ypc). He also caught 1 pass for 6 yards for the Packers this year. He missed most of last season due to knee surgery.
22-year old CB Davon House was a 4th round pick of the Packers. He played in 2 games for the Packers this year and he had 1 whole tackle.
23-year old TE D.J. Williams was a 5th round pick last April. He played in 13 games for the Packers this year and he caught 2 passes for 13 yards (6.5 avg). He also had 2 tackles for the Packers.
24-year old OG Caleb Schlauderaff was a 6th round pick last April. He played in 6 games (1 start) for the Packers this year. Schlauderaff was a nice find for the Packers so late in the draft as he will likely stick around for a while.
22-year old LB D.J. Smith was a 6th round pick of the Packers. He played in all 16 games for the Packers this year and he had 43 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 interception and 1 pass defensed. Smith could be a starter down the road for the Packers as he was another nice find for Packers’ GM Ted Thompson.
23-year old DE Ricky Elmore was a 6th round pick last April. He was cut by the Packers before the 2011 season began and he wound up with the 49ers. But, he didn’t get into any games for the Niners in 2011.
24-year old TE Ryan Taylor was a 7th round pick of the Packers last April. He played in 15 games for the Packers this year and he caught 1 pass for 4 yards and it was a TD. He also had 7 tackles this year for the Packers.
21-year old DT Lawrence Guy was a 7th round pick last April. He spent his rookie season on the Injured Reserve List due to a concussion.
GRADE FOR 2011: C-
GRADE FOR THE FUTURE: B
Green Bay Packers NFL News – Packers Football Blog
Knowing When To Seek Alcohol Rehab -
February 18, 2012 by
indyfootballreport
You may seek alcohol addiction treatment if you feel you no longer can control your drinking. For many people, the warning signs of problem drinking can begin in subtle ways, escalating as alcoholic consumption takes more control of their lives. Recognizing these issues can help steer you away from alcoholism and put you and your health on a path toward recovery.
Are You Addicted
You might not instantly see yourself as a problem drinker. High-functioning people in demanding, successful careers who drink in excess may not realize that they, too, have a drinking problem. You might see that you are losing connection with a life you once led as a result of your drinking, and wish to change course.
Signs
As part of a loss of connection to the outside world, you might notice you are spending more time at home drinking alone, maybe for hours at a time. You also may find yourself going to bars more often and drinking after work or other times of the day. During these drinking sessions, you can easily lose track of how much you have consumed, which is another sign that you may need treatment.
Why You Drink
You may think that drinking is required for you to feel outgoing or at peace with your surroundings. You might drink to get ready for a social event, and wind up not attending because you have become drunk. You may arrive at the event intoxicated or become drunk shortly thereafter and not remember the event the next day.
The Toll
Changes in your mood or feelings of depression may lead you to seek treatment. You might discover you are angry with others for long periods or experience feelings of guilt about past actions. You may also be afraid about being unable to stop or moderate your drinking habits.
Increased Need
Cravings for a drink may begin to take hold, or you can experience withdrawal when you go for a period without drinking. To ward off these instances, you might start to obsess about always having enough of a liquor supply at home and note when others drink from it. You also may wonder about why your drinking partner does not drink as much as you do and decide you need to seek help.
Friends and Family
As your drinking progresses, many friends and family members may begin to avoid you. They may be uncertain as to how you will act around them or be unsure as to whether you will become a danger to yourself or others in an outburst or while driving intoxicated. You might experience an intervention or confrontation from those close to you as a way to show you what is happening in your life. Get to a residential treatment program.
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