Robert Dougherty
Author of a trilogy of Lost books, concluding with "Lost: It Only Ends Once" now available at Amazon and iUniverse.
Readers can now go to my Yahoo Sports section to see the majority of my new stories.
Have now been quoted in the Columbus Dispatch's "How the golden voice video went viral" story on January 8.
Expertise: News, television, movies, pop culture, Lost, sports
Wrote the Sports Illustrated Guide to Philadelphia Sports in 2010, at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/fan-guide-2010/philadelphia.html
Was interviewed on CNN's "The Situation Room" in 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GStMLFMdRcQ
Ranked No. 5 all time in AC page view numbers.
Can now be friended on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Dougherty/100001856277096
Named 2010's Most Intriging Writer about Movies by Charlotte Kuchinsky, at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6101106/robert_dougherty_named_most_intriguing.html
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Readers can now go to my Yahoo Sports section to see the majority of my new stories.
Have now been quoted in the Columbus Dispatch's "How the golden voice video went viral" story on January 8.
Expertise: News, television, movies, pop culture, Lost, sports
Wrote the Sports Illustrated Guide to Philadelphia Sports in 2010, at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/fan-guide-2010/philadelphia.html
Was interviewed on CNN's "The Situation Room" in 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GStMLFMdRcQ
Ranked No. 5 all time in AC page view numbers.
Can now be friended on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Dougherty/100001856277096
Named 2010's Most Intriging Writer about Movies by Charlotte Kuchinsky, at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6101106/robert_dougherty_named_most_intriguing.html
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- 29,541,404
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- Contributor since
- 1/6/2008
Education/Experience
Bachelor of Arts from Temple University
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Browns Start Latest Rebuilding Project Against Eagles: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles not only face a rebuilding 4-12 Browns team tomorrow, they are facing a team being led by two rookies. Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson are the latest great hopes to rebuild Cleveland football, although past great hopes didn't work out.
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Can Phillies Actually End Season Over .500?: A Fan's TakeFor all of the gloom around this Phillies season, they have climbed to within five games of .500 - -and face losing teams for the next two weeks after beating the best in the NL in the previous two. As such, winning 81 games or more is now within reach.
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Eagles Hope for Giants to Suffer Super Bowl Curse: A Fan's OutlookOver the last several years, teams that make or win the Super Bowl come up far short of returning the next season. If the Giants suffer from that curse - and their opening loss to the Cowboys didn't help - then it would make things easier for the Eagles.
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Cowboys Aren't Back Just Yet: A Fan's PerspectiveAfter their impressive win over the Giants, it would be easy to hype the Cowboys as a contender again. But after 15 years of stops, starts and near-misses, they have to do much more to be America's Team again.
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Phillies Once More Shut Down Every Red but Bruce: A Fan's TakeJay Bruce got three home runs and six RBIs off the Phillies in their series with the Reds. However, the rest of the Reds had no homers and no RBIs in all three games. And in the last one, the Phillies took a quick 6-0 lead before Bruce could do anything.
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Cowboys Outdo Giants in Late Heroics for Once: A Fan's AnalysisThe big reason the Giants won the Super Bowl last year, while the Cowboys and Eagles missed the playoffs, was with far more last-minute heroics. Yet to start 2012, Dallas got hot in the second half over New York and actually held onto a late lead.
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Cowboys' Offense Looks Far from Rusty, Banged Up Against Giants: A Fan's OutlookWith Tony Romo's three biggest weapons banged up and with the Cowboys facing a Super Bowl winning defense, things didn't look good against the Giants. Yet Dallas, Romo and his receivers wound up running New York ragged in the second half.
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Phillies Cannot Extend Kendrick's Winning Ways: A Fan's TakeKyle Kendrick, of all people, had been the Phillies' most reliable starter other than Cole Hamels in the last month. Yet with no support for Kendrick last night, one bad pitch cost him against the Reds and ended his month-long winning streak.
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Eagles Have Their Eye on Cowboys-Giants Season Opener: A Fan's PreviewThe Eagles have extra reason to pay attention to tonight's season opening kickoff, since their two arch-rivals are facing off. Their hope is that both the Cowboys and Giants stumble out of the gate and keep stumbling over the next four months.
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Eagles Start in Lower Top 10 of NFL Power Rankings: A Fan's AnalysisThe opening NFL power rankings should have the Eagles tentatively around the top 10, though it is subject to change. The Patriots, Packers, Ravens and Giants have to be on top, although it is not a prediction that they'll stay on top.
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Phillies Remain Hot Against NL's Best: A Fan's TakeFor some reason, the Phillies have had their way with the NL's best for the last several days - with the exception of one blown lead to the Braves. Yet the Phillies bounced right back to beat the Reds the next day behind Jimmy Rollins and Tyler Cloyd.
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NFC East Filled with Uncertain Quarterbacks Except Manning: A Fan's OutlookThe NFC East has three big names and one hyped rookie among its quarterbacks. But with Michael Vick and Tony Romo in the biggest hot seats in football, and with Robert Griffin III just starting, only Eli Manning has become trustworthy in the division.
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Cowboys, Eagles Each Worry About Rusty, Banged Up Offense: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles have to wonder if their offense will be rusty in the season opener, since Michael Vick had only 12 preseason plays. But the Cowboys' rust could be worse in tomorrow's opening game, with their three top receivers recovering from injury.
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Phillies Let Braves Off the Hook in More Ways Than One: A Fan's TakeWith an early 7-1 lead, the Phillies looked poised to sweep the Braves and make them fear that September 2012 would end up like September 2011. But a five-run ninth and a long Chipper Jones home run shot some holes into that theory.
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Reid, Holmgren Reunite in a Way in Eagles-Browns Opener: A Fan's AnalysisIf this is Andy Reid's final season with the Eagles - or the one where he finally wins it all - it is fitting that it starts against his old mentor. Mike Holmgren is just a president now, but it is his Browns that will look to give Reid an early setback.
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Eagles, Entire NFC East Aim to Improve from Mediocre 2011: A Fan's PreviewAlthough the NFC East has the defending Super Bowl champions, it was among the worst division in football last season until January - with the Eagles symbolizing its mediocrity. Now the Eagles seem to be better - but so might the entire division.
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Phillies Suddenly Having Their Way with Braves Again: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies' 3-9 record against the Braves going into this weekend was a big reason why they are out of the playoff chase. But after winning two straight in Atlanta, the Phillies can go for a sweep and put some real doubt into the Braves' heads.
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Bynum Already Winning Big for 76ers in Ticket Sales: A Fan's PerspectiveThe 76ers got Andrew Bynum to move up the NBA pecking order, and to be a hot ticket in their own town for the first time in years. The second goal is already paying off, at the least, as CEO Adam Aron allleged that season ticket sales have doubled.
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Eagles, NFL Approach Final Sunday with No Football: A Fan's OutlookAfter seven months, football is ready to rule Sundays again, as this is the last Sunday without any football until late January 2013. The Eagles hope they will still be playing by then, as they and 31 other teams can still dream in this last off week.
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Phillies Look to Ruin Braves in September Again: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies ended last September by upsetting the Braves and completing their stunning collapse out of the playoffs. Now the Phillies are starting this September looking to beat the Braves again, as they try to avoid a second collapse in 12 months.
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Lurie Ends Reid, Eagles' Grace Period: A Fan's AnalysisWith Andy Reid having lost his son and the Eagles winning in the preseason, it was easy to lay off Reid for a while. But Jeffrey Lurie put an end to his time off the barnburner, by reminding him and Philadelphia that another 8-8 year won't cut it.
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Kafka Goes from Eagles No. 2 to Being Sent Home in a Month: A Fan's OutlookThanks to a broken hand and two other backup quarterbacks, Eagles backup Mike Kafka no longer has a home in Philadelphia. A month after he had the plum position as Michael Vick's backup, Kafka was cut despite having been sidelined for weeks due to injury.
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Rollins' Latest Hustling Problems Overshadow Phillies' Win: A Fan's TakeEven when the Phillies win and avoid an embarassing sweep to the Mets, something has to go wrong. In this case, Jimmy Rollins got benched for not hustling yet again, as two base-running mistakes in one inning reflected poorly on him.
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How Much 'Substantial Improvement' Does Lurie Need from Reid, Eagles?: A Fan's AnalysisEagles owner Jeffrey Lurie revealed that he needs to see 'substantial improvement' from last year's 8-8 record to keep Andy Reid employed. But if it isn't enough improvement to put the Eagles back into the elite, will that be enough for him - or the fans?
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Preseason Comes to Fitting End for Eagles, Jets: A Fan's RecapThe Eagles and Jets had vastly different preseasons, and little changed when they met in the finale. Although the Jets finally got in the end zone and Nick Foles didn't do any damage for the Eagles, things still went as usual in the Birds' 28-10 win.
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Hamels Absent as Cloyd is Let Down by Phillies Instead: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies are only must see these days when Cole Hamels pitches - so of course, he was scratched last night due to illness. Red hot prospect Tyler Cloyd filled in, and like Hamels often does, he got little support en route to a 3-2 loss to the Mets.
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Eagles' Preseason Finale Important Final Battle for No. 3 QB Slot: A Fan's PreviewThe only real consequences that will hopefully come from the Eagles' preseason finale involve Trent Edwards, who will play the last three quarters in hopes of taking the No. 3 quarterback slot from Mike Kafka - a slot that could be very important.
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Eagles, Jets Anxious to Finally End Preseason: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles and Jets can't get through their final preseason game together fast enough - the Jets because they want this futile, touchdown-free month to end already, and the Eagles because they want to get to the real games with all their starters.
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Two Home Runs Aren't Enough for Phillies Over Mets: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies got five runs off the Mets last night - but only on a Ryan Howard grand slam and a Chase Utley solo blast. Other than that, the offense was non existent while the Mets had many more threats before breaking through in the 10'th.
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Is a Fully Healtjy Vick Still Enough for Eagles?: A Fan's PerspectiveThe word is that Michael Vick will be fully ready for the Eagles' season opener. Yet that still isn't reassuring enough, for even if he survives a full 60 minutes, there's still doubt on whether a fully healthy Vick can come through.
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Will Kafka Be Squeezed Out from Eagles like Kolb Was?: A Fan's AnalysisKevin Kolb was the Eagles future until the first game of 2010, but injuries and Michael Vick's rise made him expendable. Now Mike Kafka could suffer the same fate, as injuries and the rise of Nick Foles and Trent Edwards may leave no room for him either.
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Phillies Technically on Pace to Match Cardinals' 2011 Comeback: A Fan's TakeThe Cardinals destroyed the Phillies last October after erasing a double digit wild card deficit in late August. Technically, the 2012 Phillies are right where the Cardinals were at this time last year, and are starting to win more too.
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Jets Just One Part of AFC East's Preseason Futility: A Fan's OutlookThe Jets have been the laughing stock of the preseason - yet the only consolation is that the rest of the division is no better. In fact, all four AFC East teams are a combined 1-11, although the Jets, Bills and Dolphins look far worse than the Patriots.
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Eagles, Chargers, Seahawks Achieving Preseason Perfection: A Fan's AnalysisThere are only three teams who haven't lost a preseason game going into the final week. All of them are teams who missed the playoffs last year, as the Eagles, Seahawks and Chargers are looking to launch their way back to the top.
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The 10 Most Stunning Playoff Berths in Baseball HistoryThose baseball teams who have come from nowhere to contend this year, or who are looking for a shocking September comeback, have a long way to go to match the 10 teams who pulled off baseball's most unlikely playoff runs.
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The History of Toronto Blue Jays Playoff BaseballAlthough the Blue Jays haven't made the playoffs since 1993, they used to be regulars in the postseason. Their history includes five playoff appearances and two championships from 1985 to 1993, capped off by Joe Carter's World Series winning home run.
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Phillies Somehow Keep Having Their Way with Nationals: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies found it very difficult to beat the Nationals even when they ruled the NL East. By that logic, the first-place Nationals should be slaughtering the third-place Phillies this year, yet the Phillies swept them out for the second time anyway.
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Eagles Quarterback Duo Looks Vastly Superior to Sanchez, Tebow: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles don't know if either Michael Vick or Nick Foles can help them win this season. But this duo and all others have to feel superior to Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow right now, as they and the Jets stil have zero touchdowns combined this month.
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Ex-Eagles Owens, Kolb, Young Having Nightmarish Preseason: A Fan's AnalysisSometimes athletes thrive when they manage to leave Philadelphia. But a collection of former Eagles are far from thriving this preseason, as Terrell Owens has been cut, Kevin Kolb may go back to being a backup and Vince Young may become a third-stringer.
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Dodgers May Make NL Even More Crowded for Phillies: A Fan's TakeEven if the Phillies start winning again next year, the Nationals and Braves may have gotten too strong to overtake. And even if the Phillies do that, the Dodgers could stand in the way of another pennant if their massive new acquisitions pay off.
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Cowboys Find Their Own Nick Foles in Dwayne Harris: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles got lucky when Nick Foles emerged after Michael Vick's latest injuries. Now the Cowboys hope for similar luck from wide receiver Dwayne Harris, who exploded last night while Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten rested from injuries.
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Eagles Winning Turnover Battle so Far in Preseason: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles suffered from costly turnovers last season and by not forcing enough of them. Yet in their last two preseason games, the defense set up four short touchdown drives by forcing turnovers - something which would be nice to repeat in real games.
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Red Sox to Show Phillies How Starting Over is Really Done?: A Fan's TakeThe Red Sox and Phillies near the end of their championship eras. Yet Boston is biting the bullet now by trying to trade Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett to Los Angeles, while Philadelphia still has faith in its expensive, aging stars.
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'Folesmania' Stil Reigns for Eagles in Preseason: A Fan's AnalysisThe rise of Nick Foles continued in the Eagles' third preseason game, as he got two more touchdown passes and helped the Eagles jump all over the Browns. Now can it possibly carry over into the regular season?
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Eagles Finally Fire on All Cylinders Against Browns: A Fan's RecapThe Eagles' last two preseason victories were overshadowed by Michael Vick injuries and poor play from the rest of the regulars. Yet things finally went better for 60 full minutes against the Browns, as the Eagles jumped out early and got out injury free.
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Phillies Beat Reds Long After Hamels, Cueto Leave: A Fan's TakeA potential duel between aces Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto didn't pan out for the Phillies and Reds, as they each couldn't get past the sixth inning. After that, the Phillies had to wait for the 11'th to finally break through and finish a comeback win.
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Eagles, Browns Tune Up Together Before Their Regular Season Opener: A Fan's PreviewThe Eagles and Browns will face off twice in the next two-plus weeks. Of course, their first meeting tonight is in the preseason, with their next battle coming in the regular season opener, so they don't want to give too much away to each other.
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Kolb, Rodgers-Cromartie Trade to Be Bust for Both Eagles, Cardinals?: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles would appear to be a clear winner in last year's trade for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - but only because Kevin Kolb is about to be an expensive backup in Arizona. Yet Rodgers-Cromartie needs to stop being a bust as well this year.
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Halladay a Best Case Role Model for Strasburg or Cautionary Tale?: A Fan's TakeIf sitting Stephen Strasburg for the playoffs means he will become as durable as Roy Halladay was, then the Nationals will gladly take it. But since Halladay finally broke down this year and has no rings, he may not be someone to emulate after all.
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Eagles' Defense Remains an Achilles Heel in Preseason: A Fan's AnalysisWhile Michael Vick's injuries have garnered most of the Eagles' preseason attention, the lack of improvement from the Eagles first-team defense through two games may be an even greater concern down the line.
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Eagles' Offense to Remain a Mystery Until Season Opener: A Fan's OutlookWith Michael Vick having had just 12 plays and two injuries in the preseason, the Eagles haven't really shown what they can do with a healthy offense, and won't get to show it until the season opener - making their fate all the more questionable.
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Phillies, Papelbon Lose Closer's Duel with Reds, Chapman: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies and Reds sent out their All-Star closers last night, yet Jonathan Papelbon yielded a game-winning homer while Aroldis Chapman preserved it. Even with $50 million, Papelbon can't approach Chapman's level - but few can right now.
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Eagles Now Need to Turn Preseason Over to Foles: A Fan's AnalysisWith Michael Vick still fragile, the Eagles really need to know if Nick Foles is more than a two-week preseason wonder. As such, these last two warm-up games need to help answer that question, since they may not be the last we see of him.
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Eagles Still Avoiding Worst from Vick Injuries After Two Years: A Fan's OutlookDespite Michael Vick's history of injuries in Philadelphia, the Eagles keep dodging bullets and avoiding the worst. He still hasn't missed any more than a few weeks for his most serious injuries here, and that may be the best case scenario for 2012.
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College Football's Top 25 Games for Non-Conference Play in 2012Before college football's conference rivals square off, the season will start with a slew of important non-conference battles, and end with them too.
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Phillies, Halladay Less Than Perfect in Beating Reds: A Fan's TakeRoy Halladay made history by no-hitting the Reds two Octobers ago. But Halladay couldn't even give up less than 10 hits to the Reds last night, although the Phillies helped him for once by getting more than 10 runs of their own.
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Flyers Put Trust in Hartnell, Simmonds for Six More Years: A Fan's PerspectiveThe Flyers didn't land Shea Weber and have lost a few key contributors, but they're wrapping up the offseason by keeping a few emerging stars. In fact, both Scott Hartnell and Wayne Simmonds have just been locked up for the next six years.
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Eagles Actually Performing Better Without Vick so Far: A Fan's AnalysisThe perception is that if/when Michael Vick gets seriously hurt, the Eagles will plummet. However, the big irony so far is they have actually done much better in the preseason after Vick's injuries, as they showed again last night in New England.
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Eagles Keep Perfect Preseason Record for Vick Injury Scares: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles are not only 2-0 in their preseason record, they are two-for-two in seeing Michael Vick get hurt each time out. This time, his ribs took a shot early against the Patriots, although he is still perfect in avoiding more serious injuries for now.
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Eagles' Regulars Must Make a Big Improvement Against Patriots: A Fan's PreviewThe Eagles opened the preseason to see their regulars get shut out and overmatched by the Steelers. But with the starters set to play the first half against the Patriots and their powerful starters tonight, a vast improvement will be needed.
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Reds Move Up NL Elite as Phillies Tumble Down: A Fan's AnalysisThe Phillies' last playoff hurrah was in early October 2010, when they swept the Reds and even no-hit them in the NLDS. While the Phillies have gone downhill ever since, the Reds are marching towards a pennant run this year even without Joey Votto.
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Flyers at Least Manage to Finish No. 1 for Their Uniforms: A Fan's TakeThe Flyers haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1975 and have barely changed their uniforms since then as well. But at the least, their uniforms were declared championship-worthy, as they were ranked No. 1 in sports by 'The Uniform Monitor.'
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Giants Remind Jets Who Runs New York, NFL: A Fan's AnalysisIt is almost easy to forget that the Giants are the defending champions - and it is even easy to forget them in New York, thanks to the Jets and their headlines. But headlines mean nothing on the field, as the Giants further showed the Jets last night.
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Hamels Still Best Reason Left to Watch Phillies: A Fan's OutlookWith the Phillies playing for nothing, there is little reason to keep watching them - except for when Cole Hamels starts. His latest showcase yielded 10 strikeouts over the Brewers and a third straight win, even if it wasn't a nine-inning shutout.
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Young Facing Another Uphill Rebuilding Project with Bills: A Fan's OutlookAt this time last year, Vince Young got in hot water in Philadelphia with his "Dream Team" talk and never recovered. Now he's rebuilding again with the Bills, though he remains a backup - and is accused of deflating on a $1.7 million loan.
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76ers-Celtics Rivalry to Continue It's Revival with Bynum?: A Fan's TakeThe ghosts of 76ers-Celtics past were revived in last year's playoffs, yet it looked to be a one-time renewal of their rivalry. But with Andrew Bynum now in Philadelphia, the Sixers and Celtics could keep battling it out for the next few years.
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Nationals, Braves Make NL East More Lopsided Than Ever: A Fan's AnalysisThe Phillies made the NL East look overmatched for years, yet it looked like one of baseball's tightest divisions earlier this season. But now the Nationals and Braves have long since pulled away while the Phillies, Mets and Marlins are dead and buried.
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Iguodala Welcomed by Nuggets Right After Bynum's Big Intro with 76ers: A Fan's AnalysisFittingly, Andre Iguodala had a relatively quiet opening press conference with the Nuggets, 24 hours after Andrew Bynum's much bigger welcome to the 76ers. Yet Iguodala still expressed hope that he could actually finish his career in Denver.
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Samuel Burned Early in Preseason for Falcons: A Fan's OutlookAsante Samuel's interceptions were no longer enough for the Eagles to excuse his other deficiencies. So they let him go to the Falcons for almost nothing - and he didn't make a good impression by getting beat on a long touchdown last night.
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Phillies Lose Again for Lee Due to Home Runs, Errors: A Fan's TakeFor all but a few pitches, Cliff Lee shut the Brewers down for the Phillies and racked up 12 strikeouts. Yet three solo home runs kept the Brewers alive, then an error in the eighth got Lee taken out - only to see a grand slam cost him another win.
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Cowboys Join Eagles in Worrying About Early Injuries to Stars: A Fan's AnalysisWhile the Eagles have already held their breath over several key players getting hurt, none of them are likely to miss the season opener. Yet on the other hand, the rival Cowboys may lose Jason Witten for opening night with a lacerated spleen.
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Bynum in Love Affair with 76ers, Philadelphia for Now: A Fan's PerspectiveAndrew Bynum got a hero's welcome and hundreds of cheering fans when he was officially introduced by the 76ers yesterday. But although he is being welcomed with hype, love, high expectations and billboards, will the love affair last 12 months from now?
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Phillies Can't Keep Marlins Ice Cold Even with Halladay: A Fan's TakeAfter shutting out the Marlins for two straight games, the Phillies should have kept them cold with Roy Halladay pitching the finale. Yet even after two straight hot starts of his own, Halladay slipped up anyway before the bullpen totally imploded.
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Eagles Have Much at Stake in Backup Quarterback Race: A Fan's AnalysisNo one is fully confident that Michael Vick will start all 16 regular season games for the Eagles. Therefore, the three man race for the backup spot between Mike Kafka, Trent Edwards and Nick Foles may come to define the season before long.
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76ers Need Bynum's Knees to Stay Intact: A Fan's OutlookWhen the 76ers traded for Andrew Bynum, they put the future of their franchise into a player who's hurt both his knees. Yet he is getting a special procedure in Germany next month, to reduce the risk of his knees bringing the Sixers down.
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Phillies Shut Out Marlins Again Even Without Hamels: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies have struggle to find reliable starting pitching from anyone other than Cole Hamels. So it wasn't a good sign that Kyle Kendrick started the night after Hamels shut out the Marlins - yet Miami couldn't get any runs off Kendrick either.
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Asomugha's Bad Luck with Eagles Continues with Hard Hit: A Fan's OutlookAt this time last year, the Eagles thought they had punched their Super Bowl ticket by landing Nnamdi Asomugha. But he has met hardship ever since, with a disappointing 2011 season followed by a pretty scary hit in camp yesterday.
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76ers Get Themselves Closer to Nets' Level Than Celtics: A Fan's AnalysisThe 76ers looked to have faded way behind the Celtics and Nets while they made their big offseason moves. But the Sixers are a lot closer after the Andrew Bynum trade - although they are merely as a big a question mark as the Nets are.
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Hamels Gives Phillies Another Shutout in Meaningless Game: A Fan's TakeFor the second straight start, Cole Hamels pitched nine innings and threw over 110 pitches of shutout baseball, giving the Phillies a 4-0 win over the Marlins. It makes it sadder that these two straight complete game shutouts mean nothing this season.
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Phillies Begin, End Finale with Cardinals with a Bang: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies started off huge in their series finale with the Cardinals, then got pretty quiet for the next six innings. But they exploded again late to tie things up, then waited until the 11'th to finally get the win and take the series.
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76ers Cap Off Atlantic Division's Rise into the Elite: A Fan's AnalysisThe Atlantic Division used to have the Celtics and no one else, and looked like the NBA's worst division last year. But with the Celtics not breaking up, and the Nets and the 76ers making overhauls, the Atlantic could now be the NBA's best division.
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USA Basketball Narrowly Stays Golden to End Olympics: A Fan's RecapFor only the second time in the 2012 Olympics, Team USA had a game in doubt in the fourth quarter - and had its second straight gold medal game nailbiter against Spain. But like in 2008, the U.S. endured to keep the gold medal in America.
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Lee Blows Another Lead for Phillies to Cardinals: A Fan's TakeThe memories of last year's Phillies-Cardinals playoff series are constant as St. Louis returns to Philadelphia this weekend. Last night, they were revived as Cliff Lee blew yet another lead to the Cardinals at home, 10 months after Game 2 of the NLDS.
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Bynum, 76ers All but Invisible in Howard Trade Buzz: A Fan's OutlookAfter the Dwight Howard trade was finally complete, all the hype and buzz was on Howard turning the Lakers into a powerhouse again. Meanwhile, Howard's predecessor, Andrew Bynum, has almost been forgotten as he goes to transform the 76ers as well.
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76ers Start Over by Dealing Another "A.I." To Nuggets: A Fan's AnalysisFor the second time, a 76ers star named "A.I." has been dealt to the Nuggets after a long era that didn't pan out the way the Sixers wanted. But will the Sixers and Andre Iguodala end up better than the Sixers and Allen Iverson did after they split?
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New Nugget Iguodala Heads to Gold Medal Game for Team USA: A Fan's RecapHours after being traded to the Denver Nuggets, Andre Iguodala was limited to 11 minutes of action as Team USA waited until the second half to blow out Argentina. Yet Iguodala and the Americans are off to the gold medal game anyway.
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Bynum to Let 76ers Down like Brand Did?: A Fan's AnalysisSeveral years ago, the 76ers thought they would become relevant again when they signed a young superstar with injury problems away from Los Angeles. But Elton Brand let them down - yet the Sixers are now counting on Andrew Bynum to do better.
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Halladay, Utley Put Phillies Over the Top Against Cardinals This Time: A Fan's Take10 months ago, Roy Halladay lost a pitching duel to the Cardinals and Chase Utley fell inches short of saving the Phillies' season. But in the Cardinals's first visit to Philadelphia since then, Halladay and Utley pushed the Phillies to victory this time.
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Cardinals Return to Philadelphia 10 Months After Starting Phillies' Downfall: A Fan's Take10 months ago, the Phillies were a powerhouse while the Cardinals were a playoff Cinderella. But 10 months after Game 5 of the NLDS, the Cardinals return to Philly as a world champion chasing another playoff berth while the Phillies play out the string.
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Vick Injury Watch Starts Too Early This Year for Eagles: A Fan's PerspectiveNo one expected that Michael Vick wouldn't get a new scratch or two this season. But after he hurt his hand in the preseason opener against the Steelers, the Eagles had to start holding their breath sooner than they wanted to.
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Eagles' Regulars Struggle with Steelers Again in Preseason: A Fan's RecapThe Eagles' first team was manhandled by the Steelers last preseason. 12 months later, this year's Eagles starters struggled against the Steelers again, with a Michael Vick hand injury and an exhausted defense - before the backups saved the day.
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Iguodala to Come Home from Olympics and Then Head for New Home in Denver: A Fan's TakeAndre Iguodala is expected to bring a gold medal back from the Olympics in a few days. Yet right after coming home to America, he'll have to leave his home in Philadelphia, after being sent to Denver in the Dwight Howard megadeal.
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76ers Stunningly Claim Bynum in Howard Deal: A Fan's AnalysisThe 76ers weren't expected to make any major shakeups until next offseason. Yet if a megadeal is approved, the Sixers will not only help send Dwight Howard to the Lakers - and away from the Nets - but take fellow superstar center Andrew Bynum in return.
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Team USA Continues to Dominate Second Half in Olympics: A Fan's AnalysisOnce again, Team USA took a little while to completely blow out an opponent. But as always, they reverted to form in the second half, as Kobe Byrant finally led the way this time and ultimately buried Australia in the quarterfinals.
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Eagles Look to Improve from Last Year's Preseason Battle with Steelers: A Fan's PreviewThe first cracks in the Eagles' Dream Team hype last season showed when the Steelers manhandled their regulars in the preseason. Now a year later, the Eagles get their first shot to correct last year by facing the Steelers again in the preseason opener.
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Phillies Let Down Again by Starting Pitchers Besides Hamels: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies got knocked around in two games against the Braves, yet shut them out in their one win. That was because Cole Hamels pitched that game, whereas Vance Worley and Kyle Kendrick were much less stable in the other contests.
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Eagles, NFL Unite Around Andy Reid at Garrett Reid's Funeral: A Fan's TakeAndy Reid is the longest tenured head coach in the NFL, and is one of its more well known leaders. His impact was felt yesterday, as many figures from all across the league came to help him lay Garrett Reid to rest at his funeral.
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Eagles Look More Equipped to Erase 2011 Than Jets: A Fan's OutlookThe Eagles and Jets were the two most disappointing teams of 2011. However, the Eagles have done more to correct their mistakes and prepare for another Super Bowl run, whereas the Jets still look as dysfunctional as ever.
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Hamels Pitches like $144 Million Ace Again for Phillies: A Fan's TakeSince getting his long term deal from the Phillies, Cole Hamels had lost twice and had only won once since mid-June. But he was worth $144 million against the Braves last night, as he helped the Phillies finally beat Atlanta with a five-hit shutout.
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Owens Returns to NFL as McNabb Still Waits Arounds: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles are far removed from their glorious 2004 season with Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens - and so are McNabb and Owens. Yet the Seahawks have given Owens his latest last chance in the NFL, while McNabb still waits for his.
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Team USA Resumes Olympic Dominance in Second Half Over Argentina: A Fan's RecapFor a half against Argentina, it looked like Team USA basketball still hadn't recovered from its scare against Lithuania. But after halftime, the overwhelming Americans of old returned and retook control over Argentina - and the Olympic field in general.
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Phillies Continue to Get Dominated by Braves: A Fan's AnalysisLast September, the Braves completed one of the worst collapses ever by losing to a Phillies team with nothing to play for. But Atlanta is getting revenge in 2012, as it contends for the playoffs again and is now 8-2 over last place Philadelphia.
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Andy Reid Likely to Draw Strength from Eagles After Son, Garrett, Dies: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles have always stuck by Andy Reid when he's lost and when fans have called for his head. So they won't fail to stand by him after the death of his son yesterday.
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Kolb Continues to Struggle After Being Dumped by Eagles: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles nearly put their entire future in Kevin Kolb's hands, until he got injured right away in 2010. Now as the Eagles hold their breath over Michael Vick, Kolb is in worse shape with the Cardinals, as he is struggling just to be their starter.
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Lee Stays with Phillies Long Enough for Another No-Decision: A Fan's OutlookCliff Lee could have left Philadelphia on Aug. 5, if the Dodgers worked out a deal for him after claiming him from trade waivers. But when they couldn't, Lee took the mound for the Phillies that afternoon - who then saved him from a loss to Arizona.
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Team USA Goes from Historic Olympic Blowout to Near Historic Upset Loss: A Fan's RecapAny loss Team USA suffers in Olympic basketball would be historic - but to lose right after an 83-point victory over Nigeria would have been pure humiliation. Yet the Americans found a way to narrowly avoid that against Lithuania.
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Ruiz Becomes Last Phillies Star to Be Derailed in 2012: A Fan's TakeNo one had been immune to the horrors of 2012 for the Phillies, except for first-time All-Star Carlos Ruiz. But finally he was the last to get struck down this year, as a partial tear in his foot will interrupt his career season for the next 4-6 weeks.
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Jackson Injury Scare Reinforces Eagles' Big Risk: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles took a risk giving DeSean Jackson a long term deal, due to his injury history. After tweaking his ankle yesterday, the Eagles were reminded that this whole year hinges on Jackson and Michael Vick avoiding more injuries to themselves.
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Dodgers Threaten to Become 'Phillies West': A Fan's AnalysisThe Dodgers have been picking off the Phillies' corpse all week - ironic given their two NLCS losses to Philadelphia in years past. First they took Shane Victorino away, then they claimed Joe Blanton - and now they may be about to land Cliff Lee.
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Penn State's 25 Most Devastating Losses of All Time: A Fan's AnalysisPenn State will become rather used to losing in the years ahead. However, this means none of the losses will likely hurt as much as the top 25 worst defeats in school history - although those defeats did happen in much better times.
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Laviolette Poised for Second Longest Coaching Tenure in Flyers History: A Fan's AnalysisExcept for Fred Shero, no Flyers coach has lasted more than four seasons or won a Stanley Cup in Philadelphia. Yet Peter Laviolette's new extension would take him to a sixth season - so will he have the Cup to go with it?
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Iguodala Aids in an Historic Three-Point Barrage for Team USA: A Fan's RecapThere was a mini-controversy over whether this year's Olympic basketball squad could beat the Dream Team. Yet even the Dream Team didn't get an 83 point win or 29 three-pointers - with three from Andre Iguodala - like the USA got yesterday over Nigeria.
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Lee Headed for Second Stunning Exit from Phillies?: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies broke everyone's heart by sending Cliff Lee away in fall 2009, then made everyone rejoice when he returned. Yet two years later, Lee could be heading away under stunning circumstances for the second time, after being put on trade waivers.
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Eagles Already Holding Their Breath Over Injuries: A Fan's AnalysisThe Eagles have been in camp for a week, and already the likes of Cullen Jenkins, Trent Cole and Jason Babin are getting banged up. Is this a sign of even more serious injuries to come - the kind that could derail an entire season?
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Angels' New Trio of Aces to Go Further Than Phillies' Big Three?: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies brought a bunch of aces together in the last few years, yet still kept losing in October and are now buried in last place. Yet the Angels are counting on their new ace trio of Jared Weaver, C.J. Wilson and Zack Greinke to go a step further.
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Iguodala Gets More Time in Latest Team USA Olympic Blowout: A Fan's RecapTeam USA basketball can afford to let its bench carry the load against the likes of Tunisia. This allowed Andre Iguodala to get more playing time, as he got 20 full minutes and a good share of rebounds and assists in a predictable blowout win.
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Phillies Let Victorino, Pence Battle for NL West Title with Dodgers, Giants: A Fan's TakeSince the Phillies can't make the playoffs, the least they could do was let Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence get a shot. At least one of them should be there, since Victorino and Pence will help the Dodgers and Giants battle for the NL West title.
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Vick Leads Eagles into His Career-Defining Season: A Fan's Outlook2012 looks to be the year that will define Michael Vick's career. If he lives up to his dynasty talk, he and the Eagles will go to the next level at long last. But if Vick can't deliver, he may be run out of town and may have a hard time getting back up.
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Phillies Now Have to Visit Baseball's Best Team in Nationals: A Fan's TakeThis sums up how topsy-turvy baseball has become this season. As of July 31, the last place Phillies are ready to throw in the towel for this year, especially if they suffer more losses this week to baseball's best team - which is now the Nationals.
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Team USA Cruises in Olympic Opener with Little Need for Iguodala: A Fan's RecapTeam USA ended its pre-Olympic schedule by blowing out Spain in the final three quarters. The Americans then did the same thing to France in their Olympic opener, using three pointers and a balanced attack - with Andre Iguodala trailing behind it.
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Braves Finish Back-Breaking Sweep of Phillies: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies hoped that sweeping the Brewers would help catapult them into a late run. But being swept in turn by the Braves, and falling more than 12 games back for the second wild card spot, more than cancels that out.
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Iguodala, Team USA Approach 2012 Olympic Debuts: A Fan's PreviewWhile the rest of the 76ers wait to start the next NBA season, Andre Iguodala will be back in action today making his Olympic debut off the bench. But the higher profile stars of Team USA will be counted on for an opening statement over France.
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Phillies' Momentum Halted by Facing Much Better Braves: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies actually put together a winning streak last week, albeit against a Brewers team in more dire straits than they are. But now that they're facing an actual playoff team in the Braves, victories aren't as easy to come by.
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'The Dark Knight Rises' IMAX ReviewEvery piece for a classic ending to Christopher Nolan's Batman series is in place, as a broken Bruce Wayne rises, Gotham faces its final test, and the likes of Catwoman and Bane add explosive new blood. However, Nolan's execution falls a tiny bit short.
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Eagles No Longer Counting on Jackson to Boost Return Game: A Fan's AnalysisDeSean Jackson has been dangerous for the Eagles in catching and returning the ball. But after finally getting his money in the offseason, Jackson has lost his kick returning job as the Eagles look for other ways to boost the return game.
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Phillies Let Down in Hamels' First Start as $144 Million Man: A Fan's TakeAfter finally getting his long term contract, Cole Hamels may have been expected to struggle in his first start after re-signing. But yielding a career high six walks in five innings to the Braves, along with a game-breaking three run homer, was too much.
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Eagles Head into Camp on Much Calmer Note Than Last Year: A Fan's Perspective12 months ago, the NFL lockout had just ended and the Eagles suddenly became Super Bowl favorites after huge signings. But fortunately, things are much calmer going into this year's camp, so maybe the Eagles will be better equipped to handle it.
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Analyzing the 76ers 2012-13 Schedule: A Fan's TakeFor the first time in two years, the 76ers and the NBA can prepare for a regular 82-game regular season. The Sixers kick off on Halloween night, get quick showdowns with the Celtics, Knicks and Bulls, and will wait around for the Heat until 2013.
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Flyers Avoid Another Offseason Loss by Keeping Voracek: A Fan's AnalysisThe Flyers have lost a few players and lost the chance to get new ones, especially Shea Weber. But right after Weber stayed with the Predators, the Flyers actually kept one of their own, as Jakub Voracek was re-signed to play alongside Claude Giroux.
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Phillies Close to Catching Slumping Marlins, Mets: A Fan's OutlookThe Phillies have been a last place team for some time, yet the timing is breaking right for them to get out of it. Fortunately, the Marlins and Mets are falling apart after hot starts, just as the Phillies are starting to win again.
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Panthers Join Eagles in Premature Super Bowl Talk: A Fan's OutlookMichael Vick and LeSean McCoy pegged the Eagles as a potential dynasty, even if it sounds premature. Yet Panthers star Ryan Kalil went further and picked a Super Bowl title in a full page ad, despite the Panthers being further down the NFC pecking order.
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Phillies Cap Trilogy of Comebacks Over Brewers: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies rallied from the dead to get a 7-6 victory over the Brewers yesterday. So basically, it turned out exactly like the previous two games, except that this took place in 10 innings and the Phillies only had to make a one-run rally.
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Eagles Seize Back Control of Philadelphia Sports: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles opened up training camp just as Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy spawned dynasty talk - and just as the Phillies and Flyers finished up big quests. As such, it seems destined to be all Eagles, all the time in Philadelphia for the rest of 2012.
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McCoy Doubles Down with Vick on Eagles Dynasty Talk: A Fan's PerspectiveMichael Vick brought back a lot of old 'Dream Team' nightmares by saying the Eagles could be a dynasty, which made fans hope that they could still back off. Instead, LeSean McCoy has joined in and backed Vick up on his risky proclamation.
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Were Flyers Too Cheap in Failed Offer for Weber?: A Failed AnalysisThe Flyers offered the moon and a 14-year, $110 million contract in hopes of getting Shea Weber. But since the Predators matched anyway, it is easy to wonder if the Flyers didn't offer enough, and if trading away a few young stars might have done the job.
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Predators Break Flyers Hearts Early by Resigning Weber: A Fan's OutlookJuly 25 was the last day for the Predators to match the Flyers' massive offer for Shea Weber. But Nashville spoiled Philadelphia's dreams a day early, as the Flyers' gamble that the Predators couldn't afford 14 years and $110 million for Weber failed.
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Phillies Make Incredible Rallies to Beat Brewers, Resign Hamels: A Fan's TakeFor the second straight game, the Phillies came from nowhere to stun the Brewers late last night. But that was nothing compared to their rally this morning, as they came back to give Cole Hamels his long term deal in Philadelphia after all.Also published on:
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Rangers Get Their Big Prize as Flyers Wait for Theirs: A Fan's OutlookThe Flyers are under 48 hours away from either filling a huge need with Shea Weber, or losing him to Nashville. What's worse, the Rangers have already filled a big need, as they got Rick Nash from Columbus to finally provide offensive support.
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Flyers Playing Biggest Waiting Game Since Lindros Saga: A Fan's AnalysisIn 1992, the Flyers waited and waited to get the rights to Eric Lindros, and thought they had the keys to the Stanley Cup when they got him - yet it didn't work out that way. But 20 years later, the Flyers are playing the same game in the Shea Weber saga.
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Phillies Bail Out Halladay Again with Huge Ninth Inning Rally: A Fan's TakeRoy Halladay's second start back went rougher than his first, as he put the Phillies in an early four-run deficit. But just like in his first start, the Phillies made a rally to spare him the loss - this time with four runs in the ninth over the Brewers.
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Flyers, Predators Stay Quiet as Weber Deadline Nears: A Fan's OutlookThe Flyers and Predators have barely talked since Shea Weber signed his offer sheet with Philadelphia, although the deadline for the Predators to match is in over 60 hours. But both teams are weighing their options until the calm before the storm is over.
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Phillies Learn How to Salvage Extra Inning Win Over Giants: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies gave up a late lead to the Giants on July 21, then lost in extras when a reliever couldn't survive multiple innings. But the next day, the Phillies gave up another late lead, yet got saved by a long reliever and salvaged a win in the 12'th.
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Predators Hope to Avoid Crushing Blow by Keeping Weber from Flyers: A Fan's AnalysisThe Predators were on the brink of a major Stanley Cup run a few months ago. But after losing in the second round and losing Ryan Suter, matching Shea Weber's massive offer sheet from the Flyers may be their only option to avoid implosion.
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Hamels Knocked Around in Possible Last Home Start for Phillies: A Fan's TakeCole Hamels may not pitch at home for the Phillies again if contract negotiations don't work out. If yesterday was his last start in a home Phillies uniform, it was mixed, as he hit a home run and gave up three more in an extra inning loss.
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Flyers Counting on Weber Not to Be Another Bryzgalov: A Fan's AnalysisShea Weber isn't a Flyer yet, but if he becomes one, he will be built up as a defensive savior for Philadelphia. But at this exact time last year, that is what Ilya Bryzgalov was built up as, yet the reality has been a different matter so far.
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Phillies Make Lincecum Look like an Ace Again: A Fan's TakeBeing at home doesn't give the Phillies relief anymore, and facing a struggling, 3-10 Tim Lincecum didn't help either. For one night, Lincecum was made to look like his old self, as he and a Giants grand slam doomed the Phillies to a 7-2 loss.
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Eagles Hyped by Vick as Potential Dynasty Instead of Dream Team This Time: A Fan's TakeThe Eagles became a joke when Vince Young's "Dream Team" catchphrase last offseason backfired. A such, Philadelphia dreads the punchline to Michael Vick's boasting that the Eagles can be a dynasty - especially since Vick has to be the one to do it.
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Flyers Repeating Offseason History with Weber Offer: A Fan's AnalysisLast summer, the Flyers lost offensive pieces, but filled a huge defensive hole with a mega deal for Ilya Bryzgalov. Now after losing offensive pieces this offseason, the Flyers are repeating history with an even bigger offer for defenseman Shea Weber.
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Phillies, Amaro Put Hamels on Defensive with New Offer: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies have ceased trade talks for Cole Hamels and have upped their offer to six years and $130 million. This would make GM Ruben Amaro a hero if it works - but he also has his cover to trade Hamels and say he did all he could if he turns them down.
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Flyers Come from Nowhere with Massive Shea Weber Offer: A Fan's OutlookThe Flyers kept quiet after losing out on big free agents and some old key contributors. Yet they've taken one last gigantic gamble by offering a 14 year deal to superstar defenseman Shea Weber, which the Predators have a long week to match.
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Knicks Lose 'Linsanity' Due to yet Another Dolan Blunder: A Fan's AnalysisThe Knicks no longer have Jeremy Lin to make themselves more popular, if not better. As usual, they have owner James Dolan to use as a scapegoat, given how he's already sabatoged New York basketball for much of the last 13 years.
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Phillies Blow Sweep Over Dodgers Long Before Kemp's Walk Off: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies could have finished a big sweep over the Dodgers if they gave Cliff Lee any support, or closed things out early in extra innings. But when they couldn't, it was a matter of time before Matt Kemp finally finished them off in the 12'th.
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Knicks, Nets Both Losing Out at End of Free Agency: A Fan's TakeBoth New York teams got off to promising starts as NBA free agency began. Yet the Knicks and Nets tripped at the finish line, as the Nets had to throw in the towel for Dwight Howard and the Knicks officially had to let 'Linsanity' end in Manhattan.
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Phillies Finally Win for a Returning Superstar: A Fan's OutlookThe Phillies were supposed to be better when Chase Utley and Ryan Howard returned, but got worse instead. Yet when Roy Halladay returned last night, the Phillies rallied for him over the Dodgers and stretched a rare winning streak.
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Team USA Shows Iguodala More Love Than 76ers: A Fan's PerspectiveAndre Iguodala has been a spacegoat for the 76ers, as he's their closest thing to a superstar and hasn't often played like it. But on Team USA, Iguodala is finally in his ideal role, allowing his teammates to appreciate him more than Philadelphia does.
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Phillies Need Halladay's Return to Go Better Than Utley, Howard's: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies hoped that Chase Utley and Ryan Howard's returns would save them, but all they did was doom them even worse. The last hope to turn that and the Phillies around is the comeback of Roy Halladay, starting tonight in Los Angeles.
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'Linsanity' to No Longer Make the Knicks Look Better: A Fan's TakeWhen Jeremy Lin rose up, it was easier to forget that the Knicks were still far from elite. But now that he is on his way to Houston, and New York's point guard situation is still shaky, the Knicks will have a harder time hiding their mediocrity.
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Phillies Get First of Hopefully Many Series Wins in Second Half: A Fan's AnalysisThe Phillies will need to take practically every series in the second half to have a playoff shot. As such, rallying to take two of three from the Rockies is a solid start, which they capped off with a 5-1 win behind Cole Hamels and Hunter Pence.
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Rockets May Steal Lin from Knicks and Howard from Nets: A Fan's TakeThe Rockets may well deliver a double whammy to the city of New York. Not only has their offer to Jeremy Lin become too rich for the Knicks to match, fingers are still crossed that they can get Dwight Howard away from Brooklyn for at least this year.
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Phillies Actually Stop Themselves from Giving Away Another Win: A Fan's OutlookThe Phillies jumped out early over the Rockies, and needed every bit of it when it looked like the bullpen was blowing it again. But with Jonathan Papelbon brought on early and with actual offense in the ninth, the Phillies averted disaster this time.
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76ers Give Collins Another Crack at Kwame Brown: A Fan's PerspectiveDoug Collins coached Kwame Brown in Washington when he first became one of the biggest draft busts in NBA history. But 10 years later, the 76ers will let Collins take another swing at Brown, as he was signed for two years after Elton Brand went to Dallas.
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Brand Goes from 76ers to Regrouping Mavericks: A Fan's OutlookAfter an ugly four years with the 76ers, Elton Brand improved his surroundings in getting picked up by the former world champion Mavericks. Yet since the Mavericks are settling for him after losing big gambles in free agency, it may still be bad timing.
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Yankees Make Sudden Rally to Stun Angels: A Fan's OutlookWhile my own Phillies laid down and died again after the Colorado Rockies had their way late with Cliff Lee, I went to see the Yankees remind me how a winning team rallies back, as they turned a 5-2 deficit into a sudden 6-5 win over the Angels.
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Howard Might as Well Retire Before Joining Nets in 2013: A Fan's PerspectiveThe only thing missing in the Dwight Howard saga is Howard deciding to sit out the season and retire, before coming back to finally join the Nets in 2013. But if he doesn't want to waste a season in Houston or L.A. first, he might as well do just that.
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Yankees, Unlike Phillies, Still Winning with Aging Core: A Fan's TakeThe Yankees and Phillies have been winning for years, yet the Phillies' age and injuries have been catching up with them. Whereas the Yankees have overcome those issues to still have the best record in baseball, as I will see on July 13.
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Nets Can't Shift Balance of Power in Atlantic with Howard for Now: A Fan's TakeDays ago, it seemed that Dwight Howard was set to join the Nets and shift the balance of power in the Atlantic Division. But with the Nets resigned to giving up on Howard for now, the Celtics, 76ers and Knicks can breathe a sigh of relief at the moment.
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Are 76ers Writing Off 2012 Season for 2013 Offseason?: A Fan's OutlookThe 76ers are clearing cap space, but still can't really pursue a big new player and are dumping the likes of Lou Williams instead. Yet even if the 2012 season isn't as good as a result, the bigger goal may be to be a major player in the 2013 offseason.
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Will NL's New Pecking Order Last in Second Half?: A Fan's AnalysisThese are weird times in the National League, with the Nationals, Pirates and Dodgers leading divisions while the Phillies are in last place. Is this really going to be the pecking order in the NL for September and October?
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Williams Goes from 76ers to Another Would-Be Contender in Hawks: A Fan's OutlookLou Williams was the 76ers' leader despite only being a sixth man, but he wasn't in their long term plans for becoming a contender. As such, he is now joining up with the Hawks - who have struggled to break into the Eastern elite longer than the Sixers.
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Nets Rare Good Fortune May Not Land Them Howard After All: A Fan's AnalysisThe Nets' legendary bad luck went away when they got Joe Johnson and Deron Williams, and seemed minutes away from finally landing Dwight Howard. But that old New Jersey bad luck finally arrived in Brooklyn, as the Nets super team dreams are dying fast.
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Phillies Do Mop Up Duty in NL All-Star Game Blowout Win: A Fan's TakeAn NL All-Star Game win used to mean a lot to the Phillies, when they thought they could earn World Series home field with a victory. That dream isn't as strong this year, although the NL did blow out the AL last night before any Phillies took the field.
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Can Boston Hate Allen for Going to Miami like Cleveland Hated LeBron?: A Fan's AnalysisIt is easy to say that Ray Allen is Boston's LeBron James, since both players broke their longtime city's heart by defecting to Miami. Yet the Celtics have less reason to be bitter than the Cavaliers did, although they also have more reason as well.
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All-Star Game Has Firsts, Lasts for Phillies' All-Stars: A Fan's TakeThis is the first All-Star Game for Carlos Ruiz and the first appearance for Jonathan Papelbon in a Phillies uniform. But it could also be the last midseason classic for Cole Hamels as a Phillies, turning this game into a bittersweet affair.
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76ers to Actually Help Nets Get Howard?: A Fan's AnalysisAccording to Hoops World's Alex Kennedy, the 76ers are in contention to round out a three-team trade that would bring Dwight Howard to Brooklyn. The Sixers would at least get Kris Humphries in that deal, although the cost may still be too great.
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McCann, Braves Put Final Nail in Phillies' First Half Coffin: A Fan's TakeThe first half of the season ended in perhaps the only way it could for the Phillies - with another blown early lead to the Braves, another Brian McCann home run, another blown game from the bullpen, and virtually no offense late to seal a 4-3 loss.Also published on:
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Iguodala Selected by Team USA Despite Uncertain Future with 76ers: A Fan's AnalysisAndre Iguodala is the most attractive trade bait the 76ers have if they want to make a big deal this offseason. Yet even if the Sixers don't want him anymore, Team USA is another matter, as he won one of the final spots on the Olympic roster anyway.Also published on:
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Phillies Still Can't Score with Healthy Offense: A Fan's TakeFor the first time, the Phillies have all of their offensive stars healthy. But ever since Ryan Howard was activated, the Phillies have now scored in just one of 18 innings, as the Braves shut them down again en route to a 6-3 win.Also published on:
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Phillies Waste Howard's Comeback Worse Than They Wasted Utley's: A Fan's TakeWhen Chase Utley returned, he hit a homer and the Phillies looked good again - then they went on a 1-7 skid. When Ryan Howard returned last night, he got some hits of his own - yet naturally, the other Phillies got few hits and no runs against the Braves.Also published on:
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76ers Set the Stage for Their Big Offseason Move: A Fan's OutlookThe 76ers had stayed quiet in the offseason while their divisional rivals dominated free agency. But with the release of Elton Brand and with Lou Williams ready to head out, the Sixers have hopefully cleared room to do a bit more.
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76ers Officially End Disappointing Brand Era: A Fan's TakeWhen Elton Brand joined the 76ers four years ago, it looked like the best way for them to take the next step. But it didn't turn out that way, so the Sixers finally waived Brand to give them cap room, as they try yet again to take that next step.
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Allen Breaks Up Celtics Big Four to Form Heat Big Four: A Fan's AnalysisAfter Kevin Garnett resigned with Boston, it looked like the Celtics' Big Four would stay together after all. Instead, Ray Allen has not only left them, he has given the arch-rival Heat a Big Four that may dominate the league even more.Also published on:
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Carle Biggest Free Agent Loss yet for Flyers: A Fan's PespectiveThe Flyers already traded away Sergei Bobrovsky and James van Riemsdyk, and lost Jaromir Jagr's services while failing to sign Zach Parise or Ryan Suter. But letting Matt Carle sign with the Lightning serves as the biggest offseason blow so far.
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Knicks Bring in Kidd to Either Mentor or Replace Lin: A Fan's OutlookThe Knicks took a blow when they couldn't trade for Steve Nash, yet they still landed an aging Hall of Fame point guard anyway in Jason Kidd. Meanwhile, fellow point guard Jeremy Lin will take 'Linsanity' to Houston if New York doesn't match up.
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Phillies End Bizarre Night with Bizarre Blown Save to Mets: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies and Mets were supposed to barely score with Cole Hamels and R.A. Dickey on the mound, but it didn't turn out that way. Then the Phillies were supposed to have a win all wrapped up in the ninth - but it sadly didn't turn out that way either.Also published on:
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'The Amazing Spider-Man' IMAX 3D ReviewThe new Spider-Man has been criticized for not being new enough, since it is a reboot of a 10-year old franchise. But Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and occasionally Marc Webb do enough to hint at something better - even if this movie isn't it.
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Flyers, Penguins, Devils All Lose Out on Parise, Suter: A Fan's AnalysisThe Flyers made big offers to Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, perhaps just to make it harder for their rivals to get them. It worked to a point, as the Flyers didn't get either of them - yet the Minnesota Wild got them instead of Pittsburgh or New Jersey.
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76ers Finally Make a Move by Keeping Hawes: A Fan's OutlookThe 76ers have been quiet while the Celtics, Nets and Knicks have driven NBA free agency so far. But the Sixers can only make small moves - yet they hope that keeping Spencer Hawes for two more years will turn out to be a big move.
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Knicks Suddenly Lose Nash and May Soon Lose 'Linsanity': A Fan's TakeThe Celtics and Nets have been big winners in free agency so far, yet their fellow Atlantic rivals in New York haven't been so lucky. Not only is Steve Nash joining the Lakers instead of the Knicks, they may soon have to watch Jeremy Lin go to Houston.
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Phillies Finally Flip Script, Win Late for Lee: A Fan's PerspectiveOnce again, Cliff Lee and the Phillies looked lost and defeated for the first six innings against the Mets on July 4. But for once, the Phillies came through late for Lee, as nine late runs finally made it impossible for him not to win.Also published on:
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Flyers Let Jagr Slip Away to Stars: A Fan's TakeWhile the Flyers were driving up the price for Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, the Dallas Stars drove the price up too high for Jaromir Jagr. As such, Jagr will join the Stars, in a move almost as startling as Jagr joining the Flyers last summer.
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Celtics Actually Add to Roster by Landing Terry: A Fan's AnalysisThe Celtics were supposed to be losing stars in the offseason, not gaining them. But after keeping Kevin Garnett, the Celtics have brought in Jason Terry from the former champion Mavericks, to either replace Ray Allen or help him out.
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Nets Have Huge Day with Williams Deal, Revived Howard Rumors: A Fan's OutlookThe Nets may have had a franchise-changing day on July 3, as they finally reached a deal with Deron Williams that will also bring Joe Johnson to Brooklyn - and revived rumors that they could fit in Dwight Howard after all.
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Phillies Have No Pulse in Latest Loss to Mets: A Fan's TakeThe Phillies should be fighting for their season this week against the Mets and Braves. Yet there was absolutely no fight in the so-called Fighting Phils on July 3, as the Mets utterly destroyed them with their offense and their pitching.Also published on:
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Brodeur to Keep Haunting Flyers with Devils for Two More Years: A Fan's TakeWhen Martin Brodeur led the Devils past the Flyers in this year's playoffs, the Flyers hoped it was the last they'd ever see of him. But they weren't so lucky, as Brodeur will spend two more years leading the Eastern champs before finally retiring.
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Phillies Fight for Their Season Against Mets, Braves This Week: A Fan's OutlookThe Phillies already got buried back into last place by getting swept by the Marlins last week. As such, if they fall even further behind the Mets and Braves after six games against them this week, it could all but pull the plug on this season.Also published on:
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Nets Finally Have Plan B to Become Contenders Without Howard: A Fan's AnalysisThe perception was that if Dwight Howard didn't go to Brooklyn and get Deron Williams to stay, the Nets would be dead without any superstars. But now the Nets finally have a plan B, as they are dangling Joe Johnson around to make Williams stay.
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76ers Quiet While Atlantic Division Shapes NBA Free Agency: A Fan's TakeThe Atlantic Division is at the center of the NBA free agent market, as the Nets, Celtics and even the Raptors may make big splashes in the coming days. But while their rivals are looking to make big moves, the 76ers are staying quiet so far.
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Phillies Get Their Only Three Stars onto All-Star Game Roster: A Fan's AnalysisThe Phillies got three players on the All-Star Game roster, which would seem to suggest they were doing well. But Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon and Carlos Ruiz had to deliver All-Star worthy first halves because no other Phillies were helping them.Also published on:
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Garnett to Keep Celtics from Breaking Up a While Longer: A Fan's AnalysisThe long expected breakup of the Celtics may not come as quickly or as thoroughly as expected. With Kevin Garnett rumored to be back in Boston for three more years, the Celtics may have the cornerstones to keep contending no matter what.
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Phillies Cut the Cord with Thome for Second Time: A Fan's TakeDespite being beloved in Philadelphia from 2003 to 2005, the Phillies had no choice but to send him away. And despite a few final spurts of brilliance in his return back this year, the Phillies had no choice but to send Thome away again yesterday.Also published on: