Sports and Rants with Brett and Pants : All these teams want for Christmas is....

So, with Hanukkah started and Christmas coming up next week; we pose the question what should the Philadelphia sports teams ask for?

Phillies:

Prospects… Prospects…Prospects

The Phillies as we all know is lacking prospects and a strong Minor League system. Let’s face it Phillies fans, this team has finally decide to start rebuilding with the moving of Jimmy Rollins. However, they have yet to make that big move for big name prospects. There have been several names thrown around to possibly get these young guys into the Phillies system. So, we decided to pose a few trades that could help improve the Phillies minor leagues.

Cole has a high market value, and several people believe he can make a team an instant contender. Well, with talks of Wil Myers going to the Padres; this proves the Padres obviously want to contend. This provides the Phillies with the perfect opportunity to restock their system and to provide the Padres with an Ace and a starting Catcher. Two names that could fit the Phillies needs would be Austin Hedges a catcher or Jose Rondon a SS. Both of these guys would help this franchise greatly.

Another, move which is more unlikely to bring back A or B+ prospects is the moving of Ryan Howard. Let’s be honest, Howard’s good years are truly behind him and he doesn’t have much to offer the Phillies any more. However, the guy is still valuable and can produce over 100 RBI’s if given the right situation. One team that may have interest in Howard for the right price would be the Athletics. Oakland is in need of a first baseman, and with the signing of Billy Butler at DH, this team could be his perfect fit. The Phillies would have to buy out most of Howard’s outrageously large contract. But, if it were to happen Oakland could provide some good young guys in return such as, Bruce Maxwell a very good young Catching prospect.

These are just two possible moves that the Phillies could make to gain some youth into their minor league systems. Other guys that could return some prospects would be Byrd, Papelbon, and Brown. Hopefully, the Phillies get what they need most this holiday season.

Flyers:

Scoring and a real Goalie

The Flyers have truly had some ups and downs this season, and it has not been fun to watch. The team needs something to fire them up, to get them playing well once more. One area that they need work in is in the category of scorers. Let’s face it the Flyers cannot compete when only two or three guys carrying the workload constantly on the offensive end. The Flyers made some bad moves the last couple years that have placed them in this predicament. They have moved scorers they shouldn’t and they didn’t bring the players back that they need. The team needs a true scorer to set up in their lineup or Hextall will have to make some moves to bring that scorer in that the team needs.

Another area that the Flyers need improvement is in net. In truth the Flyers have not had a great goalie in several years. Yes, Mason has played well, but he has had several ups and downs during his time with the Flyers. Sometimes he looks like a star other times, he looks just all-around bad. Ray Emery is the same way. Neither goalie has hit their stride. This season and injuries have plagued both of them. The Flyers will not compete unless they upgrade in the area of goalie.

Hextall has a lot of moves that he will have to make if the team wants to compete. This will not be a good time if you are a Flyers fan over the next several years, due to the fact that the Flyers haven’t made a big move to bring in the guy’s necessary to compete and win it all. In truth the Flyers will have to wait again for a Stanley Cup.

Sixers:

Shooting Guard

Well, if Sam Hinkie has anything to do with it the Sixers won’t have a shooting guard for another 10 years. Hinkie should be on the television show hoarding buried alive due to the fact that he has so many draft choices. The Sixers will be a competitive team and they are not too many years from being a Championship caliber team. The biggest piece that this team will need to compete is a high quality shooting guard, who wants the ball at any moment in time. One guy that they could get would be Emmanuel Mudiay a swing point and shooting guard.

Mudiay will be a top pick in this year’s NBA Draft, no doubt about it. Mudiay can provide the Sixers with that fire power, that Andrew Wiggins type of player that the Sixers wanted to draft last season. Mudiay has proven in China that he has that explosive offensive ability. This kid has proven that he does make mistakes on the court, however you have to remember over in China he is the all-around superstar. He is basically playing every position from point to small. With the Sixers he would be the perfect fit, being the main scorer and not worrying about playing the point as much.

If Hinkie can get his act together and think in the basketball mind that he should, rather than hoarding picks. Mudiay can be their guy, though everyone’s eyes are on Okafor as the top pick. Do not be surprised if the Sixers move Noel and someone else for another top pick to try to bring in both Okafor and Mudiay. This Sixers team will compete… Eventually.

Eagles:

The Playoffs

The Eagles have many good pieces on their team, and they are in the playoff race. However, after the last two games they have fallen out of first place and have shown that they cannot compete with a playoff team. The Eagles need their corners to perform at a higher level as well as a great QB if they want to compete and get back into the playoff race. This team has struggled of late and they need to get it together if they want to be back in the race.

The corners are the biggest question going into these last few games. The corners have not performed well as of late. Williams has been terrible and the Cowboys completely exposed him last game. Teams have proven that they are not afraid to throw into the Eagles secondary, that they are not a true threat to them. This has to change if this team wants to ever be in Super Bowl contention. Let’s face it, if teams can just throw the ball deep to guys like Dez Bryant every time for large gains, what’s stopping them. The Eagles need an improvement in the corner position if they are going to get back in the race.

The Eagles need and want to get back into the playoff contention. But, before they can even compete they need to get it together in the QB position. Foles though hurt has played not up to par this season, and Sanchez of late has been bad. So with Foles coming back in the next few weeks the question is if they get to the playoffs who will be their QB. This team if they want to be in the playoffs they need Nick Foles back to play at the highest level.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY HANUKKAH!

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S!!!!!!!

-Brett