The job of a sports columnist is to provide answers to all questions and strong opinions without hesitation or doubt. Well, not this time. When it comes to the Phillies’ closer crisis, I’ve got nothing. No answer, no opinion.
Oh, I absolutely, positively don’t want Brad Lidge to touch another baseball in the ninth. His 11th blown save might have saved us the agonizing sight of last year’s World Series hero delivering the fatal, final pitch of the playoffs.
But who should be the closer? I’ve got no idea. All I can say for sure is who shouldn’t be. Ryan Madson? He doesn’t have the temperament. Closer by committee? The last time a team won a championship that way we were all wearing leisure suits. Pedro Martinez? He’s hurt, and his worst inning as a starter is the first. Tyler Walker? Yeah, he was a closer before, a bad closer. He’s blown 14-of-48 save opportunities. J.A. Happ? Now that’s just crazy talk.
The fact is, October is probably going to be a really bad month for Phils fans. It might be a good time to go back on those antidepressants.
My advice to all Eagles fans is to get lots of rest during the bye week because all hell is going to break out when play resumes on Oct. 11. The final chapter of the Andy Reid-Donovan McNabb era is approaching.
Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb are on a collision course over Reid’s ridiculous obsession with Michael Vick and the Wildcat offense.
During their easy 34-14 win over putrid Kansas City, the only element that didn’t work for the Eagles was Reid’s crazy new plan on how to use Vick’s unique skills. Kevin Kolb was terrific for a second consecutive week — he has thrown for 718 yards in his first two NFL starts — while LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek were all equally impressive.
Of course, they are not the story because Reid’s massive ego won’t allow them to be. The story of Sunday’s game was the return of Vick and the ever-increasing role of the Wildcat, which is much ado about nothing so far.
This is all you need to know about Reid’s new toy: The Eagles gained 30 yards on 11 plays in the new formation, and 390 yards on 52 plays when they were not. That’s an average of 2.7 yards per play versus 7.2, respectively. In other words, the Wildcat stopped Kolb and the offense a lot better than the Chiefs did.
What was Donovan McNabb thinking as he stood on the sideline and watched Vick shuttle in and out of the game? I’ll tell you exactly what he was thinking: “The coach better not try this in two weeks when I’m back in there.” And McNabb has every right to think that. After 11 largely successful seasons, McNabb will soon be dealing with a distraction unlike anything he has ever confronted before.
In case you can’t wait to see what happens next, I’ll give you a preview. McNabb will lose patience quickly with the Wildcat, especially when it means he has to leave the game in favor of a rusty and sluggish Vick. This time he won’t make the slashing gesture he used in the preseason. This time he’ll do what he does better than any quarterback in the league. He’ll pout.
Before long, Reid will have a decision to make. Should he abandon his new Wildcat or get rid of his old, lead dog? Should he tell McNabb that there’s no turning back now, or should he give in the way he has so many times before?
The irresistible force is racing toward the immovable object. A spectacular collision is inevitable now. The final chapter of the Andy Reid-Donovan McNabb era is approaching.
So, kick back and enjoy the break this week. It’s the calm before a very big storm. You read it here first.
cheap trick
▶ Banner’s Eagles will never win
President Joe Banner’s bean-counting has been one of the biggest obstacles to the Eagles’ ultimate success, and this season is providing the most outrageous example yet.
Last winter, the Eagles signed Stacy Andrews to a $39 million contract despite a serious knee problem and a projected position change. Add those numbers to the $40 million being wasted on Shawn Andrews and another $21 million on Reggie Brown, and you’ve got $100 million in contracts that are producing practically nothing.
Meanwhile, the Eagles scoffed at the notion of committing $7 million in guaranteed money over two years to Brian Dawkins.
Now, the Birds are pondering the signing of Jeremiah Trotter because they lack the leadership Dawkins provided. For $7 million, they could have had that leadership and avoided a PR disaster.
Well, at least Trotter will come cheap. He’ll look good on Banner’s computer breakdowns, if not on the field.
– Angelo Cataldi is host of 610 WIP’s Morning Show. He can be heard every day from 5:30 to 10 a.m. His column runs in Metro every Tuesday.
Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any
opinions expressed on its pages. Opposing viewpoints are welcome.
Please send 400-word submissions to letters@metro.us.
Kolb and Vick shuttled in and out of the lineup Sunday against Kansas City.
More idle thoughts ...
1 Hefty price to pay. Shawn Andrews missed Sunday’s game, but he didn’t waste the day. According to his Twitter updates, he got a calf-and-foot massage, and a pedicure at a posh L.A. salon. He said he wanted to watch the Eagles game, but he didn’t want to pay the money for DirecTV.
2 Not too swift. DeSean Jackson is one of the quickest players I’ve ever seen, but he’s not too swift. His latest TD celebration required him to hurtle head over heels and land in a split. If he keeps this up, Jackson is going to lead the league in both TV highlights and X-rays.
4 Hot wives club. When Jeff Garcia leaves soon, we will have lost three of the most beautiful wives/girlfriends in sports: Heather Mitts, Kendra Wilkinson and now Carmella DeCesare. It’s just not fair.
3 Masking tape. Sheldon Brown wore a mask with no mouth last week to protest the way the Eagles have silenced his contract talks. And he was going to be the guy to replace Brian Dawkins’ leadership?
5 Joke’s on you. Rowan University is going to name its new football stadium after its greatest coach, Richard Wacker. Do you think opponents are going to have any fun with that one?
