Tom Brookshier died last Friday, and the last thing he would want me to do is to gush about what a great man he was. Brookie was an extraordinary football player and a broadcasting pioneer, but he wouldn’t approve of those descriptions.
Tom gave me my start in radio at WIP 22 years ago, when I had no experience. Why did he do it? He would say, with his trademark laugh, “Why the hell not?”
I worked side by side with him on the morning show for two years, and he showed me how to perform, how to make a connection with an audience, and, above all, how to prepare. He was a hero in this city, but there were no crowds there when he would arrive at 4 every morning. He did it because he respected his audience and had pride in his work.
When he finally walked away from radio in 1992, 34 of the biggest names in sports — Buddy Ryan, Billy Cunningham, John Madden, Dick Vitale, Ron Jaworski, to name a few — called during that final show to share great memories and to celebrate a man who was a friend to all.
Brookie would grimace whenever I brought up the fact that his No. 40 had been retired by the Eagles. He always said they must have relaxed the requirements that year. No, they didn’t. As a football player, no one will ever wear his jersey. And as a man, no one will ever take his place.
One of the toughest things for a sports columnist is to predict the future, and yet it is a major part of the job. People want to know how the so-called expert feels, but also what he thinks is going to happen next.
For those who have read this column over the past two-plus years, you already know that I’ve hit some home runs (Eddie Jordan, John Stevens, Brad Lidge, Brian Dawkins, Michael Vick), but I’ve also whiffed more than my share (Charlie Manuel, Elton Brand, the 2009 Eagles).
Now comes the biggest challenge — and the biggest question — in my time here. What’s going to happen to Donovan McNabb? Everybody wants to know the answer, and it’s my job to provide it.
Let me take you through my process. I started by asking people close to the team. My colleague at WIP, Hugh Douglas, has heard all year that the 11-year veteran had to make it to the Super Bowl — and maybe even win it — to save his job. As a former player, Douglas is privy to more inside information than I am. I believe him.
The next step is to analyze the public statements of the key characters in the drama. McNabb himself is insisting he’ll be back, but would they tell him if he weren’t? Andy Reid said that McNabb would be returning, but he was hardly convincing in his tepid vote of confidence.
The newest piece of information is the most compelling. Last Friday, president Joe Banner told reporters: “We do have to make a decision on [the quarterback situation]. The decision could be anything from the status quo to some change.”
Imagine for a moment that you were going to trade a franchise quarterback. Now imagine what you would say if you hadn’t done it yet. Wouldn’t it sound something like what Banner said?
The final hurdle is the toughest one, and it involves the difference between fact and wishful thinking. It’s no secret that I can’t stomach Mc-Nabb, but am I tilting the information to accommodate my wishes?
Probably. But, the evidence is simply too strong. McNabb has failed 11 times to win a title here.
Kevin Kolb is ready. Kolb will cost far less. Mc-Nabb is a perfect fit in Arizona, and maybe Minnesota. With all the young stars on the Eagles offense, Kolb is a perfect fit here.
So, that’s my verdict, and how I came up with it. Donovan McNabb has played his last game as an Eagle. Hallelujah. (I hope.) – Angelo Cataldi is a Metro columnist and host of WIP’s Morning Show, which airs weekdays from 5:30-10 a.m.
which phillie is werth it?
Ruben Amaro, Jr. had a tough decision to make on Cliff Lee. Now, the Phillies GM has a much more delicate dilemma to ponder. Whom should he sign, Jayson Werth or Ryan Howard?
The first instinct is to say Howard because he is unique in his ability to change a game and intimidate an opponent. The fact that he sells tickets is no small consideration, either. Howard is a superstar.
Already, he is the best power hitter the Phillies have ever had — and don’t forget that a fellow named Mike Schmidt once played here.
However, Jayson Werth is an extremely valuable entity, too. Not only can he hit for power, but he is a very good outfielder who murders left-handed pitchers and can steal a base when needed. No, he’s not quite the gate attraction that Howard is, but don’t tell that to the women, young and old, who consider him the team sex symbol.
When I presented this choice on my radio show, I was shocked by the response. Werth won the favor of the callers.
What will Amaro do after this season? Will he re-sign Werth and end all suspense about Howard in 2011, or will he save the money for the big guy? Aren’t you glad you’re not Ruben Amaro?
