it really is pretty simple

Ruben has wanted Charlie out. And he knows the only way he can fire him is if they miss the playoffs.

The season was setup to be a failure from the beginning.
- Crimsoninja

And Howard and Utley aren't really hurt. All a ruse to get Charlie out of there.

yes you never know...

would you give Hamels 7 years?
I would go 5 and two options...first one player, second one team...
doubt if they will accept that...but in general that might work.
- phi1671

I been saying this since last year that they need to blow this team up. Only way I give Hamels what he wants is if I can move some players and either Halladay or Lee.

Have to start getting back younger talent thats ready to play at the MLB level.

Ooh! I love games.

Let's see...

2011 Bruins: Horton, Ryder, Recchi, Lucic
2010 Blackhawks: Kane, Hossa, Versteeg, Brouwer
2009 Penguins: Guerin, Kunitz, Fedotenko, Talbot
2008 Red Wings: Zetterberg, Hudler, Samuelsson, Holmstrom
2007 Ducks: Selanne, Perry, Moen, C. Pronger
- Flyskippy

Chris Pronger?

Anyway, I have different thoughts on this. Bruins on par with our current group. Actually, we have better forwards top to bottom but they have Chara and Thomas. So if you want a D-man to be comparable you will have to find an equivalent of the best in the league. Which leads you to Nashville really.

Blackhawks - another team with a lot of depth. I would have included Dunder Mifflin before he switched to D-fense. Clearly superior to our group.

Penguins - on par with us IMO. Although Malkin played some wing.

Red Wings. I would have taken their wingers in a flash. Similar to Chicago.

Ducks - I don't even remember what I had for lunch, but I'll say we're on par.

My conclusions - unless we make a play for Shea Weber, the second best alternative is Parise. I think by seeing Pronger and Chara on this list that the impact of losing our Chris Pronger was dramatic. In any sport, I think to win it all you need to excel in at least one area, and really be the best or close to it.

NY Giants - pass rush.
Miami Heat (this year's champs) - scoring and talent at the creator position (key to all basketball teams)
Cardinals - Pitching.
Boston Bruins - Defense.

To me, the one thing we can create with the Flyers is the best top line in hockey. Hartnell (does this make sense he is on a top line in hockey?) Giroux and Parise.

I'm convinced we can win with Timmo, Coburn, etc.

Just my opinions but unfortunately for others I am always right.

My conclusions - unless we make a play for Shea Weber, the second best alternative is Parise. I think by seeing Pronger and Chara on this list that the impact of losing our Chris Pronger was dramatic. In any sport, I think to win it all you need to excel in at least one area, and really be the best or close to it.

NY Giants - pass rush.
Miami Heat (this year's champs) - scoring and talent at the creator position (key to all basketball teams)
Cardinals - Pitching.
Boston Bruins - Defense.

To me, the one thing we can create with the Flyers is the best top line in hockey. Hartnell (does this make sense he is on a top line in hockey?) Giroux and Parise.

I'm convinced we can win with Timmo, Coburn, etc.

Just my opinions but unfortunately for others I am always right.
- Daman

Are those teams going to be the best in those areas every year?

And there is definitely other things the Flyers can create then just the best top line in Hockey.

One question. What line would you say out of every team is the best line in Hockey?

it really is pretty simple

Ruben has wanted Charlie out. And he knows the only way he can fire him is if they miss the playoffs.

The season was setup to be a failure from the beginning.
- Crimsoninja

CONSPIRACIES!!!

Are those teams going to be the best in those areas every year?

And there is definitely other things the Flyers can create then just the best top line in Hockey.

One question. What line would you say out of every team is the best line in Hockey?
- MJL

I think a top D-line is the reason the Giants have won twice recently. I think the Heat will win many championships, just as the Lakers and Bulls did. I think, as I mentioned, that Shea Weber may give us the best chance at the cup. Absent that, Parise and Giroux and Hartnell look good to me. I think pitching always provides an advantage in baseball (Giants, Cardinals).

I think we have a good enough team to win now, but losing Pronger was a major blow. Really the Rangers and maybe Bruins were slightly ahead of us on an overall basis.

If you disagree with me, that is ok. It is ok to be wrong. But seriously, outside or Weber and Parise, what would you really do?

Are those teams going to be the best in those areas every year?

And there is definitely other things the Flyers can create then just the best top line in Hockey.

One question. What line would you say out of every team is the best line in Hockey?
- MJL

as far as two way play, i would have to (begrudgingly) say brad richards, marian gaborik and ryan callahan. i feel dirty, must wash hands, make them clean

And Howard and Utley aren't really hurt. All a ruse to get Charlie out of there.
- MJL

The Howard injury fell into Ruben's lap

With Utley, you mean to tell me the team was caught offguard that his degenerative knee condition "suddenly" became a problem again right before spring training?

the fact that they didnt send a rep from the organization to Utley's home in the offseason to work him out and get an accurate read on his status tells me all i need to know

According to multiple reports, Todd McLellan will maintain his position as the head coach of the San Jose Sharks going into next season. CBC's Elliotte Friedman reported that McLellan was told three days after the Sharks were eliminated from the playoffs that he would be back in 2012-13 behind the bench. The team is projected to be make changes to their assistant staff though, with former San Jose players Mike Ricci and Bryan Marchment being mentioned as possible replacements.
Source: San Jose Mercury News

For all you Shark lovers.

The Howard injury fell into Ruben's lap

With Utley, you mean to tell me the team was caught offguard that his degenerative knee condition "suddenly" became a problem again right before spring training?

the fact that they didnt send a rep from the organization to Utley's home in the offseason to work him out and get an accurate read on his status tells me all i need to know
- Crimsoninja

Blow it up Ruben

Are those teams going to be the best in those areas every year?

And there is definitely other things the Flyers can create then just the best top line in Hockey.

One question. What line would you say out of every team is the best line in Hockey?
- MJL

One of my favorites was Homer when he said "“Okay, I acquired Nabokov for a few days. All those ‘Holmgren needs to get a real goalie’ people can now shut the f*** up.”

as far as two way play, i would have to (begrudgingly) say brad richards, marian gaborik and ryan callahan. i feel dirty, must wash hands, make them clean
- flyerscup2011

Weird - a top line like that shouldn't get you to the Stanley Cup.

According to multiple reports, Todd McLellan will maintain his position as the head coach of the San Jose Sharks going into next season. CBC's Elliotte Friedman reported that McLellan was told three days after the Sharks were eliminated from the playoffs that he would be back in 2012-13 behind the bench. The team is projected to be make changes to their assistant staff though, with former San Jose players Mike Ricci and Bryan Marchment being mentioned as possible replacements.
Source: San Jose Mercury News

For all you Shark lovers.
- stveshdy

Weird - a top line like that shouldn't get you to the Stanley Cup.
- Daman

Neither should a Hartnell, Jagr, and Giroux.

Is this why you want Parise?

Parise, Giroux, and Hartnell. Not bad.

Still need other guys to contribute and play well.

Blow it up Ruben
- stveshdy

Hope not. I wouldn't trust his decision making to put a competitive team on the field. Here's a guy who threw a three year 33 mil contract at an increasingly unproductive player (Rollins).

Neither should a Hartnell, Jagr, and Giroux.

Is this why you want Parise?

Parise, Giroux, and Hartnell. Not bad.

Still need other guys to contribute and play well.
- stveshdy

I was sarcastic about the Rangers line. That is terrific no doubt.

And yes, that is why I would like Parise, Harts and Giroux. But honestly what team wouldn't want Parise?

Other guys need to contribute for sure, but we have a lot of good players on our team. As I mentioned, we may be the #3 team in the Eastern Conf. and probably a top 5-6 team in the entire league. That puts you in position to win the cup.

Hope not. I wouldn't trust his decision making to put a competitive team on the field. Here's a guy who threw a three year 33 mil contract at an increasingly unproductive player (Rollins).
- 77rams

Ruben is the reason the Phillies are in this mess. He handed out all these big contracts. That I agree with. However, he can still right the ship by retooling this team. I didnt want Rollins back. Terrible signing. There wasnt much out there on the market but that deal doesnt look good to me.

I was sarcastic about the Rangers line. That is terrific no doubt.

And yes, that is why I would like Parise, Harts and Giroux. But honestly what team wouldn't want Parise?

Other guys need to contribute for sure, but we have a lot of good players on our team. As I mentioned, we may be the #3 team in the Eastern Conf. and probably a top 5-6 team in the entire league. That puts you in position to win the cup.
- Daman

The Flyers will have a solid team again next year. They will have as good of a chance as any team to win the cup next season. They need to play better defensively and get better goaltending. This team has to much talent to be in the bottom of the league in GAA.

While I don't believe the drug rumors and think the drinking was largely exaggerated, I do feel there was some truth with his turmoil in the locker room and with the coach, thus the trades. I mean when was the last time, a team traded their franchise player/captain for an unproven rookie and a third liner?
I think the same cannot exactly be said for Carter and to do so is unfair even though I myself felt that way for a while I have re-adjusted my view on Carter. That trade I believe had more to do with getting value and shedding salary than Richards.
Did not have to trade both of them and for the team to do so tells me it was more about something other than re-tooling. I have heard all the rebuttals and still stand firm in that belief. However I feel they have found their groove in La and that's fine. Richards doesn't have to be Captain and that's probably what he wanted all along. The organization probably felt that demoting him from the Captaincy would result in a decade's worth of turmoil and with a NTC looming I can't blame them.
I look at them like the friend from highschool you had a falling out with but got reacquainted on good terms, not as close as you once were, but you wish them well.
- JoeRussomanno

Carter was tradebait for a while.

Another way of looking at the Richards trade... A 2-for-1 trade, a trade that was trading an older player for two younger players. A number 24 pick was traded for a number 5 and a 61 pick... The number 5 pick, was deemed the "best player not playing in the NHL" (be that good or bad), and should over time make up for any of the lost offensive. The number 61 has all the heart and none of the attitude of the number 24 pick.

Who knows about the drug rumors, or drinking for that matter. The problem is that it became an issue. What matters the negative attitude, the lack of trying to tone it down - when Richards knew he was in the spot light. Richards ego was the problem... He got into a pissing match with Pronger, Lavy, Flyers management, the media... And, got traded. He burned bridges - but, didn't necessarily lose on the deal. He'll play elsewhere. But, he shouldn't seem surprised nor confused why it happened.

Yes. Yes it might. Amazing work by Joe.
- Flyskippy

thanks guys

Ruben is the reason the Phillies are in this mess. He handed out all these big contracts. That I agree with. However, he can still right the ship by retooling this team. I didnt want Rollins back. Terrible signing. There wasnt much out there on the market but that deal doesnt look good to me.
- stveshdy

That's the thing ... there wasn't much out there to replace Rollins. I didn't have a problem with him, and I think he'll have a solid season. If Galvis had to play SS and Orr/whomever at 2nd they'd be even worse.

I think Amaro has done a good job, outside of maybe the Kendrick signing and the initial trade of Lee. All that needs to happen is for the Phillies to go a LITTLE above the luxury tax to retool the team.

I remain optimistic.

This thread may be dying, but I'll post this anyway.

Who is the one player you would add to this team and is realistic to acquire?

Please list name, estimated salary, and method of acquiring. If a free agent, who would you drop if need be.

You know mine - Parise, free agent, 5.5 - 6.5, give up Jagr and Voracek to acquire in a funking flash.

Carter was tradebait for a while.

Another way of looking at the Richards trade... A 2-for-1 trade, a trade that was trading an older player for two younger players. A number 24 pick was traded for a number 5 and a 61 pick... The number 5 pick, was deemed the "best player not playing in the NHL" (be that good or bad), and should over time make up for any of the lost offensive. The number 61 has all the heart and none of the attitude of the number 24 pick.

Who knows about the drug rumors, or drinking for that matter. The problem is that it became an issue. What matters the negative attitude, the lack of trying to tone it down - when Richards knew he was in the spot light. Richards ego was the problem... He got into a pissing match with Pronger, Lavy, Flyers management, the media... And, got traded. He burned bridges - but, didn't necessarily lose on the deal. He'll play elsewhere. But, he shouldn't seem surprised nor confused why it happened.
- leon neon

well said.

This thread may be dying, but I'll post this anyway.

Who is the one player you would add to this team and is realistic to acquire?

Please list name, estimated salary, and method of acquiring. If a free agent, who would you drop if need be.

You know mine - Parise, free agent, 5.5 - 6.5, give up Jagr and Voracek to acquire in a funking flash.
- Daman

Shea Weber ... whatever it takes.

Carter was tradebait for a while.

Another way of looking at the Richards trade... A 2-for-1 trade, a trade that was trading an older player for two younger players. A number 24 pick was traded for a number 5 and a 61 pick... The number 5 pick, was deemed the "best player not playing in the NHL" (be that good or bad), and should over time make up for any of the lost offensive. The number 61 has all the heart and none of the attitude of the number 24 pick.

Who knows about the drug rumors, or drinking for that matter. The problem is that it became an issue. What matters the negative attitude, the lack of trying to tone it down - when Richards knew he was in the spot light. Richards ego was the problem... He got into a pissing match with Pronger, Lavy, Flyers management, the media... And, got traded. He burned bridges - but, didn't necessarily lose on the deal. He'll play elsewhere. But, he shouldn't seem surprised nor confused why it happened.
- leon neon