Saturday, June 29, 2013

Milestone: Thank You Social Media Friends


Thank you to all social media friends for your help as I crossed the 2000th online article mark today. 

 After working as a print reporter many years ago, I eventually made the online transition on Labor Day weekend, 2010. 

 My best to you, your families and friends. 
God Bless, 
Sean O'Brien
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
The Philadelphia Flyers' decision to buy out Ilya Bryzgalov had to happen. (Here's a link to my special Yahoo feature on today's deal, for more detailed information.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bryz - Behind the Scenes

When one considers the impatience of this organization over the course of many decades, it seemed unlikely that the team would wait until next year to used it's second amnesty option (after using the first on Danny Briere).

Bryzgalov was quixotic behind the scenes in the locker room during game days and during practices. My own experiences with him weren't negative. 

It was easy for me to see that he's very uncomfortable talking with the media. At times he would avoid coming into the locker room, or not submit to team requests for him to speak to us (the reporters) after some games.

As to why that is touches upon his personality and goes beyond the realm of sports' analysis.

The man has skill for sure. Remember when he carried the Flyers on his franchise-record scoreless streak in March 2012? That was no fluke and came when the team's defense was as shaky as ever and Chris Pronger-less.

Mason

I don't know if Steve Mason will be the team's number 1 come the fall. It will be interesting to see who the 'other' goalie will be, as a veteran option would signal faith in the former Calder Trophy winner for the future.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies: John McDonald Trade Sets Up Another?


The Philadelphia Phillies' trade for journeyman infielder John McDonald creates the need for a major league roster move to be made by tomorrow 6/28. 

 Ruben Amaro may simply eliminate one of his bench men, or be preparing to trade a starter. Doing so would allow McDonald to take over for someone like Freddy Galvis, or Kevin Frandsen. 

 With whatever happens, this seemingly minor move appears likely to lead to bigger things in the very near future.
(Photo courtesy of bigstory.org)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
The Philadelphia Flyers' decision to buy out Ilya Bryzgalov had to happen. (Here's a link to my special Yahoo feature on today's deal, for more detailed information.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bryz - Behind the Scenes

When one considers the impatience of this organization over the course of many decades, it seemed unlikely that the team would wait until next year to used it's second amnesty option (after using the first on Danny Briere).

Bryzgalov was quixotic behind the scenes in the locker room during game days and during practices. My own experiences with him weren't negative. 

It was easy for me to see that he's very uncomfortable talking with the media. At times he would avoid coming into the locker room, or not submit to team requests for him to speak to us (the reporters) after some games.

As to why that is touches upon his personality and goes beyond the realm of sports' analysis.

The man has skill for sure. Remember when he carried the Flyers on his franchise-record scoreless streak in March 2012? That was no fluke and came when the team's defense was as shaky as ever and Chris Pronger-less.

Mason

I don't know if Steve Mason will be the team's number 1 come the fall. It will be interesting to see who the 'other' goalie will be, as a veteran option would signal faith in the former Calder Trophy winner for the future.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
Posted by at No comments:
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Behind the Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers' Ilya Bryzgalov Buyout


The Philadelphia Flyers' decision to buyout Ilya Bryzgalov had to happen. 

 (Here's a link to my special Yahoo feature on today's deal, for more detailed information.)

 Bryz - Behind the Scenes

 When one considers the impatience of this organization over the course of many decades, it seemed unlikely that the team would wait until next year to used it's second amnesty option (after using the first on Danny Briere).

 Bryzgalov was quixotic behind the scenes in the locker room during game days and during practices. My own experiences with him weren't negative. 

 It was easy for me to see that he's very uncomfortable talking with the media. At times he would avoid coming into the locker room, or not submit to team requests for him to speak to us (the reporters) after some games.

 As to why that is touches upon his personality and goes beyond the realm of sports' analysis.

 The man has skill for sure. Remember when he carried the Flyers on his franchise-record scoreless streak in March 2012? That was no fluke and came when the team's defense was as shaky as ever and Chris Pronger-less.

 Mason

 I don't know if Steve Mason will be the team's number 1 come the fall. It will be interesting to see who the 'other' goalie will be, as a veteran option would signal faith in the former Calder Trophy winner for the future.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies' Trades: Sell-off Inevitable?


Is it inevitable that the Philadelphia Phillies will participate in a sell-off leading up to, on and after the July 31 trade deadline? In one word: Yes.

 When a team experiences declining consistency within it's pitching staff, lineup and defense, there's no place else to go but down. 

 There is no miracle waiting to happen, no one player who can patch many roster holes, or enough minor league talent to plug all gaping gaps (doubly said for cheeky reinforced reasons).

 Whether the corporation that exists within Citizens Bank Park will permit general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. to make enough emotionally tough, but logically needed, changes will soon be seen.
(Photo of Ruben Amaro, Jr. courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Behind The Scenes With Danny Briere


The Philadelphia Flyers' announcement that they were buying-out Danny Briere today caused me to think about one of the interviews I conducted with him a few years ago.
(The photo that is used in this post was taken by me in February, 2013.) 

This veteran forward was a terrific playoff performer for the Flyers during the six seasons that he was with the team after signing as a free agent in. The number six is fitting, since he ranks sixth all-time among the franchise playoff scoring leaders and also averaged more than a point-per-game during the six years he spent in orange and black. 

 Briere was a terrific person to talk with in the locker room as well. He was genuine, respectful and glib, which is everything that a journalist needs. 

 I use the term 'journalist' because the players know the difference between beat writers and freelancers. He treated all of us the same. 

 The first time I interviewed him we stood eye-to-eye, one-on-one. I noticed that he probably weighed five-10 pounds less than I did and was obviously impressed that someone of his average (by societal standards) size had endured in a League full of increasingly larger opponents. 

How has Briere survived in the NHL since 1997? Talent, toughness and character.

 Here is a link to an interview feature that I wrote about him in the fall of 2011:

Flyers’ Briere is ready for another solid season

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Ilya Bryzgalov Amnesty Card and Bobby Ryan Trade?


Rumors are swirling that the Philadelphia Flyers may use their second amnesty option on Ilya Bryzgalov. But, gossip isn't reality just yet.

 Dealing the amnesty card

 Along with many other media members who cover the team, I speculated in a late-April feature that Paul Holmgren might opt to exile 'Bryz' for money reasons. 

 However, the Flyers' top front office boss will likely want to have another goaltending piece in place if he does make this move. 

 Tim Thomas is old, but available, in case any Jonathan Bernier deal with the Los Angeles Kings is too costly. There are some other crease options available as well. 

 Duck on the Schuylkill Expressway?

 Bobby Ryan's name has been mentioned as a future Flyer for a number of years. 

 Tim Panaccio reports that the Anaheim Ducks are working on a deal that could send Ryan to the Flyers for Braydon Coburn and their first-round pick (11th overall) in the draft.  Other options are being discussed as well. 

 That type of trade would make sense, as a salary exchange would have to occur in order to keep Philadelphia withing the confines of the salary cap. 

 The soon-to-be announced Mark Streit signing will be just one element in a very interesting off-season.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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