Showing posts with label RantSports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RantSports. Show all posts

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.
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Sunday, June 16, 2013

Behind The Scenes: NHL Vezina Trophy Award Winner Sergei Bobrovsky




Background information regarding my most recent Yahoo story...

NHL Awards: Sergei Bobrovsky Edges Out Ilya Bryzgalov for Vezina Trophy


 'Bob' was always a very quiet player in the Philadelphia Flyers locker room. The lady that is shown directly to his left in this photo that I took served as his 'unofficial' translator during the time he was with the Flyers. She is a journalist of European origin who is based in the United States.

 I had considered the title: 'Bobrovsky Wins Vezina - Bryzgalov Wins Nothing' for this piece, but thought that was a bit too much. Plus, the SEO value of that title wasn't as worthy. (Inside internet humor there folks.) 

 It's easy for me, or for anyone, to second-guess Paul Holmgren at this point. 

For my part, I just continue to wonder what type of vetting process the Flyers have in-place regarding high-profile free agents, potential trade acquisitions, draft picks, etc. ?

 Every company needs to know (or should seek to know) about a person's background and politically record (as in office politics) before a hiring decision is made. 

 What did the Flyers learn about 'Bryz' two years ago before they traded for his rights and then gave him a $51 million contract. 

 That is the question and may always be.
(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:
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Friday, June 14, 2013

NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers May Buyout Ilya Bryzgalov


According to a Philadelphia-based media report: The Philadelphia Flyers might exercise both amnesty options this summer. 

The first amnesty option will almost certainly be used for veteran forward Danny Briere. The second may be used for goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. 

The Flyers have never been a patient organization. So, it seems at least plausible that they would opt to use both amnesty options this off-season, rather than waiting until next year to either use both, or to exercise their second exile option. 

This situation could play out as soon as 48 hours after the Stanley Cup has been won, or up to 5 p.m. on June 30, which will be amateur draft day. 

If they do cut 'Bryz' a massive check and tell him to leave town it will be a monumental admission of error and likely create a season (or possibly two) that will determine general manager Paul Holmgren's fate.

(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.
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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers' Trade for Islanders' Captain Mark Streit Makes Sense


The Philadelphia Flyers' acquisition of New York Islanders' 35-year-old captain and unrestricted free agent defenseman Mark Streit follows in the pattern of past aggressive Paul Holmgren moves. 

From the Islanders' perspective, they were able to add a 2014 fourth-round draft pick and AHL right wing prospect Shane Harper.

The Flyers' top front office boss has exhibited a habit of engineering 'creative' roster adjustments since he first became GM in the fall of 2006. 

His move to add this veteran D-Man, whose 2013-13 0.56 ppg average basically equaled his career 0.59 ppg average should prove to be a solid move. It also likely signals the pending departure of one of the Flyers' veteran defensemen for reasons that are salary cap- and performance related.

Defense was a team weakness this past shortened-season. Holmgren has given head coach Peter Laviolette a dependable blue line piece that immediately bolsters the top three pairings. Expect more work to be done on the 2013-14 roster as the summer unfolds.
(Photo 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:
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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

A Model's Life: An Interview with Kourtney Reppert


Today, I'm highlighting another one of my exclusive 
interview features:

A Model's Life: An Interview with Kourtney Reppert


I had the pleasure of interviewing this rising star, whose original home is close to where I grew up. Kourtney has continued to have success, which is hardly surprising, since this article was published in May, 2011. 

The common bonds that link the high achievers who I've had the opportunity to speak with over the course of many years include hard-working natures, resilient outlooks on life and flexible approaches to their ever-changing business environments.

"Consider someone who values a quote from Abraham Lincoln, the humor of Adam Sandler, appreciates the depth of 'Schindler's List' and the lightheartedness of 'A Night at the Roxbury'...."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 9, 2013

MLB: Philadelphia Phillies' Ryne Sandberg Completes 30-Year Odyssey

With the Philadelphia Phillies' 2013 season likely being one of continuing transition, I thought it would be worthwhile to review a piece that I wrote last fall about Ryne Sandberg. 

Hardcore fans loved that 'Ryno' returned to the organization a few years ago and that he was promoted to a coaching position with the big club last fall. Now, what's next?...

Sandberg has finally returned to the Phillies' infield.
(Photo credit - Sean O'Brien, 2012)

(This feature was originally published by Yahoo Sports on October 4, 2012.)

The Philadelphia Phillies' general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. knows that a number of targeted moves are needed to improve his club's chances of rebounding into the playoffs next season. One of those changes includes today's hiring of Ryne Sandberg as the team's new third base and infield coach.
Amaro announced at a press conference that the team will go without a bench coach next season and that Sandberg's hiring means that Juan Samuel will shift to the first base coaching box. Charlie Manuel also said that Sandberg would assume the managerial duties if he were to be thrown out of a game.
Slightly more than three decades after being traded to the Chicago Cubs, 'Ryno' is sure to receive a strong ovation from the fans at next season's home opener. Regardless of job titles, it's also now obvious that he'll be second-in-command and the clear managerial heir apparent.
Sandberg's return to Philadelphia finally realized
Long after retiring, fellow Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt decided that he would like to try his hand at managing. So, he agreed to become the Clearwater Threshers' skipper in 2004. Schmidt lasted one season (59-77) with the Phillies' Single-A team and then decided to resign.
It's hardly appealing to lurch through the minor leagues for an indefinite period of time. But, that's exactly what Sandberg chose to do when the Chicago Cubs hired him to manage their Single-A Peoria Chiefs team in 2007. Deposed Phillies' bench coach Pete Mackanin also managed that team in 1985 and 1986, leading the Chiefs to the League finals in those successive seasons.
While Sandberg's 2007 and 2008 teams didn't fare well, he did lead the Double-A Tennessee Smokies to the League finals in 2009 and finished tied for first in the division while managing the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2010. Sandberg's 2011 Triple-A Lehigh Valley team advanced to the League Finals. While his 2012 squad finished above .500 (75-68), the Iron Pigs didn't qualify for the playoffs.
Ryno earned his second major league break
This 53-year-old doesn't need a job and didn't toil in the bushes for the past six years to boost his ego. Sandberg decided to learn his managerial craft step-by-step, which enabled him to earn this second major league opportunity.
Manuel seems likely to complete the final year of his contract next season unless his team truly falters. That scenario sets up well for the team's newest coach to then take over.
As a long-time Phillies' loyalist, I was happy to see Sandberg return to the fold when he was hired in November 2010. Today fully marks the completion of a thirty-plus year odyssey for one of the team's most lamented alumni. Welcome home 'Ryno'.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------or...a selection of my interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...

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:
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