What I've learned in June

By Jeff Glauser
The Phanatic Magazine

Thirty days.

It’s a relatively short period of time that can seem like an eternity, especially if it’s that long until you graduate, give birth or get paroled.

But, as I found out, much can be learned in that time span within the world of sports – some surprising, some uplifting, some obvious (although further confirmation was provided).

Overall, I’ve learned that a month is plenty of time to acquire new insight – particularly if it’s been far longer than that since I’ve written anything and felt the need to share something, regardless of how contrived it might seem.

Therefore, this is some of what I’ve learned during the month of June:

That respect for tradition is not completely lost.
In an age where professional sports have generally regressed to a business as opposed to the evolving piece of nostalgia meant to honor those who transcended the game beforehand, thus allowing the stars of today to make the obscene amounts of money that they do, it’s reassuring to see that there’s still some semblance of hope for the future.

(It’s also reassuring to see that I’m still capable of writing 59-word sentences which wax poetic and don’t qualify as “run-on.”)

Exhibit A: The NBA Championship. Yes, simply having the Celtics vs. the Lakers participate meant it was a no-brainer that the glory days of the rivalry would be constantly evoked in conversation. But it’s what occurred immediately following the Celtics’ victory that impressed me most: Mega-star and future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett - who doesn’t have to defer to anyone now that he possesses that long-elusive ring - sought out legend Bill Russell in the midst of a center court celebration.

The brief exchange culminated in a simple, yet powerful, statement by KG: “I hope we made you proud.”

That the Phillies are not ready for prime time – if prime time means facing American League competition.
The bubble was bound the burst sooner or later, right? And boy did it. The fact that the Phils remain in first place after the 15-game freefall from grace is miraculous in and of itself.

The problem lies here:

It’s a safe bet that Ryan Howard will eventually come around, jack a bunch of moonshots and get his average to at least a respectable level. It’s quite probable that Jimmy Rollins will go on some sort of tear, as well. And Chase Utley is Chase Utley and will inevitably get back to MVP form.

But don’t true MVP’s get it done when it matters?

The Phillies had a chance to make a statement to the world this month. Additionally, they had a chance to take advantage of the mediocrity which has been the rest of the NL East and gain some breathing room.

Instead, they did neither. And with a lineup that hits better statistically than it does strategically, combined with a starting rotation hanging on by a thread and a relief staff living in an extended dreamland, it’s strongly suggested that fans keep their Maalox in close proximity this summer.

That playing it safe may work in the draft for the Sixers, but sure as hell won’t work in free agency.
Choosing Marreese Speights was an easier decision than trying to spell his name. And that’s fine (although who woulda thunk Billy King would hit jackpot on the then-anonymous Thaddeus Young last year?).

However, the conservative approach in the free agency market won’t cut it.

Local product Ed Stefanski knows how the dynamic of the local fan works here. He knows we’ve waited far too long to move beyond the absurd-contract-purgatory mess that King left us in. He knows that, after salary dumping fan favorite (and the team’s only reliable shooter) Kyle Korver, that we expect something big in return.

Therefore, he also knows that if a name such Brand/Smith/Davis/Okafor/et al isn’t wearing the team’s colors shortly, he should consider new real estate and an alias.

That the Flyers excel at being extremely busy at doing nothing too groundbreaking.
Is it a good thing they have made about 12 trades and signings in the past week and I’ve never really heard of most of the people coming or going?

The team made incredible strides this past year to get back to respectability and the initial thoughts are that the mass signings of obscure defensemen may be an indication that lassoing a big name may not be in the cards this summer. Never one to pinch pennies, Ed Snider gets the benefit of the doubt, as does Paul Holmgren after steering the turnaround. But now that the taste of success is back, the area will be hungering for some more signs of momentum soon.

That, at this point, the Eagles could be 10-6 or 6-10 this season and neither would surprise me.
I’d say more, but I’m going to “plead the Reid” at this time and leave you hanging.