Much has been made of Jeff Lurie and Joe Banner and their self-proclaimed “gold standard” in terms of running the Philadelphia Eagles.
Of course, that has resulted in a grand total of zero Super Bowl titles, although Andy Reid does seem to be making a habit of making the trip to Hawaii to coach the NFC team in the Pro Bowl. You get that title by losing in the NFC Championship Game.
If Banner and Lurie would like to see a true gold standard, all they have to do is look across the street.
From their suite at Lincoln Financial Field, or their fortress at the NovaCare Center, they should be able to see Citizens Bank Park. That would be the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Make that the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies.
We could add another description offered by star second-baseman Chase Utley, but you get the idea.
When it comes to world titles around here, the score stands Phillies 1, Eagles 0.
Later this week the Phillies will head south to gather once again in Clearwater to defend their title.
And you have to marvel at what new general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has done in this off-season.
On Sunday the Phils announced they had signed slugger Ryan Howard to a new three-year, $54 million deal. That means the team will avoid another testy arbitration session with their star first baseman.
It also means something else. The Phils now have every member of their squad under contract. Winning world titles can be an expensive proposition. Give the Phillies credit. They stepped up to the plate and paid the tab.
The Phillies squad that reports this week will be a lot more expensive than the one that showed up last year. Cole Hamels has a new deal. Several other players also got significant salary increases. Not a single player will go to arbitration.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are now trying to figure out what to do with their free agent pool. They have questions about both offensive tackles. They also must come to grips with whether or not they have enough firepower to put around Quarterback Donovan McNabb, who has made it pretty clear he would like a few more weapons in his arsenal.
Don’t hold your breath, Donovan. The gold standard is located across the street.
Of course, that has resulted in a grand total of zero Super Bowl titles, although Andy Reid does seem to be making a habit of making the trip to Hawaii to coach the NFC team in the Pro Bowl. You get that title by losing in the NFC Championship Game.
If Banner and Lurie would like to see a true gold standard, all they have to do is look across the street.
From their suite at Lincoln Financial Field, or their fortress at the NovaCare Center, they should be able to see Citizens Bank Park. That would be the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Make that the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies.
We could add another description offered by star second-baseman Chase Utley, but you get the idea.
When it comes to world titles around here, the score stands Phillies 1, Eagles 0.
Later this week the Phillies will head south to gather once again in Clearwater to defend their title.
And you have to marvel at what new general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has done in this off-season.
On Sunday the Phils announced they had signed slugger Ryan Howard to a new three-year, $54 million deal. That means the team will avoid another testy arbitration session with their star first baseman.
It also means something else. The Phils now have every member of their squad under contract. Winning world titles can be an expensive proposition. Give the Phillies credit. They stepped up to the plate and paid the tab.
The Phillies squad that reports this week will be a lot more expensive than the one that showed up last year. Cole Hamels has a new deal. Several other players also got significant salary increases. Not a single player will go to arbitration.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are now trying to figure out what to do with their free agent pool. They have questions about both offensive tackles. They also must come to grips with whether or not they have enough firepower to put around Quarterback Donovan McNabb, who has made it pretty clear he would like a few more weapons in his arsenal.
Don’t hold your breath, Donovan. The gold standard is located across the street.
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