Bill has stated before that he doesn't really get into rumors and things of that sort. That's because he's actually a respected journalist, not some fly-by "news" blogger who drums up coke-induced dream scenarios where you make up rosters for the next 4 years without knowing the future and touting how great each player is/isn't before they've played a pro game.

Basically, if you don't like what he writes, you don't have to read it, and I'm sure others here and other places will satiate your needs for hypothetical trades that will never ever happen.
- jmatchett383

Those were simply suggestions to open up more creative topics of conversation involving the bright future that everyone is so excited about. The summer is the time to dream up what lies ahead and get excited for the new season. I enjoy reading about Alumni but everyday is excessive. I find it hard to believe that the majority of the readers would rather read about the past and "Memorable Minor Leaguers" than how the current players are preparing for the season (Jake Voracek's insane vertical leap), the world cup of hockey, etc.

Bill has stated before that he doesn't really get into rumors and things of that sort. That's because he's actually a respected journalist, not some fly-by "news" blogger who drums up coke-induced dream scenarios where you make up rosters for the next 4 years without knowing the future and touting how great each player is/isn't before they've played a pro game.

Basically, if you don't like what he writes, you don't have to read it, and I'm sure others here and other places will satiate your needs for hypothetical trades that will never ever happen.
- jmatchett383

Those were simply suggestions to open up more creative topics of conversation involving the bright future that everyone is so excited about. The summer is the time to dream up what lies ahead and get excited for the new season. I enjoy reading about Alumni but everyday is excessive. I find it hard to believe that the majority of the readers would rather read about the past and "Memorable Minor Leaguers" than how the current players are preparing for the season (Jake Voracek's insane vertical leap), the world cup of hockey, etc.
- loustuber

I'm sure that Bill will touch upon things like the World Cup, Rookie Camp, and Training Camp as they come along. But, again, Bill's more of a journalist that your average blogger and works in the realm of fact.

And really, by about Page 3, this blog usually diverges onto some odd topic anyway.

The whole crybaby/whiner thing is so outplayed at this point. Yeah, his first few seasons, it was legit. But over the last half decade or so, it's the exact opposite: he's actually embraced the ambassador role. Also, as he's shown the past 2 years, he and his team don't let people rile them anymore. He doesn't "complain" to the refs any more than any other captain, including, Giroux, Toews, etc. At this point, he's becoming more and more the player that the NHL dreamed he would be.
- jmatchett383

The whining was actually at its worst four years ago. After that he seemed to realize it wasn't working for him.

I hate him less than I hate people chanting crosby sucks all the time
- YuenglingJagr

I don't see why people get so upset over this? It's the star player of the Flyers most heated rivalry. Everyone knows the guy is a perennial all-star and future HOF-er. It doesn't deter the fact that most fans hate him and for good reason. Even ignoring his rookie-season theatrics, the guy still gives us plenty of ammo by saying the wrong things and acting like a petulant child on the ice (refer to 2012 playoffs for recent antics).

So the result? The fan base resorts to a 3-syllable chant, one that you would usually designate to a team name (Rangers Suck, Penguins Suck, Devils Suck, etc) but substitute Crosby's name in there. You're free to attend the games and start a new chant if you want. They usually catch on.

At the end of the day, the fans will continue the chant until he announces that it's his final season. He'll receive a loud ovation in his final game in Philly and that will be the end of the story. I don't get caught up in it.

I don't see why people get so upset over this? It's the star player of the Flyers most heated rivalry. Everyone knows the guy is a perennial all-star and future HOF-er. It doesn't deter the fact that most fans hate him and for good reason. Even ignoring his rookie-season theatrics, the guy still gives us plenty of ammo by saying the wrong things and acting like a petulant child on the ice (refer to 2012 playoffs for recent antics).

So the result? The fan base resorts to a 3-syllable chant, one that you would usually designate to a team name (Rangers Suck, Penguins Suck, Devils Suck, etc) but substitute Crosby's name in there. You're free to attend the games and start a new chant if you want. They usually catch on.

At the end of the day, the fans will continue the chant until he announces that it's his final season. He'll receive a loud ovation in his final game in Philly and that will be the end of the story. I don't get caught up in it.
- steelydan

It is bad that the chant happens when the opposition isn't Pittsburgh.

The whole crybaby/whiner thing is so outplayed at this point. Yeah, his first few seasons, it was legit. But over the last half decade or so, it's the exact opposite: he's actually embraced the ambassador role. Also, as he's shown the past 2 years, he and his team don't let people rile them anymore. He doesn't "complain" to the refs any more than any other captain, including, Giroux, Toews, etc. At this point, he's becoming more and more the player that the NHL dreamed he would be.
- jmatchett383

LOL, right. If you have 13 minutes to spare, this should rekindle your love for the changed-man.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcvzqBdCqH0

I don't see why people get so upset over this? It's the star player of the Flyers most heated rivalry. Everyone knows the guy is a perennial all-star and future HOF-er. It doesn't deter the fact that most fans hate him and for good reason. Even ignoring his rookie-season theatrics, the guy still gives us plenty of ammo by saying the wrong things and acting like a petulant child on the ice (refer to 2012 playoffs for recent antics).

So the result? The fan base resorts to a 3-syllable chant, one that you would usually designate to a team name (Rangers Suck, Penguins Suck, Devils Suck, etc) but substitute Crosby's name in there. You're free to attend the games and start a new chant if you want. They usually catch on.

At the end of the day, the fans will continue the chant until he announces that it's his final season. He'll receive a loud ovation in his final game in Philly and that will be the end of the story. I don't get caught up in it.
- steelydan

4 years ago (almost half a decade ago) constitutes "recent?" If anything, that was the moment he realized that he needed to quit his act, and for the most part, he has.

It is bad that the chant happens when the opposition isn't Pittsburgh.
- dragonoffrost

Agreed. It's stupid.

Ever go to a game recently? I was at the "bracelet" game. It's a bunch of barely-21 year-olds who find joy in seeing how many $10 Molson's they can throw back before they get cut off. Couple that in with loud, expletive-laced screaming while ignoring the row of kids in front of them. It's really a great time! I'd almost be happier if they raised ticket prices to price point where it phased out the bro crowd.

LOL, right. If you have 13 minutes to spare, this should rekindle your love for the changed-man.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcvzqBdCqH0
- steelydan

Again, that was four (frank)ing years ago, and as I said, again, over "the past half decade or so" (4 years is almost a half decade) he has quit it, generally.

4 years ago (almost half a decade ago) constitutes "recent?" If anything, that was the moment he realized that he needed to quit his act, and for the most part, he has.
- jmatchett383

Yes, 3.5 years ago is recent in my mind. Feel free to buy into it if you'd like, but I'm sure his colors will show when another opportunity presents itself.

Again, that was four (frank)ing years ago, and as I said, again, over "the past half decade or so" (4 years is almost a half decade) he has quit it, generally.
- jmatchett383

Awesome. After this, we can spend a few hours arguing the merits of how one pronounces "tomato".

Yes, 3.5 years ago is recent in my mind. Feel free to buy into it if you'd like, but I'm sure his colors will show when another opportunity presents itself.
- steelydan

Actually, that was over 4 years ago, April of 2012. I get that people don't like him because of the spoiled, petulant brat that he acted like when he first came into the league. But since that 2012 series, he's been no more of a whiner/complainer than Giroux has.

Awesome. After this, we can spend a few hours arguing the merits of how one pronounces "tomato".
- steelydan

Aaaaand moving to PMs for this pissing match

Aaaaand moving to PMs for this pissing match
- jmatchett383

Anybody listen to the Sons of Penn podcast? I'm still not sure if it's worth listening to for the guests or it's ability to make me want to strangle a certain part of our fan base.

Agreed. It's stupid.

Ever go to a game recently? I was at the "bracelet" game. It's a bunch of barely-21 year-olds who find joy in seeing how many $10 Molson's they can throw back before they get cut off. Couple that in with loud, expletive-laced screaming while ignoring the row of kids in front of them. It's really a great time! I'd almost be happier if they raised ticket prices to price point where it phased out the bro crowd.
- steelydan

I was at the bracelet game also. My bracelet sits on my desk at home. I was embarrassed to be a fan at that game.

And they cut most of the season ticket prices for this season. I upped to a full season for a little over double what I paid for 11 games last season.

Anybody listen to the Sons of Penn podcast? I'm still not sure if it's worth listening to for the guests or it's ability to make me want to strangle a certain part of our fan base.

- mayorofangrytown

Let me guess they bring in the WIP crowd.

This Lawson Crouse trade though.....man, is Arizona a (frank)ing stockpile of forward prospects: Domi, Duclair, Keller, Strome, Dvorak, Crouse, Fischer, Merkeley. Their d pool still looks weaker.

In a couple years we could make a great trade partner. Clayton, my love, soon.
- Mononoke

The scary thing is when was the last time Arizona was closer than 2.5 Million of the salary cap?

Anybody listen to the Sons of Penn podcast? I'm still not sure if it's worth listening to for the guests or it's ability to make me want to strangle a certain part of our fan base.

- mayorofangrytown

Well, on a related note, Josh Innes got fired yesterday. Most people are thinking it was for a somewhat racist post in reference to a Missanelli caller. Honestly, Innes was the one guy on there I could stomach because he didn't just do 24/7 Eagles talk.

Also, this happened about a week before Eskin's Fox contract runs out...

Blues name Pietrangelo captain.

Blues name Pietrangelo captain.
- jmatchett383

Well, on a related note, Josh Innes got fired yesterday. Most people are thinking it was for a somewhat racist post in reference to a Missanelli caller. Honestly, Innes was the one guy on there I could stomach because he didn't just do 24/7 Eagles talk.

Also, this happened about a week before Eskin's Fox contract runs out...
- jmatchett383

So glad I don't listen to WIP anymore. Eskin (since his son is program director) back would be the final nail in that coffin if Angelo didn't do it a couple years ago.

So glad I don't listen to WIP anymore. Eskin (since his son is program director) back would be the final nail in that coffin if Angelo didn't do it a couple years ago.
- dragonoffrost

I actually liked Eskin. Basically, anyone who's not afraid to call the greater Iggles fanbase on their bullpoop it okay on my book.

I probably listened to Innes once a week. Last time I listened to the morning show was when the had Gaudreau in studio (Eskin filling in), and you could hear Morganti cringing with some of the questions they were asking him.

Edit: It's still better than Gargano or Missanelli.

I actually liked Eskin. Basically, anyone who's not afraid to call the greater Iggles fanbase on their bullpoop it okay on my book.

I probably listened to Innes once a week. Last time I listened to the morning show was when the had Gaudreau in studio (Eskin filling in), and you could hear Morganti cringing with some of the questions they were asking him.

Edit: It's still better than Gargano or Missanelli.
- jmatchett383

I gave up on sports talk radio in Philly. I use Pandora/Spotify/SiriusXM as I drive anymore.