| Congratulations, but... - Monday, July 28, 2008
151 Views :: 0 Comments ::  :: Michael Bradley When the Philadelphia Stars won the USFL title in 1984, my father said the team's victory parade should be down Ranstead Street, a tiny alleyway in Center City. His cynical message was clear: Broad Street is reserved for the Big Four. The Philadelphia Soul will likely strut down Broad some time this week to celebrate its Arena Football League title, and that's just fine. Its success should not be denigrated just because it isn't an NFL team. Folks should turn out and cheer, because winning it all in any sport, at any level, is never easy and deserves to be rewarded. Perhaps we shouldn't fete the local Little League title winner down Broad Street, but when a team like the Soul wins, it deserves the royal treatment. What makes this whole situation so difficult is that while the Soul and its fans are whooping it up, the city is still trying to find a reason for a full-blown, take-off-from-work, glory-hallelujah party. While the Big Four franchises in town are making progress toward that goal, there is still a need for more to be done. In some cases, like the Phillies and Eagles, it's a function of a higher management commitment. The Phils are on the cusp of real title contention, but ownership and GM Pat Gillick refuse to make the moves necessary to get over the hump. One look at yesterday's pitching debacle shows that. Thank goodness it rained before Joe Blanton could unfurl another of his five-plus inning "gems" that includes just enough gaffes to put the team in the hole. As for Adam Eaton, well, NEVER AGAIN! The Eagles have opened camp an obscene $18.5 million under the cap and in need of a wideout who can make big plays. That's insulting to fans who keep shelling out big money for tickets, merchandise and anything else with an Eagles logo. Meanwhile, the Birds are playing hardball with one of their most important players. Nothing has changed, has it? As for the Sixers and Flyers, we'll need some time. Both teams are headed in the right direction, and while titles can't be guaranteed, each will have chances at winning it all over the next couple years. Their main sins right now are being too young to deliver. Enjoy the Soul parade. Sing along at Jon Bon Jovi's free concert. Don't scoff at an AFL title, but don't be overjoyed, either. The big one is still out there, laughing at Philadelphia fans, and it's up to all of us to keep the pressure on cheap owners and incompetent management, all the while reminding the youngsters of their responsibility in the long run. It's a big job, but we're up to it. One more thing: No more Adam Eaton. Got that, Phillies? |
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