I'm just saying....

I'm Just Saying......

A weekly collection of random thoughts and observations for you to consider.

• Although I try not to do it often, I happened to find myself listening to some of Deion Sanders' "expert" commentary before Sunday night's Giants/Broncos game. Both teams entered the night 6-4 and 1 1/2 games behind the division leader, but Sanders proceeded to say "The Giants have their back to the wall, as do the Broncos, but it is a must win game for the Giants." Huh?
• Speaking of Sanders, he weighed in on Minnesota Mascot Goldy Gopher stiff arming and knocking over Pop Warner players with this gem "There's a brother in there. There's a brother in there, I'm telling you. His sales are gonna plummet, but there's a brother inside of Barney. Take off his hat, I guarantee you there's a brother in there." Deion would do us a favor by vacating his commentator role to realize his true passion of becoming full-time assistant agent for Michael Crabtree.
• Why is it that NFL players with dreadlocks or similar hair flowing from the bottom of their helmet seem to play with a frantic looking style? Mike McKenzie, Lawrence Maroney, Marion Barber, Eldra Buckley, Tim Hightower, Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu are a few that come to mind.
• Are Bill Belichick disciples required by the NFL or some secret code to wear baggy sweatshirts with sawed off sleeves on the sidelines? Or does it just make it easy to pull a trick out when they need it?
• On Monday night, Saints QB Drew Brees sure looked like the NFL's MVP, but he can probably feel the hot breath of Vikings QB Brett Favre and Colts QB Peyton Manning on the back of his neck.
• I love the Phillies idea of signing John Smoltz if the price is reasonable. Although he is somewhere between Pedro and Jamie in age, he still has the stuff, a great competitive spirit, superior pitching acumen and a perfect personality for their team.
• I hated to see good guy Pedro Feliz and his glove leave the team, but Ruben Amaro and colleagues have hit another long ball with the acquisition of Placido Polanco to take his place. Although he does not walk a whole lot either, he hits for a high average, will be a strong defender despite switching positions and adds to team chemistry.
• Has Pittsburgh receiver Hines Ward been vacationing in the International Space Station over the past couple months? How else can you explain his critical comments about Ben Roethlisberger not playing due to a concussion amidst the greatly heightened concerns and NFL regulations regarding head injuries?
• Similarly, I am wondering if Tar Heels coach Roy Williams has picked up a newspaper or turned on the evening news anytime over the past couple years? Roy's recent rant that UNC's Dean E. Smith Center wasn't filled to capacity, especially to see his 600th career win, and that fans should "get their sorry rear ends" there might suggest that he is not aware of the country's deep recession. I am not sure when coaches were entitled to sellouts, but if Williams' admonishment works, perhaps the Sixers should hire him as a spokesperson?
• With the Sixers looking to be short handed tonight with rookie Jrue Holiday's injury, it begs to ask the question exactly what mode of transportation Allen Iverson is taking to join the team? He signed on Wednesday, but does not join the team until Monday.
• Considering how players such as Cole Hamels, Brad Lidge and Ryan Howard were adversely affected by offseason demands after having big seasons, wouldn't it make a lot of sense for the Phillies to be more involved in policing players training regimen's and personal appearances through the winter months?
• Jason Avant is proving to be the perfect complement to speed receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Considering the Eagles pass centric offense, signing the tough, sure handed Avant to a long-term deal right now before he becomes a free agent in 2010 is imperative. As his confidence and synergy with McNabb continues to grow, he still has a lot more upside and he is already looking quite good.
• Additional caution regarding head injuries in the NFL is surely warranted, but I would have to think that helmets could also be substantially improved to absorb more shock than current models. Perhaps Nasa would do a consulting gig?