Halladay, Eagles, and... Poker! not particularly in that order!

The Eagles game yesterday was atrocious. When McNabb is bad, he really stinks it up. The Defense didn't do much of anything as Romo picked them apart. Think about that statement... ROMO... picked them apart. Sheesh!

Anyway, yesterday's defeat hurts in a very real way. First, it takes them from a 2 seed to a 6 seed. What that means is three away games to get to the Superbowl. Which also means, in all probability, no Superbowl.

Which now takes me to... 39 days til pitchers and catchers!

Ahhh, the Roy Halladay trade. Now, I know this isn't current but where to begin? It's actually not that all complicated when you get right down to it. Cliff Lee is great, and served us well. There was a statement made by his camp that their first offer was rejected and he was traded on the day of the rejection. I hate to mis-quote but his response went something like this...
"You know we made an initial offer. I don't know of any player who has never gotten a counter offer until now. There was no counter offer, just a message that I was traded."

Apparently this surprised him. Which is likely, and expected I guess. But the Phils reportedly has some sort of indication that he would not sign any deal that didn't have at least 6 years to it. Unfortunately for Mr. Lee, The Phils organization has a philosophy that no pitcher will ever get a deal longer than 3-4 years. One I happen to agree with as a baseball guy.

Now, I can go over all of the moves they have made so far, and what they gave up for Mr. Halladay. Which ultimately looks like something they should have done in July. But July was different. For one, Drabek was untouchable back then. Why then and not now? Because Rubin Amaro is a goddamn genius, that's why. They weren't going to get anything to replace the future prospect of Mr. Drabek. Add to that the assumption of success that Halladay would have had throughout the playoffs, and his deal would be completely different now. In fact, I might even assume that Mr. halladay would be the one being released and Mr. Lee being signed to a 4 year deal had that happened.

However, it went the way it did, and here's what we get...

Two of the Mariners top pitching prospects to replace Drabek. Doc, and who cares after that. Plus, we get Doc for ultimately 4 years and most likely the rest of his career. Which doesn't mean too much because after the next two years, the Phils will be in massive rebuild mode. They won't keep Mr. Howard. The Phils will most likely be unwilling, or even able to pay what his salary demands will be. Mr. Hamels will most likely be out the door as well. If he steps it back up, they won't pay him. If he continues on the way he did this year, they won't want him.

So congrats to the Phils org and their intentions on making another serious run for another WS title in the next 2-3 years. After that, live with what you get I say. And I won't give a shit either.

As for poker and other things... The Borgata Winter Open is coming up shortly. This year it starts a little late. A week late to be exact. I've spoken to the brass over there and there are some compelling reasons for even starting just a little later than usual. I'm keeping them to myself though :)

But check out the schedule. I will expect the usual visits from friends trying to win some cake, or just dusting off some free time. I won't be there the whole time this time around, and most likely very sporadically as I tend to other issues. But when I am there you will see me wearing a, *gulp, Yankees Jersey, as a payment for a lost bet.

I also have some thoughts and info on the PA gaming law amendment to allow table games. it should go to a vote this week (the Gov is strong arming the senate) and expect a mid summer opening of table games in PA. I heard from a friend/ colleague that one of the largest in this area plan on opening a 100 table poker room. I find that hard to believe, but this is going to be very interesting to see.

Quick points on this... Other than an initial hit, AC won't be too affected. AC has become a destination rather than quick jaunt type place. The rest you can read elsewhere as I plan on writing a whole post about this for Bill Rini. I will cross post it here as well but I think the implications of PA allowing poker (among other table games) will have a huge impact on poker nationally. I have many reasons and info from insiders to support this thought. I'm not implying or pointing too the business side of it, although those thoughts will be included. My post will be more focused on how it will effect actual play, the growth (or decline) of "east coast" poker, and how the differentiators will likely be more recognized. I'm talking about the regionalization (<-- new word!) of poker and what it will do to bolster the category.

OK, enough horseshit for now :) Happy New Year to all, and I truly hope that you all get exactly what you wish for. Stick to your resolutions, change whatever you want, etc. etc. No resolutions for me this year as they become nothing more than a distraction and something to base failure on more so than success.

P.S. I love the fact that Jets won the last ever playoff game at GIANT stadium! and the Giants farewell was a 40 point shelling by 40 year old Brett Favre. Anyone see his post game interview from the field? Tell me he isn't still swallowing Vicodyn's like M&M's! BLAHAHAHAHAHAH!