While catching up with the 76ers and learning as much as possible about Sam Dalembert and the crisis in Haiti, we kind of put the silliness on the back burner for a couple of days. Undoubtedly there have been quite a few fun things happening around these parts, starting with…
The Philadelphia Union traded for Fred with D.C. United a day before their first foray in the MLS draft. In case you are looking at that last sentence and thinking there was a typo or inadvertent omission of Fred’s surname, guess again.
The Union got Fred. You know… Fred.
Actually, Fred is a Brazilian soccer player and just to further perplex American sports fans, guys like Fred or Ronaldo or Ronaldinho operate with just a single name. You know, just to be wacky or something. However, I have been informed that the penalty for a yellow card against Fred is that he will be forced to use a last name.
May I suggest, Fred X?
Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva is the name Fred’s mama gave him and he is not to be confused with Frederico Chaves Guedes—he goes by Frederico, which is also a good name for anyone contemplating a career as a samba dancer.
In the meantime, the first player the Philadelphia Union acquired within 24 hours of the draft is a guy with the handle, Fred. More notable is that after the Union selected Danny Mwanga from Oregon St. with the first pick of the 2010 MLS Draft, the team had two players with a combined three names.
Hey, it’s quality not quantity.
Fred and Danny Mwanga and the rest of the Union will kick-off their inaugural season in Seattle on March 25 before their home debut on April 10 at the Linc. There still is no date set for the first game at the soon-to-be constructed Union Field at Chester, the team’s new stadium located at the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge.
So go get some tickets and see Fred. You know… Fred.
Stick it?
Brett Myers was officially introduced as a member of the Houston Astros this week, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with general manager Ed Wade’s taste in players. The interesting aspect about Myers’ departure from the Phillies after eight seasons is that he is exactly the type of pitcher current GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is shopping for.
Actually, Myers could be a nice fit as a backend reliever or starter for the Phillies. Better yet, based on the deal he got from Wade, he would have fit into the price structure, too.
So for a pitcher (a pitcher!) to be given the Heisman so wantonly by Amaro, it seems clear that Myers’ act simply wore out everyone.
If you’re looking for Myers to read between the lines or understand the not-so-subtle kick to the curb, guess again. Instead, he sought to inflame the situation during his introductory press conference in Houston.
“I wanted to go back to Philadelphia, but they didn't show an interest, they had other obligations, which is fine with me,” Myers said before promising to “stick it” to the Phillies.
Certainly that last element is quite interesting because Amaro and the Phillies were quick to announce their intentions not to re-sign Myers. In fact, the decision came very quickly after the World Series ended in early November.
Moreover, based on how Myers pitched throughout most of his tenure with the Phillies, some would argue that he already has “stuck it” to them. It’s kind of hard to see that act continuing now that he’s gone.