Phillies Farm System, A Tale of Two Halves, and the Dils Super Bowl Prediction

I mentioned earlier this week that the Philberts should put a package together and try to wrestle Eric Bedard, a legitimate #1 starter, away frmio the Orioles. Upon further review, it is evident why they can't do that: their farm system SUCKS. According to Keith Law of Scouts, Inc, the Phils only have 1 of the top 100 prospects in baseball, and he (Carlos Carrasco) only checks in at #53. In a nutshell, this is what happens when a) ownership is cheap and will not put the resources into building an infrastructure, and b) your last two General Managers have been Ed Wade and Pat Gillick. Of course, ownership does not care as they are able to put a competitive enough product on the field and pack the seats. It is hard to see a scenario in which this team can put together the pieces to go from contender to champion. Click here to see Law's full list.

The Dukies got behind for the second straight game last night, trailing NC St by 9 at the half (same deficit they had faced at Maryland). Then in the second half they outscored the Wolpack 55-26 and actually covered a 17 point spread with a 92-72 win. Greg Paulus was absolutely great last night, scoring a season high 22 points to go with 6 assists (a couple of them spectacular), some solid defense and strong leadership. In addition, Gerald Henderon continues to develop more consistency, and has as good a midrange game as anyone at the college level. He is consistently nailing his 15 footers, and can really get great elevation around the rim as seen on his outstanding putback last night. One more test for both Duke and UNC before they meet up in Round 1 in Chapel Hill on Wednesday night.

We are only 48 hours from the Super Bowl. The box pools are filled out around the country, and the pizza joints and bookies across the land are all ready to take lots of orders. Most people I have spoken with like the Giants, and for some pretty good reasons. The Giants played the Pats very tough a month ago when they faced off at the Meadowlands. In addition, the Giants match up well defensively with what the Pats try to do, and if their front 4 can get pressure on Brady, they can take Moss out of the game and try to take their chances with Welker. Offensively, Eli Manning seems to be maturing before our eyes (finally!) and has really started limiting his mistakes. Plaxico Burress, when healthy, is a great weapon that is difficult to stop much less slow down. Public sentiment seems to agree with the "people I have spoken with" as the line opened at 14 and has come down to 12. And on top of everything else, New England always plays close Super Bowls (they won the previous 3 by a field goal apiece), and has not been blowing people out since Thanksgiving. So all signs point to the Giants. Except this: Belichick not only has had two weeks to prepare for this game, but also had a chance to play against the Giants a month ago and that will help him design a plan that works against the Boys in Blue. In addition, on this ultimate stage, the Patriots want to prove that not only are they the best this year, but that they are the best of all time. And I am still not sold on the new and improved Eli Manning, at least not in this game at this time. I look for the Pats to get ahead, and then absolutely go for the jugular. Dils Prediction: Pats 35, Giants 13.