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Ask Don McKee
Inquirer Sports Writer
Don McKee has been covering sports since 1966. He joined The Inquirer as the South Jersey columnist in 1974 and has covered high schools from Atlantic City to Cincinnati; Penn State, Pitt and West Virginia football; and the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers over the years. For the last 13 years he has hosted a Sunday talk show on Sports Radio 610 WIP. He tries to live by the sage words of Lord Northcliffe, the man who created the world's first sports page in the late 19th century, and who coined the famous phrase: "News is something that somebody somewhere wants to hide. Everything else is public relations."
Read Don McKee's recent columns
Most Recent Questions & Answers
Questions: 71 - 10 of 123
QMy note to Penn State's Athletic Director Tim Curely:
Dear Mr. Curely,
I read the article by Ron Musselman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, titled Big Ten Network, Comcast standoff continues. I am a Penn State alum who lives in Philadelphia and have followed this battle from the beginning. I am a Comcast customer. Having absorbed countless articles and information, I am unable to support Penn State's or the Big Ten Network's position and 100% agree with Comcast. I firmly believe the Big Ten Network has an unrealistic viewpoint on the value of it programming in the marketplace.
Therefore, I am urging you and the Big Ten Network to agree with Comcast's very fair proposal. My reasoning is simple: the Big Ten and Penn State cannot have it both ways. If both organizations wanted free access, then the Big Ten Network would not have been created. As it stands, both organizations are trying to increase revenues and they should not do so out of Comcast's pocket. Let me, the consumer decide if the Big Ten Network is important enough to pay for on a monthly basis. If I think Comcast is being unfair with its pricing, I will switch services - but please let me make that decision. Penn State and the Big Ten are trying to decide for me, leaving me with no choice as I am not dumping Comcast for another service just to receive the Big Ten Network.
Finally, I think the time is coming for Penn State and the Big Ten Network to fully understand the demand for this new channel - it is not enough to move Comcast off their very correct poistion. Please agree to Comcast's request and provide me with the Big Ten Network via Comcast's sports entertainment package - I am willing to pay for it!
Regards,
Walt Smith
Devon, Pa
Nittany Lion Club Member
Life Member - Penn State Alumni Association
Walt Smith, Devon, PA 08/18/07
A
Hi Walt:
I'll let your letter stand without comment. dm
Don McKee
QDon,
Great to hear you on the radio again, even if it was at 4am. I have a couple of questions. Do the sixers have any interest in the newly available Adonal Foyle or the now demanding to be traded Juwan Howard?
And does it make me a bad sports fan because I'm starting to follow the tennis hype regarding the federer/nadal rivalry? Can I blame it on a lack of heavey weight boxing contenders or is it a sign of old age?
sc, phila, PA 08/15/07
A
Thanx Steve: Roger Federer is one of the world's great athletes, whether Americans recognize him or not. But I attribute you interest in European sports to the overall decline of baseball. At this time of the year, with the Phillies in the pennant race, you would think baseball would dominate. But it's still an afterthought around here.
As far the Sixers go, they are trying to get younger and would have no interest in Juwan Howard. Foyle might be a better fits but he sez he wants to go to a team that could win and if he did want to come here, he'd have to take the veterans minimum. Which is quite a sacrifice to go to a team that won't win. thanx, dm
Don McKee
QDon, I read the MLB Transactions everyday. I see players added to the "Bereavement List." What is it, and why doesn't Pat Gillick utilize it?
Mike, Lansdale, PA 08/13/07
A
Hi Mike: the bereavement list is for use by players who have to attend a close family funeral. it allows the major league team to replace them without having to put them on waivers or send them to the minors. but obviously there has to be a genuine bereavement for the team to use the list. dm
Don McKee
QDon, I have a handful of questions for you. First being, do you have any updates on Yi Jianlian's situation? How are Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith developing? Third and final, what is the likelihood that Andre Miller starts the NBA season in a Sixer's uniform? Thanks a ton.
Andy, Philadelphia, PA 08/10/07
A
Andre Miller will be here, which is a good thing.
Both of the draft picks you mentioned played in the two summer leagues and each showed some flash. But it would be a surprise if either was in the rotation on opening night. That's not to say they can't contribute down the line, but both have a bit of work to do.
thanx, dm
Don McKee
QOn a scale of 1 - 10 Don, 10 being the highest rating, what number would you say on the Phillies being serious contenders for signing Alex Rodriguez? I would give him $300 million over 10 years to play at "Home Run" Citizens Bank Park. Just like the 76ers signed Julius "Doctor J" Erving & Moses Malone, Phillies signing Pete Rose, and the Eagles signing T.O. to get those teams to the title. I really can't see the NY Yankees giving up on the future Home-Run King, even if he hasn't won any titles.
Opening Day 2008 Line-up
RF S.Victorino
2B C.Utley
3B A.Rodriguez
1B R.Howard
SS J.Rollins
LF P.Burrell(Is he still here)
CF M.Bourne
C Upgrade Position
P Starting Pitcher
Mekai (Mee'kah), Philadelphia, PA 08/06/07
A
I think you answered your own question. The answer is 0 because he's not going to get out of New York. IF he decides to leave the Yankees, then I'd put it a 50-50 (or a 5 on your scale) because the Phillies can be competitive with anybody else and he might want to play here and hit 800 home runs. Thanks, dm
Don McKee
QDon,
Adam Eaton is terrible. Why not send him and his 5.87ERA to the bullpen and keep JD Durbin in the rotation as the #5 starter? Eaton was signed to a 3-year deal this winter. The Freddy Garcia trade was a one year fiasco. Gillick rolled the dice and crapped out. But, the Eaton contract will hurt for 2 more seasons. Do the Phillies have the intestinal fortitude to send Eaton to the 'Pen?
Mike, Lansdale, PA 08/01/07
AOf course they do. The question is, does Eaton have the attitude to take the demotion with professional grace and buckle down to help the ballclub by earning his pay in the pen. thanx, dm
Don McKee
QDon, thanks for answering some previous questions of mine. I'm a big fan. I was wondering, do you have any updates or insider info on whether or not the 76ers will try and trade for Yi Jianlian? Thanks again.
Anonymous, Philadelphia, PA 08/01/07
AAll I can tell you is this: before the NBA draft, Yi's advisors invited a handful of teams to a private workout. The 76ers were invited. The Milwaukee Bucks were not.
Don McKee
QDon, I am sending this for Charles of the Northeast. I miss you on Sundays. What happened?
Anonymous, Phila, PA 07/30/07
A
Thanks for asking. I hope to be back for football season.
dm
Don McKee
QDon, I'd love to see A-Rod or any decent third baseman in a Phils uni. I would prefer they sign Ryan Howard first, however.
Mike, Langhorne, PA 07/23/07
A
Keep in mind that Ryan Howard cannot become a free agent for more seasons. He is, in effect, signed through 2011. thanx, dm
Don McKee
QHey Don, where has your radio show been the last few weeks? You are missed.
Frank, Mayfair, PA 07/22/07
AThank you. I hope to be back in the next month or so. dm
Don McKee
Questions: 71 - 10 of 123
