We're watching, Dungy
GRAB A CALENDAR and circle Nov. 22. Now tack this page to it. Refer to it in 5 months to see if Tony Dungy was right.
GRAB A CALENDAR and circle Nov. 22. Now tack this page to it. Refer to it in 5 months to see if Tony Dungy was right.
Nov. 22 is a Sunday night and the Eagles are visiting a Bears team that took a serious gamble by trading for disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler back in April.
In announcing the addition of Dungy and Rodney Harrison to NBC's Sunday night studio lineup, the former Colts coach questioned the Bears' decision to give up two first-rounders, a third-rounder and Kyle Orton for Cutler, a strong-armed kid entering his fourth season after three with Denver.
"Chicago gave up a lot to get a quarterback who they believe is going to be the final piece of the puzzle," Dungy said. "But I'm not sure [he's] won enough to merit that yet. It may turn out to be a great move, but the jury is out. To me, it was a risky move."
Dungy and Harrison will take the place of Cris Collinsworth, who was moved out of the studio to take John Madden's place as lead analyst, and Tiki Barber, who will be a sideline reporter.
NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol said the format of the network's Sunday night show would be adjusted to include fewer highlights of the afternoon games and more dissection. It also will focus more on the subsequent night game.
In addition to Nov. 22, the Eagles are slated to make two other appearances on NBC: Nov. 8 vs. Dallas and Dec. 13 at the Giants. NBC's late-season lineup is tentative depending on flex scheduling.
Out in leftfield
Avg. HR RBI Slg. TB
2009. . . .340 19 51 .716 141
2009 (proj.). . . .340 62 165 .716 457
Career best . . . .304 33 123 .537 323
And since we're on the subject, old friend Pat Burrell could resume batting practice this week. Burrell has been on Tampa Bay's disabled list since May 11 with a strained neck. *
- Ed Barkowitz
So much for the preseason concern that the addition of Raul Ibanez would give the Phillies too many lefthanded hitters. The guy might be the best import to come to Philadelphia since Ben Franklin. Here's a look at some of Ibanez' numbers entering last night's game: