First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Independence Day weekend.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure if it was just that this year\u2019s \u201cFourth\u201d fell on a Saturday, but it seemed like I encountered more energy, patriotism and general feelings of goodwill throughout my travels\u2026and I hope the same was true for you!<\/p>\n
Now, the post-July 4th<\/sup> season kicks in\u2026which is usually an interesting time, pro sports-wise, in our DC\/Philadelphia coverage area.\u00a0 There was the trade\u2026or, more appropriately, the \u2018diamond-mine heist,\u2019 that 76ers <\/a>GM Sam Hinkie pulled off.\u00a0 In case you were on vacation, Philadelphia secured a promising shooting guard, two solid role-playing forwards, an additional first-round selection and a unique, but brilliant, draft-swap option from the Kings.\u00a0 They gave up two lower-level 2015 draft picks who probably would not have even been on the team\u2019s Opening Day roster.\u00a0 The Wizards <\/a>made a great pick-up themselves in adding sharpshooter Gary Neal<\/a> with various rumors swirling about Paul Pierce<\/a>, Kevin Seraphin<\/a> and others.\u00a0 The Flyers <\/a>were not outdone as they made some tremendous moves clearing cap space while adding young talent, which has revitalized their fan base after a disappointing season.<\/p>\n And that\u2019s just the pro sports in the RCN region that WON\u2019T be playing this month!<\/p>\n The Major League Baseball season of course is in full swing with the non-waiver trade deadline looming, and within a few weeks, the pads will be colliding across the country as all NFL training camps will be open.\u00a0 We had the good fortune of speaking with sports writer extraordinaire, Associated Press\u2019 Rob Maaddi<\/a>, to get his insights on the latest developments with the Phillies<\/a>, the Nationals<\/a>\u2019 hunt for a championship, and his thoughts on the storylines to watch for the Eagles<\/a>, Redskins <\/a>and the teams in the NFC East.\u00a0 Here\u2019s a portion of our interview (the entire show is available to watch on RCN On-Demand).<\/p>\n