| Andrew Perna. 20th February, 2008 - 6:39 pm
 As the seasons begin to change, so does the focus of many sports fans around the country. The football season is over, basketball and hockey are in full swing, but the baseball season is on the immediate horizon.
That means millions of Americans will be heading out to the ballpark this spring to take in a few cold beers, one hot dog too many, and maybe even some baseball.
Last week Sports Illustrated released its annual Swimsuit Issue, much to the chagrin of married women from Florida to Oregon. However, it has become inherently clear that sports aren’t just for men anymore. It isn’t hard to find a woman who knows a thing or two about any one of the four major sports.
It is rare when you find one that knows an impressive amount about everything from college hoops to hockey, though. Erika from www.HotSportsTalk.com is that kind of girl, and she just so happens to look good in a baseball uniform too.
First of all Erika, how did Hot Sports Talk come about?
I have been an athlete my entire life and have always loved sports. Combine that with my love for being in front of the camera, and you got yourself some Hot Sports Talk videos!
I’ve tried to start a few sites myself, but I don’t seem to have what you bring to the table. What is your ultimate goal with the site?
Just to have fun and produce videos that are entertaining for sports fans!
The Phillies are just weeks away from kicking off the 2008 season; is it possible for them to improve upon their incredible 2007 performance?
Yes, it definitely is possible. I think if the team stays healthy, they will once again win the National League East and hopefully go further in the playoffs.
What was it like to be in Philadelphia at the end of the regular season as the Phillies overtook the Mets to win the division in dramatic fashion?
It was so unbelievably exciting. I just remember EVERYONE talking about it and being incredibly happy. Even my grandmother, who doesn’t follow sports that much, was talking about it!
Of the Phillies’ three MVP candidates, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins, which has the best chance at grabbing the award in 2008?
Chase Utley, without a doubt. He was on pace to be the league’s MVP last year before he got injured…and of course, I can’t forget to mention that he is a total hottie!
If the Phillies have one weakness heading into the season, what would it be?
Pitching. Once again it appears as though the Phillies have not done enough to improve their mediocre pitching staff.
You were named one of ‘Philly’s Hottest’ by Preston & Steve on 93.3 WMMR recently; did the notoriety following that allow you to rub elbows with any Philadelphia sports’ personalities?
Not yet, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. If there are any Philly sports' personalities reading this…I am totally up for hanging out…just give me a call!
In your opinion, which team has the city of Philadelphia’s heart?
I would have to say the Eagles. Philadelphia is a football town…the fans are always passionate about the Eagles whether they are winning or losing.
Let’s talk about the Eagles, who happen to be my team of choice, a little bit. Do you think Donovan McNabb will be the team’s starting quarterback this fall?
That’s a very tough question. The Eagles used their first pick in this past year’s draft to take a quarterback, yet when they were eliminated from the playoffs near the end of the season they didn’t give Kevin Kolb a chance to play, sticking with McNabb instead. My guess is that McNabb will be given one last year as the Eagles’ quarterback.
What do you think about the rumors that SpyGate played a role in the New England Patriots' win over the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX?
As much as it devastated me that the Eagles lost, I don’t think SpyGate had anything to do with it. The Patriots were the better team that day, and even an amazing effort by Terrell Owens wasn’t enough to propel the Eagles to victory.
Let’s switch to the ice. The Flyers are enjoying a pretty successful season, but people have been critical of their ‘bad boy’ reputation. What’s better: clean hockey or a game loaded with fist-fights?
It doesn’t have to be loaded with fist-fights, but I feel that the occasional fight is good for the game. Philadelphia fans love to see a figh,t and I always said that if a player gets into a fight in his Flyers' debut, the fans will love him for life!
Can the Flyers knock off the East’s best (Ottawa, Pittsburgh, and Montreal) in a playoff series?
Yeah, I think they can. The playoffs are all about who is playing the best hockey at that moment. Plus, the Flyers have already played well against the Penguins and Senators this season.
The 76ers weren’t expected to qualify for the playoffs after dealing Allen Iverson last year but are in the hunt heading into the second half of the season. Are you excited about the possibility of playoff basketball?
To be completely honest, I’m going to have to say no. The Sixers are not talented enough to win a playoff series against the top teams in the East. I would rather they don’t make the playoffs and get a better draft pick for the future.
Do you think the team will make any deals before the pending NBA trade deadline?
Probably, I wouldn’t be surprised if other teams made an offer for Andre Miller. He is a veteran and a leader on the court; something a ton of teams need.
Can Andre Iguodala (A.I. II) handle the pressure of being the 76ers’ best player?
I think so, because Andre is a very confident player. The fact that there aren’t high expectations for the team relieves some of the pressure, as well.
Who do you think is Philadelphia’s biggest, or most famous, athlete?
I’m going to have to go with Ryan Howard. He appears to be such a nice and genuine guy which makes him loved by all fans. Of course, it helps when he hits fifty homeruns each season too!
You are a fan of all Philadelphia sports, but do you follow any other teams?
I have been loyal to the Philly teams my whole life, but I have to admit I have a soft spot now for the Pittsburgh Steelers since their Super Bowl win. From Hines Ward’s smile to Troy Polamalu’s hair…they are an enjoyable team to watch!
To conclude is there anything you’d like to say to readers and sports’ fans from around the globe?
I would LOVE for all you sports fans to come visit me at my HotSportsTalk site! Feel free to email me or leave comments on my site, as well. Take Care!
Visit Erika at her site www.HotSportsTalk.com to hear her latest sports-related comments as she updates it on a regular basis.
Andrew Perna is a Senior Writer for RealGM.com and wonders if people would visit a site that featured him wearing an unbuttoned Yankees’ jersey. Free feel to contact him at Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com with comments and questions. |
