PHILLIES PHODDER

The Phillies continue to flounder....my thoughts..

* The Phils are in danger of being swept by the Nationals today. Washington has flaws, namely a bullpen even worse than the Phillies ( if you can believe it), but the Nats should easily cruise through the National League East. Who is going to beat them? The Mets have injury concerns and are inconsistent at the [plate. Miami is mediocre, as are the Phils and Braves. Washington will try to advance in the playoffs for the first time. But with the defending champion Cubs and the always-tough Dodgers in the mix, it won't be easy for the Nats. Still, they have stars, they have an awesome offense and about average starting pitching. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Nationals at least in the NL Championship series in October.

* Michael Saunders- what's the point? The Phillies could show me something and release the veteran outfielder before Memorial Day. He's washed-up, and GM Matt Kentak has once again failed in the off-season. First Clay Bucholtz now Saunders.  Release him, then bring up Roman Quinn to play outfield. Bat him second behind Cesar Hernandez. Suddenly you have speed at the top of the line-up.

I know the organization hoped they could flip Saunders- along with Howie Kendrick and a few other vets- at the July trade deadline. hoping tp get a prospect in return. You're not going to get much, plus Saunders is taking up a valuable roster spot.

* Manager Pete Mackanin continues to make strange, questionable moves. He made feel the heat of his lame-duck status. it's very telling that the front office hasn't extended Mackanin's contract. He seems like a good guy, and a good manager, but the young team may need a tougher hand in discipline. Dusty Warthen, who is the manager of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, and who manged many of the Phils' young prospects in Reading and Lehigh Valley, would be a candidate for the top job. It's way too soon to think of a replacement. And I know Mackanin can only mange what he has. But as the season gets longer without an extension, you gotta wonder if Pete will be back in 2018.

Aaron Altherr needs to play everyday. I wrote it way back in spring training. When Kendrick comes back form the disabled list, he needs to platoon with Saunders (if he's still in town), Don't put Kendrick at first base. If Tommy Joseph can't cut it, start the future now and award Rhys Hoskins with a chance.

The following line-up would look a lot better later this summer..

2B Hernandez
LF Quinn
CF Herrera
3B Franco
1B Hoskins
RF Altherr
C Alfaro
SS Galvis

A good mix of speed and power. Williams, Crawford and Couzens remain on the horizon in Lehigh Valley. Rupp and Joseph are trade bait for pitching help.

* Speaking of pitching, Vince Valaquez continues to show why, in time, he would be better off in the bullpen, preferably as a closer. He fizzles out around the 5th inning. As a closer, he could come intoo a game and not hold back.  Aaron Nola remains a high-injury risk. Zach Efflin has pitched the best out of the young hurlers. Jeremy Hellickson hopes to continue gis strong start. The team could have an interesting decision down the road- trade Hellickson for future help, as was always the plan, or sign him to an extension. He's only 29, and could be an anchor for a young staff Jared Eichoff is a mystery, as the press hail him as a "workhorse" and with the brightest future on the staff. He just doesn't win. Either he doesn't get enough run support or he can't hold leads.

* With the team losing  this week, there hasn't been much opportunity to protect a save. Looks like Neris will remain as the closer If so, it will be interesting to see how he rebounds after melting down in LA. Pat Neshek may be a situational-type reliever, but why not give him a shot to close? What do you have to lose?

The team may be better, even though their record so far doesn't show it, but these early games against the Mets and Nationals are a good indication that the Phillies are not in their class yet. Most of all, the entire organization needs a fresh attitude. No more settling for average, for a ,500 record, of being mediocre. What is that telling your fans, if your motto coming out of spring training is "We want to be average?"

If that means axing Mackanin and bring on a new manger with a positive attitude, then so be it. Even younger players are about to join the roster and an attitude adjustment is needed , realistic or not, to start things rolling.

Dave Cash said it way back in the early 70s- "Yes we can!" Tug McGraw's catchphrase was "You gotta believe!" I really believe that having a positive outlook goes a long way to success ( along with a Mike Trout or Bryce Harper is a few years).

Finally, I'm going to Citizens Bank Park for the first time this year on Wednesday afternoon when the Phils take on Seattle ( and Carlos Ruiz). Sooner or later the ballpark will need a little sprucing up. A better sound system is needed. A more dynamic home run celebration should be considered. A giant, ringing multi-colored Liberty Bell id lame. How about giving the Phanatic a more permanent sidekick to patrol the stands? The Galopolos Gang are ok, but I mean every great comic has a second banana. Kramden had his Norton. Abbott had his Costello. Andy Griffith had his Barney Fife. Doesn't the Phanatic have a twin (maybe evil) brother out there somewhere who the Phanatic could play off of? Just saying....