PHILLIES PHODDER

More Phillies talk...


* The Phils lost their 7th game in a row last night in Boston. I thought they would lose two in Beantown, as they never do well in Inter-league play. Overall, their recent road trip finished at 2-7, worse than what I even imagined. I thought they would win one game in St. Louis. Instead the Cards swept the Phillies.

Things don't get easier. The Red Sox invade Citizens Bank Park tonight for a short two-game set. After that, Arizona, close to the top in NL West, visits for the weekend. The Cardinals come in next week for three games. If this Phillies squad has any heart they will seek revenge against St. Louis.

I can't see things getting any better- and it's only mid-June. It seems likely Phils will finish with at least 100 losses, the first time since 1961.

I find myself apathetic about the team now, and when I do care, losing over 100 games may give the organization a much-needed wake-yp call. obviously, what they are doing now isn't working. More change is needed on the horizon.

I look for Manager Pete Mackanin to stay next season. But I wouldn't be surprised if the entire coaching staff- Bowa, McClure, Samual, Morandini and Stairs- are all fired. The young players aren't getting any better. That's the bottom line.

* With Cesar Hernandez now on the disabled list for at least six weeks, will the ultra-conservative Phillies organization make the bold yet popular move and promote hot second baseman Scott Kingery from Reading?

Knowing the Phillies front office, I doubt it. They will make the lame excuse that Kingery needs more minor league at-bats and time in triple A ( even though there is an opening at Leigh Valley and the organization is still not promoting Kingery).

Instead, they will patchwork the second base situation by playing a combo of Blanco and Kendrick, at least until Kendrick gets traded in July. Then either Hernandez will be back or finally, they do promote Kingery.

The other option is to stick with Blanco and Kendrick at second but promote a young outfielder like Couzins or Williams to take over Kendrick's outfield spot.

Either way, something needs to be done-and soon. A move won't save this lost season but it will give the fans something to watch for the rest of the summer. It may stabilize the club and make them competitive. And it would give the front office a look at the future.

* Speaking of which, Iv'e called for the release of Michael Saunders weeks ago. The team needs to eat his contract and move on. Signing Saunders was a total bust. Now it's time to open a roster spot for the eventual call=ups.

Left-handed reliever Joely Rodriguez yesterday to Texas for cash or a player to be named later. Good move. Rodriguez was a waste. Good arm but didn't know how to pitch. Now we know why the Pirates let him go.

The team is again short on lefties, both in the rotation and in the bullpen. In fact, the dreadful Adam Morgan is the only left-hander on the staff, and only because there is no one else. Left-handed pitching is an issue the team will need to address down the road.

The Rodriguez deal opens a roster spot, something GM Klentak needs to continue to do. Moving Saunders would be the next good move. You're not going to get anything of worth for him in July, so why not deal him now?

Potential trades involving players such as Rupp, Joseph, Hellickson and Hernandez can wait until the off-season. For now, the club needs to get rid of the dead-weight and starting seriously evaluating the kids for a few months. reward them for their progress in and give the city a peek at the future.

It would also be a good reason for fans to buy tickets next year. Right now, there really isn't a good reason for go out to CBP this summer or next.

* I'm going to the game tomorrow night. At least I'll get to see the terrific Sox hurler, Chris Sale. With the way these Phillies trike-out I wouldn't be surprised if Sale notches, oh, maybe 13 Ks?

Sunday I'll also be there for Father's Day and the Diamondbacks. I know, the way to send a message to the greedy ownership is not to attend games or spend money on concessions or merchandise.

But I already had the tickets. Plus to sell them on Stub Hub is useless as these tickets are practically worthless.

If the Phillies continue to suck, the organization should throw the fans a bone- and promote an incentive to actually go to the game- by giving the fans free parking for the summer.

That will never happen, of course, but it's an idea.

 the giveaway is a Phillies Hawaiian shirt. I'm not sure if that will be worth sitting there, watching a horrible home team in 90 degree hot and humid weather ( with a chance of thunderstorms). Right now, the giveaways and promotions are the only reason to attend a ballgame.

After that the 4 games I have tickets for are Photo Night ) do I really want to take pictures of these losers?); Pete Rose induction night into the Wall of Fame ( the crowd may be electric that night, plus hearing Rose speak could be interesting); and finally, a Saturday evening contest against the  champion Cubs ( I'm sure Chicago will be either in first place or i solid contention for a wild card spot by then).

* Andy MacFailure- where are you? Angelo in the morning on WIP joked that MacFailure may be in a nursing home somewhere. He and owner John Middleton are still in their bunkers, embarrassed to show their faces during this mess of a season.

I've stated my reasons here before why MacFailure should speak to the fans and the media. Again, I doubt he will do it, leaving Klentak out to dry all summer, as the team slogs slowly to 100 losses, and a merciful end to 2017.