PHILLY SPORTS CORNER

My latest opinions on Philly sports..

PHILLIES-

* GM Matt Klentak spoke before the Phillies' 8th consecutive loss last night. Once again he spewed nonsense.

When asked about hot second base [prospect Scott Kingery in Reading, and the possibility of promoting him to Philadelphia, with Cesar Hernandez on the disabled list for 5 more weeks, Klentak shot down that idea by saying Kinegry "wasn't ready."

How would Klentak know who is ready> The scout and coaches advising the front office haven't proven to be too reliable.

Again, Klentak can't relate to the fans, who yearn for something  to watch during this historically-bad season. By saying Kingery isn't ready , and "what if he fails" excuse, Klentak is indicting the entire organization. If you can't trust your own judgement that a kid can be promoted and succeed, then what does that say for your evaluation skills?

If the kid can't cut it maybe he shouldn't be up anyway. Only one way to find out. And isn't this the perfect time to evaluate the kids during a rebuilding, hopeless season?

At least Boy Wonder Klentak didn't talk about nerdy, geeky stuff like "exit velocity" or "launch angle" yesterday. Still, he was painfully annoying, and I get even more angry and frustrated every time he speaks.

Makes me wish Ruban Amaro Jr. was back, which is pretty bad. In fact, Amaro Jr. is back- at least until tonight. He is the first base coach for the Red Sox, who close out a short two-game series with the Phils tonight.

Amaro Jr. was no picnic wither. I got tired of his empty promises and lectures for the fans to remain patient. But at least Amaro Jr. was accessible . He didn't always relate to the fans. He seemed aloof often. But  even though a lot of his moves didn't pan out ( extending Ryan Howard for no reason; trading away Cliff Lee the first time; trading Hunter Pence and having faith in Dom Brown, to name a few)he tried and gave the impression he knew what he was doing.

I don't have confidence in Klentak. More so, his inexperience leads me to believe he doesn't know what the hell he is doing.

The entire Phillies organization needs to get over their losers mentality. Why not think positive that kids like Kingery will thrive in the major leagues, not the constant negative attitude of "well, what happens if we have to send him down?" It's the same losers mentality that has plagued the Phillies for years.

Instead of a fresh new approach, a more positive spin on things, Klentak and president Andy MacFailure continue with the same, stale, negative, slow, conservative viewpoint about how to do things. They preach being patient maybe because they know their flaws will be exposed and they will all be looking for work soon?

If you don't promote Kingery to Philly, send him to Lehigh Valley ( whose second baseman is hurt). Move Kingery upa level and get him ready for the big leagues later this summer or as your Opening Day second baseman in 2018.

Listen to the fans, Klentak. relate tot hem. Give them some hope. What you are doing now isn't working. Try a new approach.

Case in point: free agent Michael Saunders,w ho was signed to a one-year deal last winter for $ 9 million, is having a terrible year. He has the absolute lowest on-base percentage than anyone in the National League. The worst. Yet, instead of releasing his ass and clearing a roster spot for a prospect, Klentak yesterday reinforced his faith in Saunders, saying "if he gets going he can carry a team for a month."

What delusional planet is he living on? Saunders hasn't done it so far. He sucked during the second half of last season. What makes you think he will suddenly get hot and carry the team into July?

Even if he did, what's the point?

Klentak originally said he signed Saunders and Howie Kendrick to one-year deals because they wouldn't block the up-and-coming kids. But that's exactly what Saunders is doing- blocking Dylan Couzins and/or Nick Williams, who excelling in Lehigh Valley.

Klentak is ni over his head and doesn't know how to get out. So he is grasping for straws when he puts his faith in a washed-up bum like Michael Saunders.

The team is 17 1/2 games out of first place before Father's Day. They are currently 21-43, their worst record at this time of the year since 1945. They are on a pace to lose a club-record 106 games. Could it egt any worse?

So why not take a chance and play some of the kids this summer? Admit when you are wrong, take responsibility for this mess and learn from your mistakes. What's so hard about that?

Where is Andy MacFailure? back home in Minnesota? And what about owner John Middleton? Holed up in his bunker as well, ashamed to show his face?

The fans need someone to relate to, someone who will reassure them that everything will be OK, that losing is not acceptable and changes will be made in the future. Someone with the balls to be honest.

* The Phillies have robbed me of a lot of fun this summer and the last few summers. Things I used to love to do during baseball season, such as check the standing daily, scoreboard watch, especially what the Nationals and Mets were doing, and scan the schedule for upcoming key games

. Now I don't care. I dread looking at the standings and seeing the Phils buried in the cellar .It doesn't matter what division rivals are doing since the games don't matter anymore. Who cares about games in the August and September. By then, it's time for Eagles football.

No hope until spring training.

EAGLES-

Mandatory mini-camp ends today.  Players may look good in camp, but they aren't wearing pads and they aren't getting hit. So it's really meaningless.

I'm glad Jason Peters is locked up for a couple more years. I just feel more secure that the offensive line is finally stable, in fact, an assist on the team. Peters deserves to retire and Eagle, as Brain Dawkins should've retired in Philadelphia. Joe Banner and Andy Reid screwed up that scenario.

Jeremy Maclin signed with Baltimore. In order to lure him to the Ravens, a local Baltimore restaurant promised Maclin free crab cakes for life if he signed with Baltimore. So, I hope he likes fish because he's gonna be eating a hell of a lot of it forever.

Got me thinking..if I had a lifetime supply of something, what would it be? Here is my list, in no particular order:

- Brisk ice tea
- Tastykakes
-Salad from Olive Garden
-Pretzel Factory soft pretzels
- Green olives
-Chicken ( any kind, preferably legs and thighs)
-Pizza ( plain, thick crust, light on the sauce)

SIXERS_

A week form today the 76'ers select 3rd in the NBA Draft. That's if they stay at 3. Rumors swirl about a possible trade with goofy Sacremento, the Sixers trading no. 3 to the Kinds for no 5 and no. 10

If the Kings are stupid enough to do this deal, I would. Philly can still get their player at 5 ( Monk or Fox?), plus add depth at 10. There is no clear pick at 3, unless the Sixers really like someone.

Logically, the teams till need sa point guard. Yes, they want to try Ben Simmons at point, but can he play point guard? No one knows. So, if point guard is still an issue, Fox is the man to pick.

If a shooter is a priority ) and it should be), then Monk is a perfect fit. If it's the best available player, then Jackson or Tatum join the team.

Either way it will be interesting Plus, will there br draft day trades? Will Okafor be dealt?