PHILLY SPORTS CORNER

The latest in Philadelphia sports and elsewhere..

PHILLIES-

Hopefully the Phillies are competitive the rest of this season and in 2018. The fans need some hope, something to cheer about and look forward to better days ahead. But equally as important, the organization has hoarded tons of money to spend on free agency, especially after the 2018 season, when top-notch stars like Manny Machado and Bryce Harper  will be available.

It's one thing to have the cash, it's another thing to lure a superstar free agent to Philadelphia if the team sucks.

Why would a Machado want to join a club destined to lose over 100 games?

So, it's incumbent for the Phils to remain competitive this year and next, keeping in mind their future. Look at an organization like St. Louis. Even during rebuilding times, the Cardinals always seem to remain competitive.They have only finished in last place a handful of times during their existence.

St. Louis doesn't go hog-wild in free agency. They have a terrific farm system and make wise trades.

Speaking of free agency, I think the Phillies should focus on third baseman Machado, who is young with power. With Mychel Franco struggling and no third base prospect in the minors, a Machado would be ideal.

Instead of Bryce Harper, who may hook up with the Cubs and form a super team, better to go after a Clayton Kershaw. He is the left-handed ace the team lacks since Cole Hamels was dealt to Texas. Kershaw recently made news when he recorded strikeout 2,000, becoming the third youngest pitcher to achieve that milestone, even faster than Nolan Ryan.

Kershaw is still young enough, and it would be nice to have a true no. 1 guy in the rotation, ( which the Phils currently lack) who gives the team a chance to win every fifth day.

The young pitchers on the Philadelphia roster, including those in Lehigh Valley, all target to be middle of the rotation guys, not stud aces. The power arms in the organization look for to be years away in single A ball. So, a Clayton Kershaw would have a much more immediate impact on a hopefully ascending team.

It's great that Odubel Herrera has gotten hot and is finally playing up to his previous standards It seems like the rumors of him being demoted to triple A lit a fire under his ass. Herrera seems like a guy who gets too fat and sassy, too comfortable at times, and needs a kick in the butt every now and then.. But he remains wildly inconsistant and unpredictable. I still say he isn't a guy to build around and the Phils should consider trading him during the odd-season.

It troubles me that Zach Efflin is  in Philly today to get a sore elbow examined. He may be destined to be an injury-prone guy, with concerns about his back, knees and now his arm. It's a shame, as he is a good kid, and showed promise last year with complete games in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh to his credit.

Freddie Galvis continues to show why he is the shortstop od the present and future. He's outstanding in the field, and hits, but is streaky and doesn't get on base enough. Still, with J .P. Crawford struggling in the minors, and no other real shortstop prospect on the horizon, Galvis looks like he may hang around longer than expected.

The Phillies' organization will have some interesting decisions to make in the not too distant future. 2B Scott Kingery is tearing it up in Reading. Hopefully he is promoted to Lehigh Valley soon. He could be the opening day second baseman next spring for the Phils. If so, what happens to Cesar Hernandez, who is coming into his own this year. Does Hernandez shift to shortstop and Galvis become the super utility man?

Catcher seems pretty clear-cut, with Jorge Alfaro taking over for Cameron Rupp. The outfield will be a jigsaw puzzle, with a mix of Altherr, Quinn, Cozens, Williams, Herrera and Pullin in contention.

Finally, what about the coaching staff? Manager Pete Mackanin seems certain to be back in 2018. Pitching coach Bob McClure seems as certain to be fired. Hitting coach Matt Stairs should be given another year. Larry Bowa, Juan Samuel and Mickey Morandini will probably hang around if Mackanin stays.

The major league draft starts next Monday. The Phils have the overall no. 8 selection.  There are a few power-armed left-handed starters in the top 10 projections. A young third baseman with power is also a need.

SIXERS-

Does Ben Simmons really want to play basketball? He will not play in the summer league. He may be talented, but I worry about his motivation. We still don't know if he can play point guard or not.Can he shoot? Can he co-exist with Embiid?

The Sixers go into the Fall with too many questions. The upcoming draft will answer some the concerns. Will the Sixers stay at no.3 \ or will they trade down? If Lonzo Ball falls to the Sixers, will they take him?

Meanwhile, it looks like Golden State will cruise to another title. Cleveland may take a game at home, but I wouldn't be surprised now to see the Warriors win the series in Game 5 at Golden State.