PHILLY SPORTS CORNER

PHILLIES-

Finally, the Phillies make a trade! GM Matt Klentek dealt all-star reliever Pat Neshek to Colorado for three minor league prospects last night.

Apparently the prospects aren't very highly regarded, but it's better than nothing. The best of the lot seems to be 20 year-old shortstop Jose Gomez, who leads the South Atlantic League in batting this summer.

Hopefully this opens the door for more moves this week. Granted, Klentek is now a bit limited, with Daniel Nava on the disabled list and Howie Kendrick nursing a sore wrist. If they don't go this week, they should go during the waivers period in August.

Others can still be swapped. Beniot, Herrera and Joseph are possibilities, especially Joseph. His spot would clear the way for Rhys Hoskins to come up form Lehigh Valley.

Herrera needs to go, period. it was good he didn't play last night because of his screw-ups Tuesday night. It was a long overdo message that needed to be sent.

You are not get equal value for Herrera right now. It may be better to wait until the Off-season to show him the door. Either way, he is an immature player, and I think the team would be better off without him polluting the young players with his careless attitude and inconsistent hustle.

Without Herrera in the line-up last night, the Phils played  the smooth Aaron Altherr in center field and won, 9-0 over the red-hot Houston Astros.

An outfield of Altherr, Nick Williams and Dylan Couzens gives you speed, power , athleticism and youth. Make it happen , Matt Klentek.

EAGLES-

Finally, first-round bust Marcus Smith was released yesterday. The Eagles waited until the first day of training camp for veterans to part ways with Smith.

Smith failed to show up this spring for voluntary OTAs. The hand-writing was on the wall.

He couldn't cut it at linebacker or defensive end. When the Birds drafted DE Darrick Barnett and signed free agent Chris Long during the off-season, there was no need for keeping the underachieving Smith on the roster.

To be fair, Smith never should've been drafted as high as he was. He was projected to be more of a 2nd or even 3rd round guy. The Eagles reached for him, a combination Howie Roseman and Chip Kelly disastrous selection.

Smith is only 25, so he will probably hook on with another club. Maybe a change of scenery will do him good. I just have the feeling he is what he is- an average player at best.

More surprising was the trade of guard/tackle Allen Barbre to Denver for a conditional late draft pick. Issac Seumalo was named the starter at guard. The eagles seem to have depth on the offensive line. Barbre is 33, but he was a good swing-man as a starter and reserve.

I give the Eagles credit for going young here. They want to build an offensive line that will grow together, aside form Jason Peters and Jason Kelcie.

Training camp continues, with the full squad working out for the first time today. The first pre-season game is two weeks form tonight, a match in Green Bay with the Packers.