PHILLIES PHODDER

I was at the Phillies-Mets game last night. Here are some views on the game and the evening..

* Alumni Weekend wa sin full swing. Instead of the disgrace of honoring Pete Rose, as was first intended, the Phillies' organization once again proved why they are the best in the city at doing ceremonies.

13 Phillies Wall of Famers were introduced before the game, including Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt and Dick Allen. It's always great to see these legends, and you appreciate them even more as they grow older and as the Phillies living alumni fades away.

Charley Manuel got the loudest ovation. All were heartfelt, even hte awkward Mike Lieberthal.

Then it was time to honor the three Phillies icons who passed away this past year. A moving video tribute celebrated the lives and talents of Jim Bunning, Dallas Green and Darren Daulton.

Daulton died last Sunday night after a long battle with brain cancer. His passing is still fresh and painful. There were more than a few Dutch jerseys and t-shirts at  Citizens Bank Park last night.

Really no need for a Wall of Fame induction. The ceremony was appropriate.

All fans entering the park were given a keepsake print  of the three late Phillie greats.

I really didn't think of Rose even once. And that's the way it should be on a night full of love not shame.

* Once again, Mets' fans prove themselves to be the absolute worst. Even more so than stupid Cowboy fans.

During the Daulton tribute, a group of drunken, obnoxious Mets' fans ( no surprise) started swearing, yelling and making rude comments to anyone who would listen, shouting "I know one person who won't get a home run tonight...Darren Daulton."

I don't think it wa smeant to be funny ( which it wasn't). Just some jackasses with no class who make fools out of themselves, fueled by alcohol they can't control.

Phillies security whispered to fans in our section that if these morons annoyed us, just give the word and they would be removed from the area. But the fans didn't need to complain- the assholes became even louder with their taunts and profanity. when given one final warning or else, they moved on.

All Mets' fans aren't idiots. I've met a few really nice New Yorkers. It's one thing to come to Philly and take over the stadium (the Mets have had the Phillies' number for years now); it's another to be simply scum of the earth.

Show some respect when you come to our city, Met fans. Show a little class. It makes sense that Chris Christie is a vocal Met supporter. He fits right in with that rude and crude group of losers.

* The Phillies finally beat the New Yorkers, 3-1, with Aaron Nola once again pitching well. He is easily the closest thing the team has in an ace.

Rhys Hoskins continues to struggle since he was called up to the big leagues last Thursday. He is hitless and seems to be a bit over matched.

I'm thinking his recent, sudden, confusing assignment of playing left field ( which he hasn't played since college)may be playing with his head. He seems to be thinking too much instead of letting go like he did in Lehigh Valley,and just letting his instincts and talent take over.

it's still early. It would be interesting if he shifts back to his natural position of 1st base and see how he hits. Is it major league pitching or is there too much on Hoskins' mind when he steps to the plate?

I know it's a touchy situation, with Tommy Joseph playing ok at first. Hopefully it's resolved by spring training next year. I get it- trading Joseph would be risky. He is a little better than average player, but he is doing it in the majors; Hoskins has not so far.

But, looking at their ceiling, I would hate to trade Hoskins and have him haunt the Pihllies for years. You know what you have in Joseph. What have the Phillies got to lose?

Same thing applies to Cesar Hernandez and Freddie Galvis. Both are solid this season. but J. P. Crawford and especially Scott Kingery are pushing them big time.  And what about the crowded outfield of Nick Williams, Aaron Altherr, Odubel Herrera and potentially Dylan Cozens and Roman Quinn ( along with Hoskins0?

I agree with Mike Schmidt when he says that the way to sort all of these pleasant problems out is to ask yourself: who can I see helping us win a world championship?

* I give Aaron Nola credit. After giving up a home run to the Mets Yornis Cespedes, Nola gave him a brush-back pitch the next time Cespefes was up. The Met didn't like that, staring out at Nola, but it's about time a Phillie pitcher said "enough" of the Mets digging in and swinging from the heels against the Phils.

Not only is Nola turning into an ace on the staff, he is also becoming a leader.

* Finally, it was great to meet Phillies' broadcaster Jim Jackson and WIP's Rob Charry again. Both are nice guys who have always been kind.