* If only the Phillies could play the Atlanta Braves every game. They are now 10-2 vs. the Braves this season. Payback for those years Atlanta won the National league East, the days of Maddux, Glanine and Smoltz.
Tommy Joseph is struggling, yet Rhys Hoskins again played left field in Lehigh Valley last night ( hitting his 28th home run in the process). There doesn't seem to be a plan, which isn't unusual for the Phillies' front office. Play Hoskins at first, where he has played his entire professional career, while sitting Joseph ( who you already know about), or plug Hoskins in left field, where his defense hopefully won't effect his offensive?
I know the organization really didn't want this situation, and both GM Klentak and Manager Pete Mackinon said so earlier in the season, but the team boxed itself in. If Hoskins succeeds in the outfield, and why try him out there unless you hope he does succeed, then what? Unless Klentak trades Herrera during the off-season ( a distinct possibility), then there is a logjam of outfielders in Herrera, Hoskins, Altherr, Williams and the duo of Cozens and Quinn waiting on the farm.
It's a good problem to have. If the team trades Joseph, then Hoskins can always slide back to first base.If there still is no market for Joseph, they could be in the same line-up together, although you sacrifice some defense in that regard.
It's good they want to see Hoskins get at least 150 at-bats this summer. There shouldn't be much pressure on Hoskins, as the games are pretty much meaningless.
It also looks like catcher Jorge Alfaro will stick on the big club for the rest of the season. Andrew Knapp has a fracture in his right hand, after begin hit by a bat over the weekend. We know what Cameron Rupp can ( or can't ) do; let's see Alfaro most of the games.
Scott Kingery will remain with the Iron Pigs until spring training, at least. The organization has a huge decision to make soon, regarding Kingery and Hernandez. Again, a good problem to have. Hernandez has been solid for a second straight year. But Kingery is your future. What to do?
You have the prospects chomping at the bit in the minors, but then you have the guys in Philly who have already done it. The question for the talent evaluators of the Phillies is: Which group of players will take us to a World Series?
Zach Effkin pitched well last night and is back in the mix for a rotation spot next year. Nola, Pivetta and Eichoff are pretty well set as starting hurlers. Who will join them in the rotation in 2018? Young kids ( Jake Thompson or Ben Lively) are awaiting their turns to shine, or will the organization bring in a vet or two-Clay Bucholtz-plan of this spring) to stabilize the team?
The bullpen will need to be reshaped, again. Who will be the closer? Neris? Garcia? A free agent or trade? Or Vince Valasquez?
A lot of unanswered question ahead. The Phillies should be very busy during the winter months ahead.
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The Sixers' schedule comes out Monday, and there already is a rumor swirling that the team will play on Christmas Day against the dreaded Lakers.
If the game is in Pihlly, it would be a great holiday double header, as the Eagles play the Oakland Raiders on Christmas night.
So, after the gifts are opened, and church services are attended, lucky fans who have tickets to one or both events should be psyched, and those settling in front of their big-screen TV should have fun relaxing after a big holiday meal.
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The Eagles fly to Green bay today in preparation for their pre-season match-up with the Packers. We probably won't see much of the starters, but the battle awaits for roster spots beyond the starters.
I'll be checking out the defensive backs, a weak link in the squad. Regardless of whether the corner backs have good games or not, GM Howie Roseman needs to be on the phone, looking for a starting corner.
But will you get more than just a marginal player at this point?
Drafting and stashing the recovering CB Sidney Jones may be a smart move for 2018 and beyond, but the secondary really wasn't addressed during the off-season for this year. Watching the secondary get torched with big plays again will be disheartening, especially after the Birds' front office fortified the offensive with much-needed weapons.
It all starts tomorrow night in Green Bay, where packer quarterback Aaron Rodgers won't play. Carson Wentz wants to play. Not being him in harm's way with crazy play calls is the way to go, and the formula for success to get out of Lambeau Field healthy.
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