* The Flyers continued their winning ways last night, defeating the Detroit Red Wings, 4-3. That's 7 out of 8 victories, and a 4-1 home stand. The Orange and Black now take to the road for the holidays, playing in Buffalo, Columbus, Tampa Bay and Florida before returning home after the new year.
* The Sixers face the Toronto Raptors tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. Reports are that center Joel Embiid will sit out the next two games because of his bad back. He may return on Christmas Day for a nationally-televised game in New York against the Knicks.
* The Eagles are preparing to meet the Oakland Raiders this Monday night. Guard Stefan Wiesnewski, who has played well this season, may be back for the Christmas night game. Having him back will make a big difference in the offensive line.
I predict a big Birds' win, with the home crowd roaring behind them. It seems like forever since the team has played at the Linc. A win against the Raiders would mean all home games until the Super Bowl. All the injuries- especially the Wentz injury- may eventually catch up with the Eagles- but it will be a challenge for any team to come into Philly and win.
* The Phillies introduced new free agent signing slugger Carlos Santana yesterday in a press conference. A rumor is floating that, because of analytics- which both new manager Gabe Kapler and GM Matt Klentak are really into- Santana will bat lead-off in the line-up and Rhys Hoskins will bat second. Giancarlo Stanton hit second for Miami last summer when he smashed 59 home runs.
If the line-up remains the same, I guess it would something like this:
1. Santana 1B
2. Hoskins LF
3. Herrera CF
4. Franco 3B
5. Altherr/Williams RF
6. Alfaro C
7. Hernandez/ Kingery 2B
8. Crawford SS
Santana has averaged 98 walks in his eight seasons with the Indians. I'd rather see him hit third or clean-up, and either Hernandez or Kingery hit first. Herrera? He doesn't walk enough, plus he's too streaky of a hitter. Crawford gets on base, a factor why the team decided to give him the shortstop job and trade Freddie Galvis, but will he hit for average?
Regardless, the other shoe has got to fall, and I expect a follow-up deal soon. There is no place for Tommy Joseph to play. And unless the Phils go with a four-man rotation in the outfield, Herrera, Altherr or Williams has to go. They can't keep three ctahcer son the roster either ( Rupp, Knapp and Alfaro). Starting pitching should be the target in return.
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