* Phillies lost to those underdog New York Yankees yesterday in Clearwater 8-3. Too many strikeouts ( 12), poor baaserunning ( pick-off and Dylan Cozens sliding off an attempted stolen base), and bad fielding ( Franco lost fly ball in sun). Otherwise they looked great.
Kapler needs to stress fundamentals. It's early in camp and I'm sure they will iron out the kinks. The fielding and base-running goofs can be erased. The strikeouts worry me most. It's been an on-going problem for years and has cost numerous batting coaches their job. For guys like Franco and Rupp, it may be their last chance with the club. Putting the ball in play more would help.
* Aaron Nola had a bit of a rough outing yesterday, but that didn't stop Kapler from naming him as the Opening Day starter in Atlanta. For now. If the Phils do end up signing free agent Jake Arrieta Kapler may take back that honor.
Nola deserves it. Hopefully he can stay healthy this year He needs to have a break-out season. Who else can be the Opening Day start if not Nola?
Speaking of Nola, TV caught him signing autographs after his stint yesterday afternoon. Yet he refused to sign at Photo Night last summer? Go figure.
* Lehigh Valley should have another good team this season. Cozens and Scott Kingery seem destined to start the year with the Iron Pigs. Hopefully Kingery will be in Philly after may 1. The Phils have him playing at shortstop and taking fly balls in the outfield and grounders a tthird. If they keep Cesar Hernandez, Kingery may be their Ben Zobrist-like utility guy who plays everyday but at different positions.
Cozens can run like a deer, has a cannon for an arm, and mashes titanic home runs. He strikeout way too much. But he has another monster season in the minors how can the organization not consider him for the future as a Aaron Judge-like hitter? His personality and demeanor also need maturing, according to reports.He's too good to give up on, but I'm afraid that GM Klentak just include him in a package trade somewhere down the road, especially since the Phils are overflowing with young outfielders right now.
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* The Sixers snapped their seven-game winning streak big-time on Sunday, getting trounced in Washington. Joel Embiid continues to play well, and play period, another back-to-back games success.Hopefully those days of not playing consecutive days is over.
* Rumors are swirling that LeBron James is considering coming to the 76ers as a free agent this summer. Reports are that he has been checking out schools in the suburbs for his kids. Would you want LeBron on the Sixers?
Sure, if it helps bring us a championship Isn't that the goal?
I know that James is a front-runner and a diva. But it would be the perfect situation for him and for younger stars like Embiid and Ben Simmons to learn how to win from a champion like James.
Those Sam Hinkie devotees who still chant "Trust The Process" aren't thrilled with the idea because he's not part of the Hinkie legacy. The Hinkie dopes would still rather kick the can down the road nd stock-up on draft picks, then actually win.
The Sixers should make the playoffs this season and may even win a round or two. Excitement is back at the Wells Fargo Center.With Embiid's winning and fun personality, imagine the excitement if the team actually got to the NBA Finals, let's say, facing Golden State. If it takes LeBron to help the cause sooner than later, why not go for it?
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