* The Phillies finally won a game in spring training on Friday, beating Tampa Bay 9-2 Scott Kingery hit another home run. Because of service time Kingery will probably start the year at Lehigh Valley, but he looks ready for Philadelphia now.
Hopefully GM Klentak doesn't forget Kingery, as he was reluctant to bring up Hoskins and Williams last summer until he absolutely had to do it.
Interesting that Kingery starts in center field this afternoon against Baltimore. Kapler loves versatility, and Kingery has already played second base ( his position) and shortstop this spring. He can also play third base if needed.
Is there more to it then simply trying to find a spot for Kingery to play? I know there have been reports that the Phils may like Kingery to be a Ben Zobrist-like utility- guy, especially if they keep Cesar Hernandez. There is already a glut of outfielders on the roster, between Herrera, Hoskins, Williams, Altherr, Quinn and Cozens. Why Kingery in center, unless someone is going to be traded for much-needed pitching?
As long as Kingery plays somewhere, I'm OK with it. He has speed, plays great defense, hits for average as well as for power. He has energy and should be a fan-favorite in Philly.
I'm surprised that do-nothing Klentak hasn't made a few trades to acquire pitching and finds teams for players with no where to play like Tommy Joseph. But then again, Klentak hasn't been a bold guy regarding making deals.
As written here yesterday, owner John Middleton seems to be backing-off on signing Jake Arrieta. Seems like ultra-conservative Andy MacPhail is preaching caution to Middleton, instead of spending some money that the Phillies have hoarded for years.
Arrieta, or even an Alex Cobb would bring more interest this summer, would help to make the club legitimate wild card contenders, and would show other future free agents- such as Manny Machado- that the organization is serious about winning.
The Phillies have a core of good, young position players, starting with Hoskins and Kingery. Why not get pitching, through trades and/or free agency, to supplement the position players?Why so timid when the rest of the National league East, except for Washington, is beatable?
I'm afraid that OF Dylan Cozens will be included in a package deal down the road. I like Cozens. He runs like a deer, has a cannon for an arm, and titanic power which is rare nowadays. I know he strikeouts a ton and hits for a low average. Analytically, he is no bargain. And i'm afraid that will be his downfall.
I see Cozens as an Aaron Judge-type of hitter. Remember, he was the other "Bash Brother" with Rhys Hoskins in both Reading and Lehigh Valley. I can see Klentak dealing him away, and Cozens going on to have a monster career, hitting 500-foot homers and becoming a star.
True, the outfield is already crowded, but with those kinds of tools, and still only young, couldn't the Phillies find a spot for a talent like Cozens?
Let Cozens have another big year at Triple-A with the Iron Pigs. Then see where you are after this summer before you trade him away.
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The Sixers rallied to be Charlotte last night, continuing their run to the NBA playoffs. The Flyers, coming off a flat home loss to lowly Carolina, have an important back-to-back weekend series with the two Florida teams. First is the league-leading lightning this afternoon, then the Panthers on Sunday.
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The Eagles' brass are at the combines in Indianapolis this week. Rumors are swirling about trades and who they will or won't sign in free agency. Who will the Birds keep or let go? Jason Peters, Torrey Smith, Nigel Bradham?
Who will the team take if they stay at the No. 32 pick in the first round? Or will they trade down to pick up extra selections, especially since the Eagles don't have second or third-round pick?
Free agency is the next issue. The schedule comes out in mid-April. Then it's the daft from Dallas at the end of April.
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