- Scott Kingery is making a strong case to play everyday. He hit a grand slam home run against the Reds last night, as the Phillies won and moved their record to 5-5. The weak link in the line-up is shortstop J.P. Crawford. Not saying give up on Crawford, but why not make him the utility guy instead of Kingery?
After signing Kingery to a nine-year contract he will eventually be a regular somewhere in the Phillies' line-up. He brings power, speed and energy to the team. His defense, no matter where he plays, is great. Kingery must play. Kapler can say well, he is playing everyday- at different positions. But imagine how comfortable Kingery would feel if he was playing second base and knew where he was playing daily.
- If they had to do it over again, would the Phils' still sign Carlos Santana? He walks and gets on base. He has power and plays good defense at first base. But why not play Hoskins at his natural position ( first base) and have Altherr, Williams and Herrera in the outfield?
The offense should be a force this summer. The Phillies' success will come down to pitching.
- The Phils go for a sweep over Cincinnati tonight before heading on the road for a southern road trip to Tampa and Atlanta. They then return to Citizens Bank Park for a 10-game home stand vs the surprising Pirates, the always dangerous Diamondbacks and the Braves . Last season we played the Nationals early a ton- this year it's Atlanta.
- I usually agree with crusty, old columnist Jack McCafferty. but he recently wrote an article which blasts the Philly fans for "bullying " new manager Kapler. McCafferty is so out of touch. First, fans pay good money for tickets and have a right to boo whomever they want at games. Second, Kapler deserved to get booed after his stupid, analytical moves during the opening road trip. Plus, he was arrogant to feel he wasn't wrong in his moves and would do it again.
One is never sure if a player or coach reads the papers or listens to talk radio, so the fans have Kapler where they wanted him- ironically as he was making a pitching change in the home opener. Fans were frustrated and angry and let it out. Philadelphia fans, in any sport, are passionate and knowledgeable. They know smart baseball and know when they are being conned. And guess what? Since hte fans went off on Kapler ( not only Philly fans but national media too) Kapler has settled down and doesn't seem to be over-managing or forcing analytics down our throats.
So, to me, it was a good thing that the fans booed Kapler. In the long run maybe it was for the best. McCaffery was way off base in his column.
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