- Jake Arrieta, the $75 million man, showed up big last night, striking out 10 in 7 innings and only giving up one hit to Pittsburgh, as the Phillies won 7-0.Nice to know Arriata and Nola are at the top of the rotation. Not likely to have many long losing streaks this summer.
- The team moved to 11-7 on the early season, tied with Atlanta for second in NL East, 2 games behind the Mets. New York continues their series in Atlanta while the Phils face the pirates all weekend. The Phils are now 6-1 at home. If they win tonight they tie their best start at home since 1993. They are 30-18 at Citizens Bank Park since July 9 last summer.
-Reliever Victor Arano has now retired all 25 batters he has faced this year, 32 total since last season. The major league record is 44 straight.
- The Phillies' catchers so far have been a disappointment. They aren't hitting enough to make up for their defensive lapses. Too early to give up on Alfaro and Knapp, but is a young, stud catcher may be a priority in the upcoming draft?
- I love the way Scott Kingery plays, and he truly is the second baseman of the future, but Cesar Hernandez really is a good player. He is always on base. He can bunt for a hit. He doesn't use his speed enough when stealing bases. He's solid defensively. He hits an occasional home run. GM Klentek may end up trading him in July for pitching help, but I wouldn't do it unless there is a nice package coming back.
- Hoskins has three homers and is hitting over .325 but he is striking out more than last year.
- The fans who thought the Sixers should keep Joel Embiid out must feel pretty foolish today. Jojo lit up Miami last night. He brings energy to the team and a defensive presence. So what if the team doesn't shoot as many 3-pointers? The Sixers can't go far, in the long run, without Embiid.
- Embiid looked terrifying in his welder-like black mask to protect his face. He is the self-proclaimed Phantom of the Process. You gotta love his personality. Say what you want about the other young stars in the city, like Hoskins, Wentz and Simmons- Embiid is the most fun and entertaining.
- Hope I'm wrong but tonight should be the end of the road for the Flyers. No way the Penguins want to go back to Philadelphia. It may be the last rodeo for coach Hakstol and maybe GM Hexstall too. Whatever happens with the front office, the veterans came up small in the playoffs. The need for a true No. 1 goalie became even clearer. There is hope with the young kids, but right now the Flyers simply aren't good enough to compete for a Cup.
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