- The Phillies snapped a four-game losing streak last night, beating Miami 6-0 and avoiding a sweep in Florida. The team remains in third place in NL East, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves.
- Both Herrera and Franco again failed to hustle and run hard Wednesday night. Nothing changes. If Manager Kapler doesn't bench these lazy guys it spreads like a disease. Player then think it's OK not to hustle. I won't get punished, they think. Send a message and bench guys when they don't hustle.
- Aaron Nola was sharp against the Fish, at one point retiring 17 batters in a row. He looks like an All-Star pitcher this summer.
- Dylan Cozens hit 3 home runs yesterday afternoon for Lehigh Valley. He was a Bash Brother with Rhys Hoskins in Reading and LV. Would love to see Cozens in Philly soon. He strikes out a lot but who doesn't anymore?
- Carlos Santana continues to struggle. He needs to sit for awhile. It won't happen. The Phillies can't admit it was a big mistake to sign him. Santana always starts slow and doesn't hit much for average. His power is gone. He walks a lot. That's about the best thing I can say about Santana right now- he walks.
His slump is taking away valuable playing time form nick Williams, who looks lost. Unless Santana is traded, is this a platoon, utility year for a developing Williams? Dropping Santana down in the batting order is a positive first step. He has gone from the two-spot to five. I think Santana should be dropped to even sixth or seventh. He has been a rally-killer so far.
- As written before, GM Klentek should be on the phone and exploring the possibility of trading for Manny Machado. He plays both shortstop and third base, positions of need. Machado is having a great year, hitting over .360. He is young, has power and plays tremendous defense. Normally I would say wait til the off-season and sign Machado as a free agent. Bur word is that Atlanta is interested in Machado, a move which would hurt the Phils this season and for years to come. So, a package of Franco, Williams, Santana and a prospect should be offered for Machado.
- When Jerod Eichoff comes back, I can easily see a rotation consisting of Eichoff, Arrieta, Nola, Eflin and Pivetta. Valasquez could be the odd man out and facing demotion to the bullpen or Lehigh Valley if he doesn't start pitching better.
- The Phillies are off today but return to action Friday night in Washington. Sunday afternoon looks like an intriguing fame, with Jake Arrieta facing Max Scherzer, Look for tons of strikeouts as Scherzer leads the league in whiffs at 65.
- The Sixers finally play Game Two of their playoff series with Boston tonight. I expect a different team tonight, one that defends the three-point shot better. I don't expect the Celtics to shoot as well, either. Losing would be bad, as the Sixers would go down 0-2, with must-wins in Philly upcoming. But winning at home hasn't been a problem for these Sixers, especially since Christmas.Still, splitting the series 1-1 and coming home Saturday night would make it an entirely different series.
- Looks like the kickoff in pro football may be a thing of the past soon. New rules are being implemented to prevent injuries/ concussions. I wouldn't be surprised if the league bans the kickoff altogether in a few years. It's trending that way. But then what's next? No punt returns, only punts? I get it, about keeping the players safe. But for the fan, these rules changing to protect quarterbacks, and now, adjusting kickoffs, aren't as entertaining for football fans. Do we really want to watch Touch- Football?
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