- The Phillies looked listless last nigh tin a 4-0 loss to San Francisco. It was the second time they were shut-out this season, the first time since opening week. They did have runner son second and third with no outs in the 9th inning but failed to score. With the loss the team drops to two games behind first place Atlanta, still 1/2 game in back of Washington for second.
- The offense remains a problem. They strikeout way too much, 13 times last night. They don't hit in the clutch with runner sin scoring position. They don't bunt, rarely steal bases or move runners along. They are almost like an American League offense, playing for the three-run homer.
- Hector Neris was terrible again, not in a save situation. He wasn't helped by the poor defense, but Neris the three wild pitches in one inning and looked frantic. Unless he gets it together fast, look for Neris to be sent back to Lehigh Valley or released when pat Neshek returns from the DL soon.
- It'as time for young players like Franco, Williams, Altherr and others to step up. The future is now and with increased playing time now that Rhys Hoskins is hurt, the young players need to turn form prospects to contributors. Santana, who is still hovering around .200 , needs to cut down on the strikeouts and pick it up as well.
- Manny Machado would look great in the middle of the order about now. To get him now would take good young players,and Machado may only be a rent-a-player for a few months. Unless the organization can sign him to a long-term contract ( doubtful), is it worth it?
Machado is a great player, both offensively and defensively. He is young and could be a cornerstone for years to come. But I'm sure he will want to test free agency, hoping to earn at least a $300 million payday. He does have Baltimore-related ties with the Phillies, with both Klentek and MacPhail having connections.
I think Machado will be a Phillie sooner or later. Will Cole Hamels come home? What would Texas want in return for Hamels? Is Bryce Harper in play after the season?
- The Phillies have bounced back all season after a bad loss, so I expect them to recover. Valasquez goes tonight, with Arrieta pitching on Sunday afternoon. The team needs to hang in there before going to Chicago as the braves and Nationals slug it out two more times in Atlanta.
- Who is Deep Throat, the person who blew the whistle on Colangelo/ Will we ever find out/ Why now? Why not 3 months ago or 3 months from now? Horrible timing , with the draft and free agency looming. But isn't that what Deep Throat wants? Chaos and confusion?
Regardless, until the Sixers address this issue, wither by finding out the truth and/or firing Colangelo, they will continue to be the laughingstock of sports. They need to move on quickly, not only basketball-wise, but in the court of public relations as well.
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