- The Phillies were shut-out in back-to-back games for the first time since July 2015. With the 2-0 loss, the team stays 2 games behind Atlanta for first place, and 1 1/2 games in back of second place Washington.
- With Rhys Hoskins out ( he hopes to play soon after he suffered a fractured jaw recently), the teams needs guys to step up, especially Franco, Altherr, and Williams among others. Santana and Kingery continue to struggle. The offense cannot play small or manufacture runs. No bunts, steals, hit-and-runs, or moving runners along . They don't hit in the clutch. They strikeout too much and even their walks have gone down. They are now scoreless in 20 straight innings.
This stretch may prove to management if these players are foundations for the future or not. I have no problem with the organization shelling out big bucks for proven stars like Machado and/or Harper after the season. For now, fans gotta hope something clicks when the weather gets hot and the offense will start producing.
- Starting pitching has been superb so far this season. Jake Arrieta attempts to snap another losing streak this afternoon against San Francisco. A strong effort by Vince Valasquez was wasted last night. Zach Eflin goes Tuesday nigh tin the series opener at Wrigley Field vs the cubs. It may be his last chance to cling to a spot in the rotation.
- The averages on this team are pathetic, and now even Herrera's average, although still over .300, is plummeting. The analytics fans don't seem to mind about average and strikeouts, as long as guys are getting on base, but even the walks have gone down lately.
Kapler needs to start grinding out runs somehow, at least until guy start hitting on a consistent basis. It's another new as every year we blame the pitching coach. Maybe it's time the batters take responsibility .
- Don't look now but the giants are in the thick of the NL West race. They went for it this season, getting Longoria and McCuthen . Meanwhile the Cubbies are looming in NL Central, patiently waiting to strike as the season allows. Things won't get any easier for the Phils when they return home. Milwaukee leads the National league Central and Colorado is on top in NL West. With the Cardinals, Yankees and Nationals closing out the month, will it be a June swoon or a chance to capitalize against all of these really good teams? After June we should know if the Phillies are pretenders or contenders.
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