- Although the Phillies won the series in Washington over the weekend, and picked up a game on both the Nationals and Braves, they blew a chance to distance themselves from the Nats. A 6-2 lead evaporated after starter Nick Pivetta left the game. The bullpen coughed up six runs in three innings. The bullpen continues to be a weak spot. GM Matt Klentak needs to make some moves an bolster the 'pen soon.
- Strong rumors persist that the Padres are interested in Maikel Franco. Good! Drive him to San Diego to be with former Phillies' hitting coach Matt Stairs. Bullpen help in return ( specifically closer Brad Hand)would be welcome. Deal for Adrian Beltre of Texas to fill third base for the res tof the year.Grab Cole Hamels, who has been pitching better lately, to give the team an inexperienced lefty starter for this year and beyond. Hamels would also be another valuable mentor for the young pitchers.
- Frustrating losses this year, like last night, but think of it- at least we are talking Phillies baseball, unlike past summers. They are in the Wild Card hunt, and still only 2 games in the loss column behind NL East division-leading Atlanta. We wanted a competitive team, some hope, something to root for- and we have it. The players are young and emerging. There's a lot to look forward to. They are usually entertaining and fun to watch. Who can ask for more?
- Some are questioning Gabe Kapler's move in the 8th inning of intentionally walking rookie Juan Soto and pitching to veteran and three-time All-Star Daniel Murphy with the bases loaded. Murphy got a single off Siranthony Dominguez and give Washington the lead. Who would you rather pitch to in a big spot- the 19-year-old, red-hot rookie or an establish hitter who is just coming off an injury? It turned out to be a mistake. Would Soto have been able to handle the pressure? Would Murphy catch up to a Siranthony 100 m.p.h. fastball?
As it turned out, the key single wasn't off a blazing fastball but on a slider ( which Dominguez actually considers his best pitch). I can't really blame Kapler too much for the decision. I can't blame him for the state of the awful bullpen either. He is working with what Klentak has given him.
- Sell-out tonight at the ballpark? The Yankees are in town. It should be a beautiful summer night. Kids are out of school. Phillies are playing well. no excuses not to have a big crowd. I'm sure herds of New York fans will venture down the turnpike. but will there be more red than black in the stands for the next three nights? Perfect weather for the Yankee series. The Phillies go for five straight series wins before the Nationals come to town for the upcoming weekend.
- The team was much more aggressive on the base paths last night, which is good. Go for the big inning but don't shy away from the steal a,d making things happen. Stay aggressive and take the game to the opponent! Their aggressiveness probably cost them a run during the game when Kingery single, was caught stealing, then Knapp doubled in the gap. Make it to second or don't try to steal and Kingery makes it home easily. But again I like the aggressiveness, so hopefully Kapler doesn't stop playing small ball.
No comments:
Post a Comment