- The red-hot Phillies hit a club-tying 7 home runs last night in Cincinnati, beating the Reds. Hoskins, Williams and Franco had two each, while Santana had one. Rookie Ranger Suarez won his major league debut. This could be a fun series this weekend. Hopefully Pivetta returns to form tonight, Valasquez continues pitching well on Saturday, and Eflin bounces back Sunday. Nola will face the Red Sox at Fenway Park in a classic showdown Monday night.
With the win, combined with an Atlanta loss to the Dodgers, the Phils moved to a season high 2 1/2 games in 1st place over the Braves. They remain 7 games ahead of the Nationals.
- The National League east is there for the taking. The Mets and Marlins are dead. Washington is in upheaval. The braves are good but young, like the Phillies. Why can't the Phillies stay on top? Once in the playoffs, anything can happen. Witness the Eagles last season.
The Phillies' front office needs to believe in their own players and give the fans more hope by upgrading the team even more so they stay on top. Trading for Baltimore's Adam Jones would provide power, experience and depth to the outfield and bench. Another bullpen piece could solidify the 'pen. And why not another starter down the stretch?
So far the Phillies are giving what the fans wanted- meaningful baseball in mid-summer. They are a fun, exciting team to watch. Do-nothing GM Klentak needs to show a little faith in this team and make improvements. Who knows if they will be in the same situation next summer? Injuries, bad luck- a lot can come into play during a long baseball season. Don't sell the farm, but recent trades in baseball haven't required buyers to sell the farm.
Is Klentak capable of pulling the trigger? If not, why is he here? The guy I'm most disappointed in is owner John Middleton. He said he would "do whatever it takes" to bring a championship to Philadelphia. instead, he seems like all-talk and no action. It's one thing to allow your general manager to do his job- but the general manager is not doing his job!
- Cole Hamels won't be coming back to Philly. He was dealt to the Cubs today for marginal prospects. Obviously the Phillies don't think he has anything left. I disagree. I think Hamels will do well in Chicago. He will feel rejuvenated being back in a pennant race instead of being buried 25 game sin last place, as he was with Texas. He has always been a good big-game pitcher. He would've helped the Phils, both on the field and off. (The Cubs come to Philadelphia August 31-September 2).
- Roman Quinn joins the team tonight, providing tremendous speed, good defense and another lead-off hitter to the mix. He will be a good 4th outfielder and spark off the bench. I can easily see him base-running late in games and stealing a key base.
- Eagles training camp started on Thursday. QB Carson Wentz participated in 11-on-11 drills and no one got hurt. Hard to believe the first exhibition game is just around the corner in early August. We will get daily reports from training camp now. Not the same grueling, 2-a-days training camps like in West Chester or Lehigh- and despite the two sold-out practices at the Linc , I still miss the option of seeing daily practices and making the pilgrimage up to Lehigh.
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