- The Phillies are now 1 1/2 games ahead of Atlanta in National League East after shutting-out the hapless Miami Marlins Friday night, 2-0. Jake Arrieta pitched 7 effective innings, with Victor Arano setting up the 8th inning and Pat Neshek closing. Neshek doesn't like to close, but manager Gabe Kapler used his 9th pitcher to earn a save this season. The Braves lost to the Diamondbacks and the nationals lost to the lowly Mets last night. Washington is fading badly now, 6 1/2 games off the lead.
- Exciting times ahead for Phillies' fans! The Phils play Atlanta 7 out of the final 11 games of the season, including the last weekend at Citizens Bank Park. Imagine Sunday, September 30- the NL East may be on the line when the Phillies play the braves, while at the same time, the defending champion Eagles are in Tennessee to face the Titans.
- Give credit to Gabe Kapler. Whereas former skipper Pete Mackanin strived to play .500 ball, Kapler has always used the word "playoffs" from spring training. He has made the young kids believe in themselves with his positive approach, and has installed confidence in his squad. I don't always agree with his analytics, but I find his positive approach refreshing. Hey, it must be working- the team can't hit; their bullpen is shaky; and defensively, they are poor. but check out the standings..first place Phillies in mid-July. Who would've thunk it?
- Aaron Nola pitches this afternoon against the Fish, trying for his league-leading 13th victory. He should be able to pitch an inning in Tuesday's All-Star game.
- Rumors persist that the organization is "aggressively" pursuing a trade for both Orioles- shortstop Manny Machado and closer Zach Britton. I'm sure Machado will file for free agency after the season, even if he likes playing for Philadelphia for a few months. I do think the team will sign Machado to a long-term contract after the season. For now, Machado is a rental. As long as the Phils do not give up prized prospects I'm OK to get Machado's bat into the line-up.
- Former Phillies' great second baseman Chase Utley announced his retirement, effective at the end of the season. The Dodgers play in Philly July 23-25. Expect the Phils to have some sort of ceremony to honor Utley. I'm lucky to already have tickets for the July 25 afternoon game vs. LA, which is now Utley's final game ever in Philadelphia.
Book it that Utley will be on the Phillies' Wall of Fame next summer. Will he make the Hall of Fame in five years. Utley is on the bubble. he is a six-time All-Star. He has a .274 batting average and has hit 259 home runs. He currently has 1880 hits. Solid numbers. Utley was never a great defensive second baseman. He had an average arm. He was smart, prepared well each game, intense, had a tremendous work ethic, and always played hard. But I always thought of the Baseball Hall of Fame as being special. Were his numbers exceptional?
One way to judge a player for Hall of Fame consideration is, was he at the top among his peers? In the case of Utley, it's no. Kent, Cano, Biggio were all better. Sentimentally Phillies fans want Utley in the Hall. Realistically, he was a good player but not a great player.
Will Utley ultimately stay in baseball, as a coach? He had a good relationship with Kapler in Los Angeles. I could see him return someday as a bench coach beside Kapler in Philly
I'm looking forward to Utley's last game in Philly. Hopefully he plays more than just a pinch-hitting role. He deserves the ovation he gets from the loyal Phillies' fans.
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