- I want Manny Machado this summer but only if he agrees to sign a long-term extension. He won't- he's not stupid. It will hurt to see him go to LA or Atlanta, but with all his Baltimore connections in the Phillies' organization, I would be surprised if he wasn't a Philadelphia Phillie in 2019.
- For this summer, I wouldn't mind bringing back Cole Hamels. Not for sentimental reasons. Hamels is a big-game pitcher and wants to return to Philly. He could be a mentor to the young staff. Move Vince Valasquez to the bullpen. The duo of Valasquez and Siranthony Dominguez firing heat at the back of the bull[en makes me smile. Getting a Brad Hand or a Zach Britton wouldn't hurt, either.
- The Phillies start an 11-game road trip tonight, which leads right to the All-Star Game.Even on the road, playing the pirates, Mets, Orioles and Marlins may seem like an easy trip, however, it has always been a challenge for the Phils to play in Pittsburgh- from Forbres Field to Three Rivers Stadium to the current home of PNC Park, where the Phillies are 18-35. Taking 7 of 11 on this trip would be great, with the potential for more. Winning series is the key. With the Braves again losing , the Phils are only a game behind Atlanta for first place in NL East.
- If I were manager Gabe Kapler, I would keep Rhys Hoskins in the clean-up spot, with Carlos Santana in the two-hole.
- After a surprising start, the Pirates have fallen back in NL Central , as expected. With Garrit Cole and Andrew McCutheon gone, Pittsburgh is once again rebuilding.Losing wild card games at home killed the Bucs and they never could get past the initial round of the playoffs.
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