PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES-

- Thanks to Dodger Manager Dave Roberts for handing last night's game to the Phillies. he surrendered in the 16th inning, using infielder Kiki Hernandez as a pitcher. It's his own fault for not planning ahead, plus it's stupid to fight 15 innings then wave the white flag at the end. If you were going to give up, why not do it sooner, rather than burn your bullpen and still lose?

- Kudos to Phillies Manager Gabe Kapler for going all-in at the end. Kapler said he would've used Valasquez again in the 17th inning if the Phillies hadn't won it.  The Phillies wanted the game more. With the victory, the team is back in first place alone, up by a game over Atlanta and ahead of struggling Washington by 7 full games.

- The defense continues to be a problem, especially the catching, as Jorge Alfaro had 8 passed balls this season. Phillies catchers and pitchers lead the league in passed balls and wild pitches. Not much one can do now, other than continue to practice fundamentals. After the season, I again propose hiring former Pihllie catcher Carlos Ruiz- if he retires this off-season- to work with the young backstops.

- Orioles closer Zach Britton was traded to the Yankees yesterday ( like New York needs another good reliever). Again, Phillies GM Klentak sleeps while moves are being made around him. Even thought the bullpen pitched 10 consecutive shut out innings last night, I still say we need more help in the 'pen. A bat and another starter would help as well, especially a bat at shortstop (Escobar?). Valentin and the rest of these stiffs off the bench won't cut it in the long-run. One weekend until the trade deadline hits. The Phillies will use the excuses of 1) other teams were asking too much and 2) we like what we have, we are in first place.

It's great how the team has improved but in order to stay on the top and hold off the braves, doesn't it make sense to try and upgrade? Who knows what Atlanta will do by next week?

- I'll be at the 12:35 game today. I'll give Utley a round of applause when I first see him, be it as he brings out the line-up card or before his first at-bat or when he does pinch-hit. But I won't cheer him after that.

Hopefully the rain holds off to get the game in. The club flies to Cincinnati where it plays a 4-game set vs the Reds over the weekend before going to Fenway Park to face the sizzling-hot Red Sox for a pair of games. Meanwhile, Atlanta hosts Los Angeles for their own 4-game series.