- The Phils were off last night, opening a 4-game series with Miami tonight, Nick Pivetta starting. Atlanta was rained out so the Phillies maintain a 1/2 game lead in NL East. The suddenly-hot Nationals won again, moving to 5 full games off the pack.
- I predicted that Cole Hamels would do well in Chicago. He made his Cubs debut yesterday, throwing 5 solid innings and striking out 9. So much for those so-called "baseball experts" who felt he had nothing left.
I felt he would be motivated getting off a last place team like Texas. He has always pitched well at Wrigley Field and is a big-game pitcher. The Phillies will regret not trading for Hamels. He would've added a veteran left-handed starter to the rotation, plus give the fans even more excitement. Imagine Hamels pitching for the Phillies again this weekend- as the organization is honoring the 2008 championship team? The Cubs gave up practically nothing for Hamels. The Phillies couldn't take a chance?
- Around baseball: The Cubs and Brewers have revved up their clubs for the pennant race, as they continue to battle neck-and-neck in NL Central. Don't discount the Pirates, who just got Chris Archer. The Cards are too inconsistent and surprisingly dealt Tommy Pham at the deadline.
The Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Rockies all are within a game in NL West. Arizona improved at the deadline and of course, Machado is the key acquisition for LA. The Giants are 5 back, still in shouting distance but with 3 teams to climb over.
Boston and the Yankess should go down to the wire. The loss of Aaron Judge for a few weeks with a broken wrist will hurt the Yanks. They may still win 100 games but will likely be a wild card team, in danger of losing a one-game playoff.
Cleveland continues to distance themselves from the pack in American League Central, while Houston is having a surprisingly tough time with both Seattle and Oakland. The Angels, who one would think would be the squad to give the world champion Astros a challenge in AL West, are well off the pace.
- Suddenly, Carson Wentz isn't participating in 11-on11 drills in training camp. This has lead to speculation about his health. Still a long way to go until the opener on September 6, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Birds weigh on the side of caution and play Foles early. Would they keep Wentz out until the 4th game when Minnesota comes to the Linc, or even til the bye? Whatever, we know that Foles can play, and if Wentz' future depends on taking a little extra time to heal, why not sit him out initially?
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