- No shame in losing to Jacob deGrome. The Mets' righty is one of the best pitchers in baseball. He shut down the Phillies on Saturday afternoon, 3-1, as New York tied the series, 2 games to 2. Game 5 is tonight in Williamsport before the Phils hit the road for 3 in Washington, starting on Tuesday night, and 3 next weekend in Toronto.
Luckily the Braves lost their third straight home game to Colorado, so Philly remains only 1/2 game behind in NL East. The Nationals stay 7 games out.
- Of more concern is the continued declining play of Odubel Herrera. He's hit around .200 since June, has played shaky defense and yesterday made a key, rally-killing base-running blunder.
He's got so much talent yet goes brain-dead at times. Once or twice a year is forgivable but with Odubel, it's becoming more frequent- and it's costing games in a tight pennant race.
Roman Quinn should be getting more playing time. With his speed he would be an ideal lead-off hitter. He covers the same ground in center field as Herrera and is more aggressive and faster on the bases.
It will be interesting if Quinn gets more time what will happen to Herrera next season. Is he trade bait? What would he be worth on the market?
- Even though newly-acquired Justin Bour has hit deGrome well in the past, Santana got the start at first base. Kapler describe it "for defense",but it makes no sense. For an analytical guy who has gone by the numbers all season, it didn't make sense. Santana is only trade chip after the season, to open first base and unload his huge contract.
- I also don't get why Cesar Hernandez continues to bay lead-ff. His average is hovering around .260. He strikes-out too much, doesn't bunt enough or utilize his speed. He's more of a No. 2 hitter.
- Finally, I wrote here that the Phillies would regret not bringing back Cole Hamels. He continues to pitch well for the Cubs. Will be interesting to see if he faces Philly when Chicago visits Citizens Bank Park in two weeks.
- Those amazing Oakland A's are tied in AL West with the defending world champion Houston Astros. Seattle is only 3 1/2 games behind. It's so hard to repeat as champs ( take note, Eagles!). If not the division, surely one or both will be wild card teams if the Yankees falter.
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