Thursday, August 30, 2018

PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES

- The bats came alive last night at Citizens Bank Park to support a shaky Jake Arrieta, as Philadelphia won 8-6. They finally picked up ground on losing Atlanta, now 3 1/2 games behind in NL East. The victory also delays the nationals from creeping up from behind the Phils. They gain a game in the series but no more.

- Despite the grand slam I still think the organization needs to trade Carlos Santana during the off-season. He has a very quiet 20 home runs. He prefers to walk than swing. His .215 average weighs down the middle of the order. And he's not as good defensively as I imagined. Could Hoskins do any worse at first

-As long as he remains healthy, Roman Quinn needs to play everyday. He brings speed and excitement to the live-up. He can bunt and steal, yet has power as well. John Kruk was right last night. If Quinn hits lead-off, Hoskins can't hit second. Why not> because if Quinn steals, the second hitter should be someone who can bunt or move Quinn to third, without giving himself up. Hoskins is better suited batting in the middle of the order, not second. 

- Hernandez continues to strike-out too damn much, especially as a No. 3 hitter. Herrera did not play against lefty Gonzalez Maybe we will see more Quinn, either in center field or left. I'm OK with Herrera in center field. Williams has been getting most of the time in right field. Now will we see more  Joey Bats in right? 

- Kapler over-managed the game Wednesday night like it was the 7th game of the World Series. Eight relief pitchers after Arrieta only went three innings. There is still no set closer, as Dominguez pitched in the 7th, Neshek in the 8th. Tommy Hunter  pitched the last two innings and got the save. He has suddenly been good the last few games. But I don't think the team goes anywhere until they get  a permanent, shut-down closer in the off-season.

Off-day today before the Phils open a big three-game weekend series with the Cubs. Nola was moved up to pitch on Sunday, while Hamels was moved back and won't go this weekend. Good news for the Phils, as he has been brilliant since returning to the National League.

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