- So, the Phillies cut Atlanta's lead in NL East to 5 1/2 games. As the braves go in the tank, losing 4 in a row ( they do lead St. Louis, 5-3, this afternoon in the 7th inning), Philly continues to win one, lose one, to lowly teams like the marlins and Mets. Not good enough. The Phils need a streak, as they finish with new York tonight before venturing to Atlanta for the beginning of the long-awaited 4-game series with the Braves this weekend.
The Phillies need to sweep, or at least take 3 of 4 to have shot. Even a slim shot. While Philadelphia goes to Colorado next week for a huge 4-game set, the Braves take on the Mets in New York. Advantage braves, before they come to Citizens Bank Park for the final weekend of the season.
The Phillies have no one to blame for where they are today but themselves. Losing key series to bad teams like Cincinnati, Miami, San Diego, among others. Losing early to Atlanta. Losses in April count as much as losses in September. Remember Opening Day in Atlanta?
To get a wild card spot is even more far-fetched. Philly is 6 1/2 out of the wild card with three teams to jump over. Ain't gonna happen!
Nola didn't get the win last night. He has two more starts left in the season- both against Atlanta. So he could finish with 18 wins, a huge year.
The more Kapler plays Santana at third base makes me believe they may trade Franco in the off-season and move Hoskins back to first base. Franco had a better year and is still young. I wish they would dump Santana and his huge salary instead.
Kapler calls the struggling Jake Arrieta a "horse.' More like a hose's ass, a free agent bust. Hey, I wanted them to sign Arrieta, so no reason to bitch at the front office. He's just not the same Arrieta anymore. With 2 more years left on his contract, he may eventually slide down to No. 3 or 4 in the rotation, depending if the team does pursue Arizona lefty Patrick Corbin after the season.
- Speaking of other baseball news, right now looks like Milwaukee and St. Louis will be the wild card clubs in the National League. The Cubs should hang on and win the division. I'm surprised the Dodgers have climbed back into 1st place in NL West, with the Diamondbacks not 6 out. I thought Arizona had the strongest team in NL West at one point.
In the American League, it's still a Yankees-A's wild card game in New York. There are no other pennant races going.
- The Sixers will announce on Thursday that former player Elton Brand will be their new general manager. About time. Now Brett Brown can focus on coaching only. Brand should do a good job, altohugh for this year, the club looks pretty set, and not nearly as strong.
Jimmy Butler wants out of Minnesota but do you really want a disgruntled Butler with the Sixers?
They need shooters and more talent, that's for sure.
- The Eagles signed ex-Bird wide-out Jordan Matthews. Another ex- Jeremy Maclin- may be in their radar too. They need play makers, a guy who can burn and take the top off the defense, otherwise defenses will stack the box and dare Wentz to make plays.
- Speaking of Wentz, Sunday is the ideal spot for his return. A home game against a team we should beat. The big game will be October 7th vs Minnesota, a rematch of the NFC Championship Game.
The updated Las Vegas odds for winning the Super Bowl are just out. The Eagles are 12 to 1, along with Green Bay and Kansas City. The Rams are still the favorites.With Wentz back I would take the Birds at 12 to 1 to repeat as champs.
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