-Inconsistent Phillies again sleepwalk thru a loss, this time to the Cubs at home, and fall back 3 games behind Atlanta. But wait, there is hope. Nola goes for his 16th win today. The Phils play the marlins and Mets this week, be it on the road, while the division-leading braves face the Red Sox and Diamondbacks. A chance for Philly to gain ground. But the Phillies seem to have problems with the likes of Miami and New York, teams they should and need to beat in September.
- Despite getting two hits why was Santana leading-off? Why isn't Quinn playing everyday? Why hasn't Kapler at least tried a line-up of Hoskins at first base, and an outfield of Herrera, Quinn and Williams. Again defense was an issue. Cabrera isn't a shortstop Neither is Kingery, but he has been forced to play there. Freddie Galvis was a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop who should've been there all season to save runs and stabilize the defense.
- We won't see Cole Hamels this series but we miss his presence in Philadelphia. As younger pitchers Pivetta, Valasquez and now Eflin struggle and have reached their innings limits, and, frankly, Arrieta has not been worth $30 million a season, we look at what Hamels has done in Chicago- 4-0 record, ERA under 1.00, and GM Klentak blew it by not bring Hamels home. He wanted to return to Philly and Kletak did not make that happen.
- Who will most likely be traded in the off-season: Franco, Hernandez, Santana Or Herrera?
There's a case for all to go. Franco had a hot few months and a solid season but has again gone cold. Inconsistent. Hernandez is a solid player but he strikes-out too much and is not a lead-off hitter. He doesn't utilize his speed enough. And we won't ever really see the full potential of Kingery, whom the organization gave a hefty contract to before the season, unless Hernandez is dealt and Kingery plays his natural position at second base.
Santana could go because of his contract and the fact he never should've been signed in the first place. He may have over 20 home runs and walks a lot but his average has hovered around ,215 all year. he is weakdefensively, and msot importantly, his presence meant Hoskins must play left field, making the overall defense even weaker. Could Santana go back to the American League, where he could DH? With two years left on his contract the Phillies would probably need to pay for some of his salary just to get rid of him.
As for Herrera, he remains wildly unpredictable, at the plate, where his average continues to decline, in center field, where he continues to misjudge balls, and on the base paths, where he occasionally goes brain-dead. Seems like since he has eclipsed the 20-home run mark he swings too hard and for the fences too much. Herrera should be a slasher, hitting 40 doubles a year, using his speed and hitting over .300. Instead, he is what he is, too often a headache.
- Justin Bour was reactivated from the DL today. Rosters have expanded so it doesn't necessarily mean he plays soon. Altherr and Cozens are others who have joined the big-league team.
- Looks like Nick Foles will start on Thursday in the season opener vs Atlanta. Great to give Wentz more time to heal. Bad if Foles plays like he did in the pre-season. Still, despite all the injuries and weapons gone, emotion form the pre-game ceremonies of raising the championship banner, plus the fact the the Super Bowl winning team more often than not wins the opener, I se ethe eagles winning.
I was 19-0 picking Eagles' games in 2017. I'll make my choice later in the weeek, along with my Birds' review and overall NFL predictions.
- I was in Atlantic City yesterday for the first time since sports betting was approved. I wagered at resorts, which has a small sports book. I laid down 3 bets:
- Eagles over 10 1/2 wins. I was surprised the total was so low. Thought it might be 12 1/2, so I was delighted, as I predict the Birds will go 11-5.
- I took the Sixers to go under the 53 1/2 win total. No way they win 54 games this upcoming season. They aren't as good of a team after losing Bennelli and Illysova. They didn't get any fresh help with Bridges in Phoenix and Smith hurt. Plus there's the chaos of the vacant general manager's spot. having Brett Brown do both head coach and GM could be a real issue by the end of the season.
My nephew went for bigger odds, playing the Phillies to win the World series at 25-1 *( it won't happen) and the Flyers at 24 1/2 to win the Stanley Cup. If the young players come thru, meshing with vets like Geroux and Van RemsDyke, they could surprise. But as always, the Flyers won't go anywhere until they get a No. 1 goalie. Maybe rookie Carter Hart will emerge, or maybe the team will continue to languish with their current washed-up rotation of goaltenders.
- Finally, Levi from Overbrook Park, a frequently caller on WIP Sports Radio, died this week. I didn't always agree with Levi, but I always respected his passion. He cared about Philly teams and Philly sports. He may have called every show all day and night, but that was his business. he may have changed his mind regarding predictions, from show-to-show, and he may have been redundant from call-to-call. "Oh no, not Levi again!" But he will be missed as he made himself a legend.
Levi always wanted his own show on the radio. His opinions were no better or no worse than any other caller. But he was opinionated and wasn't wishy-washy about telling it like it is, right or wrong.
being a caller myself, I often thinkof sports talk radio as a sort of Cheers, a bar where you stop in daily for a drink, shoot the breeze with friends, as your friendly bartender hosts, then you're no your way, back to the reality of life. It's a fun place to visit, a getaway from the harshness of the world we live in.
Levi was just one of the guys at the bar. Shame the callers can't actually talk to each other. But like sports itself, you follow a team daily , get to know the players. It almost becomes like a soap opera and it is an important part of one's life.
Levi, if he knew it or not, was a part of my life thru WIP Sports Radio. I will miss him. He made himself as a memorable figure, never to be forgotten. Years from now callers will ask "Remember Levi?" and he will be remembered. Who can ask for more?
RIP Levi.
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