-Phillies' brass held a seven hour meeting Friday morning and afternoon, reviewing what went wrong this disappointing season. Hopefully owner john Middleton demanded answers.
Gabe Kapler still insisted that the team hasn't given up or quit, despite another lackluster effort Friday night at home, losing to NL East division champs Atlanta, 10-2. The Phils struck out 14 times. They only had 4 hits. Yet the hitting coach will be back next year? And the players haven't quit?
Is Kapler that delusional or is he just trying to save his job/ GM Klentak has already said that Kapler and all of his coaches will return in 2019. The team president and owners have yet to speak.
Kapler stated after the game they simply "aren't good enough", which is true, but points the finger back to Klentak, who didn't get Kapler the players he needed to sustain their early success. The players seemed to hit a wall and quit. There is little veteran influence in the clubhouse to kick some ass when needed, and Kapler, with his sunny and positive style, isn't cracking the whip, unless it's being done behind closed doors. If it is it hasn't worked.
Kapler says he won't change next year. So, if you like his style of changing line-ups daily, coddling to the players and seeing the bright side in a 14-0 loss, then expect more.
If you want honesty and discipline, look elsewhere.
Klentak didn't get Kapler the players he needed because once again the Phillies over-rated their own prospects. Instead of getting an MVP-type young star like Christian Yelich, whom the Phillies have drooled over for years, they choose not to part with their coveted prospects and allowed Yelich to go to Milwaukee where he is leading the brewers into the playoffs.
I thought it was time to win now, not kick the can down the road?
Unless Middleton announces a news conference on Monday, after the season ends, and surprises everyone by saying he is relieving both Kapler and Klentak of their duties, why should things change> Will a free agent or two make the difference in this team next summer? What if a free agent refuses to come to this dysfunctional organization? The Phillies have geared for this particular off-season free market class for years. What incentive- other than tons of cash- do the really good free agents like Harper and Machado have to sign with Philly?
The team has lost 9 in a row heading into tonight's game with Atlanta. They are mercifully ending their worst September ever in their long, losing history. Ever. They collapsed like no team ever has before, 15 games over .500 in August, only to end up with a losing record in the end. yet, as Klentak recently stated, the team is "improved?"
I was on the Steve Trevelise radio show overnight on WIP Sports Radio. I vented and Steve graciously gave me time to vent. Frustration, disappointment, anger. At least I still care.
I'm going to the finale Sunday afternoon because it's Fan Appreciation Day and when I got the tickets the team was in first place in July. I thought the game would mean something to the Phillies. I was wrong.
I can swallow bad baseball, injuries, or just plain bad luck. I can't take a club that quits. Whomever is the GM next year needs to weed out the losers and bring leadership and dedication to the clubhouse.
I know that firing both the manager and general manager may mean starting over again, but is this team pointed in the right direction now? Is till don't see a young, emerging star, like Washington's Soto or Atlanta's Acuna Jr on the horizon. Their overall No. 1 pick of several years ago, mickey Moniak, continues to struggle in the minors instead of helping the big league club in Philadelphia.
Is there hope? Can the current front office be trusted? Even the team president, Andy MacPhail, who hired Klentak in the first place, how can the fans feel positive and have faith in him?
Significant changes- and not just with the players- needs to occur this off-season..starting on Monday..before I will start to believe again.
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Again, instead of rehashing another dreadful loss, let's focus on 3 more players...
-Roman Quinn-
Has shown flashes of what could be. Then last night he strikes out 3 times. He is fast and can steal bases and puts pressure on opposing pitchers. He covers a lot of ground in the outfield. But he is injury-prone. Instead of bunting, playing small ball and relying on his blazing speed, he seems to have bought in with the analytical approach of swinging too hard, swinging for home runs. The manager should bat Quin lead-off and leave him there for a season and see what happens. It's ridiculous to bat a guy like Quinn 5th- behind Rhys Hoskins. Quinn could be a weapon-if he stays healthy and is sued the right way in 2019. C
- Aaron Altherr-
Never came close to what he did last year. A joke to say he has "improved" as Klentak suggested. He needs to play everyday. He is athletic, has all the tools to be an everyday player. Give him a chance. f the Phillies aren't going to stick with Altherr, trade him and maybe a change of scenery would do him good as he is still young. Unlucky with injuries.D
- Pat Neshek-
A diva. Whines and complains to umpires. refused to close or pitch back-to-back days. Not worth the drama. Mistake to re-sign him as a free agent. Disappointment in the bullpen. D
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