- The Sixers have won their first 9 games at home this season. They go for No. 10 tonight vs. New Orleans. Regardless, they have other issues right now. First overall draft pick, Markelle Fultz, who looks more and more like a huge bust, suddenly left the team, his agent saying he is getting his troubled right shoulder examined again on Monday.
Either its his shoulder or mental issues, Fultz is also an immature guy, pouting and taking to social media after T. J. McConnell came in to play point guard during the Sixers' win over Phoenix on Monday night. The team just couldn't lose to the lowly Suns at home, so feelings be damned, they sat Fultz while McConnell helped pull the team out of its early funk.
Is all this drama really worth it? Let's face facts- ex- General manager Bryan Colangelo made a huge mistake in drafting Eultz ( and not drafting emerging star Jayson Tatum, who is with Boston). Colangelo is gone, Fultz should be gone too. Admit the error, cut your losses and move on.
Maybe Fultz will hook up with another team and be a player in the NBA. It ain't happening in Philadelphia, where the pressure and scrutiny is enormous.
The 76ers need to focus on Jimmy Butler, trying to convince him to sign long-term after the season. They don't need the soap opera that is Fultz.
- Offensive Coordinator Mike Groh made a stupid comment about wide receiver Golden Tate, saying it's been a "challenge" to integrate Tate into the offense. It's Groh's job to make use of Tate while he is with the Eagles. Tate has been more or less invisible in his first two game with Philly. If there's ever a time to use him it's this week against the Giants in a do-or-die game.
It's becoming more apparent that the Eagles miss assistant coaches Frank Reich and John DiFillipo. They were the creative forces in the dynamic offense of last year's championship season. Head Coach Doug Pederson seems like he was less involved than what we thought.
If Groh can't do the job, clean house.That includes Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz. Start bringing in younger players and rework the coaching staff and come back hungry in 2019.
I haven't given up hope for this season, but even if the birds do win the NFC East title, are they really going anywhere, with the likes of the Rams and Saints around?
- All quiet on the Phillies front. Look for trades and free agent signings after December 1st, when the Winter Meetings begin.
Manny Machado is trying to walk back his lack of hustle remarks. He has to. Those stupid comments must be hurting his value on the free agent market. He's a hell of a player and would fill needs for the Phils at either third base or shortstop. But who needs the drama? If Machado fails to hustle and play hard, what will Phillie fans do? Boo a guy you've signed for 8 years at $40 million a year?
I would rather see the team sign Bryce Harper. They still have 3 spots open on their 40-man roster. This is before trades. I'll be happy with Harper, another starting pitcher ( Corbin?) and bullpen help. They can fill in the rest with deals. Franco, Santana, Herrera and Hernandez can all go.
I got my six-game pack yesterday from the Phils. My game sin 2019 include:
May 16 vs Brewers
An afternoon game in the spring against Christian Yelch and a good, young squad.
May 30 vs Cardinals-
Another afternoon game. St. Louis is always a challenge. The Phillies should still be good in the spring.
July 13 vs Nationals-
Hopefully Harper-less Washington should still be a contender in NL East.This may be Photo Night as well.
July 27 vs Braves-
NL East champs invade the Bank in mid-summer. Every game against the braves should be big next season.
August 15 vs Cubs-
Will Cole Hamels pitch this game? Should be a fun game vs contending Chicago.
September 14 vs Red Sox-
Always big games when Boston comes to town. This time it's the World Champion Red Sox in September.
Interesting as well, the Phillies are setting aside three nights for special retirement ceremonies for Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. The Phillies' organization always does these ceremonies and presentations well. They haven't named their Wall of Fame inductee yet.Of course, they are hoping for sell-outs those 3 special games.
With an improved team and ceremonies to look forward to, the summer holds promise for Phillies fans.
No comments:
Post a Comment