- Today is the final day of spring training, as the Phillies close out their Grapefruit League schedule with a game against the Rays. The team will be flying back to Philadelphia tonight, preparing for their opener on Thursday vs Atlanta. My Phillies 2019 preview can be found elsewhere on my blog.
Rhys Hoskins is nursing a sore shoulder but should be ready for Opening Day. Aaron Nola will be pitching against the Braves. Getting off to a fast start will be important for the Phils, not only in National League East, but for the sake of Manager Gabe Kapler. Coming out of April with a losing record may not bode well for Kapler. I'm sure GM Matt Klentak will want to give Kapler some slack but after spending tons of money this off-season, especially $330 million for superstar Bryce Harper, Phillies' ownership won't stand for mediocrity. if Kapler makes wacky decisions with his pitching staff, his shifting, his lineups and analytics, is Dusty Warthen far behind as interim manager?
- After reeling off six straight wins and taking hold of the # 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers lost in Atlanta Friday night against a lowly Hawks club. Good news for me, as I have a bet riding that the 76ers won win 54 games this season ( they need to win 7 of their final 9 games.
The Sixers could go far in the playoffs. Witness their recent thrilling victories over Milwaukee and Boston. Last year they finished the season winning 16 game sin a row. That won't happen this year. Inconsistency has to also be a concern. So does Coach Brett Brown and his strategy in close games.
They play tonight in Orlando against the Magic.
- The Flyers lost two key games over the weekend. Saturday they lost their third consecutive home game, this time to the Islanders. On Sunday afternoon they got swept by defending Stanley Cup champion Washington. The Flyers are now eight points out of a playoff spot with only six games to play in the season.
Jacob Voracek said the squad "choked" whenever they got close to securing a playoff spot. Tough talk but I like his honesty.
The team is stocked with young, upcoming players and vets. Obviously they need an overhaul as they are going nowhere with their current roster.
Will there be a new permanent coach? Yes. Is rookie goalie Carter Hart the guy to build around/ Yes. I don't like Brian Elliot as a back-up. Remaking the Orange and black will be interesting this summer.
- The NFL Owners meeting occurs this week. League rule changes, Eagles owner Jeff Lurie will speak, more free agency moves... things to look forward to this week. the draft is only a month away while the entire NFL will be released in a few weeks.
Patriots' tight end Rob Kronkowski unexpectedly retired over the weekend, which can't help New England. Ex-Eagle wide receiver Jeremy Maclin also retired.
It will be interesting if the league fines or otherwise punishes Patriots' owner Robert Kraft for his prostitution charges. He's a billionaire but he should be no different form the players and coaches when it comes to league rules and discipline.
- I'm not into the NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament, but i will say it was nice to see Villanova get destroyed by Purdue. They have another amazing recruiting class next year so expect the Wildcats to be back. But poor Jay Wright can't win the national championship every year. Nice to see Nova Nation get a little humbled.
Meanwhile the fallout continues for St. Joseph's after they fired head coach Phil Martelli. Several recruits, including to City player Hakeem Hart from Roman Catholic, have de-committed to the Hawks. Rumors are that former St. Joe's stand-out Jameer Nelson may become the next coach. His son has been recruited to play for the Hawks next season. Nelson would bring youth and a name to the program, but it won't take away the bitter aftermath of the Martelli axing. St. Joseph's is public enemy # 1 in the Big Five now, even worse than Villanova.
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