- The Eagles traded up last night and selected 22nd in the NFL draft, picking offensive lineman Andre Dillard from Washington State. With tackle Jason Peters continually getting hurt and winding down on his career, it made sense for the Eagles to address the O-line with a first rounder. Dillard can play both tackle and guard, so if Peters is healthy this season but guard Barrett Brooks isn't, Dillard could conceivable step in at guard.
It's not a sexy pick, like a skilled position such as wide receiver or running back. Hopefully those positions will be addressed today or tomorrow. Defensive line is also in need, as is safety. A back-up quarterback is also on the agenda.
The trade was costly as Philly sent Baltimore a 4th and 6th round pick, plus switched first rounders, with the Ravens picking at 25th.
The Birds have a pair of second round picks tonight. They have a 4th round, a fifth round and a seventh round pick on Saturday.
WR Nelson Agholor is on the trading block and may be dealt before the weekend is over. I think that would be a mistake as Agholor has made big catches the last few seasons and remains effective as either a slot receiver or deep threat.
- The Phillies looked dead again last night, coming home and losing to lowly Miami 3-1 in 10 innings. Both Gabe Kapler and Bryce Harper took blame for the loss, which dropped the team into second place in National League East with a record of 13-12.
Kapler claimed fault for sending Hector Neris out for a second inning. Neris can't barely go one frame not two. He gave up a two-run, game-deciding homer in the 10th to the Marlins' Starling Castro. Yet his best bullpen guy, Siranthony Dominguez, only goes one inning?
Harper failed with a runner on third, one out as he popped up. He has struck out more than any batter in the National League in this young season. Harper usually gets off to fast starts but he is struggling.
The entire offense is worthless. They miss shortstop Jean Segura, who should be back Saturday night. He brings stability to the field and in the no. 2 hole. Center field is also an abyss. I never thought I would admit to missing Odulbel Herrera but I do. Aaron Altherr is 1-for-16 on the season and, before he got hurt again, Roman Quinn was a strikeout machine. It will be interesting to see which one goes when Herrera comes back. If Quinn is still on the Injured List there's no problem. Altherr is out of options and would need to be released.
Aaron Nola pitched last night and was better but still not the dominant Nola of last year. He pitched into the seventh inning. I still think he is or was hurt and is pitching his way through it.
Moving Franco into the fifth slot in the batting order hasn't worked. Before all the injuries, Franco was the most productive 8th hole hitter in the league. When Herrera, Segura and Kingery do return, Franco should immediately return to batting eighth.
Is Kapler's job in peril? I say yes. True, he is not to blame for the injuries. but the team too often looks like last year's version- poor with fundamentals and striking out too much. Even more troubling, at times they appear undisciplined and lackluster. Other than the recent Rhys Hoskins New York head-hunting incident, which momentarily sparked the club, they have looked lifeless.
The owner spent too much money on building a playoff team for this year and beyond. If the club is still floundering by Memorial Day i expect a change. Would it be third base coach Dusty Wathen taking over? Or fiery Larry Bowa? Would they bring back Pete Macannin? Is Charlie Manual too old for the job?
I'm sure GM Matt Klentak wouldn't want to eat crow and admit that hiring Kapler was a mistake. but if ownership overrules and wants a change, it's gonna happen. Let's hope it never gets that far.
- The Sixers play Game 1 of their playoff series with the Toronto Raptors Saturday night at 7:30. It's crucial the 76ers steal the first game before the series settles in. I still say Toronto in six- and Coach Brett Brown loses his job after the season is over.
No comments:
Post a Comment