Jake Arrieta got a warm response in his first game back in Chicago. He was a great pitcher for the cubs for many years. Arrieta only gave up one run on eight hits in six innings.
- J.T. Realmuto clubbed a home run in the left field stands in the 10th inning, a game-winning shot that broke a 3-3 tie. Realmuto played well defensively ) including a play at the plate earlier in the game from a laser beam throw by Bryce Harper). Realmuto also hit an RBI single in the 7th. Now we are seeing his worth and the big difference between his All-Star play and catcher Jorge Alfaro. Along with Jean Segura, Realnuto was a key acquisition during the off-season.
Speaking of Segura, he kept his hitting streak alive by slinging a two out jammed-shot blooper into right field to tie the game in the ninth.
Gabe Kapler made a bad decision by allowing Siranthony Dominguez to pitch a second inning. Dominguez was brilliant in his lone inning and looked like the Siranthony of old. We all know he is strictly a one inning guy. Two walks hurt Siranthony but so did shoddy defense in the outfield.
Odubel Herrera has got to go. He botched the above mentioned outfield play in the bottom of the 8th, allowing Chicago to take a brief lead. Herrera is hitting close to .220, with only one home run . He continues to be lackadaisical in his play, not always hustling on the bases, an undisciplined at the plate. Herrera should've been traded a long time ago. Now his value is low but with Odubel, it's addition by subtraction.
Scott Kingery will play center field for the foreseeable future. Andrew McCuthen can handle center field Adam Heasley and Mickey Moniak, both playing the outfield at Reading, are possible center fielders of the future in Philadlelphia.
Howard Eskin reports this morning that after June 1st, the Phillies will be heavily interested in closer free agent Craig Kimbrel. After that date the Phils will no longer need to surrender a 1st round draft pick for Kimbrel.
The Phils are now a season high nine games over .500, 28-19. Zach Eflin, 5-4 this season, goes for the Phillies tonight at Wrigley Field.
Cole Hamels pitches for the first time against the Phillies on Wednesday night. It was a mistake for the Phillies not to get Hamels last summer. He wanted to come back to Philadelphia. He helped the Cubs last season and is 4-0 with a 3.13 ERA this season. He would've given the rotation the experienced lefty it needs. The media and scouts said he had "nothing left." whe n he velocity went down. Truth is, he was pitching for a last place Texas Rangers squad and seemed unmotivated. He knows National League hitters. It also would've been a nice public relations move for the Phils to bring the popular Hamels back. The Phillies blew it. It will be interesting to see him pitch tomorrow night.
- Eskin also reports that Chris Long, retired this past week, will return to the Eagles by training camp. He states that safety Malcolm Jenkins will not report to OTAs this morning, as Jenkins seeks a new contract. Hopefully his hold-out doesn't disrupt the team too much. His absence in the field will hurt plus Jenkins is a leader in the locker room.
No matter what happens, Nick Foles will always be a spectre looming over QB Carson Wentz, especially this season. Until Wentz remains healthy and has a solid year, Foles will forever by looming. The Eagles couldn't keep Foles for financial reason, plus he wanted to play somewhere. Wentz is in a no-win situation. If Foles had stayed he wouldv'e been a disruptive presence behind Wentz, as the fans would chant for St. Nick whenever Wentz failed. Even in Jacksonville, Foles will haunt this Birds organization. until Wentz proves he can guide the Eagles to the playoffs and wins a Super Bowl.
- Golden State is going to the NBA Finals for the sixth year in a row. I remember the days when it was either the Lakers or the Spurs coming out of the West. Until Steph Curry is no longer in the picture expect the Warriors to continue to dominant. They are not satisfied with winning one or two championships. They are hungry for more.
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