Phillies GM Matt Klentek made one of his infamous deals yesterday, trading for lefty Jason Vargas . More junk from our general manager. Why would the rival Mets give anything good to the Phillies?
Granted Vargas may be an upgrade over what the rotation is now. How sad is it that Vargas may be the No. 2 starter on this staff? He will give you 5 or 6 innings at the most. He's a "soft-tosser" as Klentek himself puts it. He pitches to contact. Given the inconsistent defense and the bandbox that is Citizens Bank Park how effective will be Vargas be?
Along with Drew Smyly, this is what Phillies fans get at the July trade deadline.
Don't say wait until the off-season for significant deals. Klentek and the front office tend to make promises they don't keep.
What's worse, Klentek made the comment after the Vargas deal that if he makes no more moves before the deadline on Wednesday "We will go with what we got." We already see "what the Phillies have" isn't good.
They are only a game out of a wild card spot. Getting into the playoffs may not mean much to this front office but it does to the long-suffering fans, who haven't sniffed the post-season for 8 years.
What does owner John Middleton think? Who knows? He remains silent.
Middleton is the same guy who once proclaimed "I want my f***ing trophy back!" How does he feel about Klentek and Andy MacPhail's arrogant and non-caring attitude of 'If we don't, we don't?."
Tonight the San Francisco Giants invade Philly, the same red-hot giants who are only 2 1/2 games away from a wild card spot. The Phils throw the trio of Smyly, Valasquez and Arrieta against the Giants.
They will miss Madison Baumgarner, who pitched on Sunday.
Will the slide continue? If Klentek failed to improve this team even more before the deadline will the team collapse again as they did last summer? What kind of a message does these mediocre moves send to the players and the fans?
Bryce Harper is getting his money so I suppose he won't speak up about the moves-or lack of-moves. I admit that it's going to take more than one player to fix this mess. But why not try to make the wild card ( catching the braves is unrealistic)? It's a step forward in the process.
Don't trade away prospects like Spencer Howard or Alex Bohm. Other teams are smarter than to seek failed prospects such as Mickey Moniak or Cornelius Randolph.
It's Klentek's own doing that he finds himself stuck in a corner with nowhere to go. After management spent tons of "stupid money" on players like Harper , with the purpose of winning now, Middleton has to at least be disappointed, if not angry with Klentak and MacPhail for their ineptness.
They pitched the analytics concept to Middleton and he took the bait, hook, line and sinker. But it's not too late to back out and clean house.
I'm not saying total disavow analytics. Just use it as a tool not as your Bible in how to run a baseball team.
If the Phillies don't make the playoffs, as management hoped for and the fans paid for with increased ticket sales, will Middleton pull the trigger and bring in new people to help him get his "f***ling" back?
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Monday, July 29, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
So the Phillies salvaged a game in their big weekend series with the Braves. It keeps them somewhat in the playoff race. Somewhat because Atlanta once again out-classed Philadelphia. The Phils won't catch the Braves and may need to get used to being behind the braves. They are a young, upcoming squad, full of young stars and a farm system stocked with even more prospects.
It's great that the big guys- Harper, Hoskins and Realmuto- all hit home runs Sunday afternoon en route to a Phillies win. But the bottom line is they lost the series at home to the first place team in their division.
Will the general manager make a significant move by Wednesday's trade deadline?
The Mets traded for pitcher Marcus Stroman. He is controllable next season as well. New York is 11 1/2 games out of first place and five games behind the Phillies.
If the Mets can deal for Stroman, why can't the Phils bolster their pitching ranks, both for this year and the future? Detroit's Matthew Boyd, who impressed last week against the Phillies, is a lefty, is only 28, and is controllable through the 2022 season.
Thinking about the lost weekend to Atlanta, the tone was set on Friday when Gabe Kapler raised the white flag- in the 6th inning, only down 4 runs- and more or less gave up and quit when he inserted Cole Irvin into the game. Why? Because \Kapler wanted to "save" his bullpen for the rest of the weekend, even though Thursday was a day off, and today is another day off.
What message does that send to the players and the fans? Don't bother to play hard for the four remaining innings. Don't bother to watch the final four innings. Never mind that the game is against powerful Atlanta, the team in 1st place in NL East. We can't beat them, so let's just quit.
Unacceptable!
GM Klentek needs to be fired too. He built this mess. He hired Kapler and the awful hitting and pitching coaches. He oversees the poor farm system. He and Jonny Alverez drafted lemons like Mickey Moniak and Cornelious Randolph. He has made all coaches teach analytics and goofy techniques like launch angle and exit velocity. He was hired by his equally inept buddy, Andy MacPhail. He coned owner John Middleton into buying this crap.
Klentek must go!
The San Francisco Giants invade the Bank for a three game series starting tomorrow. The hot Giants are now a mere 2 1/2 games away from the second wild card spot. The awesome trio of Smyly, Valasquez and Arrieta pitch.
Finally, after striking out 10 of the 20 batters he faced in his first start at AA, Spencer Howard is on a fast-track to Philly. Howard threw 13 pitches that clocked over 100 m.p.h. during his stint. Hopefully we see him soon, with third baseman Alex Bohm not far behind.
It's great that the big guys- Harper, Hoskins and Realmuto- all hit home runs Sunday afternoon en route to a Phillies win. But the bottom line is they lost the series at home to the first place team in their division.
Will the general manager make a significant move by Wednesday's trade deadline?
The Mets traded for pitcher Marcus Stroman. He is controllable next season as well. New York is 11 1/2 games out of first place and five games behind the Phillies.
If the Mets can deal for Stroman, why can't the Phils bolster their pitching ranks, both for this year and the future? Detroit's Matthew Boyd, who impressed last week against the Phillies, is a lefty, is only 28, and is controllable through the 2022 season.
Thinking about the lost weekend to Atlanta, the tone was set on Friday when Gabe Kapler raised the white flag- in the 6th inning, only down 4 runs- and more or less gave up and quit when he inserted Cole Irvin into the game. Why? Because \Kapler wanted to "save" his bullpen for the rest of the weekend, even though Thursday was a day off, and today is another day off.
What message does that send to the players and the fans? Don't bother to play hard for the four remaining innings. Don't bother to watch the final four innings. Never mind that the game is against powerful Atlanta, the team in 1st place in NL East. We can't beat them, so let's just quit.
Unacceptable!
GM Klentek needs to be fired too. He built this mess. He hired Kapler and the awful hitting and pitching coaches. He oversees the poor farm system. He and Jonny Alverez drafted lemons like Mickey Moniak and Cornelious Randolph. He has made all coaches teach analytics and goofy techniques like launch angle and exit velocity. He was hired by his equally inept buddy, Andy MacPhail. He coned owner John Middleton into buying this crap.
Klentek must go!
The San Francisco Giants invade the Bank for a three game series starting tomorrow. The hot Giants are now a mere 2 1/2 games away from the second wild card spot. The awesome trio of Smyly, Valasquez and Arrieta pitch.
Finally, after striking out 10 of the 20 batters he faced in his first start at AA, Spencer Howard is on a fast-track to Philly. Howard threw 13 pitches that clocked over 100 m.p.h. during his stint. Hopefully we see him soon, with third baseman Alex Bohm not far behind.
Sunday, July 28, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
I was at Phillies Photo Night on Saturday Night. Here are my thoughts on both the game and the pre-game festivities.
The game was another beat-down. The Phillies were a laughing stock- and not only because of the stupid Burgundy uniforms they wore only once in the 1970s. They gave up 10 runs that lone night some 40 years ago. They gave up 15 runs last night.
Burn the damn uniforms.
The bottom line of the 15-7 loss to the Braves was..
* The Phillies have now lost two in a row at home to Atlanta ( four in a row total to the Braves). Philly drops to 7 1/2 games in NL East, but only one game behind second place Washington ( who lost again to the Dodgers).
* The Phillies have been out-scored so far in this series 24-9.
* Zach Eflin fell to 7-11 on the year and is nearing the point of needing to be pulled from the rotation or even being sent back to Lehigh Valley.Eflin showed greatness early in the season when there was talk of Eflin even being in the All-Star Game.
The question again needs to be asked- why are the young pitchers- Eflin, Pivetta, Valasquez in particular- not progress and actually declining in their progress?
* The offense continues to be inconsistent with too many strike outs.
* The Braves are simply better. They have a rich farm system and are stocked with young stars, like Acuna Jr, on the roster already.
* Aaron Nola pitches today in a must-win game. A win leaves the club 6 1/2 behind Atlanta; a loss means the team gets swept at home and drops to 8 1/2 behind Atlanta. Plus the Phils are now behind in the wild card race.
* Will this losing weekend effect the general manager and how the front office looks at the Wednesday trade deadline? Klentek now has reason not to do anything significant. He can either stay as is for the remainder of the year or make a minor move to put a band-aid on the open wounds.
It's going to take more than one player to fix these Phillies. Klenek's main mistake was not addressing the poor pitching in the off-season. It's a problem he needs to adjust after the season, not now.
Regarding Photo Night...
* Rhys Hoskins was one of the nicest players to meet. not only to take photos, but he was nice to everyone as a person,not just a ballplayer.
* Other down-to-earth, friendly players; Hector Neris, Maikel Franco, Valasquez, and Scott Kingery.
* Brad Miller was gleefully happy that I have a bamboo plant because of his.
* No-shows were: Mike Schmidt ( who is always a no-show, even though the other announcers mingled with fans), John Kruk ( who never was thrilled with Photo Night but has been ill lately), and Jake Arrieta.
Why wouldn't Arrieta show? Maybe because he is an over-paid, washed-up bum who prefers to blames other players for his own failure?
* The one player I was most disappointed in was none other than Bryce Harper.
Harper would not mingle with fans. No autographs. No handshakes. No pictures up-close ( it was Photo Night, for Pete's sake!). He briskly walked at least 20 feet away from the rope lines. He occasionally shouted or waved to someone but generally ignored everyone.
So, why is a guy like Hoskins nice to the fans and Harper not? Could it be $330 million?
The sweet Public Relations girl who works for the Phillies, Kelly, tried to excuse Harpers' bad behavior by saying "He did a Make-A-Wish thing for me yesterday."
That's great. I saw the terrific story on the news. But what does being nice on Friday have to do with being nice to all the fans on Saturday?
The fans are the ones who pay Harpers' huge salary. We buy the tickets, the Harper jerseys and shirts and watch the games on cable.
Instead of mingling with the fans, Harper spent some of his time stealing the Phanatic's scooter and riding on the field like a nut ( as fellow prima donna Jonathan Papelbon used to do on Photo Night).
I'll continue to root for Harper the player. I may not be a fan any more of Harper the person. that's a shame, as these diva players just don't get it. they don't understand that it only takes one rude act to jade someones' feelings forever.
I'm sure Harper can be a nice guy, as he did the Make-A-Wish event come true, and he has attended ALS events. I just don't understand why guys can't be nice all the time to everyone.
The game was another beat-down. The Phillies were a laughing stock- and not only because of the stupid Burgundy uniforms they wore only once in the 1970s. They gave up 10 runs that lone night some 40 years ago. They gave up 15 runs last night.
Burn the damn uniforms.
The bottom line of the 15-7 loss to the Braves was..
* The Phillies have now lost two in a row at home to Atlanta ( four in a row total to the Braves). Philly drops to 7 1/2 games in NL East, but only one game behind second place Washington ( who lost again to the Dodgers).
* The Phillies have been out-scored so far in this series 24-9.
* Zach Eflin fell to 7-11 on the year and is nearing the point of needing to be pulled from the rotation or even being sent back to Lehigh Valley.Eflin showed greatness early in the season when there was talk of Eflin even being in the All-Star Game.
The question again needs to be asked- why are the young pitchers- Eflin, Pivetta, Valasquez in particular- not progress and actually declining in their progress?
* The offense continues to be inconsistent with too many strike outs.
* The Braves are simply better. They have a rich farm system and are stocked with young stars, like Acuna Jr, on the roster already.
* Aaron Nola pitches today in a must-win game. A win leaves the club 6 1/2 behind Atlanta; a loss means the team gets swept at home and drops to 8 1/2 behind Atlanta. Plus the Phils are now behind in the wild card race.
* Will this losing weekend effect the general manager and how the front office looks at the Wednesday trade deadline? Klentek now has reason not to do anything significant. He can either stay as is for the remainder of the year or make a minor move to put a band-aid on the open wounds.
It's going to take more than one player to fix these Phillies. Klenek's main mistake was not addressing the poor pitching in the off-season. It's a problem he needs to adjust after the season, not now.
Regarding Photo Night...
* Rhys Hoskins was one of the nicest players to meet. not only to take photos, but he was nice to everyone as a person,not just a ballplayer.
* Other down-to-earth, friendly players; Hector Neris, Maikel Franco, Valasquez, and Scott Kingery.
* Brad Miller was gleefully happy that I have a bamboo plant because of his.
* No-shows were: Mike Schmidt ( who is always a no-show, even though the other announcers mingled with fans), John Kruk ( who never was thrilled with Photo Night but has been ill lately), and Jake Arrieta.
Why wouldn't Arrieta show? Maybe because he is an over-paid, washed-up bum who prefers to blames other players for his own failure?
* The one player I was most disappointed in was none other than Bryce Harper.
Harper would not mingle with fans. No autographs. No handshakes. No pictures up-close ( it was Photo Night, for Pete's sake!). He briskly walked at least 20 feet away from the rope lines. He occasionally shouted or waved to someone but generally ignored everyone.
So, why is a guy like Hoskins nice to the fans and Harper not? Could it be $330 million?
The sweet Public Relations girl who works for the Phillies, Kelly, tried to excuse Harpers' bad behavior by saying "He did a Make-A-Wish thing for me yesterday."
That's great. I saw the terrific story on the news. But what does being nice on Friday have to do with being nice to all the fans on Saturday?
The fans are the ones who pay Harpers' huge salary. We buy the tickets, the Harper jerseys and shirts and watch the games on cable.
Instead of mingling with the fans, Harper spent some of his time stealing the Phanatic's scooter and riding on the field like a nut ( as fellow prima donna Jonathan Papelbon used to do on Photo Night).
I'll continue to root for Harper the player. I may not be a fan any more of Harper the person. that's a shame, as these diva players just don't get it. they don't understand that it only takes one rude act to jade someones' feelings forever.
I'm sure Harper can be a nice guy, as he did the Make-A-Wish event come true, and he has attended ALS events. I just don't understand why guys can't be nice all the time to everyone.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, EAGLES
Simply put, the Atlanta braves are better than the Phillies. The Braves, with young stars and a deep farm system, may be better than the Phils for a long time. It was a pipe dream to believe the Phillies might sweep Atlanta this weekend. Playing three games at Citizens Bank Park, behind Atlanta by 5 1/2 games, it was important to get off to a good start.
The match-up didn't favor Philadelphia: sore-armed Jake Arrieta vs young All-Star Mike Soroka. The Phils needed to play good, mistake-free baseball. Beginning in the very first inning, they choked.
Shortstop Jean Segura failed to execute a swipe tag on potential base-stealer Ronald Acuna Jr. Acuna Jr, was called safe and he soon scored on a Freddie Freeman hit. 1-0 Braves, a score that should not have been.
More mistakes, more lackadaisical play. Cesar Hernandez, a slacker all season, failed to go after a ball which trickled into center field after he booted a sharp grounder, allowed another Atlanta run. Arrita could only go four innings before he completely lost it, surrendering four runs to Atlanta in the 5th inning.
It tells you much about the Phillies' poor farm system and the ineptitude of General Manager Matt Klentek when the team settles for an "80%" Arrieta opposed to another pitcher on the staff or in the minors, he "being our best option", per Manager Gabe Kapler.
Kapler then brings in Cole Irvin, who promptly walks two batters with the bases loaded and also gives up four runs. Not only does Kapler keep him in too long, wanting to "save" his bullpen for the rest of the series ( even though the club had a day off on Thursday, with another day off this Monday) Worse, he allowed Irvin to bat in the bottom of the 6th inning with two men on base and the Phils down 9-1.
Maybe the goofy analytics said the win probability was not good. But Kapler sent a message of giving up to the team, and the fans- with four innings to do. Imagine sitting in the stands Friday night, not only down 8 runs, but knowing the team was waving the white flag?
Maybe the manager is taking on the attitude of the team president, who has the view of "If we don't, we don't" when it comes to making the playoffs this year.
The loyal fans, after signing free agents like Bryce Harper, were excited that this would be the season the club wins the NL East and moves on to the post-season. And after getting out of the gate with a three-game sweep of the Braves, and holding down 1st place until after Memorial Day, most fans dreamed that this was finally the year of contention.
How can the Phillies sleep-walk through the first game of the most important series of the season/ No spark, no life, no excitement, no enthusiasm. Robots. The players took on the persona of the analytical manager and general manager.
The Phillies can win tonight behind Zach Eflin, and tomorrow behind Aaron Nola, take 2 of 3 and end the weekend only down 4 1/2 games and still be in the hunt. Anything less would be a failure and a huge disappointment.
Losing this weekend may mean that Klentek does little before the upcoming trade deadline on Wednesday. Why trade a prospect or two ( what prospects?) to improve the team now? It's almost as if the team is losing to satisfy the front offices' desire to keep rebuilding.
Odd, since the owner decided to go for it before the season by signing Harper and trading for Realmuto. Where is John Middleton now?
One thing that must be done after the season, no matter what happens this summer, is either a change of coaches ( namely the pitching coach and hitting coach) or a complete restructure of philosophy in the organization.
Stop with silly nonsense like "launch-angle_ and "exit velocity." So far that crap is not working.
Unless Klentek and Kapler re-evaluate their analytics, they should be out of jobs soon. Sadly, it seems like Middleton has bought into the analytics and seems reluctant to make changes.
I'll be a the ballpark tonight for Game 2 of this huge series. It will be Photo Night when the team wears the God-awful Burgundy uniforms of the 1970s. Hopefully the game will be more entertaining then the pre-game activity.
The match-up didn't favor Philadelphia: sore-armed Jake Arrieta vs young All-Star Mike Soroka. The Phils needed to play good, mistake-free baseball. Beginning in the very first inning, they choked.
Shortstop Jean Segura failed to execute a swipe tag on potential base-stealer Ronald Acuna Jr. Acuna Jr, was called safe and he soon scored on a Freddie Freeman hit. 1-0 Braves, a score that should not have been.
More mistakes, more lackadaisical play. Cesar Hernandez, a slacker all season, failed to go after a ball which trickled into center field after he booted a sharp grounder, allowed another Atlanta run. Arrita could only go four innings before he completely lost it, surrendering four runs to Atlanta in the 5th inning.
It tells you much about the Phillies' poor farm system and the ineptitude of General Manager Matt Klentek when the team settles for an "80%" Arrieta opposed to another pitcher on the staff or in the minors, he "being our best option", per Manager Gabe Kapler.
Kapler then brings in Cole Irvin, who promptly walks two batters with the bases loaded and also gives up four runs. Not only does Kapler keep him in too long, wanting to "save" his bullpen for the rest of the series ( even though the club had a day off on Thursday, with another day off this Monday) Worse, he allowed Irvin to bat in the bottom of the 6th inning with two men on base and the Phils down 9-1.
Maybe the goofy analytics said the win probability was not good. But Kapler sent a message of giving up to the team, and the fans- with four innings to do. Imagine sitting in the stands Friday night, not only down 8 runs, but knowing the team was waving the white flag?
Maybe the manager is taking on the attitude of the team president, who has the view of "If we don't, we don't" when it comes to making the playoffs this year.
The loyal fans, after signing free agents like Bryce Harper, were excited that this would be the season the club wins the NL East and moves on to the post-season. And after getting out of the gate with a three-game sweep of the Braves, and holding down 1st place until after Memorial Day, most fans dreamed that this was finally the year of contention.
How can the Phillies sleep-walk through the first game of the most important series of the season/ No spark, no life, no excitement, no enthusiasm. Robots. The players took on the persona of the analytical manager and general manager.
The Phillies can win tonight behind Zach Eflin, and tomorrow behind Aaron Nola, take 2 of 3 and end the weekend only down 4 1/2 games and still be in the hunt. Anything less would be a failure and a huge disappointment.
Losing this weekend may mean that Klentek does little before the upcoming trade deadline on Wednesday. Why trade a prospect or two ( what prospects?) to improve the team now? It's almost as if the team is losing to satisfy the front offices' desire to keep rebuilding.
Odd, since the owner decided to go for it before the season by signing Harper and trading for Realmuto. Where is John Middleton now?
One thing that must be done after the season, no matter what happens this summer, is either a change of coaches ( namely the pitching coach and hitting coach) or a complete restructure of philosophy in the organization.
Stop with silly nonsense like "launch-angle_ and "exit velocity." So far that crap is not working.
Unless Klentek and Kapler re-evaluate their analytics, they should be out of jobs soon. Sadly, it seems like Middleton has bought into the analytics and seems reluctant to make changes.
I'll be a the ballpark tonight for Game 2 of this huge series. It will be Photo Night when the team wears the God-awful Burgundy uniforms of the 1970s. Hopefully the game will be more entertaining then the pre-game activity.
Friday, July 26, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
It's time for the Phillies to put up or shut-up. This weekend series with the NL East division-leading Braves are three of the biggest games of the year. Sweep the series and the Phils move to only 2 1/2 games behind Atlanta. Win 2 of 3 and they are 4 1/2 back. Lose 2 of 3 and the Phillies are 6 1/2 back. Get swept by the braves and the Phils fall to 8 1/2 back.
The Phillies should be playing to big crowds all weekend ( I'll be at the Saturday night game). Earlier this summer, especially on Fireworks Nights with Washington, with sell-outs at Citizens Bank Park, the Phils are come up small. This time they can't choke. They must win the series, by sweeping or taking 2 of 3 games.
Anything less not only puts the team farther behind in the East, but would be crushing psyschologically as well. The opening weekend of the 2019 season was a sweep by the Phillies over the Braves at CBP. If not now, then when?
Winning the series would get the front office more incentive to pull the trigger on significant trades going into this final week of the trade deadline. Losing the series may make the already passive front office become even more hesitant to make deals.
Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins need to step up against Atlanta. Hoskins was the hero in two of the four victories on the recent road trip to Pittsburgh and Detroit. Everyone needs to play well, especially the starting pitching, but seeing Harper put the team on his back would do wonders. Harper has yet to have a really devastating game this summer, where he hits multiple homers and drives in more than 5 runs. A 4-hit, 3-home run, 6-RBI game is what I'm talking about. If not now, then when?
Jake Arrieta needs to pitch well tonight, bone spur or not. This is why the club signed him for big money. The Braves counter with young All-Star Mike Soroki. The Phils scored 4 runs on Soroki in the first inning down in Atlanta on the 4th of July, only to see the Braves storm back and win. If the Phillies get the lead this weekend they need to keep their foot on the gas and keep adding on. The Braves' lineup is too good to relax.
On Saturday night, Zach Eflin goes. He must return to form and pitch well. He and Valasquz, as well as Nick Pivetta need to understand that they are running out of chances in Philadelphia. Unless they are ultimately labeled as busts, the organization saw potential is these young pitchers. They've had chances to step up and solidify their spots in the rotation. They are too inconsistent, and Eflin leads this group in inconsistent performances.
Aaron Nola pitches Sunday afternoon. He is always tough on the Braves, and should be good again this week. Nola could nail down the sweep, win the series, or stop an Atlanta sweep. The Phillies can't ask for a better set-up.
Saturday is 70s Retro night. The players will be wearing the "Saturday Night Special" all-Burgundy uniforms, which they only wore one time. There's a reason they only wore these ugly threads once * they lost the game). Hopefully the outcome is different.
Why wear the ugly all-Burgundy uniforms on Photo Night? If it truly is the very last time the team wears all-burgundy, these photos may be collectible in time.
Build on the excitement. Carry it through for the rest of the summer. Show the young Braves they are in a dogfight. Stay aggressive, Gabe Kapler, by playing a little small ball. Steal bases, use the bunt and the hit-and-run as offensive weapons, and pull out all the stops. What does this team have to lose?
The Phillies should be playing to big crowds all weekend ( I'll be at the Saturday night game). Earlier this summer, especially on Fireworks Nights with Washington, with sell-outs at Citizens Bank Park, the Phils are come up small. This time they can't choke. They must win the series, by sweeping or taking 2 of 3 games.
Anything less not only puts the team farther behind in the East, but would be crushing psyschologically as well. The opening weekend of the 2019 season was a sweep by the Phillies over the Braves at CBP. If not now, then when?
Winning the series would get the front office more incentive to pull the trigger on significant trades going into this final week of the trade deadline. Losing the series may make the already passive front office become even more hesitant to make deals.
Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins need to step up against Atlanta. Hoskins was the hero in two of the four victories on the recent road trip to Pittsburgh and Detroit. Everyone needs to play well, especially the starting pitching, but seeing Harper put the team on his back would do wonders. Harper has yet to have a really devastating game this summer, where he hits multiple homers and drives in more than 5 runs. A 4-hit, 3-home run, 6-RBI game is what I'm talking about. If not now, then when?
Jake Arrieta needs to pitch well tonight, bone spur or not. This is why the club signed him for big money. The Braves counter with young All-Star Mike Soroki. The Phils scored 4 runs on Soroki in the first inning down in Atlanta on the 4th of July, only to see the Braves storm back and win. If the Phillies get the lead this weekend they need to keep their foot on the gas and keep adding on. The Braves' lineup is too good to relax.
On Saturday night, Zach Eflin goes. He must return to form and pitch well. He and Valasquz, as well as Nick Pivetta need to understand that they are running out of chances in Philadelphia. Unless they are ultimately labeled as busts, the organization saw potential is these young pitchers. They've had chances to step up and solidify their spots in the rotation. They are too inconsistent, and Eflin leads this group in inconsistent performances.
Aaron Nola pitches Sunday afternoon. He is always tough on the Braves, and should be good again this week. Nola could nail down the sweep, win the series, or stop an Atlanta sweep. The Phillies can't ask for a better set-up.
Saturday is 70s Retro night. The players will be wearing the "Saturday Night Special" all-Burgundy uniforms, which they only wore one time. There's a reason they only wore these ugly threads once * they lost the game). Hopefully the outcome is different.
Why wear the ugly all-Burgundy uniforms on Photo Night? If it truly is the very last time the team wears all-burgundy, these photos may be collectible in time.
Build on the excitement. Carry it through for the rest of the summer. Show the young Braves they are in a dogfight. Stay aggressive, Gabe Kapler, by playing a little small ball. Steal bases, use the bunt and the hit-and-run as offensive weapons, and pull out all the stops. What does this team have to lose?
Thursday, July 25, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, EAGLES
- The Phillies took care of business in Detroit, sweeping the short two-game series with the Tigers. Detroit is the worst team in baseball and will get even badder once they trade pitcher Matthew Boyd and outfielder Nick Castellanos by the trade deadline.
Both would look great in Phillies' red pinstripes, but neither will come to the phils. Boyd is only 28, a lefty and has a contract into the 2022 season. Castellano leads the majors in doubles and would have even more impressive power numbers away from huge Comirica Field. He can play both corner outfield spots, and a little third base and first.
But Detroit is asking for high prospects. Young players such as Spencer Howard and Alex Bohm should be untouchables. A package of Nick Pivetta, Adam Heasley and another prospect probably wouldn't get it done. The braves, supposedly also interested in Boyd, have far more major league-ready prospects to offer in a trade than the Phillies.
The five game road trip ended with an impressive 4-1 record. Now the Phils come home tomorrow night to begin a crucial nine-game home stand, starting with Atlanta this weekend. Take 2 of 3 and the Phils are only 4 1/2 games behind. Sweep and they are a mere 2 1/2 games behind. Getting swept by the Braves would be disastrous. Not only would the Phils be 8 1/2 games off the lead. GM Matt Klentek might decide to be cautious around the deadline rather then be aggressive.
The Phillies throw their best pitchers against Atlanta this weekend. Arrieta, Eflin and Nola go.
Around baseball, St. Louis is making it's annual push in NL Central, behind the Cubs a mere 1/2 game. The Dodgers are running away with NL West for the 7th consecutive season. The Yankees ( who play in Los Angeles in August, in may be a World Series preview) are up big in AL East, while Minnesota is stumbling in AL Central as the experienced Indians are making their push. AL West is led by Houston, with other the other four teams all jockeying for position.
- The Eagles take the field for the first time today in training camp. From now on it's all football until February/
Carson Wentz staying healthy is the key for the season. The offense is full of weapons. I worry for the defense, still not sure about the linebackers, the secondary and the pass rush. I'm not a big Jim Schwartz fan . It should be an interesting season. more football chat in the weeks ahead.
Both would look great in Phillies' red pinstripes, but neither will come to the phils. Boyd is only 28, a lefty and has a contract into the 2022 season. Castellano leads the majors in doubles and would have even more impressive power numbers away from huge Comirica Field. He can play both corner outfield spots, and a little third base and first.
But Detroit is asking for high prospects. Young players such as Spencer Howard and Alex Bohm should be untouchables. A package of Nick Pivetta, Adam Heasley and another prospect probably wouldn't get it done. The braves, supposedly also interested in Boyd, have far more major league-ready prospects to offer in a trade than the Phillies.
The five game road trip ended with an impressive 4-1 record. Now the Phils come home tomorrow night to begin a crucial nine-game home stand, starting with Atlanta this weekend. Take 2 of 3 and the Phils are only 4 1/2 games behind. Sweep and they are a mere 2 1/2 games behind. Getting swept by the Braves would be disastrous. Not only would the Phils be 8 1/2 games off the lead. GM Matt Klentek might decide to be cautious around the deadline rather then be aggressive.
The Phillies throw their best pitchers against Atlanta this weekend. Arrieta, Eflin and Nola go.
Around baseball, St. Louis is making it's annual push in NL Central, behind the Cubs a mere 1/2 game. The Dodgers are running away with NL West for the 7th consecutive season. The Yankees ( who play in Los Angeles in August, in may be a World Series preview) are up big in AL East, while Minnesota is stumbling in AL Central as the experienced Indians are making their push. AL West is led by Houston, with other the other four teams all jockeying for position.
- The Eagles take the field for the first time today in training camp. From now on it's all football until February/
Carson Wentz staying healthy is the key for the season. The offense is full of weapons. I worry for the defense, still not sure about the linebackers, the secondary and the pass rush. I'm not a big Jim Schwartz fan . It should be an interesting season. more football chat in the weeks ahead.
BASEBALL TRIVIA
Name the first black player to win four or more consecutive batting crowns?
A. Bill Madlock
B. Rod Carew
C. Tony Gwynn
D. Willie Mays
Answer: B.
If you want a picture of dominance, look at the ink in the record book showing Minnesota's Rod Carew snatching seven batting titles in ten years between 1969 and 1978. His four consecutive wins came from 1972 through 1975, a span when he also led the league twice in hits.
The Panamaian's high-water mark came in 1977, when he hit a personal best .388, posted a .449 on-base mark, and won the American League MVP award.
Name the Cubs' hurler who holds the record for saves in a season.
A. Bruce Sutter
B. Lee Smith
C. Randy Myers
D. Mitch Williams
E. Ted Abernathy
Answer: C.
The four-time All-Star saved 53 games in 1993, one of three times he led his league in saves.
Name the oldest participant in the All-Star Game.
A. Stan Musial
B. Willie Mays
C. Satchel Paige
D. Hank Aaron
Answer: C.
The future Hall of Famer pitched for the American League in the 8th inning of the July 14, 1953, Midsummer Classic at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. Then 47 years old and on the St. Louis Browns, Paige came into the game with the American League trailing 3-1 and allowed three hits, a walk, and two earned runs. He had retired Gil Hodges and Eddie Mathews before surrendering run-scoring singles to Enos Slaughter and Murry Dickson.
The American League lost 5-1.
Name the last team to have a Cy Young Award winner and MVP winner in the same year.
A. Blue Jays
B. Red Sox
C. Dodgers
D. Cubs
C.
Clayton Kershaw snatched both awards in 2014, when he led the National League in wins by posting a 21-3 record, a 1.77 ERA. He nearly doubled runner-up Johnny Cueto in Cy Young vote points and easily beat Giancarlo Stanton in the MVP voting, with 18 first-place votes to Stanton's eight.
A. Bill Madlock
B. Rod Carew
C. Tony Gwynn
D. Willie Mays
Answer: B.
If you want a picture of dominance, look at the ink in the record book showing Minnesota's Rod Carew snatching seven batting titles in ten years between 1969 and 1978. His four consecutive wins came from 1972 through 1975, a span when he also led the league twice in hits.
The Panamaian's high-water mark came in 1977, when he hit a personal best .388, posted a .449 on-base mark, and won the American League MVP award.
Name the Cubs' hurler who holds the record for saves in a season.
A. Bruce Sutter
B. Lee Smith
C. Randy Myers
D. Mitch Williams
E. Ted Abernathy
Answer: C.
The four-time All-Star saved 53 games in 1993, one of three times he led his league in saves.
Name the oldest participant in the All-Star Game.
A. Stan Musial
B. Willie Mays
C. Satchel Paige
D. Hank Aaron
Answer: C.
The future Hall of Famer pitched for the American League in the 8th inning of the July 14, 1953, Midsummer Classic at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. Then 47 years old and on the St. Louis Browns, Paige came into the game with the American League trailing 3-1 and allowed three hits, a walk, and two earned runs. He had retired Gil Hodges and Eddie Mathews before surrendering run-scoring singles to Enos Slaughter and Murry Dickson.
The American League lost 5-1.
Name the last team to have a Cy Young Award winner and MVP winner in the same year.
A. Blue Jays
B. Red Sox
C. Dodgers
D. Cubs
C.
Clayton Kershaw snatched both awards in 2014, when he led the National League in wins by posting a 21-3 record, a 1.77 ERA. He nearly doubled runner-up Johnny Cueto in Cy Young vote points and easily beat Giancarlo Stanton in the MVP voting, with 18 first-place votes to Stanton's eight.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES ,,EAGLES
After taking 2 of 3 from the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend the Phillies resume play tonight in Detroit, facing the lowly Tigers in a brief two-game set. Aaron Nola pitches for the Phils against Matthew Boyd for the Tigers.
Detroit is tied for the worst record in baseball with Baltimore. The Tigers are still rebuilding and look to move several players before the trade deadline next week. One player who interests Philadelphia is Boyd, a 28-year-old lefty who has three years of controllable salary left on his contract. Boyd has one of the best strike out-to walks ratio in the American League.
It will take a lot to get Boyd, as the Tigers are reportedly asked for two position major leaguers and another prospect. Would a package of Adam Heasley, Adonis Medina and a lower prospect get it done?
The Phils are 7 1/2 games behind NL East leading Atlanta, a game in back of Washington for second place. The Braves invade Philly this weekend, so sweeping two from the Tigers would give the Phils momentum heading into a must-win series with Atlanta.
- The Eagles open training camp tomorrow. I still miss making the annual trek to Lehigh one time to see a work-out. This is a special time of the year, when hopes run high in the summer heat, when every NFL team starts even and dreams big.
The Birds, at least on paper, have their best roster in a long time. Avoiding injuries, especially to quarterback Carson Wentz, is a must. A little luck wouldn't hurt. Getting home field advantage in the playoffs by winning the NFC East and having the best record in the NFC will go a long way to making the Super Bowl a reality.
Great move by signing Darren Sproles again. He will give the already potent offense yet another weapon.
I worry more about the defense, especially Defensive Coordinator Jim Scwartz and his game plans. Getting through a tough early schedule will be key to success. The over/under on wins this season for the Eagles is 9 1/2. They better win more than 9 games if they do want to go far in the playoffs.
It all starts tomorrow and hopefully won't end until Febrauary.
- The list of the most valuable sports franchises in the world is out, and the hated Dallas Cowboys, and their evil owner Jerry Jones, is # 1, worth over $ 5 billion. The New York Yankess are second, worth over $ 2 billion. The Eagles are at #24 on the list.
Whatever you may think of Jones, he is a smart businessman. He does always want to win, but luckily for the Birds and the rest of the NFL, he doesn't know how to win and always tries to play general manager and player evaluator. Luckily he sucks at both.
More football in the weeks and months ahead.....
Detroit is tied for the worst record in baseball with Baltimore. The Tigers are still rebuilding and look to move several players before the trade deadline next week. One player who interests Philadelphia is Boyd, a 28-year-old lefty who has three years of controllable salary left on his contract. Boyd has one of the best strike out-to walks ratio in the American League.
It will take a lot to get Boyd, as the Tigers are reportedly asked for two position major leaguers and another prospect. Would a package of Adam Heasley, Adonis Medina and a lower prospect get it done?
The Phils are 7 1/2 games behind NL East leading Atlanta, a game in back of Washington for second place. The Braves invade Philly this weekend, so sweeping two from the Tigers would give the Phils momentum heading into a must-win series with Atlanta.
- The Eagles open training camp tomorrow. I still miss making the annual trek to Lehigh one time to see a work-out. This is a special time of the year, when hopes run high in the summer heat, when every NFL team starts even and dreams big.
The Birds, at least on paper, have their best roster in a long time. Avoiding injuries, especially to quarterback Carson Wentz, is a must. A little luck wouldn't hurt. Getting home field advantage in the playoffs by winning the NFC East and having the best record in the NFC will go a long way to making the Super Bowl a reality.
Great move by signing Darren Sproles again. He will give the already potent offense yet another weapon.
I worry more about the defense, especially Defensive Coordinator Jim Scwartz and his game plans. Getting through a tough early schedule will be key to success. The over/under on wins this season for the Eagles is 9 1/2. They better win more than 9 games if they do want to go far in the playoffs.
It all starts tomorrow and hopefully won't end until Febrauary.
- The list of the most valuable sports franchises in the world is out, and the hated Dallas Cowboys, and their evil owner Jerry Jones, is # 1, worth over $ 5 billion. The New York Yankess are second, worth over $ 2 billion. The Eagles are at #24 on the list.
Whatever you may think of Jones, he is a smart businessman. He does always want to win, but luckily for the Birds and the rest of the NFL, he doesn't know how to win and always tries to play general manager and player evaluator. Luckily he sucks at both.
More football in the weeks and months ahead.....
Monday, July 22, 2019
IN MY LIFE- PITTSBURGH WEEKEND-PHILLIES VS PIRATES
I spent the weekend in Pittsburgh, my first time in the Steel City, primarily to see the Phillies play their cross-state rivals, the Pirates, on Sunday at PNC Park. Here is my take on the weekend...
- We started for Pittsburgh at 6am Saturday morning with no traffic on a brutally hot and humid day. Thank God for AC. I've never been to Western Pennsylvania and soon grew accustomed to tunnels, trees and mountains for nearly five hours. That's all there is out there. A farm dotting the countryside now and then. Otherwise no towns or cities. No houses or people. Just tunnels, trees and mountains. For over 200 friggin' miles.
- We did make it to Pittsburgh in less than five hours. It's a pretty straight drive along I76, unless you get bored. We could've went north and seen things like Punxsutawney, where Phil the groundhog hangs out until every February 2 he emerges from his burrow to predict the weather. Actually we heard that Phil was spending the weekend in Penn State for some reason, so it's probably a good thing we stayed on i76.
- Pittsburgh is a very nice city. Clean and small. I'm used to Philadelphia, which I love, but is dirtier and bigger. We didn't see everything in Pittsburgh. We stayed on the North Shore where their stadiums are located but we did venture downtown and spent part of Saturday evening having dinner downtown. Lots of steel, glass and old buildings.
I especially loved the city's Riverwalk, and we saw the spot where the three rivers meet- 9 the Allegheny, Ohio and Monongahela rivers). Nearby is where old fort Pitt stood from the American Revolution and the area where Three Rivers stadium was located, where both the Pirates and Steelers played for years.
- Pittsburgh is very big on pirogies. You find them everywhere and on every menu. They sell Mrs. T's Pierogies at the ballpark as we would sell cheesesteaks in Philly. They even have a Piergoie Race between innings, like Milwaukee has it's Sausage Race or Washington has it's Presidents Race. I think Cheesee Pierogie won yesterday.
-- We stayed at the Hyatt-Regency hotel, which is located right in the middle of PNC Park ( their baseball stadium) and Heinz Field (their football stadium). It's convenient for fans who may be visiting the city for a game.
It's a small but nice hotel however, even though we booked five months in advance, and asked for an ADA compliant room, our room was not compliant. The bed was too high, the sink ( which was oddly located outside the bathroom. Imagine using the toilet and having to go outside the room to wash your hands!) was too high and wide, the shower was not compliant either. Otherwise it was ok. Plus we had to wait close to four hours before our room was ready. So even though the hotel was convenient for sports, maybe next time we will stay downtown and just drive to the game.
- Speaking of which, on game day they close the Clemente Bridge before and after the game on select days and nights. That may be a bit confusing if you don't live there. in fact, Pittsburgh is a very walkable place and the people there give you directions already assuming that you are walking to your destination, not driving.
- Roberto Clemente is The Man in Pittsburgh. There's a statue of him outside PNC Park, as is Bill Mazoroski, and Honus Wagner . Willie Stargell, or "Pops" as they call him, is revered in the Steel City, as is Andrew McCuthen, now a Phillies outfielder who is on the Injured List. I was surprised how many McCuthen jerseys i saw around the city and ballpark.
- The weather is odd, as thunderstorms suddenly pop up out of nowhere. It was very hot and humid last weekend, as it was back home and everywhere in the East and South. The only saving grace is the water, and Pittsburgh does a good job playing up it's advantage of having the three rivers.
There are countless yellow painted bridges crossing and zig-zagging the city. Yellow and black are the color schemes everywhere you look. Even their newscasters on the local news wear yellow and black ties and jackets. Anyway, the cool waters are refreshing in the summer, and numerous joggers, skateboarders and bicycles, and especially boats could be seen on or near the River walk.
We wanted to take the cruise, where they sail you all around the city and give you a tour, but we were out of luck. They get booked pretty quick, so make a reservation.
We walked and rode by Heinz Field, their big football stadium where the Steelers play. It's within walking distance and sight of PNC Park, but not as close as our trio of sports venues in Philadelphia. Heinz Field looked awesome and daunting, sitting on top of a hill and empty. I can only imagine the chaos there in the fall.
- PNC Park is beautiful, sort of an old time ballpark. It's much smaller in so many ways from Citizens Bank Park. There are several differences, some good and some bad.
The stadium is made of Limestone, which fits with the gold color scheme of Pittsburgh. The Pirates store is a lot smaller than the store in CBP. So are the corridors inside the stadium. There is no place for kids to play, like The Field at CBP. Every Sunday before the game they close Federal Street ( which runs along the ballpark)and it's like a block party for kids, with fun activities.
They have a bar-b-que over their outfield wall in dead center field, which is run by former Bucco catcher Manny Sangiullen. Very small. There is no spacious area like Ashburn Alley. Part of the reason why everything is so small is because of the area. It's as if they plopped the ballpark right smack dab in the open spot between city blocks and the rivers.
The stadium staff- ushers, security guards, etc, were all very helpful and friendly. So were the people of Pittsburgh and the Pirate fans. Even though I was decked out in Phillies gear all weekend they couldn't have been nicer, with good-natured teasing ("You're wearing the wrong colors!" one Pirate fan admonished me). I'm not sure we would have been welcomed as we were in new york or Washington.
One thing I did like was, before the National Anthem, the announcer said "Please stand..if you are able.." The Philly announcer doesn't add "if you are able" do his request.
Pittsburgh, as a whole, is a city but has a small town feel about it. It's very community oriented. You get the feeling everyone- city or not- knows each other.
- The concessions in PNC Park were great. No cheese steaks to be found. But the hot dogs were great ( served with pretzel bites) as was the ice cream ( which was a welcome refreshing treat on such a blistering hot afternoon). Beer was everywhere, especially weird kinds of brews, like something called "Pickle Beer." All sandwiches need to be checked for french fries or potato chips inside the sandwich itself, which is their custom in Pittsburgh.
Their accessibility in the city, and in the stadium, was a mixed bag. Plenty of well-sloped ramps. Oddly, some of the seats in the handicapped section were bolted to the ground. They had a mix of permanent seats, folding chairs, and bleacher-like seats, I suppose for fans who can transfer from a wheelchair into a regular seat.
The nice item about their accessible section ( we sat directly behind home plate), is that the entire section is raised a bit, so even if fans in the front stand you can still see all the action.There is a large overhang over the section, which provides shade and protection form the rain.
- We were lucky on Sunday that we avoided thunderstorms. The game went to 11 innings, ending with a Rhys Hoskins homer, giving the phillies a 2-1 victory and 2 of 3 over the weekend from the Bucs.
There were tons of Phillies fans all around Pittsburgh. When Hoskins hit his game-winner they stadium erupted with applause, as some pirate fans had left after their team failed to cash-in on great opportunities to win the game in both the 9th and 10th innings.
When reliever Ranger Suarez struck out the final Pirate to save the game Phillies' fans stood in unison, high-fiving each other. All weekend when I saw a fellow fan clad on red, it was "Go Phils! and a thumbs-up. Eagles' fans travel well, but so do Phils' fans.
The Pittsburgh fans really got on Bryce Harper all day, especially when he disputed several calls made by the home plate umpire. Otherwise, their fans were pretty respectful and welcoming, unlike a typical Mets fan.
Walking from our hotel to PNC Park, only a block away, we were forced to pass by two buses of Pirate fans .They had set-up make-shift grills along the sidewalks and parking lots and were doing their version of tail-gating.
At the baseball stadium, there aren't many big parking lots available. It looked like most people walk to the games ( again, the emphasis is on walking). So where do they tail-gate? Right along the sidewalks.
It was like running the gauntlet to get by the hoards of Pirate fans. I just smiled and waved as they checked me out. Luckily i wasn't the only Phillies supporter there so it wasn't so bad. After we won, the return trip was a piece of cake, as most of the fans were either back on the bus already, or were drowning their sorrows in beer. I overheard one guy yell "Go Steelers!" looking forward to football season already.
It looked to me like they were grilling up steaks and kielbasa (Polish sausage). They didn't offer me any, but i did have to guys sitting shirtless along the River walk offer me a beer. They were hanging out next to the boat, which was docked. When I refused the guy said he would "Have one" for me. By the time we circled back they did have someone take them up on the beer offer and was chugging away.
It's a shame the Pirates and Phillies don't play more like the old days before Pittsburgh moved out of the Eastern Division of national League. Philly only makes one trip into the Steel City a season but it's the Pittsburgh people who wish it was more. They consider the Phillies their "rivals" like we consider the Dallas cowboys our "rivals", whereas the Cowboys really don't care. To me, a Phillies fan, the Pirates are not our rivals. True, they are an inter-state squad, but I have no hatred for the Bucs.
It's a big city-small city complex by the Pittsburghers, just like we are with New York. Beating your big city "rivals" from across the state is big, if only for their self-esteem. Plus with loads of fans traveling form Philadelphia it's great for the economy of Pittsburgh. There's no way the amount of Pirates fans coming east into Philly would equal our fans. There isn't the intense feeling on our side as there is on their side. Sure, we hate to lose to a Pittsburgh team but it's not the same as losing to a new York team or Dallas in football.
Coming home after the game we again made great time on the PA Turnpike, avoiding bad storms on our way across the state. I felt better once we were done with the five tunnels and finally made it to Harrisburg and Lancaster.
All in all, we had fun in Pittsburgh and may even go back next year when the Phils play out there. Next time we will be used to the city's confusing traffic and hopefully pick a better hotel that actually does have ADA compliant rooms.
Maybe next time I'll even be brave enough to try those sandwiches embedded with french fries....
- We started for Pittsburgh at 6am Saturday morning with no traffic on a brutally hot and humid day. Thank God for AC. I've never been to Western Pennsylvania and soon grew accustomed to tunnels, trees and mountains for nearly five hours. That's all there is out there. A farm dotting the countryside now and then. Otherwise no towns or cities. No houses or people. Just tunnels, trees and mountains. For over 200 friggin' miles.
- We did make it to Pittsburgh in less than five hours. It's a pretty straight drive along I76, unless you get bored. We could've went north and seen things like Punxsutawney, where Phil the groundhog hangs out until every February 2 he emerges from his burrow to predict the weather. Actually we heard that Phil was spending the weekend in Penn State for some reason, so it's probably a good thing we stayed on i76.
- Pittsburgh is a very nice city. Clean and small. I'm used to Philadelphia, which I love, but is dirtier and bigger. We didn't see everything in Pittsburgh. We stayed on the North Shore where their stadiums are located but we did venture downtown and spent part of Saturday evening having dinner downtown. Lots of steel, glass and old buildings.
I especially loved the city's Riverwalk, and we saw the spot where the three rivers meet- 9 the Allegheny, Ohio and Monongahela rivers). Nearby is where old fort Pitt stood from the American Revolution and the area where Three Rivers stadium was located, where both the Pirates and Steelers played for years.
- Pittsburgh is very big on pirogies. You find them everywhere and on every menu. They sell Mrs. T's Pierogies at the ballpark as we would sell cheesesteaks in Philly. They even have a Piergoie Race between innings, like Milwaukee has it's Sausage Race or Washington has it's Presidents Race. I think Cheesee Pierogie won yesterday.
-- We stayed at the Hyatt-Regency hotel, which is located right in the middle of PNC Park ( their baseball stadium) and Heinz Field (their football stadium). It's convenient for fans who may be visiting the city for a game.
It's a small but nice hotel however, even though we booked five months in advance, and asked for an ADA compliant room, our room was not compliant. The bed was too high, the sink ( which was oddly located outside the bathroom. Imagine using the toilet and having to go outside the room to wash your hands!) was too high and wide, the shower was not compliant either. Otherwise it was ok. Plus we had to wait close to four hours before our room was ready. So even though the hotel was convenient for sports, maybe next time we will stay downtown and just drive to the game.
- Speaking of which, on game day they close the Clemente Bridge before and after the game on select days and nights. That may be a bit confusing if you don't live there. in fact, Pittsburgh is a very walkable place and the people there give you directions already assuming that you are walking to your destination, not driving.
- Roberto Clemente is The Man in Pittsburgh. There's a statue of him outside PNC Park, as is Bill Mazoroski, and Honus Wagner . Willie Stargell, or "Pops" as they call him, is revered in the Steel City, as is Andrew McCuthen, now a Phillies outfielder who is on the Injured List. I was surprised how many McCuthen jerseys i saw around the city and ballpark.
- The weather is odd, as thunderstorms suddenly pop up out of nowhere. It was very hot and humid last weekend, as it was back home and everywhere in the East and South. The only saving grace is the water, and Pittsburgh does a good job playing up it's advantage of having the three rivers.
There are countless yellow painted bridges crossing and zig-zagging the city. Yellow and black are the color schemes everywhere you look. Even their newscasters on the local news wear yellow and black ties and jackets. Anyway, the cool waters are refreshing in the summer, and numerous joggers, skateboarders and bicycles, and especially boats could be seen on or near the River walk.
We wanted to take the cruise, where they sail you all around the city and give you a tour, but we were out of luck. They get booked pretty quick, so make a reservation.
We walked and rode by Heinz Field, their big football stadium where the Steelers play. It's within walking distance and sight of PNC Park, but not as close as our trio of sports venues in Philadelphia. Heinz Field looked awesome and daunting, sitting on top of a hill and empty. I can only imagine the chaos there in the fall.
- PNC Park is beautiful, sort of an old time ballpark. It's much smaller in so many ways from Citizens Bank Park. There are several differences, some good and some bad.
The stadium is made of Limestone, which fits with the gold color scheme of Pittsburgh. The Pirates store is a lot smaller than the store in CBP. So are the corridors inside the stadium. There is no place for kids to play, like The Field at CBP. Every Sunday before the game they close Federal Street ( which runs along the ballpark)and it's like a block party for kids, with fun activities.
They have a bar-b-que over their outfield wall in dead center field, which is run by former Bucco catcher Manny Sangiullen. Very small. There is no spacious area like Ashburn Alley. Part of the reason why everything is so small is because of the area. It's as if they plopped the ballpark right smack dab in the open spot between city blocks and the rivers.
The stadium staff- ushers, security guards, etc, were all very helpful and friendly. So were the people of Pittsburgh and the Pirate fans. Even though I was decked out in Phillies gear all weekend they couldn't have been nicer, with good-natured teasing ("You're wearing the wrong colors!" one Pirate fan admonished me). I'm not sure we would have been welcomed as we were in new york or Washington.
One thing I did like was, before the National Anthem, the announcer said "Please stand..if you are able.." The Philly announcer doesn't add "if you are able" do his request.
Pittsburgh, as a whole, is a city but has a small town feel about it. It's very community oriented. You get the feeling everyone- city or not- knows each other.
- The concessions in PNC Park were great. No cheese steaks to be found. But the hot dogs were great ( served with pretzel bites) as was the ice cream ( which was a welcome refreshing treat on such a blistering hot afternoon). Beer was everywhere, especially weird kinds of brews, like something called "Pickle Beer." All sandwiches need to be checked for french fries or potato chips inside the sandwich itself, which is their custom in Pittsburgh.
Their accessibility in the city, and in the stadium, was a mixed bag. Plenty of well-sloped ramps. Oddly, some of the seats in the handicapped section were bolted to the ground. They had a mix of permanent seats, folding chairs, and bleacher-like seats, I suppose for fans who can transfer from a wheelchair into a regular seat.
The nice item about their accessible section ( we sat directly behind home plate), is that the entire section is raised a bit, so even if fans in the front stand you can still see all the action.There is a large overhang over the section, which provides shade and protection form the rain.
- We were lucky on Sunday that we avoided thunderstorms. The game went to 11 innings, ending with a Rhys Hoskins homer, giving the phillies a 2-1 victory and 2 of 3 over the weekend from the Bucs.
There were tons of Phillies fans all around Pittsburgh. When Hoskins hit his game-winner they stadium erupted with applause, as some pirate fans had left after their team failed to cash-in on great opportunities to win the game in both the 9th and 10th innings.
When reliever Ranger Suarez struck out the final Pirate to save the game Phillies' fans stood in unison, high-fiving each other. All weekend when I saw a fellow fan clad on red, it was "Go Phils! and a thumbs-up. Eagles' fans travel well, but so do Phils' fans.
The Pittsburgh fans really got on Bryce Harper all day, especially when he disputed several calls made by the home plate umpire. Otherwise, their fans were pretty respectful and welcoming, unlike a typical Mets fan.
Walking from our hotel to PNC Park, only a block away, we were forced to pass by two buses of Pirate fans .They had set-up make-shift grills along the sidewalks and parking lots and were doing their version of tail-gating.
At the baseball stadium, there aren't many big parking lots available. It looked like most people walk to the games ( again, the emphasis is on walking). So where do they tail-gate? Right along the sidewalks.
It was like running the gauntlet to get by the hoards of Pirate fans. I just smiled and waved as they checked me out. Luckily i wasn't the only Phillies supporter there so it wasn't so bad. After we won, the return trip was a piece of cake, as most of the fans were either back on the bus already, or were drowning their sorrows in beer. I overheard one guy yell "Go Steelers!" looking forward to football season already.
It looked to me like they were grilling up steaks and kielbasa (Polish sausage). They didn't offer me any, but i did have to guys sitting shirtless along the River walk offer me a beer. They were hanging out next to the boat, which was docked. When I refused the guy said he would "Have one" for me. By the time we circled back they did have someone take them up on the beer offer and was chugging away.
It's a shame the Pirates and Phillies don't play more like the old days before Pittsburgh moved out of the Eastern Division of national League. Philly only makes one trip into the Steel City a season but it's the Pittsburgh people who wish it was more. They consider the Phillies their "rivals" like we consider the Dallas cowboys our "rivals", whereas the Cowboys really don't care. To me, a Phillies fan, the Pirates are not our rivals. True, they are an inter-state squad, but I have no hatred for the Bucs.
It's a big city-small city complex by the Pittsburghers, just like we are with New York. Beating your big city "rivals" from across the state is big, if only for their self-esteem. Plus with loads of fans traveling form Philadelphia it's great for the economy of Pittsburgh. There's no way the amount of Pirates fans coming east into Philly would equal our fans. There isn't the intense feeling on our side as there is on their side. Sure, we hate to lose to a Pittsburgh team but it's not the same as losing to a new York team or Dallas in football.
Coming home after the game we again made great time on the PA Turnpike, avoiding bad storms on our way across the state. I felt better once we were done with the five tunnels and finally made it to Harrisburg and Lancaster.
All in all, we had fun in Pittsburgh and may even go back next year when the Phils play out there. Next time we will be used to the city's confusing traffic and hopefully pick a better hotel that actually does have ADA compliant rooms.
Maybe next time I'll even be brave enough to try those sandwiches embedded with french fries....
Friday, July 19, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
My thoughts on the first ever you Tube baseball broadcast yesterday between the Phillies and Dodgers..
At first I hated the YouTube telecast. Then i tolerated it. I still prefer the TV broadcast of the games. I'm afraid this may be the way of the future. If you want to watch playoff games, you may have to pay extra to catch them on you Tube, Facebook or some other social media outlet.
Yesterday's game was free. I would've demanded my money back if it wasn't. At times the reception was fuzzy and skipping. The pre-game show was stupid. It was nice not seeing commercials between innings but some of the bits intended to keep fans entertained were pretty lame. Like throwing items to Dodger catcher Austin Barnes. Some geek tossed Barnes beach balls, rubber chickens and a roll of toilet paper. Martin didn't seem too amused. In fact he looked and sounded annoyed.
The interviews between action, especially of the two managers, Gabe Kapler and Dave Roberts, were stupid. Roberts took it better but Gabe didn't want to be there, only agreeing to briefly chat because it was major league baseball talking.
The main announcer, a millennial guy name Scott Braun ( I never heard of him) was too chatty and misinformed. The two baseball guys doing color, former Dodger pitcher Oral Hershiser and Phillies' own Ben Davis, were interesting but didn't seem to have time for Braun. They knew this joker didn't know baseball but were respectful of his lack of knowledge.
At one instance Braun mentioned that Aaron Nola, the Phillies starting pitcher, threw a knuckle-curve. Nola doesn't throw a knuckle-curve. Never has.
Hershier knows the game but he was clearly favoring Los Angeles, with his "we" and "our" comments. Like most l.A. media they are condescending to other teams, thinking the dodgers are the greatest. They are a great team, have won the NL West 7 straight seasons and will probably make it 8 this year. The Dodgers have been to the World Series two years in a row but havent' won a world championship since 1988.
Hershiser and Braun mentioned several times how great the Dodgers are defensively, yet also said they have committed at least two errors in their last five games.
Davis was pro-Philadelphia but not as outwardly biased as Oral.He mentioned coming to the Vet to watch the Phillies-Dodgers when he was younger, when Norristown's Tommy LaSorda managed the team.
It was interesting to recall all the years both teams faced each other in the National Leaguer Championship Series.Other than the mets and Braves, the Dodgers probably are the phillies' best "rivalry", if there is one anyone.
Since they were broadcasting "to the world" ( Braun kept repeating that, like it was the first moon landing- historic!) they kept topics pretty basic. For instance, they talked about the stereotypical stuff like Philly cheese steaks and hoagies. I'm surprised that Braun didn't bring up the tired story of the Philly fans booing Santa Claus.
One time Braun brought up geeky, millennial suggestions, like making the bases orange ( shot down by the baseball guys) and an electronic balls and strikes reader. Braun played up superstar Bryce Harper, I suppose for casual fans who really didn't know baseball but who have heard of Harper, and the Dodger mystic.
The rain put more interest into the plot. They never did stop the game or put the tarp on the field. They played thru showers and even lightening to try and reach the mandatory 6 innings to make the game official. It's always more fun to watch a sporting event in the rain, snow or mud, and Braun explained that normally the tarp would be on the field during the heavy showers but, because there was no off day and the Dodgers would not return to Philadelphia until next season, the game had to be played.
I missed the game on a TV screen. I wasn't going to watch it on my phone or ipad, so I watched it on my PC. I may have forgotten it or didn't think it was worth finding if the Phillies didn't send me the direct link to the MLB/You Tube site. There were too many analytical stats on the screen, at one point blocking action. I had to remind myself that this You Tube broadcast was geared to millennial geeky, analytical young people. i imagined older, die-hard fans either having trouble finding the site or disgusted and frustrated with the quality of the picture.
I was annoyed by the chat box on the side of the screen, as the initial comments were too awesome for me- "Wow, it's great to be here at this historic game!" "Wow, 'Citizens'( Citizens Bank Park..nobody calls the park "Citizens") looks beautiful!" I quickly hid the chat box.
The game itself was interesting. I tried to get tickets for the game but was shut-out. As it urned out I'm glad i was shut-out. between the extreme heat and the rain showers, then later the traffic getting home thru rush-hour, it was a good afternoon to stay home and watch it on..You Tube.
Nola usually thrives in the humidity but the potent dodger line-up got to him. Harper continues to heat up at the plate. I like his energy and spark. At least someone shows some life on the squad. Adam Heaseley launched his first major league home run, a deep drive to right-center field.
You Tube completely missed the end of the game when Phils reliever hector Neris cursed a tthe L.A. dugout and a brawl nearly ensued. I thought the final play- a long fly out to Harper near the right field fence, was being disputed for some strange reason, as both teams remained in their respective dugouts.
Neris nearly blew yet another save to the Dodgers, surrendering a two-out homer to L.A. before recording the final out. if Neris is with the club next season there may be bad blood to look out for when the Phillies next play the Dodgers. Unless the meet in the playoffs they won't face-off again until 2020.
Braun tried to interview Harper right after the game ended but clearly Harper wasn't interested after spending three hours rain-soaked and sweaty and his uniform caked with mud.
It was a good Phillies win, with, along with yet another Atlanta loss, lifted the Phils back 7 1/2 games behind in NL East. With the Nationals playing the Braves this weekend, while the Phillies are in Pittsburgh, facing the Pirates, as long as the Phils win, they will gain ground on someone.
The Phils signed former Milwaukee lefty Drew Smyly this morning. He could pitch this weekend. Smyly was designated for assignment but refused a trip to the minors so he became a free agent. he's worth a shot, but GM Klentek needs to still pursue Baumgarner, Minor or Boyd.
At first I hated the YouTube telecast. Then i tolerated it. I still prefer the TV broadcast of the games. I'm afraid this may be the way of the future. If you want to watch playoff games, you may have to pay extra to catch them on you Tube, Facebook or some other social media outlet.
Yesterday's game was free. I would've demanded my money back if it wasn't. At times the reception was fuzzy and skipping. The pre-game show was stupid. It was nice not seeing commercials between innings but some of the bits intended to keep fans entertained were pretty lame. Like throwing items to Dodger catcher Austin Barnes. Some geek tossed Barnes beach balls, rubber chickens and a roll of toilet paper. Martin didn't seem too amused. In fact he looked and sounded annoyed.
The interviews between action, especially of the two managers, Gabe Kapler and Dave Roberts, were stupid. Roberts took it better but Gabe didn't want to be there, only agreeing to briefly chat because it was major league baseball talking.
The main announcer, a millennial guy name Scott Braun ( I never heard of him) was too chatty and misinformed. The two baseball guys doing color, former Dodger pitcher Oral Hershiser and Phillies' own Ben Davis, were interesting but didn't seem to have time for Braun. They knew this joker didn't know baseball but were respectful of his lack of knowledge.
At one instance Braun mentioned that Aaron Nola, the Phillies starting pitcher, threw a knuckle-curve. Nola doesn't throw a knuckle-curve. Never has.
Hershier knows the game but he was clearly favoring Los Angeles, with his "we" and "our" comments. Like most l.A. media they are condescending to other teams, thinking the dodgers are the greatest. They are a great team, have won the NL West 7 straight seasons and will probably make it 8 this year. The Dodgers have been to the World Series two years in a row but havent' won a world championship since 1988.
Hershiser and Braun mentioned several times how great the Dodgers are defensively, yet also said they have committed at least two errors in their last five games.
Davis was pro-Philadelphia but not as outwardly biased as Oral.He mentioned coming to the Vet to watch the Phillies-Dodgers when he was younger, when Norristown's Tommy LaSorda managed the team.
It was interesting to recall all the years both teams faced each other in the National Leaguer Championship Series.Other than the mets and Braves, the Dodgers probably are the phillies' best "rivalry", if there is one anyone.
Since they were broadcasting "to the world" ( Braun kept repeating that, like it was the first moon landing- historic!) they kept topics pretty basic. For instance, they talked about the stereotypical stuff like Philly cheese steaks and hoagies. I'm surprised that Braun didn't bring up the tired story of the Philly fans booing Santa Claus.
One time Braun brought up geeky, millennial suggestions, like making the bases orange ( shot down by the baseball guys) and an electronic balls and strikes reader. Braun played up superstar Bryce Harper, I suppose for casual fans who really didn't know baseball but who have heard of Harper, and the Dodger mystic.
The rain put more interest into the plot. They never did stop the game or put the tarp on the field. They played thru showers and even lightening to try and reach the mandatory 6 innings to make the game official. It's always more fun to watch a sporting event in the rain, snow or mud, and Braun explained that normally the tarp would be on the field during the heavy showers but, because there was no off day and the Dodgers would not return to Philadelphia until next season, the game had to be played.
I missed the game on a TV screen. I wasn't going to watch it on my phone or ipad, so I watched it on my PC. I may have forgotten it or didn't think it was worth finding if the Phillies didn't send me the direct link to the MLB/You Tube site. There were too many analytical stats on the screen, at one point blocking action. I had to remind myself that this You Tube broadcast was geared to millennial geeky, analytical young people. i imagined older, die-hard fans either having trouble finding the site or disgusted and frustrated with the quality of the picture.
I was annoyed by the chat box on the side of the screen, as the initial comments were too awesome for me- "Wow, it's great to be here at this historic game!" "Wow, 'Citizens'( Citizens Bank Park..nobody calls the park "Citizens") looks beautiful!" I quickly hid the chat box.
The game itself was interesting. I tried to get tickets for the game but was shut-out. As it urned out I'm glad i was shut-out. between the extreme heat and the rain showers, then later the traffic getting home thru rush-hour, it was a good afternoon to stay home and watch it on..You Tube.
Nola usually thrives in the humidity but the potent dodger line-up got to him. Harper continues to heat up at the plate. I like his energy and spark. At least someone shows some life on the squad. Adam Heaseley launched his first major league home run, a deep drive to right-center field.
You Tube completely missed the end of the game when Phils reliever hector Neris cursed a tthe L.A. dugout and a brawl nearly ensued. I thought the final play- a long fly out to Harper near the right field fence, was being disputed for some strange reason, as both teams remained in their respective dugouts.
Neris nearly blew yet another save to the Dodgers, surrendering a two-out homer to L.A. before recording the final out. if Neris is with the club next season there may be bad blood to look out for when the Phillies next play the Dodgers. Unless the meet in the playoffs they won't face-off again until 2020.
Braun tried to interview Harper right after the game ended but clearly Harper wasn't interested after spending three hours rain-soaked and sweaty and his uniform caked with mud.
It was a good Phillies win, with, along with yet another Atlanta loss, lifted the Phils back 7 1/2 games behind in NL East. With the Nationals playing the Braves this weekend, while the Phillies are in Pittsburgh, facing the Pirates, as long as the Phils win, they will gain ground on someone.
The Phils signed former Milwaukee lefty Drew Smyly this morning. He could pitch this weekend. Smyly was designated for assignment but refused a trip to the minors so he became a free agent. he's worth a shot, but GM Klentek needs to still pursue Baumgarner, Minor or Boyd.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
The Phillies had a grand total of two hits in a span of almost six hours last night, as the Dodgers beat the Phils 7-2. The game started at 7:07 and ended at 1:42 am. Rain caused a delay of nearly three hours.
Nick Pivetta pitched 2 1/3 innings before the delay. After walking the bases loaded in the 1st inning, Pivetta only gave up one run and seemed on course to have a good game. Then the rains came and Pivetta was done for the night.
The bullpen crumbled again and L.A. went on to win, taking two of three in this four-game series.
Clearly, the bullpen needs to be rebuild again. Even Hector Neris, who has had a good year up until lately, can't be trusted.
There are numerous good relievers on the trade block now, guys who can help now and for seasons beyond. Cleveland's Hand, San Diego's Yates and San Francisco's Smith are just three solid relievers available. GM Klentek needs to do something to help this pitching staff.
With Jay Bruce on the IL it looks like Nick Williams will get another shot in the outfield. Roman Quinn and Adam Heasley are also in the mix. now is the time to play these guys and to find out what they can do.
The Braves lost again in Milwaukee so the Phillies wasted a chance to pick up another game on Atlanta. They are currently in 3rd place in NL East, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves.
Aaron Nola goes this afternoon, a YouTube game, starting at 12;30. No matter how they spin it, it's still yet another game on on regular TV. It's another way to yield to millennials and those who live on their cell phones, Ipads and other devices. The wave of the future?
The Phillies should consider giving those who attended the game last night vouchers for a future ballpark. It was Star Wars night at the park and a lot of kids were at the game. Vacation or not, many couldn't stay awake until 1:42 am. Reward these young fans ( and future customers) for being patient and hanging in there while you make money with concessions.
After today's game the Phils head across state to face the Pirates in Pittsburgh for the weekend. I'll be at the Sunday game, featuring Vince Valasquez vs Joe Musgrove.
It was reported late yesterday morning that Phillies management gave contract extensions to both team President Ansdy MacPhail and GM Matt Klentek. Why? They haven't done anything. The excitement of last off-season, when the club signed Bryce Harper, among others, has vanished. Now we have barely a .500 ballteam in 3rd place with a farm system that is equally struggling.
Owner john Middleton has to be questioned on that decision. He can't be happy that his team is currently in collapse #2 of Gabe Kapler's reign as manager. Middleton has enough money to buy out the three-year extensions but will he? If he isn't upset with the downward direction this franchise is taking then we are all in trouble for years to come.
Nick Pivetta pitched 2 1/3 innings before the delay. After walking the bases loaded in the 1st inning, Pivetta only gave up one run and seemed on course to have a good game. Then the rains came and Pivetta was done for the night.
The bullpen crumbled again and L.A. went on to win, taking two of three in this four-game series.
Clearly, the bullpen needs to be rebuild again. Even Hector Neris, who has had a good year up until lately, can't be trusted.
There are numerous good relievers on the trade block now, guys who can help now and for seasons beyond. Cleveland's Hand, San Diego's Yates and San Francisco's Smith are just three solid relievers available. GM Klentek needs to do something to help this pitching staff.
With Jay Bruce on the IL it looks like Nick Williams will get another shot in the outfield. Roman Quinn and Adam Heasley are also in the mix. now is the time to play these guys and to find out what they can do.
The Braves lost again in Milwaukee so the Phillies wasted a chance to pick up another game on Atlanta. They are currently in 3rd place in NL East, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves.
Aaron Nola goes this afternoon, a YouTube game, starting at 12;30. No matter how they spin it, it's still yet another game on on regular TV. It's another way to yield to millennials and those who live on their cell phones, Ipads and other devices. The wave of the future?
The Phillies should consider giving those who attended the game last night vouchers for a future ballpark. It was Star Wars night at the park and a lot of kids were at the game. Vacation or not, many couldn't stay awake until 1:42 am. Reward these young fans ( and future customers) for being patient and hanging in there while you make money with concessions.
After today's game the Phils head across state to face the Pirates in Pittsburgh for the weekend. I'll be at the Sunday game, featuring Vince Valasquez vs Joe Musgrove.
It was reported late yesterday morning that Phillies management gave contract extensions to both team President Ansdy MacPhail and GM Matt Klentek. Why? They haven't done anything. The excitement of last off-season, when the club signed Bryce Harper, among others, has vanished. Now we have barely a .500 ballteam in 3rd place with a farm system that is equally struggling.
Owner john Middleton has to be questioned on that decision. He can't be happy that his team is currently in collapse #2 of Gabe Kapler's reign as manager. Middleton has enough money to buy out the three-year extensions but will he? If he isn't upset with the downward direction this franchise is taking then we are all in trouble for years to come.
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
After the rain..
Most of last night's Phillies- Dodgers game occurred after the brief rain delay before the start of the 9th inning. Sure, Bryce Harper hit a massive 458-foot homer to dead center field earlier. Sure Vince Valasquez blew a 6-1 lead by surrendering four L.A. home runs earlier. But the really interesting part of this Game 2 with Los Angeles was after the rain.
First, Hector Neris blew a 8-6 save in the 9th. Neris has been good this year but lately has squandered leads, first to the Mets and Nationals, now to the Dodgers. I never have trusted Neris and now he back in my doghouse.
When all seemed lost and it appeared the Phillies would suffer yet another disheartening loss they scored three runs in the bottom of the 9th, highlighted by a Harper double. Harper hit the first pitch off L.A. closer Jansen, a laser beam shot to center, which hit the wet grass and skipped by center field Pollack to the wall.
The Dodgers are a great team and should make it to their third straight World Series and may even win it this year but they showed their weakness is their bullpen. Knock out their starter and you have a chance.
The Phils picked up a game on losing Atlanta and are now 8 1/2 out of first place in NL East, still 2 1/2 games behind second place Washington. The Phillies pitch Nick Pivetta tonight.
It was leaked this morning that both Matt Klentek and Andy MacPhail got 3-year extensions to their contracts. klentek's was back in march, while MacPhail was granyed his after the 2017 season.
Owner John Middleton can easily pay both off if he isn't satisfied with their performances after the season. but Middleton seems to like both, which is bad news for the fans. Klentek has destroyed the farm system while MacPhail has an attitude of "If we win, we win..If we don't, we don't." Clearly, Middleton was enamored by Klentek's help in signing Harper during the off-season. It may be a decision which Middleton regrets.
Give manager Gabe Kapler credit for benching the lazy bum Mikael Franco after Franco loafed in Game 1 vs the Dodgers. Maybe Kapler has learned his lesson. In his place at third base, Brad miller hit a home run on Tuesday night.
Most of last night's Phillies- Dodgers game occurred after the brief rain delay before the start of the 9th inning. Sure, Bryce Harper hit a massive 458-foot homer to dead center field earlier. Sure Vince Valasquez blew a 6-1 lead by surrendering four L.A. home runs earlier. But the really interesting part of this Game 2 with Los Angeles was after the rain.
First, Hector Neris blew a 8-6 save in the 9th. Neris has been good this year but lately has squandered leads, first to the Mets and Nationals, now to the Dodgers. I never have trusted Neris and now he back in my doghouse.
When all seemed lost and it appeared the Phillies would suffer yet another disheartening loss they scored three runs in the bottom of the 9th, highlighted by a Harper double. Harper hit the first pitch off L.A. closer Jansen, a laser beam shot to center, which hit the wet grass and skipped by center field Pollack to the wall.
The Dodgers are a great team and should make it to their third straight World Series and may even win it this year but they showed their weakness is their bullpen. Knock out their starter and you have a chance.
The Phils picked up a game on losing Atlanta and are now 8 1/2 out of first place in NL East, still 2 1/2 games behind second place Washington. The Phillies pitch Nick Pivetta tonight.
It was leaked this morning that both Matt Klentek and Andy MacPhail got 3-year extensions to their contracts. klentek's was back in march, while MacPhail was granyed his after the 2017 season.
Owner John Middleton can easily pay both off if he isn't satisfied with their performances after the season. but Middleton seems to like both, which is bad news for the fans. Klentek has destroyed the farm system while MacPhail has an attitude of "If we win, we win..If we don't, we don't." Clearly, Middleton was enamored by Klentek's help in signing Harper during the off-season. It may be a decision which Middleton regrets.
Give manager Gabe Kapler credit for benching the lazy bum Mikael Franco after Franco loafed in Game 1 vs the Dodgers. Maybe Kapler has learned his lesson. In his place at third base, Brad miller hit a home run on Tuesday night.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
Total embarrassment at the Bank last night.Humiliating loss to the Dodgers, 16-2. It wasn't just the score against the best team in baseball. It's the fact that our Phillies gave up, didn't hustle again and were absolutely clueless on national TV.
The ESPN broadcasters lambasted the Phils, rightfully so. I'm glad the rest of America finally got a chance to share in what has been going on in Philadelphia all season.
Maikel Franco doesn't run to first base on a grounder. The Dodger third baseman threw the ball off-line. Franco, with the bases loaded, two outs, and the score 1-1, would've been safe if only he had run. He didn't and he was out.
The inept manager thought Franco may have a "groin problem" and leaves him in the game. If you don't bench Franco for not hustle, then take him out of the game because of his groin.
Instead, Franco plays the next six innings.
There continues to be no accountability on this team because Kapler doesn't punish guys for not hustling. It's come back to bite him in the butt.
The entire Phillies defense forgets the outs and remain on the field after there are three outs. Pitiful!
Home runs given up by stiffs, Ramos, Rios and Garcia. Pitchers who should not be on a major league team. Blame Klentek for keep bringing up these idiots. Why? Because his farm system has no one else to fill in.
Roman Quinn pitched the eighth and ninth innings. How embarrassing on national TV. Didn't Quinn have arm problems in his career? Yet Kapler puts him on the mound?
More strikeouts. Clayton Kershaw breezed after the Phillies failed twice with the bases loaded.
Owner John Middleton needed to wake up this morning and fire the entire front office. President Andy MacPhail and his non-caring, lackadaisical approach. Klentek and his clueless antics. He has destroyed this franchise with his poor player development and scouting, mediocre trades and free agent signings, and poor judgment hiring a rookie manager and equally-inept pitching coach ad hitting coach.
Kapler has no clue. He talks a good game about communicating and his overly-positive attitude. The Phils are too analytical and bad fundamentally.
Look at the Dodgers: out-hustled and out-played the Phils. Used small ball by stealing, bunting, and moving runners on the bases. They outclassed Philadelphia in all areas on the team.
No wonder L.A. is where it's at. Last night showed how far the Phillies have to go.
The entire Dodger organization- from the top to the farm system, is better. Unless Middleton cleans house the Dodgers will always be better.
With the loss and yet another Atlanta win, the Phillies fall deeper into third place, now only two games over .500/ 9 1/2 games out of first place/From 4 games up at one point this spring to 9 1/2 games behind- all in roughly one month.
No emotion. The Phillies sound like zombies in the locker room. The team is reflection the emotions of its' leader. Ho-hum, let's not panic. A lot of baseball left. We will get 'em tomorrow.
Did Middleton spend all his money on this? If not, why is he waiting to make moves to shake up the club?
Fire Kapler. Name Dusty Warthen as interim skipper until you hire Joe Girardi.. Fire Klentek. Allow Larry Bowa or Pat Gillick to be GM. The second year of a monumental collapse. Fire Gabe Kapler today.
Fire MacPhail for not caring and for making the statement "If we don't make the playoffs, we don't."
Please Mr. Middleton, the fans don't deserve this. Makes changes now!
Game Two with the Dodgers tonight. Walker Buehler goes for Los Angeles. The inconsistent Vince Velasquez for the Phils. Things could get even uglier before the team leaves town at the end of the week.
The ESPN broadcasters lambasted the Phils, rightfully so. I'm glad the rest of America finally got a chance to share in what has been going on in Philadelphia all season.
Maikel Franco doesn't run to first base on a grounder. The Dodger third baseman threw the ball off-line. Franco, with the bases loaded, two outs, and the score 1-1, would've been safe if only he had run. He didn't and he was out.
The inept manager thought Franco may have a "groin problem" and leaves him in the game. If you don't bench Franco for not hustle, then take him out of the game because of his groin.
Instead, Franco plays the next six innings.
There continues to be no accountability on this team because Kapler doesn't punish guys for not hustling. It's come back to bite him in the butt.
The entire Phillies defense forgets the outs and remain on the field after there are three outs. Pitiful!
Home runs given up by stiffs, Ramos, Rios and Garcia. Pitchers who should not be on a major league team. Blame Klentek for keep bringing up these idiots. Why? Because his farm system has no one else to fill in.
Roman Quinn pitched the eighth and ninth innings. How embarrassing on national TV. Didn't Quinn have arm problems in his career? Yet Kapler puts him on the mound?
More strikeouts. Clayton Kershaw breezed after the Phillies failed twice with the bases loaded.
Owner John Middleton needed to wake up this morning and fire the entire front office. President Andy MacPhail and his non-caring, lackadaisical approach. Klentek and his clueless antics. He has destroyed this franchise with his poor player development and scouting, mediocre trades and free agent signings, and poor judgment hiring a rookie manager and equally-inept pitching coach ad hitting coach.
Kapler has no clue. He talks a good game about communicating and his overly-positive attitude. The Phils are too analytical and bad fundamentally.
Look at the Dodgers: out-hustled and out-played the Phils. Used small ball by stealing, bunting, and moving runners on the bases. They outclassed Philadelphia in all areas on the team.
No wonder L.A. is where it's at. Last night showed how far the Phillies have to go.
The entire Dodger organization- from the top to the farm system, is better. Unless Middleton cleans house the Dodgers will always be better.
With the loss and yet another Atlanta win, the Phillies fall deeper into third place, now only two games over .500/ 9 1/2 games out of first place/From 4 games up at one point this spring to 9 1/2 games behind- all in roughly one month.
No emotion. The Phillies sound like zombies in the locker room. The team is reflection the emotions of its' leader. Ho-hum, let's not panic. A lot of baseball left. We will get 'em tomorrow.
Did Middleton spend all his money on this? If not, why is he waiting to make moves to shake up the club?
Fire Kapler. Name Dusty Warthen as interim skipper until you hire Joe Girardi.. Fire Klentek. Allow Larry Bowa or Pat Gillick to be GM. The second year of a monumental collapse. Fire Gabe Kapler today.
Fire MacPhail for not caring and for making the statement "If we don't make the playoffs, we don't."
Please Mr. Middleton, the fans don't deserve this. Makes changes now!
Game Two with the Dodgers tonight. Walker Buehler goes for Los Angeles. The inconsistent Vince Velasquez for the Phils. Things could get even uglier before the team leaves town at the end of the week.
Monday, July 15, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
The Phillies salvaged a game with Washington on Sunday with a walk-off homer by Maikel Franco. The Phils remain 8 1/2 games behind Atlanta, 1 1/2 games in back of the Nationals. Jake Arrieta, bone spur and all, gave the team 5 innings. The bullpen failed to hold the lead again.
The Braves swept the Padres in San Diego over the weekend. They stay red-hot The Phillies, despite team president Andy MacPhail's bizarre attitude of not caring, should focus on the wild card now. There's plenty of time left to catch Atlanta but it won't happen. The braves are too good.
The club needs more than one player to compete. Fault GM Matt Klentek for failing to stock the staff with pitching depth. Yesterday, when the team needed a starter to fill-in for the injured Arrieta, instead they pitched Arrieta because, as Manager Gabe Kapler said, "An eighty percent Arrieta is a better option than anything else we have."
The bench sucks. Once again Kapler sent weak-hitting Andrew Knapp up to the plate in a crucial situation Saturday night. Yes, the bench should've included Jay Bruce and Scott Kingery. Injuries forced the Phils to use both as starters. Regardless, Klentek did nothing to bolster the bench.
The bullpen sucks. Yes, injuries have hurt as well. But again, lack of depth is killing the team.
Klentek had a chance to get reinforcements in Hamels, Cashner and Kuechal. He let all of them pass by. Klentak will once again get a July pass by his boss, MacPhail, who is equally clueless.
I don't even focus on Kapler anymore. The problems go way beyond analytics and bad decisions by the manager. It involves poor scouting and player development as well as lack of aggressiveness by the front office.
The Dodgers come in tonight, the best team in baseball. Clayton Kershaw pitches tonight, with Walker Buehler starting on Tuesday. If the Phils split the series consider them lucky.
I don't see any easy way out for the Phillies. This wasn't supposed to be another rebuilding year. Owner John Middleton, to his credit, spent a lot of money during the off-season- for what? Middleton needs to clean house after the season, starting with the team president, turn away from analytics, and get back to the basics of good scouting and player development.
If only they were younger, Charle Manuel could be manager, Larry Bowa General Manager and Pat Gillick is President. I would settle for Joe Girardi as Manager to begin with.
Whatever, Middleton needs to do something- and soon. The fans don't deserve another summer collapse.
The Braves swept the Padres in San Diego over the weekend. They stay red-hot The Phillies, despite team president Andy MacPhail's bizarre attitude of not caring, should focus on the wild card now. There's plenty of time left to catch Atlanta but it won't happen. The braves are too good.
The club needs more than one player to compete. Fault GM Matt Klentek for failing to stock the staff with pitching depth. Yesterday, when the team needed a starter to fill-in for the injured Arrieta, instead they pitched Arrieta because, as Manager Gabe Kapler said, "An eighty percent Arrieta is a better option than anything else we have."
The bench sucks. Once again Kapler sent weak-hitting Andrew Knapp up to the plate in a crucial situation Saturday night. Yes, the bench should've included Jay Bruce and Scott Kingery. Injuries forced the Phils to use both as starters. Regardless, Klentek did nothing to bolster the bench.
The bullpen sucks. Yes, injuries have hurt as well. But again, lack of depth is killing the team.
Klentek had a chance to get reinforcements in Hamels, Cashner and Kuechal. He let all of them pass by. Klentak will once again get a July pass by his boss, MacPhail, who is equally clueless.
I don't even focus on Kapler anymore. The problems go way beyond analytics and bad decisions by the manager. It involves poor scouting and player development as well as lack of aggressiveness by the front office.
The Dodgers come in tonight, the best team in baseball. Clayton Kershaw pitches tonight, with Walker Buehler starting on Tuesday. If the Phils split the series consider them lucky.
I don't see any easy way out for the Phillies. This wasn't supposed to be another rebuilding year. Owner John Middleton, to his credit, spent a lot of money during the off-season- for what? Middleton needs to clean house after the season, starting with the team president, turn away from analytics, and get back to the basics of good scouting and player development.
If only they were younger, Charle Manuel could be manager, Larry Bowa General Manager and Pat Gillick is President. I would settle for Joe Girardi as Manager to begin with.
Whatever, Middleton needs to do something- and soon. The fans don't deserve another summer collapse.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
I was at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday night to witness the shocking loss by the Phillies to the Washington Nationals, 4-3. Yet another defeat to the Nats, who have now won 5 in a row over the slumping Phils. Philadelphia falls deeper into third place in NL East, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves and now 2 1/2 games in back of Washington.
It was a sell-out at the ballpark on a beautiful summer night in July. Fireworks were held after the game. A perfect Saturday night which would turn into a nightmare for Phillies fans.
It was another wasted effort by Aaron Nola, who pitched 6 brilliant innings, striking out 9 Nats.
The game was a microcosm of Makail Franco's career. He has two hits, including a long home run, and make outstanding plays in the field. but when it mattered most of all, crunch-time in the 8th inning, His error on a rather routine grounder led to a Washington run, which made it 3-2 Phils, and got the game closer for the dramatic 8th inning.
Inconsistent is the key word for Franco. If he is trade bait now, before the July trade deadline, or after the season, his value is growing due to his recent surge in performance.
Roman Quinn made a tremendous, diving catch in the right field alley, laying out to catch a ball destined for the right field scoreboard wall, to save a few runs.
With center field wide open now Quinn should play everyday to finally see if he can play in the major leagues. Injury has prevented him from getting a consistent shot. Quinn was a switch-hitter but recently stopped hitting left-handed.Even if Quinn doesn't hit his defense and speed should make him a valuable guy, even off the bench, for the Phillies or some other club. He's still young at 25 and ideally should hit lead-off.
Adam Morgan, terrible since he came back from an injury, surrendered a run in the 8th to set up the fatal final frame.
I don't trust hector Neris since he imploded in Los Angeles a few seasons ago. he has performed well as a closer, despite the fact he also blew a lead not long ago in a game I also attended against the Mets.
Last night,coming into the 9th with a one-run lead vs division-rival Washington, in a key game to swing momentum of the series back to the Phils, Neris easily got the first two outs in the inning.Two strikes were on the pesky Amthony Rendon when he slashed a single to left. Young Juan Soto, only 20, stepped up and belted a towering, opposite field home run to left, putting the Nats ahead.
Neris hung a split-finger fastball and was lustily booed walking off the field. For some reason he abandoned the plan of throwing fastballs, as he did in Atlanta when he was brilliant with a 1-2-3 inning vs the young Braves.
Today is Ryan Howard Retirement Day at the ballpark. I'll always remember his majestic homers, his Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player and 58 home run seasons. I'll always remember how "The Big Piece" led the 2008 to a world championship. And sadly, I'll always remember his devastating Achilles injury in the bottom of the 9th inning against St Louis in the playoffs.
I wish the current team had a Ryan Howard. The excitement of his 2006 season, as a 25-year-old rookie, clubbing a club-record 58 homers, will never be forgotten.
The times I met Howard during Photo Nights he was always friendly, funny and a nice guy to all the fans.
Jake Arrieta, the sore-armed righty, will go today for the Phils, trying to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Nats. Every outing may be Arrieta's last, as he deals with a bone spur in his right elbow.
It says a lot for this dysfunctional organization that they have no one to fill in for the hurt Arrieta, either on the major league level or from the minors.
The Phillies try to salvage one game from the nationals before the best team in baseball, the Dodgers, come to town for a big four-game set.
It was a sell-out at the ballpark on a beautiful summer night in July. Fireworks were held after the game. A perfect Saturday night which would turn into a nightmare for Phillies fans.
It was another wasted effort by Aaron Nola, who pitched 6 brilliant innings, striking out 9 Nats.
The game was a microcosm of Makail Franco's career. He has two hits, including a long home run, and make outstanding plays in the field. but when it mattered most of all, crunch-time in the 8th inning, His error on a rather routine grounder led to a Washington run, which made it 3-2 Phils, and got the game closer for the dramatic 8th inning.
Inconsistent is the key word for Franco. If he is trade bait now, before the July trade deadline, or after the season, his value is growing due to his recent surge in performance.
Roman Quinn made a tremendous, diving catch in the right field alley, laying out to catch a ball destined for the right field scoreboard wall, to save a few runs.
With center field wide open now Quinn should play everyday to finally see if he can play in the major leagues. Injury has prevented him from getting a consistent shot. Quinn was a switch-hitter but recently stopped hitting left-handed.Even if Quinn doesn't hit his defense and speed should make him a valuable guy, even off the bench, for the Phillies or some other club. He's still young at 25 and ideally should hit lead-off.
Adam Morgan, terrible since he came back from an injury, surrendered a run in the 8th to set up the fatal final frame.
I don't trust hector Neris since he imploded in Los Angeles a few seasons ago. he has performed well as a closer, despite the fact he also blew a lead not long ago in a game I also attended against the Mets.
Last night,coming into the 9th with a one-run lead vs division-rival Washington, in a key game to swing momentum of the series back to the Phils, Neris easily got the first two outs in the inning.Two strikes were on the pesky Amthony Rendon when he slashed a single to left. Young Juan Soto, only 20, stepped up and belted a towering, opposite field home run to left, putting the Nats ahead.
Neris hung a split-finger fastball and was lustily booed walking off the field. For some reason he abandoned the plan of throwing fastballs, as he did in Atlanta when he was brilliant with a 1-2-3 inning vs the young Braves.
Today is Ryan Howard Retirement Day at the ballpark. I'll always remember his majestic homers, his Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player and 58 home run seasons. I'll always remember how "The Big Piece" led the 2008 to a world championship. And sadly, I'll always remember his devastating Achilles injury in the bottom of the 9th inning against St Louis in the playoffs.
I wish the current team had a Ryan Howard. The excitement of his 2006 season, as a 25-year-old rookie, clubbing a club-record 58 homers, will never be forgotten.
The times I met Howard during Photo Nights he was always friendly, funny and a nice guy to all the fans.
Jake Arrieta, the sore-armed righty, will go today for the Phils, trying to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Nats. Every outing may be Arrieta's last, as he deals with a bone spur in his right elbow.
It says a lot for this dysfunctional organization that they have no one to fill in for the hurt Arrieta, either on the major league level or from the minors.
The Phillies try to salvage one game from the nationals before the best team in baseball, the Dodgers, come to town for a big four-game set.
Friday, July 12, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, EAGLES, FLYERS
- The next seven games for the Phillies will may or break their entire season. The Phils are home all seven games, a weekend three-game set with rival Washington and a big four-games against the best team in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Philadelphia was swept by both team earlier in the season. It's time for revenge.
Why are these particular ballgames so important? The Phils remain 6 1/2 games behind division-leading Atlanta and 1/2 game in back of the Nationals. Time to make up ground in NL East as the Braves start a road trip.
Eagles football training camp starts next week. If the Phillies don't win at least 5 of the 7 against such high-quality opponents they can't be counted in later down the home stretch of the season. The Philly fan base will start losing interest- summer or not) with Eagles' interest is at fever-pitch high with thoughts of a Super Bowl. Soon, despite the kids being out of school, we will see more empty seats as we wind in September.
Inconsistent Nick Pivetta pitches tonight vs Stephen Strasburg. Aaron Nols ( really the other hurler we can trust) , goes Saturday night vs Patrick Corbin, ad then Sunday is a tough game with the great Max Scherzer pitching against sore armed Jake Arrietta. I can't believe Phillies management would allow one of pitchers to take the mound with a bone spur in his elbow at 80% health.
That tells fans a lot about the lack of a farm system and depth at the major league level. GM Klentek's fault. Clayton Kershaw pitches Monday for the red-hot Dodgers.
There next seven games will also determine if the Phillies are buyers, sellers or neither at the upcoming July trade deadline. Winning at least 5 of 7 gives fans hope that the General Manager will make wise moves in deals. Losing means that fans are stuck with these current players, win or lose. Or the team cold start selling guys like Hernandez or Franco, with an eye on the future.
That's great but...didn't management promise the fans no wore rebuilding/ We are in it to win it now.
Time to step up, guys. Harper, put the team on your back and earn your money this week. Nola will pitch 2 of the 7 games. It should be an interesting week.
- Eagles training camp starts in 12 days. I still miss taking the trek to Lehigh to watch practice. The birds win/loss total in the casinos for the season is 9 1/2. I would take the over, as Philly should win 10 or more games this season, but everything depends on the health of QB Carson Wentz. There is no Nick Foles backing him up, in case of injury. Let's hope we don't see much of Nate Sudfeld, only for mop-up duty.
The Eagles are currently 12-1 to win the Super Bowl.
- The Flyers' team President, Paul Holmgren, stepped down from his post yesterday. It's about time. The hockey club has gone 46 years without drinking from the Cup. It wasn't going to get done under Holmgren's leadership. Hopefully Philles' management, especially Andy MacPhail, is taking note.
Why are these particular ballgames so important? The Phils remain 6 1/2 games behind division-leading Atlanta and 1/2 game in back of the Nationals. Time to make up ground in NL East as the Braves start a road trip.
Eagles football training camp starts next week. If the Phillies don't win at least 5 of the 7 against such high-quality opponents they can't be counted in later down the home stretch of the season. The Philly fan base will start losing interest- summer or not) with Eagles' interest is at fever-pitch high with thoughts of a Super Bowl. Soon, despite the kids being out of school, we will see more empty seats as we wind in September.
Inconsistent Nick Pivetta pitches tonight vs Stephen Strasburg. Aaron Nols ( really the other hurler we can trust) , goes Saturday night vs Patrick Corbin, ad then Sunday is a tough game with the great Max Scherzer pitching against sore armed Jake Arrietta. I can't believe Phillies management would allow one of pitchers to take the mound with a bone spur in his elbow at 80% health.
That tells fans a lot about the lack of a farm system and depth at the major league level. GM Klentek's fault. Clayton Kershaw pitches Monday for the red-hot Dodgers.
There next seven games will also determine if the Phillies are buyers, sellers or neither at the upcoming July trade deadline. Winning at least 5 of 7 gives fans hope that the General Manager will make wise moves in deals. Losing means that fans are stuck with these current players, win or lose. Or the team cold start selling guys like Hernandez or Franco, with an eye on the future.
That's great but...didn't management promise the fans no wore rebuilding/ We are in it to win it now.
Time to step up, guys. Harper, put the team on your back and earn your money this week. Nola will pitch 2 of the 7 games. It should be an interesting week.
- Eagles training camp starts in 12 days. I still miss taking the trek to Lehigh to watch practice. The birds win/loss total in the casinos for the season is 9 1/2. I would take the over, as Philly should win 10 or more games this season, but everything depends on the health of QB Carson Wentz. There is no Nick Foles backing him up, in case of injury. Let's hope we don't see much of Nate Sudfeld, only for mop-up duty.
The Eagles are currently 12-1 to win the Super Bowl.
- The Flyers' team President, Paul Holmgren, stepped down from his post yesterday. It's about time. The hockey club has gone 46 years without drinking from the Cup. It wasn't going to get done under Holmgren's leadership. Hopefully Philles' management, especially Andy MacPhail, is taking note.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- BASEBALL REVIEW
We are past the All-Star Game so it's time to review the first half and make predictions for the second half. Here are the current standings-
American League
East W-L GB
1. Yankees 57-31 -----
2. Rays 52-39 6.5
3. Red Sox 49-41 9
4. Blue Jays 34-57 24.5
5. Orioles 27-62 30.5
Central
1. Twins 56-33 -----
2. Indians 50-38 5.5
3. White Sox 42-44 12.5
4. Tigers 28-57 26
5. Royals 30-61 27
West
1.Astros 57-33 -----
2. A's 50-41 7.5
3. Rangers 48-42 9
4. Angels 45-46 12.5
5. Mariners 39-55 20
National League
East
1. Braves 54-37 -----
2. Nationals 47-42 6
3. Phillies 47-43 6.5
4. Mets 40-50 13.5
5. Marlins 33-55 19.5
Central
1. Cubs 47-43 ------
2. Brewers 47-44 0.5
3. Cardinals 44-44 2
4. Pirates 44-45 2.5
5. Reds 41-46 4.5
West
1. Dodgers 60-32 ------
2. DBacks 46-45 13.5
3. Padres 45-45 14
4, Rockies 44-45 14.5
5. Giants 41-48 17.5
AL Wild Card
1. Rays -----
2. Indians 0.5
3. A's 1.5
4. Red Sox 2
5. Rangers 3
NL Wild Card
1. Vationals -----
2. Phillies 0.5
3. Brewers 0.5
4. DBacks 1.5
5. Padres 2
5. Cardinals 2
National League Notes & Predictions-
East-
Braves- Young, solid team. Only getting better. If injuries curtail can reinforce from farm system. Should win division,
Nationals- Nats seem to have turned-around season, not missing Bryce Harper. Their starters will always keep them in games & avoid long losing streaks.Wouldn't be surprised if they catch young Braves at the end.
Phillies- Inconsistent. Injuries. Underachieving. Phils were in 1st early in season. June swoon led to collapse. Will they be buyers or sellers soon/
Mets- A total mess. Manager will be fired. Will they trade starters & really tear apart team?
Marlins- Young squad, good players for future. But then will management keep them or deal young core as in past?
Central-
Cubs- Streaky but have best pitching in division. Experienced group knows how to win.
Brewers- Big year from Yelich. Will make playoffs somehow.
Cardinals- Always dangerous. Prime to make run at .500.
Pirates- Surprise they are so close. Bell is carrying club.
Reds- Not ready to win yet but getting closer. Watch take off next year.
West-
Dodgers- Could it be Dodgers-Yankees in World Series? Dodgers should get to third consecutive WS. Who will stop them?
DBacks- Hanging in there with out Goldschmidt Will they trade Grienke?
Padres- Young team still coming together. Too inexperienced to make playoff run.
Rockies- Has stars but Dodgers too much in West.
Giants- Playing for next year & beyond. Will Bumgarner & Smith be dealt away?
Playoff Teams-
Division Winners- Braves, Brewers, Dodgers
Wild Cards- Cubs, Nationals
NL Champ- Dodgers over Braves
AL Notes & Predictions-
East-
Yankees- Despite numerous injuries Yanks rule. Have depth to overcome injuries.
Rays- Still best team nobody cares about. Will they at least make Wild Card?
Red Sox- Disappointing season. could still make run at post-season but somehow I feel they will pack it in.
Blue Jays- Still rebuilding around Val Jr.
Orioles- Awful team & organization.
Central-
Twins- Surprise, young Twins hit homers.
Indians- Has experience to overtake Twins.
White Sox- Getting better but still can't compete in division.
Tigers- Still rebuilding & floundering.
Royals- Young team will need time to jell.
West-
Astros- After bad start Astros are cruising in AL West.
A's- MoneyBall working again. A's have young stars to keep them close.
Rangers- Gallo & young guys keeping Rangers afloat but still won't win.
Angels- Even great Trout can't keep them close.
Mariners- After terrific start now 20 back.
Division Winners- Yankees, Twins, Astros
Wild Card Winners- Rays, Indians
AL Champ- Astros over Yankees
World Series Champ- Dodgers over Astros in 7.
American League
East W-L GB
1. Yankees 57-31 -----
2. Rays 52-39 6.5
3. Red Sox 49-41 9
4. Blue Jays 34-57 24.5
5. Orioles 27-62 30.5
Central
1. Twins 56-33 -----
2. Indians 50-38 5.5
3. White Sox 42-44 12.5
4. Tigers 28-57 26
5. Royals 30-61 27
West
1.Astros 57-33 -----
2. A's 50-41 7.5
3. Rangers 48-42 9
4. Angels 45-46 12.5
5. Mariners 39-55 20
National League
East
1. Braves 54-37 -----
2. Nationals 47-42 6
3. Phillies 47-43 6.5
4. Mets 40-50 13.5
5. Marlins 33-55 19.5
Central
1. Cubs 47-43 ------
2. Brewers 47-44 0.5
3. Cardinals 44-44 2
4. Pirates 44-45 2.5
5. Reds 41-46 4.5
West
1. Dodgers 60-32 ------
2. DBacks 46-45 13.5
3. Padres 45-45 14
4, Rockies 44-45 14.5
5. Giants 41-48 17.5
AL Wild Card
1. Rays -----
2. Indians 0.5
3. A's 1.5
4. Red Sox 2
5. Rangers 3
NL Wild Card
1. Vationals -----
2. Phillies 0.5
3. Brewers 0.5
4. DBacks 1.5
5. Padres 2
5. Cardinals 2
National League Notes & Predictions-
East-
Braves- Young, solid team. Only getting better. If injuries curtail can reinforce from farm system. Should win division,
Nationals- Nats seem to have turned-around season, not missing Bryce Harper. Their starters will always keep them in games & avoid long losing streaks.Wouldn't be surprised if they catch young Braves at the end.
Phillies- Inconsistent. Injuries. Underachieving. Phils were in 1st early in season. June swoon led to collapse. Will they be buyers or sellers soon/
Mets- A total mess. Manager will be fired. Will they trade starters & really tear apart team?
Marlins- Young squad, good players for future. But then will management keep them or deal young core as in past?
Central-
Cubs- Streaky but have best pitching in division. Experienced group knows how to win.
Brewers- Big year from Yelich. Will make playoffs somehow.
Cardinals- Always dangerous. Prime to make run at .500.
Pirates- Surprise they are so close. Bell is carrying club.
Reds- Not ready to win yet but getting closer. Watch take off next year.
West-
Dodgers- Could it be Dodgers-Yankees in World Series? Dodgers should get to third consecutive WS. Who will stop them?
DBacks- Hanging in there with out Goldschmidt Will they trade Grienke?
Padres- Young team still coming together. Too inexperienced to make playoff run.
Rockies- Has stars but Dodgers too much in West.
Giants- Playing for next year & beyond. Will Bumgarner & Smith be dealt away?
Playoff Teams-
Division Winners- Braves, Brewers, Dodgers
Wild Cards- Cubs, Nationals
NL Champ- Dodgers over Braves
AL Notes & Predictions-
East-
Yankees- Despite numerous injuries Yanks rule. Have depth to overcome injuries.
Rays- Still best team nobody cares about. Will they at least make Wild Card?
Red Sox- Disappointing season. could still make run at post-season but somehow I feel they will pack it in.
Blue Jays- Still rebuilding around Val Jr.
Orioles- Awful team & organization.
Central-
Twins- Surprise, young Twins hit homers.
Indians- Has experience to overtake Twins.
White Sox- Getting better but still can't compete in division.
Tigers- Still rebuilding & floundering.
Royals- Young team will need time to jell.
West-
Astros- After bad start Astros are cruising in AL West.
A's- MoneyBall working again. A's have young stars to keep them close.
Rangers- Gallo & young guys keeping Rangers afloat but still won't win.
Angels- Even great Trout can't keep them close.
Mariners- After terrific start now 20 back.
Division Winners- Yankees, Twins, Astros
Wild Card Winners- Rays, Indians
AL Champ- Astros over Yankees
World Series Champ- Dodgers over Astros in 7.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- BASEBALL ALL-STAR GAME, PHILLIES
Underwhelming All-Star performance by the ;one Phillies' representative, J.T. Realmuto. He went 0-2. playing the later innings of the National League's 4-3 loss to the American League.
Embarrassingly, Realmuto was forced to wear a Cardinals batting helmet when no one could find his Phillies helmet.
What a letdown. After thinking Philly might get 5 or more All-Stars on the team when the season begun, to barely getting one, was a good indication how this season has gone.
Speaking of which, here is an honest review of the Phillies' season so far. They are 47-43, in third place in nL East. with upcoming games against the hot Nationals and equally hot Dodgers on tap after the break.
First Base-
Hoskins has had an ok season so far but not to superstar break-out year the fans hoped for. Batting behind Harper for most of the year I would have thought Hoskins would be better but Harper hasn't been great either. B
Second Base-
Hernandez remains inconsistent, both at the plate and in the field. The Phillies should consider trading him while value is high and playing Kingery full-time at second. Nice player but will never be an All-Star.
Shortstop-
Segura has been consistent in the field, making spectacular plays , yet he's no Freddie Galvis with the glove, plus Galvis is hitting this year. Galvis hustles as well. Segura is most comfortable hitting No. 2 in the order. His lack of hustle and inability to keep his frustrations under control have cost the team. May be most remembered for indirectly causing Andrew McCuthen to blow out his knee. B
Third Base-
The ultimate in inconsistency. Donaldson or Moustakis would've been the better fit to hold down third base for a year until prospect Alex Bohm is ready for Philadelphia. Franco is their best option, especially defensively, at the hot corner for now . Hits better as No. 8 guy. C
Catcher-
Realmuto, the Phillies' lone All-Star, has been great on defense but his offense has been sub-par. He hasn't shown the batting average or power we heard about. Only flashes. Was he worth trading young Jorge Alfaro ( who is having a good season for Miami) and their best pitching prospect in Sanchez? Time will tell. The front office needs to sign Realmuto to a long term deal, otherwise the deal will look foolish. Also, is Realmuto part of problem why Phils' pitchers are giving up record-setting amounts of home runs? C +
Bench-
It sucks. When you have Miller, Rodriguez and Knapp as your bench, it tells you all you need to know why the general Manager must go. No depth in the minors either. F-
Left Field-
Thank God for Bruce. I give Klentek credit for getting Bruce, who has kept the team afloat. Ideally, before McCuthen got hurt, Bruce would've been great as a part-time guy and power off the bench. He should stick with the club next year too.B
Center Field-
Right now it's Kingery. He has improved in his defense but still belongs at second base. Heasley and Quinn have been been inconsistent and hurt/ McCutheon's loss was huge, both on the field and off. If Kingery remains the center fielder next spring training, the Phils are in deep trouble.B
Right Field-
Belongs to Harper for the next 12 1/2 years. He has playing ok, and at least he plays hard. His sometimes aggressive behavior on the base paths is annoying, a real rally-killer, but I would rather Harper be more aggressive than lazy. A down year when he hovers around .240 average, hits around 30 homers but his RBIs are up. With all said and done, I still think Harper will be the cornerstone of a Phillie resurgence in the years to come. C
Starting Pitching-
Other than Nola, who seems to be back to himself after a slow start, the other starters can't be counted on. Arrieta has a bone spur in his right elbow yet is expected to pitch against Washington this weekend. How stupid is that? Eflin looked to have a break-out season yet as slipped lately. I'm tired of waiting for Pivetta and Valasquez. Both were over-hyped and under-developed. They have the stuff but seem to be both head-cases.Zach Grinke or Madison Bumgarner would look great here soon.Unless the organization calls up prized pitcher Medina form Reading, there is no farm system jewel to be promoted and will save the summer. C
Bullpen-
Abysmal. Neris has been ok as a closer but i still don't trust him. Injuries have hurt. Robertson, Dominguez, Neshek, Hunter, Morgan..all have gone down. makes no sense for Dominguez not to get his Tommy John surgery done soon. Middle relief has killed this team, thanks again to inept Klentek. I still say this franchise needs a full-time closer down the road, and use him that way. D-
Manager-
Kapler continues to give the fans the same old BS, win or lose. Still depends on analytics too much. This will be second summer the team has collapsed under his leadership. If Kapler is fired Klentek needs to be right with him .D
Coaches-
The pitching coach and the hitting coach need to go today. To think the front office allowed Rich Kranitz go ( who now is doing well with the Braves' young arms) for idiot Chris Young is a joke. Another reason to fire Klentek .F-
Front Office-
We need see Team President MacPhail but when he does speak it's all gibberish anyway. Klentek is a stone cold loser nad needs to go. He won't do much on the trade market and will use injuries as an excuse. Owner Middleton needs to step up and become more visible again as his team takes yet another nose-dive.
Fans-
Patient, especially for a fan base that was told it is not a rebuilding season. This was a season to win, and the club was in first place for a majority of the year until their annual June swoon. The fans continue to attend games but if there is no help soon the fans will bail and focus on Eagles training camp.
Embarrassingly, Realmuto was forced to wear a Cardinals batting helmet when no one could find his Phillies helmet.
What a letdown. After thinking Philly might get 5 or more All-Stars on the team when the season begun, to barely getting one, was a good indication how this season has gone.
Speaking of which, here is an honest review of the Phillies' season so far. They are 47-43, in third place in nL East. with upcoming games against the hot Nationals and equally hot Dodgers on tap after the break.
First Base-
Hoskins has had an ok season so far but not to superstar break-out year the fans hoped for. Batting behind Harper for most of the year I would have thought Hoskins would be better but Harper hasn't been great either. B
Second Base-
Hernandez remains inconsistent, both at the plate and in the field. The Phillies should consider trading him while value is high and playing Kingery full-time at second. Nice player but will never be an All-Star.
Shortstop-
Segura has been consistent in the field, making spectacular plays , yet he's no Freddie Galvis with the glove, plus Galvis is hitting this year. Galvis hustles as well. Segura is most comfortable hitting No. 2 in the order. His lack of hustle and inability to keep his frustrations under control have cost the team. May be most remembered for indirectly causing Andrew McCuthen to blow out his knee. B
Third Base-
The ultimate in inconsistency. Donaldson or Moustakis would've been the better fit to hold down third base for a year until prospect Alex Bohm is ready for Philadelphia. Franco is their best option, especially defensively, at the hot corner for now . Hits better as No. 8 guy. C
Catcher-
Realmuto, the Phillies' lone All-Star, has been great on defense but his offense has been sub-par. He hasn't shown the batting average or power we heard about. Only flashes. Was he worth trading young Jorge Alfaro ( who is having a good season for Miami) and their best pitching prospect in Sanchez? Time will tell. The front office needs to sign Realmuto to a long term deal, otherwise the deal will look foolish. Also, is Realmuto part of problem why Phils' pitchers are giving up record-setting amounts of home runs? C +
Bench-
It sucks. When you have Miller, Rodriguez and Knapp as your bench, it tells you all you need to know why the general Manager must go. No depth in the minors either. F-
Left Field-
Thank God for Bruce. I give Klentek credit for getting Bruce, who has kept the team afloat. Ideally, before McCuthen got hurt, Bruce would've been great as a part-time guy and power off the bench. He should stick with the club next year too.B
Center Field-
Right now it's Kingery. He has improved in his defense but still belongs at second base. Heasley and Quinn have been been inconsistent and hurt/ McCutheon's loss was huge, both on the field and off. If Kingery remains the center fielder next spring training, the Phils are in deep trouble.B
Right Field-
Belongs to Harper for the next 12 1/2 years. He has playing ok, and at least he plays hard. His sometimes aggressive behavior on the base paths is annoying, a real rally-killer, but I would rather Harper be more aggressive than lazy. A down year when he hovers around .240 average, hits around 30 homers but his RBIs are up. With all said and done, I still think Harper will be the cornerstone of a Phillie resurgence in the years to come. C
Starting Pitching-
Other than Nola, who seems to be back to himself after a slow start, the other starters can't be counted on. Arrieta has a bone spur in his right elbow yet is expected to pitch against Washington this weekend. How stupid is that? Eflin looked to have a break-out season yet as slipped lately. I'm tired of waiting for Pivetta and Valasquez. Both were over-hyped and under-developed. They have the stuff but seem to be both head-cases.Zach Grinke or Madison Bumgarner would look great here soon.Unless the organization calls up prized pitcher Medina form Reading, there is no farm system jewel to be promoted and will save the summer. C
Bullpen-
Abysmal. Neris has been ok as a closer but i still don't trust him. Injuries have hurt. Robertson, Dominguez, Neshek, Hunter, Morgan..all have gone down. makes no sense for Dominguez not to get his Tommy John surgery done soon. Middle relief has killed this team, thanks again to inept Klentek. I still say this franchise needs a full-time closer down the road, and use him that way. D-
Manager-
Kapler continues to give the fans the same old BS, win or lose. Still depends on analytics too much. This will be second summer the team has collapsed under his leadership. If Kapler is fired Klentek needs to be right with him .D
Coaches-
The pitching coach and the hitting coach need to go today. To think the front office allowed Rich Kranitz go ( who now is doing well with the Braves' young arms) for idiot Chris Young is a joke. Another reason to fire Klentek .F-
Front Office-
We need see Team President MacPhail but when he does speak it's all gibberish anyway. Klentek is a stone cold loser nad needs to go. He won't do much on the trade market and will use injuries as an excuse. Owner Middleton needs to step up and become more visible again as his team takes yet another nose-dive.
Fans-
Patient, especially for a fan base that was told it is not a rebuilding season. This was a season to win, and the club was in first place for a majority of the year until their annual June swoon. The fans continue to attend games but if there is no help soon the fans will bail and focus on Eagles training camp.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
REVIEW- BILLY BOB THORNTON & THRE BOXMASTERS
You either love actor/musician Billy Bob Thornton or hate him. There is no in-between. My favorite Billy Bob movies are Bad Santa and Sling Blade. Then again, I can't stand him in other roles.
Billy Bib brought his rock n' roll band, The Boxmasters, to the Sellersville Theater on Sunday night. The place was packed ( in fact, they over-booked, with people standing on the sides and aisles.
Predictably, the crowd was middle-aged to seniors. Not really, really old ( 80s and 90s) yet few too.
The Boxmasters are on a 40 concert tour in 45 days, according to Thornton, who was chatty through out the two-hour show. Billy Bob was typical, talking about smoking, drinking and all the other iconic Billy Bob "hobbies." What you get in a movie like Bad Santa seems to be the real Billy Bob.
The music is Southern California, garage-band power pop. True, most of the songs may sound alike, but it's good stuff. It's not memorable stuff that you might be humming far after the show, but it's pleasant enough for two hours.
Most of the crowd wanted to dance or get excited, and toward the end of the show, when Billy Bob asked the people to stand, they did start to clap and move around. But I kept thinking that the experience between band and fans come be so much better. The problem is...Billy Bob himself.
He is so "whatever" in his attitude, so low-key, after singing a few licks he turns his back to the audience to swig Coke, that instead of encouraging the crowd to go wild, at time she seems like he is just mailing it in.
It was weird that two times during the show, during extended guitar riffs, Billy Bob left the stage to get a smoke. We were at a table near the stage and we could smell the cigarette smoke all the way past the second row.
Anyway, the music is catchy but I did wish The Boxmasters, with their guitar-driven force, would've done a few covers, maybe a little Beatles, maybe some fellow power pop like the Knack?
Still, it was a fun night and the crowd warmed up to Billy Bob and his group as they received a few standing ovations
The opening act was a duo who called themselves "Dominni." The two guys looked like brothers from South Philly, utilizing an acoustic guitar and keyboard. They had some fine moments, like when you two twenty-something guys covered The Ink Spots, but at times they sounded like a bad karaoke band.
** stars of four
Billy Bib brought his rock n' roll band, The Boxmasters, to the Sellersville Theater on Sunday night. The place was packed ( in fact, they over-booked, with people standing on the sides and aisles.
Predictably, the crowd was middle-aged to seniors. Not really, really old ( 80s and 90s) yet few too.
The Boxmasters are on a 40 concert tour in 45 days, according to Thornton, who was chatty through out the two-hour show. Billy Bob was typical, talking about smoking, drinking and all the other iconic Billy Bob "hobbies." What you get in a movie like Bad Santa seems to be the real Billy Bob.
The music is Southern California, garage-band power pop. True, most of the songs may sound alike, but it's good stuff. It's not memorable stuff that you might be humming far after the show, but it's pleasant enough for two hours.
Most of the crowd wanted to dance or get excited, and toward the end of the show, when Billy Bob asked the people to stand, they did start to clap and move around. But I kept thinking that the experience between band and fans come be so much better. The problem is...Billy Bob himself.
He is so "whatever" in his attitude, so low-key, after singing a few licks he turns his back to the audience to swig Coke, that instead of encouraging the crowd to go wild, at time she seems like he is just mailing it in.
It was weird that two times during the show, during extended guitar riffs, Billy Bob left the stage to get a smoke. We were at a table near the stage and we could smell the cigarette smoke all the way past the second row.
Anyway, the music is catchy but I did wish The Boxmasters, with their guitar-driven force, would've done a few covers, maybe a little Beatles, maybe some fellow power pop like the Knack?
Still, it was a fun night and the crowd warmed up to Billy Bob and his group as they received a few standing ovations
The opening act was a duo who called themselves "Dominni." The two guys looked like brothers from South Philly, utilizing an acoustic guitar and keyboard. They had some fine moments, like when you two twenty-something guys covered The Ink Spots, but at times they sounded like a bad karaoke band.
** stars of four
Monday, July 8, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, WOMENS SOCCER
Beating the Mets 2 of 3 games this weekend, even in New York, was no surprise. The Phillies enter the All-Star break in third place in NL East, 6 1/2 games behind Atlanta.
Jake Arrieta sucked on Saturday night and now it's known why: Arrienta has a bone spur in his right elbow. He may be lost for the season.
Arrieta has not been pitching well all season. He is owed $ 20 million next year. The biggest problem is, who to replace him in the starting rotation. Eflin, Pivetta and Valasquez all have talent but have under-achieved. With the July trade deadline looming the club needs two starters, two more relievers and an extra outfielder.
BTW Arrieta was stupid with his post-game comments after he hot three Met batters/ He mentioned something about "denting his ( Todd Fraizer) skull." Arrieta has been a diva and often is unfairly critical of his teammates but not of himself. He has one year left on his contract. He can't be moved now with his arm problems. They only hope is that Arrieta rebounds as he did in 2012 when he had similar medical problems and came back to brilliance.
Arrieta has been only average Philadelphia in two years, while making over $ 800,000 a game. He is annoying and has not delivered.
Thank God for Jay Bruce. He hit two more home runs yesterday. Shame that Andrew McCuthen got hurt. He was a leader both on and off the field, and, along with Bruce, would've given te Phillies more depth.
Aaron Nola finished his first-half at 9-2 and has established himself as the Nola of old. He is the only reliable pitcher in the rotation.
I will analyze the Phillies' first half starting tomorrow in the blog. The Phils come out of the break playing surging Washington, the red-hot Dodgers, the surprising Pirates in Pittsburgh, the rebuilding tigers in Detroit, and division-leading Atlanta.
- I wanted to see the U.S. Woman's soccer team to lose. Not that I'm unpatriotic and don't root for American teams. This soccer team is cocky and arrogant, especially so-called "star" Megan Reputo. It's all her, a typical millennial, and outwardly asks for more money.
It's fun to see juggernauts finally lose. Remember the UCLA college men's basketball team back in the late-60s and early 70s? Seeing their 88-game winning streak come to a shocking end against Notre Dame was so satisfying.
They will go on with their perfect lives, and some will return in 4 years to defend their Cup. I will root for that Woman's Cup team. Hopefully they are more gracious in their winning ways.
Jake Arrieta sucked on Saturday night and now it's known why: Arrienta has a bone spur in his right elbow. He may be lost for the season.
Arrieta has not been pitching well all season. He is owed $ 20 million next year. The biggest problem is, who to replace him in the starting rotation. Eflin, Pivetta and Valasquez all have talent but have under-achieved. With the July trade deadline looming the club needs two starters, two more relievers and an extra outfielder.
BTW Arrieta was stupid with his post-game comments after he hot three Met batters/ He mentioned something about "denting his ( Todd Fraizer) skull." Arrieta has been a diva and often is unfairly critical of his teammates but not of himself. He has one year left on his contract. He can't be moved now with his arm problems. They only hope is that Arrieta rebounds as he did in 2012 when he had similar medical problems and came back to brilliance.
Arrieta has been only average Philadelphia in two years, while making over $ 800,000 a game. He is annoying and has not delivered.
Thank God for Jay Bruce. He hit two more home runs yesterday. Shame that Andrew McCuthen got hurt. He was a leader both on and off the field, and, along with Bruce, would've given te Phillies more depth.
Aaron Nola finished his first-half at 9-2 and has established himself as the Nola of old. He is the only reliable pitcher in the rotation.
I will analyze the Phillies' first half starting tomorrow in the blog. The Phils come out of the break playing surging Washington, the red-hot Dodgers, the surprising Pirates in Pittsburgh, the rebuilding tigers in Detroit, and division-leading Atlanta.
- I wanted to see the U.S. Woman's soccer team to lose. Not that I'm unpatriotic and don't root for American teams. This soccer team is cocky and arrogant, especially so-called "star" Megan Reputo. It's all her, a typical millennial, and outwardly asks for more money.
It's fun to see juggernauts finally lose. Remember the UCLA college men's basketball team back in the late-60s and early 70s? Seeing their 88-game winning streak come to a shocking end against Notre Dame was so satisfying.
They will go on with their perfect lives, and some will return in 4 years to defend their Cup. I will root for that Woman's Cup team. Hopefully they are more gracious in their winning ways.
Saturday, July 6, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, NBA
Times they are a'changing. After being dominated by the New York Mets since 2015, the Phillies have now won six in a row against their hated rival, including Friday night's 7-2 win.
No longer are met fans invading the Phillies' ballpark, with annoying chants of "Let's Go Mets!" Even up at Citi Field Mets fans go to the games for other reasons than to see their baseball team. Last night it was Jerry Seinfeld Night, highlighted by a Seinfeld bobble head give-away.
The Phils broke a 2-2 tie in the 9th inning with a five-run outburst. Vince Valasquez only went five innings but kept the Phillies in the game against brilliant Mets starter Jacob deGrome. Scott Kingery hit the first pitch of the game out of the park, the first time deGrome surrendered a lead-off home run in his career.
The club played textbook offensive baseball in the 9th, moving runners and getting clutch hit after clutch hit. The much maligned bullpen also did a good job last night. And let's not forget they were playing the awful Mets.
They remain 6 1/2 games behind Atlanta ( who won 1-0 in the bottom of the 9th inning over Miami). They are back in second place in NL East, as Washington lost, falling behind the Phils by 1/2 game.
Jake Arrieta pitches tonight vs. Noah Synderguard.
Odubel Herrera was suspended for the remainder of the season ( 85 games) by Major League Baseball on Friday. He released a statement ( which probably wasn't written by Herrera, apologizing and "looking forward" to playing again for the Phillies in the future.
He better now come back!
Me, along with the majority of Phillies' fans , don't ever want to see Herrera return. Although charges were dropped by his abused girlfriend, Herrera was guilty because he admitted he was guilty. The organization can't justify bringing a known abuser back to a squad where players and coaches have been active advocates for shelters and programs to help abused women. Plus, Herrera is a slacker and a lazy, stupid player, not the player he once was. When the Phillies blinded gave him a contract extension Herrera had no reason to get better. He had his money.
Trade or release him after the season. Just never put Herrera back on the roster.
- Kahwi Leonard, the flashiest free agent in the NBA this summer, inked a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers last last night. He goes to LA with Paul Grorge ( who was obtained by the Clippers for numerous #1 draft picks).
The Clippers may suddenly be the favorites to come out of the West next season and reach the NBA Finals. Clipper-Laker games should be interesting this season, with the combo of Leonard & George vs. LeBron James & Anthony Davis. The Staples Center should be ricking. Maybe Jack Nicolson will make a long-awaited return to the court?
No longer are met fans invading the Phillies' ballpark, with annoying chants of "Let's Go Mets!" Even up at Citi Field Mets fans go to the games for other reasons than to see their baseball team. Last night it was Jerry Seinfeld Night, highlighted by a Seinfeld bobble head give-away.
The Phils broke a 2-2 tie in the 9th inning with a five-run outburst. Vince Valasquez only went five innings but kept the Phillies in the game against brilliant Mets starter Jacob deGrome. Scott Kingery hit the first pitch of the game out of the park, the first time deGrome surrendered a lead-off home run in his career.
The club played textbook offensive baseball in the 9th, moving runners and getting clutch hit after clutch hit. The much maligned bullpen also did a good job last night. And let's not forget they were playing the awful Mets.
They remain 6 1/2 games behind Atlanta ( who won 1-0 in the bottom of the 9th inning over Miami). They are back in second place in NL East, as Washington lost, falling behind the Phils by 1/2 game.
Jake Arrieta pitches tonight vs. Noah Synderguard.
Odubel Herrera was suspended for the remainder of the season ( 85 games) by Major League Baseball on Friday. He released a statement ( which probably wasn't written by Herrera, apologizing and "looking forward" to playing again for the Phillies in the future.
He better now come back!
Me, along with the majority of Phillies' fans , don't ever want to see Herrera return. Although charges were dropped by his abused girlfriend, Herrera was guilty because he admitted he was guilty. The organization can't justify bringing a known abuser back to a squad where players and coaches have been active advocates for shelters and programs to help abused women. Plus, Herrera is a slacker and a lazy, stupid player, not the player he once was. When the Phillies blinded gave him a contract extension Herrera had no reason to get better. He had his money.
Trade or release him after the season. Just never put Herrera back on the roster.
- Kahwi Leonard, the flashiest free agent in the NBA this summer, inked a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers last last night. He goes to LA with Paul Grorge ( who was obtained by the Clippers for numerous #1 draft picks).
The Clippers may suddenly be the favorites to come out of the West next season and reach the NBA Finals. Clipper-Laker games should be interesting this season, with the combo of Leonard & George vs. LeBron James & Anthony Davis. The Staples Center should be ricking. Maybe Jack Nicolson will make a long-awaited return to the court?
Friday, July 5, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
What a three-game series in Atlanta this week! The Phillies win the opener, 2-0, behind a dominating pitching performance by Aaron Nola and Hector Neris. The team moves to within 4 1/2 games of the NL East division leading Braves.
Game 2 went to Atlanta, as the Phillies could not solve the young Atlanta hurler who has an ERA over 8.00 going into the game. Nick Pivetta imploded after the Phils clawed back to only one run behind the braves. Pivetta again raises questions if he is a legitimate major league pitcher. Series tied at 1-1 and Atlanta goes up 5 1/2 games.
Last night the Phillies score 4 runs in the first inning, jumping on the first pitch by Braves sensational pitching rookie, Mike Siroka ( who is now 10-1 in his rookie season, and was named to the National League All-Star squad). But then starter Zach Eflin, who has been the most consistent of the Phillies' young hurlers ( other than Nola) proceeded to implode as well, and suddenly the young braves sored the next 9 runs en route to a frustrating 12-6 Phillies loss.
The Phils dropped to 6 1/2 games, but also dropped into third place behind the surging Washington nationals.
The first half wraps up with a weekend series with the Mets in New York. Revenge will be on the mind of the Mets, who were swept four games in Philadelphia last week. The Phillies missed both Jacob deGrome and Noah Synddergard in Philly. No such luck this time as the pair go Friday and Saturday nights against the Phils.
As the team limps into the break, someone needs to take the blame for their second collapse under Manager Gabe Kapler. Kapler may be fired at the end of the season but not now. Changing managers in mid-stream just isn't the Phillies' way of doing things. The players need a fresh voice, someone who isn't all positive, someone who will hold the players accountable.
GM Matt Klentek needs to be fired after the season. He has done a horrible job getitng reinforcements. The farm system is a disaster. Just compare the Phillies' organization with the braves and see how the Phillies pale in comparision.
Start with firing the pitching and hitting coaches. It may help a bit. Sadly, the Phillies are teaching their young prospects in the minors all about "launch-angle" nonsense, so it's an organizational flaw, not just in Philadelphia.
They let go of a fine pitching coach last season, who got the best out of Nola, and who is now guiding the Atlanta young staff, in favor of Chris Young, an obviously inept guy. The Phillies pitching staff are on a pace to give up the most home runs ever in the major league. Not just a team record but a baseball record.
Why is everyone of their young pitchers going bad? No improvement, no progress, in fact these guys are digressing.
Both the hitters and pitchers are being given too much information . They are thinking too much instead of just reacting.
If the team doesn't hit home runs they don't win. They can't play small ball or move runner son the bases, although they did just that in the first inning last night, scoring four runs before changing their plan of action for some reason.
So, they give up too many homers and don't hit enough. Simple.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a change of coaches over the break, but Kapler has said he won't change coaches now and will evaluate after the season.
As the Phils continue to slide will Klentek make any major moves on the trade front? They don't have the farm system to gut and should not give up prospects like Alex Bohn or Adam Heasley. In fact, I'm starting to have doubts on the J.T. Realmuto trade. Jorge Alfaro still has his defensive problems at catcher but is hitting well with power. And the Phillies' top pitching prospect, Sixto Sanchez, is playing in the futures Game this weekend.
This team was built to win in 2019. Why else trade for Realmuto? For the front office to say this was still a rebuilding year would be stupid and a lie. The truth is, the players have underperformed and the coaches and front office have failed the players and the fans.
Game 2 went to Atlanta, as the Phillies could not solve the young Atlanta hurler who has an ERA over 8.00 going into the game. Nick Pivetta imploded after the Phils clawed back to only one run behind the braves. Pivetta again raises questions if he is a legitimate major league pitcher. Series tied at 1-1 and Atlanta goes up 5 1/2 games.
Last night the Phillies score 4 runs in the first inning, jumping on the first pitch by Braves sensational pitching rookie, Mike Siroka ( who is now 10-1 in his rookie season, and was named to the National League All-Star squad). But then starter Zach Eflin, who has been the most consistent of the Phillies' young hurlers ( other than Nola) proceeded to implode as well, and suddenly the young braves sored the next 9 runs en route to a frustrating 12-6 Phillies loss.
The Phils dropped to 6 1/2 games, but also dropped into third place behind the surging Washington nationals.
The first half wraps up with a weekend series with the Mets in New York. Revenge will be on the mind of the Mets, who were swept four games in Philadelphia last week. The Phillies missed both Jacob deGrome and Noah Synddergard in Philly. No such luck this time as the pair go Friday and Saturday nights against the Phils.
As the team limps into the break, someone needs to take the blame for their second collapse under Manager Gabe Kapler. Kapler may be fired at the end of the season but not now. Changing managers in mid-stream just isn't the Phillies' way of doing things. The players need a fresh voice, someone who isn't all positive, someone who will hold the players accountable.
GM Matt Klentek needs to be fired after the season. He has done a horrible job getitng reinforcements. The farm system is a disaster. Just compare the Phillies' organization with the braves and see how the Phillies pale in comparision.
Start with firing the pitching and hitting coaches. It may help a bit. Sadly, the Phillies are teaching their young prospects in the minors all about "launch-angle" nonsense, so it's an organizational flaw, not just in Philadelphia.
They let go of a fine pitching coach last season, who got the best out of Nola, and who is now guiding the Atlanta young staff, in favor of Chris Young, an obviously inept guy. The Phillies pitching staff are on a pace to give up the most home runs ever in the major league. Not just a team record but a baseball record.
Why is everyone of their young pitchers going bad? No improvement, no progress, in fact these guys are digressing.
Both the hitters and pitchers are being given too much information . They are thinking too much instead of just reacting.
If the team doesn't hit home runs they don't win. They can't play small ball or move runner son the bases, although they did just that in the first inning last night, scoring four runs before changing their plan of action for some reason.
So, they give up too many homers and don't hit enough. Simple.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a change of coaches over the break, but Kapler has said he won't change coaches now and will evaluate after the season.
As the Phils continue to slide will Klentek make any major moves on the trade front? They don't have the farm system to gut and should not give up prospects like Alex Bohn or Adam Heasley. In fact, I'm starting to have doubts on the J.T. Realmuto trade. Jorge Alfaro still has his defensive problems at catcher but is hitting well with power. And the Phillies' top pitching prospect, Sixto Sanchez, is playing in the futures Game this weekend.
This team was built to win in 2019. Why else trade for Realmuto? For the front office to say this was still a rebuilding year would be stupid and a lie. The truth is, the players have underperformed and the coaches and front office have failed the players and the fans.
Thursday, July 4, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
So we knew the Phillies probably wouldn't sweep in Atlanta. The braves are just too good. But I didn't think they would get torched as they did last night in Atlanta, losing 9-2 and falling 5 1/2 games behind the young Braves.
Atlanta can afford to swap games. The Phils need sweeps, or at least to win the series. That's why tonight's final game in Atlanta is so big.
Atlanta visits Citizens Bank Park later in July, where they were swept by Philadelphia in the very first series of the season. It's a long season and the Phillies still have time to make up ground after the All-Star break. But the finale tonight counts as two games and a victory would give the Phillies momentum heading into New York and the break. 4 1/2 games back looks a lot better than 6 1/2 games behind.
Zach Eflin, who has been the most consistent of the young Philly starters takes the ball tonight.
Inconsistent Nick Pivetta once again showed he isn't cut out for pressure-packed, down the stretch games. Pivetta surrounded a pair of three-run homers against the Braves. I thought he had it all figured out earlier this spring when he returned from Lehigh Valley, worked fast, threw strikes and finally looked like he was living up to his potential.
Instead, he has regressed. blame Pivetta, or the terrible pitching coach, or both. He just isn't getting the job done. GM Matt Klentek needs to trade for pitching help ASAP. I wouldn't give up the farm ( what farm?) but help is needed/ Another starter, bullpen help and another outfielder. Klentek is not very aggressive making deals ( look at some of his previous ho-hum, boring July trade deadlines).
If the Phillies lose tonight and go down 6 1/2 games, do the Phillies suddenly because sellers instead of buyers? Tonight's game could effect trades, player's futures with the club, and whether the team focuses on the wild card race instead of the NL East for the remainder of the summer.
Last night, after Pivetta gave up a three-run homer to Josh Donaldson ( wouldn't he look good in Phillies' red pinstripes?), the Phils did battle back. Bryce Harper blasted an opposite field homer, followed by a Rhys Hoskins double and a J.T. Realmuto single to make it 3-2. Realmuto made a base running mistake when he killed the rally by getting thrown out at second base. Too many base running errors this season.
Everything imploded in the bottom of the 6th inning when Atlanta scored six runs and put the game out of reach. Juan Nicosio, not a favorite reliever of mine, added to the massacre after Pivetta was yanked.
Gabe Kapler obviously pulled Pivetta too late. But let's really blame GM Matt Klentek, who hasn't done enough to help this club. The scary thing is, the braves are young and good; the Phils are older and not as good. plus their farm system is shaky while the Atlanta farm system is brimming with prospects.
Another reason why, if the Phillies do not reach the playoffs in 2019, both Kapler and Klentek should be fired after the season. Plus the pitching and hitting coaches. Clean house and start fresh in spring training next year.
But first...a crucial game in Atlanta tonight.
Atlanta can afford to swap games. The Phils need sweeps, or at least to win the series. That's why tonight's final game in Atlanta is so big.
Atlanta visits Citizens Bank Park later in July, where they were swept by Philadelphia in the very first series of the season. It's a long season and the Phillies still have time to make up ground after the All-Star break. But the finale tonight counts as two games and a victory would give the Phillies momentum heading into New York and the break. 4 1/2 games back looks a lot better than 6 1/2 games behind.
Zach Eflin, who has been the most consistent of the young Philly starters takes the ball tonight.
Inconsistent Nick Pivetta once again showed he isn't cut out for pressure-packed, down the stretch games. Pivetta surrounded a pair of three-run homers against the Braves. I thought he had it all figured out earlier this spring when he returned from Lehigh Valley, worked fast, threw strikes and finally looked like he was living up to his potential.
Instead, he has regressed. blame Pivetta, or the terrible pitching coach, or both. He just isn't getting the job done. GM Matt Klentek needs to trade for pitching help ASAP. I wouldn't give up the farm ( what farm?) but help is needed/ Another starter, bullpen help and another outfielder. Klentek is not very aggressive making deals ( look at some of his previous ho-hum, boring July trade deadlines).
If the Phillies lose tonight and go down 6 1/2 games, do the Phillies suddenly because sellers instead of buyers? Tonight's game could effect trades, player's futures with the club, and whether the team focuses on the wild card race instead of the NL East for the remainder of the summer.
Last night, after Pivetta gave up a three-run homer to Josh Donaldson ( wouldn't he look good in Phillies' red pinstripes?), the Phils did battle back. Bryce Harper blasted an opposite field homer, followed by a Rhys Hoskins double and a J.T. Realmuto single to make it 3-2. Realmuto made a base running mistake when he killed the rally by getting thrown out at second base. Too many base running errors this season.
Everything imploded in the bottom of the 6th inning when Atlanta scored six runs and put the game out of reach. Juan Nicosio, not a favorite reliever of mine, added to the massacre after Pivetta was yanked.
Gabe Kapler obviously pulled Pivetta too late. But let's really blame GM Matt Klentek, who hasn't done enough to help this club. The scary thing is, the braves are young and good; the Phils are older and not as good. plus their farm system is shaky while the Atlanta farm system is brimming with prospects.
Another reason why, if the Phillies do not reach the playoffs in 2019, both Kapler and Klentek should be fired after the season. Plus the pitching and hitting coaches. Clean house and start fresh in spring training next year.
But first...a crucial game in Atlanta tonight.
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, SIXERS
Step One in catching the braves- winning the first game of the biggest series of the year so far. The Phillies did just that last night in Atlanta, shutting out the mighty Braves, 2-0. Aaron Nola again looked like the Nola of old, going 8 dominating innings, giving up only 4 hits and striking out 8 Braves.
Obviously, Nola loves the summer heat and humidity, similar to his home weather conditions in Louisiana. It's nice to know Nola has returned, just in time for the stretch run this summer.
Nola has had better control and seems to have made a technical adjustment in his delivery.
Meanwhile, Hector Neris struck out the side in the 9th inning to save the big win.As Atlanta expected the splitter, Neris was blowing his fastball past the young Brave hitters. If Neris can be this type of dominating closer in the second half of the season the Phils will win a lot more games.
Jay Bruce knocked in he only two runs the team would need. The offense is still struggling and lacks consistency. If the Phillies don't hit home runs they usually don't win. They don't play small ball very well. Hardly any bunts, hit-and-runs or steals to move guys on the bases.
The club is now 4 1/2 games behind Atlanta in National League East. Nick Pivetta starts tonight. It's easily the biggest start of his career. Time for these young hurlers to put up or shut up.
- The Sixers gave Ben Simmons a five-year extension to his contract. But why?
He has yet to prove he has been working on improving his jump shot or even wanting to shoot beyond ten feet of the basket. And what about his awful free throw shooting? He disappeared in the Toronto playoff series, with jimmy butler carrying the load and forcing the eventual champion Raptors to a close 7th game of their series. They allow Butler to walk to Miami yet they extend Simmons?
Makes no sense.
Yes, Simmons is an All-Star with enormous potential. He and Joel Embiid make up the core of the 76ers, who have a two-year window to win a championship or else. Unless GM Elton Brand traded Simmons this summer for help, they almost had to invest their future with Simmons. No way Coach Brett Brown was going to agree to parting with his favorite player in Simmons.
So, the Sixers are going all-in with Ben, hoping he will come into camp in the fall with a jump shot and shock the world.
Let's hope so.
Obviously, Nola loves the summer heat and humidity, similar to his home weather conditions in Louisiana. It's nice to know Nola has returned, just in time for the stretch run this summer.
Nola has had better control and seems to have made a technical adjustment in his delivery.
Meanwhile, Hector Neris struck out the side in the 9th inning to save the big win.As Atlanta expected the splitter, Neris was blowing his fastball past the young Brave hitters. If Neris can be this type of dominating closer in the second half of the season the Phils will win a lot more games.
Jay Bruce knocked in he only two runs the team would need. The offense is still struggling and lacks consistency. If the Phillies don't hit home runs they usually don't win. They don't play small ball very well. Hardly any bunts, hit-and-runs or steals to move guys on the bases.
The club is now 4 1/2 games behind Atlanta in National League East. Nick Pivetta starts tonight. It's easily the biggest start of his career. Time for these young hurlers to put up or shut up.
- The Sixers gave Ben Simmons a five-year extension to his contract. But why?
He has yet to prove he has been working on improving his jump shot or even wanting to shoot beyond ten feet of the basket. And what about his awful free throw shooting? He disappeared in the Toronto playoff series, with jimmy butler carrying the load and forcing the eventual champion Raptors to a close 7th game of their series. They allow Butler to walk to Miami yet they extend Simmons?
Makes no sense.
Yes, Simmons is an All-Star with enormous potential. He and Joel Embiid make up the core of the 76ers, who have a two-year window to win a championship or else. Unless GM Elton Brand traded Simmons this summer for help, they almost had to invest their future with Simmons. No way Coach Brett Brown was going to agree to parting with his favorite player in Simmons.
So, the Sixers are going all-in with Ben, hoping he will come into camp in the fall with a jump shot and shock the world.
Let's hope so.
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
MOVIE REVIEW- YESTERDAY
I am a huge Beatles fan. I've been looking forward to seeing the movie "Yesterday" for a long time. I saw it at the historic Colonial Theater in Phoenixville with about ten other people on a Monday afternoon in summer.
"Yesterday" is a good film but not great. I went because of The Beatles and their music. And there is lots of Beatles' music in the film. I actually looked forwarded and welcomed the refreshing songs when the bad love story angle got too annoying.
The end proves to be too sappy for my taste, almost like a Hallmark movie.Less love story more fantasy sci-fi angle would've made the film so much better.
The movie takes a few chances, especially allowing us to meet a 78-year-old John Lennon near the end, but it doesn't go all out in the "what-if" world. Still, it's a fun summer movie, not to be picked apart by loyal Beatle fans.
The lead actor ( Hamesh Patel) does an ok job. I never watched the BBC show EastEnders from which he became famous, so I didn't recognize him. He doesn't have much charm and one wonders what the beautiful manager played by Lily James sees in the always-sulking guy. He is way out of her league and a loser. Ultimately even a bigger loser since he ripped off The Beatles' music.
I was shocked at the Lennon scene. I can understand where some Lennon devotees will be pissed at the idea of bringing john back. But I suppose the scene could've been worse, done with less respect for John. We are left wondering if Yoko is still his wife. I doubt it, as this John Lennon was never famous. He is an artist in the film, a nice touch as john was in Art School before The Beatles exploded.
I liked the idea of other things disappearing from our world, such as Coke and Harry Potter and cigarettes, not just The Beatles, which would've been too easy. And what was it that caused the 12 second blackout worldwide/ A solar flare? That is never really explained and that is ok for debate.
Why do only three people in the entire world remember The Beatles/ Where did they get the toy Yellow Submarine from? How did the two other Beatle survivors find each other? How did they locate John's address?
By now you must know the premise of the film- a struggling singer/songwriter is one of few people who remembers the Beatles after the lights go out and he is hit by a bus and awakes in a hospital. Was it really all from a concussion or a bad dream?
He decides to use The Beatles' music as his own and soars to fame. He is guilt-ridden later and admits his dishonesty at the end. Instead of being arrested or hated for his offensive, people love him anyway because he anointed the entire world with beatles' music. He sends his recordings out for free via the Internet and screws his record company and new manager ( an unrealistic turn by SNL's own Kate McKinnon).
He wins back the girl at the end, they have kids and live happily ever after. The rest of the world continues without The Beatles or ever knowing the Fab Four. What a sad world it is!
An interesting point is that even The Beatles' brilliant songs didn't go over well at first, because they didn't have the right audience. Plus the world missed the charm of the Fab Four themselves. And that is what ultimately left me cold about 'Yesterday"- the music is the best but I still missed the Liverpool moptops delivering the songs in their youthful, energetic style, not some hack who looks distraught most of the time and hardly smiles or has fun.
The Beatles were Fun. Because they were having fun, we had fun with their records and seeing them on TV. Their fun spread to us. The movie "Yesterday" does not.
** Out of four stars.
"Yesterday" is a good film but not great. I went because of The Beatles and their music. And there is lots of Beatles' music in the film. I actually looked forwarded and welcomed the refreshing songs when the bad love story angle got too annoying.
The end proves to be too sappy for my taste, almost like a Hallmark movie.Less love story more fantasy sci-fi angle would've made the film so much better.
The movie takes a few chances, especially allowing us to meet a 78-year-old John Lennon near the end, but it doesn't go all out in the "what-if" world. Still, it's a fun summer movie, not to be picked apart by loyal Beatle fans.
The lead actor ( Hamesh Patel) does an ok job. I never watched the BBC show EastEnders from which he became famous, so I didn't recognize him. He doesn't have much charm and one wonders what the beautiful manager played by Lily James sees in the always-sulking guy. He is way out of her league and a loser. Ultimately even a bigger loser since he ripped off The Beatles' music.
I was shocked at the Lennon scene. I can understand where some Lennon devotees will be pissed at the idea of bringing john back. But I suppose the scene could've been worse, done with less respect for John. We are left wondering if Yoko is still his wife. I doubt it, as this John Lennon was never famous. He is an artist in the film, a nice touch as john was in Art School before The Beatles exploded.
I liked the idea of other things disappearing from our world, such as Coke and Harry Potter and cigarettes, not just The Beatles, which would've been too easy. And what was it that caused the 12 second blackout worldwide/ A solar flare? That is never really explained and that is ok for debate.
Why do only three people in the entire world remember The Beatles/ Where did they get the toy Yellow Submarine from? How did the two other Beatle survivors find each other? How did they locate John's address?
By now you must know the premise of the film- a struggling singer/songwriter is one of few people who remembers the Beatles after the lights go out and he is hit by a bus and awakes in a hospital. Was it really all from a concussion or a bad dream?
He decides to use The Beatles' music as his own and soars to fame. He is guilt-ridden later and admits his dishonesty at the end. Instead of being arrested or hated for his offensive, people love him anyway because he anointed the entire world with beatles' music. He sends his recordings out for free via the Internet and screws his record company and new manager ( an unrealistic turn by SNL's own Kate McKinnon).
He wins back the girl at the end, they have kids and live happily ever after. The rest of the world continues without The Beatles or ever knowing the Fab Four. What a sad world it is!
An interesting point is that even The Beatles' brilliant songs didn't go over well at first, because they didn't have the right audience. Plus the world missed the charm of the Fab Four themselves. And that is what ultimately left me cold about 'Yesterday"- the music is the best but I still missed the Liverpool moptops delivering the songs in their youthful, energetic style, not some hack who looks distraught most of the time and hardly smiles or has fun.
The Beatles were Fun. Because they were having fun, we had fun with their records and seeing them on TV. Their fun spread to us. The movie "Yesterday" does not.
** Out of four stars.
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