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.
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