Coincidence? The Phillies score 11 runs the night when Charley Manuel takes over as hitting coach. Maybe it was his early instruction or psychologically it helped the batters to relax. Whatever the reason, it worked.
The Phils won 11-1 over the Cubs, taking the first two games of the series. The team remains 2 games in back of the final wild card spot. They do jump in front of the losing Mets.
The approach seemed simple: see the ball and hit the ball. Guys were aggressive and swinging at fastballs and strikes. They weren't flailing at balls in the dirt. They weren't trying to pull everything. Hit the ball where it is pitched. Swing easy and relax.
If the club improves will Charley get the credit? Already chants of "Charley! Charley!" erupted from the crowd at Citizens Bank Park. If the Phils make the playoffs will Charley stay? Will Kapler get fired, even if they make the post-season?
It was a refreshing change of attitude last night. I'll be at the ballpark tonight, hoping for the sweep of Chicago. It will be interesting to feel the atmosphere in South Philly tonight, especially if the Phillies have their hitting shoes on again.
Cole Hamels looked nervous and lost against his old team. I think he knows he should be pitching for Philly, not against them. Hamels still seemed to have life on his fastball, combined with his famous change-up and biting curve. He wasn't hitting his spots and the new-found Phils were teeing-off.
I still want the team to bring Hamels in next season, along with another Cole- Garrit Cole, the excellent right-hander from Houston.
Drew Symley vs Yu Darvish tonight. Darvish is notorious for being a slow worker so expect a longer game if the Phils don't knock him out early. The Phillies then host the San Diego Padres and Manny Machado over the weekend.
Bryce Harper hit a pair of long homers last night. He now has 24 and seems to be finally getting hot. Harper's over/under for the year was around 34 when the season began. I'm sure there are a lot of betters in the area who put a few bucks on Harper hitting more than 34 home runs who will be watching anxiously in the next six weeks or so.
- The Eagles play pre-season game # 2 tonight in Jacksonville. Don't expect either Carson Wentz or Nick Foles to play. Looks like the only way they will match-up in the next few seasons is if the Jags and the Birds play in a Super bowl together.
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