The Phillies came up small again yesterday in Cincinnati, losing 4-3 in 11 inings and splitting their four-game series. Disappointing since the Phils won the first two games and appeared to be assured of at least taking 3 of 4 from the Reds.
With the Cubs winning last night, the Phillies are now a full four games out of the second wild card spot ( 14 games from 1st place in NL East).
When this season started there is much hope. The team signed Bryce Harper and traded for J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura. The feeling was that the Phils would be the favorites in NL East with the Braves and Nationals and maybe the Mets behind. The playoffs seemed very realistic. Hope sprang eternal for this summer and years to come. Fan bought tickets and Harper jerseys like crazy.
Would you ever think the 2019 Philadelphia Phillies would be 14 games behind Atlanta in September?
The bullpen blew it again in Cincinnati. Only Neris and Alvarez deserve to be on a major league roster out of the bullpen. Inept manager Kapler used 9 pitchers. Again, his moves were questioned. That's going to happen when your team underachieves.
Realmuto is having a career year. The Phillies need to sign him long-term. Harper is also have a good year. How many more seasons will be wasted in his prime?
Owner John Middleton needs to look long-term and ask "What direction is this team going?" The arrow is pointing down right now. Middleton needs to make changes.
Firing Kapler and GM Klentek is a good start.
Team President Andy MacPhail and his "If we don't, we don't" attitude should go as well. His leisurely attitude had seeped down to the coaches and players. the GM says, 'Let's think about next year."
It's not too late to make a change, Mr Middleton! Do the right thing- for the fans!
The Phils open a weekend series with the Mets in New York tonight. Zach Eflin takes the mound. The Mets can overtake the Phillies this weekend. They are only a game behind Philly. Arizona has jumped ahead of the Phillies in the second wild card race.
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