Yesterday's loss to the Braves in Atlanta just about summed up the entire 2019 Phillies season. Inconsistent hitting and bad managing ruled the day. Even though the Phils took two of three from the Braves it still isn't good enough. With time running out on the season and four teams to jump over, the Phillies need every win they can get.
Gabe Kapler screwed up again. It could have been the easiest decision of the year, yet one that may seal his fate as a manager.
With Atlanta runners on second and third and Freddie Freeman up, Kapler didn't elect to walk the hot Freeman ( one of the best hitters in baseball) with an open base and pitch to Duvall on deck. Never mind that Freeman is hitting well over .300 and is a lefty against righty Aaron Nola. Kapler went with analytics and got burned.
Freeman attacked the first pitch, probably before Kapler could change his mind, lacing a two-run single to right and putting the Braves up to stay.
Hopefully Owner John Middleton was watching and took note of the obvious move which was ignore, in favor of stupid numbers. This happened on the same day when equally inept General Manager Matt Klentek again gave his manager a ringing endorsement. Klentek is so sure he won't be fired that he is in Atlanta, conducting exit interviews with players ( exit interviews? But weren't they supposed to make the playoffs?).
Now the Phillies travel to Cleveland to face another desperate team in the Indians for a weekend series. Then it is five big games in Washington next week.
Even if the club wins they can still be eliminated soon if the Cubbies, Brewers, Mets or Nationals continue to win. Finishing below New York in NL East may insurance big changes are on the way after the season ends.
The Eagles are preparing for Sunday, when they take on the lions. For only the third game of the season it's already a must-win situation. Next up after Detroit is a trip to Green Bay next Thursday night. Lose on Sunday and the Birds could soon be 1-3 with that brutal three-game road trip to Minnesota, Dallas and Buffalo looming in October.
Losing winnable home games early would hurt with getting home field advantage in the playoffs down the road.
Even without key weapons like Alshon Jeffrey and DeSean Jackson on Sunday, the Eagles must find a way to win. Getting a pass rush on Lion QB Matthew Stafford , not turning the ball over, and getting off to a fast start are all key elements to a big victory.
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