Disability Scoop provides this bit of news..
The sensory experiences of people on the spectrum take canter stage in a new documentary set to air on television.
In what the film creator's say is a first, "Spectrum: A Story of the Mind" looks at autism through the lens of taste, smell, touch, sight and sound.
"This film goes beyond awareness into acceptance," said producer Jill Jones.
"Our society often mistakenly views people on the spectrum with fear, as lacking empathy. We explore worlds where lights, sounds, colors affect behavior hoping to educate and inspire empathy from neurotypical people," Jones said.
Using live action and animation, the documentary tells the story of autism from the perspective of various people on the spectrum including renowned self-advocate Temple Grandin as well as a nonverbal poet and author, a painter and a martial artist.
The 23-minute film, which premiered in 2015 at the United Nations as part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, will air starting April 4 on PBS stations across the country.
Friday, March 10, 2017
CHIRPING BIRDS- FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
My random thoughts on the Eagles' big day...
At first I wasn't sure what to think about the Eagles signing WRs Torry Smith and Alshon Jeffery yesterday, especially the unexpected inking of Jeffery to a one-year contract. Then I liked it..for the following reasons:
Finally, someone actually wants to play in Philly. Jeffery turned down more money to "bet on himself" in a contract year. Jeffery will be a motivated player, and won't screw it up by taking meds again.
The move gives Philly fans hope. After enduring the Sixers and Phillies' recent "Trust the Process" rebuilds, finally, a Philly today is going for it, actually getting good players NOW, giving the city much-needed excitement.
If Jeffery plays well, the Birds can resign him for more years. They can franchise him for an extra year. Or they can let him walk, no harm. Same for Smith, who gives the team speed and will stretch the field and allow Jeffery and Ertz and Matthews work underneath. Smith is signed to a 3-year contract, the last two years being option years.
Howie Rossman makes more bold moves, and seems to be listening to player personnel guy Joe Douglas. Howie needs to manage the cap, as currently, the team is over the salary cap. Cuts will be coming, including Ryan Mathews, Mychal Kendricks and possibly Jason Kelcie.
The moves also give the Eagles flexibility in the upcoming draft. They have their weapons for Carson Wentz now ( and won't it be fun to imagine Wentz with receivers who can catch the ball and make plays for more than 5 yards at a time), so they don't necessarily need to draft a wide receiver in the first round of the draft. They could draft a WR like Mike Williams for the future. Or they can focus on defense, especially corner backs.
The team could haul in at least two corner backs in the April draft. DBs are deep this year, so the Birds could select a young WR or even a running back early, then cash in at defensive back later.
Why not really give Wentz some weapons and draft RB Delvin Cook if he is there at #14? Cook is an explosive, speedy back, who along with the new receivers, would give the Birds a suddenly-potent offensive. Add another receiver later in the draft (Cooper Kupp?) and instantly the Eagles are formidable on offense.
The fans now have something to look forward to this fall. With their easier schedule, the Eagles can be competitive with Dallas and the Giants. The Eagles return to prime time games, and excitement builds later in the season like old times. Suddenly, if the Eagles fill their holes, especially on defense, the layoffs are a realistic goal.
Would I rather have Brandin Cooks from New Orleans as my long-term receiver answer? yes. But for now, the Eagles are better. They finally have play makers, home run hitters, yet can still build through the draft with younger players.
GM Rossman has put his neck on the line.Give him credit for thinking out of the box and going for it. If these moves blow up, and especially if Wentz fails in time, Howie will be gone and the Eagles will need to start over.But kudos to Rossman and owner Jeff Laurie for NOT being patient and for giving Eagle fans something to smile about.
Under the radar is the signing of guard Chance Warmack, a former top ten pick who played four years for Tennessee. Another move which gives the team flexibility on the offensive line, and which allows the front office to make cuts and moves going forward.
Yes, the Eagles need defensive end help, now that Connor Barwin is gone. An elite pass rusher would be nice. It's also time for highly-paid Vinny Curry to step it up and earn his big paycheck. How will Fletcher Cox play with Bennie Logan by his side?
Sports is supposed to be entertaining na d fun. The Eagles have made football season fun again. I can't wait for the schedule to come out soon, and for the NFL Draft in Philadelphia in late April.
At first I wasn't sure what to think about the Eagles signing WRs Torry Smith and Alshon Jeffery yesterday, especially the unexpected inking of Jeffery to a one-year contract. Then I liked it..for the following reasons:
Finally, someone actually wants to play in Philly. Jeffery turned down more money to "bet on himself" in a contract year. Jeffery will be a motivated player, and won't screw it up by taking meds again.
The move gives Philly fans hope. After enduring the Sixers and Phillies' recent "Trust the Process" rebuilds, finally, a Philly today is going for it, actually getting good players NOW, giving the city much-needed excitement.
If Jeffery plays well, the Birds can resign him for more years. They can franchise him for an extra year. Or they can let him walk, no harm. Same for Smith, who gives the team speed and will stretch the field and allow Jeffery and Ertz and Matthews work underneath. Smith is signed to a 3-year contract, the last two years being option years.
Howie Rossman makes more bold moves, and seems to be listening to player personnel guy Joe Douglas. Howie needs to manage the cap, as currently, the team is over the salary cap. Cuts will be coming, including Ryan Mathews, Mychal Kendricks and possibly Jason Kelcie.
The moves also give the Eagles flexibility in the upcoming draft. They have their weapons for Carson Wentz now ( and won't it be fun to imagine Wentz with receivers who can catch the ball and make plays for more than 5 yards at a time), so they don't necessarily need to draft a wide receiver in the first round of the draft. They could draft a WR like Mike Williams for the future. Or they can focus on defense, especially corner backs.
The team could haul in at least two corner backs in the April draft. DBs are deep this year, so the Birds could select a young WR or even a running back early, then cash in at defensive back later.
Why not really give Wentz some weapons and draft RB Delvin Cook if he is there at #14? Cook is an explosive, speedy back, who along with the new receivers, would give the Birds a suddenly-potent offensive. Add another receiver later in the draft (Cooper Kupp?) and instantly the Eagles are formidable on offense.
The fans now have something to look forward to this fall. With their easier schedule, the Eagles can be competitive with Dallas and the Giants. The Eagles return to prime time games, and excitement builds later in the season like old times. Suddenly, if the Eagles fill their holes, especially on defense, the layoffs are a realistic goal.
Would I rather have Brandin Cooks from New Orleans as my long-term receiver answer? yes. But for now, the Eagles are better. They finally have play makers, home run hitters, yet can still build through the draft with younger players.
GM Rossman has put his neck on the line.Give him credit for thinking out of the box and going for it. If these moves blow up, and especially if Wentz fails in time, Howie will be gone and the Eagles will need to start over.But kudos to Rossman and owner Jeff Laurie for NOT being patient and for giving Eagle fans something to smile about.
Under the radar is the signing of guard Chance Warmack, a former top ten pick who played four years for Tennessee. Another move which gives the team flexibility on the offensive line, and which allows the front office to make cuts and moves going forward.
Yes, the Eagles need defensive end help, now that Connor Barwin is gone. An elite pass rusher would be nice. It's also time for highly-paid Vinny Curry to step it up and earn his big paycheck. How will Fletcher Cox play with Bennie Logan by his side?
Sports is supposed to be entertaining na d fun. The Eagles have made football season fun again. I can't wait for the schedule to come out soon, and for the NFL Draft in Philadelphia in late April.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
IN THE NEWS- GOP PLAN TO REPLACE OBAMACARE CALLS FOR MEDIAID CAPS
From Disability Scoop...
A Republican proposal to revamp the nation's health care system would fundamentally alter Medicaid, threatening access to community-based services for people with developmental disabilities.
The plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act unveiled by;leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week calls for new limits on federal Medicaid spending.
Rather than provide matching grants to states to cover anyone who meets eligibility requirements, the federal government would impose what's known as a per capita at has operated as an entitlement since its inception in 1965. And, such a change would trigger deep consequences for people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid to access everything from doctors to support services to live in the community, advocates say.
"The legislation revealed by House Republicans- is a giant step backwards in the treatment and care of individuals with disabilities," said Curt Decker, executive director of the National Disability Rights Network. "It caps Medicaid funding which means a sharp reduction in services and availability of this important health care lifeline for children and adults with disabilities. In short, this plan is terrible."
It's not clear yet exactly how much money Uncle Sam would provide states for Medicaid under the new plan. however, an estimate from the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggests that a per capita cap would mean $116 billion less in federal funding for Medcaid over 10 years, with states left to make up the difference.
"Let there be no doubt about it- caps mean cuts," said Nicole Jorwic, director of rights policy at The Arc. "This will lead to cuts in services and longer waiting lists."
"Every service will be at stake if this bill passes," Jorwic added. "States will have to make decisions about access and what services are provided based on their bottom lines, not what they need to do to meet the needs of their residents."
People with developmental disabilities could lose home and community-based services and coverage of mental health, personal care, rehabilitation services, prescription drugs, respite care and other benefits could be slashed.
What's more the proposed legislation also calls for an end to Medicaid expansion, which advocates say has helped people with disabilities, their families and direct support providers access health care.
Disability advocacy groups are rallying their troops to oppose the measure by encouraging families to talk to their state and federal lawmakers about how Medicaid affects people with developmental disabilities on a personal level. Nearly 1,000 people from across the country participated in an emergency call this week to discuss next steps.
Meanwhile, House Republicans are planning to move quickly with the legislation and already held two committee hearings on Wednesday.
"With (this) legislation, we return power back to the states- strengthening Medicaid and prioritizing our nation's most vulnerable," said Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, in a statement.
However, there are signs that the health care overhaul may not be a done deal with Democrats and some Republicans expressing reservations about the proposal.
"It is very important for advocates to speak up and tell their stories," Jorwic said.
A Republican proposal to revamp the nation's health care system would fundamentally alter Medicaid, threatening access to community-based services for people with developmental disabilities.
The plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act unveiled by;leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week calls for new limits on federal Medicaid spending.
Rather than provide matching grants to states to cover anyone who meets eligibility requirements, the federal government would impose what's known as a per capita at has operated as an entitlement since its inception in 1965. And, such a change would trigger deep consequences for people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid to access everything from doctors to support services to live in the community, advocates say.
"The legislation revealed by House Republicans- is a giant step backwards in the treatment and care of individuals with disabilities," said Curt Decker, executive director of the National Disability Rights Network. "It caps Medicaid funding which means a sharp reduction in services and availability of this important health care lifeline for children and adults with disabilities. In short, this plan is terrible."
It's not clear yet exactly how much money Uncle Sam would provide states for Medicaid under the new plan. however, an estimate from the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggests that a per capita cap would mean $116 billion less in federal funding for Medcaid over 10 years, with states left to make up the difference.
"Let there be no doubt about it- caps mean cuts," said Nicole Jorwic, director of rights policy at The Arc. "This will lead to cuts in services and longer waiting lists."
"Every service will be at stake if this bill passes," Jorwic added. "States will have to make decisions about access and what services are provided based on their bottom lines, not what they need to do to meet the needs of their residents."
People with developmental disabilities could lose home and community-based services and coverage of mental health, personal care, rehabilitation services, prescription drugs, respite care and other benefits could be slashed.
What's more the proposed legislation also calls for an end to Medicaid expansion, which advocates say has helped people with disabilities, their families and direct support providers access health care.
Disability advocacy groups are rallying their troops to oppose the measure by encouraging families to talk to their state and federal lawmakers about how Medicaid affects people with developmental disabilities on a personal level. Nearly 1,000 people from across the country participated in an emergency call this week to discuss next steps.
Meanwhile, House Republicans are planning to move quickly with the legislation and already held two committee hearings on Wednesday.
"With (this) legislation, we return power back to the states- strengthening Medicaid and prioritizing our nation's most vulnerable," said Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, in a statement.
However, there are signs that the health care overhaul may not be a done deal with Democrats and some Republicans expressing reservations about the proposal.
"It is very important for advocates to speak up and tell their stories," Jorwic said.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
IN THE NEWS- DISNEY GUIDE AIMS TO HELP GUESTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
This from the Journal-News...
When Amy Schinner realized there wasn't a comprehensive guide for guests with special needs to travel to Disney World, she decided she needed to write one.
The mother of two said her epiphany arrived at a bookstore following her family's fifth trip to the theme park, the "happy place" for her 19-year-old son Ben, who has autism.
"I was looking at different guides to Walt Disney World and I realized there were books for many reasons, including the single person's guide," she said. "I was surprised nobody had written one for people with disabilities. I feel like this information is vital for a lot of families to have a successful vacation at Disney."
"Mouse Ears for Everyone: A Guide to Walt Disney World for Guests with Special Needs" is packed with information and tips for traveling to Disney World with a focus on needs for people with disabilities, including accessibility, sensory issues, dietary needs, emotional health, medical concerns, visual and hearing impairments as well as developmental disabilities.
:Originally the book was just going to focus on autism, but so many people with autism spectrum disorder need wheelchairs, gluten free foods, have seizure disorders and service animals, that it didn't require too much more to make it a more encompassing book," Schinner said.
Schinner indicated that she started working on the project around four years ago, and there have been a few stops and stops along the way, especially when Disney Parks changed most of their policies concerning access in the parks.
The book is organized in a similar fashion to many Disney guides. There are chapters for choosing a hotel, preparing for the trip, traveling and a chapter for each park.
Through all of them, Schinner weaves the needs of people with disabilities.
"For example, I review each hotel but I use a lens for accessibility, sensory needs, etc.," she said. "The same is true for all of the attraction and most of the restaurants. Then I also have a very detailed special needs chapter,"
Although there is much more to a visit to Disney World than just the lines, it's an important issue for many and the book explains how park policies work to help families of those with special needs.
"I think people would be surprised at how welcome service dogs and emotional support animals are in the parks," she said. "They can even ride many of the rides, although they have to skip Space Mountain. You just need to have the certified paperwork."
Schinner said :Mouse Ears for Everyone" was an important book for her to write."
"I'm asked all the time how we manged to travel and especially, how do we do Disney?" she said." It does require planning, probably more than most vacations, but if you know what accommodation are available, and how to navigate it all, can only be done, but you can have a wonderful time."
She's been touched by all the comments received since the book's February release.
"Families have been waiting for this information for quite a while," she said. "I was thrilled to have likes and shares from all over the country."
When Amy Schinner realized there wasn't a comprehensive guide for guests with special needs to travel to Disney World, she decided she needed to write one.
The mother of two said her epiphany arrived at a bookstore following her family's fifth trip to the theme park, the "happy place" for her 19-year-old son Ben, who has autism.
"I was looking at different guides to Walt Disney World and I realized there were books for many reasons, including the single person's guide," she said. "I was surprised nobody had written one for people with disabilities. I feel like this information is vital for a lot of families to have a successful vacation at Disney."
"Mouse Ears for Everyone: A Guide to Walt Disney World for Guests with Special Needs" is packed with information and tips for traveling to Disney World with a focus on needs for people with disabilities, including accessibility, sensory issues, dietary needs, emotional health, medical concerns, visual and hearing impairments as well as developmental disabilities.
:Originally the book was just going to focus on autism, but so many people with autism spectrum disorder need wheelchairs, gluten free foods, have seizure disorders and service animals, that it didn't require too much more to make it a more encompassing book," Schinner said.
Schinner indicated that she started working on the project around four years ago, and there have been a few stops and stops along the way, especially when Disney Parks changed most of their policies concerning access in the parks.
The book is organized in a similar fashion to many Disney guides. There are chapters for choosing a hotel, preparing for the trip, traveling and a chapter for each park.
Through all of them, Schinner weaves the needs of people with disabilities.
"For example, I review each hotel but I use a lens for accessibility, sensory needs, etc.," she said. "The same is true for all of the attraction and most of the restaurants. Then I also have a very detailed special needs chapter,"
Although there is much more to a visit to Disney World than just the lines, it's an important issue for many and the book explains how park policies work to help families of those with special needs.
"I think people would be surprised at how welcome service dogs and emotional support animals are in the parks," she said. "They can even ride many of the rides, although they have to skip Space Mountain. You just need to have the certified paperwork."
Schinner said :Mouse Ears for Everyone" was an important book for her to write."
"I'm asked all the time how we manged to travel and especially, how do we do Disney?" she said." It does require planning, probably more than most vacations, but if you know what accommodation are available, and how to navigate it all, can only be done, but you can have a wonderful time."
She's been touched by all the comments received since the book's February release.
"Families have been waiting for this information for quite a while," she said. "I was thrilled to have likes and shares from all over the country."
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
MY FAVORITE THINGS- SPORTS
One man's opinion on sports..
Favorite Philly Sports team-
1. Phillies
2. Eagles
3. St. Joseph's Hawks
4. Flyers/Sixers
Favorite Philly Sports Venue-
1. Citizens Bank Park
2. Wells Fargo Center
3. Lincoln Financial Field
Favorite Ballpark Food-
1- Popcorn ( Wells Fargo Center)
2. Hot Dog (Citizens Bank Park)
3. Soft Pretzel
4. Shake Shack (Wells Fargo Center)
Favorite WIP Sport Radio Host-
1. Steve Trevelise
2. Howard Eskin
3. Glen McNow
4. Ray Didinger
5. Angeko Cataldi
Favorite Current Philly Athlete-
1. Mikel Franco
2. Carson Wentz
3. Joel Embiid
Favorite Philly Athlete in Past
1. Brian Dawkins
2. Mike Schmidt
3. Julius Erving
4. Tug McGraw
Favorite Past Philly Team-
1. 1980 Phillies
2. 1983 Sixers
3. 2008 Phillies
4. 2011 Phillies
5. 2004 Eagles
Major League Ballpark Most Like to Visit-
1- Wrigley Field
2. PNC Park (Pittsburgh)
3. Camden Yards (Baltimore)
4. Dodger Stadium
5. AT &T Park (San Francisco)
Best Autograph -
1. Roberto Clemente
2. Bob Gibson
3. Pete Rose
4. Sandy Koufax
5. Lou Brock
6. Willie Stargell
7. Bill Mazeroski
Most Hated Philly Sports Rival-
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New York Mets
3. Pittsburgh Penguins
Favorite Sports Month of the Year-
1. April
2. September
3. May
Favoute Sports Times for Games-
1- 1:00 (NFL)
2- 5:35 )Baseball Tw-light doubleheader)
3- 1:00 (Saturday afternoon Flyers game)
Favorite Current Philly Sports Announcer-
1- Larry Andersen
2- Jim Jackson
3- Ben Davis
Favorite Past Philly Sports Announcer-
1. Harry Kalas
2. Richie Ashburn
3. Gene Hart
Favorite National Sports Announcer (Past and Present)-
1. Howard Cosell
2- Al Michaels
3- Brent Musburger
Favorite National All-Time Athlete-
1- Joe Namath
2- Pete Marivich
3- Joe Montana
Favorite Sports Event-
1. NFL Playoffs
2. Opening Day (Football & Baseball)
3. NFL Draft
4. Super Bowl
5. NCAA Baasketball Tournament
Least Favorite Major Sport-
1.Nascar
2. Soccer
3. College Football
4. Olympics
Favorite Philly Sports Treasure-
1. Phillie Phanatic
2. The Palestra
3. Franklin Field
Favorite Past Philly Sports Venue-
1. Spectrum
2. Connie Mack Stadium
3. Veteran's Stadium
Favorite Philly Sportswriter-
1. Les Bowen
2. David Murphy
3. Zach Berman
Least Favorite Philly Sportswriter-
1. Marcus Hayes
2. Sam Donnellon
3. John Smallwood
All-time Favorite Philly Sportswriter-
1. Bill Lyon
2. Stan Hochman
3. Stephen A. Smith
4. Ray Didinger
All-time Favorite Philly Sportscaster-
1- Al Meltzer
2. Howard Eskin
3. Don Tollefson
Favorite Philly Sports Things In Past-
1. Palestra Big Five doubleheaders
2. Phillies twi-light doubleheaders
3. Eagles training camp at Lehugh
Favorite Philly Sports team-
1. Phillies
2. Eagles
3. St. Joseph's Hawks
4. Flyers/Sixers
Favorite Philly Sports Venue-
1. Citizens Bank Park
2. Wells Fargo Center
3. Lincoln Financial Field
Favorite Ballpark Food-
1- Popcorn ( Wells Fargo Center)
2. Hot Dog (Citizens Bank Park)
3. Soft Pretzel
4. Shake Shack (Wells Fargo Center)
Favorite WIP Sport Radio Host-
1. Steve Trevelise
2. Howard Eskin
3. Glen McNow
4. Ray Didinger
5. Angeko Cataldi
Favorite Current Philly Athlete-
1. Mikel Franco
2. Carson Wentz
3. Joel Embiid
Favorite Philly Athlete in Past
1. Brian Dawkins
2. Mike Schmidt
3. Julius Erving
4. Tug McGraw
Favorite Past Philly Team-
1. 1980 Phillies
2. 1983 Sixers
3. 2008 Phillies
4. 2011 Phillies
5. 2004 Eagles
Major League Ballpark Most Like to Visit-
1- Wrigley Field
2. PNC Park (Pittsburgh)
3. Camden Yards (Baltimore)
4. Dodger Stadium
5. AT &T Park (San Francisco)
Best Autograph -
1. Roberto Clemente
2. Bob Gibson
3. Pete Rose
4. Sandy Koufax
5. Lou Brock
6. Willie Stargell
7. Bill Mazeroski
Most Hated Philly Sports Rival-
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New York Mets
3. Pittsburgh Penguins
Favorite Sports Month of the Year-
1. April
2. September
3. May
Favoute Sports Times for Games-
1- 1:00 (NFL)
2- 5:35 )Baseball Tw-light doubleheader)
3- 1:00 (Saturday afternoon Flyers game)
Favorite Current Philly Sports Announcer-
1- Larry Andersen
2- Jim Jackson
3- Ben Davis
Favorite Past Philly Sports Announcer-
1. Harry Kalas
2. Richie Ashburn
3. Gene Hart
Favorite National Sports Announcer (Past and Present)-
1. Howard Cosell
2- Al Michaels
3- Brent Musburger
Favorite National All-Time Athlete-
1- Joe Namath
2- Pete Marivich
3- Joe Montana
Favorite Sports Event-
1. NFL Playoffs
2. Opening Day (Football & Baseball)
3. NFL Draft
4. Super Bowl
5. NCAA Baasketball Tournament
Least Favorite Major Sport-
1.Nascar
2. Soccer
3. College Football
4. Olympics
Favorite Philly Sports Treasure-
1. Phillie Phanatic
2. The Palestra
3. Franklin Field
Favorite Past Philly Sports Venue-
1. Spectrum
2. Connie Mack Stadium
3. Veteran's Stadium
Favorite Philly Sportswriter-
1. Les Bowen
2. David Murphy
3. Zach Berman
Least Favorite Philly Sportswriter-
1. Marcus Hayes
2. Sam Donnellon
3. John Smallwood
All-time Favorite Philly Sportswriter-
1. Bill Lyon
2. Stan Hochman
3. Stephen A. Smith
4. Ray Didinger
All-time Favorite Philly Sportscaster-
1- Al Meltzer
2. Howard Eskin
3. Don Tollefson
Favorite Philly Sports Things In Past-
1. Palestra Big Five doubleheaders
2. Phillies twi-light doubleheaders
3. Eagles training camp at Lehugh
Monday, March 6, 2017
PHILLIES PHODDER
Here is the roster I would take north from Clearwater. It won't happen, it's just MY roster...
INFIELDERS-(8)
Joseph
Kingery
Crawford
Franco
Galvis
Blanco
Stassi
H. Gomez
Trade Hernandez while his value is high...Galvis and Blanco are the utility guys..Stassi can play 1B or OF...Start the future with the double-play combo of Crawford and Kingery. Hoskins is close to the majors if Joseph fails. Vaentin could only be a utility guy in someone gets hurt.
CATCHERS- (2)
Alfaro
Rupp
Split time with Alfaro, who is the future, and Rupp until Rupp gets traded. He's a good catcher, and many teams could use a solid back-stop. After Rupp is dealt, bring up Andrew Knapp as Alfaro's back-up. Knapp is a switch-hitter who can also play first base.
OUTFIELDERS-(5)
Williams
Herrera
Couzins
Altherr
Quinn
Saunders and Kendricks aren't on the squad. They will be, to add professional hitters to the line-up and let Williams, Quinn and Couzins play a full season at Lehigh Valley Hopefully both Saunders and Kendricks will be traded before the July 31st trade deadline. Then Williams and Couzins come to Philadelphia. Williams should be ready. Couzins needs to strikeout less, but his power numbers can't be ignored.
Altherr can play all 3 outfield positions Quinn gives you speed and defense off the bench.Herrera is here for a few years until the Phillies either A) trade for Mike Trout; B) sign Bryce Harper in free agency or; C) Mickey Moniak is ready in a few years.
PITCHERS-(10)
Nola
Bucholtz
Hellickson
Valasquez
Eichoff
Morgan
J. Gomez
Rodriquez
Neris
Shesak
Solid starters, but without a true No. 1 ace...Plenty of depth in minors once Bucholtz and Hellickson get traded in mid-summer, or Nola can't hold up and has elbow problems again. Guys like Thompson, Eflin, Appel, Anderson, Pinto, Lively and Pivetta are only a phone call away.
The bullpen consists of 2 lefties- one for long relief in Morgan, and a short-situation guy in Rodriquez. Neris closes and J. Gomez is the set-up man. Shesak is the 7th inning role-pitcher.
With every summer, this roster gets closer to reality. Trading the older vets and supplementing them with prospects who will mature even more in Lehigh Valley, will lend to a young, solid core to grow with , starting late this year and spring training 2018. Add high-profile free agents during the next 2 off-seasons- an ace starter and a true superstar regular- and the Phillies are contenders again for a long time.
INFIELDERS-(8)
Joseph
Kingery
Crawford
Franco
Galvis
Blanco
Stassi
H. Gomez
Trade Hernandez while his value is high...Galvis and Blanco are the utility guys..Stassi can play 1B or OF...Start the future with the double-play combo of Crawford and Kingery. Hoskins is close to the majors if Joseph fails. Vaentin could only be a utility guy in someone gets hurt.
CATCHERS- (2)
Alfaro
Rupp
Split time with Alfaro, who is the future, and Rupp until Rupp gets traded. He's a good catcher, and many teams could use a solid back-stop. After Rupp is dealt, bring up Andrew Knapp as Alfaro's back-up. Knapp is a switch-hitter who can also play first base.
OUTFIELDERS-(5)
Williams
Herrera
Couzins
Altherr
Quinn
Saunders and Kendricks aren't on the squad. They will be, to add professional hitters to the line-up and let Williams, Quinn and Couzins play a full season at Lehigh Valley Hopefully both Saunders and Kendricks will be traded before the July 31st trade deadline. Then Williams and Couzins come to Philadelphia. Williams should be ready. Couzins needs to strikeout less, but his power numbers can't be ignored.
Altherr can play all 3 outfield positions Quinn gives you speed and defense off the bench.Herrera is here for a few years until the Phillies either A) trade for Mike Trout; B) sign Bryce Harper in free agency or; C) Mickey Moniak is ready in a few years.
PITCHERS-(10)
Nola
Bucholtz
Hellickson
Valasquez
Eichoff
Morgan
J. Gomez
Rodriquez
Neris
Shesak
Solid starters, but without a true No. 1 ace...Plenty of depth in minors once Bucholtz and Hellickson get traded in mid-summer, or Nola can't hold up and has elbow problems again. Guys like Thompson, Eflin, Appel, Anderson, Pinto, Lively and Pivetta are only a phone call away.
The bullpen consists of 2 lefties- one for long relief in Morgan, and a short-situation guy in Rodriquez. Neris closes and J. Gomez is the set-up man. Shesak is the 7th inning role-pitcher.
With every summer, this roster gets closer to reality. Trading the older vets and supplementing them with prospects who will mature even more in Lehigh Valley, will lend to a young, solid core to grow with , starting late this year and spring training 2018. Add high-profile free agents during the next 2 off-seasons- an ace starter and a true superstar regular- and the Phillies are contenders again for a long time.
IN THE NEWS- VIGILS HONOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES KILLED BY LOVED ONES
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Branda Dare is sick of going to funerals for people with disabilities and hearing others say that the person who died is in a better place.
"What better place is that?" said Dare, of Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living. "Here is a better place, in my heart is a better place, at my kitchen table is a better place...How do we get to where here's a better place?"
Dare, who uses a wheelchair, was one of several advocates for disability rights who spoke recently at a candlelight vigil honoring the lives of people with disabilities killed by their families and caretakers.
About 20 people attended the event at the William Pitt Union in Pittsburgh, joining people in more than 40 cities in the United States and abroad holding public vigils on a "Day of Mourning."
"The lives of people with disabilities are worthwhile, and it is our deaths- not our lives- that are the tragedy," said Jessica Benham, of the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy, which hosted the gathering. "Tonight we are asking people to step into the shoes of victims to understand what it would be like to be killed by someone you loved and trusted."
Benham said a nationwide study released this week revealed that in the past year, at least one person with a disability was killed each week by family members and caregivers.
She lamented that the killings are at times portrayed as being justified because of the amount of work that people with disabilities can create for their family members or caregivers.
"Oftentimes the excuse is that our disabilities just made it so hard for the people giving care to us- that's the excuse," Benham said. "And that's just not right- that's murder."
Dr. Bethany Ziss of the Children's Institute said that it's important to remind people, particularly parents of children with disabilities, that people with disabilities can lead happy lives with the right care and support.
"I think we do too much giving them the bad news- not that it still can't be difficult and painful- but a disabled life can be a happy life, a joyful life," she said. "It may be a different life than a family expected for their child, but it can be a good life."
Branda Dare is sick of going to funerals for people with disabilities and hearing others say that the person who died is in a better place.
"What better place is that?" said Dare, of Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living. "Here is a better place, in my heart is a better place, at my kitchen table is a better place...How do we get to where here's a better place?"
Dare, who uses a wheelchair, was one of several advocates for disability rights who spoke recently at a candlelight vigil honoring the lives of people with disabilities killed by their families and caretakers.
About 20 people attended the event at the William Pitt Union in Pittsburgh, joining people in more than 40 cities in the United States and abroad holding public vigils on a "Day of Mourning."
"The lives of people with disabilities are worthwhile, and it is our deaths- not our lives- that are the tragedy," said Jessica Benham, of the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy, which hosted the gathering. "Tonight we are asking people to step into the shoes of victims to understand what it would be like to be killed by someone you loved and trusted."
Benham said a nationwide study released this week revealed that in the past year, at least one person with a disability was killed each week by family members and caregivers.
She lamented that the killings are at times portrayed as being justified because of the amount of work that people with disabilities can create for their family members or caregivers.
"Oftentimes the excuse is that our disabilities just made it so hard for the people giving care to us- that's the excuse," Benham said. "And that's just not right- that's murder."
Dr. Bethany Ziss of the Children's Institute said that it's important to remind people, particularly parents of children with disabilities, that people with disabilities can lead happy lives with the right care and support.
"I think we do too much giving them the bad news- not that it still can't be difficult and painful- but a disabled life can be a happy life, a joyful life," she said. "It may be a different life than a family expected for their child, but it can be a good life."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)