- I was at the brutal Eagles game last night at the Linc. A frustrating and disappointing loss to the hated Dallas Cowboys, 27-20. The Birds had everything in their favor- rest, Dallas on a short week, at home, Sunday Night football, Big division game in prime-time..yet the Eagles came out flat.Why?
Wentz' early interception hurt. Yet the defense held Dallas to two field goals through most of the first half. But when the defense needed to make a stop in the second half, after the offense scored consecutive touchdowns to tie the game twice, the defense couldn't hold Dallas.
- I have never like Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz. He doesn't blitz enough and he plays too soft.Schwartz' defense gave up over 600 yards to New England in the Super Bowl, so,even in better times, Schwartz has been shaky. He doesn't adjust very well. and his so-called "prevent" defensive gives up chinks of yardage and usually yields a score anyway.
I would love to see former linebacker, ex-Eagle great Seth Joyner become a coach on the club, either as Defensive coordinator or linebacker coach. Joyner is a good, smart football guy and tells it like it is.
- The Birds only have six takeaways in nine games so far this season. As expected, turnovers were pivotal to the Cowboy game as well. Linebacker Kruiger-Hill had an easy walk into the end zone on a pick six in the second quarter but ended up having the ball skim off his fingertips. A potential game-changer, so close. Last season that interception would've happened. This year these crucial plays are not being made.
- I have also wrote here how I think the team is not as hungry as last year. It's only natural to have a let-down after such a magical season. Fat and sassy, they wrote books, appeared on TV talk shows, and rightfully so, basked in the glow of a first-ever championship. But when it was time to turn the page on a new season, it hasn't happened. The hunger and motivation just isn't there.
- No running game, The Eagles miss Ajayi and Blount. Running back needs to be addressed in the draft. I saw Corey Clemente's dad before the game. He told me that Corey "is OK", and "They need to give him the ball." Clemente ran the ball a few times with minimal success, plus he returned kickoffs.
- It was a cold, crisp night in South Philly. It was dry and the wind died down. Perfect fall night for football. The crowd was pumped for the game but I didn't feel the same intensity and hatred for the Cowboys as in the past. Are the fans fat and sassy too? They showed up to the game, tail-gating all day. We cheered, booed and were loud. But I've heard the Linc louder.
- - George W. Bush tossed the coin since he was in town to accept the Freedom Medal. Jerry Jones prowled the field prior to kickoff, taking pictures with clueless Dallas fans on the sidelines, and having a long, 20-minute conversation with Jeffrey Lurie.
- The fans rightfully booed the Eagles at the end of the first half, yet the media across the nation criticized the fans. Guys like Al Michaels, who thinks the Philly fans should be clueless and passive like his Los Angeles fans, haven't paid for a ticket in years and have lost touch. Reality is that the Super Bowl is over. We appreciated the championship last season, but that was last season. If the players dog-it the fans have a right to let them have it. Eagle fans pay a lot for tickets, travel with the team, buy the merchandise and support the team. We have a right to boo.
What hurts is now fans have to hear it from Dallas fans. We work with annoying Cowboy fans Our family, friends and neighbors could be Dallas supporters. The players may not care but the fans do.
Funny, I didn't see as many Cowboy fans as in the past. Maybe they were laying low because of the way Dallas was playing, and didn't want to get caught up in all the Philadelphia fans taunting? I'm sure all the cockroaches who call WIP Sports Radio- namely Lamont and Captain Cowboy, bot loser Cowboy fans, will be heard on the airwaves this week, at least until the Eagles play them again in Dallas soon.
- The Eagles had no penalties last night. Zero called. yet they lost at home to a mediocre Dallas team. Unacceptable loss after a bye week. Pederson misses departed assistants Reich and DeFillipo. No injury excuses as team had major injuries last season.
What does it all mean? Dallas goes to 4-5 but they're not going anywhere. They aren't that good. Coach Jason Garrett's job is safe for now. Dallas goes to Atlanta next week. Then they play their traditional Thanksgiving home game, this year against the Redskins, which should be a key game. The Cowboys already beat the Skins in Washington, so a Dallas win on Turkey Day would give them any tiebreaker.
The Eagles fall below .500 again and lose a key division game. They won't be a wild card team. The only way to make the playoffs and have a shot to defend their championship is to win the NFC East. technically, they may still be alive in that quest, but let's be real. How can the Eagles be taken seriously when they can't put away Dallas at the Linc in prime-time?
Give Dallas credit. Their backs were against the wall and they came out fighting. They Eagles may have been a bit overconfident. They couldn't start fast again and put a dagger in Dallas' heart. Even tying the game twice after falling behind, they couldn't put the Cowboys away. With the win, the Boys may have picked up a few bandwagon supporters while shaking up the Eagle fan base.
Having an off year wouldn't be total disaster for this franchise. Easier schedule next season, getting a better draft pick, the Super Bowl champs target no longer on their backs. Less distractions, more football. Maybe the motivation would return. No wonder teams rarely win back-to-back Super Bowls, or even NFC East titles.
- Leaving the game last night, it was like "Night of the Living Dead" outside in the cold South Philly night. People on green walking around like zombies, mouths hanging open, stunned, milling around, not sure where they were going. Many watched the final seconds on TV. Some fans yelled and cursed. Didn't see any Cowboy fans celebrating. It was kinda eerie how quiet the stadium became.
- I saw two Eagles games this year, both losses, first to Minnesota and now to Dallas. How often has that happened lately? So, if the Eagles don't post a miracle comeback and run the table and make the playoffs, my football games are done until next September. Tickets go on sale in May for 2019. I'll be back, win or lose.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Saturday, November 10, 2018
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- SIXERS, EAGLES, PHILLIES, FLYERS ST. JOSEPH'S
- The Sixers eeked out a slim 133-132 victory at home last night over Charlotte. After blowing a 22-point lead, the 76ers hung on for the overtime win. Joel Embiid scored 42 points, including the last 12 points in regular time to pace Philly. Embiid is already having an MVP-type season.
The team is still inconsistent so far in the early season. They play tonight in Memphis against the Grizzlies.
- The Eagles are preparing to face their arch-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football at the Linc. The Birds can't- and won't- lose this game. They need it as much a sDallas and there are so many good things on the Eagles' side.
As always, tornovers , penalties and getting off to a fast start will be keys. Getting ahead of Dallas and feeding off the wild energy of the frenzied crowd should push the Eagles to crush the cowboys and set-up a huge game next week in New Orleans.
- If the Phillies don't sign Bryce Harper this off-season, I'll be disappointed. Chances are an announcement will be made at the Winter Meetings in Vegas in early December. Kris Bryant may be on the trade market, as the Cubs may not want to extend his contract after a disappointing 2018 season. Lefty pitcher Madison Baumgarner may also be on the Phillies' radar if San Francisco is willing to deal him. Closer Craig Kimbrel is also rumored to interest the Phils It's going to be an interesting fall, and landing Harper, along with one or two other players, would be a very nice Christmas present for the fans.
- The Flyers, improved after their successful West Coast trip, take on the Chicago Blackhawks this afternoon in South Philly.
- I've been a St. Joseph's Hawks college basketball fan since I was a kid. I could relate to their never-say-die attitude, the way St. Joe players would dive on the court for loose balls. Danny Kelly, Cliff Anderson, Matt Goukas, Mike Bantom, Pat McFarland, Mike Hauer, Jameer Nelson, Delonte West... great players over the years. The Hawk always flapping his/her wings. The underdog mentality, especially against their Holy War rival Villanova.St. Joe always had a special place in my heart out of the other big 5 teams in the city.
We will follow the Hawks together this basketball season. The Hawks got off to a good start last night, beating Old Dominion at home, 79-64. They play at Hagen Arena on Monday night vs Monmouth.
The Hawks are slated for second place in the Atlantic 10 Conference this season. With guys like Charlie Brown, Taylor Funk and Lamarr Kimble, the Hawks should compete, not only in the conference, but in the City Series as well. With Villanova retooling, it would be a perfect year to beat the Wildcats and snap a long losing streak to their Main Line rival.
The team is still inconsistent so far in the early season. They play tonight in Memphis against the Grizzlies.
- The Eagles are preparing to face their arch-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football at the Linc. The Birds can't- and won't- lose this game. They need it as much a sDallas and there are so many good things on the Eagles' side.
As always, tornovers , penalties and getting off to a fast start will be keys. Getting ahead of Dallas and feeding off the wild energy of the frenzied crowd should push the Eagles to crush the cowboys and set-up a huge game next week in New Orleans.
- If the Phillies don't sign Bryce Harper this off-season, I'll be disappointed. Chances are an announcement will be made at the Winter Meetings in Vegas in early December. Kris Bryant may be on the trade market, as the Cubs may not want to extend his contract after a disappointing 2018 season. Lefty pitcher Madison Baumgarner may also be on the Phillies' radar if San Francisco is willing to deal him. Closer Craig Kimbrel is also rumored to interest the Phils It's going to be an interesting fall, and landing Harper, along with one or two other players, would be a very nice Christmas present for the fans.
- The Flyers, improved after their successful West Coast trip, take on the Chicago Blackhawks this afternoon in South Philly.
- I've been a St. Joseph's Hawks college basketball fan since I was a kid. I could relate to their never-say-die attitude, the way St. Joe players would dive on the court for loose balls. Danny Kelly, Cliff Anderson, Matt Goukas, Mike Bantom, Pat McFarland, Mike Hauer, Jameer Nelson, Delonte West... great players over the years. The Hawk always flapping his/her wings. The underdog mentality, especially against their Holy War rival Villanova.St. Joe always had a special place in my heart out of the other big 5 teams in the city.
We will follow the Hawks together this basketball season. The Hawks got off to a good start last night, beating Old Dominion at home, 79-64. They play at Hagen Arena on Monday night vs Monmouth.
The Hawks are slated for second place in the Atlantic 10 Conference this season. With guys like Charlie Brown, Taylor Funk and Lamarr Kimble, the Hawks should compete, not only in the conference, but in the City Series as well. With Villanova retooling, it would be a perfect year to beat the Wildcats and snap a long losing streak to their Main Line rival.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- NOVEMVER 10/11
Notre Dame 12, Army 6
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
"I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys- tell them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be them, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy."
- George Gipp
On November 10, 1928, with injuries taking a toll on the Irish, Notre Dame's head coach Knute Rockne makes the most famous half-time speech in football history before the team takes the field for the second half against undefeated Army, and Notre Dame wins one for the Gipper.
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
"I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys- tell them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be them, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy."
- George Gipp
On November 10, 1928, with injuries taking a toll on the Irish, Notre Dame's head coach Knute Rockne makes the most famous half-time speech in football history before the team takes the field for the second half against undefeated Army, and Notre Dame wins one for the Gipper.
Friday, November 9, 2018
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, FLYERS
- No way the Eagles lose to the Cowboys Sunday night. The Birds are home, on prime-time, with a chance to move closer to the NFL East lead, against a wounded Dallas team, on a short week, who haven't won a road game all season,while the Eagles are well-rested,wearing all-black, vs their arch-rival, with a chance to put a stake in the Cowboys' heart, know we have to play in New Orleans next week..
Need anymore reasons??
A win moves Philly to 5-4 and still in the division hunt. A loss drops them to 4-5, with the Saints ahead. It's just as much of a must-win for the Eagles as it is for Dallas.
The Cowboys could be a dangerous team, with their backs against the wall. Dallas has come into Philadelphia before and have upset the Birds. So it can happen.
I like the Eagles big, 37-10.
Who returns punts this week/ Darren Sproles is still injured and won't play. The team released DeAndre Carter early in the week ( he was picked up by the Broncos). Nelson Agholor returns punts at USC. Stupid local writer Mike Sielski suggests the Eagles put no one back to muff a punt, instead allow Dallas to kick the ball as far as they could. Bad for field position.
Would Golden Tate return punts? It will be interesting come Sunday.
- The Flyers shook off a 4-3 deficit last night against the Coyotes and beat Arizona, 5-4 in overtime. The Orange and black are on a roll. They play the Blackhawks on Saturday.
Need anymore reasons??
A win moves Philly to 5-4 and still in the division hunt. A loss drops them to 4-5, with the Saints ahead. It's just as much of a must-win for the Eagles as it is for Dallas.
The Cowboys could be a dangerous team, with their backs against the wall. Dallas has come into Philadelphia before and have upset the Birds. So it can happen.
I like the Eagles big, 37-10.
Who returns punts this week/ Darren Sproles is still injured and won't play. The team released DeAndre Carter early in the week ( he was picked up by the Broncos). Nelson Agholor returns punts at USC. Stupid local writer Mike Sielski suggests the Eagles put no one back to muff a punt, instead allow Dallas to kick the ball as far as they could. Bad for field position.
Would Golden Tate return punts? It will be interesting come Sunday.
- The Flyers shook off a 4-3 deficit last night against the Coyotes and beat Arizona, 5-4 in overtime. The Orange and black are on a roll. They play the Blackhawks on Saturday.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
NFL PREVIEW- WEEK 10
Looking at Week 10 in the NFL..
- Panthers at Steelers-
Two hot teams meeting on Thursday Night Football in Pittsburgh. Carolina is on a roll after their big comeback win against the Eagles. The Steelers, after a slow start, are taking control in AFC North. Gotta like the Steelers at home.
Lions at Bears-
Are the bears for real? Here's a chance for Chicago to stay with Minnesota and beat the inconsistent Lions, who all but signaled they were giving up on the season when they traded Golden Tate to the Eagles.
Saints at Bengals-
Get the Saints outside the dome in cold weather and see what happens. Cincinnati needs to hang with Pittsburgh. New Orleans, after several emotional wins, comes out flat here. I'll take Cincy getting 5 points at home.
Falcons at Browns-
Cleveland is better but still has a long way to go, especially since they recently fired their head coach. Atlanta can't let up, trying to stay with the Panthers and Saints, but they are a dome team outside in the cold weather.
Patriots at Titans-
Did Tennessee right itself after a big win in Dallas last Monday night? New England keeps rolling and they need every victory to claim home field advantage in the playoffs from Kansas City.
Jaguars at Colts-
Both of these teams should look to 2019, surprising for Jacksonville, which had Super Bowl hopes.
Cardinals at Chiefs-
Dome, warm weather bad team in Arizona playing hot squad at home in one of the toughest places for a visiting team to play in Arrowhead Stadium. No wonder KC is favored by as much as 16 1/2 points.
Bills at Jets-
Every year in AFC East, two disappointing teams that can never seem to get it right. Who cares?
Redskins at Buccaneers-
Eagles fans will be checking this game out and rooting for the Bucs early in the day. Washington needs a win to stay stop of NFC East. The Bucs are playing out the string after a promising start.
Chargers at Raiders-
The Chargers impressed with a big win in Seattle last week. They get a shot to stay with Kansas City. They may not catch the chiefs but LA should be a playoff team.
Dolphins at Packers-
Warm weather team playing in frigid Lambeau Field with little to play for. Green Bay needs to turn things around quickly if they even hope for a wild card berth.
Seahawks at Rams-
A must-win game for Seahawks if they have any hope in NFC West. Rams looking to rebound from first loss.
Giants at 49ers-
Two losers. Always good to see the Giants lose. Teams vying for a top 3 draft pick next spring.
My NFL picks this week. I was 2-1 last week, 13-6 for the year..
- Bengals plus 5
- Eagles - 7
- Panthers at Steelers-
Two hot teams meeting on Thursday Night Football in Pittsburgh. Carolina is on a roll after their big comeback win against the Eagles. The Steelers, after a slow start, are taking control in AFC North. Gotta like the Steelers at home.
Lions at Bears-
Are the bears for real? Here's a chance for Chicago to stay with Minnesota and beat the inconsistent Lions, who all but signaled they were giving up on the season when they traded Golden Tate to the Eagles.
Saints at Bengals-
Get the Saints outside the dome in cold weather and see what happens. Cincinnati needs to hang with Pittsburgh. New Orleans, after several emotional wins, comes out flat here. I'll take Cincy getting 5 points at home.
Falcons at Browns-
Cleveland is better but still has a long way to go, especially since they recently fired their head coach. Atlanta can't let up, trying to stay with the Panthers and Saints, but they are a dome team outside in the cold weather.
Patriots at Titans-
Did Tennessee right itself after a big win in Dallas last Monday night? New England keeps rolling and they need every victory to claim home field advantage in the playoffs from Kansas City.
Jaguars at Colts-
Both of these teams should look to 2019, surprising for Jacksonville, which had Super Bowl hopes.
Cardinals at Chiefs-
Dome, warm weather bad team in Arizona playing hot squad at home in one of the toughest places for a visiting team to play in Arrowhead Stadium. No wonder KC is favored by as much as 16 1/2 points.
Bills at Jets-
Every year in AFC East, two disappointing teams that can never seem to get it right. Who cares?
Redskins at Buccaneers-
Eagles fans will be checking this game out and rooting for the Bucs early in the day. Washington needs a win to stay stop of NFC East. The Bucs are playing out the string after a promising start.
Chargers at Raiders-
The Chargers impressed with a big win in Seattle last week. They get a shot to stay with Kansas City. They may not catch the chiefs but LA should be a playoff team.
Dolphins at Packers-
Warm weather team playing in frigid Lambeau Field with little to play for. Green Bay needs to turn things around quickly if they even hope for a wild card berth.
Seahawks at Rams-
A must-win game for Seahawks if they have any hope in NFC West. Rams looking to rebound from first loss.
Giants at 49ers-
Two losers. Always good to see the Giants lose. Teams vying for a top 3 draft pick next spring.
My NFL picks this week. I was 2-1 last week, 13-6 for the year..
- Bengals plus 5
- Eagles - 7
CHIRPING BIRDS- EAGLES VS COWBOYS- MY PICK
- The Eagles had maybe their best week of the NFL season during their bye week. They're rested after they returned from a successful trip to London. They picked up wide receiver Golden Tate from the Lions. They saw all three division rivals, the Giants, Redskins and Cowboys, lose. And injured players, such as Sproles and Lane Johnson, have a good chance to play this week.
- True, Dallas needs to win Sunday night at the Linc to save their season, and maybe Had coach Jason Garrett's job. Dropping to 3-6 may be the end for Dallas. Fitting that the Eagles are wearing all black for the game?
But the Eagles need this game just as much. Winning brings the birds back above .500 at 5-4. Depending how Washington does earlier in the day against Tampa Bay, the Birds may have a shot for the lead in NFC East. Lose and the Eagles will have lost three straight home games, this one a division game, dropping the team to 4-5. The only hope Philly has for the playoffs is winning the division and getting a home playoff game. A defeat at the hands of hated Dallas would be another agonizing loss.
All signs point to an Eagle victory. The Birds had a week off to rest, whereas Dallas has a short week to play since they face Tennessee at home last Monday night. The Cowboys will be without LB Sean Lee again to injury, for 4-6 weeks. They have few weapons other than Elliot running the ball and now newly-acquired WR Cooper. The 'Boys are in upheaval.
I hate facing a Dallas team with their backs against the wall. They have upset Eagle teams at the Linc and Vet when Philadelphia was expected to win. The Birds better not be too over-confident, like they were in the 4th quarter of the Carolina game in which Philly blew a 17-point lead late. Kick the Cowboys while they are down but don't piss them off. Unfortunately, players have been talking smack this week in the papers and on the radio. Hopefully it's not bulletin board material for Dallas.
I can see a scenario where the cowboys want to pound the ball on offense, running Elliot 30 times, while their defense gets after Carson Wentz. Dallas would love to run time off the clock and make it a shorter game. Turnovers and penalties ,like usual, will be key. And it's a prime-time game, as Dallas plays the defending Super Bowl champs. All good reasons to give the Cowboys hope.
The Eagles need to come out and get off to a fat start, scoring early and feeding off the frenzied crowd. It is expected to be a cold, dry night in South Philly. Keeping the fans wild,e specially while on defense, is huge. Dallas hopes to hang in the game until late and take the fans out of the game.
I just think the Eagles have too much going for them to lose. ( Late note: Looks like Sproles will not play, as he apparently aggravated his hamstring in practice on Wednesday. Bad news for the offense and punt return game. DeAndre Carter was returning punts but was waivered and claimed by Houston).
The line is the Eagles are favored by 7 points,originally starting at 6 1/2 points. I think this will be a statement game for the Birds, in front of the country, saying we are the reigning world champions and we are not giving up our crown so easily. I think they get ahead of Dallas and make them surrender. They pile on and crush the Cowboys, sending the rest ofthe NFL a message.
Eagles 37 Cowboys 10
- True, Dallas needs to win Sunday night at the Linc to save their season, and maybe Had coach Jason Garrett's job. Dropping to 3-6 may be the end for Dallas. Fitting that the Eagles are wearing all black for the game?
But the Eagles need this game just as much. Winning brings the birds back above .500 at 5-4. Depending how Washington does earlier in the day against Tampa Bay, the Birds may have a shot for the lead in NFC East. Lose and the Eagles will have lost three straight home games, this one a division game, dropping the team to 4-5. The only hope Philly has for the playoffs is winning the division and getting a home playoff game. A defeat at the hands of hated Dallas would be another agonizing loss.
All signs point to an Eagle victory. The Birds had a week off to rest, whereas Dallas has a short week to play since they face Tennessee at home last Monday night. The Cowboys will be without LB Sean Lee again to injury, for 4-6 weeks. They have few weapons other than Elliot running the ball and now newly-acquired WR Cooper. The 'Boys are in upheaval.
I hate facing a Dallas team with their backs against the wall. They have upset Eagle teams at the Linc and Vet when Philadelphia was expected to win. The Birds better not be too over-confident, like they were in the 4th quarter of the Carolina game in which Philly blew a 17-point lead late. Kick the Cowboys while they are down but don't piss them off. Unfortunately, players have been talking smack this week in the papers and on the radio. Hopefully it's not bulletin board material for Dallas.
I can see a scenario where the cowboys want to pound the ball on offense, running Elliot 30 times, while their defense gets after Carson Wentz. Dallas would love to run time off the clock and make it a shorter game. Turnovers and penalties ,like usual, will be key. And it's a prime-time game, as Dallas plays the defending Super Bowl champs. All good reasons to give the Cowboys hope.
The Eagles need to come out and get off to a fat start, scoring early and feeding off the frenzied crowd. It is expected to be a cold, dry night in South Philly. Keeping the fans wild,e specially while on defense, is huge. Dallas hopes to hang in the game until late and take the fans out of the game.
I just think the Eagles have too much going for them to lose. ( Late note: Looks like Sproles will not play, as he apparently aggravated his hamstring in practice on Wednesday. Bad news for the offense and punt return game. DeAndre Carter was returning punts but was waivered and claimed by Houston).
The line is the Eagles are favored by 7 points,originally starting at 6 1/2 points. I think this will be a statement game for the Birds, in front of the country, saying we are the reigning world champions and we are not giving up our crown so easily. I think they get ahead of Dallas and make them surrender. They pile on and crush the Cowboys, sending the rest ofthe NFL a message.
Eagles 37 Cowboys 10
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- SIXERS, PHILLIES
- The Sixers won their first road game of the season last night in Indianapolis, beating the Pacers. Will this start a run for the 76ers? They have been wildly inconsistent so far in the early season. They play Charlotte at home Friday night.
- Reports are the Phillies are the "overwelming' favorite to land free agent Bryce Harper. Harper may not hustle all the time like Manny Machado, but he doesn't announce that he won't always hustle. Signing Harper not only gives the Phils a powerhouse duo in the middle of the line-up in Harper and Rhys Hoskins. Inking Harper weakens division rival Washington. Harper used to kill Philadelphia as a National. Harper would also prove to the fans that the organization is serious about winning.
Wrapping up an All-Star like Harper is paramount. Adding to him with a starting pitcher ( Corbin? Happ? ) or a reliever ( Kimbrel?) is key. I would love to get the catcher from Miami who is on the trading block. Send them Herrera and/or Franco, maybe Hernandez. Along with signing a free agent or two the front office needs to trade a few current players who need a change of scenery. Plus, opening up spots- like Kingery at second base or Hoskins at first base- will improve the defense.
I know GM Klentak loves Carlos Santana, but if the Phillies have a chance to unload him they should. He has no position on this team and should've never been signed in the first place, no matter how many walks he may accumulate during a summer.
With the General Manager Meetings taking place now, and the Winter Meetings not far off, it's time to make moves. Hopefully owner John Middleton, who has been silent all year, and even after the historic collapse to end the season, will step up and give the OK to spend some of the money he has been hoarding for so long to improve the club.
- Reports are the Phillies are the "overwelming' favorite to land free agent Bryce Harper. Harper may not hustle all the time like Manny Machado, but he doesn't announce that he won't always hustle. Signing Harper not only gives the Phils a powerhouse duo in the middle of the line-up in Harper and Rhys Hoskins. Inking Harper weakens division rival Washington. Harper used to kill Philadelphia as a National. Harper would also prove to the fans that the organization is serious about winning.
Wrapping up an All-Star like Harper is paramount. Adding to him with a starting pitcher ( Corbin? Happ? ) or a reliever ( Kimbrel?) is key. I would love to get the catcher from Miami who is on the trading block. Send them Herrera and/or Franco, maybe Hernandez. Along with signing a free agent or two the front office needs to trade a few current players who need a change of scenery. Plus, opening up spots- like Kingery at second base or Hoskins at first base- will improve the defense.
I know GM Klentak loves Carlos Santana, but if the Phillies have a chance to unload him they should. He has no position on this team and should've never been signed in the first place, no matter how many walks he may accumulate during a summer.
With the General Manager Meetings taking place now, and the Winter Meetings not far off, it's time to make moves. Hopefully owner John Middleton, who has been silent all year, and even after the historic collapse to end the season, will step up and give the OK to spend some of the money he has been hoarding for so long to improve the club.
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