Are the Sixers a better team this morning than they were yesterday? Time will tell, as free agency in the NBA began last evening. Commenting on the Sixer moves..
- Letting Jimmy Butler go- Apparently Butler was a real pain in the butt on the club. He played great in the playoffs and looked like a leader, playing point guard and scoring in clutch moments. But he is older and the Sixers would not even offer Butler four years, so they are finalizing a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat. Butler will be The Man in Miami.
In return, the Sixers will get Josh Richardson, a solid if not spectacular player. Richardson is a great defender but average shooter.
Al Hortford- He is 33 and slow but can shoot and is a solid defender. He was tough on Joel Embiid when Boston played the Sixers. Hortford will help, but signing him for four years may prove to be a mistake.
- Re-signing Tobias Harris- Still only 26 years old, the Sixers gave up too much last season to obtain Harris from the Clippers. Now they retain Harris, who was quiet in the playoffs. He is a better shooter than what he has shown in Philadelphia. He better be as..
- Redick leaves- J.J. Redick signed a two-year deal with New Orleans. They will miss his outside shooting. If they find someone to fill-in for Redick then it's a fine move but if not, they will miss Redick, and GM Elton Brand will have made a huge mistake,
Who is going to shoot the ball?
Simmons contract extension- The Sixers are working on extending the contract of Ben Simmons. The All-Star better be improving his shooting this summer. He will remain an offensive liability unless he works on his outside shooting and foul shooting.
There may be more moves to come ( guard Danny Green from Toronto?) if the salary cap allows. Whatever, the 76ers needs shooters to complete their off-season.
- The Phillies salvaged a game in Miami on Sunday, losing two of three to the lowly marlins. They are now 5 1/2 games behind the Braves, as they start a crucial three-game series with Atlanta tomorrow night.
Bryce Harper had 4 RBIs yesterday. Scott Kingery continues to get on base. The team clubbed 16 hits in the 13-6 win.
GM Matt Klentek is getting increasing deserved criticism. He needs to find pitching help- both a starter and improve the bullpen- sooner than later. Another quality outfielder would be nice ( Corner outfielder Nick Castellanos?). The Giants' duo of Madison Bumgartner and reliever Will Smith would be great additions to bolster the team down the stretch.
Monday, July 1, 2019
Sunday, June 30, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
The Phillies are back to being the old Phillies again, losing their first two games in Miami this weekend. The Marlins have now beaten the Phils 5 games in a row. They threaten to sweep the series again this afternoon. If Philadelphia does not win the NL East by a slight margin it will be because they could not beat the last place Fish.
Miami plays small ball and encourages it's young hitters to hit line drives and hit the ball where it is pitched. Forget nonsense like "exit velocity" and "launch angle.'No wonder the team strikes out a ton. They try for home runs and if they don't hit homers they don't win.
Scott Kingery stays hot but the rest of the line-up is still scuffling. They beat the awful Mets 4 games in a row but they looks like a fluke, as Miami is kicking Philly's ass.
This time it was the bullpen that imploded, as starter Zach Eflin left in the 7th inning with a 6-3 lead. Adam Morgan and Juan Nicosio were just plain bad as Miami scored 8 straight runs to win, 9-6.
With the loss, the Phillies, who had climbed back to 4 1/2 games behind division-leading Atlanta, fell back top 6 1/2 games. Unless the Phils significantly rally, they may have to focus on a wild card spot in the second half of the season.
Center fielder Roman Quinn is playing now but has been disappointing at the plate. Don't blame Kingery if he makes mistakes in center- he should be at his natural position of second base. GM Matt Klentek needs to trade Cesar Hernandez, who is a nice player but will never be an All-Star.
Klentek needs to reinforce the squad with another outfield, a starter and better relievers. After paying so much for free agents during the off-season the front office needs to make the right moves before the July 31st trade deadline to support a second half surge.
Manager Gabe Kapler's job should still be in jeopardy if the Phillies fail to make the playoffs. He won't be replaced during the season but will be replaced during the off-season if the team doesn't respond soon.
After the finale in Miami today, a big three game showdown in Atlanta awaits with the Braves. Three more next weekend with New York will close out the first part of the 2019 campaign.
Miami plays small ball and encourages it's young hitters to hit line drives and hit the ball where it is pitched. Forget nonsense like "exit velocity" and "launch angle.'No wonder the team strikes out a ton. They try for home runs and if they don't hit homers they don't win.
Scott Kingery stays hot but the rest of the line-up is still scuffling. They beat the awful Mets 4 games in a row but they looks like a fluke, as Miami is kicking Philly's ass.
This time it was the bullpen that imploded, as starter Zach Eflin left in the 7th inning with a 6-3 lead. Adam Morgan and Juan Nicosio were just plain bad as Miami scored 8 straight runs to win, 9-6.
With the loss, the Phillies, who had climbed back to 4 1/2 games behind division-leading Atlanta, fell back top 6 1/2 games. Unless the Phils significantly rally, they may have to focus on a wild card spot in the second half of the season.
Center fielder Roman Quinn is playing now but has been disappointing at the plate. Don't blame Kingery if he makes mistakes in center- he should be at his natural position of second base. GM Matt Klentek needs to trade Cesar Hernandez, who is a nice player but will never be an All-Star.
Klentek needs to reinforce the squad with another outfield, a starter and better relievers. After paying so much for free agents during the off-season the front office needs to make the right moves before the July 31st trade deadline to support a second half surge.
Manager Gabe Kapler's job should still be in jeopardy if the Phillies fail to make the playoffs. He won't be replaced during the season but will be replaced during the off-season if the team doesn't respond soon.
After the finale in Miami today, a big three game showdown in Atlanta awaits with the Braves. Three more next weekend with New York will close out the first part of the 2019 campaign.
Friday, June 28, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
I was at the thrilling Phillies victory over the hated Mets Thursday afternoon at an almost full citizens Bank Park. The home team came from behind with a walk-off win ( for the second night in a row, after not having a walk-off win all season), 6-3 over New York.
It was a beautiful day for a ballgame and over 39,000 fans packed the stadium on a hot, breezy afternoon. There was a sprinkling of Met fans in the crowd, but not as many as in previous years. The Mets are having a down year, especially now, getting swept by their rival Phillies. In the past, chants of annoying Met fans "Let's Go Mets!" would pour salt in the wounds of Phils' fans, as the new Yorkers attempted to take over CBP.
Not this year.
Aaron Nola pitched great for the second consecutive game, tossing seven shut-out innings and giving up only one hit, that to Mets' pitcher Zach Wheeler. Nola has cut down on his walks, striking out 10 for the second game in a row. He looks like the Nola of old, and loves to pitch in the heat and humidity of summer, like back in his home of Louisiana.
After Hector Neris blew the 1-0 save in the ninth, ( he was pitching his third consecutive outing), the hot Maikel Franco tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a clutch two-run homer to center field.
Jean Segura blasted a three-run shot to win it for the Phils, giving them a four-game winning streak. Credit Cesar Hernandez, Sean Rodriguez and Scott Kingery for getting on base in the dramatic bottom of the ninth to set up the win.
Bryce Harper crushed a titanic home run in the sixth, a shot to left-center field which bounced onto a crowded Ashburn Alley. It was Harper's 14th homer of the season.
I predicted the Phillies would sweep the awful Mets then pay back the Marlins in Miami this weekend, returning the sweep. That would give Philly a seven-game winning streak after losing seven straight. They travel next to Atlanta for more revenge before ending the first half of the year in New York,
Right now the re surging Phils are 4 1/2 games out of first place in NL East behind the braves. While the Phils are in Miami the braves take on those same mets in New York over the weekend. Time to make up even more ground before the big series in Atlanta.
Sure the Mets are awful but the real reason why the Phillies are playing better is the line-up. Since Manager Gabe Kapler finally put Scott Kingery in the lead-off spot the team has taken off. Other than the hot Kingery banging out hits and using his speed at the top of the line-up, this batting order allows guys to ease back into familiar and comfortable positions. Segura moves back to second, Harper to third and Franco to eighth, for instance.
Since reserve Brad Miller got his own lucky Bamboo plant, and a bigger one for the clubhouse, the team hasn't lost. Is it superstition or luck or just coincidence? Whatever, the Phillies store will be selling Bamboo plants soon for $35 a pop.
Bamboo is become a legend as long as the Phillies keep winning.
It was a beautiful day for a ballgame and over 39,000 fans packed the stadium on a hot, breezy afternoon. There was a sprinkling of Met fans in the crowd, but not as many as in previous years. The Mets are having a down year, especially now, getting swept by their rival Phillies. In the past, chants of annoying Met fans "Let's Go Mets!" would pour salt in the wounds of Phils' fans, as the new Yorkers attempted to take over CBP.
Not this year.
Aaron Nola pitched great for the second consecutive game, tossing seven shut-out innings and giving up only one hit, that to Mets' pitcher Zach Wheeler. Nola has cut down on his walks, striking out 10 for the second game in a row. He looks like the Nola of old, and loves to pitch in the heat and humidity of summer, like back in his home of Louisiana.
After Hector Neris blew the 1-0 save in the ninth, ( he was pitching his third consecutive outing), the hot Maikel Franco tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a clutch two-run homer to center field.
Jean Segura blasted a three-run shot to win it for the Phils, giving them a four-game winning streak. Credit Cesar Hernandez, Sean Rodriguez and Scott Kingery for getting on base in the dramatic bottom of the ninth to set up the win.
Bryce Harper crushed a titanic home run in the sixth, a shot to left-center field which bounced onto a crowded Ashburn Alley. It was Harper's 14th homer of the season.
I predicted the Phillies would sweep the awful Mets then pay back the Marlins in Miami this weekend, returning the sweep. That would give Philly a seven-game winning streak after losing seven straight. They travel next to Atlanta for more revenge before ending the first half of the year in New York,
Right now the re surging Phils are 4 1/2 games out of first place in NL East behind the braves. While the Phils are in Miami the braves take on those same mets in New York over the weekend. Time to make up even more ground before the big series in Atlanta.
Sure the Mets are awful but the real reason why the Phillies are playing better is the line-up. Since Manager Gabe Kapler finally put Scott Kingery in the lead-off spot the team has taken off. Other than the hot Kingery banging out hits and using his speed at the top of the line-up, this batting order allows guys to ease back into familiar and comfortable positions. Segura moves back to second, Harper to third and Franco to eighth, for instance.
Since reserve Brad Miller got his own lucky Bamboo plant, and a bigger one for the clubhouse, the team hasn't lost. Is it superstition or luck or just coincidence? Whatever, the Phillies store will be selling Bamboo plants soon for $35 a pop.
Bamboo is become a legend as long as the Phillies keep winning.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
The Phillies won their third game in a row last night and can sweep the hated Mets this afternoon. Aaron Nola pitches against Zach Wheeler at 1:05.
Another comeback win by the Phils. Down 4-0 and looking lifeless again Mets' lefty Vargas ( who struck out 10 Phillies in 6 innings), Mets' embattled manager mickey Calloway took Vargas out of the game with only 72 pitches thrown in the 7th inning. The Phillies feasted on the bad New York bullpen and won their first walk-off victory of the season in the 10th inning.
Give Gabe Kapler credit. He pinch-ran Roman Quinn for Rhys Hoskins in the 10th, with Quinn on second base. The Mets' center fielder, Lagaras, played in a bit because of Quinn's speed, and when Jay Bruce hit a bullet over his head Largaras was a step away from catching the ball. Instead, it was a Bruce double and a win for Philadlephia.
The Phillies' fortunes have changed since Kapler revised his line-up/ Kingery, despite striking out four times last night, is solid in the lead-off spot. Kinhery gets walks and has blazing speed. Jean Segura is ideal in the No. 2 spot, especially with his bat control. Harper is third and Hoskins is fourth. Realmuto, Bruce, Hernandez and Franco round out the bottom of the order.
I still don't trust the bullpen although it looks like Hector Neris, who has converted 16 of 17 saves, may be the Phillies' lone All-Star this summer. Rhys Hoskins deserves to make the team, but the first base position is crowded in the National League. Kingery deserves to make it too but he was hurt for a month and doesn't play a regular position.
I'll be at the game this afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Those stupid fans from New York have nothing to crow about this year since New York is currently 11 games out of first place. No longer do you hear the "Let's Go Mets" chants in the stands.
Since 2015 the Mets have dominated the Phils It's nice to know the Phillies have a chance to sweep the New Yorkers today, kicking them while they are down.
It couldn't happen to a better team.
Another comeback win by the Phils. Down 4-0 and looking lifeless again Mets' lefty Vargas ( who struck out 10 Phillies in 6 innings), Mets' embattled manager mickey Calloway took Vargas out of the game with only 72 pitches thrown in the 7th inning. The Phillies feasted on the bad New York bullpen and won their first walk-off victory of the season in the 10th inning.
Give Gabe Kapler credit. He pinch-ran Roman Quinn for Rhys Hoskins in the 10th, with Quinn on second base. The Mets' center fielder, Lagaras, played in a bit because of Quinn's speed, and when Jay Bruce hit a bullet over his head Largaras was a step away from catching the ball. Instead, it was a Bruce double and a win for Philadlephia.
The Phillies' fortunes have changed since Kapler revised his line-up/ Kingery, despite striking out four times last night, is solid in the lead-off spot. Kinhery gets walks and has blazing speed. Jean Segura is ideal in the No. 2 spot, especially with his bat control. Harper is third and Hoskins is fourth. Realmuto, Bruce, Hernandez and Franco round out the bottom of the order.
I still don't trust the bullpen although it looks like Hector Neris, who has converted 16 of 17 saves, may be the Phillies' lone All-Star this summer. Rhys Hoskins deserves to make the team, but the first base position is crowded in the National League. Kingery deserves to make it too but he was hurt for a month and doesn't play a regular position.
I'll be at the game this afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Those stupid fans from New York have nothing to crow about this year since New York is currently 11 games out of first place. No longer do you hear the "Let's Go Mets" chants in the stands.
Since 2015 the Mets have dominated the Phils It's nice to know the Phillies have a chance to sweep the New Yorkers today, kicking them while they are down.
It couldn't happen to a better team.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER-PHILLIES
-The Phillies won two in a row over the hapless Mets, coming back from a late 5-2 deficit to beat New York 7-5 . They remain 5 1/2 .games behind the winning Braves in NL East.
I can easily see the Phillies going from a 7-game losing streak to a 7-game winning streak. They need to sweep New York by winning tonight and Thursday afternoon, then seek revenge and sweep the Marlins in Miami this weekend. They go back to Atlanta next week, and if they go in with a 7-game winning streak it will give the Phils momentum.
Maikel Franco continues to surge, hitting another center field home run last night. Scott Kingery led off again and smashed an opposite field homer to cut the Mets' lead to 2-1. The new and improved line-up seems to have done more to rejuvinate the club than Brad Miller's bamboo plant in the clubhouse.
Another reason for the turnaround is New York. They stink. I'm glad they are floundering. I'll be attending the afternoon game on Thursday, the last home game before the All-Star game. I'm sure the stands will be crawling with Met fans. They can't chirp this series, especially if the Phillies sweep them.
Jake Arrieta was bad again last night. Even more reason for GM Matt Klentek to find pitching help before the July 31st trade deadline. You can't count on Arrieta. He is obviously not the same pitcher he was. Aaron Nola is looking better. The trio of Valasquez, Eflin and Pivetta are hot and cold. So pitching will be a priority to help the Phils down the stretch.
I can easily see the Phillies going from a 7-game losing streak to a 7-game winning streak. They need to sweep New York by winning tonight and Thursday afternoon, then seek revenge and sweep the Marlins in Miami this weekend. They go back to Atlanta next week, and if they go in with a 7-game winning streak it will give the Phils momentum.
Maikel Franco continues to surge, hitting another center field home run last night. Scott Kingery led off again and smashed an opposite field homer to cut the Mets' lead to 2-1. The new and improved line-up seems to have done more to rejuvinate the club than Brad Miller's bamboo plant in the clubhouse.
Another reason for the turnaround is New York. They stink. I'm glad they are floundering. I'll be attending the afternoon game on Thursday, the last home game before the All-Star game. I'm sure the stands will be crawling with Met fans. They can't chirp this series, especially if the Phillies sweep them.
Jake Arrieta was bad again last night. Even more reason for GM Matt Klentek to find pitching help before the July 31st trade deadline. You can't count on Arrieta. He is obviously not the same pitcher he was. Aaron Nola is looking better. The trio of Valasquez, Eflin and Pivetta are hot and cold. So pitching will be a priority to help the Phils down the stretch.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
BASEBALL TRIVIA
- Name the last Mets' hitter to lead the league in home runs.
A. Darryl Strawberry
B. Howard Johnson
C. Dave Kingman
D. Mike Piazza
Answer: B.
In their 57-year history, the Mets have had only three players lead the league in home runs. Kingman was the first in 1982 with 37, and Strawberry was second in 1988 with 39. Johnson hit 38 in 1991, making him the most recent to wear the homer crown.
Name the first player to collect 5oo home runs and 3,000 hits.
A. Ted Williams
B. Stan Musial
C. Willie Mays
D. Hank Aaron
Answer: D.
Aaron got his 3,000th hit on May 17, 1970, less than two years after getting his 500th homer on July 14, 1968. Mays got his 3,000th on July 18, 1970, less than five years after collecting his 500th homer on September 13, 1965.
Name the first player to reach 500 home runs without hitting 40 in a season.
A. Mel Ott
B. Eddie Murray
C. Willie McCovey
D. Eddie Mathews
Answer: B.
The Orioles' first baseman, "Steady Eddie" peaked with 33 home runs in 1983, as the Orioles won their third World Series. In 10 or more seasons, he drove in 95 or more run. He finished with 504 homers and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Match the following A's with their retired uniform numbers:
!. Reggie Jackson A. 34
2. Rollie Finers B. 9
3. Rickey Henderson C. 24
4. Dennis Eckersley D/. 43
5. Catfish Hunter E. 27
Answer:
1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E
Name the only hitter who didn't win seven or more batting titles.
A. Stan Musial
B. Honus Wagner
C. Wade Boggs
D. Rogers Hornsby
E. Tony Gwynn
Answer:
C.
Boggs won five batting titles in six years, peaking with a .368 mark in 1985. Wagner and Gwynn won eight titles each. Hornsby and Musial won seven each.
A. Darryl Strawberry
B. Howard Johnson
C. Dave Kingman
D. Mike Piazza
Answer: B.
In their 57-year history, the Mets have had only three players lead the league in home runs. Kingman was the first in 1982 with 37, and Strawberry was second in 1988 with 39. Johnson hit 38 in 1991, making him the most recent to wear the homer crown.
Name the first player to collect 5oo home runs and 3,000 hits.
A. Ted Williams
B. Stan Musial
C. Willie Mays
D. Hank Aaron
Answer: D.
Aaron got his 3,000th hit on May 17, 1970, less than two years after getting his 500th homer on July 14, 1968. Mays got his 3,000th on July 18, 1970, less than five years after collecting his 500th homer on September 13, 1965.
Name the first player to reach 500 home runs without hitting 40 in a season.
A. Mel Ott
B. Eddie Murray
C. Willie McCovey
D. Eddie Mathews
Answer: B.
The Orioles' first baseman, "Steady Eddie" peaked with 33 home runs in 1983, as the Orioles won their third World Series. In 10 or more seasons, he drove in 95 or more run. He finished with 504 homers and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Match the following A's with their retired uniform numbers:
!. Reggie Jackson A. 34
2. Rollie Finers B. 9
3. Rickey Henderson C. 24
4. Dennis Eckersley D/. 43
5. Catfish Hunter E. 27
Answer:
1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E
Name the only hitter who didn't win seven or more batting titles.
A. Stan Musial
B. Honus Wagner
C. Wade Boggs
D. Rogers Hornsby
E. Tony Gwynn
Answer:
C.
Boggs won five batting titles in six years, peaking with a .368 mark in 1985. Wagner and Gwynn won eight titles each. Hornsby and Musial won seven each.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- JUNE 25
Tuesday Trivia
What Major Leaguer stole home the most times in his career?
Answer: Ty Cobb. He stole home 50 times.
What Major Leaguer stole home the most times in his career?
Answer: Ty Cobb. He stole home 50 times.
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