2021 Phillies Major League Regular Season Discussion

[bkox]

Well... not to bring politics in... but does the owner care about their COVID vac status? Middleton is one of the biggest donors to the PA chapter of the Republican Party.

[bigegypt0417]

I hope reporters keep asking players about this. The players really need to know their selfish decision is hurting the team. Maybe Nola should give the Phillies 3% of his salary back because his vaccine decision cost the team a start (or two).

I think it would be great if he actually seemed to care but clearly he doesn't. even after being exposed and having to miss time, he seems to be in the same place as he was prior. I honestly couldn't care less about Aaron Nola and his future with this team....he clearly doesn't care about anyone around him.

[zambonir]

Yeah I think I brought this up already (though I'm also not sure MIddleton has continued to be a big political donor in recent years. He supported Kasich in 2016). My guess he wants to win baseball games, and is surely vaccinated himself (much like almost any anti-vax politician or media personality).

The vaccination rates in the hometowns of Nola, Wheeler, Realmuto and Bohm are not exactly keeping pace with Philadelphia.

[bkox]

Rockies now have a COVID outbreak too

[LoneStarPhan]

I continue to be saddened by the players who did not get the vaccine as soon as they possible could. I will try to not let their behavior influence my support for the Phillies, but it will be hard to forget Nola's response, even after he has clearly let his team down, he still continues to let them down again. Even if he doesn't miss more time, his not getting the shot contributes to the Phillies being handicapped by COVID protocols, which will continue in part due his his choice. That's best case. Worst case, Nola misses starts over the remainder of the season.

[bkox]

Ranger Suarez currently holds the 2nd best ERA for any reliever in MLB, minimum 31 IP.

1. Craig Kimbrel (0.57 ERA)
2. Ranger Suarez (0.75 ERA)
3. Andrew Kittridge (0.98 ERA)

— Ben Silver ( @notinconsistent ) July 16, 2021

[bkox]

Twenty teams attended Cole Hamels’ showcase today in Frisco, Texas, and a handful already are in touch.

— Jon Heyman ( @JonHeyman ) July 17, 2021

Hollywood return? Phils watch Hamels pitch

His fastball averaged 88.5 mph, but touched 90 mph. He threw each of his secondary pitches. They had good action, although his location wasn’t sharp.

[BostonRoss]

I never know what day of the week it is anymore.

Retirement? I know that I find this a challenge, sometimes. Not having the structure of the work week is mostly a huge blessing to me... but occasionally, I find myself asking, "What day is it, anyway?"

This was compounded, in my case, by years of working in New Jersey's budget office, where, for example, the calendar said it was 2016, we were managing fiscal 2017 expenditures, and building a fiscal 2018 budget, all at the same time. What year is it, anyway?

Actually, I don't have that excuse as I am still working (and still from home until September). Maybe I should be worried. But being in the same place every day has blurred things together.

Compounding the issue this week is that I am in Pennsylvania for the weekend. I drove down on Thursday but forgot what day it was. I feel bad that I confused my 91 year old mother about what is happening "today" or "tomorrow"!

[bkox]

Connor Brogdon has been activated.

Mauricio LLovera optioned.

Its interesting what MLB is allowing here.. Nola has been cleared I believe (he was working out with the team yesterday) but they seem to be allowing the Phils to keep him on the Covid-IL until his scheduled start thus giving the Phillies an extra player until then

[bkox]

The Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez (5-5, 3.03 ERA in 19 starts) on the IL with a strained rotator cuff. He was scheduled to start tomorrow against Zack Wheeler.

— Todd Zolecki ( @ToddZolecki ) July 17, 2021

[bkox]

Scott Kingery recently underwent right shoulder surgery for a labrum injury, the Phillies said. He will miss the remainder of the season. Team hopes he’ll be ready for spring training 2022.

— Matt Gelb ( @MattGelb ) July 18, 2021

[LoneStarPhan]

Sadly, I had almost forgotten about Scott Kingery.

Maybe he plays again, maybe not. We will see.

[zambonir]

I feel like this might be good news. For all the focus on his swing, we know he had both a balky back and shoulder issues last year in addition to COVID. Possibly he just hasn't been physically right ever since. Has a long road back now though, especially if he's not quite ready in February.

The ironic thing is if he was on the 40 this would have opened a spot, instead it just opens a spot for some new draftee.

[bkox]

Phillies plan to send Odúbel Herrera on a short minor-league rehab assignment next week, so he won't be activated Tuesday. The Janko Show continues.

— Matt Gelb ( @MattGelb ) July 18, 2021

[Austinfan]

I'd stick with Janko until he shows his performance is a SSS fluke.
He has the skills to be a leadoff hitter/plus defensive CF, maybe the light went on? Or he'll coming crashing down to earth - but worth finding out.

And he's buying time for Moniak/Haseley/Vierling to put it together in AAA ball.

[julio]

I'd stick with Janko until he shows his performance is a SSS fluke.

I'm having a difficult morning - trying to move an immovable mountain, as it were.

I sat down to take a break and read this, and said, "Who the heck is Janko? What is Austinfan talking about now?"

I figured it out. Given how aggravated I was when I sat down here, I kinda wish I hadn't had to.

Whatever.

[bkox]

The telecast has been calling him Janko from Lanco.. so its become a nickname

[julio]

Yeah, I figured it out - but my brain isn't hittin' on all the cylinders this morning.

And of course, in general, I'm dubious about jumping on nicknames and such - sends the "we're in the club" message that I've always felt is off-putting to people who are less knowledgeable. But again, that's just me. People make their own choices as to how they want to express themselves, and that's OK.

I need a break (from the heat, etc.). If the mountain ever gets moving, I'll be getting that break...sometime... today.

[bkox]

Its the length of the name. Ed Ott never had this issue.lol

[Philsmania]

And he's buying time for Moniak/Haseley/Vierling to put it together in AAA ball.

Crazy or not, I am looking at Haseley and Moniak more as assets to deploy at the trade deadline.