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Aug 2023

Fantastic atmosphere at the last two games against the Giants. Mrs. Jazz has one of those phones that warn when ambient noise is at dangerous levels. We gladly reveled in the wonderful roar, and were especially heartened to see Taijuan return to form.

The Phillies have 35 come-from-behind wins this year. They are 23-18 in one-run games (which is about the same as their overall WP). The Braves are actually not that different (33, 19-15). It's good to win the close ones and be resilient, but better to not have to do it. Where the difference shows up between the two teams is blowout wins - Braves 28-8, Phillies 18-11.

What is this app or phone that does that? I have a noise meter but I have to open and run it manually. I wore earplugs at the two playoff games I went to last year, with good reason.

I misspoke - it's her smart watch (not her smart phone) that warns of dangerous noise. I think it's an Apple. Me, I just have an old school Shinola. All it does is tell time.

Rather be lucky than good. Great to get the W, but took some blind faith to get it as Big Rob exhausted the pen.

Too bad Rojas couldn't quite get that liner off his glove. Woulda been a great catch and the game could have been a lot easier, but the top CFs make a lot of them. Maybe next time he makes it.

I get that Big Rob wants things to work in a certain way, including Turner at #2. Finally worked in the bottom of the 9th, but he could use more time down the order IMHO. OTOH, Bohm was getting comfy there. The Phils do a lot of shuffling based on Big Rob's psychic messages.

Schwarber's E was nearly the margin of victory for the Giants. The Phils are right to be so cautious with Harper's arm, but it costs them. Starting off the game with 2 E's... we don't got to show you no stinking poise... everybody on the edge of your seat!

I think Rob tends to rest Harper more against LHP (as DH). It is just easier to get Sosa in the lineup that way with Bohm moving to 1B. Cave is the backup 1B against RHP and that does not help the defense as much as getting Sosa in there.

Health permitting Harper will probably get up to 5 starts a week at 1B within a week or two and full time by the end of the season.

Actually they said it was Harper's back that is keeping him at DH right now

Yeah unfortunately when you are a 30 year-old baseball player coming off a major surgery and layoff (as well as a whole different injury and layoff last season) the body is just creakier. Add a new position to that and muscles are being used/compensating in whole different ways.

In the end, Schwarber's defense (and disappointing offense) costs a few ones but hopefully isn't going to have any effect on the Phillies season (so long as they do lock up that top seed). But it only takes one time in the playoffs....

No word on who we sent back

Iron Pigs are currently in a playoff spot and have a bunch of L outfield bats. Kind of fun to see a AAA depth trade that seems to have an eye on the postseason. I believe Hicklen is a free agent after the season. 2https://t.co/EaBJ5hSUMs2

— Matt Winkelman ( @Matt_Winkelman ) August 23, 2023

OF Brewer Hicklen has been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Thank you @brewerhicklen for all you have done for our organization. We will miss seeing you at Werner Park, can't wait to see what the future has in store for you! pic.twitter.com/f21Fm9BT9X2

— Omaha Storm Chasers ( @OMAStormChasers ) August 23, 2023

I think his brother Monetary Considerations had a better bat and was a step quicker. At least we traded the right brother.

Hicklen had a really good AAA season in 2022 and got called up. He really regressed in 2023, having arguably his worst minor league year. Not a bad AAAA player, actually.

Almost a 30-30 guy last year in AAA but lots of swing and miss (202 Ks!).

Hicklen looks like an intriguing, and rare, power-speed combination, I saw an interview with him, he seems like a good fellow. He just might fit in here.

Seems like he's just here to play for the Iron Pigs until the season's over. Unlikely he moves ahead of Pache or Rojas, or gets added to the 40 in the off-season (which will make him a free agent). Obviously the Royals had already decided not to add him either and figured they'd do him a favor of finishing the year with a AAA team playing meaningful games.

yeah.. if he cant make the Royals he isnt gonna make the Phillies..

I find it very strange the Royals couldn't find room for him on their squad this year.

I mean, ya never know, maybe they like him and he comes back on a minor league deal or he goes on a tear in the AAA playoffs and gets himself a look from someone else. But yeah. '

I suppose there is a tiny chance this says something about Pache's setback and they'd consider him as a PR or more useful piece than Castro.

Why not just add Kingery if you wanted some speed? Who gets added in a few days is anyones guess:
Ellis, Hall, Clemens, Wilson or Muzzioti. Then again they will prob stick with what they have and just add Pache and Suarez, but who knows if they will be ready by Sept. 1.