Here’s an open discussion thread so the minor league posts don’t get cluttered with Phillies’ talk and other topics.
Of primary interest at his point in the season is that the Phillies haven’t moved any of their veterans, yet. A deal for Hamels seems imminent, certainly by the end of the week. The Cueto deal shouldn’t negatively affect the Phillies since the Royals were never in the picture and Cueto is one less attractive rental available for Hamels’ suitors. Papelbon’s market seems to be shrinking. But has Francoeur become a possible addition for a team looking for a right-handed bat off the bench?
The Phillies continue to struggle as they leave the All Star break in their wake. They went into the break with a 5-game losing streak. They had completed a 1-6 West Coast trip and 2-8 road trip. They had gone 3-15 since reaching a 26-47 record after taking the first two games in a series against the Yankees on June 23rd. Their 29-62 record at the break gave them a seemingly insurmountable 9.5 game lead over Milwaukee.
The Phillies 8-1 start after the break has not only allowed the streaking Marlins to pull within 5.5 games, but has allowed other teams to creep back into the race. The #1 pick that so many fans were counting on to justify the season they are suffering through is now in doubt.