Despite being atop the NL East, the Phillies have shown they’re still inconsistent.

After Tuesday night’s win over the Diamondbacks, which included a Little League home run, the offense failed to show up Wednesday with only four hits in a 6-0 defeat.

It was a rough afternoon for Vince Velasquez, who lasted only four innings. He gave up four runs off six hits and two walks with two strikeouts. The offense was dominated by lefty Patrick Corbin, who had nine strikeouts.

The team should’ve come out of Arizona with two wins had they not collapsed Monday night in the ninth inning. Still, getting a win over one of the division leaders in the NL is a good thing. The Phils lead Atlanta by a half-game and will need to get hot for some time to create some possible separation. Atlanta plays Washington this afternoon and can move into a tie for first in the division with a win.

That can happen this weekend as the team starts a series with the San Diego Padres on Friday. Zach Eflin will be on the mound.

Former Phillie Jayson Werth also discussed a multitude of topics as he went on Howard Eskin’s WIP podcast.

The Roundup:


We have Eagles football tonight! The Birds open the preseason at home against Pittsburgh tonight at 7 PM on NBC 10. Carson Wentz won’t play and Nick Foles isn’t expected to play. Get ready to see a ton of Nate Sudfeld!

Guys like Josh Adams and Kamar Aiken will look to secure roster spots. Punter Cameron Johnston will try to solidify his spot as the team’s starting punter.

“You watch him, he’ll have four or five really good kicks,” Pederson continued. “There will be an occasional one that will go awry just a little bit. But that’s all part of his plan too. Part of his progression with what we’re asking him to do directionally — right, left, try to get him outside the numbers. It’s all new.”

There are plenty of other players worth watching.

The team released their first unofficial depth chart:

Could Rasul Douglas be on the trade block?

Not that there has been heavy trade buzz, but the Eagles are well-stocked at corner and are in position to trade a DB if the right offer comes in. Douglas, a third-round pick out of West Virginia, is a big (6-foot-2, 209 pounds), physical cornerback with some upside. The Eagles have decent depth at receiver and along the offensive line as well.

Running back Alvin Kamara thinks the Saints would’ve beaten the Eagles in the NFC Championship game if they didn’t allow a Hail Mary touchdown pass against Case Keenum and the Vikings.

Finally, the team revealed their new medical staff.


The NBA announced national games for opening week, Christmas Day, and MLK Day. The Sixers will open up the season on the road against Boston with their home opener two days later against the Bulls. They’ll visit Boston again on Christmas Day and host Houston on MLK Day.

With Zhaire Smith‘s initiation into the Sixers (getting injured for a long time), what does that mean for the entire rotation?

The team broke ground for their new 76ers Fieldhouse in Wilmington.

Skip Bayless thinks the Sixers will be the best team in the East. Whatever that’s worth (nothing).


The Union got three second half goals, including two from Cory Burke, to beat the Chicago Fire 3-0 in the US Open Cup semifinal. They’ll play in their third US Open Cup final in five seasons against the Houston Dynamo, who beat LAFC on penalties.

The team also hired Ernst Tanner as their new Sporting Director.


In other sports news, the NCAA announced new rules that blindsided the NBA and NBPA.

Help a Kensington football team get new equipment.

Jahlil Okafor is a Pelican.

Joe Simpson is in trouble again.

Don’t buy into Terrell Owens being the victim.


In the news, a man died after being stabbed at a SEPTA station in Center City.

The Oscars unveiled a new category for “popular films.”

Tribune is calling off Sinclair’s $3.9 billion deal.