A few things to consider while we wait for the USA vs. Germany matchup Thursday in the World Cup (yes, I have a touch of soccer fever!).
Suddenly the Phillies are allergic to Citizens Bank Park. The little bandbox used to be their secret weapon, as they would gorge on pitchers intimidated by their lineup and the minute dimensions of their hitter-friendly park.
But after a solid 5-2 showing on the road in Atlanta and St. Louis, the Phils returned home and promptly slid into a coma last night. They went meekly vs. the Marlins, losing 4-0.
The highlight of the evening for Phils' fans came before the first pitch, when the team honored Jimmy Rollins for his new status as the team's all-time hits leader.
It was all downhill from there. The Phils managed all of seven hits, three of them by Cody Asche. The Marlins put two on the board in the 1st inning vs. Roberto Hernandez and never looked back. Hernandez actually settled down and pitched well, but got no support from the Phils' sleepy bats.
Don't look now but that makes three straight losses for the Phils, as this confounding team continues to treat water.
Speaking of home, the Wells Fargo Center is no longer home to popular Flyer Scott Hartnell. The team traded him to the Columbus Blue Jackets yesterday. Coming back to the Flyers is old friend R.J. Umberger and a draft pick.
What's interesting in this first big deal for Ron Hextall is that Hartnell clearly was taken aback when he was informed he was being moved. The team actually approached him last week to let him know they were "moving in a different direction." Hartnell was not happy about the move, but eventually waived his no-trade clause.
Mark down Nov. 14, Flyers fans. That's when Hartnell will bring Columbus back to Philly.
Based on the Flyers recent trades (can you say Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Justin Williams?) the Blue Jackets can start planning their Stanley Cup parade any day now.
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