If you’re only planning to watch one Phillies game this season make it Friday Night.
Phillies. Mets. Citizens Bank Park.
Cole Hamels. Matt Harvey.
Forecast is for a perfect night.
Sure, Hamels has had his ups and downs so far this season but against the rival Mets he is sure to bring his A Game. The biggest problem Cole has had this year is losing focus and making the mistake pitch. For those of you who have been watching, his mistakes have been big ones. When he’s not making mistakes, he looks like a legitimate ace. For most teams in the league, he is better than their current opening day starter. His name is mentioned daily on MLB Network Radio as the top available pitcher who will be traded this season. This week they’re thinking Red Sox or Blue Jays but knowing he can and most likely would decline a trade to Toronto, they are predicting Boston as his landing spot.
Matt Harvey, coming off Tommy John surgery, is 5-0 and has to be considered one of the best pitchers in the game so far this young season. Last week he outdueled the 200 million dollar man from the Nationals. He is legit and a lot of fun to watch. A New York without Derek Jeter is looking for a fan favorite and I predict Harvey will be the newly crowned King of New York Baseball by seasons end.
The best chance either team has to win this game is to take advantage of a mistake and hit the long ball.
Hopefully, the Phillies will realize this and start all their power hitters. Sure, there haven’t been many long balls this year but Howard is starting to heat up while Ruf and Francouer have the ability to pop one at any time. Utley will be back from his benching and you can rest assured he will get at least one hit. This is a guarantee.
It is going to be a long summer for Philadelphia baseball fans. The opportunity for a great game won’t come around that often which is why this Friday night should be Baseball Night in Philly!!
Let’s Root Root Root for the Phillies!!
On a side note – even though we hate the Mets and hope everything they do turns out poorly they should be commended for their salute to the fallen NYPD officer on Tuesday Night. Brian Moore, a lifelong Orioles fan (so much cooler than being a lifelong Mets fan) had tickets for the Tuesday game. His family attended for him. The Mets flew all flags in the stadium and half-mast, wore NYPD hats during batting practice and a moment of silence for Officer Moore took place before the game. Some things are bigger than baseball and good for the Mets for being a class act and honoring a fallen hero.
I will watch the Phillies so you don’t have to!! Even though you should watch the Phillies even if it’s just this one time.
Erik Whitacre
@erikwhitacre
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