Phillies continue to struggle

I thought the fact that the Phillies were coming home was going to help them come out of their post All-Star break slump, but that was far from the truth. They went a disappointing one and five during this home stand, winning only one game against Cleveland and getting swept by the New York Yankees. Let’s hope they can get their act together against the Seattle Mariners this weekend.

The trade deadline has passed and the Phillies acquired three players. First is Austin Hayes from Baltimore to play the outfield. He was Baltimore's representative on the MLB All-Star team for two years. They also acquired two relief pitchers to try and end the recent struggles in the bullpen. The NY Mets and the Atlanta Braves are in a virtual tie for second, seven games behind the Phillies in the Eastern Division. So, if the Phillies don't get their act together soon, they will have a legitimate three-team race on their hands for the division championship.

I am trying to watch as much Olympics as I can. Congratulations to both the United States gymnastics teams for their success. The men get a shout-out for out performing to everyone's expectations and earning a bronze medal in the team competition. The women’s team lived up to its expectations and won the gold medal in the team competition. I’ve been pleasantly surprised watching the men’s soccer team advance to the next round by defeating New Zealand and Guinea rather easily. I hope this is a sign of good things to come in the next year leading up to the World Cup. The women's team is also playing very well too; it has won its group and will face Japan next.

This summer is flying by! I can’t believe it is August already. Next week, the Eagles play the first of their three exhibition games before having to go to Brazil to play the against the Green Bay Packers to open their regular season. Right now, the Eagles are the significant favorite to win the Division Championship. Because of these expectations, I think Nick Sirianni is coaching for his job. If the Eagles don’t make the playoffs, he will not be coaching them next year. I hope AJ Brown starts the season playing as well as he did during the first half of the season last year. He’s been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. We will see what happens.