Hector Neris

Mookie Betts just signed a 12-year contract extension worth $365 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This absolutely impacts the free-agent to be, JT Realmuto. It's easy to sit here and scream at Matt Klentak to give Realmuto whatever he is asking for, but that wouldn't be smart. Because of COVID19, the market has shifted. Or has it? The Dodgers signing Betts could easily be the outlier. They are a different type of beast when it comes to spending money every single year. From Realmuto's standpoint, I'm sure he sees this as an opportunity to still cash in on one the biggest deal for a catcher. Will that be here in Philadelphia though? Even if the Phillies allow him to test the market, that doesn't mean they won't be in the bidding war. At this point, it's a risk they are willing to take. By no means is this an easy decision. Betts is 27-years-old and plays in the outfield which does not relate to a catcher who is about to be 30-years-old with a ton of miles on the tires. In the game of baseball, the production of the catcher drops fast and it wouldn't be fun to pay Realmuto $23M per season if he wasn't playing at a high level. At the end of the day, I believe they will find a way to get it done even if it takes bumpy road.

The Philadelphia Phillies tied the New York Yankees 2-2 in their third exhibition game. Vince Velasquez was definitely the talk of town before the game started and let's just say he was impressive. In the first inning though, Velasquez threw 25 pitches and struggled a tad, but it was mixed with intriguing pitches. Here is how his first inning played out: DJ LeMahieu was hit by a pitch Aaron Judge struck out swinging Gleybor Torres single Giancarlo Stanton struck out looking Aaron Hicks walks Gary Sanchez struck out swinging with bases loaded No runs were scored in the inning, but this shows the inconsistency of Velasquez we have seen many times before. Interestingly enough, he turned it around big time only needing 48 pitches during the next four innings. He allowed a home-run to Judge after ending the fifth inning and going for a fourth out because, well, why not? It's a game that doesn't count. It was obvious that his cutter, curveball, and change-up was very interesting. I think it is fair to ask this question: Have we been sucked in like this before with Vinny V? On a side note, Jean Segura was drilled in the hand by a pitch resulting in exiting the game. We are waiting for more information as the Yankees did not have x-rays available. He seems to be okay.

The Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Baltimore Orioles in an exhibition game. Zack Wheeler threw 86 pitches in 4.1 innings. There is no doubt his breaking ball can be dominant, but he lost his command towards the end. This shouldn't have to be stressed too much... It was ONLY an exhibition game. So there is no need to say his contract isn't worth it or that he isn't good. Let's relax. The offense was not able to click for any type of run support. In terms of the broadcast, the fake crowd noise is definitely needed. The empty stadium seats do not bother me although I can understand why that is an eye sore to some.

The 33-year-old reliever gives the Phillies a veteran who could pitch in high-leverage situations.

Four Phillies have been placed on the injured list, the Phillies transaction page reports, though the reasons for the moves is unknown

The Phillies come from behind to beat the Padres 7-5 and win the series. Adam Haseley gets his first career hit which was a double in the 7th inning to take the lead!

In a brand-new podcast hosted by 97.3 Phillies Insider Frank Klose along with Geoff Geoff Mosher and Hunter Brody, the Powder Blue crew previews the 2020 Phillies in its pilot episode. Klose, Mosher and Brody give reasons for optimism and pessimism in 2020, while also projecting the starting rotation and bullpen. Hear Klose's surprise pick for the fifth starter! They also weigh in on the Astros sign-stealing scandal and its impact across the league.

The Phillies come from behind to beat the Padres 7-5 and win the series. Adam Haseley gets his first career hit which was a double in the 7th inning to take the lead!

The Phillies agreed to salaries with four players and exchanged arbitration numbers with Hector Neris and J.T. Realmuto.

The Phillies allow eight home runs to the Diamondbacks in game one of the series by a score of 13-8.