Next week is the MLB All-Star break, so it’s a good time to talk about everything baseball. In my opinion, the 2023 rule changes have been very successful. The pitch clock has cut an amazing 60-plus minutes off the typical baseball game, dropping games from about four hours to two-and-a-half. Very few pitchers are having any significant problems with the new clock, but of course that's not true for the Phillies. Closer Craig Kimbrel needs to fix that. The elimination of the infield shift to one side or the other has created more offense and more runs, improving the whole game experience.
The Phillies’ season has been confusing to watch because they’ve been incredibly inconsistent in terms of series-by-series play. They seem to play good, consistent baseball, then they play like a high school team for one or two series. Because of the inconsistency, they are already 10 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the division lead, which means they may have to rely on getting a wild card position to make the playoffs again. Not good! Hopefully they can get their act together and at least step up to that challenge.
Next week, my favorite tennis event, Wimbledon is beginning. I will definitely be reporting on that.
NBA free agency starts Friday. The signings always seem to go by quickly.
I hope everyone enjoys their July 4 holiday. I will not be going anywhere this weekend because of the amount of traffic. Staying home is just fine for the now.
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
