Even though the Phillies are most likely going to win the National League East Division over the Atlanta Braves by multiple games, they are not playing well enough to live up to their World Series expectations. It’s not like there is a dominant team this year that is a significant favorite to win the whole thing, but the Phillies need to be better. I think there are five or six teams that are capable of winning: the Phillies, the Dodgers and the Brewers in the National League, and the Yankees, the Orioles and the Houston Astros in the American League. The Kansas City Royals are also a dangerous American League contender.
I’m worried about the rest of the season for two of the Phillies’ best players, Bryce Harper at first base and catcher JT Realmuto. Harper looks tired at the plate, and JT has not lived up to his nickname of the best catcher in baseball. I believe his knee injury is worse than he has let on so far. He is not running as fast as he usually does, nor is he throwing out as many runners at second base. I will continue to keep my hopes up regardless.
I don’t watch preseason NFL football games at all, but I am curious enough to watch the last preseason game of the year for the Eagles, because they’re playing with new offensive and defensive coordinators. Their first regular-season game will be played down in Brazil and is against a very young and exciting Green Bay Packers team. This could actually be a playoff preview game.
The Eagles completed a trade Aug. 22 with the Washington Commanders for receiver Jahan Dotson. He will come in as a third receiver option, which was a weak spot last season. The Dallas Cowboys are going to be a hard team to stay ahead of in the NFC East division standings this year. Hopefully the Eagles’ offense will shine and the defense will be more stout than last year.
-
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.
