Phillies mailbag: Maikel Franco’s injury, Mickey Moniak’s ceiling, Reading offense

Maikel Franco has had a relatively quiet 2016, despite bigger expectations (Frank Klose/Philliedelphia) It is time once again for a Phillies 97.3 ESPN Monday Mailbag.  We take your questions every Monday and then we talk about them during the Sports Bash with Mike Gill on Tuesday afternoons at 2:30 p.m.   If you are not in […]

Sports Talk Philly  •  14 Jun 2016
James Russell makes 1st spring start as Phillies host Tigers

Embed from Getty Images    By: Kevin Durso, editorial assistant  CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies (14-7-3) have been near the top of the Grapefruit League standings for much of the spring, stringing together a solid month. Much of that success has been led by Maikel Franco, who continued his torrid spring with his eighth home run on […]

Kevin Durso  •  26 Mar 2016
After bullpen meltdown, Cedric Hunter belts 3-run walk-off winner for Phillies

Jeremy Hellickson allowed one run and struck out five in two innings of work on Friday afternoon. Photo: Frank Klose/Philliedelphia   The Phillies brought the bats in the early going. A seven-run second inning had them rolling to a win. Then the eighth inning hit and the wheels fell off. Luis Garcia, Hector Neris and […]

Kevin Durso  •  04 Mar 2016
As new season dawns, a renewed excitement for Phillies baseball

Embed from Getty Images   That special day is upon us, the day when spring unofficially begins and preparation for the season starts with a clean slate. Pitchers and catchers reported to Clearwater on Wednesday and the first workout is this morning. Phillies baseball is back. In recent years, this day has provided a sense […]

Kevin Durso  •  18 Feb 2016
Season in Review: Maikel Franco

  View image | gettyimages.com 2015 marked the year the Phillies finally let go of the past. So goodbye, Jimmy Rollins – traded in 2014. Goodbye, Cole Hamels. Goodbye, Chase Utley. But 2015 also marked the welcome of a key piece to the lineup for years to come. Say hello to Maikel Franco.

Kevin Durso  •  04 Nov 2015
Williams takes mound as Phillies go for San Diego sweep

  View image | gettyimages.com The wins just kept coming for the Phillies (44-67) on Saturday night. Another series win, and now 15 wins in 20 games since the All-Star Break, not only allowed the Phillies to build on what has been baseball's best record in that time, but move out of last place in […]

Kevin Durso  •  09 Aug 2015
Nola gets 1st win, Phillies pound Cubs to complete sweep

  After Saturday marked a historical and rare first in the career of Cole Hamels, the next generation of Phillies pitching picked up a first of his own on Sunday.  Backed by plenty of run support, including an RBI of his own in the fourth, Aaron Nola cruised to his first major-league victory with 7 2/3 solid innings […]

Kevin Durso  •  26 Jul 2015
Phillies bid for another sweep as Nola faces Cubs

  View image | gettyimages.com In what could have been his final start as a Phillie, Cole Hamels fired the 13th no-hitter in franchise history, the first of his career. From the seasoned veteran lefty whose time in Philly make be coming to a close to the highly-touted rookie right-hander just starting out. Aaron Nola takes […]

Kevin Durso  •  26 Jul 2015
Phillies open weekend series with Braves

  View image | gettyimages.com The Philadelphia Phillies open a three game series with the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field tonight. The Phillies are coming off an extra innings loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. With the loss the Phillies were swept in the four game series. Starting Pitching Matchup: Atlanta Braves (38-41) Philadelphia […]

Bill Minchin  •  03 Jul 2015