Author image

Matt Rappa

Sports Editor

Articles by Matt Rappa (1744)

Schmidt to Join McCarthy, Others in Booth This Season

Earlier this offseason we learned that long-time Phillies broadcasters Chris Wheeler and Gary Matthews Sr. had been relieved of their duties in light of the mega TV contract that was signed between the franchise and Comcast SportsNet. Jamie Moyer and Matt Stairs were named replacements for the duo that drew mixed feelings from fans, especially […]

Matt Rappa  •  25 Feb 2014
Jim Thome Interested In Returning to the Baseball Diamond

Upon news of Rich Dubee's dismissal by the Phillies, fans were immediately clamoring for former Phillie and 2008 World Champion, Jamie Moyer, to become the team's new pitching coach for the 2014 season. Well, that never came to fruition obviously, as Bob McClure was hired.  But now, another former Phillie is the topic of discussion […]

Matt Rappa  •  24 Feb 2014
Phillies Break Their Silence, Finally, on Wetzler-NCAA Incident

Photo Courtesy of The Oregonian's Brent Wojahn Today, the Philadelphia Phillies have (finally) issued a statement in regards to Aaron Fitt of Baseball America's Wednesday report, which stated the Phillies turned in unsigned draft pick, LHP Ben Wetzler, to the NCAA for using an agent.  Wetzler was drafted in the fifth round of last June's draft […]

Matt Rappa  •  22 Feb 2014
The Phillies Have Been Interested In Burnett For Longer Than You Think

  Photo Courtesy of The Morning Call's Stephen Gross The Phillies are glad to have A.J. Burnett on their pitching staff, as much as A.J. Burnett is glad to be with the Phils, saying, "I'm ready to be part of something special." It has been speculated that the team's interest grew in Burnett once they learned […]

Matt Rappa  •  21 Feb 2014
Maikel Franco Turning Heads in Clearwater

  Photo courtesy of the Reading Fightin' Phils As the Phillies continue their preparation for Grapefruit League action next week, players recently have taken part in various fielding and hitting drills.  Signs are pointing in the positive direction for players such as Ryan Howard, who is running without a limp in years, whereas in the negative […]

Matt Rappa  •  21 Feb 2014
Signing Bobby Abreu May Not Have Been the Best Move Out There For the Phillies

On January 22, 2014, the Philadelphia Phillies brought back outfielder Bobby Abreu on a minor-league deal, reuniting a bond that started in 1998 and ended eight years ago in 2006 when he was traded to the New York Yankees. Abreu last played in Major League Baseball in 2012 for both of Los Angeles' teams, the […]

Matt Rappa  •  20 Feb 2014
Phillies Five: Reasons For Optimism

Last week on Phillies Five, we took a look at five things fans should watch for this Spring Training. Taking that a step further, with the full-squad workouts underway and the first Spring Training game a week from today, let's take a look at five things fans should be excited for in regards to the […]

Matt Rappa  •  19 Feb 2014
Phillies Five: Spring Training is Here

The news of Roy Oswalt retiring yesterday brought back many memories of the good times of Phillies baseball.  R2C2, the Pistachio Girl, when the stadium was sold-out every night no matter who they were playing, or even when the team didn't need to sell 50/50 raffle tickets to draw fans to weekend games. Well, let's […]

Matt Rappa  •  12 Feb 2014
Phillies Looking at Signing a Second Baseman? That’s Out of Left Field.

  Photo: Philliedelphia/Frank Klose With Spring Training just around the corner, the Phillies are still in need to fill some of their gaps within their depth chart and lineup that they so desperately need.  One of these spots is that of one of the corner-outfield positions.     Throughout the offseason, the team has been […]

Matt Rappa  •  16 Jan 2013
Preseason Week 1 Preview: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to kickoff the 2012 season with their first preseason game tonight against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  After a long offseason in which began right after Week 17 with no playoff appearance, Eagles fans are excited for the new season to finally get under way. Thursday, August 9, 2012 Lincoln Financial Field […]

Matt Rappa  •  09 Aug 2012