The All-Star festivities are in full swing.
This weekend was highlighted by the HBCU Swingman Classic, the MLB draft, and the Futures Game, among other events around the city, including the All-Star Village opening, which drew thousands of fans.
Read more Phillies MLB draft tracker: Meet every pick from Day 2
Tonight, the stars will be out during the Home Run Derby at 8 p.m., featuring Phillies sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Will a Phillie take home the crown in their own ballpark?
Also, Cristopher Sánchez will start the All-Star Game for the National League, and he’s certainly deserving of it. The 29-year-old lefty ranks second in the majors in innings, third in strikeouts, and ninth in ERA. He’ll join Schwarber and Brandon Marsh in the lineup.
Tuesday night — when the All-Star Game takes place — will be extra special for Delaware County native Kevin McGonigle, who returns to the same stadium he grew up watching games in, this time as a major leaguer himself.
And the Phillies are going into the All-Star break on a high note after Zack Wheeler threw 10 strikeouts in a 5-0 shutout against Detroit on Sunday.
— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, [email protected].
If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.
❓What is your favorite part of the MLB All-Star Game? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.
Promising weapon
Makai Lemon is Philadelphia’s promising new weapon. DeVonta Smith will be the No. 1 wide receiver with A.J. Brown in New England, but Lemon will likely slot in as the No. 2 opposite.
Lemon’s ability to play slot and outside makes him a versatile piece in Sean Mannion’s offense. But can he fill the production left by Brown?
The latest on LeBron
Have you checked out the Bron-O-Meter lately? As LeBron James’ free agency drags on — and Philadelphia remains among his reported top destinations — we’re tracking the future Hall of Famer’s chances of signing with the Sixers through our wholly unscientific Bron-O-Meter.
Our patented technology is powered by reports, our own analysis, and the latest social media buzz … but mostly it’s based on vibes.
What we’re…
⚾ Tracking: The Phillies completed the draft Sunday, let’s look at their selections — plus which area players were picked.
🤔 Wondering: What Phillies’ top pitching prospect Gage Wood thought about playing in his potential future home during the Futures Game.
👀 Watching: Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard will host Chase Utley and Cole Hamels on their podcast at All-Star Villageon Tuesday.
📖 Reading: The story behind Tug McGraw gifting his 1980 World Series jersey to a teen fan. Now the jersey will be auctioned off this week.
Keep proving himself
Johni Broome was the Sixers’ second-round pick last summer, after blossoming into an All-American for powerhouse Auburn. But the 23-year-old played in 11 NBA regular-season games as a rookie, which was interrupted by knee surgery.
Now he is looking to “keep proving myself,” and has recorded a double-double in each of the Sixers’ first two Summer League games in Las Vegas.
Read more Drexel Hill’s Michael Anderson and a trio of St. Joe’s players selected on Day 2 of the MLB draft
Center stage
After the U.S. men’s soccer team’s ugly exit from the World Cup, it’s time to look forward to a new era of players — Cavan Sullivan knows he’ll be on many observers’ prospect lists.
Sullivan will be age 20 by the 2030 World Cup and entering the prime of his career. The hope is he’ll be progressing at his future club, the English Premier League’s Manchester City. For now, he’s focused on getting the Union’s season back on track.
And although he isn’t retiring yet, the longtime voice of the Union, JP Dellacamera, is choosing to step back from the biggest stage after a tournament on home soil.
Revive the Orange
At 28 years old, Ryan Daly has climbed the coaching ranks after serving as a college basketball assistant at Albany, Bryant, and Virginia Commonwealth. The Havertown native said none of that would be possible without his Philadelphia basketball roots and the people he met along the way.
As an assistant at Syracuse, he looks to take on “the challenge of bringing them back” to the top.
David Murphy’s take
By several different metrics, Jonathan Bowlan has been one of the most productive relievers in the majors over the last two-and-a-half months.
But the real question is quality: Do they believe Bowlan can be an eighth-inning version of Jhoan Duran? As of right now, he looks like the only viable option, writes columnist David Murphy.
What you’re saying about the Flyers’ roster
We asked: If you could pick any player, past or present, to immediately join the Flyers, who would it be and why? Among your responses:
The Flyers are in need of a top line center. Who better to fill the void from the past than Eric Lindross or Bobby Clarke. Lindros for his size and unstoppable physicality and Clarke for his heart and grit. — Bob C.
Bobby Clark for leadership and the center we need. Reggie Leach for putting the puck in the net. The “Hammer” Dave Schultz for instilling fear in the opposition. Ed VanImp for defense. Bernie! Bernie! For stopping every puck And let us not forget our good luck charm, Kate Smith blasting out “God Bless America”. Get yourself ready for the PARADE DOWN BROAD STREET! — Ronald R.
If I could pick a past Flyer to immediately join the Flyers it would be the great center they need which would be Bobby Clarke. — Bob G.
Mark Howe. Best defenseman in Philadelphia Flyers history who would answer a lot of questions. — Alan K.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Lochlahn March, David Murphy, Scott Lauber, Matt Breen, Gina Mizell, Ryan Novozinsky, Jonathan Tannenwald, Owen Hewitt, Mia Messina, Gabriela Carroll, and Lauren Jones.
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Thanks for getting your morning started with me. Enjoy the Home Run Derby, we’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday. — Bella
Read more Team Victorino wins the first-ever MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3 competition during MLB All-Star weekend