The Whys for a Phillies’ Turnaround
During the four days of rest, players are reflecting on some of their performances from May to mid-July that had mired the Philadelphia Phillies in the basement of the entire major leagues.
A U-turn Forecast:
When you have time away from the daily grind, you can think about your current situation if you are not completely happy with it and alone with your thoughts.
Beginning with the walking wounded, the Phillies have good reason for optimism. Vince Velasquez could make the fifth start on July 18 in Miami, and still cavernous Marlin’s park will be a good place for his return. Meanwhile, Howie Kendrick will begin to rehab this weekend and rejoin the team in Milwaukee or Miami. And lastly, Cesar Hernandez will probably return to the leadoff spot next week. Yes, the ad said help wanted.
During the current month, the Phils are 3-7 with three one-run defeats, but the club reactivating two of their best hitters at the top of the lineup will be more competitive in those tight games. Ergo, 5-5. In other words, if you’re a knock away from another tally, it makes a huge difference. For instance, before they played in Los Angeles in late April, the red and white were 5-5 in single-run outcomes.
During every 162, organizations play well under .500 ball, at .the midpoint, and well over the .500 mark. Yes, the red pinstripes are overdue for four to six weeks of winning baseball because they are not – despite their record – the worst franchise in the majors. But keep in mind, the Phillies had been 29-62 before 2015’s downtime and went 16-5 before Maikel Franco‘s wrist fracture. And last year, they went on a 23-13 adventure inspiring unrealistic aspirations after losing the first four contests. Yeah, same guys.
If you can imagine a phone call between the pitching coaches of the parent club and their Allentown affiliate, you’re close to a recent conversation. How does Edubray Ramos look? Well, he’s got a 2.70 ERA and a save out of five appearances for 6 2/3 innings. And he only had one poor outing: 80 percent is on target.
At the Bank after the Pittsburgh series, general manager Matt Klentak with some staff members and the skipper with his coaches reviewed every player. Obviously, the problem area is the bullpen; and the possibility is two veterans, one in particular, will depart – McClure stated – and leave possibly Luis Garcia as a second closing option. But Ramos will return – the coach also pointed out – to help Garcia and Neris; additionally Jesen Therrien and two former MLB arms with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs can fill 40-man spots if they become available. Ergo, Band-Aid Bob!
Garcia, 30.5:
- 2017: 30 Gms., 35 1/3 Inn., 2.55 ERA, 2 Holds and 1 Blown Hold.
- Recent outings: 10 Gms., 12 2/3 Inn. and a 0.00 ERA.
Triple-A Replacements:
- Ramos, 24.5: 5 Gms., 6 2/3 Inn., 2.70 ERA and 1 Save.
- Therrien, 24: 13 Gms., 21 2/3 Inn., 1.66 ERA, 2 Saves and 4 Holds.
- Beato: 30.5: 37 Gms., 39 1/3 Inn., 3.20 ERA, 25 Saves, 1 BS and 1 Blown Hold.
- Venditte, 32: 32 Gms., 48 Inn., 3.38 ERA, 1 Save, 1 BS and 5 Holds.
Since the calling-out by Freddy Galvis before the Seattle series, the Philadelphia Phillies have a 5-9 record: 1-5 in one-run decisions and 4-4 otherwise. In other words, the additions of Hernandez, Kendrick and Velasquez could change those results from 1-5 to 3-3 for a total of 7-7. And presently, Galvis is batting .270 for July with three homers and six RBIs.
Among the most important factors to increase winning, the team needs contributions from Odubel Herrera and Franco. That stated, the seven games against the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Diego Padres revealed that Herrera hit .333: He’s heading in the right direction. On the other hand, Franco smacked three home runs with five RBIs during those two series yet still needs to produce a higher average. But will Franco and Herrera get off to a fresh start during the first six contests of the second half?
For the Phils to become more competitive through season’s end, Tommy Joseph and Aaron Altherr must continue their excellent summers. Joseph is batting .294 for July with two long balls and five RBIs, while Altherr hit .400 for the last two series and is batting .333 for the month. Ergo, both regulars are doing their part.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.” – A. Bartlett Giamatti
When it comes to the five-man staff, the additions of Jerad Eickhoff and Velasquez will make a measurable difference. And the reason is both want to make up for time spent on the disabled list.
EITHER THAT OR THIS: “I would say I was jock. I went to Sierra College. I was a big baseball player. Getting into the MLB was my dream – to become a left-handed pitcher for the Yankees. That’s what I was hoping, but life kind of went the other way.” – Ryan Guzman
After five scoreless frames against San Diego, you can expect solid results from Eickhoff. He is 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA for his last two starts: one before his DL stint and one after it. On the other hand, Velasquez must mix in a few more secondary pitches – not all fastballs – to add some length to his outings.
For the moment, Nick Pivetta‘s results and stuff convinced management to give him the bottom slot of the rotation for now. He is 1-0 with a 2.33 ERA for four strong outings out of his five starts.
Additionally, Jeremy Hellickson – in order to entice a contender – must provide some quality performances. Ergo, more victories.
Next: Positive Phillies' Firepower
For his last four outings, Aaron Nola is 3-1 with a 1.53 ERA and he went deep into each game. He worked 29 1/3 innings for an average of 7 1/3 frames per appearance, and all four performances were seven innings or more. So, what has brought about this dramatic change? Mackanin’s challenge!