Philadelphia Phillies: Tomorrow at Second Base
By Tal Venada
Even though the future never seems to arrive at the keystone positions, the front office through their minor league staff has been quietly working with two players to improve the Philadelphia Phillies up the middle.
The Faces of Change:
After the forever-like wait for what’s next, it happens seamlessly and quickly becomes the norm after its fleeting excitement.
What is the plan? Double D, a poster from another site, asked a couple weeks ago. Well, if everything works out – a rarity – J.P. Crawford will be the long-term shortstop, and his double-play partner will be second sacker Scott Kingery. Crawford will remain with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, and Kingery will return to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils. Next stop: Clearwater.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “Spring training means flowers, people coming outdoors, sunshine, optimism, and baseball. Spring training is a time to think about being young again.” – Ernie Banks"
Like all blueprints, Double D, the wrinkles appeared almost immediately. In other words, this strategy was in place just before president Andy MacPhail joined the organization.
General manager Matt Klentak is operating like his young counterparts with quicker decisions. Ergo, Crawford and Kingery could be here in July and September respectively if Klentak likes their progress. Which would be? Plate discipline.
Before Cesar Hernandez and Freddy Galvis signed professionally, their dream in Venezuela was to be a double-play combo in the major leagues someday. Fan-wise, however, if you remember the thinking in 2015, Hernandez was going to be a reserve; and Galvis was moving to second base to open a spot for Crawford. Then, Double D, Kingery would replace Galvis a year later and limit him to a bench job.
Starting at second base last summer, Hernandez realized his opportunity and displayed improvement because he got a salty explanation of his shortcomings from bench coach Larry Bowa. No, the skipper isn’t resting you. And since he’s wasn’t playing, Bowa pointed out that the infielder could help with the paperwork. So, Hernandez received the message and his value increased: He not only went from a .241 average to .294, but he also hit .327 for his remaining 321 at-bats instead of the expected .280 by manager Pete Mackanin. Wrinkle!