Phillies’ Race with Atlanta for Third Place
By Tal Venada
After scoring 307 first-half runs for last place in the NL, Atlanta received dividends by acquiring Matt Kemp: They were fifth in runs scored with 342 after the All-Star break. But what was their record after a 37-68 start when Kemp first donned their uniform on August 1? A 31-23 mark.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “Beast Mode doesn’t make excuses. It doesn’t complain. Whatever you’re doing, go out there and get it done. Keep pushing. If I have a bad game, I think about what I have to do to return to form. Figure it out, go to sleep, and wake up a new man.” – Matt Kemp"
Hitters:
- Kemp, 32.5: 672 PA, a .268 Avg., 35 HR, 108 RBI, an .803 OPS and a 0.4 fWAR.
- Kendrick, 33.5: 543 PA, a .255 Avg., 8 HR, 40 RBI, a .691 OPS and a 0.9 fWAR.
- Saunders, 30: 558 PA, a .253 Avg., 24 HR, 57 RBI, an .815 OPS and a 1.4 fWAR.
Facing a challenge after 610 runs tallied for last in the Senior Circuit, new hitting coach Matt Stairs has Michael Saunders and Howie Kendrick. And the coach will soon review batting practices with the left fielder and break down his swing. Of course, Stairs can probably fix Kendrick’s mechanical problems and get his average up to .290 or more. On the other hand, Saunders had his first full 162 since 2013; ergo, increased stamina will make a big difference to his stats.