Phillies’ Race with Atlanta for Third Place

While Atlanta was 10th in the National League with a 3.95 ERA, they haven’t made big changes to their relief corps and are still going with Jim Johnson and Arodys Vizcaino. Johnson has had an up-and-down career, and Vizcaino’s numbers went from a 3.65 ERA to a 4.54 ERA on August 22. He only had five appearances in the second half due to an oblique injury and right shoulder inflammation that ended his campaign on August 24. Was that the reason for the poor outing?

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT:    “Losing feels worse than winning feels good.” – Vin Scully"

After being 10th in the league with a 5.05 ERA, the red pinstripes acquired Joaquin Benoit and Pat Neshek for the eighth inning, and they’ll fill in occasionally for Hector Neris. Yes, Double D, they’ll also be insurance if Neris struggles as a closer.

Relievers:

• Johnson, 33.5: 65 Gms., 64 2/3 Inn., a 3.06 ERA, 20 Saves, 8 Holds 2 BS (and 1 Blown Hold), a 1.4 fWAR and a 1.19 WHIP.
• Vizcaino, 26: 43 Gms., 38 2/3 Inn., a 4.42 ERA, 10 Saves, 2 BS (and 2 Blown Holds), a 0.3 fWAR and a 1.63 WHIP.

• Benoit, 39.5: 51 Gms., 48 Inn., a 2.81 ERA, 1 Save, 18 Holds (3 Blown Holds), a 0.5 fWAR and a 1.27 WHIP.
• Neshek, 36: 60 Gms., 47 Inn., a 3.06 ERA, 18 Holds, a 0.5 fWAR and a 0.94 WHIP.
• Neris, 27.5: 79 Gms., 80 1/3 Inn., a 2.58 ERA, 2 Saves, 28 Holds (4 Blown Holds), a 1.2 fWAR and a 1.11 WHIP.

To sum up, the Braves will score more runs and have a stronger rotation, but they’re an injury or a subpar year away from needing relief for the back-end of their bullpen. On the other hand, the Phils have the pitching to keep them in most games if Kendrick and Saunders can boost run production with solid at-bats. The Phillies won’t have to rely on homers to plate runs when doubles can drive men in and again raise the volume at the Bank. On February 24, however, what will be the best two words you haven’t heard in a long time? Play ball!