Phillies’ Race with Miami for Third Place
By Tal Venada
"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “On TV the people can see it. On radio you’ve got to create it.” – Bob Uecker"
For their pen, the Marlins acquired Brad Ziegler and Junichi Tazawa, but they lost their southpaw setup man to free agency. So, Double D, they’ll struggle against left-handed hitters like Michael Saunders with the outcome on the line. Basically, they have one more arm but are short one major weapon.
Relievers:
- Phillies: 5.05 ERA (13th). Marlins: 3.63 ERA (8th). Braves: 3.95 ERA (10th).
- Ziegler: 69 Gms., 68 Inn., a 2.25 ERA, 22 Saves, 8 Holds, 3 BS (and 3 Blown Holds), a 1.3 fWAR and a 1.37 WHIP.
- Tazawa: 53 Gms., 49 2/3 Inn., a 4.17 ERA, 16 Holds (2 Blown Holds), a 0.2 fWAR and a 1.23 WHIP.
- Benoit: 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: 60 Gms., 47 Inn., a 3.06 ERA, 18 Holds, a 0.5 fWAR and a 0.94 WHIP.
Even though the red pinstripes have only one lefty in the pen for now, they’ve added Joaquin Benoit and Pat Neshek to the four hurlers returning from 2016. In other words, Double D, next April will not be a repeat of last year’s scramble in the bullpen.
To sum up, both clubs will have a decent relief corps, the Marlins will have a solid advantage offensively if they can stay healthy, and the Phillies will have the edge with their starting staff. That stated, what will happen this month in Philly regarding baseball on the 25th regardless of the weather? A February thaw.