Call to the pen
Fansided

Breaking Down Pre-Breakout Phillies

By Tal Venada

Mar 13, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin (45) in the dugout against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin (45) in the dugout against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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On February 22, Franco Displays Herrera’s Sign of Things To Come. Photo by Butch Dill – USA TODAY Sports.
On February 22, Franco Displays Herrera’s Sign of Things To Come. Photo by Butch Dill – USA TODAY Sports. /

Despite a circuitous route to the majors, Tommy Joseph is not only ready for an entire 162 at first base, but he also plans to enjoy the numbers he will eye on the Bank’s scoreboard. Additionally, the former catcher is coming off an impressive season: a .257 average, 21 home runs and 47 RBI for 347 at-bats, which projects to 33 long balls and 75 RBI for 550 ABs. Of course, he’ll have more at-bats against same-handed hurlers, but so far he’s made the necessary adjustments to National League moundsmen. Well, Double D, a breakout year for him would be .270 with 30 four-baggers and 80 RBI.

After learning that he can’t be the entire offense and an RBI double isn’t second-best to a homer, Maikel Franco will not want to hear hitting coach Matt Stairs reminding him of wasted at-bats during every contest. Yes, Stairs’ strategy for Franco doesn’t include disappointment. But the interesting aspect of hitting .280 with 30 home runs and 100 RBI was his 2016 performance: a .255 average, 25 long balls and 88 RBI, which is short by an average of .025 with five four-baggers and 12 RBI. Aren’t 35 homers and 115 RBI possible?

Before each game, the batted balls, the clangs off the cage and Stairs encouraging or yelling at his regulars during batting practice will interrupt the tranquility in the empty stands. Your swing is too long! And he also informs Franco that he has to stroke some opposite-field doubles to beat the shift.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT:           “One of the hardest parts of practice is the criticism a player takes from his coaches. Some players think a coach has it in for them when a flaw in style is pointed out … I know that when things start going wrong, for one, I get the coach to keep his eye on me to see what I’m suddenly doing wrong. I can’t see it or I wouldn’t be doing it in the first place.” – Willie Mays"

Double D, a .300 average to achieve a breakout campaign is a rarity, but Odubel Herrera is one of a kind. Yes, other Rule 5 selections have made their mark in the major leagues, but each of those stars also had a uniqueness that set them apart. And Herrera falls into that category, but will a .310 mark get him into the batting title conversation? Ergo, the top 10!

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