Call to the pen
Fansided

A Contagious Start Ahead for the Phillies

By Tal Venada

Mar 24, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) and Philadelphia Phillies catcher Ryan Hanigan (34) talk at the end of the second inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) and Philadelphia Phillies catcher Ryan Hanigan (34) talk at the end of the second inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Scoring Runs Are in Herrera’s Plans. Photo by Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports.
Scoring Runs Are in Herrera’s Plans. Photo by Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports. /

In their new-look lineup, the Phillies have Howie Kendrick (2), Odubel Herrera (3), Maikel Franco (4), Michael Saunders (5) and Tommy Joseph (6). And the first six spots in the order will alternately bat left and right, which is a benefit during the final frames with the outcome on the line and a headache for the opposing manager’s ability to deploy his relievers effectively. Meanwhile, proving themselves is important to Kendrick with a .290 average again and Saunders with the stamina for six months instead of only four. And Kendrick and Saunders will also lead by example with professional at-bats.

Playing as a team with passion and emotion outweighs some lack of experience and some differential of talent against contenders. In other words, they’ve done this before: the second half of 2015 and the first two months of last summer. Firstly, until Franco suffered a wrist injury during his first at-bat on August 11, the Philadelphia Phillies had a 15-7 record after the All-Star break; and the third baseman was beginning to hit again. And last year, the red pinstripes went 22-12 after the pen struggled in Cincinnati.

THE CALL FOR APRIL:      

13-11  or two games over .500        

After redeeming themselves for last April’s sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds, the Phils will return to cheers from their baseball-hungry fans. Yes, the locals will take the field at the friendly confines with the booming PA announcements of their names, the walk-up music and the chirping from both dugouts on every borderline pitch. That was low! Might have been outside! And after eight nail-biting innings are on the scoreboard, the bullpen door opens. Mounting tension! Finally, Gomez induces a ground out for the save.

CORRECTION:  

Regarding “Big Roster Test for Phillies GM” published on March 26, Luis Garcia is not out of options. Apparently, Garcia is still on his third option through April 9: It didn’t end with the start of spring training.

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