Following a motivational experience, the young shortstop realized that the plate discipline he’d shown wasn’t enough for the Philadelphia Phillies to advance him to the major leagues.
The Compromise:
At a career crossroads, you must consider making changes to an inadequate plan when your goal is within sight.
If you analyze general manager Matt Klentak’s recent promotions, you’d see Nick Williams had his opportunity due to an injury, but he also was on a six-game streak of hitting with good plate discipline at the time. Then, Jorge Alfaro was the next to advance due to Andrew Knapp‘s stint on the disabled list, but Alfaro had only been averaging .250 for his eight previous contests after a cold spell. Lastly, Rhys Hoskins‘ promotion is determining the first base situation for 2018 before any offseason deal involving Tommy Joseph. But remember, Joseph was struggling and Hoskins was getting hot when the left fielder joined the team.
When the Phils placed their veteran left fielder on the DL, Williams was putting up some Triple-A numbers at the right time. And since he enjoyed his first taste of sweet fruit at the highest plateau, he is batting .286 with eight homers and 27 RBIs for 50 games. No more Triple-A? That stated, Odubel Herrera has produced for three campaigns: .297, .286 and .287 equal returning to the three-hole in the lineup. On the other hand, the red pinstripes need a left-handed hitter with power, and right fielder Dylan Cozens is making a push for a September call-up.
Triple-A stats:
- Williams: Last 6 Gms., 22 AB, 8 H, .364, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 7 BB and 8 K.
- Cozens: Last 5 Gms., 16 AB, 5 H, .313, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 1 BB and 6 K.
Because of a mistakenly exposed hand clipped by a foul tip, Alfaro received his second chance with the parent club due to Knapp’s injury, and Alfaro is producing like a man who doesn’t want to return to Triple-A again. Like Williams, apparently, he’s realizing the ways to make himself valuable and force his way into the organization’s plans, immediate and long-term. But as it stands now, Rupp is catching Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff, while Alfaro handles the hurlers he’s familiar with from the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Three men, two jobs and your popcorn.
MLB Stats from August 5 through August 27:
- Rupp: 13 Gms., 41 AB, 10 H, .244, 3 HR and 5 RBI.
- Alfaro: 10 Gms., 39 AB, 12 H, .308, 1 HR and 4 RBI.
- Triple-A: Last 6 Gms., 24 AB, 6 H, .250, 1 HR and 2 RBI.
Williams and Alfaro had their aha moments after they arrived. Was that due to coaching? On the other hand, J.P. Crawford changed his approach on July 9.