Phillies Forming a Core 4

By Tal Venada | Sep 7, 2017

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: The Phillies logo at section 108 seat 32 is shown at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rain cancelled the game against the Atlanta Braves and is rescheduled as a doubleheader tomorrow. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

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The Opposition Considers Him a Pest. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images. /

In their heyday, Greg Luzinski and Utley were feared hitters. As the five-hole bat in the lineup, Luzinski launched 39 bombs with 130 RBIs and a .309 average in 1977: his career highs in those three categories. Utley, on the other hand, had his best years with 105 RBIs in 2005, a .332 mark in 2007 and 33 home runs in 2008. Of course, Utley slotted third in the order.

Despite the demands by many fans to demote, bench or trade Odubel Herrera, the center fielder – acquired in the Rule 5 draft – has too much talent to cast aside due to his personality. In fact, the same zest for life could help him finish in the top 10 for hitting or win a batting crown. Is there someone currently on the parent club with that potential?

So far, Herrera has highs of .297 in ’15 and 15 homers, 25 swiped bags and 49 RBIs in ’16. And his current stats are .288, 12 long balls and 48 RBIs.

"ON THE OTHER HAND: “I’ve talked to guys who have played for the Phillies and gone on to other organizations and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” – Chase “the Silver Fox” Utley"

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