Philadelphia Phillies: Unexpected possibilities
By Tal Venada
When it comes to big surprises for 2018, Vince Velasquez and Maikel Franco would shock the faithful more than anyone else on the 25-man roster. And keep in mind, making an impact in a third campaign doesn’t mean being an All-Star. Cesar Hernandez‘s 2017, for instance, is a solid example of the fan’s perception of development from reserve infielder to excellent leadoff man.
Regarding Velasquez, the right-hander has made 46 starts in the majors, and 60 outings is roughly two year’s experience. Bur even though the numbers don’t show it, the flamethrower has improved. Besides consistency, he just needs to find the right mix of pitches on a steady basis, which could happen in the second half. However, if Klentak adds two decent rotation arms, Velasquez could slot fifth, relax, and shine due to less pressure.
When ’17 came to a close, Franco had some competition in September with J.P. Crawford and will have more with Scott Kingery in the foreseeable future. But the decision-makers informed Franco that ’18 will be do-or-die. That said, he averaged .279 with six homers and 14 RBIs with Crawford as a teammate. But after Franco had commented about Hoskins being fourth in long balls after only one month, the third baseman then blasted four home runs–his only hits–in his final five games to be first with 24. Ergo, a consideration, not a worry.
"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “A thing long expected takes the form of the unexpected when at last it comes.” – Mark Twain"