Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies’ Unique Backup Plan

By Tal Venada

The Phils may have to part with Knapp instead of Rupp in a multi-player deal. Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images.
The Phils may have to part with Knapp instead of Rupp in a multi-player deal. Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images. /
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Proving he doesn’t have to homer to score, Franco, heads home on Rupp’s RBI double. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images. /

Answered questions:

From responses on Twitter regarding Saturday’s article, the conversation revolved around Maikel Franco. Firstly, he doesn’t need speed to average .260 or .280; he must get some knocks by going to the opposite field for singles and doubles to beat the shift. He must keep the defense honest.

Yes, the third sacker can hit 25-30 long balls and drive in 80 runs, but he must be more consistent at the plate. He must contribute more for Kapler to frequently list him on the lineup card. On a positive note, he won’t have the pressure of the “be like Maik” commercials.

On Sept. 5, J.P. Crawford joined the Phils, and Franco proceeded to hit .279 with six bombs and 14 RBIs from that date. But two Francos were inside those numbers: the challenged veteran and the homer-happy slugger.

Franco:

  • First 16 games: 47 AB, 15 H, .319, 2 HR and 7 RBI.
  • Last 5 games: 21 AB, 4 H (all HR), .191, 4 HR and 7 RBI.

Ergo, if he has to produce to save his job, he will! But he has a “home run contest” mentality, and he wants to be first. Fortunately, Santana and Hoskins will dull that tendency.

In April, many players are cold on the field and with their production. Yes, it’s a shock to the system to go from Clearwater to Philadelphia, but don’t panic if Franco gets off to a slow start. He and Crawford will exclusively man the left side of the diamond, and they’ll have two months before Scott Kingery‘s debut.

Thank you, readers, for a lengthy conversation on Twitter. And if you disagree with me, I am okay with that.

"IN OTHER WORDS: “Different people have different opinions, and its okay to respect all of them.” – Juan Pablo Galavis"

Depending on the need, I will answer you there and in my next article with more detail. Anyone else who wishes to participate just go to my Twitter handle at the top of any of these four pages.

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