Phillies: Gabe Kapler’s pros and cons
In Phillies’ camp this spring, the curiosity is not an offseason acquisition by general manager Matt Klentak but the analytical strategy of the franchise’s new skipper.
Grand experiment:
For what it’s worth, 2018 is a bridge connecting the growing pains of 2017 to 2019’s contention for the Philadelphia Phillies. And even though every game has importance, the individual outcomes are not major in the scheme of things.
IN OTHER WORDS: “When making a decision of minor importance, I have always found it advantageous to consider all the pros and cons.” – Sigmund Freud
In a potential trend, MLB organizations hired first-time managers for five of six openings. One came from the broadcast booth, another was a bench coach, and the third was a pitching coach. Yes, other rookie skippers.
As for the Phils, the move by the front office signaled a greater reliance on analytics. Ergo, forward-thinking clubs are now relying less on the uniformed boss. Has Klentak with the Gabe Kapler hire taken one step into the dugout itself?
Yes, fans have concerns about a failed undertaking, but sabermetrics is here to stay and will be more influential in the years ahead. Rain or shine, this direction will continue with or without success in Philly.
Regarding Phillies sites, the Internet buzz hasn’t been about the early lineup decisions by Kapler. The faithful are still comparing him to Chip Kelly because he’s doing things differently. That stated analytics has a proven track record before this new-school manager on the bench.
Other locals have complained about Kapler’s physical and nutritional regimen: They fear he’ll force it on his players — creating unrest? Meanwhile, some have nitpicked about selecting a player’s number (22) or his “keep your shirt on” muscularity.
The new skipper, however, made a confusing statement about the bullpen. The Boston Red Sox gave him a favorable impression of employing a nine-man relief corps. Ergo, a 14-pitcher staff!
When a manager has 11 position players, he has eight regulars, a backup catcher, and two reserves. Yes, he’d have only two pinch hitters. Primarily, Kapler would have extra in-game matchups pitching-wise, but this thinking only works with the designated-hitter rule.
Pluses:
With youngsters on the active 25, the red pinstripes won’t have a problem with Klentak having more input regarding the on-field product. Keep in mind, the veterans on the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t want a manager Kapler to overrepresent the front office.
During the winter, Kapler reportedly met with many players to form a relationship and incorporate his numerical knowledge into their game plan. Granted, his rah-rah approach is somewhat over-the-top, but the young roster makes it workable. “Go bold!”
Primarily, he wants each player to know the Phillies’ expectations for them and to understand winning is not out of reach. The concept: Your most significant obstacle is you, not the opponent.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “Time plays a role in almost every decision. And some decisions define your attitude about time.” – John Cale
While Kapler’s early moves with the batting order are unorthodox, they are about getting at-bats in and finding a three or four hole hitter. So far, Cesar Hernandez will leadoff, and Carlos Santana and Rhys Hoskins will alternate hitting second and third. Who bats cleanup?
Next: 2 Phillies' heroes and a villain
According to a television report regarding Kapler, the two and four spots in the lineup are the ones with the most runners on base. So, the skipper is looking for a man to hit before, between, or after Santana and Hoskins. In other words, J.P. Crawford would be before, while Jorge Alfaro, Odubel Herrera or Maikel Franco would be between or after. Let it play out!