Phillies: Gabe Kapler’s pros and cons

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!