Phillies’ influential acquisitions

While Phillies fans absorb old-school numbers and sabermetrics alike, other factors will also add to the whole picture: The ones felt in the dugout, the clubhouse and the pregame field surrounded by the decks and rows of empty seats.

Beyond the stats:

National writers are predicting the number of wins and losses for all 30 franchises, and the Philadelphia Phillies faithful are hearing about the improved record the signed ace and slugger will produce. However, camaraderie and friendly competition are components of team unity, and they directly affect the end result as well.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Attitude is greatly shaped by influence and association.” – Jim Rohn

Behind the numbers, the pressure to produce is ever-present on offense and defense. But having a Jake Arrieta and a Carlos Santana slightly lowers the intensity of internal and external expectations for the other players.

Concentrating on Arrieta and Santana, the opposition will not be solely focusing on Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins. And the youngsters will benefit from the “don’t let that guy beat you” approach.

In the lineup, Hoskins batting cleanup behind Santana in the two hole is an advantage for both hitters. The opposing hurler can’t pitch around Santana because Hoskins also has plate discipline, and a knock by Santana can equal Hoskins getting something decent in the strike zone.

Rotation-wise, Arrieta will start one of the contests against the New York Mets due to catching up to the other arms on the five-man staff. And either Nola or Arrieta will work in every series, but some essential three-game matchups could have both moundsmen.

As for rookie and sophomore players, observing the confidence of Santana and Arrieta alone is immeasurable. Additionally, when even young regulars can anticipate their teammates’ reactions on the diamond, they gel for victories, not individual statistics.

On a Phillies site recently, one poster made an excellent point: He said a .500 record puts any club within striking distance of a wild card. However, national scribes and other fans envision the Phils improving to 85-77 or 89-73 by adding Arrieta.

Another popular topic was Jerad Eickhoff‘s injury. In other words, the faithful mentioned two options: Sign Alex Cobb or see the handful of young hurlers. But Eickhoff won’t miss 2018 or even the first half, so the latter is apparently general manager Matt Klentak’s move.

Spirited proof:

With Santana’s arrival, the entire batting order has some weight lifted off their shoulders because he can drive in critical runs. And he’ll see many pitches for his teammates to pick up on. Yes, location and movement.

Another benefit is the mentoring of Maikel Franco, who now has a more closed stance and is frequently hitting to right and center. Besides, the third sacker doesn’t have far to go for more advice because Santana’s locker is next to his. A big ’18?

One significant difference this year is Franco will not want to disappoint Santana. In other words, the third sacker won’t want Santana to feel he wasted his time. Bet on Franco!

When Klentak searched for a left-handed hitter with power and plate discipline, the first baseman fits the bill and Hoskins was satisfactory in left field. Of course, the veteran will be able to give in-game tips about working the count against moundsmen they’re facing.

Even though the red pinstripes have had vets for the last two campaigns, Santana and Arrieta are more. They’re stars! And hearing their take will carry more weight than a coach’s.

ONLY YOU: “I couldn’t tell if the streaker was a man or a woman because it had a bag on its head.” – Yogi Berra

Celebrate more:

Educating aspiring hurlers, Arrieta recently had no shortage of eyeballs and sponge-like minds in the dugout including Ben Lively, Zach Eflin, and Nick Pivetta. The ace is more than willing to assist the youngsters in the fine art of pitching grips and controlling the movement of the ball.

Bringing with him a book on the National League’s hitting threats, the right-hander can offer additional ways to induce outs. Well, if it helps even a little, retiring three more batters can be one additional frame from the starter.

In 2016, Arrieta on the Chicago Cubs and Santana on the Cleveland Indians were in opposing dugouts for the World Series. And it doesn’t get any closer than a one-run triumph in the 10th inning of the seventh game. Speaks volumes!

In 2017, Cleveland had 102 victories, and Chicago had 92. The new Phillies have tasted winning and see no reason to do otherwise. Contagious?

From another direction, the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils had produced an  89-52 mark in ’16, and the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs finished at 80-62 last summer. And they accomplished that with J.P. Crawford and Scott Kingery but despite the promotions of Nick Williams, Jorge Alfaro and Hoskins. Ergo, the pipeline is contributing to a winning attitude.

THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE: “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” – Michael Jordan

Every championship team firstly develops as their players hone their skills. Yes, they also realize the total preparation and in-game anticipation required to be victorious, and what do they call it? Learning how to win!