Phillies: Recipe for a homestand
For the Phillies, winning is within their grasp because general manager Matt Klentak acquired an ace, a slugger and two setup men to bolster the pen during the offseason.
Six-game opportunity:
While the Philadelphia Phillies and their rookie skipper are playing their first home contests, the reception for Gabe “Captain Hook” Kapler is, for now, no longer an issue. Yes, the team has turned glimmers of hope from a handful of stars into a turnaround.
IN OTHER WORDS: “My saying is we win and lose together. I think that really does apply to both my fans, family and the team.” – Lewis Hamilton
The “original sin” was relieving Aaron Nola on Opening Day. And it snowballed through the entire road trip. Granted, the two days off reset the bullpen rotation–if you can call it that. But pen usage isn’t the only managerial situation responsible for a 3-4 start.
If you were feeling down after anxiously waiting for April, the losing wasn’t the only reason. The Phils began the campaign with both signed relievers and a long man on the disabled list, while Jake Arrieta was building up his arm strength.
Additionally, away games, poor weather and two contests televised on the computer were livable enough: Some had difficulty. And the sole road victory was thanks to a sliding error from a former Phillies reserve. Well, solutions and good news are coming after the fans’ take.
One poster on a local blog used analytics to predict a long and painful 162, while others debated the pros and cons of Kapler’s strategy–or lack thereof. Correctly, another fan pointed out relievers would be starters if they could effectively work more than a frame or two, and exposing their weaknesses with overuse is a blueprint for disaster.
On the other hand, the faithful were competing for the best Kapler joke, and they all had one thing in common: insult humor. However, the best wager at the time was two series filled with leather-lunged boobirds “serenading” the embattled skipper with unwanted advice.
Kapler admitted his ace-pulling miscue with his bullpen management thereafter. Of course, two starters went to the showers after not being effective. And Kapler replaced Nola with a long man after five innings including a stressful frame one. But first impressions!
Offensive fixes:
In the scheme of things, writers and critics will point out every mistake due to Kapler’s analytical method. But having a losing record makes blaming the numbers convenient, especially when the locals only count the missteps. Where’s the percentage?
Meanwhile, the batting order has two problem spots: the three and five holes. So, Kapler penciled in Scott Kingery in the three slot and Odubel Herrera in the five spot. And Maikel Franco hitting sixth is delivering by working the count.
With Kingery in right field and at short, the slumping players temporarily on the bench are Aaron Altherr, Nick Williams and/or J.P. Crawford. On the other hand, Jorge Alfaro, not Andrew Knapp, might be claiming more time behind the plate.
The reasons for inconsistent scoring were at the time no offense behind Carlos Santana and Rhys Hoskins in the batting order. That stated, Kingery after Santana and Herrera and Franco behind Hoskins must continue to be threats to opposing hurlers.
The run production was especially problematic after Hoskins’ cleanup spot. In other words, the red pinstripes need at least one dependable batsman in the five hole. But keep in mind, the three, five and six slots are interchangeable regarding Kingery, Herrera, and Franco.
Although statistics and readiness are all well and good, the player and pitcher must have a comfort level and not be a chess piece moved around the board without warning. Primarily, being ready at all times sounds right but can be nerve-racking for some Phillies. An uncomfortable athlete will probably have less success.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “The biggest factor between winning and losing is the mental approach.” – Benson Henderson
Positive signs:
While Kingery will currently play right field or shortstop, he could hit sixth as a threat behind Franco. However, batting third takes advantage of his speed: an on-base distraction for any moundsman. But will he be consistent enough for the three hole in April?
As for Santana, his 11th-inning RBI produced Kapler’s first victory, and the slugger added a three-run bomb to Saturday’s blowout behind Vince Velasquez. The first baseman has six RBIs and is also an excellent defender. Of course, a three-slot hitter will force hurlers to give Santana better pitches to hit.
How long will it take for Franco to win you back? Keep in mind, he’s working counts, and the results are coming. Additionally, if he continues to be selective, batting behind Hoskins will make pitching around the left fielder a mistake.
Refusing to be anything other than the best leadoff hitter on the Phillies, Cesar Hernandez is averaging .308 with a .438 OBP. He allows his teammates to see a moundsman’s arsenal because of his plate discipline.
Regarding Hoskins, he’s producing a .533 OBP and batting .435: 10 for 23 with five free passes. He’ll be ready for September this time, but will he tire in October if the Phillies make a run at an NLDS berth?
Next: Phillies: Lineup's role for wins
Lastly, Nola has a 2.61 ERA for his first two starts after facing the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. But as fate would have it, the three victories were behind the two flamethrowers. And when will an ace toe the rubber again? April 8!