Phillies starting to gel
With more runs to work with, Phillies pitchers can put zeroes on the scoreboard more frequently by relaxing enough to let their talent flow freely due to a slight decrease in pressure.
Upwards direction:
Before the Philadelphia Phillies can win consistently, they must continue improving with solid outings from their starters and relievers because their offense won’t score 20 runs per game. However, a manager’s knowledge of his players’ ability helps him put his studs in situations where they can shine.
IN OTHER WORDS: “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean
When veterans join another team, their learning process begins a new phase regarding their teammates’ skills, timing and situational reactions in the field and the batter’s box. But stars promoted during the second half are also adapting to new players and multiple positions; however, they are familiar with the MiLB prospects they came up with.
Additionally, the comfort level is critical for peak performances, and the skipper plays a key role within the framework established by the execs. For instance, general manager Matt Klentak has an extra infielder and outfielder who could be starters. Yes, hit or sit!
On the other hand, everybody will receive a lot of playing time due to hot streaks and cold spells. But even Rhys Hoskins, Carlos Santana, Cesar Hernandez and Odubel Herrera will get rests as the 162 drags on. Roughly, 20 contests.
Becoming familiar with each other defensively and offensively takes regulars more than a month. To illustrate, working a walk can be critical to a rally if you trust the hitter behind you to come through. It’s depending on each other when it matters. And when it works, the club wins because they play as a unit.
On Phillies sites after the loss to the Miami Marlins, one poster stated the organization traded the wrong left-side infielder: Maikel Franco wasn’t the player to keep. And while one blamed the computer, another remarked about moving the third baseman because he’s hitting. But if Franco has this season to prove himself, you don’t swap him after 10 games.
Meanwhile, other fans took Franco’s working the counts as a positive sign. And they realized the Cincinnati Reds pitcher had to choose his poison: Hoskins or Franco in the third inning on April 9. And remember, Franco’s RBI was because of a sacrifice fly on a 3-2 count: He’s doing the job.
Parade of arms:
Aside from two aces, the red pinstripes have three starters with one good and one poor outing apiece. But the front of the rotation has produced three strong performances and one decent first appearance from a major free-agent signing.
Depending on the starts from Nick Pivetta and Ben Lively, one will be the odd man out when Jerad Eickhoff returns to the active 25. And if Pivetta and Lively both struggle, the five-man staff of the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs including Eflin is competing for a shot at the majors.
Eickhoff and Velasquez will have the entire campaign to rebound from 2017 because Klentak’s plan before spring training ended was two aces, two experienced arms and one open slot up for grabs.: the bottom rung. Regarding injuries, however, a second rookie will probably have an opportunity also.
Behind the center field fence, the Phillies have a closer, two setup men, and two southpaws; the other three pen seats will go to Pat Neshek, Tommy Hunter, and a long reliever. So, the franchise currently has three hurlers with a chance to extend their stay on the 25-man roster if they are productive.
Presently, the numbers for the relief corps are a 4.66 ERA for 12th in the National League: 19 earned runs for 36 2/3 innings. But the bullpen allowed six earned runs on Opening Day and two more by a position player to save the pen.
Ergo, they’d have a 3.06 ERA for eighth in the Senior Circuit without Kapler’s blunder and a non-pitcher. The damage would have been 11 earned runs for 32 1/3 frames. In other words, they’ll be in decent shape with Neshek and Hunter rejoining the squad.
Crooked numbers:
With fielding, the Phillies are adequate with Hoskins in left field and Scott Kingery at short. But they have three solid defenders on the bench for those positions. Additionally, Nick Williams and Aaron Altherr are basically in a right field platoon.
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As for pinch-hitting, having Williams, Altherr and Knapp give the locals hope for a walk-off knock or a tie-breaking homer. And, so far, a four-reserve dugout isn’t a problem, barring any extended extra-inning affairs.
Although the bottom of the order hasn’t produced overall, Jorge Alfaro, Williams and Altherr can make some noise at any time against anybody. Recently, they’ve had some success: Williams with a game-winning bomb, Alfaro with a three-hit contest including a home run and Altherr with a grand slam.
Due to their 20-run game, the red pinstripes have jumped from 13th in NL runs scored to third. In other words, Hernandez, Santana, Herrera, Hoskins, Franco, and Kingery will probably have the most playing time.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Henry Ford
Next: Phillies: Recipe for a winning homestand
Some will say the winning was against two clubs in the basement of their divisions, but a team plays the schedule as is. And those victories are essential to the momentum going forward, and the next step is what? Gelling!