Phillies: Stars or placeholders
By Tal Venada
Other factors:
Besides the black-and-white evaluations of the faithful, different categories are below the surface. The Show has the comeback player and the late bloomer. Also, don’t forget some stars have career years, good and bad.
"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “People normally cut reality into compartments, and so are unable to see the interdependence of all phenomena. To see one in all and all in one is to break through the great barrier which narrows one’s perception of reality.” – Nhat Hanh"
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If you look at the active roster, who strikes you as a comeback award candidate? Franco is at a make-or-break crossroads, and success will put him in the conversation for the NL. But since most stats except for RBIs can change quickly, Franco is second on the Phillies with 18 RBIs to Hoskin’s 19.
As for a late bloomer, many would think of Vince Velasquez, but he’s only made 51 major league starts including 2018’s. And 60 outings are basically two seasons of work.
However, his opportunity as a starter could be do-or-die because of the rotation arms with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
If you think evaluating talent is easy, an MLB coach can affect an unorthodox player’s approach with a change producing dismal results and a victim of circumstances. Precision is critical at the top tier. Even stars increase their value with steady improvement, and what does almost everything lack? The obvious!
Next: Phillies: Pitchers auditioning to stay
If you have any questions or opinions regarding Philadelphia Phillies players, please open the comments section.