Phillies: Expected improvements
By Tal Venada
Producers:
Jorge Alfaro has raised his average from .163 to .222 over his last nine contests: 32 at-bats, 10 hits, three bombs, six RBIs and batting .313. Currently, he’s exhibiting all of his at-plate tendencies: hitting to the opposite field, launching home runs and striking out.
With Santana’s bat warming up, Altherr will soon share the five spot with Williams because the lineup will return Santana (second) and Hoskins (fourth) to those early April slots. But Altherr’s recent statistics are still excellent: 14 games, 43 ABs, 14 hits, two long balls, 10 RBIs and a .326 mark.
Due to Crawford’s stint on the disabled list, Franco has been starting since April 28: 10 contests, 39 at-bats, 13 hits, four homers, eight RBIs and a .333 average. In other words, he’s taking advantage of playing every day, while the opportunity presents itself. And he leads the Phillies in home runs (6) and RBIs (26) along with a .278 mark.
"ANCIENT WORDS OF WISDOM: “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential: these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” – Confucius"
While Franco’s improvement is from the last two seasons, Santana’s is from a dreadful March and April. In fact, he’s already putting up shift-like numbers in May. Translation: The defensive alignment lowers the slugger’s average to limit the opposition’s scoring ability.
Santana, 32, March and April stats:
- 2018: 26 Gms., 91 AB, .165, 2 HR and 11 RBI (Phillies).
- 2017: 24 Gms., 98 AB, .224, 2 HR and 16 RBI.
- 2016: 20 Gms., 75 AB, .240, 3 HR and 11 RBI.
- 2015: 21 Gms., 71 AB, .239, 3 HR and 11 RBI.