Phillies: Closer’s next challenger

For another Phillies veteran, a young gun enters the picture with his third promotion since March and the determination to remain on the 25-man roster, but this flamethrower aims to make his mark here and now.

Motivational redemption:

The Philadelphia Phillies are among a handful of franchises in the mix for a one-game ticket to earn an NLDS berth. And one reason is the competition for a spot among the everyday eight, the rotation and the back end of the bullpen including the ninth inning.

IN OTHER WORDS “Sometimes you need a little crisis to get your adrenaline flowing and help you realize your potential.” – Jeannette Walls

Like relying on an outdated road map, many locals aren’t incorporating the organization’s changes into any conclusion. Today, front offices structure their active 25 to maximize every slot. Translation: versatility.

General manager Matt Klentak has only an odd-man-out scenario for roster spots: a sixth starter or a ninth reliever. By comparison, the closing picture is totally different. But, first, this article contrasts the playing situation of the other challengers: J.P. Crawford and Scott Kingery.

With half of the regular eight consistently penciled in, the hottest other player will be in a key part of the lineup, but it will depend on the team’s offensive needs in any given series. Currently, Aaron Altherr in the two hole and Maikel Franco batting fifth or sixth are in spots for knocks and RBIs respectively.

If one of the everyday four is struggling like the left fielder, he might sit briefly to relieve some pressure. Then, a motivated Nick Williams gets an opportunity to earn more at-bats. Somebody, for the most part, will be hot or cold.

In the past, a non-catching regular was in the lineup for 150 contests or more, but the workload took its toll and forced them to pace themselves to last through September. On the other hand, nine guys –many multi-positional– for seven spots, infield and outfield, are using roughly the same time-splitting concept as two receivers.

Therefore, Crawford, Kingery, Franco, Altherr and Williams will have chances to redeem themselves after cold spells. In other words, the playing time for outfielders and infielders isn’t a production-only decision.

Competition:

Comparing Hector Neris‘ challenger to Franco’s is a window into expectations and results. Franco also disappointed the faithful after a promising 2015: 80 games, 335 PA, .280, 14 home runs and 50 RBIs for half a year.

For the previous two summers, fans have suggested trading Franco, benching him, sending him to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs and replacing him with Crawford and Kingery. The first test was after Crawford’s advancement on Sept. 5, and Franco responded by producing the statistics expected in April.

Franco, 25.5:

• 2017: 21 Gms., 68 AB, 19 H, .279, 6 HR and 14 RBI (after Sept 5).
• 2018: 33 Gms., 121 AB, 34 H, .281, 7 HR and 28 RBI.
• Total: 54 Gms., 189 AB, 53 H, .280, 13 HR and 42 RBI.
• Projection for 162: 39 HR and 126 RBI.
• All current stats through May 12.

Even though Franco gave a September preview for ’18, many locals had their minds made up. They had Crawford ready to man the hot corner despite hitting .214 as a final-month call-up. But when management decided to keep Cesar Hernandez at second, Kingery now batting .224 became their obvious choice for third base.

This season, Franco’s rebound has accelerated with Carlos Santana‘s advice. And even when Franco has a swing reminiscent of a year ago, he makes the adjustment on the next pitch. As a result, he leads the club in homers (7) and RBIs (28).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “Concentration is the ability to think about absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary.” – Ray Knight

Borrowed time:

Regarding Neris, if you had stored the memory of his three-bomb loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers last May, you had your conclusions confirmed by the Washington Nationals on May 6 and the New York Mets on May 11. Of course, usually allowing a walk or a knock in the ninth proves he’s not a lights-out closer or even a top-ten fireman.

What did the faithful on Phillies sites say? Well, they said 99 percent can’t tell the difference between a photo of Neris and a dumpster fire. And one pointed out “analytically” Neris putting on two runners or issuing a free pass with one out equals game over.

Additionally, one poster stated Neris’ time equals holding your breath or your butt. But the best was the not-my-closer hashtag.

On the other hand, a success rate of 90 percent without frequent difficulties is a top-tier arm, and 80 percent is a setup man’s expected average. Well, Neris has saved 34 of 40 chances for ’17 and ’18: 85 percent. But he has converted 27 of 30 from 2017’s second half to now: 90 percent.

In the pen, Neris is only a slight improvement over Luis Garcia, Tommy Hunter, Adam Morgan or Edubray Ramos. And when he returns, Pat Neshek will be a solid hurler for the seventh frame. But making a case for the back end of the bullpen or more is Seranthony Dominguez.

In fact, one fan has already stated right-hander Dominguez should replace Neris. And it may be a question of when, not if.