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Phillies: Keeper-defining surprises

By Tal Venada

ST. LOUIS, MO - MAY 20: Philadelphia Phillies' Odubel Herrera sits in the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies May 20, 2018, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - MAY 20: Philadelphia Phillies' Odubel Herrera sits in the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies May 20, 2018, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Now, Hernandez is swiping bags too. Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. /

Double-play combo:

Despite hitting .309 with 32 stolen bases for Lehigh Valley in 2013, Cesar Hernandez received no consideration to be the next second baseman with Chase Utley still manning the position. And, perhaps, fans immediately labeled the rookie as a reserve. Of course, Hernandez batted .272 for the 2015 Phillies, but the locals were still missing Utley.

Even though Hernandez had averaged .294 in 2016, some fans were eager to trade the second sacker because they felt he was worth something –instead of nothing. Then, he hits .294 again in 2017. And the faithful were enthusiastic because they wanted to move him for a decent starter. And, now, a running game?

Meanwhile, Scott Kingery batted .299 through July 18 for Reading in ’16, and the locals had no doubt he was ready for the Show. Did they notice he finished with a .250 mark? In ’17, however, Kingery improved to .313 with 18 homers before the All-Star break, and many thought the Phils only had a placeholder at second base.

Phillies stats:

  • Hernandez, 23 in 2013: .289 in 34 Gms. and 131 PA.
  • Hernandez, 24 in 2014: .237 in 66 Gms. and 125 PA.
  • Kingery, 24 in 2018: .216 in 41 Gms. and 144 PA.

Following last July’s vacation, Kingery averaged .294 for the Allentown affiliate, and fans wanted a September call-up. But Klentak refused to burn a roster slot. Now, some locals believe Kingery needs more seasoning. But keep in mind, Hernandez didn’t do it overnight either.

Rehabbing in the high minors, J.P. Crawford will return to a likely platoon at short. He has a total of 156 plate appearances for last September and 2018 with averages of .214 and .188 respectively. Ergo, he’s a bust to some.

Upon his reactivation, Crawford will face the tougher right-handers, and Kingery will start against lefties and easier righties. In other words, it will be like the playing time for Nick Williams and Aaron Altherr.

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