Phillies: Between icon and phenom

Underrated and unappreciated, this Phillies player had the unfortunate timing of following a hero who will probably have a statue at the Bank, and the unlucky soul also has a stud threatening his hard-earned job.

Heart or head:

Like skipping a generation, Philadelphia Phillies fans hold the star of the recent past with unquestioned loyalty and believe his heir apparent is on the team. Meanwhile, his replacement fights for visibility in his predecessor’s shadow, but no amount of success can compete with a legend.

IN OTHER WORDS: “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

When a superstar reaches his twilight years, the next regular at his position has big shoes to fill, and the task is nearly impossible. Firstly, the faithful view the icon through glasses filtering out his declining performances. They remember him in his prime.

To illustrate, the idea of trading for Cole Hamels is inebriating. But a 31-year-old Hamels fired the no-hitter three seasons ago. Like all previous stars, the ace is nearing the end of the line.

But even though Hamels, 34, is the age that Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee were with only a few bullets remaining, the paying customers would have unreachable expectations for Hamels. Yes, his best days are behind him, and he won’t be a postseason MVP again. This stud is now a maybe, not a definite.

Regarding the 40-man roster, many locals don’t realize the value of those extra 15 spots. For instance, general manager Matt Klentak choose not to burn a slot in 2017’s second half to advance Scott Kingery. And although he spent a full summer in the high minors, he’s currently struggling in the majors.

After allotting spots for top talent like right fielder Dylan Cozens, center fielder Roman Quinn, and others, Klentak had four slots remaining. Reason: The rule prevents franchises from stockpiling talent. Ergo, players like Odubel Herrera get a shot with another organization.

Klentak had promoted many prospects to higher levels after last July’s break: The GM eliminated them down to two. Victor Arano was one. Meanwhile, two keepers from the Single-A advanced Clearwater Threshers received promotions to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils: righties Seranthony Dominguez and Ranger Suarez.

Middle-man:

During 2013 and 2014, the red pinstripes were trying for one last bite of the apple with their 2008 squad. Chase Utley was playing his final two campaigns with decent –though declining– numbers. Yes, he was still productive and a regular.

On the other hand, Cesar Hernandez was a 2013 rookie who had to earn playing time in a reserve role with Utley as a fixture at second base. But this created the perception that Hernandez was a utility infielder like Freddy Galvis: Hernandez’s minor league stats received no study because no job then was open for a middle infielder.

In 2015, Hernandez became a villain of sorts because his hitting combined with Utley’s decline, disabled-list stint, and acquisition by the Los Angeles Dodgers meant an end to an era. Hernandez batted .272 to Utley’s .212. Ergo, subliminal resentment.

Fans saw Hernandez stealing Utley’s job instead of the Man’s tank was nearly empty. No player can perform at the highest plateau and defy Father Time, not even Utley. Yes, the changing of the guard signaled the end of the glory days, and Hernandez was but one logical scapegoat.

Before Hernandez averaged .294 for 2016, many had labeled Kingery “the next Utley” because of his playing style, and he had produced a .299 mark around mid-season for Reading. In other words, Hernandez was blocking a new fan favorite. Ergo, a villain again!

In their rush for another Utley, the faithful now had a .294 hitter who could bring something back before the other club would realize his lack of potential. Or, at least, Klentak would advance Kingery and return Hernandez to a utility role: They probably believed Hernandez was playing above his head.

Confronting reality:

After Klentak didn’t move Hernandez during the offseason before ’17, many locals expressed disappointment in the GM. After all, it was obvious to them Hernandez had Kingery’s job. But Hernandez batted .294 again and could be worth a solid rotation piece. Win-win!

In the pipeline for 2017, Kingery averaged .313 for Reading and .294 for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. But Klentak was getting .294 from Hernandez at a higher level. Additionally, he would have to burn one of four roster slots to replace a productive second sacker and, perhaps, lose Yacksel Rios.

Because he had the opportunity to be more than a reserve, Hernandez is one of the best leadoff men in the National League, and he’s doing it the old-school way. In fact, the Phillies would have a weaker offense without his bat atop the lineup. But while he’s hitting only .275 so far, he’s working pitchers and has a .384 OBP.

Phillies’ current stats through May 24:

• Hernandez, 23 in 2013: .289 for 34 Gms. and 131 PA.
• Hernandez, 24 in 2014: .237 for 66 Gms. and 125 PA.
• Kingery, 24 in 2018: .213 for 43 Gms. and 152 PA.

As for Kingery, he’s at .213 and struggling to adjust to MLB competition. Of course, his average is no reflection of his immense talent, but he must earn his spurs as Hernandez did. The rookie will because he has tasted some success already.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “In England it is bad manners to be clever, to assert something confidently. It may be your own personal view that two and two make four, but you must not state it in a self-assured way, because this is a democratic country and others may be of a different opinion.” – George Mikes “The foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions.” – James R. Lowell

The take here is that labels like the next Utley put unneeded pressure on a young upstart. The grinding 162 is an obstacle course in its own right. On the other hand, if you’re not Utley or the next Utley, what are you? A reserve?