Phillies: 3 Uncovered gems in 2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 23: Philadelphia Phillies Left field Rhys Hoskins (17) fields the ball during the MLB baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves on May 23, 2018 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. The Phillies won 4-0. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 23: Philadelphia Phillies Left field Rhys Hoskins (17) fields the ball during the MLB baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves on May 23, 2018 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. The Phillies won 4-0. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Alfaro has different signals from second base after a ringing double. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.
Alfaro has different signals from second base after a ringing double. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. /

A surprising Phillies tidbit reveals two combined stats offering a realistic expectation, while another statistic disproves a long-held perception regarding an overlooked regular general manager Matt Klentak did not trade.

Unexpected discoveries: 

After a punchless beginning on the Barbary Coast, the Philadelphia Phillies are a franchise still challenging the favorite to win the National League East. However, while connecting the dots to understand their chances for serious August baseball, some answers found me.

IN OTHER WORDS:    “Research means that you don’t know but are willing to find out.” – Charles Kettering

During the writing process, researching even surface-related facts is necessary for accuracy because one mistake can mislead readers. Obscure information requires more time to complete.

While piecing together the pros and cons of an article, a writer often turns up other information by accident. Additionally, one’s memory and the facts don’t always match up because the mind can mix reality with perception if you’re not careful. That stated, ideas come from research or just figuring things out.

Baseball has signs from the manager, the third base coach, the umpires, the battery and the keystone combination regarding coverage. Moreover, the offense has rally signals as well. To illustrate, the bull horns were introduced by Odubel Herrera in 2015.

In April and May (not June), you probably noticed the finger movements by the hitters from 2017’s IronPigs. One smacks a two-bagger and sends a message to the dugout: We’re in business to score some runs. Yeah, we’re clicking!

A double is usually the rally starter because an RBI single is a decent possibility, and the runner wants to motivate the next batter with a potential RBI. So, the one on second implores the other with hand movements, and hopefully, consecutive knocks can put a crooked number on the scoreboard.

Victories form bonds between players, which develops into the camaraderie of a solid contender. And while some refer to it as being in the foxhole with your teammates, others call it chemistry. On the other hand, a losing streak tests one’s resilience.

Hernandez is racking up more stolen bases than fans realize. Photo by H. Martin/Getty Images.
Hernandez is racking up more stolen bases than fans realize. Photo by H. Martin/Getty Images. /

First line of attack: 

Old perceptions slowly die away because only major changes jar the faithful’s thinking. As for Cesar Hernandez, fans are down to a one last gripe. He doesn’t steal bases.

While Chase Utley was part of the double-play combo, Hernandez saw limited playing time in 2013 and 2014. But locals quickly pigeonholed Hernandez as a reserve, even if it was subliminal. Naturally, moving Utley was not a popular decision because a placeholder –they thought– was the new second sacker.

Hernandez had batted .272 in 2015 with Utley on the Phillies’ disabled list and with the Los Angeles Dodgers but then averaged .294 in 2016. And how did supporters react? Trade him! However, he again produced a .294 mark, and then they upped the return to a solid rotation piece.

Now he faithful are critical of his base running, his lead off first base, his pickoffs and his utter lack of stolen bases. Last summer, he had only swiped 15 bags out of 20 attempts (75 percent), and the locals have yet to see improvement. Sound about right?

For naysayers, unfortunately, he has pilfered 10 bases out of 12 chances (83.3 percent). He has stolen 10 in 57 games for a projection of 28 bags. Roughly double last year’s tally!

WORDS OF WISDOM: “Reality is what we take to be true. What we take to be true is what we believe. What we believe is based upon our perceptions. What we perceive depends upon what we look for. What we look for depends upon what we think. What we think depends upon what we perceive. What we perceive determines what we believe. What we believe determines what we take to be true. What we take to be true is our reality.” – Gary Zukav
Hoskins will probably return before mid-June. Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images.
Hoskins will probably return before mid-June. Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images. /

Both sides:

Last August, Rhys Hoskins burst on the scene with an otherworldly performance. He hit .304 with 11 bombs and 25 RBIs from the 10th to month’s end. His promotion to the majors energized him, and he terrorized MLB pitchers.

In the minors, a season ends in August, and prospects structure their offseason preparation around their campaign’s length. So, a tired Hoskins in September batted .220 with seven homers and 23 RBIs. It’s also why stars have difficulty in October if they don’t expect to be playing through the postseason.

After six weeks of spring training, Hoskins got off to a hot start, like he had done in ’17 with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He averaged .303 with four home runs and 19 RBIs. Again, he was the amped-up player we had rooted for last August.

In May, Hoskins was experiencing a slump despite showing signs of regaining his stroke, timing, and confidence after averaging .161 with two long balls and nine RBIs. But being on the sidelines for ten days may heal more than his jaw. And he’ll come out swinging!

Hoskins, 25:

  • August: 22 Gms., 79 AB, .304, 11 HR and 25 RBI (Phillies only).
  • September: 28 Gms., 91 AB, .220, 7 HR and 23 RBI.
  • April: 28 Gms., 89 AB, .303, 4 HR and 19 RBI.
  • May: 24 Gms., 87 AB, .161, 2 HR and 9 RBI.
  • Total: 102 Gms., 346 AB, .246, 24 HR and 76 RBI.
  • Projected: 162 Gms., 550 AB, .246, 38 HR and 121 RBI.

Like Hernandez with base stealing, Hoskins’ combined stats are showing a realistic expectation for ’18. In other words, he’ll hit .250 with 30 bombs and 100 RBIs, but when will he make a significant impact? Maybe 2019!

Next: Phillies: Fan favorite or goat (7 players)

If you have any questions or opinions regarding Philadelphia Phillies players, please open the comments section.

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