Assets and liabilities:
While the faithful decide a player’s value based on his recent performances, general manager Matt Klentak understands the peaks and valleys. In other words, if Kapler sits every hitter and pitcher fans hate, the others would not be able to handle the workload. A quick answer is usually wrong.
"WORTH REPEATING: “For we must be one thing or the other, an asset or a liability, the sinew in your wing to help you soar, or the chain to bind you to earth.” – Countee Cullen"
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Firstly, the rotation is better than many anticipated even after Arrieta joined the team. Granted, the starters not named Nola or Arrieta will have more clunkers than the aces, but the improvement is evident. And 11 weeks into the campaign is enough to realize this strength is critical for remaining viable. No disappointment here.
With Seranthony Dominguez to record the tough outs in the seventh and eighth frames, the ninth inning based on matchups is mostly a committee of Luis Garcia, Edubray Ramos, and Hector Neris. Hopefully, one of the bullpen arms will frequently handle the final outs unless Dominguez works the final two frames.
The offense will determine how far the Phillies will go in ’18. Yes, the pieces are there with leadoff man Cesar Hernandez, Odubel Herrera, and sluggers Carlos Santana, Maikel Franco and Rhys Hoskins. Prediction: Hoskins will begin a hot streak due to his layoff. But when will the others come alive? Hitting season!
Next: Phillies' critical inning
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