Phillies: New wrinkle to plan A
The Phillies underlying strategy figured heavily in their recent infield acquisition, and general manager Matt Klentak has no reason to change due to incomplete data and his current success.
Adjustments continue:
For the Philadelphia Phillies, the blueprint hasn’t been obvious due to injury and some players’ ineffectiveness. But being atop the NL East has revealed they are building on their foundation of versatility for the stretch drive.
IN OTHER WORDS: “As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
In 2017’s second half, the red pinstripes initiated the concept of their infielders playing multiple positions in the majors and with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. So, Scott Kingery and J.P. Crawford began handling second base, shortstop and the hot corner. The Phils also wanted Maikel Franco to man first base.
Basically, the purpose is keeping hitters fresh through September and October because production falls off due to the fatigue of the long season. But this idea isn’t new. For instance, two of the four aces struggled in the 2011 NLDS. Fatigue?
Regarding the infield, Cesar Hernandez would also make some appearances at short, and Rhys Hoskins would spell Carlos Santana at first. That stated, Hernandez, Franco and Hoskins have, for the most part, not moved around to any great extent since the campaign began.
Likewise, the outfielders besides Hoskins would split playing time according to their success and analytical advantages. And Kingery, who earned his promotion regardless of the contract, would also start some games in right field as well. In other words, the plan was to maximize versatility.
Double D, a poster from another Phillies site, wondered why the team hadn’t followed their original strategy. Well, they didn’t abandon it. Injuries, lack of production and rookie managerial mistakes led to different on-field decisions.
However, Double D, they are in first place before heading to Boston with a 58-47 record, and August is just two contests away. As for the National League, the hometown nine are in a fourth-place tie with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and three games separate the top five franchises.
Outfield green:
Hoskins is averaging .260 with 21 bombs and 70 RBIs projecting to 32 homers and 108 RBIs. But because Nick Williams and Aaron Altherr had their difficulties in the first half, Hoskins received just a few days off. In fact, his disabled-list stint provided that and an opportunity for Williams and Altherr.
Odubel Herrera is a surprise every 162 except for the hot streaks and cold spells. Again, he’s caught everyone off guard by being among the club’s leaders with 19 home runs and 58 RBIs and is on pace for 29 long balls and 90 RBIs. But the non-productive right fielders didn’t provide Herrera with downtime.
However, Double D, Williams’ stats have improved since Altherr’s demotion on July 23. In fact, Williams has played every day beginning on July 22 and is hitting .361 with three bombs and five RBIs: nine games and 36 at-bats. And his .261 average represents an increase of 15 points.
Basically, Kapler’s original thinking was for Williams and Altherr to do more than split right field. And they had the entire first half. After the break, however, Altherr returned to Lehigh Valley. Translation: The league had adjusted to Altherr, and he had no answer. .
As for Roman Quinn, he had three rehab games: two with the Single-A Advanced Clearwater Threshers and one with the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils. Then, he went three for eight in two IronPigs’ contests before his call-up. But can he stay healthy and also provide some rest for Hoskins, Herrera and Williams?
WORTH REPEATING: “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” – Alan Lakein
Infield dirt:
Most regulars, Double D, want to start every contest, but they need more than the four days off in mid-July. And the Phillies want them to be more productive from August through October. Yes, fatigue is a big concern in the second half. But Kingery, Quinn and Crawford will give the starters some downtime.
With the advancement of Quinn, Hoskins can occasionally spell Santana because he started all but two games. Additionally, the first sacker has a .350 OBP with 16 homers and 62 RBIs projecting to 25 long balls and 96 RBIs. Will he be the DH in Boston?
Hernandez, at least, has had some days off due to his nagging foot injury, and it will pay dividends in September. Yes, Double D, lower extremities are an important ingredient for a leadoff man. As for his hitting, he’s at .271 with a .376 OBP.
Although some fans might believe Franco should bat .280 with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs to keep his job, management’s expectations are .260 with 20 long balls and 80 RBIs. So far, he’s at .273 with 17 bombs and 52 RBIs and on pace for 26 homers and 80 RBIs. He’s producing, no?
Basically, Double D, shortstop and right field were the two possible positions to increase production. And while Williams might be the outfield answer, Asdrubal Cabrera is lengthening the lineup with a .272 mark, 18 home runs and 58 RBIs: The projection is 28 long balls and 90 RBIs.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Washington Nationals must decide to sell or stand pat. Should Klentak deal for Ryan Madson, Gio Gonzalez or Kelvin Herrera? Well, what will that move be if the GM achieves it? A new wrinkle!
Next. Phillies no-trade prospects at the trade deadline. dark
If you have any questions or opinions regarding Philadelphia Phillies players, please open the comments section.