Philadelphia Phillies: Crossroads of 2018-2019
While the Phillies are at their zero hour, the faithful are expressing disappointment regarding their upwardly adjusted expectations and scapegoating management for, basically, being a year ahead of schedule.
Hope, present and future:
In many recent Augusts, Philadelphia Phillies fans have looked ahead to offseason moves, but this time the red pinstripes were playing meaningful games until Sept. 11. Yes, ’18 doesn’t have the desired ending, but ’19 is brighter because of this summer’s developments influencing the decision-making going forward.
IN OTHER WORDS: “It’s been a long time coming, but the reality is that this process is at a crossroads.” – Gerard Adams
If you could take the wayback machine to March 28, you’d find the locals’ wide-ranging expectations from 61 wins to 92 victories. But the national media had an 78-89 range based on the winter signing of Carlos Santana and then increasing it to the higher estimate with Jake Arrieta‘s addition.
When the second half began, the Phils were 53-42 with a decent shot at the NL East crown. But the faithful were no longer content to wait for 2019, and they believed general manager Matt Klentak needed another starter, a closer and Manny Machado. However, the GM’s deals didn’t mortgage the future.
Through Aug. 5, the good guys were 10-6 since the All-Star break with five consecutive victories. Then, the western road trip began the downward trajectory in Phoenix that currently stands at 11-23 after a sweep at the hands of the Washington Nationals, the preseason NL East favorite. Atlanta: You’re next!
On the other hand, the Braves had one losing month: July with a 10-13 record. And they had their rough patch of 5-13 that month. However, they have avoided the poor stretch of play most teams don’t. October?
Combining fatigue with a downturn mostly affected the four rotation youngsters. And only one hasn’t exceeded his previous annual high for innings pitched: He is shy by almost 16 frames. Therefore, the drop-off in victories is because of the starting staff’s recent performances.
Phillies innings* through Sept. 13:
- Aaron Nola, 25: 193 2/3 Inn. and 178 1/3 Inn. (2017).
- Vince Velasquez, 26: 138 Inn., 136 Inn. (2016) and 82 Inn. (2017).
- Nick Pivetta, 25.5: 149 1/3 Inn. and 165 Inn. (2017).
- Zach Eflin, 24.5: 134 Inn., 131 2/3 Inn. (2015 and 2016), 119 2/3 Inn. (2017).
- * Includes all innings: MLB and MiLB.
Hail Mary:
While Washington has the Atlanta Braves waiting for them at the Chop Shop, the Nationals are more than a spoiler for their NL East rivals. And the Braves are a weak 11-14 at home since the mid-July vacation. Overall, they are 37-34 there.
The Nats have won five of their last six games including two over the Chicago Cubs. But although they won’t deliver a knockout punch, they could give Atlanta a black eye precipitating a losing spell. And what are the Braves due for? A few defeats.
You probably know this by heart: Only the St. Louis Cardinals still have more errors and worse fielding than the red pinstripes. Supposedly, the Phillies had no postseason shot due to their defense. The Cards, on the other hand, went from 51-51 on Aug. 26 to 81-66 now. Yes, that’s 30-15!
While St. Louis has a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second wild card, these franchises are playing a four-game series at Busch Stadium. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have a potential problem with closer Kenley Jansen: He can’t travel to Denver due to an irregular heartbeat.
As for the Arizona Diamondbacks, they’re now closing with matchups because Brad Boxberger developed a case of blown-save syndrome. The D-backs, currently, are two games ahead of the hometown nine, and they are on a 3-10 downward trajectory. Moreover, their next nine contests are against division leaders.
While many fans see the Miami Marlins and New York Mets ahead, they don’t realize the big difference now. Presently, the Phils’ back doesn’t have a first-place target to provide those clubs with extra motivation. And the red pinstripes have an overwhelming need to win a couple series.
WORTH REPEATING: “Long shots almost always miss the mark.” – Peter Lynch
Wanting more:
When the Phillies reach mathematical elimination, Klentak will have some major decision-making. Not only does he have to determine who stays and who goes, but the GM also has the direction he wants the organization to head in.
In ’19, Arrieta at $25 million and Santana at $17 million will return to the rotation and first base respectively. Those two veterans, the other starters and the young regulars will be back. Of course, a major free-agent signing could also occur.
Regarding the acquired pieces in the second half, most won’t re-up. To illustrate, Wilson Ramos is injury-prone and would block Jorge Alfaro. No, the rookie will have time next summer to improve. But will it be enough to avoid needing another Ramos next July?
While Scott Kingery and Nick Williams will be here next April, Justin Bour is a man without a position. So, you can anticipate Bour trade rumors because he can’t be a free agent until after the 2020 campaign.
ONLY YOU: “I always have on my mind the thought that next year I must do something greater, something more wonderful.” – Harry Houdini
The hot stove league is now especially inviting, but the final games of ’18 may offer clues for the next 162. For now, though, what do the red pinstripes need to maximize their confidence level as 2018’s team blends into 2019’s? A winning streak!
Next. Phillies: Critical NL East Showdown. dark
If you have any questions or opinions regarding Philadelphia Phillies players, please open the comments section.