Call to the pen
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Philadelphia Phillies: Crossroads of 2018-2019

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 31: Philadelphia Phillies Infield Asdrubal Cabrera (13) is mobbed by his teammates after a solo game winning home run during a MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs on August 31,2018 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia,PA.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 31: Philadelphia Phillies Infield Asdrubal Cabrera (13) is mobbed by his teammates after a solo game winning home run during a MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs on August 31,2018 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia,PA.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Even Nola has showed signs of fatigue as his innings are piling up. Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images. /

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.
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