Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies: Plan B’s everyday 8

By Tal Venada

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 04: Jean Segura #2 of the Seattle Mariners walks off the field after the top of the seventh inning, in which Baltimore Orioles scored four runs at Safeco Field on September 4, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 04: Jean Segura #2 of the Seattle Mariners walks off the field after the top of the seventh inning, in which Baltimore Orioles scored four runs at Safeco Field on September 4, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Phillies
Even if the Phillies sign Brantley, they will still wait out Boras for Harper. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images. /

Warning-track patrol:     

While Hoskins switches to first base, Nick Williams goes from right to left, and Quinn or Kingery will man right field. Of course, Odubel Herrera will again handle center field.

The new left fielder will be Williams who will also hit fifth or sixth like Franco. Basically, his glove isn’t as effective in right field: His best outfield spot is left. In 2018, he produced a .256 mark with 17 homers and 50 RBIs but should improve with consistent playing time.

Returning to center, Herrera will work to rebound from his .255 average last year. For now, he’ll be the three-hole hitter, and his 2019 will also depend on Phillies management like Hernandez. But if he explained why the “pitches per at-bat” philosophy was problematic during his exit interview, he’ll bounce back.

Barring trips to the DL, Quinn is an excellent defender who can make up for rare misplays with his wheels. The speedster could slot ninth or second between Hernandez and Segura or could also leadoff at times. However, he hasn’t played 100 games as a pro due mostly to being injury-prone.

As for Kingery, he had limited time in right field due to Crawford’s disabled-list stint. But he’ll get a chance there again and hit seventh. And if Quinn misses time, Kingery could capitalize on an opportunity.

Based on the availability of Manny Machado and Harper, third base and right field could change before spring training. But the difference now is Klentak can negotiate on his own terms. Currently, upgrading right field is more critical.

Home/Philadelphia Phillies