Call to the pen
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Phillies: Everyday 8 revisited as camp opens

By Tal Venada

Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto (11) congratulates pitcher Adam Conley (61) as he closes out the game in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 at Marlins Park in Miami, Fla. (Patrick Farrell/Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images)
Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto (11) congratulates pitcher Adam Conley (61) as he closes out the game in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 at Marlins Park in Miami, Fla. (Patrick Farrell/Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images) /
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McCutchen still has homers and hits in his bat, even if he is now merely good, not great. Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images. /

Attack mode:       

In the second half, Hernandez played 63 of the final 66 games with a broken foot. Prior to that, the Phillies had a 55-44 mark before going 25-38 after the leadoff man’s injury due to a foul ball in the batter’s box. So, he ended with a .324 OBP after his first-half’s .378 OBP. Expect a healthy .370 OBP!

Realmuto’s statistics:

  • Away: 66 Gms., 254 AB, .283, 13 HR, 45 RBI, a .350 OBP and an .870 OPS.
  • Home: 59 Gms., 223 AB, .269, 8 HR, 29 RBI, a .329 OBP and a .773 OPS.

Because of his stats, Realmuto should thrive in the Bank’s offensive-friendly confines and blast 25 home runs.  And while Hernandez eyes many pitches, the All-Star catcher can study them from the on-deck circle. However, an acquired slugger could involve a bigger threat in the two hole: Hoskins, Harper or Machado.

In the three slot, managers favor a .300 hitter like Segura: The shortstop has recorded these averages consecutively in the last three campaigns: .319, .300 and .304. And he’s achieved those stats in both leagues: the .319 in the National League.

Phillies OBPs:

  • Hernandez: a .356 OBP.
  • Realmuto: a .340 OBP.
  • Segura: a .341 OBP.
  • Hoskins: a .354 OBP.
  • McCutchen: a .368 OBP.

Free-agent OBPs:

  • Harper: a .393 OBP.
  • Machado: a .367 OBP.
  • Moustakas: a .315 OBP.

Batting cleanup, Hoskins will likely prove switching back to first base and having a full 162 on his resume will lead to increased production. Of course, the opposition –especially in the NL East– would prefer Cutch hitting behind him and no new slugger in the lineup. Either way, hurlers won’t prefer 2019 over 2018.

With their top outfield glove in right, the red pinstripes also have a 20-homer threat to protect Hoskins, unless a major free agent joins the squad. For now, though, the club has someone who has launched 20 long balls in each of the last eight summers. And he basically replaces Carlos Santana‘s numbers in the order.

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