Call to the pen
Fansided

Pivotal in-season decisions for embattled Phillies manager

By Tal Venada

CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 16: Newly acquired J. T. Realmuto (10) walks out onto the field before the Philadelphia Phillies spring training workout on February 16, 2019 at the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 16: Newly acquired J. T. Realmuto (10) walks out onto the field before the Philadelphia Phillies spring training workout on February 16, 2019 at the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Realmuto will have more home run and RBI possibilities at the Bank and on the Phillies. Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images. /

Bats:

Before the Harper signing, the Phillies had J.T. Realmuto and Rhys Hoskins for the two and four holes –the RBI slots– with the first baseman batting cleanup. Yes, the All-Star catcher can fly around the bases, and he hit 30 doubles last summer, while only two of his new teammates had more: Hoskins with 38 and Harper with 34.

On the other hand, the Fightins needed a left-handed threat to balance their right-heavy lineup: Realmuto (2), Jean Segura (3), Hoskins (4) and Andrew McCutchen (5). Regarding Bryce Harper, he could bat third, so now who will hit second (RBI spot) and fifth?

As for other left-side bats, a hot Odubel Herrera and/or Nick Williams could also break up some right-handed hitters. But hurlers could still pitch around the others and take their chances with Herrera or Williams. Unfortunately, both have inadequate plate discipline.

For Kapler and Klentak, the big question will be handling Herrera. The center fielder averaged .255 in 2018, which was a big drop from his first three seasons: .297 (2015), .288 (2016) and .284 (2017). Basically, he produced those numbers before the higher-up’s new system in ’18.

With the analytical approach, the red pinstripes are working the counts, tallying pitches per at-bat, and preaching the benefits of launch angles: three-run homers. But regulars like Herrera are free swingers and don’t try to blast long balls. In fact, he stepped away from the plate once or twice during pitches in many ABs. Stats?

When Kapler said he is changing parts of his managerial approach, he only mentioned less positivity in postgame interviews. As for Herrera, if they again enforce a one-size-fits-all method, will the center fielder’s time in Philly be nearing an end? Basically, every rule has exceptions like this one.

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