While the Phillies offense –for the most part– is positive, the batting order like most in the majors has drawbacks despite general manager Matt Klentak’s extremely successful offseason and $488 million in new commitments.
Goliath returns:
With a full schedule ahead, Philadelphia Phillies fans are pointing out the obvious shortcoming on the active 25, but opposing managers can exploit some offensive areas too. And even if the Fightins luck out healthwise, no team is flawless, and the long 162 will expose every blemish.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart.” – A. Bartlett Giamatti"
Regarding lineups, writers and the faithful express beliefs about specific players. However, this article covers each spot with the skipper’s approach including drawbacks he’ll face with his current batting order.
Constructing a roster has limits for all clubs. And execs can’t financially plug every hole because the highest penalty is 75 percent for over $246 million AAV (average annual value): the first two tax thresholds are $206 million and $226 million. Realistically, adding $30 million AAV to $246 million AAV equals a $22.5 million tax.
As for analytics, organizations rely on them for even the slightest advantage and any offensive shortcomings. But the Phils’ trades and signings at four positions have made avoiding a set lineup difficult for manager Gabe Kapler. Yeah, traditional baseball!
On the other hand, Klentak’s pickups will provide base runners aplenty: shift killers. And Bryce Harper in the heart of the order makes everybody better by reducing the pressure on them and influencing them to up their game. Therefore, they must produce to feel they’re part of the squad.
Pluses: The red pinstripes have eight solid regulars who can get on base, drive in runs, and launch a bomb at any time. And they just need the pitching staff to hold teams to four runs because they won’t be out of those contests. Threat-wise, the sixth and seventh innings will be between the opposition’s starter and top firemen.
On the minus side, four of the lineup’s first five are right-handed hitters with only Harper in the three hole batting left-handed. But most major league hurlers are righties, plus the competition can sometimes avoid using their southpaws.