Last week, an anonymous scout said several unflattering things about Odubel Herrera. The Philadelphia Phillies are still irate.
Anonymous quotes can be a double edged sword. On one hand, they allow the person far more freedom to speak the truth, at least how they see it, without any fear of repercussions. On the other hand, it gives people the ability to make inflammatory statements without having their name attached, removing any potential repercussions for their beliefs.
That was the case when it came to an anonymous scout who had some negative things to say about Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera. That scout referred to Herrera as, amongst other things, a “clown” and a “******* dog.” Naturally, this angered the Phillies when the quote came out in Sports Illustrated. Manager Gabe Kapler was amongst those to voice their objections to such a narrative.
Phillies manager Gabe Kapler lashes out at anonymous scout who ridiculed Odubel Herrera, calling it B.S. and ‘’factually inaccurate.’#Phillies
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 30, 2019
It is fair to wonder about the value that the Phillies have received regarding their extension with Herrera. He looked like a potential building block when the Phillies gave him a five year extension worth $30.5 million, with two team options worth another $24 million combined. Just over two years later, the Phillies outfield situation has changed, with Herrera being mentioned as a possible trade candidate.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
After a decent 2017 campaign, Herrera slipped last season. He posted a .255/.310/.420 batting line, hitting a career best 22 homers, but also posting a career worst 94 OPS+. The speed that he showed in his first two seasons has practically disappeared, at least on the basepaths, as he stole only five bases last season.
That may be why Herrera has gotten a reputation as someone that is a bit of a dog. His production has slipped since signing that extension, with could leave someone on the outside with the impression that Herrera no longer cares now that he got paid.
Instead, he may simply be another one of those players who the Launch Angle Revolution has not worked for. His game had been predicated on being more of a line drive hitter, using his legs to cause havoc on the bases. While he will lose speed as he gets older, the change into more of a flyball hitter has caused those issues in terms of his batting line.
There is still plenty of time for Herrera to get back to being the player he once was. He had a strong Spring Training, and even if the speed never returns, his skillset still works in the Phillies lineup. With those anonymous comments, he has even more motivation, and the Phillies to back him up.
The Philadelphia Phillies are irate at the comments made by an anonymous scout about Odubel Herrera. It is easy to understand why they would be.