Phillies: Hidden nuggets since hitting guru’s return
With their rejuvenated offense, the Phillies are reestablishing aggressive at-bats and pursuing hits and runs instead of free passes, plus the regulars are mostly protecting any advantage for their hurlers with their gloves.
Hits, not walks:
The Philadelphia Phillies and most other clubs have three performance levels: winning baseball, .500 ball and rough patches. So, the faithful ride waves of euphoria, doubt or depression every 162, and the most consistent factor is eventual change.
IN OTHER WORDS: “Expect to have hope rekindled. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach
After a 36.2 percent increase in run-scoring since Charlie Manuel’s arrival in the dugout, his presence is but one of many reasons for the improvement: 561 prior runs for 119 contests (4.7 runs per) to 83 runs since for 13 ballgames (6.4 runs per). Yeah, the players heard the wake-up call from management.
A fired hitting coach is an indirect message to the uniformed personnel to be more productive. Basically, it’s the air horn signaling the end of an unacceptable period. Translation: a fresh start.
Although a different voice is stating similar points, the star is now more receptive to this new approach. Perhaps, it’s the order of assistance or it finally clicks for the slugger. On the other hand, the urgency probably leads to a stronger effort and better numbers.
While those observations are on the surface, one wonders if two potential events occurred simultaneously, or one preceded the other. Did Manuel comment on the offensive talent not being aggressive at the plate and producing only average stats despite their firepower? Or did the execs green light him out of desperation?
Behind the front-office doors, did general manager Matt Klentak suggest adding some old-fashioned baseball to the analytics? Or did the higher-ups’ dissatisfaction with the offense force the GM to offer this limited alternative? Pure speculation: Manuel had weighted in until they said go for it!
Despite your expectations on Opening Day, the Fightins are in the hunt for the second wild-card berth. But that challenge breaks down into three categories: teams with the best combination of pitching and hitting, clubs with bullpen problems during the last two innings, or franchises with rotation shortcomings.
Baker’s dozen:
Even though the Phillies have only played 13 games since the coaching change, these statistics offer an indication of those who excelled, maintained their pace, or continued slumping. That stated, the order is by position, not performance.
Behind the plate, J.T. Realmuto is one of four regulars who are basically averaging an RBI a ballgame. He has 10 hits in his last 27 at-bats (.370) over six contests, while he continues “gunning down” advantage-seeking runners.
Trying to end a deep slump, Rhys Hoskins is fixing his hitting mechanics and getting even a lucky RBI roll on the left-field fence. This will probably begin a scorching hot streak during a more challenging season-ending schedule. High hopes!
Phillies stats beginning on Aug. 14 through Aug. 29:
- Realmuto: 13 Gms., 56 AB, 18 H, .321, 4 HR and 10 RBI.
- Hoskins: 13 Gms., 48 AB, 8 H, .167, 1 HR and 5 RBI.
- Hernandez: 13 Gms., 47 AB, 14 H, .298, 0 HR and 6 RBI.
- Segura: 13 Gms., 52 AB, 14 H, .269, 0 HR and 5 RBI.
Regarding Cesar Hernandez, he’s a .280 hitter, and his numbers can vary above or below that mark. And the same is true for August and the 2019 campaign: the hot streaks and the slumps balance each other out. Moreover, he had three knocks and three RBIs on Wednesday night.
On the other end of the double-play combo, Jean Segura has delivered a hit in all but two games during Manuel’s new tenure and has eight hits in his last 23 at-bats (.348) for six contests. Yes, he’s fully capable of maintaining this level of consistency through September’s end.
The Manuel Era:
Scott Kingery still has a third Phillies summer of development before the home faithful will realize his impact as a star. Recently, he’s produced seven hits in his last 18 at-bats (.389) with one long ball and six RBIs for those six ballgames including five starts.
As for the third productive left fielder for ’19, Corey Dickerson has 14 RBIs in 12 contests including two homers. He also has eight hits in 22 at-bats (.364) over the last five games with two long balls and nine RBIs, and he will probably finish September on a high note with an eye toward free agency.
Phillies stats beginning on Aug. 14 through Aug. 29:
- Kingery: 13 Gms., 45 AB, 13 H, .275, 1 HR and 9 RBI.
- Dickerson: 12 Gms., 52 AB, 14 H, .269, 2 HR and 14 RBI.
- Haseley: 13 Gms., 41 AB, 9 H, .220, 0 HR and 6 RBI.
- Harper: 10 Gms., 39 AB, 13 H, .333, 6 HR and 14 RBI.
Although Adam Haseley realistically needs three months with the Allentown affiliate. the experience here is important for his development and will show up more in a year or so. That stated, he has seven hits in 23 at-bats (.304) with five RBIs during the last six games. Yes, the potential is visible.
Even though Bryce Harper‘s recent success is obvious, perhaps, the extent is also powerful in numerical form. He’s hitting .333 with six bombs and 14 RBIs for 10 ballgames including a walk-off grand slam on Aug. 15 to defeat the Chicago Cubs and cap off a six-run ninth frame.
Putting runs on the board to start, the Fightins also have enough late-inning relief to win close games if their starters can provide five frames of three-run ball. Ahead of them, the Cubs –or St. Louis Cardinals– have enough pieces for an advantage.
In other words, the Phils’ chances for the National League Wild Card Game will come down to the four starters besides Aaron Nola and the relievers other than closer Hector Neris. Can Jason Vargas, Vince Velasquez, Zach Eflin and Drew Smyly give the offense the opportunity to win with at least five runs?
Right or wrong:
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As the Phillies 162 draws to a close, some expectations are questionable and disappointing. For the most part, understanding the logic behind some thinking is difficult.
To illustrate, one sports-radio personality expressed disappointment because he had expected three .300 hitters. And he was angry the stars had let him down by not living up to this anticipated potential. Besides Segura, who were the other two? Translation: a hitter’s park provides more home runs, not hits!
Like many fans, the radio voice is certain of his correctness and couldn’t possibly be wrong. In fact, how many of the faithful even with contradictory beliefs have even the slightest chance of being off? Only the one they disagree with!
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