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.