Call to the pen
Fansided

Dark side of analytics facing 2020 Phillies

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 29: Philadelphia Phillies fans hold up a banner to fire manager Gabe Kapler during a game against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on September 29, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 4-3. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 29: Philadelphia Phillies fans hold up a banner to fire manager Gabe Kapler during a game against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on September 29, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 4-3. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Despite one rough patch, Eflin will probably be the three-slot hurler in 2020. Photo by H. Martin/Getty Images. /

Mound visits: 

For the Phillies, the first offseason firing was pitching coach Chris Young who had replaced Rick Kranitz. Apparently, the analytical-heavy Young was drawing interest from several teams, so the red pinstripes decided on Young over Kranitz, who is now with the Atlanta Braves. Yeah, a mistake!

Between a strong 14 starts and a solid finish of eight games, Zach Eflin had five clunkers. But the hurler was throwing some high fastballs during those contests, which Young had also added to Vince Velasquez‘s and Nick Pivetta‘s arsenals. Unfortunately, this one-size-fits-all method isn’t logical for a sinker baller.

Eflin’s campaign:

  • Good: 14 Gms., 86 Inn., 6-7 and a 2.83 ERA.
  • Bad: 6 Gms., 26 2/3 Inn., 1-4 and a 10.46 ERA.
  • Pen: 5 Gms., 5 2/3 Inn., 0-0 and a 1.59 ERA.
  • Good: 8 Gms., 45 Inn., 3-2 and a 3.20 ERA.
  • Good total: 22 Gms., 131 Inn., 9-9 and a 2.95 ERA.

With Velasquez, the high gas was effective. But Kapler had a quick hook for Velasquez and the two rotation southpaws in the final weeks, plus the abbreviated playoff-like outings by Velasquez and the others negate a determination of their performances. Basically, Kapler removed them in 12 of 21 starts with less than five innings.

Concerning Pivetta, the high heater helped but wasn’t enough for an every-fifth-day role. However, the flamethrower has a decent shot for a bullpen spot depending solely on his effectiveness. But he must earn a place in March if he isn’t part of a trade package.

With Young’s coaching in the rearview mirror, his instructions led to a decline in the rotation’s numbers and questionable info Kapler relied on. But the manager and the moundsmen don’t deserve exoneration either because Young, Kapler and the starters all share the blame.

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