Philadelphia Phillies: The 2019 final players report card

The Other Starters

Starter Jake Arrieta: C. At 8-8, with a 4.64 ERA and 1.474 WHIP before being shut down, Arrieta would likely have earned a C- if he hadn’t made it publicly known he was trying to battle through a bone spur, and in fact, did that for a short while. As indicated by the upgrade, that “publicly known” bit isn’t meant as a criticism. I believe the right-hander genuinely wants to lead and to produce for the Philadelphia Phillies. At least he had the good sense to have the elbow cleaned out when the toughing-it-out notion didn’t work.

Starter Zach Eflin: B-. As the youngest of the Three Failing Amigos (see the next two pitchers), Eflin pitched well enough to actually book 23 decisions. Unfortunately, 13 were losses. But this right-hander might well take the fifth slot in the rotation next summer, assuming the Phillies make the trades they need to (read, for two starters). Rejecting instruction to use four-seam fastballs, Eflin returned to throwing the two-seamer that induces grounders after he returned from his banishment to the bullpen.

Starter Vince Velasquez: C. And that’s probably generous. Velasquez is the sort of hurler who might benefit from the coming, new pitching coach, but he’s not getting any younger. He will move into his age-28 season with his blazing fastball, a career record seven games underwater, and a consistent tendency to miss enough spots to head for the shower by the fifth or sixth inning. Trade him if possible.

Starter Nick Pivetta: D. Pivetta can’t locate his pitches either as a starter or reliever albeit his fastball hits 98. Definitely trade him, if necessary for the commonplace bag of balls.

Starter Jason Vargas: D+*. Again and moving forward, the asterisk indicates a partial season in Philly. Coming over from the Mets mid-season, Vargas went 1-4 after a 6-5 effort in New York. His contract has expired; he is 99-99 lifetime, entering his age-37 season. Let him go.

Starter Drew Smyly: C+*. Smyly is an intriguing case and another potential fifth starter if the Philadelphia Phillies properly fix their rotation through trades or signings. The left-hander came to Philly after a dreadful start in Texas while still recovering in an extended way, seemingly, from surgery. For the Phils, then, he went 3-2, dropping his WHIP a ridiculous 0.585 to 1.324, a figure that at least doesn’t scream, “Retire!” A potential B pitcher, a potential F.