Call to the pen
Fansided

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves for 2020

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 11: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves and Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 11: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves and Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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How long will the Braves wait until Smith becomes their closer? Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images. /

Free agents:     

Basically, the Phillies biggest need was someone to slot behind Nola, while the Braves struggle last summer was the ninth inning. And Smith was the market’s top closer plus an early signing at $40 million for three seasons. Eye-catching stat: 34 saves out of 38.

Braves added pitching:

  • Hamels, 36: 27 Gms., 141 2/3 Inn., 7-7, a 3.81 ERA, a 2.5 fWAR and a 1.39 WHIP.
  • Smith, 30.5: 63 Gms., 65 1/3 Inn., a 2.76 ERA, 34 Saves, 4 BS, a 1.2 fWAR and a 1.03 WHIP.

Braves added hitting:   

  • Ozuna, 29: 130 Gms., 549 PA, a .243 Avg., 29 HR, 89 RBI, an .804 OPS and a 2.6 fWAR.

Braves hitting deducted:

  • Donaldson, 34: 155 Gms., 659 PA, a .259 Avg., 37 HR, 94 RBI, a .900 OPS and a 4.9 fWAR.

In the rotation, Hamels at $18 million for ’20 replaces Keuchel and will provide veteran leadership for a young staff. The former Phil went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA in 2019. Rotation questions: Can Mike Soroka produce again, will Mike Foltynewicz bounce back, and which youngster will slot fifth?

Although Ozuna isn’t a threat like Donaldson, the left fielder hit .241 with 29 homers and 89 RBIs to Donaldson’s 37 long balls, 94 RBIs and .259 average. Therefore, Ozuna at $18 million for 2020 will bat cleanup behind Freddie Freeman in Donaldson’s spot.

One belief of signing Gregorius was to separate two right-side hitters with the left-swinging shortstop. Early on, those regulars could be Rhys Hoskins batting cleanup and J.T. Realmuto in the six hole. But Segura –depending on his production– could switch with Realmuto from the two to the six spot or alternate with him.

Phillies added pitching:

  • Wheeler, 29.5: 31 Gms., 195 1/3 Inn., 11-8, a 3.96 ERA, a 4.7 fWAR and a 1.26 WHIP.

Phillies added hitting:   

  • *Gregorius, 29.5: 82 Gms., 344 PA, a .238 Avg.,16 HR, 61 RBI, a .718 OPS and a 0.9 fWAR.
    * Injury-riddled season.

Phillies hitting deducted:

  • *Herrera, 28: 39 Gms., 139 PA, a .222 Avg., 1 HR, 16 RBI, a .629 OPS and a -0.4 fWAR.
  • Hernandez, 29.5: 161 Gms., 667 PA, a .279 Avg., a .333 OBP, 14 HR, 71 RBI, a .741 OPS and a 2.1 fWAR.
  • Franco, 27.5: 123 Gms., 428 PA, a .234 Avg., 17 HR, 56 RBI, a .705 OPS and a -0.5 fWAR.
    *Suspended for balance of 2019.

Over the winter, Wheeler created a buzz because the top-tier aces were too expensive for a star who only plays once every fifth day. But the flamethrower signed for $23.6 million AAV instead of $35-36 million AAV, and his deal was 2-4 years shorter. Upside-wise, many clubs believe he’ll be a solid two or better.

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