Phillies: History rhymes 2020 with 1980
By Tal Venada
New management:
When picking up Rose didn’t pan out in ’79, the Phillies moved Green into the skipper’s chair. And he finished the season with a 19-11 mark. Then, the former starter with the bellowing voice steered the Cardiac Kids past the Astros, the Royals and down Broad Street. Finally!
Being five games over .500 in mid-September for the last two years, the Phils again reached the change-the-manager conclusion. In fact, Charlie Manuel spiked the offense by nearly one run per contest after replacing the hitting coach and increased run production despite Rhys Hoskins‘ struggles.
Although the red pinstripes are only entering March, Joe Girardi, a former catcher, has already received praise from J.T. Realmuto. And the All-Star receiver’s unprompted comments are a positive sign to the summer ahead.
As for new hitting coach Joe Dillon, Hoskins lauded his first efforts with Dillon to make corrections and tap the full potential of his talent. Again, a core member of the Fightins was the star with the favorable remarks.
Aaron Nola really provided an optimistic assessment of new pitching coach Bryan Price. A day or so later, Vince Velasquez was more specific: Price begins with having the moundsman detail his strengths. This, basically, establishes a starting point to improve upon.
Additionally, Nick Pivetta will probably be a reliever, but southpaw Ranger Suarez is not a rotation afterthought. Translation: Girardi wanted to specifically see his start against the Pirates.