Decision time:
With Bryan Price, the Phillies new pitching coach, you can expect to see improvement in the entire staff because he works with each hurler individually. In fact, the rotation may be more of a strength than many locals realize.
Basically, the red pinstripes could produce a solid one-two punch followed by an improved Eflin and a healthy Arrieta putting up decent numbers. Plus Velasquez or Suarez could provide a reliable innings-eating five with a 4.20 ERA. So, the Phils may have enough pitching and defense to reduce the pressure on the offense.
Hector Neris –who is the Fightin’s best reliever– is the closer even though many fans will blame general manager Matt Klentak for failing to acquire his replacement despite limited options. That stated, Adam Morgan and Jose Alvarez are also returning.
Despite the suspension of spring training and the first two weeks of ’20, the good guys may have an advantage with Andrew McCutchen in the leadoff spot for the new Opening Day. Plus Victor Arano and Tommy Hunter could also benefit from the campaign’s delay.
While the faithful can look forward to an additional two weeks of camp in mid-April (?) followed by some serious May (or June) baseball, when will they know that time has arrived. Who will tell them and what will he say? Play ball!