The Phillies likeability issue, again: Odubel Herrera and Matt Vierling

It might be time for another comment on the allegedly unlovable Philadelphia Phillies. The need became apparent last week when the Phillies re-signed Odubel Herrera, a player who had disgraced himself both professionally and personally while wearing the red pinstripes, before 2021.

His contract had run out after last season, and most Phillies fans considered his apparent exit a good-riddance matter. This writer agreed with that sentiment. Until an uptick to .260 in batting average last season, Herrera’s offensive numbers went straight downhill in Philadelphia, and an inherent lack of focus hamstrung him defensively and as a base runner.

Also, there was the matter of his domestic violence arrest (charges were dismissed, but grabbing his girlfriend around the neck is still being given on talk radio in Philly as “beating” the young woman). Many consider him a bad role model, to say the least.

This signing preceded the big-deal signing of Kyle Schwarber on March 16, and social media exploded with comments about the Phillies tendency to sign “unlikeable” players.

Leave Herrera at this point. His history is what it is. But let’s review the charge that the Phillies are unlikeable. To their fans, they are just that to a great extent, despite fairly flawless citizenry and play from recent and current players like Andrew McCutchen (who is also humorous), Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Zack Wheeler, and Ranger Suarez, to name the first five that popped into my head.

Rhys Hoskins isn’t exactly a mass murderer, either.

Perhaps there is someone in that group who is on the wrong side of the COVID-19 vaccine debate, or a political debate, or some other matter in your mind, but you don’t know that for sure, and neither do I.

Therefore, while some must gnash their teeth over Herrera, let’s consider the guy Number 37 will likely be competing with (read, platooning early with) for the Phillies center field job: Matt Vierling.

Let us consider the ways this 25-year-old outfielder should be likeable.

First, Vierling is somewhat defying the odds just being a contender for a starting MLB position in less than four full years since he was a fifth-round MLB draft pick. Yes, he played some college ball, but did anyone see him slashing .324/.364/.479 in his first 71 at-bats for the Phillies? I doubt it.

Second, he is 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, and exceeded the league fielding average at every outfield position and first base in his limited action — he made no errors in 58 chances. Yes, very few, but still….

Third, if he doesn’t work out in center field, he played mostly at first base in his first MLB stint and can spell the incumbent first sacker. They could switch off as DH.

Fourth, as new Inky writer Alex Coffey points out, Vierling has worked on advice he got from the Phillies new hitting coach before communication was cut off by the lockout, and to good effect.

Fifth, for the superficial, he has leading-man good looks.

Sure, maybe he’s a really nasty guy, but for the moment, he appears to be at least another likeable Phillies player for 2022.