A look at the Phillies
We keep hearing about small sample size, but when the Phillies won at Cleveland, 3-0 on Sunday night, it improved their record to 24-16. That is basically one-fourth of the season.
The sample size continues to grow. Here are some observations on the Phillies after the first quarter of a season:
Kyle Schwarber should be resigned. Schwarber will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He signed with the Phillies, four years and $79 million according to Spotrac.com. The Phillies have certainly gotten his money’s worth.
After Sunday’s Cleveland game, he had hit 145 home runs and driven in 334 runs in 505. His on base percentage was right around .350, which for a power hitter is excellent. He has produced as a leadoff hitter, or now batting cleanup. Sure there are the defensive deficiencies, and teams may not like using just one player as a designated hitter, but when somebody produces as much as Schwarber, then it’s fine to get that consistency from the DH spot. Plus, he has played some games in left field.
Schwarber will turn 33 in March, and it will be interesting how much bidding there will be for his services, but the Phillies shouldn’t let him go. He has been a winner everywhere he has played, Schwarber has been to the postseason nine different seasons, including his first three with the Phillies. During his three postseasons with the Phillies, he has hit 12 home runs and driven in 17. He is a clutch player who seems to be greatly admired by his teammates. Schwarber should earn his second All-Star appearance with the Phillies this year and he will go down as one of the team’s best free agent signings.
Bryce Harper’s struggles. Harper puts a lot of pressure on himself when he is slumping, which he has been for most of the first quarter of the season. People keep suggesting that Harper will be fine and will go on one of his regular hot-hitting streaks, but we’re not so sure. We’re not saying that Harper, who turns 33 in October, is on the decline, but he struggled for a quarter of this season and whether he snaps out of it or not, the Phillies need more consistency from him. When he is going great, the Phillies are difficult to beat. Other Phillies who need to be more consistent offensively are catcher J.T. Realmuto and third baseman Alec Bohm.
A strong starting rotation. The Phillies staff has been excellent, led by Zach Wheeler (4-1, 2.95) who may finally win a Cy Young award this season. Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez have also pitched extremely well. Aaron Nola continues to struggle, but he could also use a little more run support. Ranger Suarez had one bad start and one good one in his first two outings since his return from a back injury. There is top prospect Andrew Painter impressing in his first Triple-A outing at Lehigh Valley. Painter should be pitching for the Phillies, probably in the second half of the season as he continues to rebound from Tommy John surgery. Even Taijuan Walker, who is now back in the bullpen with Suarez returning to the rotation, has pitched well and could be a contributor as a long reliver.
The bullpen has been the a major disappointment. Jose Alvardo has become the Phillies best pitcher, but the worry here is overuse. Orion Kerkering has struggled, as has newcomer Jordan Romano, although he has pitched better as of late. Tanner Banks and Matt Strahm have both had their moments, but have been inconsistent. Inconsistency has also plagued Jose Ruiz and Carlos Hernandez. Joe Ross has been a solid, but unspectacular as a multi-inning reliever. There is no doubt that President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will have to secure at least one bullpen arm, if not more by the July 31 trade deadline.
Photo: Phillies' Kyle Schwarber / Marc Narducci
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Author: Marc Narducci
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