Congratulations to the Phillies on clinching their third consecutive playoff appearance last evening. With a division title in view as well as potential home field advantage (if can achieve the best record) there’s still work to be done but getting to the playoffs in itself is no small accomplishment!
The team’s fate is predicated on the stars shining and Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, JT Realmuto, Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola have all done so throughout the season. An unheralded star who’s also stepped up is Nick Castellanos - he’s quietly posted 21 home runs and 83 RBIs - after struggling the first couple months of the season he’s hit a very solid .267 since June 1st with 14 home runs and 59 RBIs - folks should acknowledge that.
At the beginning of the year many said that if center fielder Johan Rojas could hit .230 or better and play the defense he’s capable of it would be considered a success. Well the fact of the matter is the major league average batting average this season is .243 - Johan is currently right on the league average with a .243 mark - since June 1st he’s hitting .255. The young man has done his job and in my view there’s more there.
No one seems to worry any longer about Alec Bohm’s defense at third base - he’s turned himself into a very solid defender with hard work and athleticism. Offensively he owns the cleanup spot in the order with a .290 batting average and 94 RBIs along with a .343 OBP - a key cog to the success of the club.
Relievers Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman have proven that “high impact” innings are vital to winning - it’s not always the ninth inning. Both Strahm and Hoffman made the all-star team when some thought “middle relievers” wouldn’t get such recognition. Kerkering will get well deserved consideration for National League Rookie of the year - the 23 year old has a 1.93 ERA in 61 appearances (60.2 IP) and since June 1st his ERA has been 1.03 - he’s dominating the majors just like he did the minor leagues a year ago.
Christopher Sanchez has become a stalwart starter - just a short time ago some folks bemoaned the trade that sent infielder Curtis Mead to Tampa to acquire him - those negative noises have dissipated. Ranger Suarez was elite in the beginning of the year and racked up nine of his twelve wins in the first two months - getting him back to form is key to ongoing success - he’s a big game performer - always has been.
Let’s not discount the steady influence of the skipper Rob Thomson - many like to criticize daily game management decisions (especially when things aren’t going well) but this fella provides the calm, consistent influence a team needs to prevail. He lets the players perform and puts them is good situations - that’s what a skipper’s job is.
So step one of the pre-season goals achieved. Congrats again to the organization - now to move forward with an eye on the prize. The positive influence of sellout crowds that step up to the ebbs and flows of the game are certainly part of the mix as well - congrats to ya all too! If it goes well once the tournament begins 11 wins brings a celebration like no other!
I don’t usually write about the big club but wanted to applaud the efforts. Here’s hoping for continued success - that indeed would be good stuff.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.
Comments