148 thoughts on “7, 6, 5, … 5, … 5, … (Phillies Discussion)”

1. So the Phillies have two more years with Ranger, so her will be a free agent in the same season (2026) he turns 31-years old. I like to see the Phillies make him an offer prior to this spring training….buy out his last two arb years, and then tack on three more years afterwards thru his age 32 season….a five year contract.
   Seems Phillies are set on 5 year contracts with pitchers.
   Also…is Nola worth $30M AAV for five more years……wow.
   I’d max out at $28M AAV….$140M…..not my money , so………

   LikeLike

   1. Do you think either of these guys are worth 5 years? I get really nervous over Ranger. He doesn’t instill confidence in me that he is more than a 5/6 inning pitcher. Seems to wilt easily. How much money for Suarez?

      I agree with you on Nola, especially on money, 5 years is too long, but that’s what he’ll get from someone and more money. I hope we don’t go nuts on this. We already have millions invested on a pitcher that wasn’t good enough to make the postseason roster.

      LikeLike

      1. Skeet…I do think Ranger is worth the 5 years…still will be in his early 30s when the contract would end….as for the money, not really sure what his AAV would look like since the two Arb years could have a large range depending on what he would perform at…..it is a risk but that is the nature of the business. And 5/6 inning pitchers…17/19 outs…. seem to be the trend anymore.
         Nola…….yuo are corrct he will get the money…not sure he will get more than 5 years from anyone.
         T. Walker…….Top did put him on all play-off rosters….but never used him…..should have kept him off the last series and instead added another reliever….maybe Nelson.

         LikeLike

         1. They could have used that spot for RHYS HOSKINS. His bat off the bench would have looked good with the based loaded in the fourth inning of Game 7. Just saying. I’m kind of surprised roster construction and roster management hasn’t been a bigger topic of discussion. If you weren’t going to use Taiwan Walker why not have the threat of a big bat on the bench. At the very least, it might have made the opposing manager rethinking his bullpen use.

            LikeLike

            1. They wanted to add Rhys, and may very well have had they made it to the WS> He just was not physically ready, and it was not a choice of Walker over Hoskins.

               LikeLike

            2. Yes…..agreed.
               Though was Rhys cleared to play baseball?

               LikeLike

               1. He was activated and cleared to play baseball. I feel like he wasn’t physically ready to come back though.

                  LikeLike

               2. Hoskins was NOT activated. He’s still on the 60-day IL as of 10:50AM this morning. He wasn’t cleared to play baseball. He was cleared to take part in baseball activities. I know that’s just semantics, but the wording is important in baseball.

                  LikeLike

            3. Although yes it would have been nice to have Hoskins I am not sure if risking him of hurting that ACL again would have been worth it this season. He’s better off waiting to play until next year.

               LikeLike

      2. They should sign Ranger and get that over with. A 5-year contract would be great for him. I’d expect between an AAV between $12-15m.

         On Nola, he’s probably going to insist up and get more years and money with someone else. I’d be shocked if he takes 5 years and I doubt he has to do that to get top dollar.

         LikeLike

2. My question is… has anyone seen/driven by Nick Castellanos or Bryce Harpers house before?

   LikeLike

3. The reality on pitching is, it’s not like before, a big majority of pitchers are not as durable, do not pitch deep into games and they are not consistent. You have to face facts that you will pay more for a 5-6 inning pitcher that will frustrate you from game-to-game & year-to-year, and might break down from time to time. As I am typing this, I’m thinking about the auto industry, lol.
   We are all in for the ride.

   LikeLike

4. Thanks again, Jim, for this site and the incredible amount of work you put in. I think we need to move quickly and aggressively on Nola. DD has to have an idea of what the gap is, and what his best offer can be, and he needs to sit down with Nola’s Agent right away, and if it doesn’t fly, then pivot quickly. All of this, I am sure, has been mapped out in his mind, is Snell option B or is Montgomery, is Yamamoto even a possibilty? Because with Pitching at the premium it is, other teams are going to move really fast.

   LikeLike

5. Signing Yamamoto would be great, but my guess is it would be a long shot. Since you can never have enough pitching, maybe take a flyer on Erick Fedde. Like Bryce Harper, he was a #1 draft pick of the Nationals and also attended the same HS as Bryce. He had a very good year in Korea…20-6 record, 2.00 era, 35bb’s 209k’s in 180 inns. And a real long shot is Raidel Martinez, who’s record in the NPB was incredible……he is a Cuban National, so he would have to defect. Not likely to happen.

   LikeLike

   1. Naoyuki Uwasawa could also be target Japanese pitcher…29-years old RHP….wil not be as expensive as Yamamoto. Many of the small market teams are in on him.
      One report on him:
      “Naoyuki Uwasawa hasn’t quite received the level of attention his other NPB counterparts have up to this point, but he’s enjoyed a successful nine-year career as a rotation arm with the Nippon-Ham Fighters and earned a chance to make a name for himself in MLB. Uwasawa is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he received All-Star honors for the third time in his career while recording a 2.96 ERA across 24 starts. The 29-year-old is an innings-eater who thrives off of his control and durability, but a lack of velocity and true swing-and-miss stuff holds his profile back and categorizes him as more of a high-floor, low-ceiling style of pitcher. There is a place for him in the majors though, and Uwasawa could garner interest as a backend or swingman option.”

      LikeLike

6. I just saw that Nola is asking $200,000.00 for 8. I would say thanks for your past years. Not sure any pitcher is worth that for just pitching. I would not go over 5 at the most and that is risky. I think we all know what you are going to get with Nola. The biggest drag is there seems to be in almost every game a BAD inning for some reason.

   LikeLike

   1. Oops. Million

      LikeLike

   2. Don, you are entitled to your opinion about what guys are worth, but $200 million contracts for pitchers and AAVs in the $30 million plus range are becoming the norm for the top FA candidates. If you want a top guy, that’s what you pay.

      LikeLike

      1. Catch. I understand the economics of the baseball world today. I like Nola a lot. I just do not see him as the guy now or three years from now as being the guy you give the ball to with your season on the line and having tremendous confidence, he will get you to the finish line. My concern today and future years is that he just seems to have a BAD inning in most starts. I have no issue if he gets $200 from the Phillies or someone else. I am for the players getting whatever they have someone willing to give them. The AAV is not as important to me as the length of the contract. How did the Strasburg deal turn out for the Nats? Lots of examples. Baseball today is a high-risk high reward venture.

         LikeLike

7. Solving the SP2 situation is not only the top priority for Dave Dombrowski, IMO it is probably not as complex as some are making it out to be. The guy who slots behind Zack Wheeler is either going to be Aaron Nola or someone of that ilk. That list is more than likely limited to Blake Snell and Yoshinubu Yamamoto (maybe/probably not Eduardo Rodriguez as a dark horse?) as free agents, or a trade.
   Would anyone be willing to send (5 years of) Cristopher Sanchez back to Tampa for (1 year of) Tyler Glasnow (at 25M) and a tier II prospect or two? That’s the kind of deal that could work for both sides. Phillies replace a SP4/5 with a SP2. Dombrowski loves power arms. Glasnow is as powerful as they come. The Rays need rotation depth. They’ve been hit with a rash of arm injuries. Sanchez makes peanuts for the next 3 or 4 years (always important for Tampa). Lots of other clubs could out bid Dombrowski with prospects, but not many contenders can hand over a proven/young/cheap MLB SP w/some ceiling in exchange for a season of Glasnow.

   Side Note: Does Atlanta prefer Nola or Max Fried? Fried is a FA after the 2024 season. Fried is one of the few Braves (Freeman & Swanson the others) who has not been about those ridiculously team friendly deals Alex Anthopolis likes to sucker his employees into. Atlanta is not going to sign both (Fried & Nola). As a matter of fact, if Anthopolis hasn’t been able to re-up Fried before free agency, how is he going to find the money to sign Nola competing with other clubs (including major market franchises) on the open market? Not saying it can’t happen (I’m sure Jim has heard it from reputable sources) … just putting the Braves spending habits into perspective.

   LikeLike

   1. I would do that deal for Glasnow.

      LikeLike

   2. Christopher Sanchez was an afterthought until a few months ago and may be at his peak value now. If the team could get Glasnow for Sanchez and a few tier II prospects – that’s a no-brainer, but I doubt it would be that easy.

      LikeLike

8. Hinkie, on a lighter note Scott Kingery probably does not regret the Phillies locking him up early. I wonder if the contract contributed in any way to the issues that he had later.
   I do not see Nola a fit for Braves but who knows anymore. Fried is a little on the injury risk list.

   LikeLike

   1. Don … It’s possible the pressure of living up to the early contract could have had some affect on Kingery. But more likely, it was a combination of injury and the former regime tinkering with his swing/approach.

      Best of luck to Scott. Hope he finds a new organization with less expectations, and finds some success.

      LikeLike

9. About the Rhys Hoskins situation … I find it incredible that Dombrowski just put it out there that Bryce Harper kind of holds Hoskins’ fate in his hands. The POBO is going to meet with the face of the franchise to find out where he wants to play going forward. If Bryce wants to remain at 1B, he freezes out Rhys (Schwarber has to DH/be kept out of the OF). I don’t know what Harper is going to tell Dombrowski, but what makes this even more fascinating (in addition to the fact their friends) is that they are each represented by Scott Boras. Boras also reps Josh Bell. Bell can opt out in Miami & into the same FA class as Hoskins. Having both Hoskins & Bell on the open market together likely waters down the 1B market somewhat. Boras might prefer Harper play RF. Just a thought.

   LikeLike

   1. Puts Harper in a “no win” situation with a friend and may even take away some earning power from that friend. Might even take DD off the decision making “hook”, even though behind the scenes he is still probably the decision maker.

      LikeLike

      1. Should we really look outside of the organization to get better. Hoskins, 35 homerun guy, is out for the year, MVP Harper out for first part of the year, Stott playing 2nd base for first time, rookie in center, Turner’s first year, Ranger in/ out most of year, 5th starter is unknown, top pitching prospect out, Alvarado injuries, Bohm has 1st year of trust at 3rd, JT down year, Siranthony ???, and our top slugger under the Mendoza line, and we still end up 1 game from WS and had one of the top 6 records in MLB. We might be in the strongest spot of any other team. Be very, very careful.

         LikeLike

         1. Yes, we should always look to get better. And you have to be careful but you also have to turn over the roster to a degree and take chances. Otherwise you become the 2012-2020 Phillies. No thanks.

            LikeLike

         2. Denny, I agree with where the Phillies were this year. Another reason so disappointing. I think this team was better that the 22 version. I really thought they would be playing tonight at the CBP. My only concern last week coming back to Philly was that I did not think the Astros would win 2 games a year ago in Philly and they did. Game 4 to me though was where this season went South. You simply have to win that game.

            LikeLike

      2. Skeet…as it presently stands right , the Phillies are inundated with Boras clients…six I believe now….Harper, Hoskins, Walker, Castellanos, Bohm and Stubbs.
         A seventh may soon be on board once Stott decides to make a decision on an agent.
         That could put the Phillies as the highest percentage of Boras clients in baseball.
         So will have to see how much, if any at all, influence Boras has on the Dombrowski decision with Hoskins in the next 10 days or so.

         LikeLike

         1. I mean, really, the only guy I worry about on this list is Stott and his FA days are another 5 years in the future. If you had to pick a list of Boras free agents on the team, this is the one you’d probably pick.

            LikeLike

         2. Romus………I wonder how Boras handles conflict between clients should it exist over contracts and mutual interests in destinations. Would be interesting to see that and how it’s resolved, huh?

            LikeLike

            1. Skeet…..lets face it…one of Boras’ biggest clients, if not the biggest, is Harper.
               I am sure their discussions of late have been centered around Rhys’ situation, and how it will transpire.
               What Harper decides to do, will dictate the direction the Phillies will go.
               Boras definetly wants to keep Harper happy …along with getting that lucrative offer for Rhys.
               Dombrowski already indicated he does not want to put Harper in the middle of such a huge scenario with Rhys’ future contract/salary on the line.
               OTOH, Boras wants the best contract for Rhys…..he already said last year he wanted a LTC offer for Rhys from the Phillies…it did not come about from what I recall…or maybe it did and the Boras camp rejected it, who knows.
               I tell you, I would not want to be involved in this.

               LikeLike

   2. Hinkie trying to guage Dombrowski’s presser is interesting when it comes to Harper/Hoskins issue. Sure they are close friends, but this is business.

      Dombrowski:
      “It’s more sitting down with Bryce and seeing what he feels, but I also don’t want to put it on Bryce, that’s something we have to decide ourselves.”

      Whether or not they put the QO on him is still very debatable.

      LikeLike

      1. Whether or not Hoskins eventually returns, I will be shocked if they give him a QO. He would jump on it immediately and the Phillies will have lost all roster/payroll flexibility to make moves for the remainder of the off-season.

         Add in that Hoskins will never get a $20m per year offer in the open market.

         LikeLike

         1. Agree……Hoskins will never get a $20M AAV in a LTC…so a QO will be his pillow prove it contract.
            I think Dombrwski knows the best case fro the team is no QO to Rhys.
            Boras may not want that either…for another reason. …doe not want to see his client encumbered by a QO.
            Now Middleton……what he wants could be different.

            LikeLike

   3. Harper will absolutely say he’ll go back to the OF if that’s what the team would prefer. He’d gladly do it to allow them to resign Hoskins but I imagine he’ll just leave the decision to “whatever the team thinks is best”. I’d resign Hoskins for a year but I don’t know if they will. I’ve already said that I think Rojas should start at AAA (although I think there’s a chance he’ll get traded for Burnes also) leaving Pache as the extra OF.

      LikeLike

10. Matt, Lorenzon was the 9th player that article said unlikely to be back in 24.
    I could see the Phillies doing a one-year deal with Hoskins. Would not help out the defense if the others stay put.

    LikeLike

11. Hinkie – I do that deal. Sanchez for Glasnow. It’s tough, because he has such a great change up. That said, It lines things up imo.
    Wheeler, Glasnow, Suarez, Walker (unless you trade him), and Lorzen. It gives time for Abel to push Lorezen to the pen, and Painter the time he needs to recover without throwing this year out.

    If Atlanta signs Nola, which I can definitely see, they likely have more cash than the Phillies due to the battery revenue the park pulls in. NYY, NYM,LAA, & LAD will have a say
    If it’s about crazy money. That said, they likely wouldn’t sign both Nola and Fried. So Glasnow departs, and you sign Fried to pair with Painter.

    Wheeler & Suarez need to be extended and cost controlled. I want Nola back but at 8/200 mil, I think you offer him 5/150mil, and give in at 6/175. That gives him 2 years to earn 12.5 mil per
    Year to get his 8/200 million he desires. Preferably, they sign Nola, and trade for Glasnow but money has to come
    From some where. Nola’a salary can be absorbed through painter & Abel.

    Again, what a wasted opportunity this year was. They could have truly been playing with house money if they got the chip this year, but I digress.

    LikeLike

12. Okay, so who else is aggressively disinterested in this World Series?

    My wife asked if I was going to watch it. I told her “Hell no. If I watch 3 minutes, that’s too much.”

    LikeLike

    1. Definitely not interested. Not 1 minute of viewing.

       LikeLike

    2. Can’t say that I’m “aggressively” disinterested. I watched the 8th/9th inning of game one and saw the blown save by Arizona.

       I’m not opposed to watching if nothing else is available (Perry Mason reruns, etc.) but certainly not seeking out the games.

       LikeLike

13. My bet is a trade with the Brewers for Burnes. It could take Rojas, or maybe even Crawford if we get a 2nd piece back (RP?). I don’t want to trade Rojas but if they think Crawford has the higher ceiling they might do it.
    Will Marchan be the backup catcher next year? He’s better than Stubbs but Stubbs is such a strong personality I’m not sure what they’ll do.

    LikeLike

    1. I disagree. Marchan is not better than Stubbs. Stubbs is a proven major league backup catcher. Marchan is a AAAA catcher who splits time catching with other AAAA catchers and is out of options.

       LikeLike

       1. Jim … according to Matt Gelb, Marchan & Simon Muzziotti are getting a 4th option year by MLB. Not sure how that can be, but that’s what he’s saying.
          That means Stubbs will probably be Realmuto’s back-up again in 2024. IMO, Marchan is the most under-rated guy in the Phillies organization: not on the 26-man roster & no longer prospect eligible. He’s almost forgotten by people.

          LikeLike

          1. He had an excellent season once he was healthy.

             LikeLike

          2. Hink, it’s not official yet that some players are going to get a 4th option year. But, if/when it is, Muzziotti would certainly be a candidate. Some of the criteria are lost time due to injuries (major, I assume), visa issues and COVID. I guess Marchan’s injuries would make him a candidate for a 4th option. An announcement should be coming soon since free agency starts the day after the world series ends.

             I think this sucks for the players because it postpones their free agency another year. This is particularly egregious for Muzziotti who has already had an extra year added due to Boston’s irregularities with international signings years ago.

             As for Marchan being the most underrated player in the organization, I guess that’s a possibility. Fact is, in spite of a strong arm, he doesn’t rate well as a receiver. He’s not particularly strong calling games and pitchers actually prefer throwing to other catchers.

             That said, I wouldn’t rule him out as the backup next season. But, I don’t think the $200K difference in salary will be the deciding factor. BTW, I think Stubbs actually does have an option remaining.

             LikeLike

          3. I have to go with HInkie on this one. Stubbs is a great team guy and solid catcher – he’s a perfectly fine back-up, although he’s an anemic hitter with no further projection. But Marchan is supposed to have an elite glove and has continued to grow as a hitter. If this team wants to continue to evolve and grow, replacing Stubbs with Marchan is the type of move they need to make. And, on top of that, Marchan is a possible starter down the line – it’s entirely possible. You would never want Stubbs as your starter.

             LikeLike

             1. Assuming both Marchan and Muzzioti get their extra option year doesn’t that make them prime candidates for trades? I don’t move Crawford, he is on my untouchable list, but I feel a trade somewhere in the mix and McGarry might be part of it as well.

                LikeLike

                1. matt … unlikely the team would trade Marchan. IMO, he is not just the heir apparent to JT Realmuto, he (like catch mentioned above) would get called up & get the bulk of PT if Realmuto were to ever hit the IR.
                   OTOH, I could see Dombrowski possibly flipping Muzziotti for some international bonus money (formerly J2 cash).

                   LikeLike

                2. Marchan isn’t in line to take over for JTR. It’s obvious the team looks at him as a depth catcher in the organization. They aren’t treating him as prospect just waiting his chance.

                   He does not have enough of a bat to be a frontline starter.

                   LikeLike

                3. Man … I do not get the disrespect for Rafael Marchan at all. The kid is a plus defender. The offensive bar is not high for catchers. There’s a good chance he’ll clear it. This kid has a good idea of the K-zone. He’s walked as much as he’s K’d over the last two years at LHV. Slashed .297/.391/.440 in 207 plate appearances this season. He’s a switch-hitter, love that too.
                   Like I mentioned earlier, maybe it’s the fact that Marchan is not on the 26-man & is no longer prospect eligible that people overlook him. Would the Phillies have traded Logan O’Hoppe if they didn’t feel Marchan was capable of being a starting catcher for the team down the line? I guess time will tell.

                   LikeLike

                4. A starting catcher does not have to have a big bat. We are lucky that JT is as good as he is offensively. But, Marchan finally hitting in the minors doesn’t mean he’ll hit in the majors. And, I don’t get why you think he’s a plus defender. I’ll grant you he has a strong arm, but he is not good at the more important facets of catching. Like handling pitchers. If pitchers don’t like throwing to you, there’s a problem.

                   The Phillies traded O’Hoppe because they felt they needed a CF and they couldn’t get the Angels to take Marchan. His being some heir apparent to JT did not figure into the trade.

                   LikeLike

                5. Jim … who doesn’t like to throw to Rafael Marchan? MiLB pitchers or MLB pitchers?

                   I respect your opinion, but on Marchan I just see things a whole lot differently.

                   LikeLike

                6. Well obviously, pitchers on the IronPigs staff.

                   I didn’t ask who when I was told this. I did not want to be in a position where I might be asked to reveal the pitchers. Or, my sources.

                   I do not know what makes you think he is the heir apparent just because O’Hoppe was traded. Frankly, I was surprised to learn that he wouldn’t be the first man up last season if JT or Stubbs went onto the IL. The guy who blocked him last year is likely back, blocking him again this year.

                   LikeLike

14. Won’t watch 1 pitch, catch. I am out. My focus is on the Eagles and what we do to get better. As someone said, it may be staying as we are, with internal improvements. But, we definitley need a new Closer, and if we lose Nola, we have to get a #2 SP. And, Hinkie, I said the same thing last week. It isn’t and shouldn’t be Bryce’s call. If we lose Nola and don’t get a FA to fill his spot, and we have to make a trade, Bryce may have no choice but to play RF. It is too much of an unknown, as we sit here today, as to how things break out. DD should not have mentioned Harper’s name when asked about Hoskins. And, I am a DD fan, but that doesn’t mean I can’t think he said something he shoudn’t have. What if the only way to acquire a #2 SP is a trade and Castellanos is part of that? Or Marsh is? I hope not, but we don’t know. If he has to play RF then he plays RF, and he will do whatever is best for the team. Why is his name part of an answer to the Hoskins question?

    LikeLike

    1. matt…I do think the majority of the Philadelphia faithful’s mourning period over the Phillies’ defeat, greatly diminshes as Cowboy week unfolds now.

       LikeLike

15. Romus, I can’t speak for anyone but me, but the depression has subsided, but the disappointment sure has not. I thought this was the perfect story, with the fanbase bringing Turner out of his slump, and the team getting hot at the right time, and the great atmosphere at CBP, and I still cannot believe the way we played those last 2 games. I have a lot of faith we will be back to the Playoffs, but I know everyone else will look to improve, and we have to as well. In whatever way improving manifest itself for this team.

    LikeLike

16. Matt, I will probably check in a bit on Series. Not too much going on here in Indiana at the moment. IU basketball is still couple weeks from going full go.
    Very disappointed. Not sure any depression. In my older years I have learned to realize that many things do not always turn out as hoped. I am still pretty disappointed in my grandson decision to not play basketball. So longer winter than expected.

    LikeLike

    1. Don…if your grandson is not playing basketball, maybe he will get into an indoor winter baseball training program …..hitting in the cage, strength training, throwing etc. Many do that and there are facilities that cater to the kids……it is not cheap however.
       .

       LikeLike

17. Romus, He has those available here in the area. He and I have not really been on speaking terms recently. IMO simply a very poor decision on his part for many reasons. Grand Park has facilities. He usually works out with the former head guy of the Bulls and White Sox scout near Ball State. Quite a bit closer. It is funny you mention $$$s. I do not know but sure it was one of those guys who is simply looking to put more of those in his pocket who got in his ear after he had a really great Sophomore year. Plus, he saw on Max Preps all Spring with his name above or below Max Clark in many of the offensive categories. Romus one of the truly weird things about his travel team was he only pitched 2 innings all Summer. The kid who was to be the SS did not pan out, so grandson was moved there from 3B. In the end all will work out.

    LikeLike

18. Romus, I forgot to kid you on the IU vs PSU football game at Happy Valley. IU in typical IU fashion decides with 7 minutes or so to go in the game and a chance to win for the first time ever there not to go for the win. Instead, lets run three times into the defense and kick a tying field goal. Even though not a large football following here Allen did get roasted deservedly so for those calls. At 2-5 they were really going somewhere anyway. IU football lives on.

    LikeLike

    1. LOL……..watched that game…Lions’ offensive game planning , with a great arm QB, leaves a lot to be desired. Many PSU fanes would have liked to see a change at the HC and OC level…..12th ranked HC paid in college football at $8.5M and is 1-9 vs OSU and 3-6 vs Wolverines.

       Sounds like your grandson will concentrate strictly on baseball, and is doing well at it, which may be a good thing..,,especially if he loves it more than other sports.

       LikeLike

19. Romus, here is a funny from football game. Last Friday night I went to local high school game in playoffs. Won and will play the #1 team this Friday who has won 16 state titles. Anyway, my son comes up and says he had a chance to bet and win a large amount on PSU vs IU. The bet was that IU would not score. I told him he should take it because they always score. Game might be 40 -7 but IU will score. I am working outside and come in and IU leads 14-7. Told him he should have taken the bet. Anyway, IU botched end of half and end of game. I have heard much of the same on Franklin.

    LikeLike

20. Jim Bowden has his article in the Athletic guessing contract numbers and which teams may land the palyer. I did not read the whole thing, but he has Nola at 5 years/$125M. Just my opinion, but if that was the contract number he would already be signed here.

    LikeLike

21. Yeah, Bowden is a day late and a dollar short. Matt Gelb reported recently that spring negotiations broke off at 5/$125M. Guess Bowden doesn’t read other Athletic writers.

    BTW, Gelb has once again become the beat writer to go to for Phillies stuff. He has weathered the storm he created with his inaccurate hack job of Brian Minniti and others in player development.

    LikeLike

    1. I’m also/have been a big Matt Gelb guy. As a matter of fact, now that Bo Wulf and Zach Berman have left the Eagles beat, and Rich Hoffman Jr was laid off as their 76ers guy, Gelb & Dane Brugler (his NFL draft work, including the Beast is pretty awesome!) are the only reasons I still pay for the Athletic.

       LikeLike

       1. As a NY Times subscriber, I get the Athletic for free now. If I didn’t that wave of departures would have made me question the expense. As much as I like Gelb, love Stark and enjoy Rosenthal, not enough.

          LikeLike

          1. I miss Megan Montemuro as a Phillies beat writer.

             LikeLike

22. Now that makes sense, Jim. Our offer was 5/$125 and he wanted 8yrs and some number larger than $25M a year. He also has Hoskins with a 1 yr/$12M deal. And, doesn’t have us as even in the mix for Snell, who alot of us believe is option #2 after Nola.

    LikeLike

    1. I think $12M would be a fair offer for a pillow contract for Hoskins. But, I know he can probably get in the neighborhood of 3/$54M from SF even after Kaplan’s departure. And, I’ve heard another team is also interested in multiple years.

       I know Snell was on their deadline shopping list. Don’t know about now. Just assume so. I think the other Japanese SP is on their radar. I like Montgomery who is ineligible for a QO. Get both!?!

       LikeLike

       1. I too think Rhys gets a 3 year offer in that range minimum and takes it. I have no fear in extending him a QO and then hoping for 2 things. One I get a draft pick.

          Or 2 I get a solid RH power bat on a 1 year deal playing his arse off for that multi year deal…

          LikeLike

          1. I don’t know the market that well, but if you’re not really sure Hoskins will get a better offer than the QO, you can’t really afford to to give him that. I’ve been wrong before, but I don’t see teams giving him a 3 year/$54m offer. I think it’s going to be closer to $45 m. If so, and you give a QO, be careful what you ask for because he may be all yours.

             LikeLike

          2. This summer, I had Hoskins penciled in for 3/51M on the open market. I don’t believe the ACL injury will affect his earning power this winter. I do think the competition w/in the market may now ding my initial prediction. Brandon Belt (even though he’s 35 YO) had a really good season (.858 OPS) in Toronto. Josh Bell (same age as Hoskins) rehabbed some of his value after being sent to Miami (.818 OPS w/Marlins). The switch-hitting Bell can opt of the final year of his deal, and into this upcoming 1B class. Belt and Bell water down the market. As I mentioned above, Bell (like Rhys) is represented by Scott Boras. IMO, Boras would probably recommend Hoskins accept a one year deal. Sounds like Rhys would be happy to be here in 2024. Boras/Hoskins likely have their fingers crossed hoping for a QO. That would not only guarantee Rhys 20M, it would also free Hoskins of any chance the Phillies might tag him next winter.

             LikeLike

             1. I would perfectly fine if the team moved Caste (folks, he’s really not that good and won’t be worth his $60m contract balance – and his value is at its highest), signed Hoskins for a year and moved Harper to right. It gives them a nice line-up for next year and lots of flexiblity down the line while they try to solidify their pitching for the next few years.

                LikeLike

             2. Hinkie…looks at it from Boras’ perspective.
                …A Phillies QO could limit some teams, assume small market teams, from signing Hoskins to the deal he wants, since they do not want to lose draft capital and the slot money. Though they will be eligible for either their Round A or B pick.
                …However, accepting a QO gives Hoskins that pillow prove it one year deal with a pretty sizable salary .
                I am not entirely certain whether Boras cares one way or another if the Phillie lay the QO on Hoskins. He has not come out yet and said anything…publicly that is.

                LikeLike

23. Funny story: my wife was called for jury duty here in Cumberland County today.
    Step 1 is done over Zoom. All potential jurors have to join. The list gets cut down, and the survivors then have to show up to the courthouse in person on a different day for Step 2.

    I was sitting in our living room on one couch while Mrs. Hinkie was sitting on another couch in front of her computer. Right before the clerk called my wife to enter a breakout room, she called for Jessica Trout (Mike’s wife) to enter the breakout room. I laughed. She’s still in there. Probably will be an all day affair.

    LikeLike

    1. Hinkie…….if wife ends up on same jury as Mrs Trout…have her ask her if she would like Mike playing in Phillly next season…..if she says yes, tell yuor wife to tell her, my husband will get it done!

       LikeLike

       1. LOL. I’ll told Mrs. Hinkie to invite Jessica Trout to a virtual lunch.
          My wife won’t get picked for the jury. It’s a criminal case. My wife recently retired from law enforcement. She’s familiar with the defendant, and is friends with multiple witnesses (other officers) in the case.

          LikeLike

          1. A very good idea….virtual lunch…start the negotiations! LOL

             LikeLike

             1. Virtual lunch, Romus favorite, he hates to tip

                LikeLike

                1. rocco…LOL,
                   …not only that, can lunch in my pajama bottoms.

                   LikeLike

          2. Thank Mrs. Hinkie for her service.

             LikeLike

24. One more connection for you with Mike Trout, Hinkie! I also like the Athletic for Jayson Stark. I still have a feeling that the high end of the available SPs will move very quickly, and I am counting on DD to have his moves lined up already in his head.

    LikeLike

    1. Yes. Should have mentioned Jayson Stark.
       If you look at Dombrowski’s history, he targets a player (sometimes players) and he goes hard after them. If he feels they are difference makers, Dombo will not hesitate to overpay (either cash or prospects). In the end, he usually (not always) gets the player he covets.

       LikeLike

25. Dombrowski on Rojas for 2024:
    “So I’m not going to anoint him a position with our big-league club next year. He has to be able to contribute some offensively or else he has to go down to continue to develop. It doesn’t mean we don’t love him. We think he’s a really good player. But we do need more offense than that out of a position. I don’t know that there’s anything different other than we continue to work on trying to control the strike zone.”
    ……..so unless Rojas flubs in ST he probably starts in CF on opening day….but he flubs in the first three/four weeks in April…back to LHV by May.

    LikeLike

26. Personally, I think if Rojas can do 3 things starting next season, he’ll be fine. In no particular order they are:
    – Stop chasing the high heat
    – Cut down on his swing a little and get quicker to the ball
    – Learn how to bunt
    Boy was it painful watching him stab at the ball while bunting. But I love the kid and I think he has a bright future!

    LikeLike

    1. Follow Stott’s development from 2022 to 2023. He had same issues with chasing and high fastballs.

       LikeLike

27. One thing about Rojas’ past history….he has started slow at most levels and then adjusted and picked up steam to finish strong in the 2nd half of many of his minor league seasons.
    I have confidence that he can do the same at the MLB level…..in his 175 PAs he slashed 302/.342/.430 … which was not a small sample size. Though the pitchers he faced in the play-offs were top level pitchers for the most part and he was under a lot of pressure as a rookie, so can understand his poor plate performance.

    LikeLike

    1. He hit a very soft 302 for the most part. I agree though that he still has a chance to become a decent hitter over time.

       LikeLike

28. A lot of high choppers, worm beaters and seeing eye singles in that .302, but he’ll figure it out. A 1/2 year or a year at LV might do him a world of good.

    LikeLike

    1. Skeet……..well some of those worm beater seeing eye singles turned into ‘doubles’…..14 SBs and only one CS…….also a 109 wRC+, with fWAR of 1.4 and bWAR of 2.4……granted his defense factored into the WAR metrics, but he will still able to create offense from the 9-hole no less.
       There is a lot to like with him…and if he cuts the K-rate down from 26% just 4/5 percentage points that will bode very well for him, along with a few percentage point increase in his low 3% BB rate.
       If he struggles early. he gets sent down to LHV..I think he knows that.

       LikeLike

       1. I think both Rojas’ .302 in the regular season and .095 or whatever it ended up in the post season were extremes. I never saw him as a .300 hitter, but not nearly as bad as he was in the postseason. If he could hit .230 I think his fielding could make him a viable major leaguer. Anytime he reaches base there is a good chance he’ll end up on second. He might be the best defensive centerfielder the Phillies have had in my lifetime, (I go back to the ending of the wiz kids….). Perhaps if the big names hit in the Arizona series he might have relaxed a bit more and done better. I think, (hope), he is our centerfielder for the next decade – speed kills.

          LikeLike

          1. Agree…….I do think he can be a .260 BA guy…..with no shifts he will have those seeing eye singles and infield hits….if he could only learn to bunt he could be more dangerous.
             And only playing in less than 60 games in CF…his DRS was an outstanding 15…..second only to Doyle of Colorado who was at 19.
             Hopefully he will spend quite a bit of time at the Complex in January and February, prior to the official report date, working in the cage and strength conditioning..

             LikeLike

29. And if he starts the year in LHV, everyone is happy with Pache in CF? I haven’t seen him be able to hit very much either. Or is this part of the Marsh back to CF, Castellanos to LF, and sign Hoskins? I believe that Rojas’ D was a major boost to our D, and I hate losing that. Of course, if he, therefore the team, benefits from a couple months at LHV, I get it, but what is the plan in the meantime? I did not get the same sense of outstanding D from Pache, although he is very good defensively, that I got from Rojas. Maybe that is a mistake on my part? And, dmar, just my opinion, but I believe that Rhys takes a QO if offered, and takes $20.5M vs a 3/$45M offer, and bets on himself. Just my opinion. Then what do we do with him? That forces our hand because he is not going to be a $20.5M Pinch Hitter.

    LikeLike

    1. Pache is a 4th OF with occasional starts against tough lefties. If the plan is for Rojas to start the year in LHV, they’ll sign someone. It could be Hoskins or it just could be a LF. If they hope to bring Rojas back up mid year, as I assume they will, signing a journeyman LF for less money than Hoskins might be the play. I’d sign Hoskins but I don’t think they will.

       LikeLike

    2. Matt – Pache excelled after the trade from the A’s. So much so, I bet you never see Rojas in the majors if the screw in his elbow didnt require fixing. He was on fire, the only thing that slowed him down was the injury. His Defense is below Rojas. Not far off imo. Rojas is a 10, Pache is a 8.5-8.75, Marsh is a 7.5. I’m a bit surprised that Castellanos was pulled for Pache in late innings for defense.

       LikeLike

       1. Thanks, Tac, I remember the screw issue that sent Pache to IL, but didn’t remember that he hit well before. I just was really impressed by Rojas’ D so much so that instead of getting upset when he mDe an error I was shocked and said “ well that is an aberration!” That’s my highest praise.

          LikeLike

          1. Agreed. Superior Defense. That said, Pache is no slouch in the field. His bat was doing very well, if I recall correctly. people were saying that he finally figured out how to hit at the mlb level, unlocked his potential. He was the braves top prospect in 2020&2021. I don’t think the Phillies can sleep on him. I bet he crushes it this ST, out performs Rojas at the plate. As of now, they are both good players imo,
             Great problem to have.

             LikeLike

             1. Tac3-Pache was always known for his defense and he was considered the gold glove in waiting in the Braves system. After Braves brought him up he played as an OF late inning defense replacement and didn’t hit very well. He was included in a trade to get Matt Olson and Oakland used him as a semi regular OF and he basically totally collapsed – .166 ba ; .218 obp ; 10 extra base hits in 260 appearances. Oakland let him go and DD picked him up for defensive insurance I am sure. It was a good grab for a defense OF. He proceeded to hit well after coming to Phils until the loose screw incident benched him. Returning, he still didn’t show much offense and Rojas had replaced him. I think he is at best – a 4th OF and numbers = he will never have much to his offensive game.

                LikeLike

                1. It’s possible he’s just a 4th OF. I can see him having a better than average chance of being a late bloomer. SO/BB ration improved. He is essentially the Braves Dominic Brown. Ranked 12&13th best prospect in baseball not to long ago. Will see, but I’ll be watching him closely this ST to see if he’s figured it out, now that his elbow issue should be behind him. Just keep open mind on him – he could surprise

                   LikeLike

                2. Braves had Harris and Pache…and A’s wanted Pache in the Olson deal, Harris just finished Hi-A…….and Harris was targeted for AA that spring…..he did very well to start and the Braves jumped him into the majors from AA ball.
                   Pache’s glove was well known,
                   …his overall bat was decent in the minors…..276/.329/.401.
                   Would he ever hit to justify a regular spot in the lneup ….that was the question.
                   And probably is still the question.

                   LikeLike

       2. Putting aside Gary Maddox (Phillies fans aren’t entirely objective on Maddox, and that’s okay), Rojas has the ability to be as good as any outfielder I’ve ever seen, including, perhaps, Andruw Jones. He has an 80 grade fielding tool. Pache is also a great fielder. Perhaps a 70 or so.

          LikeLike

30. I’m asking because I’m curious and I just don’t know…
    Do young guys who’ve already made it to the bigs (like Pache and Rojas) go home in the winter and work out on their own? Or do the Phillies offer them a place to watch tape, get coaching, and work on their hitting skills? I’m hoping it’s the latter and they both can show up in Clearwater with a better approach in every AB going forward.

    LikeLike

    1. As major leaguers (40-man roster guys), they are expected to go home and work out on their own. They aren’t required to report to ST until 3 days before the ST games start. Fortunately most of our guys take their careers seriously and do work out. Those who don’t (I have a couple pitchers in mind) start slow when they report and eventually see more dedicated players pass them and take their spots.

       Minor leaguers are expected to follow workout plans they are given and are monitored by the development staff during the offseason.

       The irony here is that Kerkering, for instance, would very much benefit from attending the high performance camp in January, but the Phillies can not require that he attend. I’m not sure he could even attend on his own.

       LikeLike

31. I did not watch game. Just saw score now. Rangers did to Dbacks what Phillies could and should have done in Game 4. I told some of my friends who dogged me after Phillies lost that Rangers would win in 5 as long as they did not quit hitting. See Travis Jankowski was big last night. He was with Phillies a year or so ago? Usually someone not expected steps up. I was hoping Rojas would do that for Philles. He had a few chances the way is at bats came to be.
    Game 4 is what to me is still so disappointing. Plus being 15 outs from WS. Just no guarantee they get that close again with this core group.

    LikeLike

    1. Lost a heck of a hardwood “Hoosier” today……Don.

       LikeLike

32. Don, this was brought up on sports radio the other day and my recollection isn’t clear. Harper after all his ABs when he made an out grabbed the IPad and checked, what I believe, was the sequence of pitches and his swing. I don’t recall Turner or Castellanos doing that. Am I misremembering? The swinging out of the zone started in game 3, game 4 should have been a W and I blame the Manager, but our Series was lost because we failed to adjust in games 6 and 7. If I am remembering correctly and those 2, in particular, didn’t check those IPads after each dreadful AB, why??(

    LikeLike

33. Hi Matt. I have no problem with Harper. He was for the most part still hitting the ball hard somewhere. I guess I do not see a need to look at ipad when everyone including them knew they swung at pitches not near the strike zone.
    Actually, I was manager concerned in Game 3 when Kerkering was brought in when Phillies went up 1-0. Just not to me the right time for him. Two pitches later game was tied. That inning kind of got the Dbacks believing they belonged. Plus, then Kimbrel twice is deflating. Kimbrel pitched this year similar to his recent. Pretty good start to season and then drop-off at the end.
    Matt, I was just concerned on last two games after the last two Astro games of a year ago. Both games played out similar. If three of your top run producers go something like 0-40 or so in the last few games, you just are not going to win unless someone out of nowhere comes up big.
    BTW I think I have figured out how to post and have decent idea it will go through. So, this one probably will not.

    LikeLike

34. I’ve Heard DD say that he won’t promote Painter to the club, but my spidey senses say … there might be a small chance and he’s down playing it.

    Surgery was on 7/25. “Typically” a player needs 15-18 months to recover… 14 months is sept. He’s young,theoretically should heal on the faster side. If he’s pushing the envelope in his recovery… what are the odds DD budges?

    I’m sure they lean towards being cautious with him, but what if he is WELL ahead of schedule … like say 12-13 months? It gets a little interesting don’t you think? Bryce was what, 10 months? That said he’s not a pitcher, but if Painter is also a fast healer… is another 3 months enough? Again, I’m sure they will be careful with him, but seems there could be a little smoke for a debut for 2024. Food for thought.

    LikeLike

    1. Painter would have to be 100% healed for him to be activated. He’s not pitching at less than that. So Painter has to be pain free and signed off by the doctor. It’s possible, but I’m not holding my breath for that.

       Casey Mize had surgery on June 15th, 2022 and he didn’t pitch at all in 2023.

       LikeLike

    2. What if Painter is a medical miracle and is ready to throw 200 innings next season on opening day?

       I had 5 more What Ifs but thought they bordered on being rude.

       His injury probably occurred because he had started his throwing program in January at Cressy in Miami. Then, they were slow to commit to surgery. That was due to a difference in opinion on how to proceed with his agent.

       His agent won’t care about a hurried return in 2024. Nor should the Phillies. He will be looking to protect his long term career.

       We should not expect to see Painter until 2025. Hopefully in the opening series. But, on an innings and/or pitch count when he does arrive.

       LikeLike

35. I am very hopeful that Painter has a quick recovery and can come back to what he was. That would be great. However, DD can not count at all on him, and has to plan to not have him at all this year.

    LikeLike

    1. Completely agree. He’s really young, only 20, so I’m thinking he could be pushing for the TJ recovery record for a pitcher, but actually be 100%. I’m sure Harper’s recent journey could provide some tips for speeding recovery. His injury certainly adds to my intrigue of “what could’ve been”… hard not to imagine what adding a potential Cole Hamels to this team could’ve done … that’s said .. I’ll be watching. Wish him a speedy 110% recovery.

       LikeLike

    2. I think the plan has always been that he would not be pitching this year. He is the golden goose – the best prospect we have had since Cole Hamels and with an upside that is at least as high as Hamels’ upside was. He is the future and you just don’t mess with that. I cannot possibly imagine we will see him in 2024, even if he is otherwise healthy in September. They will take every precaution with him and then some – and I don’t blame them for that one bit.

       As I watch these various pitchers recover from TJ, most likely he comes back at a level that is similar to what he was. But there’s like a 10-15% chance (just guessing, but I think I’m pretty close to being right), that he’s just not the same guy, which could range from Strasburg post-surgery (90% of what he was) to Syndergaard (from dominant to just another guy) to Scott Mathieson (surgery was a bust – needs another procedure). But the good news is that the most likely outcome is that he returns to roughly what he was before and it’s good that he had the best regarded surgeon in the country for this procedure (Boras’ guy) perform the surgery.

       LikeLike

       1. Young flame throwing, hi-velo pitchers are a very fluid bunch when it comes to health……in the short term and lalso ong term.
          I look at the Braves….Soroka, Anderson, now Wright…..it would not surprise me if Strider comes down within a year or two with another flexor strain or shoulder ailment.
          So it is wise to be cautious with top tier pitching prospects… like a Painter.
          The one thing with Hamels….his peak velo was 93.46 and that was in his last year as a Phillie in 2015…..his plus-plus change-up saved his arm and career.

          LikeLike

          1. It’s all very hard to know. At the end of the day, the pitchers who usually have the longest careers are hard-throwers, like Scherzer, Clemens, Randy Johnson and Verlander. But crafty lefties can have long careers too like Spahn, Glavine and Hamels.

             LikeLike

          2. Left hander can get away with less velo The natural movement on there pitches helps them A lefthander cant throw a straight pitch,

             LikeLike

             1. Agree, but that wasn’t the question. The issue was what type of pitcher would have the longest healthy career. I’m not sure there’s an easy answer to that question.

                LikeLike

36. Back to Hoskins: If the team gives him the QO, I have no doubt that he takes it. If he’s projected to get 3 and $45M, why would he pass up $20.5M for one year. It’s basically a really nice pillow contract. If they trade Castellanos, sign Hoskins. If they don’t make a trade, let Hoskins walk.

    LikeLike

    1. I don’t think he’ll get a QO anywhere near that high, if he gets one at all. Furthermore, having him only complicates matters for 2024 and beyond. A QO this year only sets you up for a similar situation next year. Bite the bullet now and be done with it! In less than a week we should know, huh?

       LikeLike

       1. If he gets a QO it will be that high because it’s set by the league, not by the team. All of the QO’s are the same and this year it’s projected to be $20.5m.

          As previously mentioned, I do not expect them to QO Hoskins and they definitely will QO Nola.

          LikeLike

          1. They will only QO Hoskins if they would like to have him back – if they don’t want him and he accepts it (and he easily could), they would be in a difficult situation.

             LikeLike

          2. 3up…….tks didn’t know that…..so position player, pitcher, dh, irregardless, they all get the same $20.5M. That being the case, I agree with you on Nola and Hoskins.

             LikeLike

          3. 3up…….tks didn’t know that…..so position player, pitcher, dh, irregardless, they all get the same $20.5M. That being the case, I agree with you on Nola and Hoskins.

             LikeLike

37. Well, so long Arizona. Let the off-season officially begin.

    LikeLike

38. Anathema to us all – I watched that final WS out and said that should have been Phillies. What a sorry end – like matt13 — having a hard time leaving that in the books. Know I need to move on / but at my age I wanted to see one more WS champ. Running out of time but with our collective commitments will lean into 2024. Here goes ! Damn thing is over.

    LikeLike

    1. I hear you, frustration is real on this one. They started smelling themselves. Figures, that was the 1st series I thoughtd they’d win over the last 2
       Years. I was seriously more worried about the marlins, they always play the Phils tough

       Well I’m 43, so I likely have 2 WS titles to enjoy, maybe 3 if the baseball gods fall asleep.

       LikeLike

39. ESPN WAY-TOO-EARLY 2024 POWER RANKINGS

    1️⃣ Braves
    2️⃣ Rangers
    3️⃣ Orioles
    4️⃣ Phillies
    5️⃣ Astros
    1️⃣7️⃣ Mets
    2️⃣2️⃣ Marlins

    LikeLike

40. Let the clock begin….by Tuesday we should know a lot of things.
    Phillies intentions on both Nola and Hoskins for one.
    Assume Kimbrel’s exodus…Lorenzen’s future in red pinstripes.

    LikeLike

    1. ……..tick, tick, tick, tick 🕰, let the speculation, anxiety and adventure commence!😄

       LikeLike

       1. When it comes to both Nola and Hoskins…the wildcard is Middleton.
          Sometime judgement can be clouded by emotion and loyalty.

          LikeLike

41. I do not think we trade Castellanos. So, if Hoskins is back for one year, then Castlellanos plays in LF, Marsh, with some days off vs tough lefthanded Pitchers, in CF, and Schwarber stays at DH. Is the lesser D, significantly lesser D, that results worth Hoskins’ bat, in essence, replacing Rojas’? I believe D matters, but I can see the team looking at it like that and thinking Rhys’ bat would have made a big difference. Me? I just don’t know.

    LikeLike

42. They might resign Lorenzen because DD mentioned he’d like to try 6 SPs for periods of time and Lorenzen could fill that role. Sanchez absolutely will start as SP 5.

    LikeLike

43. CBS has Phillies at 3 in final Power Ranking. Comment is how I feel. Says it is going to be a long cold winter knowing you lost Games 6 and 7 at home to a much inferior team. Mentions could be planning a parade today. Oh well.
    IMO just simply a monumental MISSED OPPORTUNITY.

    LikeLike

    1. Don, you know, as much as I am annoyed by the D-Backs (and, I admit it, I am), 7 games series mean a lot. Any team that loses a 7 game series only has itself to blame. But this series pointed to a serious weakness in the Phillies – and that’s the team’s inability to hit really good breaking stuff. The team’s biggest stars were overmatched by pitchers who, plain and simple, just knew how to pitch. We saw that last year with Houston and it came up again with Arizona. This bothers me because I’m not sure how much you can adjust to that with the existing line-up. Both Turner and Castellanos (with a healthy assist from Realmuto) were the worst culprits. They can’t and won’t get rid of Turner (for many reasons), but, to me, Castellanos (who, for all of his improvements, is still a very bad fielder), for all the fun he brings when he’s hot, is the guy who needs to go. It probably won’t happen, but it should.

       LikeLike

       1. catch, a big part of the problem was the very poor strike zone awareness. I agree with you that we have a weakness re: good breaking pitches. But, swinging at pitches that were significantly out of the strike zone, not painting the black or close, but pitches that should not have been swung at is what cost us this Series. And, I believe that can be improved. I know hitting is really hard, and I don’t pretend to be a Hitting Coach, but our guys can work on picking up the spin, and work on pitch recognition, and work on a bit/alot more patience at the plate, and not take away from their ability to hit HRs. I think there was too much guessing, too much trying to hit a HR on every pitch, too much deciding to swing before they even saw the pitch, and I believe that can be improved. Maybe I am wrong, but I believe that can be improved. Castellanos isn’t turning into Ichiro, but he can do better. Same with Turner, same with JT, who has a weakness for high FBs.

          LikeLike

          1. It’s possible, and I think there could be some improvement, but how often do you see a mid-career player significantly improve his strike zone judgment? I think it’s pretty uncommon.

             LikeLike

             1. Even some improvement, catch, would be good. I honestly don’t know. But, I did see Castellanos go through a period of tiime, during the season. when he didn’t swing at those pitches. It got worse those last 2 games. He and Turner literally got themselves out by swinging at pitches that no one could have reached. That has to be something that is fixable, even in an incremental way. Those were not great pitches, thoswe were pitches that started out off the plate and then traveled further away. And, maybe I am wrong, but these are professional hitters, and have to, at least, be able to pick up the spin on a ball. I maintain that they were swinging before they saw the pitch, and I think that is somewhat fixable. Again, not arguing with you, and my opinion has hope as a part of it, but I have to believe that some of that is fixable.

                LikeLike

                1. matt..remember the expression…’cannot teach an old dog new tricks’…I think that applies to Castellanos and JTR….though Turner does make a concerted effort to not slip back into his o-zone difficulties, for example after the CBP fan ovation in August.

                   LikeLike

44. Romus, IU lost a legend yesterday in Coach Knight. Coach was in my time. Came to IU in 1970 and I graduated in 1971. When I graduated my team was averaging near 80 points a game. Within a couple years scores were in the 50s more likely. The influence of one person.

    LikeLike

    1. Dod….yes may Bobby Knight RIP.
       I enjoyed watching him coach……remember the chair across the floor….the poor guy at the foul line missed half the free throws after that.

       LikeLike

       1. Sorry Don…not Dod!

          LikeLike

45. No problem. Romus, I told you my claim to fame was hitting a home run off Tommy Underwood. I also have a Phillies baseball signed by one of the early 70s teams. I forget which. My wife’s dad was an exec with ARCO. He was located in Philly for several years in the 70s. So, I got to the Vet and the ARCO suite a few times. It was right behind 3B. It was pretty cool. Also, a few weeks ago I was looking for something and ran across a manilla envelope I got from Coach Eddie Stanky. I knew I had it at one time but really had forgot if I still had it. But the thing I noticed was the address and return address were handwritten. So maybe I have the autograph of a player who played with Jackie Robinson. Then again maybe his secretary at South Alabama made it out. LOL.

    LikeLike

    1. Good story Don
       Eddie Stanky….weird , your manager was born in Philly and ended up at South Alabama Univ managing for 14 seasons…..and died in Alabama.

       LikeLike

       1. Stanky was a pesky player – sort of like Bowa. He walked alot, was a great bench jockey, and other teams hated him. Known as “The Brat.”
          He could fire up his team.

          LikeLike

46. CBS has put out a top 50 list of free agents. They have Phillies listed among suitors with 7 or the top 23. 6 of the top 15 or so.
    All are pitchers except for Hoskins.

    LikeLike

47. I am assuming Nola, Snell, Montgomery, Yammamoto, the other Pitcher from Japan and Hader to be 6 of the names Don. I did not cheat and read the article first!

    LikeLike

Comments are closed.