184 thoughts on “Phillies Discussion, 6/5/24”

1. Barring injury, it doesn’t look like a bullpen trade will be necessary which is great news. Lazar and Mercado appear ready to help if needed plus Ortiz and Marte are close to being healthy also. That means the only likely move will be to add a Whit improvement for LF. He has been a huge disappointment and will be DFA’d if he doesn’t bounce back soon. I also think Dahl has a chance to stick around over Pache, if they decide to just stick with Rojas, over Clemens. A bench of Stubbs, Sosa, Dahl, and a righty hitting corner OF sounds like a slight upgrade to me.

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   1. As Buck Showalter likes to say…the 4th OF on any team has to be a LHB…and Dahl fits that description. The 5th OF will then be a RHB.

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      1. Murray, I would like to see Lazar and Mercado at the major league level before the trade deadline. Barring injury, it seems unlikely given the way that Thomson avoids overusing the bullpen. Personally, I haven’t regained complete trust in Dominguez, yet. I wouldn’t mind trading for another reliever. If St. Louis continues to fade, JC Romero is an attractive addition.

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         1. JoJo? That would be something to bring him back. He has been filthy vs LHs this year. That was a minor trade where both players have had success better than thought before the deal.

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2. I think Rojas has shown enough to stay up. If he hits .230-.240 with his defense and ability to change the game with his speed I believe he is a valuable asset. While his defense hasn’t been quite elite this year it has been very good. A few mental lapses have caused the fall off. His average, which was never going to match last year’s, has been skewed by an absolutely dreadful start and seems to be leveling off in the .230 range. He also seems to be well liked and a good “clubhouse” guy.

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   1. Rojas also needs to stop getting picked off first base. He’s young I get it, but you can’t negate your limited walks/hits by immediately getting picked off. If he can’t meaningfully contribute at the plate his defense has to be exceptional (which was his calling card), and when he does get on he has to turn his walk/single into a double by stealing second at an over 85% rate. On a team like this, he’s then a very valuable player. If he’s playing poor defense and getting picked off, I’d sooner send him down to clean that up than the hitting.

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3. This comment is not necessarily meant as a response to what is above it. Awhile back I made a comment that I would be interested in seeing more of what Weston Wilson does at the minor leagues even though at around 30 years of age he may four or five years older than a traditional prospect. A response was that his stats do not justify that. Perhaps! I would suggest that his actual relatively recent performance at the major leagues does justify it. But I am not writing this to rehash W W, rather to comment that in today’s MLB as is reflected in this website, the historical tendency to retain hope in draftees who may be performing way worse that W W but not offer the same hope to older players, for example S Kingery or W W, may be shortchanging the team.

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   1. Yes, that was my response. He’s not a prospect. If you want to discuss him in this section fine. But I don’t have the time to report on every AAAA player and non-prospect who is on the roster at Lehigh Valley and Reading. I do report when he figures into the scoring just as I do for all players. This is a prospect site first. Phuture Phillies not a recently played on the major league team so let’s keep reporting on him daily when he goes back to the minors although still on the 40-man roster.

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4. Kudos to Castellanos for winning the past two games.

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5. I am in London, waiting for the games to be played, and hoping the Phils can stay HOT.

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   1. Understand a group of Phillies fans are staying at the Radisson Blu Kenilworth Hotel on Great Russell Street….venture down and enjoy a pint at their ‘pub’. Cheers

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      1. For those who have never been to London, it’s a massive city. There are a crazy amount of tourists and of course, hotels everywhere. So why in God’s name are there so many Mets fans at my hotel? When you go downstairs to get breakfast and you have to sit next to Mets fans, that’s not a good start to the morning. Let’s hope they’ll be unhappy later tonight.

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         1. You get to gloat at breakfast on Sunday.

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            1. My hotel, and seats (behind Phils dugout) were mostly Phils fans, A few rows behind us were Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. When Whit came to bat, I said out loud, “now is the time”

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         2. I feel your pain, but it is a bit funny. Just keep a stiff upper lip.

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            1. The atmosphere at the game was great, there were a lot of British and European fans at the game, more than I was expecting.

               Mets fans weren’t that boisterous, maybe they knew that were going to get their butts kicked in the game.

               On to game 2!

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               1. I guess you noticed…one aspect about the field, the turf , that was talked about by the Fox broadcasters and even Scott Franzke on radio, was the ‘sponginess’ of the field. The ball bounces up like a super ball once it hits the turf.

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   2. I’m also in London, eagerly anticipating the games. Will be at Trafalgar Square tomorrow to check out the festivities.

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6. I don’t know if this is common knowledge, but apparently the Phillies have extended Matt Strahm. I recently found out that he was extended at $7.5M for the 2025 season with an option. He signed the extension back on March 24, 2024. The extension includes a club option for 2026 at $4.5M. It includes IP targets in 2025 that could increase the option year to $7.5M as well as performance bonuses for games started beginning at 15 games.

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   1. Jim, I’m pretty sure the Inquirer reported this a few weeks ago.

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      1. If you see something in the Inquirer, please share. It’s subscription only and we out-of-towners miss stuff like this. Thanks in advance.

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         1. I subscribe to the Phila Inquirer and didn’t see an announcement there when I checked, though I did see one on his extension both on MLB.com and apnews.com on May 24 and May 25 respectively. There was a nice article by Alex Coffey on May 18 when Strahm matched the 2017 record for most consecutive scoreless innings at 18 2/3 (now, I believe, up to 25 ) that he had worked on refining his four seam fastball and slider to get more movement on them

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            1. I believe it was MLB where I saw it awhile back. Good deal for the Phillies at this time. Matt has been great. The Phillies must have known what they had. I too would like one more BP guy. I like the guys out there but still give one a little concern at times. I do think they are good enough as they are if everyone does their job. That is all they need to do. Kimbrell just failed at the end and that did the Phillies in.

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   2. I didn’t see that. Thanks for sharing

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7. Looking at our roster, how many all stars do folks think we will have? As of today I could see 7 (Nola, Ranger, Wheeler, Bryce, Bohm, JT, and either Strahm or Hoffman).

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   1. Mat Snyder had article up other day with Bohm and Harper as starters. I have seen the three starters mentioned as well as Strahm. JT and Hoffman could be maybes. That would be great for all.

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8. In the past, we’ve talked about how the Phillies end up with the wrong brother (i.e. Mike Maddux instead of Greg)

   Now we end of with the wrong player from a high school! Buddy Kennedy (Millville High in NJ) instead of Mike Trout!

   https://www.si.com/mlb/phillies/news/phillies-pull-off-another-trade-acquire-infielder-from-tigers-jon9

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   1. I actually like this acquisition. He has hit for some power in the past, his defense has been good, he’s still young and he draws a lot of walks. No downside. All upside.

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   2. I guess this acquisition pretty much tells you how the Phillies feel about Scott Kingery.

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9. Might turn out to be the best staff in Phillies history

   https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1799130701843120639

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   1. I’ve been following the Phillies for like 31 years (I cannot believe this as I write it) and, so far, this is the best Phillies’ pitching staff ever. The starters have roughly been even with the 2011 starters, but the bullpen and the existence of a really fine pitcher like Spencer Turnbull, raise the whole staff above the 2011 unit. But they’ve got to do it all year to be the best. Still, if they continue to pitch like they have, they should stand alone at the top. The team has some good staffs in the late 70s and early 80s but, come on, in terms of depth? It was nothing like this staff.

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      1. Here’s an interesting question, if Chris Sanchez was on the Chicago White Sox, whom would you give up from our farm system to get him?

         I mean he would be probably untouchable by them. But young, controllable, cheap with elite production…massive package.

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         1. Probably something like Miller (or Crawford) and Saltiban, and perhaps someone like Mercado. It would cost a lot. An elite prospect, a good prospect and a useful, close-to-the majors prospect. Sanchez is interesting because his success is so recent and so unexpected, that teams would vary wildly on how much they value him. But you only need one fish to bite.

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         2. It would be a heavy package, he’s 27 with 4 more years of control. He’s in his prime right now. Crawford and Klassen to start.

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      2. I have been a Phillies fan since the mid 60s. Bunning and Short were good. I agree that the 70s and 80s had some good ones with Carlton, Ruthven, Christenson and others. But I agree this one seems to be the most solid from top to bottom. 2011 was really good but seemed kind of jinxed at the end by bad luck. I do not believe the entire staff was as good. Hamels was really good but again not as deep as this one. John Denny was good for a time.

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         1. The problem in 2011 was that the team couldn’t score a single run in an elimination game. That team had some good hitters, but they got cold and old at the worst time. I think this team is better at scratching out runs than that team or our 2022 and 2023 models and that might ultimately be their salvation.

            As for the righty bat that provides a lift for this year, probably doesn’t cost too much in prospects and gives them flexibility going forward, I’d think long and hard about Tyler O’Neill. He could be a catalyst here. And it will cost a bit too much (maybe Abel), but if you overpay and get to and perhaps win the WS, it would be worth it.

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            1. Another .250 hitter who strikes out 30% of the time?

               No thank you!

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               1. O’Neill has a 138 OPS+ as opposed to an 80 OPS+ for Castellanos. The only players on our team that have better than a 138+ OPS are Harper, Turner and Sosa (Bohm is 133), so, yeah, I’ll roll the dice with that. Luis Robert, who will cost a _hit ton more than O’Neill has a 92 OPS+ and will create a weird contract log jam going forward.

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         2. Don, I am trying to remember back to the days of Dick Ruthven and Larry Christenson (and the “Jims”, Kaat and Lonborg) but Don, I am having problems remembering any of them except for Carlton as “good”! I wish I had a memory like yours!

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            1. I🤎……1976 — 1978 the Phillies finished 1rst with 101 — 61 records in 76 & 77, 78 they were 90 — 72.

               CHRISTENSEN

               76 13 – 8

               77 19 – 6

               78 13 -14

               Lonborg

               76 18- 10

               77 11 – 4

               78 8 -10

               Ruthven

               76 14 – 17

               77 7 – 13

               78 15 – 11

               Kaat

               76 12 – 14

               77 6 – 11

               78 8 – 5

               Carlton

               76 20 – 7

               77 23 – 10

               78 16 – 13

               Carlton had a winning record every year til he regressed in 85 and with the exception of 73 and 83.

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               1. Oldruff… your win loss stats you present are impressive, but do you remember those days, and do you remember thinking with joy that Ruthven, or Lonborg or Christenson was going to be the starting pitcher, as I do now with Suarez or Wheeler? Of course, for most of the above years I believe Ruthven was on the Braves. IMO, the much-maligned Danny Ozark and (sans the Bull) the defense, perhaps deserves more credit than the starting pitching for the team’s success in the 1970s!

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               2. Yeah, I remember those days, but I don’t remember the staff being collectively better than what we have now. Carlton of course was better than what we have now and I remember going to a game in 1972 when he was 27 – 10 and had an ERA of 1.97. He must have struck out 16 people that day. We were way up in the upper level behind home plate and I was watching him thru binoculars.

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               3. Yes, Oldruff, Steve Carlton in his prime was better than most, if not all, of the pitchers not just on the Phillies but in the League now, with that incredible slider, and the fantastic pickoff move if people did get on base, and the hard work – way “ahead of his time” to keep in physical condition . First person ever to win four CY YOung awards. He is better than 99.99% of all the pitchers that have ever pitched. How awesome for you to have been able to see him during his 27-win season? I am a HUGE Ranger Suarez fan, but as incredible as he has been this season, he would have to continue for another ten years to even be in the conversation with someone like Carlton

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               4. Actually, Ruthven might have been traded for Kaat, and then made it back to the Phils in 78 where his Phillies record was 13 — 5.

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10. Catch,

    You make a good point and O’Neill is a talented bopper but he would not play instead of Nick. He would most likely play LF and Marsh would move to CF putting Rojas on the bench. This may help our offense but the defense would suffer at least a little. Overall, O’Neill might help us win a couple of games (who knows?) but he’s a rental. Will he help us win in the playoffs? Not sure, he’s only had 5 playoff PA’s and he’s hitless (3K’s and a BB). Playoff pitching is tougher than regular season. For me, giving up Abel for a rental who may or may not help us is too much to pay.

    I know Abel has been struggling but he’s still young and still not even on the 40 Man Roster. He has time to work through his adjustments. I’m not ready to give up on him just yet. If he’s included in a package for a guy like Kyle Tucker, then that’s a different story. If we can get O’Neill for a lesser prospect (Maybe McGarry?) I’m in. I just feel we already have too many strikeouts in our lineup and adding another guy at the expense of a talented prospect is a “No” for me.

    Typing fast… sorry for rambling!

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    1. This isn’t about winning games in the regular season – we’re good on that. This is about having a critical right-handed bat around in the postseason when we need it.

       McGarry wouldn’t be enough, and maybe Abel is too much (although his value is WAY down now), but it would be a little painful, but it wouldn’t sacrifice the future of the team. That’s what you do when you go for the ring.

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11. Anybody else annoyed at the Fox pre-game? It seemed to me that they weren’t preparing so much for the Phillies/Mets game as they were getting their plugs in for the Belmont and Dodgers/Yankees game later. Arod and the guys back in NY did two segments on the Yankees and Dodgers during the half hour show. And, the Dodgers/Yankees game was touted as the de facto world series pairing that everybody expected and wanted. I could go on, but there’s somebody on my lawn. Hey, get off …..

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    1. Yes…they seem to dwell on the Yankees/Dodgers a little more than I would have thought……then when they switched to the Phillies/Mets it was a little shorter than I would have hoped….finally there was the brief Soto mention, and how the cross-town Mets may be in play for him after the season.

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12. Can we just pay the bullpen coach to tell Thomson that Soto isn’t available whenever he can possibly blow the game?

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    1. The Phillies are now in a bind with Soto. He’s not a long man so the Phillies have to decide if he can correct his issues or not.

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       1. Like to see them make a play for A’s Mason Miller…his last few outings he has had a little hiccup….finally given a a few HRs for the first time all year, but overall he is solid and would further solidify the pen

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13. “It all went Pete Tong”! When Bohm has a bad day at 3rd, I noticed it seems to cascade. Relievers who can’t throw strikes ……….. aghhhhhh.

    Really anxious to hear from you guys that were there! What was the experience of Brits & Baseball?

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    1. The Brits were definitely into it, but going to 2 games is way different than being season ticket holders. And the seat configuration was odd, I was sitting on the 3rd base side but in the upper deck. My view of home plate was almost obstructed.

       There’s this talk of MLB expanding to London but I don’t see it. 5 hour time difference from the east coast, and they’ll have to build a new baseball only stadium. London has money but not sure if they will be able to get that many baseball fans in a soccer crazed city.

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14. Really lousy loss today. In hindsight, when Thomson pulled Walker, he should have then brought in Strahm. Thomson has so much faith in all of these guys, like Soto, except when it comes to letting Walker maybe pitch out of the jam. And just when we think that perhaps Castellanos is out of his slump, he hits a ball TWO feet with the bases loaded.

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    1. The reality is, Soto was brought in because a lefty was next (Nimmo) and Walker was starting the 3rd time through the order. If Soto can’t get 1 out, whose fault is that? This is all on Soto. If he can’t get 1 out vs a lefty, then why is he on the roster?

       And I agree, Casty was going to be the hero and was going to be aggressive. It was hard watching that AB in person.

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       1. I had to be gone today so did not see game. Saw score tonight and then realized Walker pitched. It seems he did fine. I mentioned to Romus awhile back that Soto just has never been a favorite of mine. No idea how he made the All-Star team 2 times. There just is something missing. The bullpen has been really good. But in October it gives me concern in a game that someone has to get 3 outs for a needed win. I am not sure who on the roster I give the ball to in that case. Maybe Strahm.

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    2. Obviously, this loss can’t be laid at Casty’s feet. Defensive miscues, bad relief pitching and bad bullpen management put the Phillies in a do-or-die situation in the ninth. But, once again, when needed in the glutch, Casty disappoints.

       Casty gives smart, thoughtful interviews, not the usual gliche-ridden ones that almost all other ballplayers give. He seems like a really likable guy. He would probably be a favorite neighbor.

       But I can’t wait for him to be gone from the ball club. I’d rather an AAAA player than a star slugger who constantly fails when he’s needed.

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15. I understand it’s June, just one game, etc. but some observations from today nonetheless:

    1. I don’t understand why Thompson isn’t making Hoffman the consistent 9th inning guy at this point. If that’s not going to change, they need to go acquire someone else. I’ve seen enough of Alvarado to know they can’t go into the playoffs with him as part of their closer by committee cohort and expect a different result from last year.
    2. That last at bat from Castellanos had to be one of the worst at bats I’ve seen all year from any player on the team. Bases loaded down one and he’s not making the pitcher throw him his pitch after he just issued a walk. The pitcher can’t walk him and he’s hacking at every ball thrown at him. You compare his approach to Bohm’s the previous at bat and it’s night and day. Despite how good Castellanos is during his hot streaks and his locker room presence, his lack of situational awareness is becoming a liability.

    If there’s one silver lining about this awful game today it’s that hopefully Dombrowski will prioritize getting a legit closer and OF at the deadline.

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    1. Then who are you willing to give up to get a legit closer and OF? Remember, you have to give talent to get talent. Mick Abel is not going to get you anything significant.

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       1. Miller, of the A’s could be had for some combination of 2 or 3 of McGarry/Mercado/Saltiban/Ricon/Rincones/NPG

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          1. Sorry Romus, but if that’s the offer, other teams can easily beat that. In fact, if I was the A’s GM, I would be insulted by that offer.

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             1. Probably….but it may come down to it that Dombrowski may be making offers like that. It seems he is reluctant to part with Painter/Abel/Crawford or Miller.

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       2. It’s interesting because in ST/off-season, something like Abel for Clase would’ve been plausible. Obviously with Cleveland at the top of the AL Central and Abel performing the way he is now, that’s not remotely realistic anymore.

          Miller is going to be heavily pursued and honestly I’m not sure if the prospect capital is worth the risk for someone with his injury history and relatively small sample size of success. I’d be curious what it’d take to get someone like Helsley, Finnegan or Tanner Scott who are all putting up strong numbers on below .500 teams. Perhaps something along the lines of what Romus proposed.

          I also see they’re apparently interested in McCarthy on AZ. Fairly intriguing and reminiscent of Marsh’s profile, but his splits are actually pretty good against LHP. I’d imagine that’d require them to trade a top 100 prospect ala Caba or maybe Abel.

          They’re gonna have to make some difficult decisions anyways once Clemens, Turner and Marsh are back. If they decide to stay put and Sosa continues to play the way he is, I’d consider putting Turner in CF when he comes back. Unfortunately, Rojas could become the odd man out and maybe becomes the trade bait.

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16. Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park ranked 13th by this writer.

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2024/03/09/mlb-stadium-rankings-baseball-30-ballparks-2024/72873951007/

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17. A few comments from London….The London Series was extremely well produced, from entertainment pre-game, during game and all the pageantry. I guess the credit goes to both MLB and the hosts in London. My quess is that there were more Philly fans then Mets fans, but many fans of baseball. I saw team hats or shirts from every MLB team except the Royals. Near us on Sunday was a large group from Passyunk Avenue, which is 3 “Dive Bars” located in London. The employees and patrons of these bars are Philly fans, Eagles and Phillies(though some may not fully understand baseball)and they drink a bit and are loud. Interestingly, there are 2 men’s rest rooms (loos) for every 1 women’s. in the stadium. I guess more males attend football matches than women.

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18. I mentioned before the season that I felt the Phillies needed to try to find a replacement for Kimbrel. There is no one presently in the BP that I have utmost confidence in when they enter the game. The exception to that is Strahm. But I do not see him put into a closer role. I think he is great where he is being used now.

    So here is a hypothetical for everyone to comment if you like. It appears that the Phillies are playoff bound at this point. So, let’s say the Phillies are in game 1 or 5 even at 2 games or game 7 of the NLCS. Starter has gone 8 strong innings and Phillies lead 3-2. Who among the current BP guys do you have confidence to get those last 3 outs and gain an advantage in series or move on to the WS?

    Soto. Dominguez. Kerkering. Hoffman. Alvarado. Strahm? I just do not see that 95 to 100% guy here. If no additions are made, I hope I am wrong. I do not know who Phillies may be looking at if anyone, but this is still the position that I would like to see addressed the most. Regarding the outfield dilemma it is anyone’s guess what is done there. Marsh return helps a lot. But there are still questions.

    I just hope DD can make the correct moves. I have confidence.

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    1. I think the general consensus is they need an OF bat, but whether or not to make a big move for a reliever is gonna be debated until the deadline. I absolutely get your point, but also think Alvarado historically turns it up in the postseason and Hoffman…i mean what more does he have to do to get your confidence? Also think theres a chance Kerkering can become THE closer by the time the dust settles. Would it be fun to go get mason miller? sure. but as electric as he is, hes never pitched in any meaningful situation yet. I do hope they consider DFA’ing Soto, he is just terrible.

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    2. Not trying to single you out here Don but I think the fanbase as a whole has unrealistic expectations of what a “closer” is.

       The best in the business blow saves. For example. Alvarado is 11-13 in save opportunities. Mason Miller is 12-13.

       A few other elite closers:

       Clase for Cleveland is 19-22
       Helsley for Stl – 21-22
       Holmes for NYY – 19-22

       Suarez from SD is the only closer out there with double-digit save opportunities who hasn’t yet blown at least 1 save (17-17).

       For example, Alvarado was frustrating on Sunday but he’s also been very good for the season. He’s given up at least 1 run in 6 of 30 outings in 2024.

       Mason Miller – At least 1 run in 4 of 24 outings.

       You see Miller throw every day for the Phillies and the results will be very similar.

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       1. Great post – 3kkk.

          And, let’s add to that. Does anybody have an idea of how much you’d have to give up for Mason Miller? Let me give you a hint – a TON of prospect capital. It usually takes several years for a guy to develop into a great closer and even when he does, his team usually wants to keep him for at least a while so if a guy is available for a trade there’s only a short window of team control. Mason Miller is a unicorn closer trade candidate. An elite closer with 5 1/2 years of control basically never hits the market. So, if you wanted Mason Miller, you’d need to trade at least one elite prospect and perhaps more, along with several other goods prospects. I’d be surprised if Oakland were willing to take a package of Crawford and a few other top 10-12 prospects. I would assume that the package would have to be something like Miller, Tait, Aldegheri, and Klassen. Not kidding. He has enormous trade value.

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          1. By the way, the one trade partner who can afford to part with this type of consideration is Baltimore. They are the perfect trade partner for Oakland, and, if they are thinking straight, they should overpay and complete their team so they have a chance to win it all.

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             1. Otoh, Miller, however could be a flash in the pan…even awaiting a UCL issue. ….  he had the UCL sprain in his elbow  last season that kept him on the shelf for most of the season So in reality hiss total MLB experience is 33 games and 63 innings. GMs will take that into consideration and probably make offers to the As bearing that in mind.

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                1. There will be multiple bidders and the A’s will have their choice of excellent offers.

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                2. Phillies traded Ben Brown for 1/2 season of Robertson and the site still hasn’t recovered 🙂

                   Image the outcry when they trade Crawford, Tait, and Caba for Miller and he blows the save in game 6 of the NLDS…

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          2. And before someone suggests that I am advocating for such a trade for the Phillies – no, I am not. I would not make that trade. But that’s the type of prospect capital you’d need to give up to get Mason Miller right now. A package of McGarry, Mercado and NPG is not getting it done – not even close.

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             1. Though McGarry Saltiban and Rincones gets it done

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                1. I highly doubt that – you’re overvaluing our prospects. Look, the Cubs gave up an elite prospect (Gleyber Torres) for like 2 months of control of an elite reliever in 2016 – here the control is for parts of 6 seasons. I don’t think you’re getting out of this without an elite young prospect or very promising MLB player plus a ton of other prospect consideration.

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    3. Don…right now Soto appears to be the weakest link in the pen. Perhaps time to IL him and bring someone in or up….like a Mercado or a Nelson. Junior Marte struggled so they did something similar and Ruiz came in

       Next month however they need to seriously think about a Helsley or a Miller reliever. I wonder what it would take to get JoJo back in a Phillies uniform! Cardinals will get calls on him and Helsley/

       You can bet teams like the Dodgers, Yankees and Baltimore will be pursuing relievers next month.

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       1. Other thing that everyone needs to remember that once the playoffs start, the rotation and bullpen usage gets much shorter.

          They will basically use 3 starters – Wheeler, Nola & Ranger. That makes Sanchez an available bullpen lefty.

          From the pen, it will be Alvarado, Hoffman, Kerkering, Strahm. Add in Turnbull and Sanchez and those will be your 9 pitchers that will throw unless something strange happens. Maybe SerAnthony gets a shot based on game score and how he’s pitching (he’s gone 8 straight games without giving up a run :))

          Soto, Ruiz, Marte, etc. aren’t pitching in the post season assuming everyone else is healthy.

          If you are looking to acquire a reliever, they need to be better than one of those guys and they better be significantly better.

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          1. Now another year, Walker left off in the play-offs…I guess he will be on the top step again.

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19. If it’s an elimination game, the Phils will also likely use Wheeler or Ranger as relievers in a key situation

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20. food for thought:

    Tough year to decide on moves, with the team crushing it on so many levels, and the potential to shorten this championship window unnecessarily…but if I’m the GM … I make a big move, probably 2.

    I gotta believe Sosa won’t be killing it the way he is, but I move him to the outfield for now, and being Rojas in off the bench for late inning defense. See how his bat is up to the deadline.
    I seriously look for an OF bat to pair with Marsh & Casty. Why? I don’t think this offense does this in the playoffs. Unless ls Dahl is for real… okay. I want 7 capable bats in the lineup for the playoffs – I like Luis Roberts Jr. But I’m looking for a bat who can keep an inning alive and occasionally be the hero. I want a high Total base player l. That’s what this team needs

    If Sir A comes back, I feel pretty good about the pen, but Soto is hard to trust. Mitch Williams 2.0. Miller has 5 years of control but I’d likely go Helsley from STL since I expect the prospect price to be lower than Miller

    Do that, and it’s all on the players. Only guys I want left in the system are Painter & Miller. Rest are open game. Caba might be hard to part but they could win 2 – 3 chips before they see him in the majors.
    Abel, McGarry, Klaussen are expendable with Wheeler, Nola, Ranger, Sanchez, and Painter.

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    1. Good points Tac. But before DD moves any prospects, I’d really like the manager to play David Dahl more to see if he can be that upgrade we’re looking for. He was a top draft pick and highly regarded prospect. He hit fairly well in Colorado before being derailed by injuries. Let’s play him for 5-6 weeks and see what he can do. Maybe the upgrade in the OF is staring us right in the face.

       With that in mind, I too get very nervous when Alvarado or Hoffman come into a close game to close it out in the 9th. And an upgrade will really help our chances to win it all. So… let’s get the manager to start using Orion Kerkering in the closer roll for the next 5-6 weeks. Perhaps he’s the upgrade we need and he too is staring us right in the face.

       We have another 5-6 weeks until the trade deadline. Let’s truly see what we have before moving good prospects for other players.

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       1. Genuine question (not meant to be disrespectful), but what has Hoffman done to have you listing him as a guy who makes you nervous? Hes been lights out since he put on red and white. If you wanna say you love him as a 7th-8th inning guy and just dont know about him handling the 9th, that could be fair. But unlike alvardo, its not like hes ever shown a lack of knowledge of where his pitches are going. Im fine with saying you want to keep him as the bridge guy, but to say he makes you nervous

          Ive said this a few times already, but Kerkering may be the guy. Hes quietly been dominant and im not even sure Mason Miller is better than him as an overall pitcher (obviously hes got the 103mph fastball that kerkering isnt touching) and he looks to have gone through his growing pains and come out on the other side.

          One more thing, im a big fan of playing “whats more likely?”….So, what’s more likely, that edmundo sosa became a legitimate every day starter on a championship team at age 28 after years of being a nice bench piece, or that hes currently on the run of his life and could potentially be used as a “sell high” chip in a trade? He wouldnt be the first player to come into his own this late, but it seems more unlikely than likely.

          One more thing, any trade they can they should try to use Crawford as the centerpiece. I really question how his bat will play as he advances. Maybe he becomes an all-star, but something about him just doesnt look right to me. Id much rather use him than any of the other guys, Caba included. Would hate to lose like Tait, Poaka-Greco, Klassen, but those are the guys teams are gonna seek as the last guy in a deal since they are so young and have upside.

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21. Guys lots of good points made on bullpen and outfield. The only issue I have using one of the starters as an end of game guy is they simply are not used to doing that. Bumgartner did fine for Giants back in the day. But. Regarding outfield I see Phillies being mentioned with Jake McCarthy of Dbacks. Briefly mentioned Robert and Arozerena but article felt may be too expensive. Just throwing that out.

    Something I have thought about is how long is this window of opportunity for a WS with this present core group? Appears to me to be pretty small in time. Just me but I do not see Phillies bringing Schwarber or Casty back at end of deals. I may be way off base here, but I just do not see it. JT is not a long deal either. I can see something being done there but he gets so beat up and Harper is now a fixture at 1B so that will not be an option. Pitching looks more long term and with the youngsters on the rise. I am just wondering what others are thinking. I guess it is more important what Phillies are thinking.

    This year is a chance for another banner. But there is much more competition now that there was in Game 6 of NLCS last Fall. I still have a hard time believing they lost those 2 games. That is why you play till the final out.

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    1. Don….I think you are spot on with Schwarber and Casty…if one does  come back it is on a short one year, max two year contract.

       My inclination would be it would be the 33-year old  Schwarber if it is between the two. Then again Rhys could be back as the DH in 2026. JTR is another case……35 years old in 2026, that is tricky. Yadier did it with the Cards, but sheeesh, I do not know.

       And to Robert or Arozarena…both have red flags at the plate. Both are good athletes…Robert is younger and will cost more….so if they go for one, more likely it will be Arozarena….and the Rays will not want much back. Why….first abr year under Boras is next season, and he will be 30 years old. Factors the Rays do not relish.

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       1. fair point for sure, but i say yolo and go for robert. If they get him, they could have a key player for a few seasons whos still young and has shown superstar potential when healthy. If it means you give up Miller, you give up Miller. Flags fly forever.

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       2. I wouldn’t touch either player with a 10 Ft pole LOL especially not Roberts Jr for what it would cost…

          Roberts maybe but not for any of my blue chip prospects.

          This team is already anchored to some LT deals that aren’t likely to age well. These prospects we have that are really looking like something are going to be needed.

          Sooner than we think…

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22. Well if JT is down for 4-6 weeks and Marchan getting the call DD will get a preview of what he may or may not want to do long term.

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    1. if he plays well they could also sell high in a trade at the deadline. I really believe Marchan is ready now, hes age appropriate for the majors hes just blocked by JT. He could be a starter on a handful of teams right now. Maybe a few good weeks of Marchan boosts his trade value. JTs here for at least another season, meaning Marchan wouldnt take over til hes 27 which is kind of unfair to him. If he puts up a good few weeks, you can use him as a key piece and not just a throw in, and then when JTs time is done you can re-evaluate where Ricketts and Tait stand in their progress. Ricketts is a maybe, but Im huge on Tait. Maybe re-sign JT for 2 more years and then go to Tait. Obviously this is all way down the line. But point being the best thing that can happen imo is Marchan plays himself into a big trade piece.

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       1. Look at how old Chooch was when he became a full time starter….28 years old. So it is not unheard of. But can see your point for Marchan…..he has been waiting his turn for awhile, aside from the time he has been injured.

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       2. My hope is that Marchan is the back-up catcher next year. Stubbs has great mojo and they shouldn’t touch him this year, but, really, he’s a below average back-up with no projection. Marchan has projection.

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          1. (Phillies lose for the first time in 2025) Twitter: See, thats why you dont get rid of the vibes guy!!!

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       3. Marchan isn’t a starter on any good major league team. Guy has zero power (10 career HRs in 9 seasons of professional baseball not counting his 4 winter ball hrs) and he has zero speed. They only thing he does offensively is not strikeout much.

          Compare his major league and minor league career #’s with Stubb’s career #’s and you have basically the same player without the overalls

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          1. Well, the problem with Marchan is that injuries have prevented him from playing full seasons and developing. That said, last year, he was really coming on with the bat. He’s also 6 years younger than Stubbs. I like that he’s going to get a little audition here. It’s hard to tell precisely what we have in Marchan, but I’m interested to find out.

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             1. Yup, agreed. Maybe he looks overmatched and his injuries killed his progress and hes not a guy. Maybe he is. I dont need him to hit 20 homers a year either. Hes a good defensive catcher and if he can hit somewhat that puts him in starter territory. Look at some of the numbers from catchers around the league

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             2. I’m find if he replaces Stubbs as the backup catcher moving forward. Just nothing in his performance says starting catcher for a MLB team just like Stubbs isn’t a MLB starter.

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    2. DMAR …….. right you are! I don’t think you can go day to day with Stubbs so, I’m sure Marchan is the guy.

       I hardly ever miss a game and I can assure you I don’t ever remember when I’ve seen a catcher take the beating JT has taken this year. Equally impressive is his toughness, answering the bell the following day. Hats off to him, hope the recovery is quick because he’ll leave a hole.

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23. I brought up the BP yesterday and a little on OF today plus this Phillies window of opportunity. The last one was 2007-2011. Phillies got one banner. A little luck and good fortune one or two more might have happened. I thought they would win one with Doc.

    This is why I think the decision makers have to really look hard at this present group. You never want to give away a guy or guys who come back to haunt you years later, ex. Jenkins, Sandberg. But maybe there is a guy and I have no idea who it may be that could put this group over the top. This team is really good. They do have the best record for a reason. But I do believe it also has some issues. One, the bench guys need to do more off the bench. They seem to do ok when given a chance to play a game. But a key clutch hit may be needed sometime. I think Soto and Merrifield will be decisions to make as well.

    Romus. Soto at times reminds me of the kid back in my days at South Alabama. Three fastballs. One down the middle. One in your ribs. One behind your head. You just never know which one it is going to be. Merrifield may just be Father Time. I am sure Phillies expected more.

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24. Great article in the Inquirer on some prospects. Lots going on in the FSL rookie league – and they don’t even get to Tait.

    https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-prospect-updates-aidan-miller-george-klassen-rankings-20240611.html

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25. Wonder what it would cost the Phillies to get Scranton PA born OFer, LHB Jake McCarthy from the DBacks….last year was down year for him, but he has rebounded well this season so far.

    https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccarja02.shtml

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    1. We have both Clemens and Dahl (both of whom are quite good) – we are set on back-up left handed hitting outfielders (although, otherwise, he’s intriguing). We need a righty bat off the bench.

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       1. I thought Merrifield was supposed to be the RHB off the bench???

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          1. Have you seen his stats lately? I am talking about someone who can really hit. I am sure they are scanning the market for such a player, but not clear they will do a deal.

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       2. Yeah does look like it would be unusual to bring in another LHB….Marsh also returns soon. There could be a log jam out there of lefty OFers.

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    2. What would it cost? Rojas.

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26. Excited for Marchan, hope he does well .

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27. As always, the singular question with Marchan will not be his offense or power which have both improved the past couple years or his arm strength. But, rather how well he calls a game from behind the plate.

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28. The trade discussions are entertaining. I imagine most, if not all, have been triggered by outside media outlets. Places more concerned with clicks than veracity.

    At this point in the season, about 25 teams have a realistic chance of making the post-season with the 3-team wild card in play (23 if you want to discard the Astros and Mets). It’s hard for me to imagine that St. Louis, for instance, would consider moving their closer while they still have a shot at the playoffs. I expect teams will make the hard decision to part with pieces by the All-Star break.

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29. Please just cut Merrifield. This is ridiculous. Even if he WAS hitting well, he’d still be a liability.

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    1. Dan K……he has already been paid almost 45% of his current contract salary of $8M, so he could be now moved to a team on the cusp of a play-off, even a small market team should be able to afford the remaining portion of his contract….maybe back to the Royals where it all began for him.

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       1. The Royals could potentially bite. They might view him as a mentor/veteran presence to help their young guys. And there’s some value in that.

          Just not here. Our guys have all been there before. What we need is bench players who actually contribute at the plate and/or in the field. Trea cannot get back fast enough.

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          1. Aliro Ferrebus killing it again today. Two doubles and walk. Very SSS, but still, what a start!

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             1. I think when the Phillies signed Alirio Ferrebus in Jan 2023, he may have been the only Latin player I ever seen sign with a MLB team in a black suit, with a maroon tie wearing a nicely white pressed shirt. You do not see that everyday.

                https://x.com/BenBadler/status/1614815407679864834?lang=en

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30. Alec Bohm:

    Slash per month.

    Apr……366/.438/.598

    May…..243/.279/.369

    June….162/.200/.270.

    …..what is going on here…maybe time to have him recharge his batteries!

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    1. It looks like he may be grabbing Castellanos bat from the rack. Totally out of sink. Rolling soft stuff over not driving to right field.

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    2. Yet Scott is hitting .180 since mid-May and no one seems to have any issues with that.

       Right. Ow, Castellanos is a bigger threat with the bat.

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       1. Damn, typing on my IPad sucks. Stott not Scott. And now, not Ow.

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    3. He looked pretty good last night …. I think you jump started him. When I lambasted the Mendoza Minions several days ago they went on a 2 day tear ……… only lasted 2 days, but what the heck!

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31. Good news and Bad news: Good – SA Dominguez: Last 13 games 12.1 innings

    1 earned run. S Turnbull: Last 6 games 10.1 innings 9 earned runs. The guy just

    CANNOT pitch in relief.

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    1. I’m convinced he needs time to prepare to pitch against a team. They should just put him on a piggy-back schedule with another pitcher (Walker, ideally, but if they REALLY don’t want to upset him, then Sanchez).

       Just tell him that’s the day he’s pitching. He’ll come in during a clean inning, and he’ll go 2-3 innings. It’ll keep his innings down, but let him prepare as normal as well as keep our relief corps fairly rested those days since, hopefully, they’ll only be pitching 1 partial inning at max.

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       1. ……… or trade him with someone else for rhb player that can hit! A relief pitcher that can’t relieve isn’t of much value to the team IMO, even if he’s an insurance policy ……… besides, he doesn’t like doing it and it is obvious.

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          1. Trading starting pitching depth for an outfielder would be a terrible move.

             don’t care if Turnbull likes his current job or not.

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       2. Turnbull is a #6 pitcher. He knew his role when he signed. If he can’t be productive in a relief role, he has 2 options remaining. Send him to Lehigh and pitch him on the Walker schedule, just in case. Of course, he is coming off several seasons where he has thrown 56.2 innings (2020), 50.0 (’21), 0.0 (’22), 31.0 (’23), and 45.2 already this season. So, you have to manage his innings.

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          1. Think that last point in why they are fine with Turnbull in his current role. They don’t currently need his innings so why burn them in AAA.

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             1. I agree. But, if he’s going to sulk and suck in relief, we can’t keep running him out there.

                I don’t understand why his appearances haven’t been for longer stints. I think he has only two three-inning appearances.

                And, I should point out that his sulking is more a matter of speculation than actual fact so far. But, his effectiveness as a reliever is open for all of us to have an opinion.

                In eight appearances, he’s given up runs in five. He has an ERA of 6.08 as a reliever. He had an ERA of 7.00 in nine innings in May. He’s a bit better so far in June.

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32. Did you guys happen to see on the pre-game segment of “What is he doing”?

    The center fielder put out the batter trying to stretch a triple into a home run by tagging him out at home plate. Yeah, bizarre, ran him down from CF. Just when you think you have seen everything the game has to show, not so, ………… stay tuned, more to see.

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33. Nola clearly didn’t have it tonight, but we’ve found another umpire who is trying his best to implement the robo ump.

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34. Dan. I agree. There are some guys who really are not very good. Worse yet they are not very consistent in their calls. I always felt that was the most important thing for them. Then there are some who make almost all correct calls.

    Romus. Did you see the Dom Smith vs Soto at bat. Exactly like back in the day at South Alabama. By the end of the at bat Smith was as far back from home plate as he could stand and then swung at a pitch several inches inside. Too funny on that at bat.

    I hope Turner and Marsh can return soon. This present lineup does not strike fear in the opposing pitcher. Dan. I agree Nola just had an off night. Those happen. Wheeler had one at Miami. He will be ok.

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    1. Don…it is good to be effectively wild. Ryne Duren use to warm-up throwing fastballs off the back wall behind home plate. Now off Soto would just have a tad more command of his FBs that would be helpful to the cause.

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       1. Romus. Funny. I remember Duren. Smith last night almost looked like Kruk vs Randy Johnson. There was no way he was digging in on any pitch.

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          1. I remember Duren wore big glasses and the lenses were thick, not quite as thick as coke bottles, but almost. I think some of the mystique was “can that beggar throwing 100 mph really see us (3) or are we a mirage”?

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             1. One of my favorite memories was when Duren was new to the Phillies and all the talk was about how wild he was and how, combined with his mighty fastball, he was dangerous to hitters.

                In one of his first games with the Phillies he came in from the bullpen and immediately threw a couple of wild pitches, one of which knocked down the batter. Duren them calmly walked off the mound, took a hankie out of his back pocket and wiped off his glasses. Classic.

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35. I wonder if the London trip did more to upset the players’ routines that we realize? The MLB knew it could be an issue…that’s why they scheduled 3 days off around 2 baseball games. The rest is all well and good but our starters are now pitching on extra rest (could be good but also upsets their routines) and it didn’t go well. Even Wheeler got knocked around in his first inning before making some adjustment(s) and pitched well. Ranger and Nola looked awful. Not making excuses…just wondering out loud.

    Another good test this weekend in Baltimore. Will be fun!

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36. Thinking about what Andy wrote, did anyone happen to see Derrick Hall at the Sunday game in London? Later on in the game they showed the Phillies dugout and there he was. Why would he be there?

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    1. For the trip, each team had a “taxi” squad of players in case of injury. He must have been one of those players.

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       1. Thank you, Triple K.

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    2. The Phils were allowed 3 players on a taxi squad for London

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    3. Ciada, Yes, the participating teams were permitted a taxi squad of 3 players. The Phillies was RHP Nick Nelson, C Rafael Marchan, and 1B Darick Hall. Additionally, the teams were permitted to activate a 27th player for the games. The Phillies activated Rafael Marchan.

       Did you notice that everyone got into a game except Marchan, Turnbull, and SP Wheeler, Sanchez, and Nola? Reminded me of little league where everybody plays.

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37. We are all anticipating a trade. Someone has to go to get someone. With that in mind, who do you want to keep more? Last year no brainer, this year, maybe not so easy a decision.

    Abel or Klaussen?

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    1. Buyers always seem to have to give up a pitcher of some ilk in any of these in season trades……I want to keep Abel.

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38. Romus. What do you feel is the most important trade need at this point? I do think that the trip to London may have a brief effect on the team. Sometimes you see that with NFL teams when they go, and they have more time to get bad to normal. I forget how the Dodgers and Padres did after their trip at the beginning of the season.

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    1. Not Romus……….. everyday outfielder capable of hitting lefties and righties. Doesn’t need to be a superstar, just steady and workmanlike……..will take a bench player, outfielder, that bats right handed and can hit .250 — .270……… a relief pitcher that can actually throw strikes……. depending on the “target” I do have a few sacred cows, but not as many as you guys have.

       Also, to be sure, this team is not and will not be a dynasty………. the moment is now …… 2024 — 2025. OK, I put the chain mesh armor on and the visor is down let arrows and darts fly.

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       1. oldruff. I see the Phillies as well as Dodgers, Yankees, and O’s are being mentioned by Heyman as having interest in the Marlins Tanner Scott.

          I do agree that the time is now. I do not think there will be anymore dynasty teams. Just too much change. The trick for DD is to get the right guy or couple of guys to give the team a chance to get over the top. I am still concerned that this team just has too many Ks in them. There are just times that putting a ball in play can be so important.

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       2. Oldruff – the guy I like is OF Mark Canha – smart player, rh batter, and has a clutch ability – also walks and carries a solid OBP – pending free agent at age 35 – won’t cost very much

          I can see DD going really all in and getting Luis Robert – which I think the national press wants him to do. I also think it will cost too much – by that I mean Crawford, Miller plus more. Robert would be a star but is injury prone.

          Tanner Scott is easily obtainable and will be moved – Helsley and Mason Miller — I seriously doubt will move. St Louis thinks they are still in it and Miller is a future starting pitcher with 6 years playing for one team left. There will be alot of usable relievers available but no shut down closers.

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39. In November 2022, the Astros gave soon to be 36 year old Jose Abreu 3/58.5. It was a total disaster for the Astros and now they have cut him with $30M+ left on his deal. He generated -1.6 WAR (not a typo) during his time with the Astros. Abreu actually had 4.3 WAR at age 35 so his production really cratered after he signed that deal.

    So how much will the Phillies have to throw in in order to facilitate a Castellanos deal during the offseason?

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40. Agree with you wholeheartedly about putting a ball in play. I don’t know how many times a simple fly ball would have scored a run and ultimately won the game.

    Also tired of watching Merrifield, Pache and Rojas flounder with RISP and what seems to be a lack of baseball iq.

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    1. I get so frustrated watching guys who simply do not play the game the way it was meant to be played. I work with my grandkids to play the game the right way. I coached for 30 years the same way. When teams are willing to give you a run if you simply hit the ball somewhere other than pitcher and corner infielders you have to find a way to do that. So many guys today on all teams simply play for themselves.

       Those 3 are an interesting trio. I have no idea what the Phillies do with those.

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    2. I think Pache is hitting .429 and Rojas .333 with RISP

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       1. Correction..above is with 2 outs Rojas .288 Pache .286 RISP

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          1. What is Castellanos average with RISP?

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             1. Casty is .254, Realmuto is .174

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                1. Interesting statistic, why don’t you formulate the batting lineup by average with RISP. Might be an amusing exercise, huh?

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41. Don – I was switching channels between the Red Sox and Mets (and NHL hockey) last night. I get all of the Mets, Red Sox and Yankees games here in the college basketball center of the US.

    Just as I was on the Mets telecast, JD Martinez hit a two out two run homer in the bottom of the ninth. He hit it off of Tanner Scott.

    Scott is not elite. He walks a lot of batters and really isn’t that shut down closer the Phillies need. In my opinion, of course.

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    1. ciada. The article mentioned the Martinez home run. It just mentioned him as one that those teams are looking at. I see that St. Louis is around 500 so Hellsley is probably staying put. I am not sure there is a absolute elite guy out there who may be available. They all have risks.

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       1. Don…maybe go for A’s Mason Miller…though inexperienced as he may be to August/Sept crunch baseball….but come play-off time and even in Sept….Alvie, Hoffy and Strahm with SerA are still here….and Orion has another year experience to chip in.

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42. Robo Ump can’t come soon enough. Some of these guys are really bad!

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    1. Skeet….what happened was last season , after the 2022 season, the umpire association had an enormous amount of retirements…some at the first chance they could get to put in their paperwork….10  umpires  retired … a record-high for the unified MLB era and most since 1999, when a failed contract strategy led to 22 resignations ( and there are currently 76 full-time umpires ) so, many newbies were brought in from AAA to fill the void….they may not have the experience one would hope for and expect.

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       1. Some of them look like they haven’t shaved for the first time and umpire like little league when a storm is on the horizon.

          I could live with them being outside the box if they were consistent, but they aren’t. One time it’s a strike, next time a ball. Not calling a high strike the entire game, than in the 7th inning with runners on and the game on the line …. now it becomes a strike. Wow!

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          1. Yeah…can see your point….frustrating to say the least.

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43. Brandon Marsh is back, Weston Wilson back to Lehigh.

    Trea Turner is expected to be activated on Monday. Kody Clemens was the obvious choice to get sent down but he’s hurt. So somebody out of the 3 (Pache, Merrifield, Dahl) is getting DFAd UNLESS Rojas gets optioned down to Lehigh.

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44. I took the train down to Baltimore yesterday to see the game with my elder son who lives down there. Took forever to get home, and my 63 year-old body is locked into the same rising time no matter what time I go to bed, so here’s a few trivial observations:

    1. It was close to being a home game. My train compartment was filled with red shirts and hats, and we had friendly loudness competitions at the game with the Os fans. My son said that after Friday’s game Os fans were furious that their ballpark had been dominated by us Friday. I suspect they won’t let this happen again.
    2. Walker did ok
    3. I haven’t been to a lot of games the last few years (one reason for that is next item), but most of them have had Stubbs behind the plate. Each time I’ve remarked how he looks even smaller in person; contrast Bryce, who seems larger in person (just huge). It’s difficult to see him holding up for more than 2-3 games straight.
    4. The Camden Yards experience is way better than CBP. The concourse more spacious; ours seem claustrophobic at crowded games. The food is way way more varied and better. I’ve commented before here how bad CBP is for people on the celiac spectrum. It used to be better. The Phillies handed over concessions to ARAMARK, which doesn’t seem to have any incentive to quality, just relentless mediocrity for everyone who enjoys food. And CY doesn’t blast noise at you constantly, which I know many people are finding increasingly a problem. If I could ask Dombrowski one thing it wouldn’t be about a closer or a fourth OF, but it would be “have you eaten food in the stands at other ballparks?”
    5. Os-Phils could turn into a great rivalry. Just phenomenal environment.
    6. I expect Bryce to go off today. I sensed he wasn’t happy at the end of the game.
    7. Lord, Castellanos is awful

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    1. Agree……food could be better at the Bank…use to like the artery-clogging Schmitter …long gone now.

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    2. That last AB by Castellanos was straight up awful. Bryan Baker is a 29 year old journeyman reliever who has a 6.55 ERA at AAA and he went after Casty like he was a punk. Showed Casty no respect at all and stuck him out easily.

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45. Love him or hate him, Walker was one out from what is considered a “quality start”. Says he didn’t have the feel for his splitter. That’s his OUT pitch!

    I believe if they let Marchan play 3 of every 4 games that he will be helping the team more than Stubbs can. Time to give Castellanos a day off….or two?

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46. Here’s what I think the OF should be:

    RF: a platoon of Castellanos and Marsh. I’ve been disappointed in Marsh’s lack of progress against LHP, and Casty now rocks a CAREER BA vs RHP of .193 (yes, I just looked that up)

    CF: Rojas, which works if LF and RF are hitting

    LF: Turner. Marcus Hayes, who I often think is a d***head, has a good column about this. Sosa is a way better SS (I didn’t buy him at 3B at all) and hits enough. I’ve been surprised at how not great Turner is there; a couple of articles this spring about about how much work he has to put in on the basics at SS. He’s not a natural there.

    I meant to add on my previous message that I was wearing my Thomson shirt yesterday and it was a real conversation starter, including with Os fans, though unfortunately one redshirt was with a hysterical anti-Scharb-leadoff zealot. A reminder that I only bought this last October because the store at CBP has been reluctant to stock shirts of our Latin players and I really wanted a Suarez.

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    1. Another option is to put Harper in RF for a few games, move Bohm to 1B, put Sosa and 3B and let Casty have off for a few days.

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47. Will WSox 27-year old CFer Luis Robert make the Philly fandom happy? Could be a costly trade.

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48. Another game, another run scored because an umpire blows an obvious call.

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49. Our bats simply can’t match up to theirs. 1/3 of our lineup is weaker than theirs, only Mullins is sub-Mendoza. Castellanos is not my whipping boy, but for someone making the money he is ………. and hitting .206 ….. have a seat.

    They were all over Wheeler, beat on him ….. like a rug. O’s are legit. Most exciting thing was Thomson getting ejected …….. over nothing I might add ……. at least he doesn’t have to watch this to the end.

    Hopefully we will see some roster changes tomorrow. Hope, hope…..

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    1. Skeet…..3-5 last 8…teams returning from overseas games, initially have a difficult time. Not sure how Dombrowski can solve the woeful OF OPS…at least not this season.

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    2. Bryson Stott.182 in last 100 plate appearances. Would rather have Castellanos hitting at this point. At least he’s sprinkled in some power.

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    3. Casty’s average down to 202 now. Don’t want him to be my whipping boy, either, but it’s time to give him a rest, and maybe find him a new home that doesn’t include red pin stripes.

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50. I was wrong, the jet fighter pilot doing the barrel roll maneuver was the most exciting thing.✈️

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51. Looks like the Dodgers are having their own injury problems…Betts will be out probably 6 weeks with a broken wrist and star Japanese RHP Yamamoto has triceps issue and will be out a couple weeks at least.

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52. Fun fact: Stubbs has now caught Wheeler three times this season. With this game, two of those three are his worst pitched games of the season

    Wheeler’s ERA with Stubbs is 8.80 in 15.1 IP. With JT it’s 2.73 in 76.2… He’s given up one more run in Stubbs’ 3 starts than in JT’s 12…

    Maybe let Marchan handle primary catching duties until JT gets back…

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53. I am such a huge Topper fan, but why on earth is he so intent on doubling down with Castellanos? It’s bad enough he plays every day and weighs down the team, but batting him second puts him in the best position to hurt the team most. Hopefully, Turner hits second soon, but, for the love of God, please do not bat the clean up or 5th. 7th 8th in the line-up is just fine, thanks. At some point, I wish they would at least start scaling down his ABs. When Charlie Manuel had Pat Burrell in a season-long slump, the guy barely played until he hit his way out of it. I get the salary issue, but this team is going for a championship – something has to give.

    As for Stubbs – yeah, we really are seeing the full value that Realmuto brings to the team and, indirectly, Wheeler called Stubbs out after the game (saying he threw too many fast balls – it was clear he wasn’t happy with the pitch selection). I wish there were some good metric used for pitch calling because if there were, I’d have to think Realmuto would be among the league leaders. In any event, I wouldn’t be surprised if, by next month, it was clear that Marchan will be the back-up in the near future.

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54. The reality is when October rolls around, you’re going to see only the other team’s top 8 pitchers, and primarily their top 5. Nick and Rojas, along with Pache, Merrifield, and Dahl have done nothing against the broader population of MLB pitchers to warrant significant ABs this October.

    There is no chance they are moving Trea or Bryce to the OF at this point in the season. I think Trea to CF or LF is a real possibility for a new season with a ST to prepare but not mid season.

    So what does this all mean for October? It means you can have one position / player batting 9th that is a dead spot, but you can’t have 2 or 3. It would be great if you could solve CF with a Marsh/Sosa platoon but I’m not sure that’s good enough defensively, so you have two options – 1) Put Marsh/Sosa in LF, with Rojas in CF as your #9 hitter but then they must go upgrade RF with someone who can bring some consistency to the lineup vs better pitching. Or 2) you go get a big time bat for CF, play Marsh/Sosa in LF, and Castellanos in RF as your 9 hitter.

    My playoff lineup:

    1 Schwarber 2 Turner 3 Bryce 4 Bohm 5 Stott 6 JT 7 New RF, 8 Marsh/Sosa, 9 Rojas

    They either need an everyday OF that they can play everyday in October or add two OFers – A RH and LH hitter that can play multiple OF spots so you can mix and Mitch among those 2, plus Marsh, Rojas, Sosa, and Castellanos based on who’s hot and who’s pitching. If they could get to equivalent production in two OF spots to what the 93 team in LF with Milt and Inky and in RF with Eisey and Wes, this team will be hard to beat but we are from that as currently constructed.

    I love our pitching staff, infield, and catching, I’d put all resources towards 1-2 OFs at the deadline. In the meantime, I’d send Rojas down to play everyday and I’d keep running Marsh, Sosa (let’s see if he can play defense out there), Nick (let’s see if he gets hot as unlikely as that seems), Whit (you never know if something might click), and Dahl (maybe?) out their until the deadline to see if anything strikes gold, or at least bronze.

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55. Rojas sent down

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    1. Unfortunately, it’s about time. Rojas had a good first season (2.5 WAR) but the sophomore slump is real and he was posting a .566 OPS in his second season.

       He’ll likely be up when rosters expand in September, but I think everybody on the Phillies knows that Justin Crawford is the CF of the future.

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56. The Phillies have lost 5 of the last 7 games. They needed to make a move as Turner returns. Will be glad to see him in the 2 hole (what on earth was Castellanos hitting 2nd for?).

    The outfield with Rojas being exiled looks like Dahl and Marsh versus right handers and Merrifield and Pache playing against lefties. With Stott playing against both righties and lefties.

    Here’s hoping that Rojas finds some success at AAA and comes back a better hitter. If he flounders in LHV, you got to believe that Crawford will be the future CF in 2-3 years. We’ll see.

    I thought the BoSox spanking our boys was just an anomaly. They put up 8 and 8 in their two wins. Then, after losing the opener to the Yankees, they scored 8 and 9 the next two games.

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57. My bad. I forgot about Sosa. He’ll probably play 2B against right handers and occasionally give Turner a day off as he comes back from the IL.

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58. In hindsight was a poor decision having Rojas start with the big club in April, And further exacerbated the problem after 3/4 weeks of him still not hitting. Maybe he will relax and find his stroke at LHV. Still think Dombrow is working the phones in trying to sure up the OF overall OPS with a solid bat.

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59. Rojas defense is a little perplexing… not sure what he’s thinking sometimes. That said, if I told you he’d be hitting .238 through the middle of June, most people would have been fine with that. The reason it’s no longer fine has more to do with the rest of the lineup than Rojas himself. Nick has been terrible. Stott has been very disappointing and so has Merrifield. Turner has been hurt for a month. JT is now out for a month. Marsh hasn’t done very well vs. LHP… if all those guys were producing like they did last season, Rojas’s .238 BA would be just fine. But they’re not so he’s not. Now we have a mixed bag of underperforming outfielders who will most likely force DD to trade away some top prospects for an upgrade. Let’s hope they boys put the last road trip behind them and start mashing at home vs. SD tonight!

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60. I’m closing this discussion. New one at

    Phillies Discussion, 6/17/24 | Phuture Phillies

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