Phillies Discussion 6/6/2025

Other Stuff

I’m unavailable again.  I’ve set this up to publish before the weekend series.

This is your Phillies discussion.

Important Dates

  • April 4, 2025: MiLB roster limits decrease from 175 to 165 players
  • June 2, 2025: DSL league play begins
    • August 19, 2025: End of DSL regular season
    • Playoffs TBD: 8 teams, 3 best-of-three rounds
      • 6 division winners, 2 wild cards
  • July 24, 2025: End of FCL regular season
    • July 26, 2025: One-game FCL semi-final
    • July 27-29: Best of three FCL finals
  • July 31, 2025: MLB trade deadline at 6:00 P.M. EST
  • Note: These dates will be used unless/until notified differently.

Transactions 

June 2025
6/06/2025 – Phillies optioned RHP Seth Johnson to Lehigh Valley
6/06/2025 – Phillies recalled RHP Alan Rangel from Lehigh Valley
6/06/2025 – RHP Cam Brown assigned to FCL Phillies from Clearwater
6/05/2025 – Phillies activated SS José Rodríguez
6/05/2025 – SS José Rodríguez elected free agency
6/05/2025 – Reading sent C Caleb Ricketts on a rehab assignment to Clearwater
6/05/2025 – RHP Jake Eddington assigned to Jersey Shore from Clearwater
6/05/2025 – RHP Reese Dutton assigned to Jersey Shore from Clearwater
6/05/2025 – LHP Erik Ritchie assigned to Clearwater from FCL Phillies
6/05/2025 – LHP Juan Amarante assigned to Clearwater from FCL Phillies
6/05/2025 – C Rey Cruz assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/04/2025 – Phillies placed RHP Zack Wheeler on the paternity list
6/04/2025 – Phillies recalled RHP Mick Abel from Lehigh Valley
6/04/2025 – Lehigh Valley activated RHP Gabe Mosser from the Development List
6/04/2025 – Jersey Shore transferred RHP Aaron Combs to the Development List
6/04/2025 – Jersey Shore transferred OF Jordan Viars to the Development List
6/04/2025 – DSL Phillies Red placed OF Freiderman Aguilera on the 60-day IL
6/03/2025 – Clearwater transferred RHP Marcus Morgan from the 7- to the 60-day IL
6/03/2025 – Clearwater sent OF TJayy Walton on a rehab assignment to FCL Phillies
6/03/2025 – FCL Phillies placed SS Nolan Beltran on the 7-day IL
6/02/2025 – RHP Josh Hejka assigned to Reading from Jersey Shore
6/02/2025 – RHP Saul Teran assigned to Jersey Shore from Clearwater
6/02/2025 – OF Dayber Cruceta assigned to DSL Phillies White
6/02/2025 – OF Ibrahim Ruiz assigned to DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – Phillies designated RHP José Ruiz for assignment
6/01/2025 – Phillies recalled RHP Seth Johnson from Lehigh Valley
6/01/2025 – RHP Juan Duarte assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – LHP Carlos Duran assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – RHP Deiry Gonzalez assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – LHP Yordanis Guerra assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – LHP David Hernandez assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – RHP Enderson Jean assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – RHP Yordy Magdariaga assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – RHP Jesus Montiel assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – RHP Geremy Villoria assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – C Anderson Araujo assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – C Anderson Navas assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – C Santiago Prado assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – SS Roiner Cespede assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – SS Nieves Izaguirre assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – SS Elias Marrero assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – 3B Domingo Morla assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – OF Freiderman Aguilera assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – OF Nathanael Cijntje assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – OF Eduardo Guillen assigned to DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – OF Josueth Quinonez assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – RHP Yael Arias assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – RHP Joshue De La Cruz assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – RHP Cristhian Espinosa assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – RHP Diego Marquez assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – LHP Aneury Montilla assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – RHP Hanfermin Vargas assigned to DSL Phillies Red from DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – RHP Pedro Peralta assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – RHP Darling Reyes assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – RHP Naiker Velazquez assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – LHP Zuher Yousuf assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – RHP Rene Yrish assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – LHP Reyner Zambrano assigned to DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – C Gabriel Flores assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – SS Romeli Espinosa assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – SS Rafael Oropeza assigned to DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – 2B Samuel Salcedo assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – SS Carlos Severino assigned to DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – OF Elian Adames assigned to DSL Phillies White
6/01/2025 – OF Leonardo Carpio assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – OF Maylerson Casanova assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
6/01/2025 – OF Winifer Castillo assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red

May 2025
5/31/2025 – Phillies signed free agent RHP Yordy Magdariaga to an MiLB contract
5/31/2025 – Reading sent RHP Daniel Harper on a rehab assignment to Clearwater
5/30/2025 – Phillies optioned RHP Brett de Geus to Lehigh Valley
5/30/2025 – Lehigh Valley activated RHP Brett de Geus
5/30/2025 – Lehigh Valley transferred RHP Gabe Mosser to the Development List
5/30/2025 – Reading activated RHP Jack Dallas from the Development List

 

275 thoughts on “Phillies Discussion 6/6/2025”

      1. trying to save money, spaces cost too much, they like the looks of yours, reminds them of western union ticker tape, back when the pony express rode!😉

        Liked by 1 person

  3. triedtologoutandbackin

    whenever

    i

    hit

    the

    spacebar

    ittakesmetothebottomofthebpageandglitchesout,wonderifit’sachromextensionissue….lame

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  4. woot woot, was an extension to smooth scrolling, weird… anywho

    yeah stott hasn’t been able to do much with the stick eh.. young one and another due soon.. good luck fella

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Haper out of lineup again, with a sore wrist that’s been bothering him for a while. I know he wants to tough it out, but a brief IL stint might be best for everyone, especially if he’s missing more than 1-2 games.

    And then they can call up Kemp %)

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m on my 5th martini so I’m a bit cynical. Finding somebody to remove from the 40 man will probably be an exhausting exercise for the front office.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. What are everyone’s thoughts on a Jordan Lawler for Andrew Painter trade? Turner can either go to OF or 2B and the left side of the infield could be Lawler and Miller in a year or two?

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    1. that’s a no for me. If he can potentially replace Wheeler &’his $42mil salary in 2-3 yrs… not interested

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    2. Jordan Lawlar had a very difficult time in his recent recall to the Diamondbacks. He barely hit and did not look good in the field, such as with a bad throw on an attempted double play at second base. He’s certainly hitting well at Reno, but he looked constantly overpowered by good pitching against the Diamondbacks in games I watched on TV from Tucson.

      Bill Vogt

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  10. When you’re getting outhit by the Pirates, you know you have problems. The teams is just leaking oil everywhere. There’s not enough hitting, the defense is one of the worst in baseball, the bullpen is a shambles, and the starters are now having to shoulder the load.

    First thing, I remove Romano from the closer role and give it to either Kerkering or even Taijuan Walker. Romano has just lost it.

    Second, I call up Kemp and demote Weston Wilson. Kemp plays against lefties.

    Third, I call up Crawford (if healthy) and demote Marsh. He plays everyday.

    If the above doesn’t work, the season is lost and I start trading Schwarber and Ranger.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Can Kemp play 2b. The offense started to sputter when they put their worst offensive player at the leadoff spot. Put Sosa at 2b and let him hit 8th. Stott needs to increase his bat speed which is in the bottom percentile.

      he sees lots of pitches because he fouls off fastballs because he can’t catch up to.

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      2. I think Kemp can play a better 2B than LF.

        I like Sosa, but I think we know that he’s not starter level. We need to find that out about Kemp.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. I agree 100% with Guru…..something has to change with this team. Running it back this some core and adding Romano was a huge mistake. Let us sink or swim by promoting the young guys. That don’t work, sell off for future.

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  12. The group here disagrees on many things, but I think the consensus is that this team needs some changes and an infusion of youth. Abel needs to stay with the big team and Crawford and Kemp need to be promoted. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – while I agree that the relief pitching is clearly an issue now, I think that will work itself out postseason with the depth and probably a trade or two at the deadline. But, to me, the biggest problem is that this team does not have the consistent hitting right now to compete in the postseason – they’re score a bunch of runs in a few games and then shut down and do nothing. It’s killed them the last few postseasons and it’s more of the same this year. The definition of insanity (doing the same thing and expecting a different result).

    Regardless of where it comes from this team needs more hitting, so let’s go and give Crawford and Kemp a chance to contribute. And, as I also said, they should not be messing around too much with Crawford’s swing. He’s a bit of a unique player – when I watched his highlights, I thought I’d seen the type of slap hitting with that inside-out swing that he does with someone else (he’s completely a slap hitter to the opposite field) and finally, it occurred to me – he is very much like Ichiro in his ability to make contact and hit the ball to the opposite field consistently to open spaces, although he obviously has more power. But let’s celebrate and use him for what he is right now, rather than making him into something that perhaps he can never be.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. By the way, while I think Realmuto will turn things around here a bit (I think he ends the year around 2-3 WAR), I hope everyone now sees what many of us were saying when they extended his contract. Catchers – essentially all of them with a rare exception here or there that is so rare you cannot plan for – fall off precipitously around age 33 or 34. People said Realmuto’s an exception because he’s so athletic. Uh, yeah, it’s not playing out like that, is it? They also said they could extend him further and put him at first base. What? He has a 82+ OPS – he would have NEGATIVE value as a first baseman – he would just cost your team runs. But this is exactly how I hoped the contract would play out and it’s been a really good contract – 3 years of stardom, a hopefully very solid 4th year and a 5th year where you just hope he’s good enough to continue to start and he has been, if barely. It was really the right contract and the right length – but a stupid team (and the Phillies often do very stupid things), extends that guy further when he’s in a steep decline. I’m not saying I wouldn’t bring him back for a year or two in a very cheap contract (think late career Brandon Graham) – but two years and $25 m would be idiotic in my view.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I think Realmuto getting back to 2 WAR would be optimistic in my view (no way 3 WAR), but we certainly agree that catchers fall off in their mid 30s. I originally wanted a 4 year deal for Realmuto and now I wonder if the Phillies would have given him an extension after last year’s 3 WAR season and that would have been disastrous. Better now that the Phillies know that Realmuto is in serious decline in his last year of the contract so that the Phillies can adjust accordingly.

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        1. He could become a one-year mercenary very soon….though i suspect there will be teams out there that will give him a two-year deal this time around. If the Phillies do offer him….hopefully it is no more than two years.

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        2. I’m praying he doesn’t play to a 3 WAR because then they’ll overpay and overextend him for sure! DD has never seen a contract that’s too big or too long that he didn’t like. Seriously, those damned contracts and FA contracts are his kryptonite. DD has some significant flaws as a GM that hold the team back in a big way. He’s not a bad GM, but he has big flaws.

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  13. Perhaps Dave D needs to inoculate the team with a spark…Abel is a start, maybe Crawford next, and then perhaps Kemp next month with Painter. All easy stuff to do…..moving out once-thought of future core pieces……like a Marsh…gets a little tricky. Crawford will not be called up to sit or platoon….though vs certain LHPs he may sit….however CF will be his to stay thru this season. So when they think the time is right for his call up, they must know he becomes a full time player.

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    1. I’m not sure what Justin Crawford has to do to show the Phillies that he’s ready. He’s played in parts of 4 seasons (265 games) in the minors. His career minor league slash is .322/.380/.443. He’s 21 years old, he has the pedigree of a 1st round pick, he’s a plus defender in CF and he can steal bags.

      Bring him up in the next 7 days!

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      1. Just not MLB lefites….but will see how he does against them. His swing plane however is beneficial vs them since he will not roll over on any outside pitches…plus he has good contact ability….also near leader board in the IHL in fouling off pitches.

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  14. With Aaron Nola likely out for the month of June, at least the Phillies will get an extended look at Mick Abel. I really hope the Phillies consider Abel as part of the future. The value that you get from a cheap starting pitcher (even if he’s a 3/4 pitcher) is enormous. And Abel’s agent is NOT Scott Boras so there’s that.

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  15. It’s Otto Kemp time! There was always a chance that the Phillies would place Harper on the IL to rest his wrist and it’s now official. With Bohm moving to 1B, Kemp should get an extended look at 3B. Kemp has now got his opportunity, time to show the Phillies what he can do.

    Also, Daniel Robert is back up, Rangel goes back down. Robert obviously didn’t have a good first impression with the Phillies but he’s been the Lehigh closer in limited time and has performed well.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. In a lot less playing time at 1b, Kemp has a fielding % of .1000. At third base, his fielding % is .908. That is not an improvement over Bohm.

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    1. I think it’s a given that the Phillies are not giving Bohm a FA deal after 2026 so we might as well find out if Kemp can play an adequate 3B. Better we know now than later. If Kemp’s bat can play, then at least he can be a future DH (as if the Phillies don’t have enough of those).

      Liked by 1 person

      1. A good test today for Kemp at 3b, with Ranger going. Ranger usually induces ground balls especially to the pull side. If Rangers on he should get plenty of action. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

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  19. A reminder to myself and everyone else before Kemp gets into the game: don’t put too much stock in a small sample, one way or the other. Look at the tools rather than the results at first.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. can they just stop playing Weston Wilson. Guy is terrible on defense and isn’t hitting anything.

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    2. Do you call up Crawford and platoon him in CF, then stick him in LF against lefties? A lot to ask a rookie to be that versatile but the Phils offer nothing out of LF against any kind of pitching.

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  21. This lack of offense is hard to watch. The Phillies are in trouble. I hate to say it but the Phillies need to be sellers at the deadline. This team is not winning anything this year.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Unless they truly implode and are like 10 games under .500 they are NOT going to be sellers at the trade deadline whether we think they should be or not. Not happening.

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      1. What’s true for every other team is true for the Phillies. Guys on expiring contracts are seen differently on teams going nowhere. Their value becomes what they can bring back in assets with future value. It has nothing to do with fan hopes or expectations. Teams don’t become sellers by accident. They ‘earn it’ on the field.

        In addition to the impending Free agents, guys like Stott or Rojas could get moved if the Phils do a fade. Injuries on other teams could create a market for fringe players.

        None of this predicts the Phils will tank. But if they do, no one should be surprised when a new plan comes in place.

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  23. When I hear Topper respond to a question about weak performance in LF and CF “Well, some one has toplay there” makes me wonder about the manager. Well. “somebody has to manage here.” Might not be Thomson.

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  24. Can the Phillies go .500 the rest of the way? That would be 49 wins and 86 total. I am not sure they can do that or that 86 will make the playoffs. Thoughts.

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  26. So how did the Phillies offense get to where they are? Let’s take a look.

    Looking at the 9 hitters, we need to split them into the FA signings and the arbitration players. It’ll be clear where the real issue lies.

    Realmuto: 0.3 WAR in his final year. Honestly, his decline in his final year was expected. The Phillies got 16.5 WAR out of the first 4 years of his 5 year deal. The Phillies got their money’s worth.

    Harper: 1.5 WAR in his 7th year. The Phillies have got their money’s worth so far (23.2 WAR his first 6 years and a MVP award). Injuries have started to take its toll but he’s only 32 and for now, the problem is not with Harper.

    Turner: 1.7 WAR in his 3rd year. Still early into his contract, but he’s turned it on in 2025 and again, the Phillies should be happy with his current production.

    Castellanos: 0.1 WAR in his 4th year. It’s an empty deal because DD should have known that his defense was going to negate any value offensively. This 5 year deal never made sense to me, but to Castellanos’ credit, he’s out there every day and busting it. And for what it’s worth, he’s positive WAR in his contract.

    Kepler: 0.2 WAR in his one and only year. DD took a chance on Kepler and it didn’t work out. It happens.

    Schwarber: 2.2 WAR in his final year. The Phillies started getting value when he became a full time DH. Pretty much the only person who deserves to go to the AS game.

    So looking at the above, the hitting from the FAs have been expected. Of course it could be better, but you can’t expect all these veterans to hit like they are in their 20s.

    Stott: 0.3 WAR. He’s been a huge disappointment after posting 4.3 WAR just 2 years ago. And his defense has taken a step back.

    Bohm: 0.2 WAR. Has never developed the power required to be a 3B. He’s worked hard defensively to be average, but the slugging is just not there.

    Marsh: -0.5 WAR. Marsh looked like he was going to be a change of scenery keeper but he started off super slow and he’s only average defensively in CF. The Phillies should have kept him in LF.

    Rojas: 0.4 WAR. The Phillies have been waiting forever for him to hit and he can’t. It’s time to make him a 4th OF and late game defensive replacement permanently.

    So none of the young guys have developed to the point that they deserve a FA deal with the Phillies. And that’s the biggest issue with the hitting.

    Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix here. This is not a championship caliber offense. The Phillies need to consider giving other younger players an opportunity because this young group has had their opportunities and has shown the Phillies they are not part of the future.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Man it’s definitely true. But if we can’t develop talent, then it’s more than just being up our own. I think we need to trade away some Schwarber and Rangers to stock the farm with as many “chances” as we can. It’s sad that development has never really worked in Philly outside of the early 2000s when we produced Howard, Utley, Rollins, and Hamels. Could you imagine if Bohm and Stott had been like 2 of those infielders from the early 2000s? This team would’ve won a WS a few years ago.

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    3. Guru. Very well done. I mentioned to Ruff the other day that the best shot at a title for this core group was a 3-2 series lead vs Dbacks in 23. I am not really sure this team as it is constructed today even makes the playoffs in 25. I asked above if 86 is possible. This may be more of an 81-win team, and we know that will not make the playoffs.

      I do agree with many others this is a really difficult team to watch. Just one quick example. Bohm on 3rd in tie game late with no outs. Team has not hit for a week. Figure out some way to score. No let’s just do Ks, popups and flyouts. I put that on the manager.

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  27. Is anybody else sensing an eerie echo of Utley’s knee in Harper’s wrist?

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    1. I hope not. But Harper has a violent swing and he’s been in the bigs since age 19. There’s a lot of wear and tear on his body even though he hasn’t played the physical demanding positions (CF, SS, 2B, C). He’s had his share of minor injuries but he’s largely avoided the big ones.

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    2. IDK, Im not sure he’d be pushing for an extension if that was the case. I get players want money etc… but to be pushing for an extension when you have a chronic wrist injury … imma say that’s out of character for Harper. Could be wrong, but don’t see that when you already have 300mil & legacy.

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  28. Guru, agree with your analysis except I think Rojas is a 5th outfielder/ defensive replacement 😉

    Overall, I think the Phillies have done a great job developing pitching. Not just the current staff but even guys they traded like Klassen and Ben Brown (considering where they were drafted). But not hitting — neither Stott, nor Bohm, nor Marsh (all three were first or second round picks) have developed into stars or even first-division regulars, IMHO. And they are all 27-28 years old, so for the most part their development is complete. And Rojas doesn’t seem to be developing offensively either. Crawford and Kemp this year are worth a shot, and hope Aidan Miller and Keaton Anthony are ready to contribute in 2026 or 2027.

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  29. Arrghh! So busy the last few days I missed the Otto Kemp news! Along with Seth Johnson’s debut … they had the kid sit for a week. Now i expect Kemp to sit today, since they face off against Skenes.

    Assessment of the team – not overreacting to losing streak but this team is short. I said than when they won 10 straight whatever it was. They should make the playoffs, but I don’t expect them to win it all. That would change if Painter comes onto the screen like fire, Kemp & Crawford hit well, and the bullpen gets pieced together. As of now, they are aways off from being a top 4 team in the league, which is what I consider a true contender to be. Will see, but this is why I’d rather retool for the next 4 Than to triple down on this squad after the 22 season

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  30. Also, FWIW, both Realmuto and O’Hoppe have been worth 0.3 WAR this year, so there’s no reason to think that hanging onto O’Hoppe would have materially helped the 2025 team (though of course that might be different in 2026 or 2027)

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    1. Their on-field production may be of little difference…..however, what also has to be taken into consideration when making this comparison….is the value of each’s contract and how it effects, or effected, the team’s roster construction. With O’Hoppe’s salary contract, Dave D would have had more flexibility in making up the team’s roster.

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  31. Since we all like to dig up the O’Hoppe trade, what about the other blast from the past trade acquisition of Bryan Reynolds? The Pirates are out of it, hes a CF.. thinking he could be available at the deadline … Crawford, Reynolds, and Castellanos for the OF with Kepler or Marsh exiled. Likely Kepler due to the salary.

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    1. Brian Reynolds has not been a good player this year and he has a long contract. But this team has put itself in a position where it may need to take risks. By the way, you don’t do that deal unless the Pirates take a big but much shorter contact off your hands. Taijuan? Casty? It’s still really risky, but Reynolds has been a good player for a while. And if I do it, they’re not getting one of our top prospects. No way.

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  32. @V1 ……… Aidan Miller has 10 errors so far this year and plays a critical fielding position in the infield. Fangraphs grades him 30/40 (sub-standard or less than average). Should we be concerned that maybe he isn’t a shortstop?

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  33. Since HS Miller has not played any other position in the field other than shortstop. I really thought the Phillies would give him a few looks at 3B and 2B at Reading this season, but so far that isn’t the case. So looks like he is there to stay. Though he has 10 errors this season, Masyn Winn of the Cardinals, considered one of the best young defensive shortstops in baseball now, in his age 20 season had 14 errors over a full season in 424 chances. Miller has had approx 150 chances so far, so he will need to pick it the rest of the way.

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    1. Yeah, he really needs to pick it up ……. his rate is almost twice the rate of Winn’s.

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  34. Unbelievable, the Pirates opted to walk Schwarber with 1st base open and to put the winning run on, and instead pitch to Bohm. And then Bohm promptly hits into a double play. Brutal.

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      1. was busy but tuned in at the end and that sequence made me sick.. alec bum is more like it… what a horrid at bat and run of it for him

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  35. Crawford is hurt right now but when he’s healthy, I’d consider calling him up and releasing Kepler. I’d also move Anthony up to LHV. I’d also give Kemp a game or two in LF to see if he’s an option there over Wilson.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Hope John Middleton.steps in, and stops G.M from trading Abel. Painter. And tait, escober. No top prospect. This guy totally failed. Now it’s time to realize. Stott can’t hit. Marsh can’t hit or play center. Rojas is just a defensive guy. Focuses should be on . Getting rid of co tracts. Like Nola, castellanos Walker. Bohm. Trying to see what it takes to sign Schwarber. Let the catcher walk. Release kemper See if we can keep ranger .I know we will have to eat money but this G.M backed us into corner with the way. He put this team together.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. rocco…..I think he must have stepped in prior to this year…..I would have thought he would have traded top prospects before now. Glad he hasn’t. And yes plenty of bloated contracts and poor performances from players that were expected much more than what is currently happening. The herd has to be thinned.

      And glad to see you return.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Rocco. Agree with Romus nice to see you back. But I have a question. How do you really feel? LOL

      I think I remember last Fall Romus stating that the team could not return basically as 24 ended. But with a few things at the edges, it mostly has come back close to the same.

      I honestly do not know what direction they go now. Stay the course with this group and may not make playoffs. Trade young kids and mortgage the future. I do agree the Phillies are kind of backed into a corner of their own doing.

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  39. I’m tend not to be alarmist or overreactionary. The last 10 games are terrible but only 10 in a 162 game schedule. However, you can’t ignore the last two postseason offensive collapses. You also can’t sell off everything because with the SP, they’ll be in it and you also can’t waste the SP. They also can’t ignore the future. As bad as the offense looks right now, the strengths in the system line up well (besides RP, but that’s always a crapshoot anyway).

    Bohm has Miller coming behind him.
    OF has Crawford
    Stott has Escobar (in a few years)
    JT has Tait (in a few years)
    SP has Abel and Painter

    It’d be foolish to try make win now moves while mortgaging the future. But they should/could try other things now. Across the diamond, there position players all rank in the bottom half or bottom third of the league at their respective positions. I’m not concerned about 1b, SS, or DH. That’s it.

    In the OF, I’d start the outfield churn. DFA Kepler. Put Crawford in CF. DFA Wilson and start churning through Kroon (he’s played OF right, or am I confusing him with someone else) and Austin Mercado and maybe even Buddy Kennedy if you think he can play a decent OF.

    Alternatively, see what the cost for Rhys is and try to move Bryce back to the OF.

    Casty is hitting in the .280’s but like, I don’t care, he’s a singles hitter. I’d move him but that seems unlikely now.

    If you can find a creative way to trade Marsh, Bohm, Casty I’d do it. Just not sure that trade exits.

    I think I’d try to trade Ranger and see what I can get back. Dodgers are hurt and in win now mode with a relatively deep OF prospect pool. Andy Pages? Or the Red sox – could you convince them to send a RP and Jhonixstyn Garcia for Ranger? They have a ton of OFers.

    I think the plan is to contend until the next generation of players can surround Harper and Turner. So in 2 years, I think they are expecting Crawford and Miller to be starters and maybe even Escobar knocking on the door with Tait in pursuit. How do you get there without sacrificing this year is the million dollar question.

    Like

    1. Sounds like you want to “retool”, which means you are giving up on the season. Now, i generally agree this team is a few players short. The team is not as bad or as good as the prior win streaks. To me, the issues are not the big money makers, but now the young talent that has stalled.

      Giving up on the season is pretty tough when you have Wheeler making 42mil. I don’t see them doing that, though it’s probably the best move for the future. Sell off Ranger & Schwarber (yes pivot to Tucker). You could get a decent return for those 2. Now, I don’t’ expect it, I expect them to add at the margins. I Hope they see the writing on the wall… the only pivot from this strategy would be if Crawford, Abel, Kemp, and Johnson, and Painter rock this team up a few notches. You still can’t trade Miller or Tait (unless you get a catcher back for Ranger)

      On Luzardo… are their suspicions that he maybe hurt? The manager did him no favors but thats a pretty alarming spike the hitters favor. Wondering if that is something to consider before trading Ranger or Abel. If he is hurt, you gotta Keep Abel.

      Like

      1. But does retooling actually mean you give up on the season? Most of those players (outside of Ranger) aren’t moving the needle. It’s a thin line to tread, to be sure, but if you trade Ranger (UFA), your rotation is still Wheeler, Sanchez, Luzardo, Nola, Abel and Painter. I still think Nola will rebound. Painter and Abel – you’d have to hope there but in a postseason game you are only going with 4 starters anyway – Wheeler, Sanchez for sure and then you’ll have to see health wise but two of Painter, Luzardo, and Abel are likely in the pen.

        The OFers have set such a low low bar, it’s almost hard to believe whatever they bring in won’t be better. It’s taking a shot to catch lightning in a bottle with other players

        Like

        1. You kind of are, after basically going full throttle or the intention of. The players will notice. If the FO doesnt add significant pieces and the deadline, they know the FO doesnt believe in them this year.

          the only way I see out of that is to infuse the youth NOW, push Bohm, Kepler, and Marsh aside. They had their chance. Now it’s Crawford, Kemp, Abel, Painter, and Johnson’s turn. If they do well… then you can go a little heavier handed at the deadline. Can this team hit enough is going to be the question.

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          1. It’s a tough line to walk. I’m not really looking at selling off pieces for prospects unless it’s a Jhonyxston Garcia who you are expecting to make a splash immediately. But other than that, if I’m moving Ranger I want someone who can help this year.

            The players have to see it though, right? Like, Bryce isn’t stupid. He’s seen what’s happened the last few year and I’m sure he doesn’t want to punt on this year but probably doesn’t want to just do the same old thing and get bounced out of the playoffs again.

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            1. As of now, best plan of attack is for the young-ins to acknowledge they aren’t cutting it & need to take back their spot. Promote Crawford, keep Kemp, Johnson,and Abel up. Lazar should keep getting some looks and eventually Painter. Play them to the deadline. See what you have. Adjust accordingly. If it all turns bad, make a grandfather offer for Skenes :). I can see Wheeler & Painter being fire in the playoffs. The question is if Stott, Castellanos, Kemp, and Crawford can back up Harper, Schwarber, and Turner.

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  40. I think you have to zoom out to the second half of last year and say this team kind of is what it is at this point. They haven’t been more than an average team in that span and they only have four quality offensive players (I’ll include Nick he’s been OK).

    Stott, Bohm, and Marsh have completely regressed since the magical 22 run. Other than the managerial change moving on from Gregorious and giving Stott the everyday SS job was a big jolt this team needed along with guys like Maton, Vierling (and Marsh when he came over) coming up. Maybe they can recreate that magic a little bit with Crawford, Kemp etc.

    I’m not trading any major prospects at the deadline. This is a transitional roster at best. They’re good enough to sneak into the wild card and I think if you make the post season the bullpen issues are largely resolved if the team is healthy (Suarez/Luzardo takes the Alvarado role, Abel has the stuff to pitch in the pen if needed and we’ll see where they’re at with Painter).

    I think my biggest question is how much are they actually willing to shake things up in the meantime? Would they bench Stott and give Sosa abs against RHP if he continues to struggle? Likewise with Kepler/Marsh? Marsh is an awful CF does Rojas start to play regularly and hit 9th? Does JT start losing time to Marchan to get more of a look for next year?(doubt it).

    Like

    1. Nice. Note that DeMartini has played primarily at 3B.

      I’m just playing devil’s advocate but here’s a comparison:

      Bohm (age 22) : .305/.378/.518 21HRs

      DeMartini (age 22): .284/.402/.474 8 HRs (so far)

      Like

  42. Why is Escobar still in Clearwater? He’s dominated there since the beginning of the season. It’s not like he’s being blocked by similar hitters at the higher levels.

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    1. Don’t leadership and managerial staff gather in two weeks – June 22nd-at the Complex and decide on player development ….promotions included? Assume official announcements will be made at that time. Though Carson DeMartini has already been promoted……perhaps someone like Escobar could also get the call up to JS.

      Like

  43. CD was a multi-year college starter in the ACC, AE will be 20 all season long. Could be with a young LA player, they would rather keep them at the main hub in Clearwater than send them too early up to Lakewood(which Im sure can be a culture shock for them).

    Like

    1. I’m curious , I’m not from the US, so I dont know about those locations, what would create this culture shock?

      With all due respect.

      Like

      1. Florida has a much more robust Hispanic culture in general, so that can help with the transition (especially if they aren’t fluent in English; not hard to find Spanish speakers in Florida).

        Lakewood, on the other hand, isn’t very culturally diverse. It’s also a much smaller town than Clearwater is, so that could make it feel even more isolating.

        Not sure how much impact it has for ball players, but for LA travelers in general pretty much anywhere in Florida would feel much more like home than anywhere in Jersey.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I have a different take than the one you were offered.I think it’s the rare latin player at age 20 in need of coddling in the U.S. Wherever they’re based, they’re on the road and eating and staying in a way that’s unfamiliar.

        Escobar has an injury history that’s slowed his development before this year, With all said, his continued success should lead to a promotion soon. As an aside, you may have noticed that the Phils have guys like Ranger and Edmundo who work through an interpreter.They get by fine.

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  44. Mike Missanelli on the radio this morning had the OPS on off speed pitches this season compared to last season for our regulars……..somehow Marsh was the only one who’s OPS rose on off speed & Trea’s was similar. The discrepancy was astronomical. Which tells me that I guarantee the players have been made aware of the numbers, but simply are not buying into the information provided to them by the staff. Firing Kevin Long is the lowest hanging fruit. Since they have not done it over the past year+ tells me that DD realizes that’s a move that only appeases the fans. So IMO they are contemplating Thompson’s removal.
    With all that being said, DD is the major problem. But firing a GM now does absolutely nothing for the club. So I keep wondering whether John M is just going to let the entire season play out and then make drastic changes, or if Thompson is canned as a last ditch effort to jolt this clubhouse.

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    1. My worry is the GM will do anything to save his job That’s why he has to go or be told no moving of prospects. Try to unload. The bad contracts. Even if it cost us money. Look with. Wheeler Sanchez. Ranger, painter, thats the making of a good staff. Can’t have bad fielding, no hit players with good pitching.

      making of a good staff. Abel too

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That is a concern for sure, but it seems Middleton has given him a different set of marching orders than he’s used to. Instead of building a win now team, he’s tasked with a multiple championship sustained window type of a team. Have to believe that, no way he would not have traded off the farm already if not. The only reason he might not of… was Painter’s injury, Abel’s rough year last season, and the prospects not holding value. Miller & Crawford would have seemed to have been gone long ago. He did try to deal Bohm, we know that … so he’s not totally clueless!

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    2. See that Missanelli reads Geb’s stuff. His article this morning in the athletic covered that info.

      Like

  45. JT is a complete corpse. He gets a massive pass. He can’t hit. And frankly (please don’t start flipping out about his WAR and how great it’s been as I have eyes) he hasent been the impact bat we were sold. He’s almost unarguably for a couple years running the main problem with the offense as he eats up tons of money but never really raked outside of him being a good hitter for a “catcher”….never gets big hits never has delivered big hits in the playoffs…so over him…

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    1. For the life of me I don’t understand why they can’t implement their “give JT more rest plan” when he’s actually outright terrible. Marchan should be catching 2/5 games at least now rather than 1/5.

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    2. Not going to disagree with you….WAR incorporates defense, which he still is a plus……but looking at the offensive side, wRC+ would be the better tool for measuring…..his last three years….102, 109 and now 81…..which is really not exceptional production on his part. Harper , otoh, his three years measure out at 143, 145 and this year so far at 129.

      JTR’ plate offense has been lacking. They may be forced to bring him back next season only because they do not have a 125 game a year catcher they can rely on.

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  46. Thomson sucks as a game manager. Why would you pitch to PCA in extras with 1st base open. Cubs are smart enough not to pitch to Schwarber in the same situation.

    Guy is clueless.

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    1. He figured like the rest of us that we already lost when Wheeler gave up the homer and has been on autopilot since.

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  48. Kemp, 3-5 R, diving catch stop and named player of the game. Don’t the Cubs read the scouting reports… why did they throw this guy a FB? Don’t they know he can’t hit a break ball? 🙂

    Like

    2. This always happens. Guys get called up and MLB pitchers try to blow FBs by those rookies and then they start feeding them breaking pitches. He’ll see breaking pitches and if he doesn’t hit them, that’s pretty much all he’ll see.

      Like

      1. One of the reasons so many guys come up and have early success. league starts by making rookies show they can hit velocity and if they prove they can, then pitchers will start spinning it.

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    1. Did you hear the sound on that bunt SINGLE? He SMOKED that ball! 🙂

      Throw some shade to Marsh as well for not grounding into a double or triple play. He smoked a 100mph FB.

      Liked by 2 people

  50. Kemp is faster than he looks and he has the arm strength to play 3B. It will be interesting to see what happens once Harper is back. I think he could take Wilson’s spot on the roster or Kepler could be DFAd.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Personally I would DFA Kepler and make him Merrifield 2.0. You might even find a mediocre trade for him picking up most of his remaining salary. Kemp isn’t providing much more than Marsh and Marsh has options so I would hang onto him.

      If Kemp stays up he’s gotta play every night and I highly doubt LF is going to be an option. It might but I’m not holding my breath.

      Again personally the correct way to bring a prospect up is NOT to ice them on the bench with a limited role.

      Ideally BH gets a month off to heal and that gives us a good long look at Kemp.

      I think its inevitable that Crawford comes up to play CF every night which is going to leave a LF platoon of Marsh/Wilson with Rojas backing up.

      Like

  52. Painter has thrown 11.1 innings so far. Does anyone have thoughts as to how many IP they want to see from him this year?

    I don’t have an aversion to getting those innings out of the big clubs BP this season provided they do it in such a way where he only starts clean innings and they have him finishing games not starting them.

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    1. I believe I read a 100 innings, total for the year.

      How to deploy him for those 100 innings is going to be a hot topic. Let’s say he’s pitching like anticipated. The league is mystified by his arsenal. He’s health, etc. Pitch him as the opener, in GM2, use his Bullpen day, as 1 inning later in the series – GM5 or GM6. Wheeler needs 2 starts in a 7 game series. We can hash the rest out later.

      Like

    2. FYI – Painter has thrown 32 innings this year. He’ll be ready when he’s ready – probably one to two months.

      Agree this team needs to recall Crawford. It’s time.

      Liked by 1 person

  53. The youngins are going to save the season. I hope the FO brings them up

    Abel – Here

    Kemp: Here

    Johnson: Here

    Crawford: Loading…

    Painter: Waiting … 4 weeks max

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I looked at his numbers and they are deceptively excellent in a hard hitters league – the walks and OBP are fantastic and he hits for power. Glad they have him because I really did not like last year’s third round pick – college outfielder with little in the way of power. Where’s the projection? What a stupid pick in the third round.

      Like

      1. Except for the first two picks OFers Dante Nori and Griffin Burkholder….they went all college thru remining 18 rounds. Interesting philosophy this time around.

        Spikerman came in at 126th ranked…..as one of the fastest runners in the draft and outstanding glove….but like Miller a few years ago….broke his hamate bone and that took him awhile to fully recover strength from and swing the bat without pain. But not sure what his latest injury is, but both injuries combined have slowed his development..

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        1. Spikerman had a shoulder injury in the spring and then in May first game back hits HR at Clearwater and pulls his hammy running the bases.

          Hopefully not coming down with Roman Quinnitis.

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      2. Spikerman doesn’t look great . . . though he’s constantly injured. Saved about 50k in bonuses. The class as a whole is generally hurt, walking people, or underperforming

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  55. Matt Gelb just mentioned Nola will likely be back AFTER the AS break. That means Mick Abel will get an extended audition. I think he can get close to 10 starts for the Phillies. That should be more than enough time for the Phillies to know if Abel is a keeper or not.

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      1. Paul Skenes won ROY last season with 23 starts (133 innings). Unless somebody else gets hurt, I don’t think Abel will reach even close to 23 starts.

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        1. Do not think that matters ..if he stays healthy and stays up with the big club he should get 17-18 more starts which should be more than enough. However, the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI ) eligibility may be in question for a team to get a draft choice in regards to Abel…..not sure he was on two of the three Top 100 lists.

          So it is doubtful they get the pick .

          PPI Eligibility:To be eligible for a PPI pick, a player must:

          Be a rookie. 

          Appear on at least two of the three qualifying Top 100 prospect lists (Baseball America, ESPN, and MLB Pipeline). 

          Have less than 60 days of prior MLB service. 

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  56. Guru left out the cause: stress fracture in his rib case, which I’ve never heard of before. And thank goodness Abel has figured it out this year. No trading him for a reliever now!

    FWIW, aside from losing a ball in the lights last night for an error, Kemp has looked ok so far at 3B.

    Like

    1. the whole nola thing has been story after story so hopefully they figured “It” out now.. not sure i believe if he has a fractured rib in recovery he’ll be ready by august but guess that is why they have painter waiting in the wings… maybe time to think about timeline bump up for him… wasn’t there some chatter months back about the Marlins series or something since he has fam down there?

      Like

  57. I’ll bet any takers $20 that if we make October our starting OF will be Bryce, Crawford, and Castellanos

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        1. How is this a playoff team . Did you see Kemp. Try to field that ball in first inning. No defense. Bad fielding ss, third, right field, center no bullpen.and I can’t find any bullpen help in minors. That team they have in Jersey shore is pathetic.

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          1. rocco….teams go thru these slumps…last year Yankees were 11-24 from mid-June to the end of July…and still managed to pull it out and end up in the WS. So it can still happen that the Phillies could turn it around.

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            1. you tell me the fielding is a slump? What is track record for ,Ross. Walker Hernandez kirkling, can’t see them doing anything that bullpen has been bad all yr they were second on blown saves before this slump even with good starters .you can’t run these guys out there when was last ty ime kerling had a clean inni g?

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            2. Offense is a mess right now. Doesn’t help that since June 1st when Harper started having his wrist issues and eventually went on the IL,

              Schwarber is hitting .114
              Stott is hitting .100
              Kepler .091

              Add in that Sosa is 3 for his last 33. Wilson is hitting nothing, and Rojas is 5-30.

              So when Thomson had Stott hitting leadoff or 5th like last night, 3 of the top 6 hitters are hitting .100.

              Ironically, their best hitters in June have been JTR(.320), Marsh(.412), and Bohm(.343). The 3 guys fans have been complaining about the most during this stretch.

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          2. The short answer, the are a borderline playoff team right now. They should be the Top WC team. The West is stacked. I gotta believe they are better than AZ & CIN. So they are there…. The other teams have their issues as well. Too many warts to give the fan base top tier confidence. Im hoping the do lowkey marginal moves at the deadline,instead of selling off blue chip prospects to catch “2022” in a bottle again

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            1. yell me how they are a playoff team? That defense is pathetic. Bullpen near top on blown saves bunch of really bad hitters in clutch

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            2. The Phillies will need a bullpen arm (or two), but, really, they shouldn’t panic about pitching – there’s every reason to believe that, as tight as pitching is now (it always is), there will be enough arms (with an addition here or there) to be fine for the playoffs.

              Their hitting, however, stinks. They need more. I’ve been saying this all year but it never became apparent until we started playing the better teams. They also should not rush Bryce Harper back – this is about winning enough games to get into the playoffs and then having everyone healthy and ready to go by then.

              As for all of this talk about knowing how good Painter and Abel are going to be in a few months – what are you talking about? Yes, we may know in a few months how good they can be this YEAR, but there’s a learning curve. It could be several years until they really reach their peak. Tarik Skubal was mediocre for a few years before he figured it out and so was Max Scherzer (which is why Arizona was willing to trade him).

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  60. Demartini first game at Reading

    2-4 with BB, 2 SBs. And robbed of a HR by leaping catch at the wall

    miller 2-5

    Anthony 2-5. ( .330 )

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    1. Between Miller, Kemp and DeMartini – I don’t see how or why the team would extend Bohm – he’s as good as gone when the time is right or he certainly should be. Overpaying average-ish players the road to hell in professional sports. They need to stop doing this.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Completely ignoring the players int he minors, the Phils will not extend Bohm because, he leads the team the past 5 years in GIDP< has zero power while playing a typical power position, his antics have multiple times angered the clubhouse, his agent will be looking for a big payday, he plays an average 3b, he is slow, he was benched last year in the playoffs. Am I missing anything else?

        Liked by 2 people

        2. Shame of it is Bohm has so much untapped potential. He stays inside the ball so well that he often gets eaten up inside. Causes a lot of weak contact.

          Classic inside out swing

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    1. I can’t believe Hernandez lasted this long. Has anyone seen the year Estevez is having for KC? 1.88 with 19 saves. He still puts too many on base but we could have really used him this year.

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        1. No one? Someone in the FO should have damn well been advocating for him based on how thin our pen looked this spring. He makes 11M this year and next compared to AAAA Romano making 8.5M this year.

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          1. Most 26 man rosters will have 8 relievers. In general, most teams will maybe have 5 high leverage relievers, 2 7th inning guys and 1 long man. No team will have 8 high leverage relievers, absolutely none.

            The Phillies had for their high leverage guys: Alvarado, Kerkering, Strahm, Banks, Romano.

            The Phillies were rolling the dice on Romano because of his injury history. If he was healthy, there wasn’t any indication that he wouldn’t be effective.

            So the big issue why the bullpen imploded was the suspension of Jose Alvarado. That totally killed the bullpen. The obvious choice for saves went to Romano because of his previous history. But Romano struggled which happens.

            So I don’t agree that the bullpen was thin going into the season. Obviously it doesn’t look good letting Hoffman go to the Blue Jays but he wanted to get paid and the Phillies didn’t want to give him that money. Same with Carlos Estevez. Will it bite them in the ass? Probably, but nobody could have foreseen that Alvarado was going to be suspended.

            And now, there’s opportunities for some relievers at Lehigh to show what they can do.

            Liked by 1 person

            2. I’m sorry but if they thought Banks and Romano were high leverage guys we have bigger problems.

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            3. And there are zero relievers at LHV. There are zero pitchers at any level that we can dream on besides Abel and Painter.

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    2. It’s about time. Hernandez just wasn’t consistent enough.

      Mercado getting the call is interesting. His numbers at Lehigh aren’t that great, although he’s walking less guys. He’s on the 40 (which helps) and he’s probably up because the other guys haven’t spent enough time in the minors since they got optioned down (Johnson, Robert).

      Like

      1. Yeah, Mercado is just a warm body because the bullpen is worn out at this point. Don’t imagine his stay in Philly will be very long.

        Like

  62. Regarding Luzardo I seen it with the Jays and now I’m seeing it with the Cubs. It appears teams are sitting on his off speed stuff.

    He’s not getting enough quality strikes with his FB

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    1. Pretty much all the damage against him has come against his fastball. Opponents are hitting .333 against his 4 seam and .344 against his sinker. He’s also given up 4 of his 6 HRs on those two pitches. And it’s not even a case of more HRs because of more opportunities against it, because he’s thrown more of his other pitches (combined) while giving up fewer HRs and less hard contact.

      His fastball is pretty much only for setting up his sweeper/slider. If teams are sitting on it, then they’re doing an awful job of it because they whiff almost 50% of the time.

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    1. On their current contracts? Or as hypothetical free agents?

      Probably Bohm. Nick is the better hitter, but Bohm is less of a defensive liability.

      Is neither an option?

      Like

      1. The Vitriol that Bohm gets from the fan base and on this site is amusing. No, the guy isn’t a star player but he’s fine as a complementary part on a good team.

        Meanwhile, golden boy Bryce Stott has no power, doesn’t hit for average, and strikes out too much but he’s a cornerstone.

        Go figure.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. I mean, you said it yourself. He’s fine. But he’s becoming too expensive to just be fine. And he also has an attitude problem.

          I’m not sure why you would expect fans to be happy with that. He’s a placeholder that never developed the way we hoped. It is what it is, but I’m not gonna go out and buy his jersey.

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          1. Except he doesn’t have an attitude problem and there is no evidence that his teammates don’t like him.

            He has had issues controlling his frustration and acts out too much emotionally which is what has annoyed teammates in the past.

            I’m not advocating for him to be signed to any long-term contract for big $$$ but find it amusing how he’s become a fan target.

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            1. Attitude problem doesn’t exclusively mean he’s a jerk to his teammates. He sulks. We know he sulks. This is not a question, it’s a fact. The dude was caught ON CAMERA saying he effing hated it here because HE was playing poorly.

              Like

        2. Maybe Stott was a cornerstone before the season started, but not anymore. He should not be starting at all vs lefties, especially with Kemp on the roster.

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        3. I bought this up, because imo the team needs changes. They were close, and are now living on name recognition. Bohm is somewhat cheap, slight below avg defense, and a singles hitters. Castellanos is overpaid, below average defense, with occasional power spurts. Both players are outtahere once their contract is up, unless bohm starts hitting 25+hrs.

          For me, it wasnt meant for Bohm to be a complimentary player. One of the young players needed to be highly productive, none have so far on teh everyday basis. Sanchez is just about the only one. Maybe Kerkering if he turns it. The only players producing are the guys getting paid, and even then… they are not.

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    2. I’m picking Bohm. Casty is more expensive, and that means Crawford comes up to take CF and Marsh/Kepler goes to RF. Either way, the defense goes way up.

      Bohm can also play an adequate 1B, which will help if the Phillies lose Schwarber to FA and Harper goes to DH.

      But it’s a tough question.

      Like

    3. Bohm – though I wouldn’t extend him. He can at least play average 3b and can also play 1b. Casty can’t really play either and is an absolute butcher in LF. Bohm and Casty have virtually the same offensive stats but one costs way more and creates less flexibility. Bohm also, in theory, has untapped potential as well.

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      1. I think Bohm is a strong non-tender candidate regardless of Schwarber’s status. I think Castellanos goes to DH next season. If Bohm is our 1B we’re in trouble offensively.

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          1. I’m not giving him $10 million to play average defense and have a sub .400 slg. Those funds can go elsewhere on an offense that needs major improvement.

            Like

  64. The Cubs hitting WAR is crazy but their pitching leaves a lot to be desired. They will definitely be trading for pitching. And they have prospects in the top 100 to do it.

    Like

      1. I think the bullpen ERA was for the last month or so. Their starting 5 is very suspect, especially with Imanaga hurt.

        It won’t happen but I would totally trade Ranger Suarez to the Cubs for their top OF prospect Owen Caissie.

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        1. That may be a stretch that the Cubbies would give up their top positional prospect for a two month rental……unless they feel Alcantara will supplant Cassie at some point in the OF next to PCA.

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          1. If the Cubs re-sign Kyle Tucker, then they have no need for an OF. They’ll have Tucker, PCA, and Happ.

            And like you said, Alcantara is at AAA.

            If we made Ranger available for trade, he would likely be the top rental pitcher available.

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      2. Correct. I only get Cubs broadcasts on these games. Guys said in around the last 25 games or, so BP for Cubs has been under 1 ERA.

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  65. Since we’re talking about Bohm, here’s a fun fact: since the start of 2021, Bohm is third in all of MLB in GIDP at 82 (Vlad is first at 88, Josh Bell second at 86).

    The kicker? In that same time frame, he’s tied for 124th in HR (60). It’s not a good combo to be hitting into a lot of double plays while also NOT hitting for power.

    And I know the next line of thinking; he’s only T-42nd in doubles, too.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Bohm just hit a HR!

      Anyways, I think it’s plenty obvious that Bohm was not getting a FA deal with the Phillies, and that was before he was on the trade block this past offseason.

      And now you have Kemp here, Miller and DeMartini at Reading, it makes it a lot easier to let Bohm walk into FA when it’s time.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s always the way, isn’t it? We talk about a player’s faults or good points just in time for them to do something they usually don’t.

        But yeah. Bohm has had his moments, and he’s worthy of staying in the majors. But he’s not the piece this team needs right now. Our free agent dollars can better be allocated elsewhere.

        That said, while I won’t cry at his departure I also won’t celebrate it like I will certain other overpaid players…

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          1. So the center of this team’s problems is the so-called “daycare” (a phrase I despise for many reasons, not the least of which is that those players were not that young when they were called up – but whatever) – not only have those players not improved and grown into their roles, they have all (this year anyway) seriously regressed and none has even played a replacement level

            Long term, I just don’t see Bohm as anything more than like a replacement level player because he doesn’t get on base a lot, is an average fielder at best and shows little power. Marsh has the most upside, but has the biggest hole in his swing and it’s killing him. Stott, to me, has the best chance of sticking and actually being pretty good because he is a competent fielder, draws walks and doesn’t need to hit a ton to be first division player – but he’s not doing great so far and has a negative WAR this year as does Marsh – that’s BRUTAL!

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            1. Except Stott doesn’t get on base and shows almost no power. Both Marsh and Bohm have a higher career OBP than Stott does.

              Stott a WAR lord darling because he plays good defense and steals bases but offensively, the guy just isn’t any good and never really has been.

              Another example of how he gets a pass from much of the fanbase.

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            2. Agree that this year has been bad for all of them. Stott shows signs at times of having good contact and on base skills, but agree the proof is not in the pudding this year at all – for any of them.

              And I am not singing Stott’s praises, only that, of the three of them, I like his long term chances the best – but that ain’t saying very much!!!

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    2. Where does Bohm rank in rbi? If Kemp can hit, I’m ok(not thrilled) with the idea of Bohm playing first next year and Harper playing left field.

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      1. Bohm at first base is a losing proposition. You’re WAY better off combing the first base market for professional hitter and having that guy and Kemp compete for playing time than having Bohm play first. He doesn’t hit nearly enough to justify playing there.

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        1. He is streaky when he hits….last 25 games….323/346/.475…..what he lacks is ISO. At .152 for first base does not hack it…..he is purely a doubles guy. Harper , otoh, is usually above .200.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Yeah, it’s easy to cite his Avg/OPB/Slug when he’s hot, but he’s the accumulation of his hot streaks and his frigid streaks. We know who he is as a hitter – we have a large enough sample size to draw conclusions. He’s alright on the whole as a hitter – probably slightly above league average (although he’s been below average this year). As fielder he’s in the average range. He’s not anyone you reward with a big contract – we have way too many hitters like this. Our above average position players/DHs are Harper, Schwarber and Turner right now. That’s not enough.

            Liked by 1 person

    3. Another fun fact.

      Bohm was tied for 25th in all baseball with 61 extra base hits in 2024, with one more XBH that Kyle Schwarber. Was 2nd on the team behind Bryce Harper’s 72.

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      1. And Dom Brown hit 10 HRs in 13 games. Hot streaks happen, that’s why I took the long view.

        Bohm had an excellent (first half of) 2024. But this is his 5th full year in the big leagues, and that season is the outlier among them.

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        1. The year of 2024 was a hot steak? Good try.

          I actually suspect you took the long view because of Bohm’s struggles in 2021 which was actually the outlier among his time in the big leagues. Otherwise, you would have started in 2020 when he started his big-league career.

          His 2023 and 2024 offensive seasons were very similar with 51 xbh in 2023 and 61 in 2024.

          I get it, you don’t like the guy.

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          1. Actually, bottom line, if he hit more HRs….there would be plenty of bromance to go around. This year it just has not materialized …just yet. Maybe the hot weather will spur him on for bleacher hitting.

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          2. He hit .251/.299/.382 in the second half last year. His solid numbers last year were fueled by a scotching hot April. In the long term Dan is right, he’s not very good and hasn’t been for his career. If he was they would’ve traded him last year.

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            1. His 2nd half numbers were depressed because he hit .169 from late August through September after hurting his wrist, trying to play through it before going on the IL..

              His OPS was over .800 in both June and July and was .814 through August 20th.

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          3. I didn’t start in 2020 because 2020 was a Mickey Mouse year. But if you really want me to…

            From 2020-2025 Bohm ranked:3rd in MLB in GIDP.

            T-120th in HRs.

            T-38th in doubles.

            So yeah, he’s primarily a singles hitter who grounds into way too many double plays. That is not a good thing.

            And I don’t dislike Bohm. I just recognize he’s a very flawed player who is quickly becoming too expensive for how good he is. You call it vitriol, I call it realism.

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            1. Dan, you nailed it when you said:

              “And I don’t dislike Bohm. I just recognize he’s a very flawed player who is quickly becoming too expensive for how good he is. You call it vitriol, I call it realism.”

              He’s not a bad player, but he’s not a guy you should overpay and he’s about to head into overpayment territory. Now, you might be able to live with that if you thought he was going to reach a higher level or two as he matures. But I’m not seeing that – so I agree with you completely.

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    1. That’s very good news. If he rips at Lehigh, then maybe the Phillies can let Schwarber walk, move Harper to DH, and let Keaton Anthony take 1B.

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      1. Anthony has 14 career minor league homers in 2.5 minor league seasons. That is not the numbers of a future major leaguer at first base. He has to show more than being a contact hitter at AAA.

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        1. We’ve had this conversation before, Anthony won’t be the prototypical 1B. His plus defense should add value, and obviously, he’ll need to hit to offset his lack of power. But he’ll get his opportunity eventually, we’ll see what happens.

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          1. Just had this conversation about Bohm not having enough power but now no power Anthony is the future at 1b.

            hahahahaha…

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      2. Starting to think Keaton Anthony has decided to approach his plate appearances to make barrel-up hard contact going up the middle and to the right side and not elevate for HRs….at Iowa in the Big Ten his last two years he had 23HRs in only 96 games, so he does know how to jack them. This approach of his now, may get him to the majors faster….with also good peripherals when it comes to BB vs K ratio rates. But without the power showing these last two years….he has not been ranked in any Phillies top team 30 prospects. In fact Fangraphs may have him in the 50s,,,,,“He (Anthony) posted a roughly average hard-hit rate and above-average contact metrics, but Anthony’s swing makes it nearly impossible for him to be on time versus fastballs. He’s still in the “prospect to watch” bucket more than he is a lock to produce in the bigs…” Eric Longenhagen.

        I personally hope he does make it.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. With all due respect to you and to Keaton Anthony – he is nowhere near the guy you can rely on right now to replace a bona fide slugger like Schwarber. You don’t wake up and think “it’s okay if we lose Schwarber, we’ve got Keaton Anthony.” Maybe (but probably not) 3 years from now, but c’mon – let’s be real about this.

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        1. Let me make this clear, if Schwarber goes elsewhere, the Phillies will not be able to replace that production. Even in FA, they probably won’t be able to do it unless they give Kyle Tucker $400M+ which I don’t want the Phillies to do.

          That said, if Keaton Anthony keeps on hitting, he will get an opportunity. However, Anthony is limited to 1B/DH. So if he does come up, I would rather he take 1B and move Harper to DH, rather than the reverse.

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          1. I hear you, but they cannot afford to have Keaton Anthony as their “Plan B” if Schwarber leaves – that will never happen (unless, by some miracle, Keaton Anthony comes up this year and plays and looks like the next coming of Mark Grace or Wally Joyner – which is HIGHLY unlikely).

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  67. Wheeler, Luzardo, Sanchez, Abel, Harper, Turner, Kerkering. Other than that, everybody else is either available in a trade or not resigned. I’m not including prospects. They stay too.

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    1. This has elements of a parlor game to it; “Who are the indispensable Phillies?” It doesn’t have much meaning to me since I don’t see Dave Dombrowski as “Wheeler Dealer Dave” at this stage of his career. I suspect that more than half the roster will outlast Dombrowski in Philly.

      You could say everyone on the Phils’ roster could be obtained for the right price. (Don’t believe me, then just pretend all the Mike Trout-to-Philly discussion on this site never took place). Certainly the Phils would listen if a big offer came in for Kerkering, Sanchez or Abel. I don’t think the Phils would expect offers for guys on long term deals like Harper, Turner or Nola.

      None of us knows what contract discussions have taken place regarding Schwarber. My hunch is that if there are rumors or stirrings about a Schwarber trade at the deadline, it means the Phils have some pessimism about re-signing him. Barring that, I think the Phils are confident that he wants to stay and would be part of an indispensable core.

      Dombrowski at mid-term has a history in Philly or light to moderate activity. I don’t see any reason for it being different this time around.

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      1. I have no doubt that Schwarber likes being in Philadelphia and the feeling is likely mutual. That said, with him not signing an extension already, he’s looking to get paid. He probably thought that his previous contract was his last payday. It will definitely not be. I think the bidding for Schwarber will be fierce and it will go into 6 years. I don’t think the Phillies want to do that and I can’t blame them. Paying players into their late 30s is a recipe for disaster.

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          1. I hear you, the current highest paid dh is Stanton at 32 million so hopefully Schwarber signs for 3yr 105m or 4yr 140m.

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            1. He signed that contract to be a right fielder (with an NL team before we even HAD the DH), so it’s not even a comparable contract.

              No DH has ever gotten $30M (excepting Ohtani, for obvious reasons). If Schwarber breaks that barrier, then he’s not ALSO going to break 5 years. The richest DH contract ever (again, sans Ohtani) is the 5/92.5 for Santander this past offseason.

              Schwarber is the better hitter than Santander, but he’s also two years older. So while he’s likely to get more per year, it’s either going to be for fewer years or for not as much more as we’d expect.

              Schwarber could totally break the $100M threshold, but he’s not such an anomaly that we can reasonably expect it to be by a lot. 3/105 or 4/110 seems like the upper limit of a true-DH’s earning power at this point in time.

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  68. Aaron Civale of the Brewers, who is an impending FA and wasn’t pitching that great (although he thinks he was), has requested a trade because the Brewers want to move him from the rotation to the bullpen.

    Even though we wish that the Phillies didn’t sign Taijuan Walker, he’s been a class guy in handling his move to the bullpen.

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    1. I like Walker as a person and a teammate. I just dislike how much we’re paying him for the performance we’re receiving.

      He’s the pitching version of Castellanos.

      Liked by 2 people

        1. I think with this year’s numbers, 18 is fine. But for the whole of his work, 12 is probably more appropriate.

          It’s also not entirely AAV, but the length of the contract. If he had been 2/36 or 1/18 it would be much easier to write it off as a failed experiment that was worth a shot. But paying him 18 per year for 4 years means he’s expensive enough that he’s going to keep playing even if he’s bad… which is exactly what happened.

          Thankfully we’re finally getting some return on investment. But last year sapped any possibility we had of getting excess value from his contract.

          (For what it’s worth, I looked at some comparable pitchers to his 2023 season, and free agents with similar ERAs were earning 9-15M a year, with 12-13 being the general average)

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          1. Yep….that was the range I was thinking. Sometimes i do not know if it is Dombrowski who is too overly generous…or Middleton who signs the checks that creates the long term angst.

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      2. Ruff. Comparing Casty to LG. Amazing. Both are well paid. Both have underperformed for what was expected of them. But Casty posts up every day and for the most part makes the plays he can make. Also, he has been better not swinging at pitches way off the plate so far this season. Like Dan said LG is a team player. We all know that. Would just like to see more benefits given.

        Regarding Schwarber I do not see the Phillies going more than 3 and $90. He is on I believe a 4 and $80 deal now. Maybe the Phillies go 2 and $75. There probably is someone out there who will overpay. That is the norm. But the guys on MLB the other day do not think Alonso is going to get a big deal when he comes up again. So, who knows. He will be a DH most likely in the not too far future. Schwarber is an IU guy so I am a big fan, but I pass on doing something that is going to bite the team down the road. May already be some of those contracts on the books. Phillies seem to already have some guys who can slide into the DH role. My 2 cents.

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        1. Alonso has a player option which he will not trigger, so he’s going to be a FA again. His agent is Scott Boras so there’s that. That said, if we can’t sign Schwarber, I would give Alonso 3/80 and see if he bites.

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          1. That is an idea. I do not think Alonso is thrilled though he is playing well. I believe he is 31 and Kyle 34 but I may be a bit off on that. He does many of the same things. Maybe he and Brayce could rotate the DH. Save some on both wear and tear. Who knows.

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            1. Correct….Polar Bear will be 31 next season.

              Now if he gets offer the same deal from any team along with what the Phillies would offer him…my guess, he will not come to Philadelphia, he will go elsewhere, probably outside the division. He will not alienate his Mets’ fans.

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  69. Sherman and Kinney were talking the 1B and DH who will be FA. They talked about both guys. Sherman is not sure Alonso will end up getting what he turned down from the Mets. Think it was maybe 7 and $158 but I may be off some. He was listing what he has now and looking ahead as well. I think he wants to win. If he thinks the Phillies would give that best option, I think he would come to Philly. I am not sure there is a tremendous amount of loyalty in sports these days. Very few guys stay all the career with one team. Many end up with multiple teams. Just a sign of the times. College kids end up at 4 schools in 4 years. Hard to keep track where someone is these days.

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    1. Don…..Mets’ initial offer to Alonso was a  3 yr-$70M. This offer, with potential deferred money, was worth over $70M. While the Mets later offered Alonso a 2yr-$54M, ($30M, plus $24M- 2nd yr)……he initially turned down the longer-term, higher-valued offer. 

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      1. Romus. The 3 at $70 may be the FA offer. What Sherman was indicating was that at some point in the past prior to FA for Alonso the Mets had made a 7 and $158 offer. I do not remember if it was a year before or 2 or when. But Boras and Alonso turned it down. It may have been before Cohen took over. I am not sure on the time. But his point he was making to Kinney was he had doubts with what he is getting now and that he is 31, not a good athlete, not a good defensive player that he will ever get to that $158 amount total in his career. They were just talking. They discussed maybe 6 or 7 guys on the list. Kyle was one and that he is 34 wondered what length he will get. I have no idea what they are wanting but if I am the Phillies and Scharbs is my guy after 3 years offer, I would say Thank You and Good Luck. Just my opinion. Otherwise at some point the Phillies will have a roster full of DH players.

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        1. Ok Don…..that may be correct on the Mets early offer to Alonso, before he actually reached free agency. I would have thought they would have known Boras would reject early offers. Sherman is probably correct on Alonso future worth. And agree, for Schwarber….three years may be the max he may see from anyone…maybe a fourth option buy-out year.

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          1. i’d take polar bear at 1st and harp back in RF with schwarbs as DH… may as well keep spending stupid money till harper is a broken man nearing 40

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  70. I totally agree that Alonso could be our backup plan to Schwarber. Maybe a 5 for 140 offer could work for both sides with a two year opt out?

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  71. So Andrew Painter started to throw meaningful innings as he works his way from TJ. Jackson Jobe, another fireballer drafted before Andrew Painter, will also have TJ. Jacob Misiorowski just had a fabulous debut for the Brewers as he threw 14 (!) pitches of at least 100 mph. At this point, it’s a near certainty that he will have TJ in the future.

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    1. Do we still think Reyes is not a prospect? Mendez? They’re certainly both hitting well this season.

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      1. At this point, no. They are likely throw ins for any trade.

        But if they get to Lehigh and continue to hit, they’ll eventually get an opportunity in the show. And once that happens, it’ll be up to them to show that they belong.

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      2. Mendez has better contact tools, Reyes has way too much swing and miss at lower levels to truly believe he can hit enough the higher up he goes.

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  73. Maybe we can swap Taijuan Walker for Michael Conforto? Both are owed $17M for this year, but Conforto walks after 2025. Dodgers have very little pitching and this could maybe be seen as an upgrade??

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    1. Okay, right – let’s remember there are two sides to a trade. Why the heck do the Dodgers want the anchor that is Taijuan Walker? No way. They are smarter than that.

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      1. Honestly, Walker fits the Dodgers better than Conforto fits the Phillies.

        Conforto is a poor defensive LF who’s hitting .175 on the year with only 4 HRs. He’s one of the outfielders in baseball that is somehow a downgrade for us. At least Taijuan’s numbers this year are good and he can eat innings.

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        1. Dan…..TW’s FIP this year- 3.79- is one of the best in his career when starting over 10 games….his one year with the Mets was just a bit better at 3.65.

          I see no reason why the Phillies should not extend him…….just kiddin’.

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      2. Oh my god, you’re right!! I totally forgot about that!!

        It’s kind of looking like the Dodgers might just cut Conforto, as he’s been a disaster. I also happened to see the Dodgers starting pitchers have been an injury-plagued mess. A 1-1 swap might make sense here. And yes, I realize Taijuan has a second year, but… I don’t think the Dodgers really care.

        And are they really smarter than that though? How much did they give to Glasnow and Snell?? They paid a lot of money for injury-prone guys who have a hard time going over 130 innings.

        I apologize for offending “catch22hman.” I was just sharing what I thought would be a possible trade idea.

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      3. i am just wondering. Is there any way to trade Nola. in another yr. His velocity might be ,90. Hate to lose Ranger. Can’t take watching. Marsh, Kemper. Rojas .

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        1. Nola’s gotta approve it, whatever it is. If his brother was lingering around might if Had an easier chance. Low likely hood but Ranger is as good as gone.

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  74. Some speculation on theoretical and hypothetical trade scenarios on here, but no one has said yet which of our young players will be MIA after the deadline. Jim has hinted that there have been “talks” and “discussions”, so who do you think will get moved?

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  76. When Nola or Harper goes on the IL, do the Phils have an insurance policy that pays for any of his salary until he’s healthy again or do the Phils just pay his full salary as well as his replacement on the roster?

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  77. i hope they can move Marsh, Rojas. Kemper. I take a ten piece chicken nugget. No ff for all three

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    2. rocco……once Crawford comes up….one will probably be moved, since Crawford will be playing the majority of the time. Max Kepler is only on a one year contract and probably is let go in free agency again……Rojas’ defense, speed and salary are plus- so he may stay…. of the three Marsh may have the most value in any trade.

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      1. Romus. Other day I saw Marsh listed as a piece if the Phillies went after Mason Miller. Who btw is not having a year like last. Bowden mentioned none of Painter, Miller and Tait in deal. All others I guess are on his table plus Marsh.

        Ruff. Not sure a huge difference of Bohm to Otto or Otto to Bohm. Both seem to be adequate at either. Not great but adequate.

        BTW Phillies may have found their closer last night. Walker came in and mowed the Blue Jays down. Only kidding. But I do admire Walker is willing to do whatever the team asks of him. Of course, he has like $18M reasons to do so.

        Liked by 1 person

  78.  Bob Nightengale, expects the Phillies to be among the most aggressive teams at the deadline:

    – The Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are expected to be the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline. The Phillies will be looking for a center fielder and bullpen help, the Mariners are once again desperate for offense, the Cubs are seeking a front-line starter and relievers, and the Padres are searching for a left fielder

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    1. Trader Dave is rubbing his hands together …. “tis the season” ….. 29 red phones installed this week, highlighted on the calendar 7/31/25 6:00 PM ….. who will be among the missing, the has been and have yet to be …. both will participate this year.

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    2. I think that we are going to trade Keaton Anthony and I think that he is going to be a very good pro for a long time. First the kid just rakes. He hits line drive after line drive. I know the homer power isn’t there yet but that bat will play on the MLB. And also he is an elite defender at 1st base. Won the friggin minor league gold glove. I really wish we had a spot for him and I think that he is going to be one of those guys we regret trading. But he is definitely going to be moved.

      Liked by 1 person

  81. Aidan Miller last 30 games: .263/.359/.412 for a .773 OPS. Not fantastic, but not bad for a just-turned-21-year-old in AA.

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  82. Speaking of Hendry Mendez, that was a great little trade by Dombrowski. The Phillies selected Oliver Dunn in the minor league Rule 5 draft, had him for one year in 2023, and traded him for Mendez and Robert Moore. This year Mendez is putting up a .807 OPS as a 21-year-old in AA. Maybe could help get a reliever at the deadline?

    Liked by 1 person

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