Been waiting for the Phillies to fall off a cliff for almost a month now. Maybe we're actually good? Run differential is a putrid -28
They keep saying that we will come down to earth but things seem like they can only go up. Yes Nola, Vazquez and Herrera have been studs. But Nola and Herrera are only improving off of very solid rookie campaigns. Vazquez is getting his first shot as a full time starter. Will these guy cool off or are they the real deal? Cause they are really the only ones having impressive seasons. Besides them (along with closer/bullpen and catcher position) it seems almost every one is
under performing. Our corner outfield production has been non existent, although Tyler Goeddell has finally shown some life. Peter Pourjous might be the worst regular day player in baseball. Howard, even with decent power outage is batting a mere .168. Hopefully Joseph slides himself into regular duty because its hard to see him doing worse than that. Franco, supposed to be our best offensive player has struggled, hard to see him continue batting .240. Hell even Jeremy Hellickson, who I've seen as a main argument in many "Phillies will eventually collapse" , has a worse era (3.99) this season than his career number (3.92), so its not like his performance is a major fluke.
With all that said, 2 instant solutions would be for the phillies to find someone, anyone call up a prospect or grab any replacement level bat to replace Bourjos in right and also call up any of their dominating pitching prospects to man that 5th SP spot, Thompson seems most obvious but I really like Lively if they think he can handle a jump from AA. I'm not sur if its common for pitcher to do that, i know many batting prospects do it.
Now I'm not saying we are gonna make the playoffs, were not. But this season will at least be entertaining as the team develops an identity. I really think we break .500 on the year. Now with all that said even if this team is really cruising into the trade deadline the last thing I would want is a major trade. I seen an article on ESPN
MLB Rumor Central: Philadelphia Phillies could be buyers at deadline - MLB Rumor Central- ESPN that states it could be a possibility. We have too much new young potential to evaluate to strt selling it off. The only deal I'd contemplate is a low, low prospect (sub organization top 20) for any skeleton to put in RF to replace Bourjos.
