2019 Phillies Season Discussion

[zambonir]

And so it begins

Jose Alvarez to start for Phillies vs. Dodgers on Saturday

[andyb]

Makes me wonder if they'll do the same thing with Irvin before Pivetta tomorrow.

[Phanatical]

MLB’s Phillies page reports that Irvin and Velasquez will be available for long relief. It makes sense for Gabe to stay somewhat flexible, making his decision based upon the Dodgers lineup and game situation.

[zambonir]

I figure they will need Irvin tonight but I guess it's pick your poison.

[andyb]

There are positive comments in the Gelb column about the opener strategy today on the Athletic.

I am not so sure the opener was that great though. We ended up getting 3.2 IP from Irvin and then used much of our bullpen last night. Alvarez was less good in his second inning as expected and is unavailable today. We used Nicasio for one out early. Velasquez was used too so fewer long options today.

I am not sure that trying to get 5 innings out of Irvin would not have been a better strategy than the opener. We have too few left-handed pitchers on the roster to throw them both in one game (maybe Davis will be recalled today of course).

I am all into analytics, but the opener really does not seem to move the needle that much.

[zambonir]

Alvarez was less good in his second inning as expected and is unavailable today.

Not according to Gabe...

I don't think it matters, really, If Irvin had started the game he might not have lasted 5 innings and Alvarez and Nicasio probably would have combined for the same amount of work. If Irvin had gotten bombed we still would have seen Velasquez. Still got four relievers who didn't pitch yesterday and Neris and Nicasio available for sure. I assume no transaction this morning because all the optionable guys haven't pitched this weekend (though they could send down Irvin).

[David_Criss]

If Cutch goes on the IL, do they tell Williams to turn around and rejoin the team? That leaves Kingery as the most seasoned centerfielder on the team. Do they call up Adams and move Cozens to the 60-day. I hope he doesn't go on the IL, but if he does the OF is Bruce and Harper with Rodriquez and Kingery as possibilities and maybe Williams

[xogfog]

I think they have to bring back Williams in that scenario, at least until Quinn is ready to come up and get hurt again.

[zambonir]

Yeah Adams doesn't sniff Philly unless Quinn is simply not an option (which of course could certainly happen).

Of course they could also play Nick Williams in CF, do they really think Rodriguez is better?

They''ll really need Franco to come around if Kingery is out starting CF.

[HopeSpringsEternal]

Nick Williams racking up the frequent flier miles recently.

I think Kingery has looked a little tentative in CF. I’d almost prefer to see Williams get some starts there and put Kingery at 3B if they’re going to continue to sit Franco because of his hitting woes.

[zambonir]

But they want Kingery to learn the position, and he's probably not worse than Williams. Franco still needs to play too.

Is Kingery our 2020 3B, or will he continue to move around? He won't be playing second.

If Herrera's out and Franco's useless they almost have to make another trade pick-up, unless they really think Haseley can help by August. Which would be refreshing I suppose!

[Phanatical]

I like Kingery’s potential. He is definitely going to go through some rough hitting slumps, and will have to adjust. But I think he will have a good hitting career. He is good enough in center for now. He looks raw out there, but so did Odubel when he started playing with us. Uneven routes. Bad jumps. But good speed to make up for some of that. I’d rather that than Harper or Williams. I do not want to see Bryce do it. Likely, we get inferior offense and defense from Williams.

Perhaps they should trade for the OF they needed when they got Bruce, one who can play CF.

[zambonir]

Wow!

Jim Salisbury on Twitter

[LoneStarPhan]

Haseley called up.

Well that is a surprise. It would be a great boost if Haseley can do well but it does seem a little soon. OTOH, it always seems like we play teams that have a young prospect called up and doing well. Sure would be nice to see that for the Phillies.

The home runs being allowed greatly exceeding the home runs hit by the Phillies is a concern. While it is total runs that really matter, it is troubling to see so many homers being hit against us.

Matt Gelb (MattGelb)

[zambonir]

Well, our offense should be hitting more home runs, but you can't really connect it to the pitching. Are our contact pitchers allowing too much bad contact, or are our so-called strikeout pitchers getting into unfavorable counts that result in homers?

[zambonir]

Not so fast I guess, but...

Todd Zolecki on Twitter

[bkox]

The home runs being allowed greatly exceeding the home runs hit by the Phillies is a concern. While it is total runs that really matter, it is troubling to see so many homers being hit against us

I agree with this.. but with HR records being broken all over MLB (most HRs in a month in May, Twins on pace for 300) how many other teams are also close to or on pace to break team records?

[bkeich]

I hate seeing them start the clock on Haseley this early, but if they aren’t going to trade for a CF I really don’t see an option. Having Williams or Harper in CF is just asking for trouble with a team that is struggling.

Hopefully McCutchen isn’t out too long, losing him and Herrera really causes issues. Looks like Bruce May play a little more than a “bench bat”

[DurhamBull]

What I read in an MLB.app news article about Haseley is that he's being flown to SD as a precaution, but hasn't been officially called up yet. I guess they're awaiting the results of McCutchen's MRI before making a decision.

[Lawman]

I suppose he's really the best defensive CF option they have in-house at this point.