2023 Phillies Regular Season Discussion Part 2

[zambonir]

Yeah, I'm not saying I can see exactly what they see in him but there has to be more to their regard for him than just his short-term utility and performance which is not as bad as people think for the role but still very fungible. Does that mean he couldn't still be DFAed? Sure. Was it just a matter of not wanting to lose the depth (and lacking many options in AAA, especially if Nelson stayed a starter)? Maybe.

Regardless, hard to imagine him making a playoff roster or staying on the 40 in the off-season, but he is cheap and controllable if they think he can be another Matt Moore - which really took some time - or Ryan Vogelsong, or even just a viable 5/6. It's pretty amazing he hung on to the roster spot even as they went with a six-man but the various injuries and options allowed for it.

[Lucky_Beagle]

Question...using Covey as the example...Since he is out of options and currently on the 26 man roster and can't be sent down without being placed on waivers, does this hold true if the team qualifies for the playoffs and would elect to not include him on the roster. Would he need to be waived to get him off the 26 man playoff list?
My thought would be yes. I am not aware that the playoff list are any different from the 40 and 26 man roster list. Just like if they wanted to add a current minor leaguer who isn't on the 40 man roster he would need to be added before being able to being selected onto the 26 man playoff roster.

[andyb]

I don't think it matters after the minor league season is over. You don't need to option somebody if they are not on a 26-man playoff roster. Players do need to be on the 40-man roster by September 1 to be included on the playoff roster, though I still think there are exceptions for injury replacements.

[zambonir]

Yeah I tend to agree with andy, they would have to keep Covey on the 40 but he doesn't have to be optioned or DFAed. The playoffs are just their own thing. The players don't get paid and in October you get "reassigned" rather than optioned. You still can't do that with Covey but as long as he stays on the 40 it's okay.

[andyb]

We will have to keep Covey on the 28-man roster until late September though. The AAA season is almost as long as the major league season now In October though he could easily just hang out in Clearwater and stay in shape like we had several players do last year.

[zambonir]

I'm assuming anyone on the 40 who ends up on that so-called taxi squad (whether in Clearwater or Philly) gets a playoff share (or a greater playoff share, if everyone gets one) too.

Last year Camargo was the unlucky bench guy, getting DFAed and outrighted on September 25th and 27th. Munoz was optioned on September 30 and recalled on October 6 though I don't believe he ever made a post-season roster (and definitely didn't play). Maton and Guthrie were back and forth in October.

[bkox]

. Especially facing a pitcher making his debut (whom they never seem to hit).

Kyle Harrison is making his big-league debut tonight against the Phillies. He's just the 12th SP to make his debut as a visitor at Citizens Bank Park since it opened in 2004. Those pitchers have an 8.37 ERA in their debuts.

— Matt Gelb ( @MattGelb ) August 22, 2023

[andyb]

Well now we need some sort of double reverse jinx. Jobu don't let us down.

[zambonir]

lol. talk about selective memory, even if it hasn't been as favorable on the road.

[gmwannabe]

K's the side. Here we go.

[bkox]

Tonight, in their 60th home game, the #Phillies will surpass last year's attendance total of 2.276 million.

They've had by far the biggest increase in MLB at almost 10k per game, well ahead of Cleveland at #2 .

On pace for their 10th season over 3 million.

__ @TheGoodPhight pic.twitter.com/ruEkzXqQsE

— schmenkman ( @tgpschmenk ) August 22, 2023

[Jazzhead]

Fantastic atmosphere at the last two games against the Giants. Mrs. Jazz has one of those phones that warn when ambient noise is at dangerous levels. We gladly reveled in the wonderful roar, and were especially heartened to see Taijuan return to form.

[zambonir]

The Phillies have 35 come-from-behind wins this year. They are 23-18 in one-run games (which is about the same as their overall WP). The Braves are actually not that different (33, 19-15). It's good to win the close ones and be resilient, but better to not have to do it. Where the difference shows up between the two teams is blowout wins - Braves 28-8, Phillies 18-11.

[zambonir]

What is this app or phone that does that? I have a noise meter but I have to open and run it manually. I wore earplugs at the two playoff games I went to last year, with good reason.

[Jazzhead]

What is this app or phone that does that? I have a noise meter but I have to open and run it manually. I wore earplugs at the two playoff games I went to last year, with good reason.

I misspoke - it's her smart watch (not her smart phone) that warns of dangerous noise. I think it's an Apple. Me, I just have an old school Shinola. All it does is tell time.

[Callison]

Rather be lucky than good. Great to get the W, but took some blind faith to get it as Big Rob exhausted the pen.

Too bad Rojas couldn't quite get that liner off his glove. Woulda been a great catch and the game could have been a lot easier, but the top CFs make a lot of them. Maybe next time he makes it.

I get that Big Rob wants things to work in a certain way, including Turner at #2. Finally worked in the bottom of the 9th, but he could use more time down the order IMHO. OTOH, Bohm was getting comfy there. The Phils do a lot of shuffling based on Big Rob's psychic messages.

Schwarber's E was nearly the margin of victory for the Giants. The Phils are right to be so cautious with Harper's arm, but it costs them. Starting off the game with 2 E's... we don't got to show you no stinking poise... everybody on the edge of your seat!

[andyb]

I think Rob tends to rest Harper more against LHP (as DH). It is just easier to get Sosa in the lineup that way with Bohm moving to 1B. Cave is the backup 1B against RHP and that does not help the defense as much as getting Sosa in there.

Health permitting Harper will probably get up to 5 starts a week at 1B within a week or two and full time by the end of the season.

[bkox]

The Phils are right to be so cautious with Harper's arm, but it costs them.

Actually they said it was Harper's back that is keeping him at DH right now

[zambonir]

Yeah unfortunately when you are a 30 year-old baseball player coming off a major surgery and layoff (as well as a whole different injury and layoff last season) the body is just creakier. Add a new position to that and muscles are being used/compensating in whole different ways.

In the end, Schwarber's defense (and disappointing offense) costs a few ones but hopefully isn't going to have any effect on the Phillies season (so long as they do lock up that top seed). But it only takes one time in the playoffs....

[bkox]

No word on who we sent back

Iron Pigs are currently in a playoff spot and have a bunch of L outfield bats. Kind of fun to see a AAA depth trade that seems to have an eye on the postseason. I believe Hicklen is a free agent after the season. https://t.co/EaBJ5hSUMs

— Matt Winkelman ( @Matt_Winkelman ) August 23, 2023

OF Brewer Hicklen has been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Thank you @brewerhicklen for all you have done for our organization. We will miss seeing you at Werner Park, can't wait to see what the future has in store for you! pic.twitter.com/f21Fm9BT9X

— Omaha Storm Chasers ( @OMAStormChasers ) August 23, 2023