2024 Phillies Season Discussion

[andyb]

Working the count was not their issue last night. Missing hittable pitches was their issue. This is a good lineup with a pretty good balance of patience and aggressiveness. They are just not hitting well now.

[Philsmania]

Working the count was not their issue last night. Missing hittable pitches was their issue. This is a good lineup with a pretty good balance of patience and aggressiveness. They are just not hitting well now.

I've noticed as well that they have been popping out an awful lot lately. Bad at-bats.

[andyb]

There were definitely a lot of pop ups last night. It seems there has been more than typical in general in the past few weeks. I am sure others could point to the data on this. It just feels like we are missing pitches we were hitting a couple of months ago for whatever reason.

[flyers19rw]

The offense perks up against hard throwing pitchers. When facing junk ballers, things go badly. If it’s a left handed breaking ball pitcher, it usually gets tougher yet for them.

[Philsmania]

The offense perks up against hard throwing pitchers. When facing junk ballers, things go badly. If it’s a left handed breaking ball pitcher, it usually gets tougher yet for them.

Perhaps a book is out on the Phillies in terms what pitchers to send out against them?

[Austinfan]

I think their struggles against junk ballers is the unwillingness to keep their hands back and go with the pitch. Bohm is really good at this, Schwarber has improved, Harper is trying (with his power he doesn't need to pull the ball).

A good sign of impatience is when they're constantly pulling GBs, that usually happens then the hitter is in front of a pitch and is rolling the bat over.

[andyb]

Or maybe they are just having a hard time figuring out which strikes to swing at. And hitting the ones they do.

You keep trying to change every major league hitter into your stereotype of a good hitter. That is just not how it works. Everyone is different. Some are pressing. Some are guessing. Some are probably not 100% healthy. But their approach is generally not the issue (and certainly is not in broad strokes). It is their execution. Slumps happen. Slumps end. Kevin Long is not an idiot. The hitters are all trying and did not forget what got them there.

[Jazzhead]

Execution is key, it's just harder to when the boo birds are out. I was at last night's game, and it was a depressing affair, especially when the Phans didn't make it out of the top of the first without bellowing their displeasure. I don't blame 'em, but it sure seems counterproductive.

Maybe a Schwarbomb can cure all ills. For that to happen tonight, the bullpen needs to do it's job.

[Philsmania]

Execution is key, it's just harder to when the boo birds are out. I was at last night's game, and it was a depressing affair, especially when the Phans didn't make it out of the top of the first without bellowing their displeasure. I don't blame 'em, but it sure seems counterproductive.

Maybe a Schwarbomb can cure all ills. For that to happen tonight, the bullpen needs to do it's job.

Boo hoo. If players can't produce when their fee-fees are hurt have no place in MLB.

[zambonir]

I was actually thinking it was time for a repeat of last year's Turner love fest.

Come to think of it what's the Phillies' record since Eskin was banned?

[HopeSpringsEternal]

Maybe a Schwarbomb can cure all ills. For that to happen tonight, the bullpen needs to do it's job.

Good call!

[dcsman]

I know we all love Stubbs but isn't Elias Diaz a better backup catcher for J.T.? It's just money.

Rockies Place Elias Diaz On Waivers

[jimbomill]

Elias Diaz a better backup catcher

Not sure on his defensive rating, but he's an upgrade on offense.
Just read the article, seems that his defense is good!

[andyb]

Not really that much of an upgrade on offense though. 612 road OPS. Remember he plays in Colorado. Is he a little better than Stubbs? Probably. But so is Marchan who is likely our low cost backup next season. As long as we are paying JT big dollars it really does not make sense to pay the backup much.

[zambonir]

We all know that ship has sailed. Stubbs' three years of working with JT and most of these pitchers and his institutional knowledge and role in game prep isn't going to be tossed away at this point. Though it would still be nice to see Marchan in September and as a potential extra bench bat.

[Jazzhead]

If Stubbs is going to be replaced, the job should go to Marchan

[zambonir]

For sure. But he's not. It will actually be interesting to see how they handle it this off-season. Will they tender Stubbs and keep it a competition especially since he'll still have an option? Trade him?

[Austinfan]

A lot of players are idiots.
Some are not.

Wheeler for example, could just ride his great stuff, instead, after failing to develop a changeup, worked diligently to develop a splitter. Why? Because he needed another pitch against LH hitters.

Why doesn't every pitcher do that?
Some can't. Many won't (a lot of athletes resist leaving their comfort zone and trying something where they may fail).

Schwarber is going the other way, but it probably took a sub .200 season to overcome his resistance to change.
I suspect Turner is going through that crucible, when "what always worked for me" stops working.

It's not just how good your coaches are, it's how coachable your players are.
"You can lead a horse to water . . . "

[Austinfan]

Phllies also have Roberts at Lehigh, good defensive catcher having career year in SSS, .321, .840 OPS. Had an offseason in Reading last year but has bounced back.

Good D, no hit catchers are the norm.

[andyb]

The issue is you think you are smarter than these players and they obviously are idiots who are lazy. Hitting is a lot more complicated than you suggest and is a balance of many skills and actions. Your one size fits all commentary just does not work most of the time.

Are you saying Turner was more coachable early this season when he was hot? And late last season when he was hot? It is just such a lazy argument that is simply wrong. Turner fixed his issues last season and can do so again this season with the help of his coaches and lots of work in the cage. Take away his power (which you seemingly want to do) and he is a much lesser hitter.