GDT 7/8/18 Philadelphia Phillies (Anderson) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (Kingham)

[EastFallowfield]

Braves don’t seem to be handling their tough stretch as well as the Phils did so far. But they get two days off this week as we play once or twice every day.

[schillingfan]

It seems like we have been seeing more Knapp than Alfaro. Is his offense that much better to make up for the big difference on defense? Alfaro seems superior in every aspect.

[LoneStarPhan]

Knapp has been on a little bit of an offensive uptick of late and now does have a higher OPS than Alfaro. However, I don't think the difference is big enough to matter. From what I have seen, Alfaro is superior as a catcher, so I would give him roughly 2/3 of the starts and Knapp one third.

Also note that Anderson has gone back to LV.

Philadelphia Phillies (Phillies)

[andyb]

Knapp has been hitting very well. Offensively the higher OBP probably makes him a bit better than Alfaro. Defense is not that close, however, in Alfaro's favor. I think they are shooting for a 60-40 ratio for Alfaro-Knapp. They may have thought Alfaro was wearing down a bit when he was getting more playing time. I am OK with that 60-40 ratio for now, making sure Alfaro gets all starts against LHP and there is a close split against RHP. If they get closer to the playoffs they probably would need to make sure the better catcher (likely Alfaro) gets time with each of the top starters.

[zambonir]

They said they were giving Knapp a little more action recently because his bat had come around some. But I think Alfaro is clearly the starter. 57 starts to Knapp's 29, which is almost 70% (and that includes earlier in the season when there was a two-week period where Alfaro played a little less). 3 to 2 in July and presumably will be 2 to 1 over the next two days.

60 to 70% seems like the right spread for any two catchers these days, unless you have a really top (and not older) guy. Even Realmuto has only made 70% of MIami's starts (and he's worth three more WAR than Knapp and Alfaro put together).

[Austinfan]

There was nothing wrong with throwing a curve to a pitcher, just the execution.
A decent curve and most pitchers miss by two feet, but even bad hitters get lucky on FBs at times.

Anderson didn't look bad, 93-94 for the most part though his velocity started to vary after the 3rd inning.
Good slider, curve was supposed to be his out pitch but not today.
Needs to develop a changeup and improve his command, like most young pitchers.

Even though he's 24, he looks like he can still fill out a bit.
But his struggles after 3 innings suggest his future is in the pen unless he develops a changeup.
He also could use a 2 seamer, high four seamers and 2 seamers that cut and sink are the optimal combination.