There's a lot on the thread entitled "Phillies To Sign Michael Saunders!" that belongs here now. Much of it is upbeat speculation on how the Phils will fare this coming season and beyond. I like the general tone of the thread. It contains some discussion about all of the likely starters and focuses on folks like César Hernandez and Howie Kendrick. In particular, CD writes "I still believe they acquired Kendrick with the idea of moving Hernandez in a deal for an outfielder. I have seen Kendrick in LF and believe me, he is a 2nd baseman." Well, I've seen Kendrick play 2nd base, and, while there, he looks more like someone who should be in LF. I guess the point is that Kendrick is not so good in the field, which goes against the grain of the rest of the team's architecture. He will tend to create more runs than most of his current teammates have and, to that end, he may be able to spread to his teammates knowledge of that same general patience and wisdom he applies at the plate. It seems I am more pessimistic than others about Franco's offensive future after watching him wave wildly at the ball with no one in scoring position. And while Saunders adds some needed punch, his OBP remains as questionable as Kendrick's and everyone else's but César's and Odubel's. It is this last bit that has me concerned. Below the MLB, potential Phils who have displayed a decent ability to get on base are just Quinn, Alfaro, Cozens, and Hoskins, where Hoskins may be a defensive liability. The pitching situation is much more sanguine, although by no means secure...still one could not hope for a much better condition.
Still, all said and done, I think a .500 season is now possible...maybe even better.
