Phillies 2018 Season News/Notes/Discussion - Part Deux

[zambonir]

That foul ball was almost six weeks ago, it obviously has lingered but hopefully no more.

[zambonir]

Three of our four series losses have been on the road (and technically we split with the Mets at home, then flopped in W'port).

On the road, yes, but also against bad teams. And, don't forget, a really bad loss at home to a bad team.

Absolutely but even bad teams can win a series at home (and the Reds were playing something like .700 baseball for a month, while the Dbacks aren't bad). And as bad as the Mets game was it doesn't matter more than if they'd lost it 5-0. Suarez gave them no chance and they won the next game an hour later.

I'm not making an excuse, it's more like a warning. If it's not a normal lull, it's because we're a bad road team and will not win enough remaining road games to make the playoffs. At least they finish at home if they can survive the 7 games in Atlanta and Colorado (but a lot of work to do before then obviously).

[HopeSpringsEternal]

Avilan is supposed to join the team tomorrow. Who on the 25-man roster leaves to make room for him. Neris, in spite his promising outing tonight?

[zambonir]

Would they pull the plug on Morgan? Otherwise, doesn't really matter - Neris is possible but maybe even Arano. Let him have a week off. He's pitched very well but that didn't stop them from keeping Ramos down in AAA for a while. Seranthony? There could also be an "injury" of course.

[Lawman]

I will say this. I am somewhat buoyed by the fact that our offense may just be showing sings of life. And, if the pitching doesn't collapse, that may help us get back in the win column for a stretch and begin winning some series.

[andyb]

We also need to acknowledge the defensive shortcomings of this team as a hidden reason behind their struggles. There were groundballs last night that Cabrera and Bour did not get to that good fielders would have.

It is hard to recommend Kingery playing a great deal, but I definitely think about it when Arrieta pitches. Maybe Nola too as we can see what they do today.

[flyers19rw]

One positive thing out of last night's game was the patience that most of the Phillie' hitters showed against Strasburg. They laid off most of his breaking pitches and made him throw strikes. I suspect that he was surprised that the Phillies didn't go fishing on a lot of the breaking balls that were outside of the strike zone.

[nycphils]

I didn’t see the game, but based on the commentary here it’s much easier to lay off Strasbourg’s breaking pictures when his fastball is 92–93 versus 98.

[Lawman]

Matt Breen (matt_breen)

or not

Matt Breen (matt_breen)

[el-pietro]

is Bour hurt?

[andyb]

Oblique strain. Wonder if it was on that groundball in the hole that he kind of took one step towards and then went the other way. I get the feeling they are downplaying Ramos' injury a bit. Maybe he can hit but is not comfortable throwing yet.

[DurhamBull]

Radio guys also commented that Alfaro took a ball hard on the hand last night. Don't know that he's injured per se but might appreciate a day or two off.

[Lawman]

Alfaro is starting, although Knapp is in DC. Wonder if he's there b/c Ramos can hit but not catch and Alfaro is a little lame.

[Lawman]

I saw on twitter Bout said the last swing he took last night strained it.

[andyb]

Catching is just too important to take chances when we really don't lose too much with Santana versus Bour even against RHP since Santana is better defensively. Knapp is not as good a pinch hitter as Bour, but the switch hitting makes him more versatile.

[Lawman]

I'm not arguing, I get it.

[zambonir]

Bour went on the DL, I suppose it's possible he wouldn't have if they didn't also need Ramos insurance but probably not, if Ramos ends up being too hurt to PH they'll end up bringing up someone else I assume. Knapp is certainly the best bench bat in AAA regardless.

[flyers19rw]

The word is that Bour has an oblique injury. Probably finished for the season.

[LoneStarPhan]

If Bour really is out for the next month or more, it is a blow to the Phillies. Having his big left hand bat in the lineup or on the bench was nice. I was also looking forward to seeing him in Toronto where they will get an extra hitter in the lineup with the DH. The Phillies also have to make a decision on Bour as to keeping him on the 40 man roster or non-tendering him after this season. The more he got to play done the stretch, the more information they have to help make a good decision.

Eight days more until rosters expand to the full 40 as needed and desired. I'm looking forward to Kapler using 35 players in a game in September.

[LoneStarPhan]

On a positive note:

Matt Rappa (mattrappasports)

I don't know what the most players with 20 or more home runs for the season is for the Phillies, but I don't ever remember having 7. I don't even know if they have had 5 but I'm guessing they probably have had.