No HR derby thread? That was fun.
I agree, Zambonir. That was fun. And it may be more than that because it is time that someone became the classic example of, instead of having a homerun swing ruined by the event, but actually re-found their's during it. Rhys looked more and more comfortable as the Derby went on and through two rounds of 4 minutes each hit a total of 38 home runs and looked very smooth and relaxed doing it. I know that it wasn't the same as hitting against DeGrom but I was very struck by the possibility that last year's power hitter might be back!
I agree, it felt like it was good for him and it was no big deal to bow out either (his own reaction was great).
And i hope that is the only thing Bryce Harper wins.
Honestly, just another reason to like the guy. He was probably more excited than Schwarber (sp?) when he hit the last one to take the round. Just a class guy
Not sure where to put this. Here, I guess.
Crashburn Alley is shutting down.
Pretty amazing list of alumni, including two team employees.
Fangraphs still projects the Nats to win the East - with 86 wins.
https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds
Basically, it's Nats, Phils and Braves in a dead heat.To me the key will be the three young SPs and the three young RPs, and whether the young hitters step up.Which makes it a great developmental season, see how the kids respond to pressure.
Looks like the rotation will be Arrieta, Valeaques, and Pivetta for the SD series. Followed by some order of Nola/Eflin and Arrieta for LA. It does make sense to pitch your three top guys against the better team I guess and also give Nola the extra rest.
Nola needs to be protected, he'll be pitching far more this season than he has in any other year.Still should end up with 32 starts, 200+ innings even skipping a start after the Allstar break.
Yes, especially if we go deep into the postseason. His load could get past 230.
Hopefully Eflin's okay.
Small note. Walding is back with the team even though he did not play last night. Small reward for playing well after he was sent down. Imagine it is a short term move until they need the 5th starter spot, though I suppose they could always send Plouffe out at that point also. De Los Santos was optioned as the counter move.
Fun story, worth reading to the end (paywalled depending on how often you read the NYT already)
I kept wondering if they'd mention the guy who played Woodstock then they did near the end.
One of the things that has impressed me this season has been the development of the Phillies catching. I realize that neither Alfaro or Knapp is close to being an AS candidate as of yet but they are improving. They still need work but from where they were a year ago to where they are now does indicate that they are on the right track. I can't remember when the Phillies had a catcher with the arm that Alfaro has. They're both rookies and make mistakes as rookies will, like the first inning last night with Alfaro, but they're coming along.
We know it's been a big focus, both analytically (for pitch framing) and instructionally. Three coaches (including Wathan) where you used to only have one or none (depending on what the "bullpen" coach actually did).
Given the sudden depth in legitimate catching prospects, intensive coaching could pay big dividends - because catching prospects are always a hot item in trade packages - how many catchers can defend and hit above the Mendoza line?
Crawford taking grounders and throwing as of Friday. Assume he needs a minor league rehab of about a week, so probably looking at around August 1st for him to be back. Whether that factors in their trade deadline thinking will be interesting. Certainly it would make the need for a utility infielder smaller.
I could also see them change the roster mix in August and go with s 5 man bench and have Quinn up as the pinch runner / defensive OF switch late in the game. It is for a short time till the rosters expand and the games really count.
