It really doesn't matter now, but the Phillies exploded last night at Citizens Bank Park, scoring 14 runs and destroying Miami. Since the braves also won, the Phils stay 7 1/2 games behind Atlanta. The problem now is, not only must the Phillies win, they need help from Washington this weekend then St. Louis next week to beat the Braves. It won't happen.
When the games mattered against the Marlins recently the Phillies came up small. It's a shame, because with 7 games remaining with Atlanta Philadelphia had a shot at winning the division. With the Phillies fading all Atlanta needs to do is basically play .500 ball to cruise into the playoffs.
Aaron Altherr had two home runs, 5 RBIs and 4 hits last night. He has always been athletic and had the talent, both on offense and defense. Too soon to give up on Altherr, who is a smoother outfielder than Herrera, and can do more things.
With the signing of Carlos Santana, Altherr became a member of a crowded outfield and lost his playing time everyday. Will the front office trade Herrera and give Altherr another shot next year?
Washington lost two in a row and should remain in third place. It will be interesting to see what happens with Bryce Harper. Regardless, the Nats will still have a good team with emerging Juan Soto and a growing farm system. Atlanta looks solid for years to come. So the Phillies may need to buy their way into contention. Could they get both Harper and Machado?
The following wouldn't be a bad everyday line-up in 2019:
1B- Hoskins
2B- Kingery
SS- Machado
3B- Franco
LF- Quinn
CF- Altherr/Williams
RF- Harper
C- Ramos
What happens to Odulbel? Santana? Hernandez? All trading chips to get a few more solid starters and a solid closer. We will write about 2019 and beyond soon, once the season ends. For now, play Kingery at second, maybe Crawford at shortstop, play Altherr and Quinn everyday. Why not/ What do the Phillies have to lose now?
No comments:
Post a Comment