- It had to happen sooner or later. Bryce Harper was booed at Citizens Bank Park last night during the Phillies 3-1 loss to the Tigers.Harper had a terrible game, striking out several more times and botching two plays in the outfield. Harper deserved to get booed. He started the season off well but ended April getting booed at home.
Harper has struck out 31% of his at-bats so far this young season. He has never been a great defensive right fielder and that's been evident lately.
But I would still want Harper in my lineup. He is always a threat in the batting order. Plus he effects the hitters around him. Not to mention what he has done for the organization regarding ticket and merchandise sales. Harper brings excitement and hope to the fans. Witness the crowds this spring. Just wait until the weather gets warmer and kids are out of school.
Harper will pick it up. Slumps happen. We knew, sooner or later, Harper would slump and the Philly fans would boo. It's natural.
- Vince Velasquez turned into Bad Vince again last night, only going four innings with a high pitch count. Velasquez has been a bright spot in the rotation up until his outing vs Detroit on Tuesday night. He did strike out seven tigers in those four innings. Detroit got close to 30 foul balls off Velasquez, which raised his pitch count dramatically. And the Phillies' defense didn't help matter.
Hopefully it was just a speed bump and not a sign of things to come, or things of the past.
- It's becoming pretty clear that when Scott Kingery comes off the Injured list, hopefully in a week or so, he needs to play more at second base. Cesar Hernandez is hitting better, but he continues to be a liability at second. Kingery was playing very well before he got hurt, and added a spark of speed and enthusiasm to the everyday lineup. It will be interesting to see if Manager Gabe Kapler uses Hernandez as his utility guy instead of Kingery.
- The same thing can be said for center field. Odubel Herrera claims he will be ready to play in "five to seven days.' Meanwhile, Aaron Altherr is slumping and Roman Quinn is hurt. Andrew McCuthen continues to play well in center field. Nick Williams is in left field and has done well. Looks like it's McCuthen's job until Herrera returns.
Aaron Nola goes tonight in the wrap-up game with the Tigers. The Phillies remain in first place, a game ahead of the Mets. The Phils have a day off on Thursday then play Washington over the weekend.
No comments:
Post a Comment