Despite the Phillies winning 3 games in a row, beating a bad Cincinnati team again last night, it will still be tough for the club to make the playoffs. they remain 2 1/2 games behind the Cubs for the second wild card spot. They play two more with the Reds before they face the Mets again in a weekend series in New York.
The real test will be a daunting 11-game road trip coming up in a few weeks. 3 in Atlanta, 3 in Cleveland and 5 in Washington- all potential playoff teams that will not be resting. That trip should make or break the season- and maybe Gabe Kapler's job.
If they hang in there and make the post-season ( or barely miss) I can see Kapler returning in 2020. But if they collapse during that trip I can also see owner John Middleton pulling the plug on his manager.
Bryce Harper is squarely at 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for the season, a solid year. The rest of the club didn't show. Harper is still young but he only has so many years in his prime.
Rhys Hoskins is starting to hit, nearly clubbing his 28th homer last night, with a drive to left that barely missed the fair pole. With Hoskins hitting well, he gives the Phils an explosive one-two power punch in the middle of the lineup. For the Phillies to catch Chicago and reach the playoffs, both Hoskins and Harper need to remain hot.
Will Jason Vargas and Drew Smyly hold up during the stretch? If Philly barely misses the playoffs, blame General Manager Matt Klentek for not getting more pitching help at the trade deadline.
The team plays again in Cincinnati tonight, with Aaron Nola on the mound.
Jonny Alvarez, former Phillies farm system director, stepped down from his post yesterday. He will stay with the organization. Even though the Phillies say he asked to be let go, his record in drafting talent has been shaky at best during his five year tenure. Alvarez is the guy who said bust Cornelius Randolph was the "best pure hitter in the draft" when they selected him a few years ago.
I'm glad Alvarez is finally "stepping down" ( or was he really "reassigned," per the front office?). But Klentek is really the one to fault for the poor farm system.
It would be nice to see the Phillies in the playoffs this year, but I wouldn't mind them losing if it meant Middleton finally cleaning house and firing all involved.
Finally, looks like Siranthony Dominguez will have Tommy John surgery soon on his sore right elbow. He should've had the surgery earlier. Now he will miss the entire 2020 season.
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