2025 Phillies Thread
- Thread starter Tom McAndrew
- Start date
I think his D is better at 1st than it was in RF.
It would have been great if they had landed a stud corner OF that wasn't as streaky as Casty. But with where they are over the cap, that was never really an option, unless they were going to use the Dodgers technique of tacking on a lot of years at the end of the contract.
As we approach the half way pole for Spring Training, random observations-
1- Everyone healthy so far, critically important to have everyone healthy to start,
2- Lineup looks to have Turner lead off, Harper second. I understand it, but if you want Harper to have that infield hole or not have to take pitches, how much will Turner actually be let loose? I always liked the notion of Turner/Stott because Stott hits well behind the count,
3- I thought K Long had clear direction this off-season with the hitters to let the ball get deeper to reduce chase rate and to use more of the field. I have not seen this, specifically with Turner, Nick, and Stott. They have all had bad passes in the majority of their AB’s so far and it doesn’t seem they have reduced chase rates,
4- The question becomes, who can be better this year. I think Bohm got derailed last year by injury and can finish better. He’s bigger and it’s a huge year for him for long term with the franchise. Stott has to better and reverse the step back he took last year. Kepler/Marsh/Rojas can be better than Hayes/Marsh/Rojas last year. The biggest plus is the starting pitching can be MUCH better given the land mine that existed last year with #5. They have a good staff that will get better when Painter is added. It looks like they will go 6 man staff which will help Ranger and Painter. The staff can be really good. The pen is probably not as good to start but I expect this is a work in progress with deals to be made at the break.
5- I expect Marshan to come north along with Clemens and Tajuan. Biggest thing I’m watching is Turner who has not put together good AB’s early. Harper’s statement about going back to the OF was an interesting salvo. That won’t impact this year but it will be a BIG story in advance of 2026. I thought Schwarber would be extended this spring, watching that as well.
If you’re in Clearwater hope you’re enjoying yourself.
1- Everyone healthy so far, critically important to have everyone healthy to start,
2- Lineup looks to have Turner lead off, Harper second. I understand it, but if you want Harper to have that infield hole or not have to take pitches, how much will Turner actually be let loose? I always liked the notion of Turner/Stott because Stott hits well behind the count,
3- I thought K Long had clear direction this off-season with the hitters to let the ball get deeper to reduce chase rate and to use more of the field. I have not seen this, specifically with Turner, Nick, and Stott. They have all had bad passes in the majority of their AB’s so far and it doesn’t seem they have reduced chase rates,
4- The question becomes, who can be better this year. I think Bohm got derailed last year by injury and can finish better. He’s bigger and it’s a huge year for him for long term with the franchise. Stott has to better and reverse the step back he took last year. Kepler/Marsh/Rojas can be better than Hayes/Marsh/Rojas last year. The biggest plus is the starting pitching can be MUCH better given the land mine that existed last year with #5. They have a good staff that will get better when Painter is added. It looks like they will go 6 man staff which will help Ranger and Painter. The staff can be really good. The pen is probably not as good to start but I expect this is a work in progress with deals to be made at the break.
5- I expect Marshan to come north along with Clemens and Tajuan. Biggest thing I’m watching is Turner who has not put together good AB’s early. Harper’s statement about going back to the OF was an interesting salvo. That won’t impact this year but it will be a BIG story in advance of 2026. I thought Schwarber would be extended this spring, watching that as well.
If you’re in Clearwater hope you’re enjoying yourself.
2- Lineup looks to have Turner lead off, Harper second. I understand it, but if you want Harper to have that infield hole or not have to take pitches, how much will Turner actually be let loose? I always liked the notion of Turner/Stott because Stott hits well behind the count,
All awesome points but totally in agreement with this one.
I know that would push several people down in the lineup but still could still keep a good left/right balance throughout and, I believe, build better protection in the lineup.
I would also toy with Stott /Turner Harper/Bohm/Schwarbs//Castellanos/Marsh/JT and whoever lineup
I just like the idea of guys that can run back to back in the order.
For streaky players like Stott and Marsh, they need to play everyday to be effective. They need to see lefty pitching to get over their issues. Hopefully Thompson sticks to his word.