#6
The Philadelphia Phillies followed up a surprisingly strong 2018 season by winning the Bryce Harper sweepstakes this offseason. Will all their moves lead to another step forward in 2019?
2018 Predictions
3rd in NL East
This will be Gabe Kapler's only season as Phillies manager.
2018 Results
80-82, 3rd in NL East
I had the Phillies mostly predicted where they ended up, but finishing in 3rd doesn't tell the whole story of their season. They were competing for the division title most of the season only to fall away down the stretch. Their record ended up uner .500, but most of the season the talk of the NL East was the Phillies and Braves as the upstart surprises at the top of the division. Gabe Kapler's early criticism quickly died off as the team found success.
Additions / Subtractions
Ownership for the Phillies made news early in the offseason claiming they were willing to spend "crazy money" over the offseason. It took awhile, but crazy money they spent when they brought in Bryce Harper on a 13 year contract. However, that was not the only move they made. They also traded for what many consider the best catcher in baseball in J.T. Realmuto. They have a new shortstop in Jean Segura, acquired in a trade with Seattle. They solidified the back of their bullpen by bringing in David Robertson and rounded out their outfield by signing Andrew McCutchen. They definitely spent some stupid money and made the most of it.
Most Important Hitter
Bryce Harper
He is the one that got all the money. He is the one that everyone is watching. He is their most important hitter. This lineup is loaded, but it really only works if Harper produces in the middle of the lineup. Not only is he the biggest name, but he is one of the only left-handed bats in the order. Harper got this money hoping he jumps back up to his MVP level.
Most Important Pitcher
David Robertson
The main reason the Phillies started to fall apart down the stretch was a lack of a bullpen. They couldn't finish a game. David Robertson has been brought in to fix that. He has been a closer, but he has also been a utility arm in the bullpen, pitching wherever he is needed. He will be counted on this season to be the difference maker.
Prospect to Watch
Adonis Medina
One of the Phillies top prospects is 22 year old right-handed pitcher Adonis Medina. Last season, he pitched exclusively in A ball and will start this season in AA, but if the Phillies are in the playoff hunt down the stretch, look for Medina to get a shot in the big leagues to be a spark plug in their bullpen with a shot at making their rotation in 2020.
2019 Prediction
1st in NL East, lose in NLDS
The NL East is going to be super competitive this season, and I see the Phillies being the team to emerge from the group. Their lineup is just too loaded, and the top of their rotation is elite. They are going to be hard to beat. There is an argument that they are the most talented team now in the National League. I am tempted to pick them to go all the way to the World Series, but these super teams never go all the way in year one. They might be my 2020 World Series pick though.
Fearless Prediction
Aaron Nola will win the 2019 NL Cy Young.
I am a huge fan of Aaron Nola. He basically came out of nowhere last year to have a huge season. Everyone talks about Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, but you might forget that Nola finished 3rd in the Cy Young race last season. I see Nola being energized by their revamped offense to be even better and bring home the trophy in 2019.
No comments:
Post a Comment