The Philadelphia Phillies will begin their 2018 regular season this Thursday when they square off against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday at 4:10 p.m. in Atlanta. Despite a rocky 2017 campaign in which the Fightin’ Phils earned a dismal 66-96 record, Philadelphia is primed for a turnaround season in 2018 led by a new manager and a new ace in the starting rotation.
This past off-season the Phillies introduced the progressively analytical Gabe Kapler as their new manager. At the ripe age of 42, Kapler will become the 54th manager in Phillies team history. Philadelphia will also be his first crack at a managerial role. Formerly a journeyman outfielder and head of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kapler is known around the league as a health food fanatic and a proponent of advanced statistics. Kapler’s unique West Coast perspective will bring welcomed changes to the Phillies’ clubhouse, as the organization hasn’t had a winning record since 2011 and have been behind the rest of the league regarding their use of analytics.
The Phillies also bolstered their roster during the offseason with the addition of veteran right-handed pitcher Jake Arrieta. Arrieta, who was a key figure during the Chicago Cub’s historic World Series win, has posted an overall record of 88-56 with an ERA of 3.57 during his eight year career. The 2015 CY Young winner is known for generating deceptive ball movement on his curveballs and sliders and generally relies on swinging strikes and groundballs. Arrieta also has two no-hitters under his belt and holds the major league record for lowest ERA in a season with a 0.75 ERA.
The $75 million move to bring in a top pitcher like Arrieta instantly increases the Phillies’ chances of making a run for the National League wildcard. Factor in other big moves like the $60 million signing of first baseman Carlos Santana as well as additions to the bullpen in Pat Neshek and Tommy Hunter, and this team’s offseason acquisitions take them from bottom dwellers to viable contenders.
In addition to Arrieta, the Phillies prospective starting rotation will see the return of rising star Aaron Nola in the number two spot along with some scrappy members of the 2017 rotation in Ben Lively, Nick Pavetta and Vince Velasques.
If Arrieta and Nola can win 10 to 15 games each, that should be enough of a cushion to make up for the streaky play of the other starters in rotation.
In the outfield, the Phillies will see the return of a solid core of young players in Rhys Hoskins at left field, Odubel Herrera in center and Nick Williams at right field. Hoskins was the breakout star for the Phillies last season after hitting 18 homers in only 170 at bats for a slugging percentage of .618. His numbers were awe-inspiring considering the fact that he only played 50 games in 2017. Kapler will rely on similar production from Hoskins during most of the season if they are to make a postseason run.
In the infield, Cesar Hernandez returns at second base, Carlos Santana will bring a fresh face and a power bat at first and Jorge Alfaro will split time at catcher with Cameron Rupp. Along the left side of the infield, Maikel Franco will look to improve on a disappointing 2017 season in which he had a .230 batting average and rookie J.P Crawford will try and prove that he has what it takes to be a Major League-caliber shortstop.
On the bench and in the bullpen is where the Phils might be at their weakest for this upcoming year. Hector Neris will act as closer for the Phillies and has been strong in that role in the past, posting 26 saves on 29 opportunities in 2017. However, beyond Neris, the Phils don’t have much in the bullpen other than the average play of Neshek and Hunter who will have to carry the majority of the reliving roles. Having the starters pitch deep into the games will be a primary focus for Kapler’s squad in 2018.
Although Aaron Altherr provides a safety net for the outfield, the Phillies are lacking strong reserves for the infield. However, up-and-coming prospect Scott Kingery has dazzled in spring training and should look to dominate on the Triple-A Lehigh Valley Ironpigs squad as their starting second baseman. Kingery is currently batting .378 in Clearwater and has four home runs as well as seven RBIs on 17 hits. If he continues his hot bat and solid defensive work, Kapler may have no choice but to call up Kingery and give him a chance to earn a spot over the perpetually average Hernandez.
With new leadership and a solid core of returning young prospects, this feels like the start of a new era in Phillies baseball. With any luck, the Phillies will add to the excitement that already surrounds this great sports city by staying competitive and making a legitimate run for the postseason. Expect a lot of wins from Arreita and a lot of homers by Franco and Hoskins during an 83-79 regular season.
Andrew Heller is a first-year graduate student majoring in English. ✉ AH804286@wcupa.edu.