Can the Phillies pull a 4-peat and yet again win National League East?
The All-Star Game is in the past now so it’s a bout time that the Phillies get guys back into the lineup and let “Hitting Season” begin.
The second half push towards the World Series starts Thursday night at Wrigley Field in Chicago. And the Phillies have some work to do if they plan on October baseball at the ballpark -- the Phils are 4.5 games behind Atlanta in NL East.
But unlike last yea when the biggest questions exiting the break revolved around pitching -- Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez were the answers -- this season the Phillies have questions all over the roster.
The biggest question to answer could be what to do about Chase Utley being out of the lineup until possibly Labor Day. The Phillies have plugged guys like Wilson Valdez, Juan Castro and Cody Ransom into the infield as Utley and soon-to-return Placido Polanco sat out with injuries.
But, the Phillies could use another bench player -- especially someone able to play second -- until Utley returns. Once Chase comes back that player could come off the bench.
There are big question marks at the corner outfield spots. Right fielder Jayson Werth continues his seemingly inevitable march towards free agency and left fielder Raul Ibanez continues his seeming inevitable march towards retirement.
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Werth first. The power hitter has had ups and downs this season as contract questions and fan altercations have hung over his bearded head. With no other right-handed batter on the Phillies even in the ballpark of Werth’s power numbers -- 13 homers, 49 RBI and .514 slugging percentage -- it’s unlikely that Werth will be dealt before the trade deadline.
Raul would likely be dealt if anyone wanted him. But there isn't much value out their for an overpaid 38-year-old left fielder who seems on the decline.
He has struggled all season to catch up to the fastball and has managed a paltry seven homers, 39 RBI and .397 slugging that makes it look like he never will be the same guy he was in the first half last season.
The Phillies solution at the corners in the outfield could be to finally give minor-league stud Dom Brown a shot in the show. He’s earned it by posting a .326 average, .608 slugging, 19 home runs, 59 RBI, 59 runs and 14 steals combined between Reading and Lehigh Valley this season.
Dom’s time is now and if Raul continues to struggle don’t be surprised if Brown takes over in left before the end of the season.
Of course we could go on about pitching but what arms general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. could bring into town will be a mystery until it happens. Don’t be surprised if Pedro isn’t called on again for a couple months of service.
In any case the Phillies are built to be a second half team and have played better after the All-Star break on their way to three-straight NL East championships.
Will they make it a fourth?
