When Grapefruit League action ended and the Philadelphia Phillies left their spring training home in Clearwater, Florida back at the end of March, there were few who held high hopes for the coming 2016 season.The Fightin' Phils had ceased any serious fightin' after a .500 season in 2012, one which put an end to a streak of … Continue reading Philadelphia Phillies 2016 season in review
Philadelphia Phillies 2016 grade: Coaching staff
In 2015 the Philadelphia Phillies were the worst team in Major League Baseball, finishing at the bottom of not just the NL East or the National League, but all of MLB with a 63-99 record.That finish was the worst for the organization in 43 years. It came on the heels of back-to-back 73-89 seasons.So entering … Continue reading Philadelphia Phillies 2016 grade: Coaching staff
Philadelphia Phillies 2016 grades: Rotation
When the 2016 regular season opened, the Phillies anticipated a starting rotation of veterans Jeremy Hellickson and Charlie Morton pitching in front of youngsters Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff.The role of fifth starter in that rotation was a wide open spring training battle, with the favorites being a pair of left-handers with big league experience in newcomerBrett Oberholtzer and organizational arm Adam Morgan.But another … Continue reading Philadelphia Phillies 2016 grades: Rotation
Philadelphia Phillies 2016 grades: Bullpen
The Phillies bullpen exited spring training with no clearly established closer, had one emerge and received strong early work from the relievers, but have seen that bullpen group collapse as the season draws to a close.After the latest collapse on Tuesday night, when the pen surrendered all of a 6-1 lead following a rain delay … Continue reading Philadelphia Phillies 2016 grades: Bullpen
Philadelphia Phillies 2016 grades: Outfielders
There is probably a wide swath of the larger Philadelphia sports fan base who were not paying much attention to the Phillies during the month of September.Unless you are, like myself, one of the hard cores who follows closely year ’round no matter the circumstances, you missed something significant and exciting.That exciting and significant development … Continue reading Philadelphia Phillies 2016 grades: Outfielders
MATT VEASEY 