When the 2016 season opened there were many question marks across the infield, with 3rd baseman Maikel Franco the only player who seemed a reliable source of production.But as the season unfolded, the infielders mostly answered those questions in a positive fashion. In fact, Franco may have been the most disappointing player among the regular performers.Back in spring … Continue reading Philadelphia Phillies 2016 Grades: Infielders
Phillies enduring a see-saw 2016 season
At the beginning of the 2016 Major League Baseball regular season, more than four months ago now, I came out with my predictions for the upcoming Phillies season.In that prediction piece, I picked the club to finish a dozen games better than their putrid bottom-of-baseball 2015 campaign, going 75-87 when the books were closed on … Continue reading Phillies enduring a see-saw 2016 season
Phillies need to develop better middle infield options
For more than a decade from May of 2004 through the 2014 MLB trade deadline, fans of the Phillies were treated to perhaps the best middle infield combination in all of baseball, and easily the best combo in the history of the franchise over such a long period of time.It was in May of 2004 that … Continue reading Phillies need to develop better middle infield options
Phillies Infield: What’s on 2nd?
The Philadelphia Phillies rebuilding plan continues in 2016, and coming up with the next great 2nd baseman is proving a real challenge.For the better part of a dozen seasons, Phillies managers Larry Bowa, Charlie Manuel, Ryne Sandberg, and Pete Mackanin filled out their lineup card with the same name at the 2nd base position.In many of those dozen seasons, Chase Utley was one of … Continue reading Phillies Infield: What’s on 2nd?
Phillies 2015 report cards: Infielders
Based on plate appearances, the regular starting infield for the 2015 Philadelphia Phillies was made up of first baseman Ryan Howard, second baseman Cesar Hernandez, shortstop Freddy Galvis, and third baseman Maikel Franco.Others receiving significant playing time in the Phillies infield this past season were Chase Utley, Andres Blanco, Cody Asche, and Darin Ruf. Those eight players received the overwhelming majority of the playing time … Continue reading Phillies 2015 report cards: Infielders
MATT VEASEY 