No Pessimistic Energy Allowed: The Phillies Are a Playoff Lock in 2021
We’re Bryce Harper days away from seeing red pinstripes grace the diamond in Clearwater.
Castaway your dispersions and doubts; I will tolerate zero pessimistic energy, especially when we’re a Jake Odorizzi and Shane Greene signing away from being a lock for the playoffs.
Photo: NBC Sports Philadelphia
I couldn’t find the total stat, but it’ll be enough to convey the point. It’s overstated at times but essential to acknowledge when we analyze the current and potential arms. In 36 out of 42 games last year, the Phillies held the lead at some juncture.
The takeaway from this; ending what feels like half a century-long playoff draught is competent pitching.
Greene’s coming off a nice 60 game stretch last season with a 2.6 ERA and a strikeout per nine average close to 7. He’s held it down reasonably well in the Braves pen these previous couple of years and was an All-Star in Detroit before his trade. Odorizzi isn’t a stud by any means, but the man can get hitters out as a fourth starter (I’ve already inked Zach Eflin as the three).
Entering his tenth big league season, Odorizzi’s respectable 3.92 ERA fits the description for a number four starter to a tee. Not to mention the rippling effects it would have on the competition for the fifth starter. A team on the brink of playoff contention needs all of the extra competition, experience, and savviness available. The pair, both in their early 30s, have completed over a half-decade in the bigs; There isn’t a duo available more suit to fill out the haul of new arms added this offseason.
The dilemma here lies in whether the Phillies want to go over the luxury tax before the season starts or wait to see how this team progresses until the trade deadline July 31.
If the Phils bring both arms aboard, you can officially say they’ve gone all in.
However, do the Phillies go over the tax for proven commodities that round out a roster or take a shot on guys for minor league deals to see if they can provide similar production and save that money for the next free agency, which includes the names, Verlander and Scherzer. A nice thought to ponder for those like me who are chewing their fingernails off waiting for Sunday.
Another interesting note: Jim Salisbury brought up the possibility that with the Matt Moore and Chris Anderson deals guaranteeing major league roster spots, Spencer Howard may see his initial role coming out of the pen as a hybrid sixth starter who comes out for 2-3 innings.
A possibility exists there’s genuine concern over Howard’s shoulder, seeing that he’s never thrown over 100 innings in any professional season, or this could be part of the developmental process in building up his shoulder strength to then become a full-time member of the rotation.
I’ll take the ladder not only because I’m overly optimistic about the Phils, but Howard is just 24. Giving up Sixto
Sanchez in the JT trade puts a tag on Spence, practically mandating he needs to live up to the hype. So, if a 2-3 inning role out of the pen, where he would dominate, is the best position for him in the eyes of the people who work with him, every day you have my blessing.
We’re already a playoff-caliber team as presently constructed, but adding either of these two pieces plus a potential Howard fire blazer coming out of the pen for 2-3 innings; Someone buy me a plane ticket to Clearwater; I’m ready to rock.
Featured Image: NBC Sports Philadelphia
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