Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Reasons Team Need Not Panic After Slow Start

The Philadelphia Phillies’ season has been like a real life version of the movie The Hangover so far.  It’s featured a little bit of everything, and we’re not quite sure how we got here.

Through 50 games the Phillies are 26-24.  Not terrible, but not the same pace that saw the team win a franchise record 102 games last season.

And with a payroll over $170 million, a record that has been hovering near the .500 mark and the bottom of the National League East may not be what was expected by this point in the season.

However, with the circumstances that the team has faced this season, a record that is just over .500 through 50 games may be just what the Phils need in order to remain within striking distance in the NL East.

With Ryan Howard and Chase Utley working their way back from injuries, the Phillies have a chance to receive midseason upgrades that not only affect the right side of their infield, but are also two key pieces of their lineup.

While this season has not gotten off to the type of start that was hoped for following a 102-win season last year, reasons for optimism still exist in a season that has already featured a little bit of everything.

Begin Slideshow

Why Cole Hamels’ Exit Would Mean End of Halladay, Lee’s World Series Dreams

Last season’s playoff exit not only ended the Philadelphia Phillies’ season, but also Cliff Lee’s streak of two-consecutive World Series appearances.

However, in a rotation that also features the likes of Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels, Lee may have a good chance of pitching in the World Series once again.

Halladay and Lee’s combined win total of over 300-career games gives the Phils one of the major league’s strongest starting rotations, and one that is currently leading the National League in strikeouts and ranked third in ERA.

But could the chances of Lee reaching another World Series and Halladay reaching his first take a hit this offseason?

For as dominant as the two pitchers have been since joining the Phillies and throughout their careers, Halladay and Lee’s World Series dreams could be dealt a major blow if Hamels does not re-sign with the team.

From 1999-2009, the seasons in which Halladay made more than 10 starts for the Toronto Blue Jays, the team finished in second place in the American League East once and never made the playoffs.

Since joining the Phillies prior to the 2010 season, Halladay has made five starts, including a no-hitter in his first ever playoff game, and has a 2.37 ERA.

From 2004 to midway through the 2009 season, the seasons in which Lee made more than 10 starts for the Cleveland Indians, the team made the playoffs once, although Lee did not appear in the postseason.

In two stints with the Phillies, Lee is 4-1 with 42 strikeouts in six postseason starts, including two complete games.

However, neither of these pitchers has won a World Series yet.

Hamels, who has a 3.09 ERA in 13 postseason starts for the Phils, has been a part of a World Series title, and has also won World Series MVP honors.

The three pitchers have appeared in multiple postseason games for the Phillies, although in different seasons, since 2009.  Apart from each other, only Hamels has a World Series title.

And if Hamels doesn’t re-sign with the team, Halladay and Lee’s chances of appearing in a World Series may become even more difficult.

While Hamels will not turn 29 until after the season, Halladay and Lee will be 35 and 34 years old, respectively, by season’s end.  Halladay has also pitched over twice as many innings as Hamels.

With Joe Blanton also set to become a free agent, the Phillies could have two spots in their rotation to fill.  Which means the team may have difficulty putting together another starting rotation capable of posting a 3.15 ERA and 250 strikeouts through 43 games.

Meanwhile, the Phillies’ highest ranked pitching prospects are currently pitching in Double-A or lower levels in the minor leagues.  By the time these prospects reach the major league level and start finding success, Halladay and Lee may be impending free agents whose ages put them closer to 40. 

Hamels’ exit could force the Phillies to find either free agents or minor league prospects to place into the starting rotation with Halladay and Lee, which may be no easy task.

The team may also be forced to upgrade areas besides the starting rotation.  The Phillies’ lineup has received its share of criticism this season after getting off to a slow start, and Halladay and Lee have witnessed firsthand the team’s early season lack of run support. 

Halladay is currently 4-4 with 56 strikeouts and a 3.58 ERA.  However, after beginning the season 3-0, the Phillies lost Halladay’s next five starts.  In 10 starts by Halladay this season, the Phillies have scored two runs or fewer six times.  Although Lee is currently winless this season, the team has scored two runs or fewer in four of his six starts.  Lee has still posted a 2.66 ERA while striking out 40 batters.

If the Phillies’ offense continues to struggle once Ryan Howard and Chase Utley return, the team could be forced to find upgrades to their lineup in addition to replacing Hamels.  Which means the chances of Halladay and Lee appearing in a World Series could be tied to how quickly the Phillies can replenish their roster.

In addition to possibly having to replace 40 percent of their starting rotation this offseason, the Phillies could feel the effects of losing Hamels in the postseason.  In a best-of-five series, a pitcher such as Vance Worley, Kyle Kendrick, or an offseason acquisition may have to pitch the third game of the series.  Although the Phils would still be competitive, their chances of advancing in a postseason series would not be as high without Hamels in the picture following starts by Halladay and Lee.

Of course, if Hamels does return, the Phillies’ starting rotation could remain as the consistent backbone of the team going forward. 

Since joining the Phillies and a rotation that includes Hamels, Halladay has struck out over 215 batters in each of his two full seasons with the team.  Prior to pitching in a rotation that also includes Hamels, Halladay’s season high for strikeouts was 208.  He had also only eclipsed the 200 strikeout mark in a season three times before joining the Phillies.

Halladay had one season while with the Blue Jays in which he had an ERA under 2.75 while making at least 10 starts in a season.  While pitching for the Phillies, Halladay has never had an ERA over 2.45.

Lee’s lowest ERA with the Indians was a 2.54 mark during his Cy Young award winning season in 2008.  Last season in his first full season with the Phillies, Lee posted a 2.40 mark.

Although both Halladay and Lee have won Cy Young awards with teams other than the Phillies, both pitchers have seen some of their best seasons take place with the team and in a rotation that also includes Hamels.

With Hamels in the rotation, both Halladay and Lee may have their best chances of reaching a World Series.

Without Hamels, Halladay and Lee’s World Series dreams may vanish.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

4 Ways Roy Halladay Is Pitching More Than Ever Like a Finesse Pitcher

With a fastball whose average velocity prior to this season was around 92 mph, Roy Halladay may not have been considered a pitcher who got by using only his power until this point in his career.

However, the recently turned 35-year-old’s pitching style may resemble more of a finesse manner more so than ever during his 14th season in the major leagues.

After logging over 2,500 innings in his career, Halladay’s cutter has averaged 89 mph through eight starts this season, its lowest velocity since the pitcher joined the Phillies prior to the 2010 season.

But, rather than his age or health being reasons for the decrease in velocity, might Halladay simply be transitioning into a pitcher who focuses more heavily on command and pitch movement?

Here are four ways in which Halladay has been pitching more than ever like a finesse pitcher this season.

 

(Note: All statistics and information relating to pitches were obtained from fangraphs.com)

Begin Slideshow

Which Philadelphia Phillies Prospects Are Part of the Long-Term Plan?

Midseason and offseason trades in recent years have seen a number of prospects leave the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor-league system.

However, despite 16 prospects being traded in deals for Joe Blanton, Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence, the Phils’ minor-league system still contains prospects projected to contribute at the major-league level.

For every prospect, such as Travis d’Arnaud and Jarred Cosart, whom the team has traded in recent years, prospects such as Trevor May and Jesse Biddle have emerged as players with the potential to one day contribute for the Phils at the big-league level.

Of course, that’s barring any future trades.

And although he’s lost his prospect status after playing in 56 major-league games with 184 at-bats last season, Domonic Brown still has the potential to contribute for the Phils after rising through the team’s minor-league ranks.

A number of these prospects may not simply be part of the group that is left following recent trades.

Throughout their minor-league system, the Phillies have multiple prospects who may be part of the team’s long-term plan.

Here are 10 prospects who may be part of that plan.

Begin Slideshow

Philadelphia Phillies: Why the Nats Are Bigger Long-Term Threat Than Braves

As the first month of the regular season winds down, first place in the National League East belongs to both the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves.

This means that the Philadelphia Phillies, winners of the past five National League East titles, have their share of competition as they attempt to continue their streak this season.

Prior to finishing third in the division last season, the Washington franchise had finished last in the NL East in six of the past eight seasons.  During that time, Atlanta finished first or second in the division four times.

After 22 games this season, both teams find themselves atop the National League East, and ahead of the Phillies.

But between the two, one team has a chance to become a bigger long-term threat to the Phillies than the other.

The Nationals’ rise to the top of the NL East may not be limited to just this season.

Begin Slideshow

Philadelphia Phillies: Can They Survive Without Ryan Howard in the Lineup?

The Philadelphia Phillies were forced to start four different players at first base in their first four games to start the season in the absence of Ryan Howard, as he recovers from an Achilles injury. 

Those four players—Ty Wigginton, John Mayberry, Jr., Laynce Nix and Jim Thome—have combined to bat .191 so far this season.

That’s a far cry from the .283 batting average posted by Howard through the first 16 games of last season.

The Phillies have been forced to start the season without their starters on the right side of the infield, as Chase Utley joins Howard on the disabled list.  These absences have played a hand in the Phils ranking 15th in the National League in runs and near the bottom of the league in home run total.

So far this season, Phillies’ first basemen have hit eight RBI while striking out 17 times.  Through 16 games last season, Howard had driven in 15 runs.

For a team that ranks 15th in the National League in RBI, Howard’s return could bring with it the run production that the Phils have been searching for early on in the season.

However, with Howard waiting to be cleared to increase his workouts, and after having not played a game in spring training, the first baseman’s return date may still be up in the air.

Howard’s absence also forces the team to take Hunter Pence out of the five-hole in the lineup and move him to the clean-up spot.  Currently, Phillies’ five-hole hitters have hit just two extra-base hits this season, the lowest total in the National League.

Pence’s move to the clean-up spot has resulted in a .258 batting average to go with seven RBI and four extra-base hits.

The Phils finished last season with 54 home runs and 212 RBI combined from the fourth and fifth spots in their lineup.

The Phillies as a team, however, have collected 129 hits so far this season, tied for sixth-best in the National League.  They also are averaging 77.1 at-bats per home run, the second-worst average in the National League and an area where Howard’s presence could have it effect felt following his return.

But until then, how can the Phillies get by without Howard in their lineup?  And how can the team recover if his absence continues to stretch further into the season?

The Phillies as a team have had 151 at-bats in which they were ahead in the count, as opposed to a major league-leading 219 at-bats in which they were behind.  They are also batting .219 with runners in scoring position.

While Howard was able to bat .298 and hit 78 RBI with runners in scoring position last season, this season’s clean-up hitter has managed a .235 batting average and five RBI with runners in scoring position. 

As Pence continues to fill in for Howard at the clean-up spot, and as the Phils continue to struggle to score runs, his performance with runners in scoring position may become even more crucial.

Another player whose performances in Howard’s absence could be crucial is Mayberry, who is batting .175 with two RBI so far this season.  Stronger performances from Mayberry could allow the Phils to start him at first and play Juan Pierre, who is batting .326 to start the season, in left field more frequently.

Placido Polanco’s presence at the top of the Phil’s lineup could provide Pence with more opportunities to drive in runs.  However, Polanco’s .192 batting average and .222 OBP have led to limited opportunities early on in the season.  If his offense comes around, the team may not only have more opportunities for driving in runs, but could also improve on their collective .283 OBP.

These factors could not only improve the team’s offense now, but also position the lineup to receive a significant boost when Howard returns.  Once Utley returns as well, these improved performances could provide the Phils with the offensive production from the first half of their lineup that they have been searching for early on this season.

The Phillies’ recent play has demonstrated that Howard’s contributions, as well as his presence in the lineup, play huge roles in the success of the offense.

However, until he returns, the Phils may have to do their best to get by while leaning on the current lineup to adjust quickly to new roles.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies: Would the Team Trade Cole Hamels If No Deal Is Reached?

A 2013 starting rotation that does not include Cole Hamels may be something that the Philadelphia Phillies never want to envision.  However, with each day that an agreement on a long-term deal is not reached, the chance remains that Hamels could be pitching elsewhere next season.

Both the Phillies and Hamels have expressed their desire to reach a long-term deal, and negotiations during spring training have seemingly led to differing opinions on the new contract’s length rather than financial amount.

Hamels, who has spent his entire career with the Phillies after being drafted by the team in 2002, has gone 75-55 with 1,110 strikeouts and a 3.40 ERA during his six-year major league career.

Last season the left-hander went 14-9 with 194 strikeouts and a 2.79 ERA while finishing fifth in National League Cy Young award voting.

These types of performances have put Hamels, a free agent-to-be, in line for a long-term deal worth over $100 million, a dollar figure that only a handful of pitchers in major league history have received.

While the financial amount of Hamels’ next contract is sure to place him among the league’s highest paid pitchers, uncertainty surrounds which team will sign him to such a deal.

Although Hamels, the Phillies, and a majority of fans may rather see the pitcher re-sign with the team on a long-term contract, each day that an agreement is not reached continues with the uncertainty.

And as the season progresses without a new contract in place, a question could arise that neither the fans nor the team may want to ask:

Would the Phillies trade Cole Hamels if no deal is reached?

The Phillies could either sign Hamels to a long-term deal prior to free agency or risk watching him leave during the offseason and receive only draft pick compensation in return.

The recent contract given to Matt Cain by the San Francisco Giants is likely to factor into the Phils’ negotiations, as Hamel’s next deal could exceed the six-year, $127.5 million deal given to Cain that includes a vesting option for a seventh season.

Another potential factor may be the recent sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who could afford to sign Hamels to a deal worth well over $100 million if he becomes a free agent.

With less competition on the free-agent market to be the top starting pitcher available, and potential suitors beginning to surface, could the Phillies have a decision to make if no deal is reached early in the season?

A trade may be a long shot, but its potential benefits could play a role if the Phils feel as if Hamels is leaning towards departing.

Trading Hamels, a left-handed pitcher still in his prime, could single-handedly replenish the Phillies’ farm system.

If trades for Zack Greinke and Gio Gonzalez in consecutive offseasons led to the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics each receiving four prospects in return, a trade for Hamels could result in the Phillies receiving at least four, if not five prospects to add to their minor league system.  A team would have to be willing to acquire Hamels in the hopes of signing him to a long-term deal, but the potential payoff could be too enticing to let pass.

The Milwaukee Brewers also traded four prospects in order to acquire CC Sabathia in 2008, a left-hander who, similar to Hamels, was a few months away from free agency.

Trading Hamels could also result in the Phillies acquiring major league level talent to add to their lineup.  With uncertainty in left field, and potential replacements needed at third base and center field next season, trading Hamels could help the Phils solidify their lineup going forward.

Hamels also plays a position that may be the strongest of any area of the Phillies roster.

Of course, it would be much stronger with Hamels in the fold for the long term.

Hamels already has 19 strikeouts in 12.1 innings this season, while walking just one batter.  His strikeout total ties him for the early season lead in the National League.

Trading Hamels may be the last move the Phillies want to make, but as the season continues and no deal is reached, the team may have to consider the long-term future of the entire roster.  As injuries continue to mount and run production continues to decline, the money potentially given to Hamels could also go to other areas of the lineup.

Every effort may be given to keeping Hamels in a Phillies uniform past this season, but if no deal is reached, the Phils may be forced to look at all of their options.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Possible Short-Term Replacements for Freddy Galvis

Freddy Galvis became the first Philadelphia Phillies player to start on Opening Day while making his major league debut in over 40 years when the Phils opened the regular season against the Pittsburgh Pirates last week.

But as the Phillies struggle collectively to get their offense started early in the season, the team could look to change up their lineup by finding a short-term replacement for Galvis, who has one hit and a .077 batting average in 13 at-bats to start the season.

If the Phils plan on having Chase Utley return from injury around the same time he did last season, or sooner, they may not need a long-term replacement at second base.

With a number of starters cemented at their positions, the Phillies could have to weather the storm until their offense erupts.

However, Galvis and his spot at second base could be looked at for possible short-term replacements.

Begin Slideshow

Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Infield Options They Can Still Acquire Via Trade

Injuries and the Philadelphia Phillies’ infielders seem to find each other too often as of late.

Infielders such as Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Placido Polanco combined to miss 90 games last season while on the disabled list.

This season, Ryan Howard, Utley and Michael Martinez are likely to begin the season on the disabled list, while Polanco missed time during spring training due to a finger injury.

Between questions of depth at the position and uncertainty as to the timetables for the return of some players from injury, the Phillies may be on the lookout for infield options they can acquire via trade prior to Opening Day.

The Phils may be able to get by with their current infielders, but prolonged absences could force the team to scan the trade market.

Begin Slideshow

7 Phillies Prospects Who May Be Forced into Action Early Due to Injuries

The Philadelphia Phillies seem to be making headlines more for their injured players this spring than for those who have been on the field.

With Ryan Howard set to begin the season on the disabled list, and the recent news of Chase Utley’s injury, the Phillies’ opening day lineup could be missing two crucial names.

This occurs after a 2011 season in which nearly 15 players spent time on the disabled list or experienced some sort of injury.

While the Phillies were able to acquire players capable of playing first base during the offseason, the team has had to make internal adjustments as more players miss time during spring training.

Freddy Galvis may be on pace to open the season as the Phils’ starting second baseman, but he may not be the only Phillies’ prospect forced into early action this season.

Begin Slideshow

« Previous Page — Next Page »