An Open Forum on the 2013 Philadelphia Phillies

April 11, 2013

The 2013 Major League Baseball season has been underway for a little more than a week now. Coming out of Spring Training, it appeared that the Phillies had several concerns that still needed to be addressed:

1. Who would be the every day left and right fielders?
2. Would Roy Halladay escape the funk that showed in Grapefruit League action?
3. How would Carlos Ruiz' 25-game suspension affect the team offensively and defensively?
4. Could the 4th and 5th starters (Kendrick and Lannan) keep them in games long enough for the bullpen to take over effectively?
5. Is Michael Young the answer at third base?

I'll start by answering these questions in reverse...

A) Michael Young appears to be the real deal and, so long as he stays moderately healthy, will provide a solid right-handed bat and strong glove at the Hot Corner.

B) The jury's still out

C) Eric Kratz (with occasional help from Quintero) is no Chooch. While he has shown a stronger-than-expected arm, he is, ultimately, a liability on both sides. The Phillies need a Major Leadue catcher behind the plate, and I put this completely on Ruben Amaro for not going out and getting someone.

D) There is obviously something wrong with Doc. Some say the issue's in his head; some say it's his mechanics. I'll go out on a limb with my theory: whatever he'd been taking to keep him strong, he has chosen to stop taking. He lost a good deal of weight in the spring (attributed to the flu), but I thinking it's something much different. Don't assume I have any inside information that isn't available to the rest of the world. This is just my theory and, from watching Hallady pitch, ya gotta believe it's possible.

E) John Mayberry, Jr. and Domonic Brown seem to be Charlie's choices for LF and RF. Probably not anyone's first or second (or twenty-third) choice for starting outfielders, but they've also shown some promise after 10 games. Just last night, Brown pulled a Jeremy Hafner meatball into the second deck, one night after Mayberry crushed one to left off of the Mets' Dillon Gee during the 4th inning Home Run Derby.

Now folks, it's up too you to keep this going. I'll add my Philliesophy every couple of days - more often if the need arises.

Coming soon... a discussion about Charlie.

ERNDroid