Making the Phillies Great Again!

[FantasticPhanatic23]

End of June Update

The season appears to be over for the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies are now 33-44 (.436) on the season, tying for last place in the division with divisional Atlanta Braves (33-44) (.436). The Phillies dropped the last two meetings against the New York Mets and only won 4 of the last 10 games. The organization stated that they will focus on selling this off season, making room for the next wave of talent due to reach the Major Leagues in the next two seasons.

First round of Releases

Cam Perkins and Cameron Rupp were released at the end of June. Rupp spent 5 years with the Phillies, posting a .291 OBP, 1.8 WAR, 7.0 BB%, 28.6 SO%, .295 BABPID and 82 wRC+, on 853 AB. However, the veteran catcher continued to struggle putting up a .193 OBP, -0.4 WAR, 7.0 BB%, 35.1 SO%, .188 BABIP, 0 wRC+ on 57 AB.

With young catcher prospects Kyle Farmer, Andrew Knapp, and Jorge Alfaro; the organization decided it was time to part ways. Jorge Alfaro will take his place on the MLB Roster.

Cameron Perkins was released as well. Perkins (29 OVR) posted sub-par AAA numbers and a .229 OBP, -0.1 WAR, 5.7 BB%, 22.9% SO%, .174 BABIP, 60 wRC+ on 57 AB. The organization does not see Perkins as a long term option for the Out Field position with Roman Quinn, Andrew Pullin, Jake Mangum, Mickey Moniak, and Dylan Cozens working their way through the organization.

The Hernandez / Gennett Problem

Now that the Phillies are in “SELL MODE,” the organization must decide on whether or not they will keep both Scooter Gennett and Cesar Hernandez on the team. Both players have played great baseball to this point. Gennett started the season on the Opening Day Roster going .311 OBP, 0.0 WAR, 6.6 BB%, 21.9 SO%, .144 ISO, .306 BABIP, 88 wRC+ on 183 AB. Gennett started the season strong, hitting a Grand Slam. However, he was replaced on the roster by Cesar Hernandez who put up tremendous numbers. Hernandez posted a .386 OBP, 1.5 WAR, 11.6 BB%, 21 SO%, .086 ISO, .383 BABIP, 113 wRC+.

Both players bring something different to the table. Gennett has great power for his age and position and provides moderate speed to the lineup. Hernandez is an .OBP machine and provides great defensive ability. Personally, I lean more towards Hernandez because he fits my “Ideal” player a little more. However, the Phillies lack a consistent power bat in the lineup. With J.P. Crawford about to move up to the Major League squad, there is not enough time to convert Scooter or Hernandez to Short Stop. Furthermore, Gennett is unhappy with his playing time. Perhaps it is time to part ways with the young 2B.

Call Ups

SP – Aaron Nola and (AAA) CL – Pat Venditte were called up at the end of the month to replace struggling SP - Zach Eflin and RP – Edubray Ramos.

Nola was sent down earlier this season due to his poor performance in the starting rotation. However, the organization feels that we could use this time as a learning experience now that the Phillies are no longer a contender. The organization also said that they could see moving Clay Buchholz and Casey Fien before the trade deadline to make room for Jered Eickhoff and Adam Morgan on the Major League squad.

Long Term Acquisition goals

The Phillies will need to become much more consistent with the both the Starting and Relief pitching in the next season to contend in the NL East.
The Phillies will look for 1-2 proven starting pitchers and 2-3 proven Relief pitchers in the off season to help assist the young talent.

The Phillies are also in need of an everyday Catcher, Power Bat (perhaps SS, OF, C), and a solid No.4 OF. It is hard to say if these upgrades will come via Free Agency or from within the organization.

Big Bats

Rhys Hoskins – The young rookie had a tremendous start to his young career hitting a 6 game hitting streak with multiple base hits. Most impressive was his stretch of 4 HRs in 4 games. Hoskins posted a .391 OBP, 0.4 WAR, 14.5 BB%, 20.3 SO%, .288 ISO, .300 BABIP, 153 wRC+

Cesar Hernandez – Perhaps the most consistent bat in the line-up, Hernandez continues to put up tremendous numbers. Hernandez posted a .383 OBP, 1.4 WAR, 11.6 BB%, 21 SO%, .086 ISO, .383 BABIP, 113 wRC+ on 267 ABs.

Kelby Tomlinson – Tomilson was a surprise acquisition this season. Part of a trade package with the SF Giants for the struggling Jeanmar Gomez. Tomlinson has posted an .345 OBP, 0.3 WAR, 6.2 BB%, 19.5 SO%, .096 ISO, .366 BABIP, 101 wRC+ on 106 AB.

Maikel Franco – Maybe Franco’s one flaw this season is a lower than average OBP. However, Franco has been in charge of the fireworks this season. Franco has hit 16 HRs this season, only being surpassed by

Aaron Altherr (17 HR). Franco posted a .283 OBP, 1.0 WAR, 6.5 BB%, 19.8 SO%, .221 ISO, .244 BABIP, 90 wRC+ on. If Franco could become a little more consistent on the bases, he could be a huge threat in league full of elite power hitters.

Nick Williams – Williams was presented with the Rookie of the Month award for the month of June. His impressive month of baseball posted a .346 OBP, 1.3 WAR, 4.1 BB%, 32.3 SO%, .226 ISO, .415 BABIP, 132 wRC+ on 217 AB. There is a lot to like about the young OF.

Odubel Herrera - Herrera has been yet another rock in the Phillies struggling offense. Herrera posted a .344 OBP, 2.0 WAR, 4.7 BB%, 21.5 SO%, .194 ISO, .348 BABIP, 119 wRC+ on 274 AB.

Aaron Altherr - I normally do not track HRs because they are never consistent year to year unless you have a guy like Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista, Giancarlo Stanton etc. But Nick Williams has been one of the few consistent power hitters on the team this year. Along with the emerging Rhys Hoskins and 3B Maikel Franco, Williams has been one of the staples in this year’s line-up, hitting 17 HRs. The American-German baseballer has posted a .325 OBP, 1.2 WAR, 6.6 BB%, 26.2 SO%, .254 ISO, .311 BABIP, 122 wRC+ on 305 AB.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

Because of the All-Star break, no end of July update will be included in the update. Does anyone have a recommendation on the Scooter Gennett / Cesar Hernandez situation? Despite the awesome numbers, the owner still wants me to upgrade at 2B. I think I will ignore this. Really I don't think there are any moves I can make this season to immediately improve the team. I think we will need 1-2 SP, 3 RP, C, 3B and SS in the off season if performance doesn't improve. Franco's numbers have dramatically fallen off and his moral is kind of... bleh.. 1 step under indifferent.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

Looking over the player development I noticed that I was loaded at SS at the AAA Level with 2x 50 POT. SS and almost no depth at 3B. Because catcher is always a problem position in OOTP I decided to make some prospect moves. I really don't like inter-divisional trades but it seemed to work out as we are both out of contention.

Phillies send
- SS - Malquin Castro

Miami Sends
- 3B - Colin Moran
- C - Max Stassi

This should provide me with some more minor league depth at other skill positions.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

The Philadelphia Sports community was completely shocked when they found out that their young 3B Maikel Franco was traded to the Los Angeles Angels tonight. While he was an everyday contributor and will be missed, the organization feels that they received a great return on the trade. One of the biggest areas of neglect in the the young developmental system was Releif Pitching. The Phillies were able to require 3 Closing Prospects in addition to a equal value 3B without spending much money.

Phillies Send
3B - Maikel Franco
SP - Tyler Viza (23 POT)

Angels Send
3B - Jefry Marte
CL - Nate Smith (Prospect 38 POT)
CL - Keynan Middleton (Prospect 38 POT)
CL - Greg Mahle (Prospect 38 POT)

Franco hit .278 OBP, 5.8 BB%, 20.8 SS%, .208 ISO, .247 BABIP, 85 wRC+ on 428 AB.

Marte hit .324 OBP, 5.4 BB%, 26.1 SS%, .217 ISO, .333 BABIP, 117 wRC+ on 222 AB.

Marte brings 6 less HRs to this point in the season. However, he brings better Def. Efficiency and Speed. It was a hard trade to make, but I am happy overall with the return on pitching.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

Here is the latest round of organizational adjustments that took place in the end of July. There is no July Update because of the All-Star weekend. Outside of the Franco Trade, no real MLB changes took place. I have my team where I want it and now I am just trying to get the minor league talent ready to advance through the minor leagues.

Minor League Restructuring
MLB
(-) RP - Brooks Pounders
(-) RP - Pat Venditte
(-) C - Kyle Farmer
(+) SP - Jerad Eickhoff
(+) SP - Zack Eflin
(+) C - Andrew Knapp

AAA
(-) RP - Pedro Beato
(-) RP - Michael Mariot
(-) RP - Cesar Ramos
(-) 3B - Harold Martinez
(-) 3B - Taylor Featherston
(+) RP - Hoby Milner
(+) C - Chance Numata
(+) RF - Herlis Rodriguez

AA
(-) SP - Shane Watson
(-) SP - Jose Taveras
(-) SP - Ranfi Casimiro
(-) RP - Matt Hockenberry
(-) RP - Yacksel Rios
(-) RP - Alexis Rivero
(-) RP - Victor Arano
(-) 3B - Jan Hernandez
(-) 3B - Harold Martinez
(-) SS - Jorge Flores
(+) SP - Franklyn Kilome
(+) SP - Cole Irvin
(+) CL - Garrett Cleavinger
(+) CF - Zack Coppola

A+
(-) SP - Harold Arauz
(-) RP - Tommy Bergjans
(-) RP - Tommy Gilbert
(-) RP - Luke Leftwich
(-) RP - Alberto Tirado
(-) 2B - Pedro Florimon
(-) 3B - Harold Martinez
(-) 3B - Mitch Walding
(-) SS - Hector Gomez
(-) SS - Jorge Flores
(-) OF - Aaron Brown
(+) SP - Jacob Waguespack
(+) 2B - Arquimedes Gamboa
(+) OF - Mark Laird

A
(-) RP - Grant Dyer
(-) RP - Jonathan Hennigan
(-) RP - Alexander Kline
(-) RP - Zach Morris
(-) CL - Will Hibbs
(-) 1B - Leonardo Colagrossi
(-) 2B - Danny Zardon
(-) 3B - Lucas D. Williams
(+) SP - Edgar E. Garcia
(+) RP - Caey Brown
(+) RP - Tyler Hallead
(+) CL - Ismael Cabrera
(+) 1B - Luis Encarnacion

A-
(-) RP - Gustavo Ferrer
(-) RP - Reiwal Gonzalez
(-) C - James Lovett
(-) 1B - Alex Wojciechowski
(+) SP - Kyle Young
(+) C - Daulton Varsho
(+) OF - Jake Mangum
(+) OF - Carlos Enrique Duran
(+) OF - Ben Pelletier

GCL
(-) RP - Leonel Aponte
(-) RP - Jose Perez
(-) RP - Eudiver Avendano
(-) RP - Gustavo Armas
(-) RP - Reiwal Gonzalez
(-) RP - Ludovico Coveri
(+) SP - Alejandro Requena
(+) RP - Alfrado Benitez
(+) RP - McKenzie Mills
(+) RP - JD Hammer
(+) OF - Yeremy Nunez
(+) OF - Yerwin Trejo
(+) OF - Edwin J. Rodriguez




Released
C - Logan Moore
*started AAA - moved to A and failed to perform with a 23 OVR

C - Brett Barbier (20 OVR) failed at all levels of Minors

2B - Pedro Floirmon - Stopped Producing and getting very old for the Minor Leagues

3B - Harold Martinz (20 OVR) failed at all levels of Minors and is too old for a 20/20 player

3B - Damek Tomscha (20 OVR) failed at all levels of Minors and is to old for a 20/20 player

SS - Jorge Flores (22 OVR) Struggled

[FantasticPhanatic23]

The Philadelphia Phillies have been fire hot going 16-7 over the last month (starting July 8th). With approximately 2 months left on the season, it appears that the Phillies do not have time to make up the 8 1/2 games needed for a wildcard spot and definitely have no shot at making up the 14 games needed to outright win the NL East. However, this hot streak shows what the young Phils what they are capable of next year.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

Is my game glitched or broken? I find it hard to believe that a team approximately 10 games behind .500 can come back and become 2 or 3 games above .500. It seems a little suspicious that my team is playing this well. I mean its almost all coming from offensive production and the pitching still sucks, but like, if we were playing this good earlier in the season we could have a playoff spot. I am a little frustrated that my team is winning now because A) we won't make the playoffs and B) we are going to lose a high draft pick.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

A new team? An Offensive Powerhouse? Still too little too late!

The Philadelphia Phillies have exploded in the second half since the All-Star Break. Since July 8th, 2017, the Phils have gone an amazing 34-13 (.723). This has been to the result to the resurgence on offense and good enough pitching to win games against the tougher opponents. In addition, the Phillies have made a pair of moves that deeply benefited the team.

Moving into the final month of baseball, the Phillies are now 11 GB the NL East Leader the New York Mets. This wins/loss differential is so large, that the Phillies do not have enough time to close this gap. However, the Phillies are only 4 ½ GB the Wildcard leading Arizona Diamondbacks.
This is a much more reasonable task, however quite difficult. The MLB has stated that the likelihood of the Phillies making the playoffs is 8.8%. While not entirely possible to close the gap in such little time, the Phillies will give everything they got to move past NL Rivals Pittsburgh Pirates and steal the wild card spot from Arizona.

Reasons for success
The Phillies success has resulted from a pair of timely moves:

From Cincinnati – CL – Michael Lorenzo – 63 IP, 3.25 ERA, 3.98 FIP

From LA Dodgers – RP – Trevor Oaks - 47 IP, 3.06 ERA, 3.41 FIP

From LA Angels – RP – Brooks Pounders – 44 IP, 5.34 ERA, 2.96 FIP

From Cincinnati – 2B - Scooter Gennett – 232 AB, .336 OBP, 0.5 WAR, 6.5 BB%, 20.7 SO%, .160 ISO, .338 BABIP, 105 wRC+

From LA Angels 3B - Jefrey Marte – 384 AB, .354 OBP, 3.6 WAR, 8.1 BB%, 22.7 SO%, .224 ISO, .337 BABIP, 128 wRC+

From San Francisco – SS - Kelby Tomilson – 314 AB, .341 OBP, 1.1 WAR, 6.4 BB%, 18.8 SO%, .083 ISO, .354 BABIP, 95 wRC+

The Phillies also benefited from a trio of award winning performances:
Player of the Month Award:

C - Jorge Alfaro (August) – 159 AB, .384 OBP, 1.9 WAR, 6.3 BB%, 25.8 SO%, .279 ISO, .418 BABIP, 156 wRC+OF –

OF - Nick Williams (JULY) – 433 AB, .319 OBP, 1.8 WAR, 5.1 BB%, 29.3 SO%, .195 ISO, .351 BABIP, 107 wRC+

International League Batter of the Month:

3B – Colin Moran (August) - *Numbers for AAA Season* - .361 OBP, 2.6 WAR, 10.4 BB%, 20.9 SO%, .186 ISO, .344 BABIP, 117 wRC+. Moran has earned a spot on the Playoff Extended Roster as he has become RULE 5 eligible.

Additional Hot Bats: (excluding those listed above)

1B – Rhys Hoskins – 143 AB, .392 OBP, 0.9 WAR, 16.4 BB%, 26.3 SO%, .238 ISO, .337 BABIP, 135 wRC+

2B – Cesar Hernandez – 501 AB, .389 OBP, 3.7 WAR, 11.6 BB%, 20.2 SO%, .115 ISO, .381 BABIP, 123 wRC+

OF – Odubel Herrera – 504 AB, .343 OBP, 3.5 WAR, 4.8 BB%, 20.4 SO%, .201 ISO, .345 BABIP, 123 wRC+

OF – Aaron Altherr – 509 AB, .330 OBP, 1.9 WAR, 6.9 BB%, 27.3 SO%, .200 ISO, .329 BABIP, 110 wRC+

Pitching Improvements / Top Performers:

SP – Cole Hamels – 128.1 IP - 3.09 ERA, 4.89 FIP, 1.1 WAR

SP – Aaron Nola – 129.1 IP – 4.52 ERA, 4.66 FIP, 1.3 WAR

SP – Jerad Eickhoff – 118.2 IP – 4.40 ERA, 4.83 FIP, 1.0 WAR

SP – Vince Valesquez – 141.2 IP – 4.45 ERA, 4.41 FIP, 1.9 WAR

SP – Jake Thompson – 134.2 IP - 4.28 ERA, 4.29 FIP, 2.0 WAR

RP – Hector Neris – 67 IP, 2.96 ERA, 3.74 FIP, 0.8 WAR

RP – Joely Rodriguez – 39.2 IP, 3.63 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 0.3 WAR

RP – Casey Fien – 60.1 IP, 3.73 ERA, 4.44 FIP, 0.2 WAR

Final Thoughts

If anything is to be learned from this season, it is that there is a lot to be excited about moving forward with the team. The team is seemingly overflowing in the minor leagues with talent and not everyone can be protected from the Rule 5 draft. However, the problem seems to be more of which players to keep, not which players to search out and sign. Furthermore, we are very very close to making the playoffs. If not this year, possible next.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

I am about midway through the month of September, expect an end of season report and off-season report soon. I saw that I have had over 500 views from this point. I am sure about 20% are from me loading the page. But at any-rate, thank you for checking in. It has been a lot of fun keeping you guys posted as my season progresses. If you have any questions, such as, "WHY DO YOU USE THE STATS THAT YOU DO FOR PLAYER EVALUATION?" or "WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PLAYER?" I would be more than happy to tell you.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

With just about 3 weeks left to go on the season - the Philadelphia Phillies are literally just 1/2 game back on the Pittsburgh Pirates and hopefully looking to face the San Francisco Giants in a wildcat match up. The Phillies have been red hot going into the second half of the season (for more information see the end of August Report), seemingly destroying everyone in their path.

The Giants are 87-62 on the season with a .584 Win% and are currently on a 1L win streak. They have gone 4-6 over the last 10.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have gone 82-66 on the season with a .544 Win% and are currently on a 4L win streak. They have gone 5-5 over the last 10.

The Phillies have gone 81-66 on the season with a .551 Win% and are currently on a 4W win streak. They have gone 7-3 over the last 10.


However all is not well for the young Phillies squad. Nick Williams was injured in tonight's game against the Oakland A and is expected to be out for the next 3 weeks with an Oblique Strain. Williams was subsequently placed on the 15 DL and will most likely miss the rest of the MLB Regular Season and possibly the eventual Wild Card match-up. Williams has been a huge part of this Philadelphia Playoff Run and will definitely be missed in the lineup. Roman Quinn, Dylan Cozens, and Andrew Pullin will have to fill in for the injured Rookie.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

The Phillies only have a week left of regular season games and look to have a wildcard match-up with the San Francisco in reaching distance. However, they will have to do it without Phenom's Nick Williams and Rhys Hoskins. Furthermore, Cesar Hernandez and Dylan Cozens are both injured for about 10-14 days. With 3 huge contributors to the tremendous Phillies offense on the DL, it is hard to see if they can beat out Pittsburgh in the next 6 games.

The Phillies will play the Washington Nationals and the NL EAST leading New York Mets.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

Hey Guys,

Just one game left in the regular season. I thought I would share a screenshot of the Final Standings before the regular season ends. I'll upload an after photo as well. I think we should make it in. But It is so intense I had to leave and do something else twice now. In the 4 years or so I've been playing OOTP, i've never had a second half of a season like this. It has been a lot of fun and even if I don't make it in the playoffs, or lose in the wildcard, It will have been one of the most fun seasons i've ever played.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

We made it!

Let me set the stage - We lost our last game to the Mets putting us 1/2 a game behind the Pirates. The Pirates had 1 additional game on the schedule and also lost. We both had the same record set at 89-73. Because I thought it went by tie breaker rules I knew that the Pirates kicked our asses up and down this year, I rage simmed a few days. I didn't notice that there was a Phillies + Pirates single elimination game. I accidentally simmed it not paying attention and I got the "PLAYOFFS" message. We apparently won 10-4. I wish I could have watched the game like always but the game auto-saved so I can't go back.

We will play the Arizona Diamondbacks in a single elimination game to earn the final playoff spot. If we lose the wildcard game, then I will include the Pirates and Diamondbacks games in the End of September / Early October Update. Otherwise, I will do a update after we are eliminated from (or somehow win) the playoffs

Injury Update

Cesar Hernandez, Nick Williams, Rhys Hoskins, and Dylan Cozens will all be questionable to return against Arizona.

Williams and Cozens are both on the DL. The others are DTD with a recommendation by the lead scout to not play.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

Here is a screenshot of the playoff tree

I found it strange that Boston and New York failed to reach the playoffs. Furthermore, non-traditional teams like Baltimore, Houston, and Arizona got in. Funny how baseball works. I really hope to get a crack at San Francisco to take down my brother's favorite team .

[FantasticPhanatic23]

The Phillies rode great pitching, home run to a wildcard win!

Aaron Nola pitched 6 complete innings in tonight's wildcard game, giving up 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 Ks, 1 HR on 93 pitches.

He was assisted by pitches Joely Rodriques and Michael Lorenzo (SV) who both gave up 0 ERs over 3 IP.

Kelby Tomilson smashed a huge HR to help tie the game for the Phillies, and was followed by extra base hits from Rhys Hoskins, Jefrey Marte, and Scooter Gennett. The Phillies were then in the lead 4-1 and sealed a Phillies victory.

After the game, Aaron Nola stated: "It was a big stage, but in the end its just pitching."

The Phillies will move to the Division Series for a best of 5 with the San Francisco Giants.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

As we already know, the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Wildcard round to advance the team to the Divisional Series. In the American League, the Houston Astros fell to the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles will face off against the Texas Rangers in the AL Divisional Series.

Now as I advanced forward to the next game, I saw that Baltimore already won its first game against the Texas Rangers and that the Cleveland Indians won their first game against the Toronto Blue Jays. More news will come as it becomes available.

[Tieran]

Can you show more traditional statistics occasionally.

[FantasticPhanatic23]

Which ones do you think are most important? Avg? HR? SLUG? OPS?

[Tieran]

Those ones are probably what I'd want to see, I understand the advanced statistics show more, but the common ones show actual results

[FantasticPhanatic23]

Alright, I'll try to include them in the end of the season review. But if you understand Advanced Stats, you can find the hidden value. I'll also try to include K/9, BB/9 and HR/9 for pitching if you want.

Next season will probably have much less roster moves. I seem to have a lineup that can pound away at most pitching. We just need to get better at Defense and a little more at Pitching.

For those Interested - I am saving my Playoff Replays. I am not really sure how to review them or post them here but if anyone wants to check out one of the games or all of them, I can give you the hook ups.