I am sure it drives people crazy when I use the early 60's as an example of what I see going on with the Phillies today but I believe those few [allentown, julio, a few others] who were young tikes then and first tasting their love of the Phils might agree with me.
Those early 60's Phillies had some good young hitting talent [Tony Gonzalez, Johnny Callison, Tony Taylor, Don Demeter, Clay Dalrymple] but needed a veteran power bat in the middle of the order to take the pressure off of the youngsters and once they acquired Wes Covington and Roy Sievers in 1962 the entire young group began to fulfill their potential.
I see a middle of the order that often features Herrera, Altherr, Franco and Joseph and I can't help but believe they would all benefit from a veteran slugging outfielder in the middle of the order, a guy who has been through the ranks, is comfortable being a middle of the order hitter, and can take some of the pressure off of these guys.
Not sure who it would be, maybe a Bautista or someone like that, but I tend to agree with EDmuch that this team has some very talented guys but no veteran presence to lead them and take pressure off of them.
Oh, and I think if you took Peter Mac out of the equation and put in a Bucky Showalter this team would be infinitely better. Infinitely. Peter Mac was at his best when he was the interim manager and had nothing to lose and simply enjoyed himself and his young players. And they responded in a positive manner.
Now that he is the permanent manager he seems to have changed and the clubhouse and young guys no looker look and talk as if they are having fun. Look, I know that many will say that its the losing that saps their enjoyment but I don't think so. When you lose as youngsters but genuinely believe there are better days ahead you enjoy it. But when you lose as youngsters in an environment of criticism you domn't enjoy it, it actually become a burden.
This is what looks like is happening with this team.