For Delusional 2016 Phillies Phans

[phillychuck]

I don't think Quinn comes up until next year (barring serious injury). I think (hope) the Phils will then do with Herrera like the Jays did with Zobrist--move Herrera back to 2B. Herrera's bat at 2B is even more of a positive than it is in CF, and if Quinn is for real we have a better second option at CF.

[andyb]

I don't think Quinn comes up until next year (barring serious injury). I think (hope) the Phils will then do with Herrera like the Jays did with Zobrist--move Herrera back to 2B. Herrera's bat at 2B is even more of a positive than it is in CF, and if Quinn is for real we have a better second option at CF.

I am not saying Quinn SHOULD come up. Just saying that he would probably be fine if he had to. Think of it this way - both Quinn and Williams were arguably better than Goeddel in AA last year and now we are assuming Goeddel will be fine if he has to start. Why wouldn't we assume the same for Williams and Quinn?

Now teams should not accelerate a prospect's development if it does not contribute to winning at the major league level and on a team that is competing. But that also does not mean it would be a bad thing if Williams and/or Quinn is called up earlier than what would be ideal. Quinn's speed is also a unique skill that really gives him the opportunity to both survive and contribute if he had to.

[phillychuck]

Andy, I think we are in complete agreement! I just don't think they'll move Herrera out of CF mid-season.

Think of how strong this team will be in a year or two up the middle if Knapp/Alfaro work out as catchers...Knapp/Alfaro C, Crawford SS, Herrera 2B, Quinn CF could be an historically excellent group.

[andyb]

Andy, I think we are in complete agreement! I just don't think they'll move Herrera out of CF mid-season.

Think of how strong this team will be in a year or two up the middle if Knapp/Alfaro work out as catchers...Knapp/Alfaro C, Crawford SS, Herrera 2B, Quinn CF could be an historically excellent group.

I think we end up leaving Herrara in the OF but yes, this could be a decent and exciting team. If the metrics continue to show Herrera as a plus defensive outfielder I think he stays where he is. Herrera, Quinn, and Williams might be the best defensive OF in baseball even if one would love a bit more power. If we figure out how to put a 30 HR guy at 1B then that would be less of a concern.

[Philsmania]

The appeal of the unknown, and, especially, youth, is understandable. But it's more likely than not that Liriano and Cecchini will end up as pretty much the same kind of players Bourjos and Lough are (or worse, as both those guys actually did break into the bigs). If this was still the Amaro/Gillick front office I'd be more inclined to criticize as they were known for certain patterns, the lack of a long-term plan and disdain for anything other than their own scouting. But this bunch, I'm willing to see where they go. The priority is to keep games close and support the pitching staff, and having another young question-mark youngster won't necessarily do that, even if there's potential upside in having another one in the mix longer-term.

Anyway, this is the delusional thread, so to stay on topic I'll say that Lough will be this year's Andres Blanco and Bourjos will return to form and get us two prospects in July.

That was pretty much my point. Perhaps Klentak passed on Cecchini and Liriano because they just aren't that good.

[Philsmania]

Interesting piece from two years ago about the departure between spring training results and regular season results.

thegoodphight.com/2014/3/11/5496018/what-me-worry-phillies-spring-winning-records

[tom81]

Work your magic Andy! mlbtraderumors.com/2016/03/andy-macphail-on-the-25-year-anniversary-of-the-twins-1991-world-series-championship.html

The Minnesota Twins surprised the baseball world in 1987 when they finished first in the American League West with an 85-77 record – just one season after going 71-91. But they didn’t stop there; the Twins stunned Detroit (98-64 in the regular season) to win the A.L. Championship Series, then shocked St. Louis (95-67) to bring home a World Series title.

[BT_Express]

Lots of potential opportunities for fun and mischief!

greaterphilachamber.com/even ... home-plate

[scorcher]

Remember, every game you win in April...........

[allentown]

Work your magic Andy! mlbtraderumors.com/2016/03/andy-macphail-on-the-25-year-anniversary-of-the-twins-1991-world-series-championship.html

[quote]The Minnesota Twins surprised the baseball world in 1987 when they finished first in the American League West with an 85-77 record – just one season after going 71-91. But they didn’t stop there; the Twins stunned Detroit (98-64 in the regular season) to win the A.L. Championship Series, then shocked St. Louis (95-67) to bring home a World Series title.[/quote]

That could be us in 2017.

[Philsmania]

Work your magic Andy! mlbtraderumors.com/2016/03/andy-macphail-on-the-25-year-anniversary-of-the-twins-1991-world-series-championship.html

[quote]The Minnesota Twins surprised the baseball world in 1987 when they finished first in the American League West with an 85-77 record – just one season after going 71-91. But they didn’t stop there; the Twins stunned Detroit (98-64 in the regular season) to win the A.L. Championship Series, then shocked St. Louis (95-67) to bring home a World Series title.[/quote]

That World Series had to represent the ultimate home field advantage. You had two teams that were built for their ballparks, the Cardinals with all of their speedsters in spacious Busch Stadium and the Twins with all their sluggers in the Metrodome a/k/a the Homer Dome. Each team won out on their home field. The Twins took the series by having the home field advantage.

[harrisburghusker]

that was one of the better world series I can remember watching

[Three_up_Three_down]

We're winning the NL East this year. You Gotta Believe. It's 2007 all over again!

[Slinging_Southpaw]

My delusional hope.
Put Ruf in the LF consistently through the month of May. If he gets hot with consistent AB's, Phillies DFA Ryan Howard, then bring up Nick Williams at the end of the month to move Ruf to 1B.

[Three_up_Three_down]

My delusional hope.
Put Ruf in the LF consistently through the month of May. If he gets hot with consistent AB's, Phillies DFA Ryan Howard, then bring up Nick Williams at the end of the month to move Ruf to 1B.

Phillies will not dfa a legend in his final season. That would be like firing one of your two worlds series winning managers halfway through the season. You just don't do it, you show people respect who have paid it to you.

I'm still irked they fired Charlie like that

[Florida_Sunshine]

The other side of the coin is that Howard needs to show respect to the game, to the fans, and to his own legacy.

If he is unable to start producing, he needs to retire and stay on as a consultant of some kind, maybe PR working with kids.

Right now, he is only hurting his own legacy. I have been a big booster of his, but finally am ready to toss in the towel. He stopped producing long ago, and for a while, he was kept around because of his fan draw and that he is a Philly legend. But, just like Schmidt had to let go, it is now time for Howard to let go.

[flyers19rw]

My delusional hope.
Put Ruf in the LF consistently through the month of May. If he gets hot with consistent AB's, Phillies DFA Ryan Howard, then bring up Nick Williams at the end of the month to move Ruf to 1B.

It's time to get real with Ruf. He's coming up on thirty years of age. He's been around the team for four plus seasons and has not been able to secure a full time job. I'd rather see Tom Joseph get a look than Ruf. Look to the future.

[Three_up_Three_down]

My delusional hope.
Put Ruf in the LF consistently through the month of May. If he gets hot with consistent AB's, Phillies DFA Ryan Howard, then bring up Nick Williams at the end of the month to move Ruf to 1B.

It's time to get real with Ruf. He's coming up on thirty years of age. He's been around the team for four plus seasons and has not been able to secure a full time job. I'd rather see Tom Joseph get a look than Ruf. Look to the future.

I'm pretty sure Ruf's contract is up after this year and TBH, I doubt Joseph is ready defensively

[Austinfan]

The dilemma for Klentak is this team shouldn't be this good.
His plan was to go with the placeholders while the kids developed in AA and AAA, gradually promote them and maybe target one FA acquisition this offseason. Win 70 games, give the fans some hope, draft well, and target 2018 as the year "we're back."

Unfortunately, the team never got the memo.

So now what do you do?
I mean you can't really expect to contend for a wild card with that OF and 1B situation.
Can you?

[flyers19rw]

I mean you can't really expect to contend for a wild card with that OF and 1B situation.
Can you?

Williams is up to .299 and Joseph is at .368. Granted it is a SSS but both of these guys have had the "can hit the ball" reputation.
Because of all of his concussion issues, some folks forget how strong Joseph's credentials at the plate were hen he was in the SF organization. The question with him was if he would work out behind the plate. Well now he doesn't have to worry about that; just hit the ball which he can do when he is healthy.
We all know what Williams' credentials are. It's just a matter of when does he start in the OF not if.