18 Atlanta Braves (McCarthy) @ Philadelphia Phillies (Velasquez)

LoneStarPhan 2018-05-23 02:33:57 UTC #102

A tough loss and clearly one that was caused by sloppy play that gave the Braves their second two runs. Still, these things happen to even the best of teams and they just have to continue to grow and learn.

Really, no enough offense tonight. Frankly, the pitching could have been better, but it wasn't the reason they lost tonight. The Braves only earned run was the first one, on the home run.

A win tomorrow and they can win the series and get back on track. I am looking for a good start form Arrieta.

zambonir 2018-05-23 02:40:23 UTC #103

The pitching was good enough, the defense was not, but the bats would have fixed a lot.

Philsmania 2018-05-23 13:59:48 UTC #104

I thought one of Santana's selling points was supposed to be that he is such a good fielder. In reality, he's a butcher with the glove.

el-pietro 2018-05-23 16:17:01 UTC #105

Haven't all his errors been throwing errors? His glove has been fine.

Austinfan 2018-05-23 17:06:20 UTC #106

Velasquez was off, the fielding didn't help but his command wasn't good.
But K'ing the side with the bases loaded should help his confidence.

Phillies seem to struggle the most against pitchers with good secondary stuff, not surprising with all the young hitters they have.

Hoskins seems to be trying to hit the ball to RF, which is good even if it hurts in the short run, he has enough power to get dingers that way, and it allows him to handle the offspeed stuff outside. Adjustments, adjustments.

allentown 2018-05-23 17:18:59 UTC #107

Those telling you he is great defensively were largely Phillies shills trying to sell the idea that it was wise to make their first FA push a fading player at a position of non-existent need. The truth is he hasn't had a positive dWAR since 2012 and has already racked up -0.7 dWAR this season. As with many FAs, you are buying their former reputation. I liked the Arrietta signing, it was at a position of need.

VoteForKalas 2018-05-23 17:53:41 UTC #108

Seems like a typical Velasquez start - loose command that leads to high pitch count and stressing out the pen

Not sure he is ever going to become more than he currently is unfortunately....

andyb 2018-05-23 18:06:36 UTC #109

Which is kind of a league average starter though. Add in the offense from hitting and he is a pretty productive 4.00 ERA pitcher. I still think there is a better pitcher in there, but for now he is an above average 4th starter compared to what most teams have.

Austinfan 2018-05-23 20:26:30 UTC #110

He's above average as long as he can keep his pitch count down and go 6+ innings.
If he can't go 5+ on a regular basis, even if he has a under 4.00 ERA/FIP, he's below average because he puts more strain on the bullpen.

I think this is his last chance to be a starter, next year they'll have more candidates for the 5th spot and move him to the bullpen if he doesn't improve his command and eat some innings.