Maybe fans just need to be patient.
When you make major changes in philosophy and approach, there will be inconsistency as players struggle to adjust and you learn which players can adjust.
If the Phillies were .500 and out of the race, I don't think people would be as concerned, their success has made their flaws more evident, since we're looking at the perspective of what's needed to win the division, not from the perspective of how far they've come from last season.
Santana was an overpay with house money, both for depth but also as a mentor to the young Latino players, and they might overpay to resign Ramos as a mentor to Alfaro (and eventually Grullon) for the same reason if he has the right personality.
Arrieta was a "price is right" signing, he is what I expected him to be, a solid 2/3 starter who's past his prime but has a couple good years left, he lacks the command to be a top pitcher as his velocity declines.
Cabrera is a fine pickup for the stretch, but he's not going to carry the team (and Machado ain't carrying the Dodgers, either - which is why you don't overpay for TDL acquisitions).
Hernandez is still adjusting to the new approach (take more pitches), takes too many 3rd strikes, but still putting up solid numbers despite the foot injury.
Garcia, Neshak, Hunter have been solid bullpen depth, injuries have hurt a bit and Hunter isn't pitching up to his talent.
The rest of the team is very young, even Nola who has established himself as a true #1 starter, 3 young SPs with velocity but inconsistent command and secondary pitches, young RPs learning to pitch under pressure, a couple young IFs who were rushed to the Show and need time, and some young hitters figuring it out in Rhys, Franco, Alfaro, Williams and Knapp.
So most of your pitching staff, and more than half of your lineup is engaged in on the job training.
Any wonder this team is so inconsistent?
