NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
It’s been over a decade since the Philadelphia Phillies tasted the MLB Postseason. But here they are coming in as the 6th seed and it’s anyone’s game. Despite being at the bottom of the ladder, the Phillies have a shot to win it all. While the naysayers will tell fans not to throw caution to the wind, that’s exactly what this steam should do. The Phillies are not a bunch of “what could’ve been” players, they do have talent on this roster. And not just any talent, they have former All-Stars and MVPs who could make things messy for the rest of the National League.
Bryce Harper is the reigning NL MVP and this season was crushed by injuries. While still not 100% healthy, he’s still one of the best players in baseball even at 80%. Well, now is his time. This is why he was brought to Philadelphia 4 seasons ago. Imagine leaving the only team he has known and that same season watching them celebrate winning a World Series. You don’t think he’s hungry to repay that?
Look at leadoff slugger Kyle Schwarber. He won a championship with the Chicago Cubs back in 2016. His leadership is vital to the Phillies making a run. On the year, Schwarber brought exactly what the Philadelphia Phillies needed from him with 46 homeruns, 100 runs, and 94 RBIs.
Rhys Hoskins became the heir apparent to Ryan Howard as supposedly the Phillies’ new power hitter and despite his struggles, still managed to ding 30 homers this season. The same can be said for Catcher J.T. Realmuto who was once considered one of the best at his position while with the marlins. this season, he batted .275 with 22 homers and 84 RBIs.
Can The Arms Of The Philadelphia Phillies Get It Done?
On the pitching side of the coin, the Philadelphia Phillies need their big arms more than ever. While the offense is more than capable of scoring runs and beating teams, the pitching will decide everything. This season, the pitching of the Phillies has been more up than down. Aaron Nola, despite his 11-13 record is still viewed as the Ace of this unit with a 3.25 ERA and 235 strikeouts in 205 innings. Nola can rack up strikeouts but he also has a tendency to give up hits. The Phillies will have to rely on his arm this postseason and that’s dangerous territory.
Behind him, another arm or two that must play big is that of Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard. In a tight 3 game series, the Phillies will have to enter with a shortened rotation. These three players are the most important as their history in big moments sits above the others. Wheeler and Syndergaard were once a part of that much-hyped unit of the New York Mets. Now, it’s time for them to earn their stripes for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Teamwork wins games and the Philadelphia Phillies will need their big-name players to step up and do the leading. Schawrber and Harper will need to get on base and Realmuto will need to bring them home. At this point, it doesn’t matter who is on the starting rotation for the postseason. Wherever Nola, Syndergaard, and Wheeler find themselves, they will need to produce when called upon. This is how championships are won.
