NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Despite his home runs, Kyle Schwarber is not the answer as the lead-off hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies. Yes, generating runs is a major factor in runs scored and Schwarber is first on the team in that department with 108. But should he be doing more?
His 104 RBIs are first on the team and 9th in the National League, but his .197 batting average is last among everyday starters for the Phillies. The Phillies need a player who can swing for contact, not just look to drive the ball into the stands.
For whatever reason, Rob Thompson keeps playing chicken with the Phillies’ lineup. A lead-off hitter should be able to get on base with the possibility of producing runs by scoring them. To his defense, Schwarber is 2nd in the NL in BB with 126. The drawback is, he’s not a threat to steal and his base runner is average at best. However, there are still those who think that’s a plus.
Look at the winning teams over the years. One thing they had in common was a good lead-off player. Stealing bases is often overlooked thanks to power hitting. But an offense is more dangerous when their lead-off hitter can either draw a walk or a hit and give the meat of their order a chance to produce runs.
Schwarber ended the regular season with 47 HRs. Imagine how dangerous he could be in the 4-6 spot in the order. He already has the green light to swing away and with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos, and maybe J.T. Realmuto before him, Schwarber would easily become the most dangerous player in the postseason.
Can The Philadelphia Phillies Beat The Marlins
For his career, Kyle Schwarber has stolen 22 bases and 10 of those were last year. What’s staggering is that this season he’s hitting below .200. In 720 Plate Appearances, he has just 115 Hits. 47 are HRs, 19 Doubles, and 1 Triple. Something has to give.
An opposing pitcher understands just how dangerous facing Schwarber in the lead-off spot can be but they also know if they can keep their control, he’s an easy out. Like most power hitters, it’s either swing for the fences or strikeout. Schwarber led the NL with 215 strikeouts.
While the Philadelphia Phillies do not have a lead-off type player in their everyday lineup, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a player capable of providing what Kyle Schwarber has not
Last season during the remarkable run, Kyle Schwarber, batting lead-off in 74 Plate Appearances, accounted for 12 Hits, 13 Runs Scored, 6 HRs, 10 RBIs, 15 Walks, and 18 Strikeouts. In all fairness, not bad numbers, but once again, could that production be better suited if moved down in the order?
Heading into the 2023 Postseason against the Miami Marlins, Schwarber must be on his A-Game. In the 13 meetings between the two rivals this season, the Marlins won the series 7 games to 6. However, Schwarber was awful. In 59 Plate Appearances, he had 9 hits, 3 HRs, 6 RBIs, 10 Walks, 22 Strikeouts, and a BA of .184. Needless to say, he was not a factor in this series at all.
If he continues to struggle against the Marlins at the top of the order, would Thompson make the tough call to move him down? This is a win-or-go-home challenge. There is no next series if they can’t beat Miami. The Philadelphia Phillies have the talent to get back to the World Series for the second straight year but Thompson must play it smart. Never mind hurting feelings now. This is the big leagues where winning trumps feelings.
Kyle Schwarber has been in the league long enough to understand this. A true leader would go to his manager and ask to move down if they’re not getting the job done. Maybe Schwarber will turn things around and become the player the Phillies need to make a run.
