We are back once again with the 97.3 ESPN Phillies Mailbag. The Trade Deadline is behind us and the Phillies head down the stretch having added all that they can. Text a question into The Mike Gill show anytime at 609-403-0973.
As much as Alec Bohm has been the talk of trades, does Bryson Stott need to pick it up in order to stay in Philly? Feels like Edmundo Sosa has been getting more time.
~Dave
The Phillies young infield duo of Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott have had some really impressive stretches in their Phillies career. And I think it’s fair to say that both have had some disappointing stretches as well. I think right now you’re seeing one from Stott.
Both high-contact bats, we have seen Bohm play his way onto an All-Star game and also play his way onto the bench in the playoffs. Stott played his way into the leadoff spot but also way down into the order. And now, he’s losing playing time to Edmundo Sosa.
First, we know that Bohm is going to be out at least another double weeks. That means that Sosa is going to play most of the time.
When Bohm returns, that would allow Sosa to play second base on the days that the Phillies face a left-handed pitcher. I would think that is the right move to make.
And beyond this season, I think that both of their futures is in doubt.
Stott’s glove has been the one steady part of his game. You saw his glove work on Sunday night in particular in helping the Phillies shut out the Tigers. Stott has two more years remaining in his contract.
Bohm, meanwhile, could be a trade candidate this offseason since he is heading into his final season of Phillies control.
But the Phillies could certainly decide to move on from both players, even though only one is entering his final contractual season. Though I doubt it would be next year, top offensive prospect Aidan Miller could factor into one of the infield positions.
Sosa has one more year of control remaining, and I think he’s a good bet to stick around. The Phillies could had one of the positions to Sosa next year hoping that Miller will rise sooner, or, keep him as a stopgap.
I would say this: I would really like to see Sosa at third base on the days Cristopher Sanchez pitches. Sanchez has a high ground ball rate (around 55% last I saw) and I think Sosa’s glove is helpful at third base those days.
Why is Justin Crawford not in Philly yet? Why is Max Kepler still here?
~Greg
I will admit, I thought that Justin Crawford would be moved in a trade or that he would be a Phillie come August 1. But August 1 has come and gone and Crawford remains on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. I think there is a sign that this is coming soon, though.
Johan Rojas was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after the moves. Once Rojas reported, the lineup card had Rojas in center field, not left field.
Crawford was in left.
That leads me to believe that the Phillies are discerning the right spot for Crawford, who has mostly played center field. He has made 60 starts there and 19 in left field.
Left field also happens to be the position where Max Kepler plays. Center field is where new acquisition Harrison Bader won a Rawlings Gold Glove award in 2021. Center is Bader’s primary position, though while with the Minnesota Twins he played left field to accommodate Byron Buxton.
Speaking of Kepler, Phillie smanager Rob Thomson said he was making good contact as of late, when a reporter inquired about his status. But in his last 30 games, Kepler is batting just .156 with a .478 OPS. That cannot continue.
Thomson did say ahead of the Detroit Tigers series that Kepler and Bader would each start “half of the next six games.” I wouldn’t be shocked if after that, the Phillies made a decision.
Crawford has consistently hit above the .300 mark for three seasons straight. Some wonder if his high ground ball rate will not translate to as many hits facing a major league defense. But perhaps working with hitting coach Kevin Long would be fruitful for Crawford.
I think his day is coming soon.
Why did the Phillies trade for Harrison Bader only to not start him?
~Gerry
The only offensive addition the Phillies made at the July 31 trade deadline was centerfielder Harrison Bader. For a team that needed offense, it did not sound like too sexy a move. Many fans held onto hope the remaining five hours until the trade deadline that the Phillies would add another bat.
It appears that for now, the Phillies view Bader as primarily a platoon bat.
Bader’s platoon partner is not Max Kepler in left field, but instead the platoon partner for Brandon Marsh in center. As I mentioned previously, Bader is a 2021 Rawlings Gold Glove award winner, a season in which he played exclusively center field with the St. Louis Cardinals.
This is more about Marsh. Marsh’s bat has been better as of late, particularly against right-handed pitching. But Marsh’s bat is hot.
In his last seven games, Marsh is batting .421 with an .842 slugging %. He has not walked, so his OPS is 1.263 during that span.
I think that Marsh will keep his playing time against righties unless he struggles again. Bader will have the other half (his OPS is rather similar against both this year).
Should Crawford supplant Kepler and play every day, I like that outfield better than what the Phillies have going on right now.
It’s not a big, sexy bat – and I am not sure there was one to be found that was a good fit – but it should do the trick.