Jayson Stark Discusses The Phillies September Woes
The Phillies appear to be in free fall. It would be another September collapse among a long line of September collapses. For now, they still hold a 2.5-game lead over the Brewers. But with how they are playing, many people are worried that will vanish. And to get the scoop on what is happening with the Phillies, “The Best Show Ever?” talked to Hall of Famer Jayson Stark. Here is what he had to say…
On If We Are Seeing Another September Collapse
“I don’t think that all Septembers are the same, or all the slumps are the same, or all collapses are the same. Even when the results might look the same. I honestly think they are going to hang on. The Brewers arent very good. The Phillies are better… When you look at the Phillies, you ask is this who they are now, or is this how they are playing now? You have to sort out what is real, and what is just normal ebb and flow stuff.
The bullpen issues are real. Since Seranthony went down they have the second worst bullpen ERA in baseball. I think Kyle Gibson’s issues are real. Syndergaard’s issues are real. I think the rotation has felt the weight that been placed on it this season… I think the scenario with the offense and defense are better. But the pitching, and especially the bullpen, not so much.”
On Bryce Harper’s Struggles in September
“I think the thing you are asking if he is feeling pressure to do the things he was brought here to do. And I think the answer to that is absolutely. When you watch him at the plate, I would describe them as jumpy… The guys who are coming off hand injuries, and jump out like that, are doing it because they don’t want to get jammed… He needs to be better. He is .179 in September. Twice as many strikeouts as hits. Fewer HRs than Nick Maton. And that is not what he was brought here to do.”
Listen to the Full Interview Here…
