The Phillies made a big splash by signing star Shortstop Trea Turner. And who better to talk about that move with than the voice of the Phillies Tom McCarthy? The Phillies TV Play By Play announcer joined “The Best Show Ever?” to give his take on the move. What does he bring to the team? They discuss that and more. Here is some of what Tom McCarthy had to say.
On Bringing In Trea Turner
“They could have matched up with any of (The Shortstops) and it would have been fine. I do think Trea has the most to offer from an offensive standpoint and a defensive standpoint… It’s a good deal when you look at the salary cap as it’s structured right now. Someone put out something yesterday that the combination of Jean and Didi was more money than you will pay Trea Turner and Bryson Stott. The fact that he has this ability to not only hit but to move at shortstop. The way the shifts are going to be, you needed somebody who has additional range. Bryson Stott did a wonderful job, but I think you needed somebody with an additional range up the middle and toward the hole. And Trea Turner was rated number 1 in that category.”
On Where Trea Turner Should Bat In The Lineup
“I would hit him one, and try to talk Kyle Schwarber into batting either 2nd or 4th in the lineup. And they could tinker with it. It’s a nice problem to have. But I would put him at 1. He is a base-stealing threat. He’ll get into scoring position quickly. His stolen base percentage is tops in the MLB over the past few years. It adds something to this team.”
On What The Phillies Next Move Should Be
“I’m always in need of pitching. I think they need pitching. Need bullpen help. Probably need another starting pitching. I do think one of those kids while fight for one of the spots in the rotation. But I still think you need to go out and get someone to add to the depth to the starting rotation. So for me it’s about pitching. I’m okay with either one, whether it be relief pitching or a starter. I would love to get a starter, but I think they will wind up getting both.”
And you can listen to the full conversation with Tom McCarthy below…