A 4-7 Start to the season is not what most fans would have wanted. The Phillies’ bullpen issues, base running mistakes, and the struggles of Aaron Nola have put a cloud over the first 11 games of the season. But despite the losses, there are some bright spots in the early games. Notably the play of Nick Castellanos and Alec Bohm. Bohm already has 3 HRs to start the season to go with 14 total hits. And Nick Castellanos already has 7 doubles. Small sample sizes, but very promising. And to discuss if the two of them can continue this trend, The Best Show Ever talked to Jayson Stark.
What has Nick Castellanos looking so much better early in this season? Jayson Strark told us it begins with a much better approach at the plate.
With Nick, there is no doubt that his approach is better. 7 walks in 11 games. I think he had 7 walks in his last 70 games last year. It is a sign he is trying to make better decisions about what he swings at. I think it is safe to say he had to make a lot better decisions. So far so good on that front. He has also made a conscious effort to stop being so pull-heavy… Which is an approach that has been working… His rate of multi-hit games is double what it was last year. So a lot of good signs for him.
But as impressive as he has been, Bohm has been ever better. Bohm is hitting the ball hard all over the field, and finally showing the power his game had lacked in his first 3 seasons.
If you talk to any scout that has faced him, they predict big things for him. His lower half is so strong right now. That is where power comes form. And we are seeing it. He has always had an incredible gift to hit. But now it is resulting in so much hard contact. Among guys who have put the ball in play as many times as he has, he is first in the National League in hard hit percentage. That is pretty eye opening. If he keeps making progress like that, he has a chance to be a star.
Jayson Stark also discussed the recovery of Bryce Harper and Ranger Suarez, the Phillies base running issues, what the Phillies should do at 1st base, and more.
You can listen to their full conversation with Jayson Stark below…
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8 Philadelphia Phillies Who Were Good, That We May Forget
Catcher- Mike Lieberthal
This one was easy, but doesn’t totally fit the narrative. Unlike outfielders and starting pitchers, the Phillies have been successful with catchers. Boone, Dutch Daulton, Ruiz, and now JT Realmuto. All have been a part of a World Series, and all have been vital parts of the team. Unfortunately for Lieberthal, who played 13 seasons with the Phillies and is now on the Wall of Fame, he came in during the 94 season and left before the Phillies won the division in 2007.
Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport
First Base - Rico Brogna
You are laughing. I know you are. But in the late 90s when the Phillies were bottom feeders, Brogna was a dim bright spot. He hit at least 20 home runs in each of his 3 full seasons with the Phillies and drove in over 100 runs twice. After leaving the Phillies he hit 4 home runs and only had 29 RBI. Something about the Vet helped Brogna’s career.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Stockman /Allsport
3B- Placido Polanco (Screw You Scott Rolen)
Scott Rolen would be the obvious answer here, but people remember Rolen. Heck, the dude is being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. So the guy that fits this conversation is Polanco. A guy who had two stints with the Phillies. He ushered in Chase Utley to second base in the early 2000s, and then came back to play third base. When I ask you to name third baseman in Phillies franchise history, your first, second, third, or fourth thought would be Polanco. In total, his 7 seasons with the Phillies were productive but didn’t lead to anything big.
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
SS- Freddy Galvis
If you are my age, you’ve had it good at shortstop. Jimmy Rollins for over a decade and now Trea Turner. You can’t go wrong there. But there was a shortstop in between who wasn’t bad (except when he came back) and that is Freddy Galvis. A guy who played almost every game had enough pop to hit 20 home runs, and was an excellent fielder. Do I miss Galvis? Absolutely not. Was he a decent ball player during the bad days of the Phillies post 07-11? Yes.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Outfield- Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton played one season here. One. You forget that he played with the Phillies. When you look at what he did, you are amazed that you forget what he did. In 2005 Lofton hit 335, THREE THIRTY-FIVE. He didn’t hit bombs, he didn’t drive in runs, but he was a staple at the top of the order for a young team.
(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Outfield- Aaron Rowand
I will start with Rowand. You will always remember Aaron Rowand, but only for the catch where he broke his nose. In 2007, the guy did way more than just that. He hit .309 and smashed 27 home runs. If it wasn’t for Shane Victorino, Rowand is your centerfielder when they win the World Series in 2008. After leaving Philly and going to the Giants, he was a mediocre player. But that 2007 season got him paid, and the Phillies finally won the division.
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Outfield- Bobby Abreu
Last but not least, and definitely not least, even though he gets 0 respect from Phillies fans, Bobby Abreu. I have him in this just so he gets a little love. A bubble Hall of Famer, a guy you could pencil in for 20-30 home runs and 80-100 RBI every single year. He was a great baseball player, 5 tool, and just played with bad Phillies teams. In 9 seasons with the Phillies, he finished hitting over 300. Someone that gets no respect but deserves it.
(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
