It has not been the best start to the season for Aaron Nola. After struggling over his last 3 starts in the post-season, those struggles have continued into this season. Through 3 starts he has an ERA of 7.04. That continued last night vs the Marlins. Nola was sailing through the first 4 innings. But then like on opening day, it all fell to pieces with him in one inning. He have up 4 runs in the 6th, before being pulled from the game. So what exactly is plaguing Nola this season? Larry Bowa joined The Anthony Gargano Show, and Aaron Nola’s struggles were one of the things they discussed.
For Bowa, he thinks the pitch clock is hurting Nola. Nola is one of those guys who would take time between pitches a lot. Fidgeting with his hat or his hair. Especially when he has people on base or is having a tough inning. And Larry Bowa thinks the pressure of the pitch clock could be throwing him off.
“He is one of those guys where if he gets into a jam, he likes to back off the rubber and gather his thoughts. Until he makes this adjustment, it is going to be a tough go. He will make the adjustment. There is no doubt in my mind. But we need him and Wheeler to do what they are capable of doing. Which is pitching us into that 7th inning. You start going to that bullpen too much… it shows it’s wear and tear going down the stretch.”
So the good news from Larry Bowa, is that he thinks Nola will figure it out. But until then, it puts the Phillies in a tough spot. Their bullpen is struggling a bit as well. Starting 0-3 in games Nola pitched is not going to get it done for the Phillies. They don’t need him to be the Ace we saw beat the Astros to clinch the playoffs last year in every single game. But they can’t have him having these blowup innings like he has had this season. And Aaron Nola can’t be happy with himself either. Especially since it is a contract year and he is looking for a major payday.
You can listen to the full conversation with Larry Bowa 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)
