Will this be a Red October for the Phillies?
The Phillies have only made three-straight postseason appearances just twice before - 2007-11 and 1976-78. History says Philadelphia is due for a step back. The Phillies are expected to make their third consecutive postseason appearance this year, following reaching the World Series in 2022 and reaching Game 7 of the National League Championship Series in the last year. However, there are concerns about the team's future, with most betting sites predicting a win of 84 games for the Phillies. The Baseball Prospectus PECOTA projections suggest that they would be the No. 5 seed in the postseason. This leaves 13 teams competing for four playoff spots, one of which will go to the Central Division winner. Other contenders include the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Diamondbacks. The Phillies made few moves during the offseason, choosing to bring back the core of the team.
Опубликовано : 4 недели назад от MICHAEL McGARRY Staff Writer, mike mcgarry в Sports
But as enjoyable as opening day is, this year I approach it with a sense of trepidation — at least when it comes to the Phillies.
Many fans assume the Phillies will make their third-straight postseason appearance this year. After all, Philadelphia reached the World Series in 2022 and reached Game 7 of the National League Championship Series before falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks last year.
I have my concerns about the 2024 Phillies. I’m not the only one. Most betting sites have the Phillies’ over/under for wins at 89.5.
The Baseball Prospectus PECOTA projections have the Phillies winning 84 games, a total that, according to the projections, would make the Phillies the No. 5 seed in the National League postseason. PECOTA stands for Player Empirical Comparison and Optimization Test Algorithm. It projects players’ and teams’ future performances based on past results.
This leaves 13 teams fighting for four playoff spots. One of those playoff berths will go to the Central Division winner. That leaves 12 teams scrambling for three playoff berths.
In addition to the Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Diamondbacks are contenders. The Giants have made some big moves in the past few weeks with the signing of free-agent pitcher Blake Snell and third baseman Matt Chapman. The Diamondbacks signed free-agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery this week.
The Phillies are in the mix for a postseason spot along with the second-place team in the Central Division. Does new manager Craig Counsell give the Chicago Cubs a boost? After a rare down season, do the St. Louis Cardinals bounce back with sluggers Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt? Will the Cincinnati Reds with a talented young roster be this year’s surprise team?
Starting pitcher Taijuan Walker is on the injured list after the velocity of his pitches dropped noticeably in spring training. Are we sure shortstop Trea Turner and starting pitcher Aaron Nola are going to have bounce-back seasons?
Will Johan Rojas hit well enough to be the every-day center fielder? Will streaky hitters such as Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos be more hot than cold?
The Phillies made few moves during the offseason, choosing to bring back the core of the team. Should they have been more aggressive?
Темы: Baseball, MLB, Philadelphia Phillies