The one thing is that The Trop is not an intimidating place to play at even when the Rays are rolling. The Phillies hit them at the perfect time and the only noise the place had for the last three nights was compliments of the Phillies faithful. I was hoping for 2 of 3.
They fired some bullets tonight so hopefully Wheeler goes deep Friday. You have to like everything you see. Everyone is contributing and I still believe that Harper and Turner are better in the second half. They play more at home the second half and if they take care of business, CBP will start feeding on itself and make them even tougher.
For me, first half has been -
1- Kevin Long knows what he’s doing. He will get a manager’s job this offseason. He let Stott do it his way in the spring until he saw enough. Long spread him out which has reduced his power a tad but has made him a really good hitter. He’s done a great job with Marsh as well. Bohm has been really good so they have 3 young players who look to be long term foundation pieces. That’s huge.
2- The starters have had ups and downs but they have hit their strides. I have to say that i like Walker. He’s plucky and isn’t happy when you go get him. He competes. I’d like to see a #5 trade but maybe Archer can make that’s decision for them. I saw him pitch a lot in the spring and he seems like a 4A pitcher to me. I don’t believe we see Painter.
3- The pen has been nuts. Remember the DODGERS decision for post season on Kimbrel only for him to rediscover the fountain of youth. They have big arm stacked on top of big arm before Kimbrel. They are built for the post season.
They must wake up wanting to run to the park to play. Let’s get 2 of 3 this weekend and get to the break healthy. This is fun.
