Yearly Review: Philadelphia Phillies

It's time to look back at every team from around the MLB and what they each showed us during the 60 game sprint!

We are going to explore a few things for each team: Review in-season transactions, what we learned, what we loved, what we didn't love, the most significant need(s), and lastly, the biggest takeaways.

Let's jump over the NL with the Philadelphia Phillies today. We talked about the Padres, A's, Marlins, Yankee's, Cardinals, Whitesox, Cubs, Twins, Reds, BlueJays, Brewers, Indians, and Giants thus far; you can find all posts on the homepage https://www.theballboyblog.com/.

What moves did the Phillies make in 2020?

Boston Red Sox traded RHP Brandon Workman and RHP Heath Hembree to Philadelphia Phillies for RHP Nick Pivetta and RHP Connor Seabold.- Great pen trade for the Phillies on paper. Hembree didn't help the Phillies win many games as he struggles, as did Workman, pitching to 6.5+ERA in Philly.

New York Yankees traded RHP David Hale to Philadelphia Phillies for Addison Russ. Again, another trade boosted the pen. I did like this move and the other ones to help the pen. This one didn't pan out for the Phillies as Hale pitched to a +4ERA.

Philadelphia Phillies traded LHP Austin Davis to Pittsburgh Pirates for Player To Be Named Later and cash. Joel Cesar sent to the Phillies to complete the trade.- Yet another trade to boost the bullpen.

Milwaukee Brewers traded RHP David Phelps to Philadelphia Phillies for 3 PTBNL.- This one was a bit much for the Phillies as they had to give up three players for 1. Phelps was good for the Brewers and deserved the return for his track record. However, Phelps did struggle after the trade.

What did we love about the Phillies in 2020?

I had the Phillies projected to go 43-17 on the season and win over the Braves' NL East. I was slightly off as the Phillies finished 28-32, in 3rd place in the NL East. We did see a lot to love from the Philly offense, who had many vital contributors. Didi Gregorius(.284BA, 40RBI, 61H), Bryce Harper(13HR, .420OBP), Andrew McCutchen(10HR, 55H, .253BA), Jean Segura, and J.T. Realmuto, Alex Bohm also had excellent seasons offensively. We loved the season we saw from Aaron Nola(5W, 96K, 12.1K/9) and Zack Wheeler(2.92ERA, 16BB-53K) looked to be a dynamic 1-2 punch that would have faired well in the Playoffs. Outside of these few players, the team as a whole had quite a bit not to love.

Before we kill all the love here, we are talking about the city of brotherly love. If you were my brother(or sister), I care about you. I care about your mental health. If you are having a tough day today, that's OK tough days happen. Suppose you feel like you're in a funk; it's OK. It's OK to not be OK, especially for my brothers out there. Instead of saying something like "suck it up, buttercup," let's stop and say, "bro, you doing OK? Do you need to talk? I am here for you." But if you only stub your toe or get a papercut, I am going to say, "suck it up, buttercup. Need to me to kiss it?" I will go in for the kiss and make you laugh and feel better. Let's end the stigma around men's mental health.

What did we not love about the Phillies in 2020?

Outside of those mentioned above. The rest of the offense and batting order on any given day was less than average. The team hit for a .257BA, with 480K, and drew 229BB. The fact that the Phillies will be without stud 1B Rhys Hoskins to TJ surgery, we do not love that whatsoever. The pitching we loved even less as they pitched to a 5.14ERA. The midseason trades for what looked to be terrific bullpen pieces didn't pay offseason long for the Phillies.

Can I tell you what I love almost as much as the Mariners? Dr. Squatch soap and deodorant. I love the all-natural, chemical-free, great smelling, long-lasting products they offer. This the season of giving, so go and give your skin and a loved one's skin, some love with this fabulous soap. Let them know I sent you by click here.

What is next for the 2020 Phillies going into 2021?

Well, with GM Matt Klentak stepping down, the Phillies need a new GM who will cut JT Realmuto a six-year 128MIL+ deal. Realmuto is excellent with the Glove and the Bat posting a 5.9rWAR, which places him at the top of the best catchers list. Harper and the rest of the team want Realmuto back, but turning 30 next season and with the historical decline of catchers at this age, the Phillies, among others, may be hesitant to do more than a 4year 98MIL+ type of deal. The one goal for the Phillies in 2021 is to have JT Realmuto on the roster and behind the plate. But to hire a great pitching coach to lead this high upside rotation and help repair this bullpen.

What was the biggest takeaway of 2020 for the Phillies?

The lack of consistency for the Phillies is the takeaway for me. The bullpen was trash for the team, and that hurt them in a lot of close games. Consistency was hard to find for the group as Didi's .284BA was the highest on the team. Getting the team to work as one unit through all nine innings will be a big focus from now on.

Thanks for reading today, I am so grateful for your time reading, and I hope you enjoyed reviewing the winners as much as I have. I also want to thank my partners over at Repp Sports for RAZE Energy. Thanks to this clean and sufficient energy, I can have the intense focus to deliver content to you guys consistently. Click here to save 15% right now with the code "BALL BOY" at check out.