Philadelphia Phillies story-poll: This side of the ball

There were questions before April about this year’s production for the Philadelphia Phillies and their new third baseman Michael Young. Is the meat of the attack better with him in it?

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This is my 11th poll and I will hone them over time, like my other postings. If you’re interested in checking out something different, my storyline articles–by design–represent a baseball man’s thinking, the view from the dugout and the GM’s box. Please go to my author archives or the Phillies page for my most recent coverage. Scroll down to Tal’s Handy Links at the bottom. Thank you.

Check out:  Philadelphia Phillies storyline: Lee and the legend

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AGREE OR DISAGREE:

The Lumber Appraisal:

If everybody is ripping the cover off the ball, they will all go into a slump together.

Those hot and cold spells have been maddening for the faithful. Basically, half of the 1-6 slots in the lineup carry the load, and the other 3 catch fire when they cool off. That plus the contributions from the 7 and 8 hole will provide enough runs in most games, especially when the pitchers hold the competition to 4 tallies or less. For the first 9 decisions, the red pinstripes are averaging 4.67 runs per contest.

The table-setters are scoring a run per battle and have pilfered 7 bases in 8 attempts, which would have been 8 if Ben Revere didn’t come off the bag on Wednesday night. Jimmy Rollins is batting .316, while Revere is experiencing difficulty with the third sacker playing in to minimize his speed. However, he will get more knocks in shallow left field that are otherwise outs. Rollins, on the other hand, might have a higher average in the 2 spot, which generally offers a steady diet of fastballs. Walks are bad news in front of potent RBI threats.

Young and Chase Utley are at .333 or higher, which means Ryan Howard will see more strikes. That cannot be a pleasant assignment for an opposing hurler, because he is always one swing away from a bomb. Utley jumped off to a quick start with 7 hits for the first 4 games, while Young had only 2. Now, Young has 10 knocks in the last 5 contests and Utley has 4, which means one or the other is producing.

By the Numbers:

[table id=491 /]

Dom Brown has had a hit in 7 of the 9 battles so far, and is among the offensive leaders for production on the team. Even when Carlos Ruiz and Delmon Young return, he will still be in the 6 slot to break up those two right-handed sticks. Delmon will protect Howard and Ruiz will be a strong option behind Brown. Currently, right field is determined by the hot hand (John Mayberry Jr.), and Erik Kratz is keeping Ruiz’s position warm.

Brown is the first piece for the next gang of Phillies, which is why Howard and Rollins have taken him under their wings.

The Forecast for April:

• The hits will fall for Revere and Rollins will have better stats batting second.
• The heart of the order will drive in runs with knocks and homeruns for the most part.
• The back of the lineup will pick up the first 2 parts with an RBI or two that are key.     

Do you agree or disagree?  Mostly or completely?

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Check out my last poll (Lasting Impressions) and most recent storyline (The Journey) on the Phillies page or my author archives, where there is an excerpt photo.  I will periodically publish the 2013 ERA for the NL East and the MLB 5. Thank you, to all who bookmarked my page.

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