The Phillies offensive stats are mostly worse than they were at the break last season. Yet they are 20 games better.
I actually think they are looking to upgrade pitching more than hitting -- especially the pen and maybe one starting pitcher.
If we can just upgrade our bullpen and get more consistency from it, I think that'll go a long way to shore things up. I think that could also help the rotation by easing the pressure on them trying too hard to be their best at all times before turning the game over to the pen. Hope that makes sense.The Braves realistically need some rotation help and a couple of bullpen arms. Offensively they produce enough to win most games. A lot of people are complaining that Dansby Swanson is performing so poorly at the plate that he might not make the roster next year, let alone be an everyday starter, however his glove is outstanding and .250 out of a shortstop who is a tough out all the time, I believe I saw a stat that is near the league leader in 9+ pitch at bats.
This is all to say that the Braves are still very much a threat to win the division and could make some noise but they need serious help to be a legit contender this year.
Saw an interesting stat tonight. Major league batters have 223 more strikeouts than hits. There has never been a season where there were more strikeouts than hits...ever.
One of the few positive things about the Royals is that they don't strike out a lot. Only Pittsburgh has fewer strikeouts than KC.I think it’s the new swing style.
One of the few positive things about the Royals is that they don't strike out a lot. Only Pittsburgh has fewer strikeouts than KC.
Its amazing that San Diego has the most. You would think that having a pitcher friendly park would have them looking for contact hitters. :confused:
He should do a cheap slide that takes a Phillie middle-infielder out for the season for old time sake.The Phillies-Dodgers play a 3-game series in Philadelphia starting tonight. Should be an interesting matchup! Emotional series as well, as this will be Chase Utley's final performance in Philadelphia (minus any possible playoff matchup). Utley is going to be cheered loudly with every AB.
Julio gonna Julio.And the Braves retake first in the East. That division is going to be a battle the whole way though. This Braves team is so fun to watch. Other teams might win more but nobody is as consistently fun to watch.