Phillies Host Cubs: Series Preview
By Matt Veasey
Jul 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Hernandez (16) rounds second during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
SERIES KEYS
Rookie Starting Pitchers – the Phils are using four rookies on a regular basis in their starting rotation right now, and three of them make starts in this series. They will have no chance to win this series at all, something that will be a tall order even under perfect circumstances, unless they get strong outing from at least 2 of the 3 kid arms. Beating Arrieta will be really tough. However, Eickhoff has a decent shot on Saturday, if he can return to the form of his first few big league starts. That would make a Quality Start from Asher the key. He needs that type of outing, if just for his own confidence to show that he can succeed at this level.
Push the Offensive Attack – let’s face it, the Phillies have one of the worst, if not the very worst, offensive attacks in baseball. When you lack consistent power, when your lineup lacks big-time hitters for average, and when you don’t work a lot of walks, you need to do something. How about pushing things? Cesar Hernandez has 19 steals, Odubel Herrera has taken 14 bags, Freddy Galvis has 9 swipes. Aaron Altherr is an athletic young kid. Run them. Give them the green light. What’s the fear, that they’ll get thrown out? That they’ll run you out of an inning? You already have the worst offense in the game. You’re not scoring in any event. Push the offense, maybe you can find a little more offense, enough to win a few more games? It’s at least worth a shot.
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