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Phillies April Has Been Full of Surprises

By Mike Campanella

Apr 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia Phillies mob right fielder Peter Bourjos (17) after his walk off single during the eleventh inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-4 in the eleventh inning. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia Phillies mob right fielder Peter Bourjos (17) after his walk off single during the eleventh inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-4 in the eleventh inning. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Herrera hits a single during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. (Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Apr 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Herrera hits a single during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. (Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports) /

Coming into the season it appeared as if 3rd baseman Maikel Franco and center fielder Odubel Herrera were the only position players who would be integral parts of the Phillies future. Herrera has upped his production by re-inventing himself at the plate.

With a single and two more walks last night Herrera is now 2nd in the NL in walks and 5th in on base percentage. His newfound discipline at the top of the order allows his teammates to see more pitches before they step into the batters box.

Last year Herrera didn’t get his 21st walk until September 8th. At that time he also had 104 strikeouts. This year he has four more walks than strikeouts (17) and his on base percentage is over .100 points higher than the level at which he finished his successful rookie campaign.

Herrera also stole 16 bases all of last season. So far in 2016 he is on a pace to more than double that stolen base output. Now in the leadoff spot of the Phils’ lineup, having him get on base and become a legitimate stolen base threat has been huge for an overall weak offensive attack.

Next: Phillies 2016 Third Key: Vinny Velo

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