Phillies April Has Been Full of Surprises

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 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Velasquez (28) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. (Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports) /

Vincent Velasquez‘ performance over his first four starts in a Phillies uniform has made people forget all about former closer Ken Giles, the man for whom he and a handful of others were traded. ‘Vinny from Philly’, ‘Vinny Velo’, whatever the nickname you want to use, he is in the NL’s top six in ERA, WHIP and strikeouts.

It’s still early, but Velasquez appears to be the real deal, a true potential longterm top of the rotation starting pitcher. There was no denying he had an awesome fastball when the Astros traded him, but they felt a proven closer was a bigger need than another big arm starter as their organization was situated.

It’s now looking like Velasquez will be a mainstay in the Phils rotation for years to come. Making at or near major league minimum dollars, he won’t be arbitration eligible until 2019.

Next: Phillies 2016 Fourth Key: Eickhoff and Nola Strikeouts

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