Phillies Tommy Joseph: the Real Deal?
The Philadelphia Phillies rebuilding program continues, and a new 1st baseman is trying to solidify his place in the present and future.
Tommy Joseph came to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012 in the Hunter Pence trade and was believed to be the next upcoming catcher, eventually taking the spot of Carlos Ruiz. The city of Philadelphia was excited to see what he could do.
However, fast forward to today and Joseph has done a complete transformation. He has gone from catcher to 1st baseman, taking over the starting role from Ryan Howard. Does Joseph have what it takes to take over for the “Big Piece”? He just might.
Joseph has been through more than most veteran players have already during his short career. He was drafted in the second round in 2009 by the San Francisco Giants, and traded to the Phillies in 2012.
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He then suffered a concussion in 2013 which only allowed him to play 36 games, in 2014 he required season ending wrist surgery, and then in 2015 Joseph suffered another concussion. Many thought his career was going to be over. However, that’s when everything changed.
After his third concussion, the Phillies decided to convert Joseph into a 1st baseman. With little experience at the position, he got the hang of it quickly, and at age 24 his right-handed power bat was just what the Phillies were looking for.
Joseph began the 2016 season in the minor leagues with the AAA Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. In just 27 games he managed to record an average of .347 along with six homers and 17 RBI.
What about his defense? Joseph did commit four errors, but had a .969 fielding percentage. It was time for him to come up to the big leagues and show management and the fans what he had to offer.
Coming into the Minnesota series, Joseph had exactly 100 at-bats with a .230 average. His average may not seem great but he has produced 23 hits, 12 RBI, and seven homeruns.
What has Ryan Howard produced this season? He has stepped to the plate 168 times and has an embarrassing .145 average. He may have higher numbers than Joseph with 24 hits, 21 RBI, and 10 home runs, but Joseph I believe has the determination, focus, and something to prove. Howard knows that this is his last season in a Phillies uniform, so why bother?
Joseph will be turning 25 years old in July and again has already been through more than the veterans. He has shown that he is able to handle anything. It will be fun to see what the future holds for him, even if that means saying goodbye to Howard sooner.