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Phillies: 5 Philadelphia Prospects Expected To Debut In 2017

By Gary Brinson

Mar 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop J.P. Crawford (77) sits in the dugout against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop J.P. Crawford (77) sits in the dugout against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 29, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

How can the Phillies and Pete Mackanin best utilize the incoming prospects?

The Phillies should want to play it safe with the arrival of their top prospects in 2017.

With the exception of J.P Crawford, none of the players are sure things to be everyday players upon arrival. With that said, there’s still plenty of innings and at-bats to go around on the rebuilding Phillies.

This is just my personal opinion on the situation, but Williams can be protected by only facing right-handed pitching. Lively can be limited to under six innings a start, and not be pressed to do more like the young starters from 2016. Pivetta can be a hard-throwing swing/long man every bullpen craves for nowadays. Knapp (who has logged around 50 inning at first base in his career) can be a backup for both Tommy Joseph and Rupp, getting at-bats from more than one position, providing extra versatility for the team with the ability to switch-hit.

Next: McCutchen To Phillies? It Makes Sense

The Phillies need to learn from 2016 and do a better job if protecting prospects upon arrival, and start putting them in the best position to add value to team.

However the players are used, expect them all in Philadelphia in 2017.

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