That Balls Outta Here
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Philadelphia Phillies Season 2017: Five Storylines to Watch

By Mike Azzalina

Jul 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of Citizens Bank Park during game between Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies defeated the Braves, 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of Citizens Bank Park during game between Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies defeated the Braves, 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) tosses his bat after hitting a three RBI home run during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) tosses his bat after hitting a three RBI home run during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Storyline #5: The Odubel Effect

Odubel Herrera has been one of the most exuberant players to come through Philadelphia in a long time. When was the last time this city has had a player flip his bat after the walk to the point that you would think he just hit a ball 450 feet? The answer: Never.

During his first two seasons, Herrera hit his way to a long-term deal with the organization. His improvements were noticeable one year to the next, and he was rewarded for them. Other youngsters on the roster will hopefully take notice.

Herrera nearly doubled his home run output from 2015 to 2016. There are those (I am among them) that believe he can get from 15 to 20 this coming season. He also doubled his number of free passes (28 to 63). While there was one month during the second half of 2016 that was not what should be considered pretty, Herrera showed the ability to find his weaknesses and make improvements.

We already know that Doobs energizes his teammates with his electricity. There are areas the Phils would like to see their centerfielder improve. For example, it would not hurt for him to add to his 25 stolen bases from last season. It appears that he will likely hit third at the start of the season. Finding ways on base more consistently will help both his stolen base numbers, but also as a direct correlation, assist Franco’s success.

In addition to his direct impact, Herrera’s deal raises the question as to whether or not players like Maikel Franco can mimic the act El Torito has put on the last two seasons. If Franco wants that $65 million treatment, he needs to make $65 million worth of improvements. In my opinion, Franco is the only position player currently on the big league roster who could see that sort of cash in his future. However, multi-year deals could also be available to the likes of Tommy Joseph, Aaron Nola, Vince Velasquez, and perhaps Jerad Eickhoff.

All they have to do is continue to show improvement, and well, be like…Odubel.

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