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Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day 2017: Five Observations From Philly’s Win

By John Town

Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) slides in safe under the tag of Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart (16) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) slides in safe under the tag of Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart (16) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Scott Feldman (37) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /

The Reds Are Still Bad

One team was bound to have to play a team outside of the division, and once again it was the Phillies as the Mets squared up against the Braves and the Nationals and Marlins faced off. Meanwhile, Philadelphia traveled to Cincinnati for the second straight year to open up the season.

The Reds, who are also in the middle of a rebuild, did not exactly put out the most exciting lineup Monday. On the mound for Cincy was Scott Feldman, the 34-year old vet who has a career 4.40 ERA and 71-77 record. Not exactly “Opening Day starter” material.

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Billy Hamilton is an electric player on the basepaths and in the field and Joey Votto is one of the best hitters in the league, but outside of those two players, the Reds’ lineup isn’t exactly dynamic. Trading away Brandon Phillips didn’t help their offense either. Beyond the top of the lineup, the Reds aren’t too impressive.

The Reds went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position before Scooter Jennett’s home run in the ninth inning, and they twice had the bases loaded. However, they were able to score just one run before the ninth, leaving plenty of chances on the table in the process.

Taking on the Reds was a good way to ease into the season, but it doesn’t exactly gauge how much the team improved this season.

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