That Balls Outta Here
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Comparing the Phillies to the Nationals, Astros, and Cubs

By John Town

May 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Michael Saunders (5) warms up in the outfield during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Michael Saunders (5) warms up in the outfield during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of Citizens Bank Park with the rain tarp on before a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Phillies

Now we come to our hometown team, and it doesn’t seem like it can get any worse. 2016 was their fourth straight losing season and they were the worst team in baseball in 2015. They are a long way gone from the dynamic teams of 2008 to 2011.

Their 17-34 record this season is worst in MLB by 3.5 games. Players that were supposed to be contributors like J.P. Crawford, Odubel Herrera, Maikel Franco, Jerad Eickhoff, and Aaron Nola aren’t having the seasons they were supposed to at all. It seems like team is taking a step back.

However, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel, just like all the other teams that Klentak cited.

The team has several prospects lighting up Triple-A in Rhys Hoskins, Dylan Cozens, Nick Williams, and Roman Quinn. All are candidates for a call-up soon, and eventually the team will have to promote them. Scott Kingery is doing the same thing one level lower at Double-A and he should be in Triple-A soon. Mickey Moniak has all the tools necessary to be a four-tool, if not five-tool, player at the major-league level. He could be the difference maker the team needs to push them over the top when they are on the edge of competing.

Next: Scott Kingery deserves promotion

Does losing suck? Yes. Does waiting suck? Also yes. But Klentak had a point when he compared the Phils to the Astros, Cubs, and Nationals. Their fan bases had to wait several years for their team to compete again, but they are enjoying it now.

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