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Phillies: What defines success in the 2018 season?

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the seventh inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the seventh inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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John Town

While winning more games than they did in 2017 would be nice, 2018 is yet another year that shouldn’t be measured by wins and losses. While that isn’t nice for a fanbase that hasn’t had a winning season 2011 to hear, we have to be more concerned about the future rather than the present.

The key to success this season will be the development of the team’s core. Rhys Hoskins certainly showed major-league potential last year after his call-up, but how much of that success can he carry in 2018? J.P. Crawford and Jorge Alfaro showed flashes as well, but both still need to make strides in their game to succeed at this level. Aaron Nola could be an outside candidate for the Cy Young, but the rest of the rotation still needs to sort itself out.

Ultimately, 2018 should be considered a successful season if and only if Philadelphia’s group of young players shows that they can be above-average major-leaguers moving forward. If they do have successful seasons, the wins will come.

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