That Balls Outta Here
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What could’ve been: Reevaluating all Phillies draft picks of the decade

By Koy Zdimal

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 20: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a solo home run against Brad Peacock #41 of the Houston Astros during the eighth inning in Game Six of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 20, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 20: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a solo home run against Brad Peacock #41 of the Houston Astros during the eighth inning in Game Six of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 20, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 28: Starting pitcher Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 28, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

2014 Phillies selection: Aaron Nola RHP 7th overall

This is a tough round. Aaron Nola has had his ups and downs so far. He has shown some ace potential. There are only three possible players to take over Nola: outfielder Michael Conforto, shortstop Trea Turner, and pitching prospect Michael Kopech.

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Kopech throws hard. He has a ton of potential but so far he’s mainly an Instagram star for his velocity. He has a large upside, but I would not take him over the established Aaron Nola. Conforto has been plagued with injuries. He was an All Star this year with an strong year, .279 AVG 27 HR and 68 RBI. Yet he only played 109 games in back to back seasons. Yes Nola had a season ending surgery too but Conforto’s too much of a risk to exchange Nola for based off one season.

Turner’s a tough one. He was phenomenal in 2016 (.342 AVG 13 HR 33 SB).

He was off to a great start in 2017 before a injury sidelined him for a majority of the season. He was on a record pace; in just over half of the season Turner has 46 stolen bases. He has established himself as a fast, high average hitter who plays solid defense. However, in this fantasy I’m saying the Phillies don’t trade Galvis due to Crawford not being in the system. Therefore I’ll take the extra arm over a slight upgrade at short.

Phillies new pick: Aaron Nola RHP (originally 7th overall by Philadelphia Phillies)

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