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Grading Gabe Kapler’s Performance this Season

By Matthew C

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 08: Gabe Kapler #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on from the dugout during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 08: Gabe Kapler #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on from the dugout during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Gabe Kapler has had ups and down in his first season as the Phillies manager

Phillies fans didn’t know what to expect when Gabe Kapler was named the new manager this offseason. He didn’t start the season well with his fans. Now, halfway through his first season, fans were coming to the realization of Gabe Kapler is an extraordinary manager with an extraordinary talent.

He was hired as a manager with no previous managing experience in the majors. Instead, he was an analytics guy and the Director of Player Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The only experience he had in the majors besides with the Dodgers was being a player.

No one ever expected a young, experienced manager could take the Phillies this far. But, they were wrong. Gabe Kapler has the potential to be the next Charlie Manuel – only no one could ever replace the legendary manager.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Gabe Kapler #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies discusses a call with home plate umpire David Rackley #86 in the fifth inning of the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Gabe Kapler #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies discusses a call with home plate umpire David Rackley #86 in the fifth inning of the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

Earlier this season, Kapler took some backlash from Phillies and baseball fans around the world. From making a pitching change without a pitcher warming up in the bullpen to taking now All-Star Aaron Nola out of a start prematurely, he has evidently learned from his mistakes and becoming a great manager.

Flash forward a couple of months into the season, the forty-two-year-old manager has the potential of being named a Manager of the Year candidate.

Earlier this week, That Balls Outta Here conducted an official poll regarding Gabe Kapler’s Manager of the Year candidacy. Twenty-four hours later, the results were in..

Although new managers like Alex Cora, who currently manages the Boston Red Sox, are most likely front-runners in the race for the award, it’s still possible Gabe Kapler can receive the honor for the National League.

His extraordinary talent as a manager has certainly helped the Philadelphia Phillies. The team hasn’t had a winning record (above .500) under the previous two managers.

Despite finishing June with a record below .500, Philadelphia remains in the hunt for first place in the National League East under Gabe Kapler’s management.

. Gabe Kapler. A-. .

For that reason alone, he should be given credit. Offense hasn’t been the only thing in favor of Gabe Kapler. It’s pitching too.

As of publishing date, the Phillies currently rank fourth in quality starts in the league. Their forty-three quality starts is above the league average of thirty-eight.

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