That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: 5 questions that remain unanswered this season

By George Stockburger

PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 07: Nick Pivetta #43 of the Philadelphia Phillies sits in the dugout during the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 7, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 07: Nick Pivetta #43 of the Philadelphia Phillies sits in the dugout during the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 7, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – MAY 01: Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts to being hit by a pitch from Tayron Guerrero of the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning during the game between the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on May 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – MAY 01: Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts to being hit by a pitch from Tayron Guerrero of the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning during the game between the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on May 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

What’s happening with Scott Kingery?

The Phillies decided to #BeBold by signing top second base prospect Scott Kingery to a six-year deal before he played a Major League game. The plan for Kingery was for him to play across the diamond and contribute on an everyday basis, but he’s done little to none of that.

While Kingery has played in 108 games he’s hitting an abysmal .223 with 99 strikeouts this season. He’s only played his original position four times and has been stuck at shortstop for nearly the entire season.

CINCINNATI, OH – JULY 27: Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws to first base after fielding a ground ball in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 27, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Philadelphia 6-4. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – JULY 27: Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws to first base after fielding a ground ball in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 27, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Philadelphia 6-4. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Many think Kingery simply wasn’t ready to play in the major leagues and others point to the constant shifting of positions. Whatever it is, it’s a major issue for the organization.

Would Kingery be hitting .280 if he were playing second base every day? To find that out the organization would have to move Cesar Hernandez, who leads all second baseman in walks and times on base and is second in on-base percentage and runs scored.

That would be a major gamble for Philadelphia considering Hernandez is only 28 and under team control through the 2020 season. There are still questions surrounding whether J.P. Crawford can play shortstop all season, and mixed with that are the prospects of signing Manny Machado this offseason.

It’s perhaps the biggest issue facing this organization on the field and it’s one they have little time to figure out.

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