Phillies need a lineup shakeup to spark the offense

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PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 06: Manager Gabe Kapler #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on from the top step of the dugout against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Chase Field on August 6, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Following another series loss featuring lackluster offense, the Phillies are in need of a line up mix up to jump-start the team.

Sunday night on the national spotlight the Phillies entered the final game of a very rare five-game series against the New York Mets. Despite what had been a very disappointing first four games the Phillies had a chance to climb back into first place following an Atlanta Braves four-game sweep. Yet against a pitcher who came into the evening with an 8.10 ERA, the Mets would have all the runs they needed to win by the second inning.

This wrapped up the club’s fourth consecutive series loss/tie since the four-game sweep of the Marlins. The team is 5-8 during the span averaging just 3.3 runs a game and just 1.5 in losses scoring no more than four in a loss. The bats have now struggled for multiple weeks leading myself and countless others to believe Manager Gabe Kapler should mix things up.

This lineup suggestion would not be one I believe the Phillies should use a month from now, just right now to create a spark in the offense, test out new faces, and let old one reignite their swings. Without further adieu, here is the lineup I believe would put the Phillies in the best spot to win games right now.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 03: Roman Quinn #24 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two run double in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on August 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

1: Roman Quinn CF

Sometimes you have to play the hot hand. Since joining the club, Roman Quinn has posted a .293 average while striking out just five times in 41 at-bats. Out of 20 games, Quinn has started just six times, mainly being used as a pinch hitter or defensive replacement. Quinn, known for his blazing speed, has stolen three bases in his six starts showing the ability to get on base and create damage. With his wheels and big bats behind him, Quinn would be a run machine.

2: Justin Bour 1B

Bour has failed to put up the same numbers as he did in his career season just one year ago. The lefty batted .289 with 25 home runs just one season ago, now hitting a struggling .226. Yet a common theory about Bour’s dip this season is the bats surrounding him. One year ago, his lineup protection featured Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna, all who left the Marlins last offseason. Putting Bour back into a situation where he would be protected by the heart of the Phillies lineup could rejuvenate the first baseman heading down the stretch.

3: Wilson Ramos C

The All-Star catcher has certainly made his impact on the Phillies since joining them last week. He has gone 7-17 with five extra-base hits during his first five games with the club. Ramos is the only .300 hitter on the roster. This one does not require a ton of explanation; just hope Ramos continues to swing it well for the Phils.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 16: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a three run home run in the bottom of the first inning against the New York Mets in game two of the doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on August 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4: Rhys Hoskins LF

This was a move Kapler made that I really agreed with. In 35 games in the cleanup spot, Hoskins has posted a .302/.438/.560 slash line with 25 RBI compared to .238/.338/.438 and 51 RBI in his 77 games out of the two hole. Hoskins drives in runs and draws walks and at higher rate batting fourth. It puts an RBI guy in the optimal position to drive in runs. This move would be beneficial to Hoskins individually and the team.

5: Nick Williams RF

This is another one that does not require too much of an explanation. Since the All-Star Break Williams is batting .306 with six home runs. He has batted .278 in 36 games in the five spot. He has earned the playing time that was once given to the now Ironpig Aaron Altherr.

6: Maikel Franco 3B

Gone are the days of thinking Franco should be shipped out this season. Franco has posted the highest average on the team this year while also hitting 20 home runs in the midst of a career year. His average is up 51 points compared to 2017, his OBP is up 42 points and SLG is up a walloping 75 points. Franco has performed very well in a career-defining season as he tries to cement himself as the Phillies third baseman of the future.

SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 12: Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts as he strikes out during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 12, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

7: Asdrubal Cabrera SS

Cabrera has not been great since the Phillies acquired him. He has batted just .208 with 2 HR and just 8 RBI. His average has dropped 11 points since coming to Philadelphia. However he has actually done a solid job defensively, a question mark when acquired, and is the best option the Phillies have at the position.

8: Pitcher

I personally like the La Russa method. Batting a pitcher eighth makes room for a leadoff caliber guy to bat ninth. Which is what will happen in this hypothetical scenario.

9: Cesar Hernandez 2B

I would like to try Hernandez out of the leadoff spot. Following back to back seasons with a .294 average, Hernandez is batting just .260 this year.

While his on-base percentage has also dipped, it is still at a very impressive .367 which is why I can understand leaving him up top. However. ninth is a semi-similar role and I personally think dropping him down would help a lot.

SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 10: Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies holds onto his helmet as he takes a strike during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 10, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

Addressing Odubel Herrera and Carlos Santana

I really thought this was the year of Odubel. He got off to a record start, extending a large on-base streak and batting in the .350’s. Yet it has all been downhill from there.

More from That Balls Outta Here

Since May the highest average Herrera has posted in a single month was .253. He is batting .184 in August while posting an OBP of .200. At the moment, Herrera is swinging a cold bat and perhaps some time off the bench could help him make the minor adjustments that would get him back to the electric El Torito we all know and love.

Let’s look at Santana’s 2018. The good is his OBP, walks and RBI all top three on the team. But that is just about it. Santana has battled an average in the .210’s all season long. May was the lone month he batted above .250 and has batted below .200 in a month three times. I have yet to hop on the “signing Santana was a mistake” wagon just yet, but it looks that way more and more each day.

Hopefully, he saved that electric stretch for the end of the season.

Next. Figuring out where Nola stands in Cy Young race. dark

Once again this is not the lineup I would use come September 10th. It is just a thought for how to spark a struggling lineup as the playoff stretch nears. The Phillies need a lot more than three runs a game to win the East and I believe this is a line up that would put the Phillies in the best spot to amp that number up come September.

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