That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: Goldschmidt rumors admits complacency with bad defense

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Left fielder Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies dives but can't make a catch on a ball hit by Tyler Flowers #25 of the Atlanta Braves for a double during the ninth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves won 10-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Left fielder Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies dives but can't make a catch on a ball hit by Tyler Flowers #25 of the Atlanta Braves for a double during the ninth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves won 10-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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The Phillies appear ready to throw Rhys Hoskins back in left field even if it means having a bad defense once again

The latest Phillies rumor connected the team to Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, a perennial MVP candidate who averages more than 30 home runs a season.

Jayson Stark reports talks between Philadelphia and Arizona broke down when the Diamondbacks wouldn’t take Carlos Santana back in a deal that included pitcher Zach Eflin.

There’s a lot to dig out of that rumor, but something that stands out is the Phillies willingness to keep Rhys Hoskins in left field despite being one of the worst defensive outfielders in baseball.

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Hoskins finished last among left fielders with a -14 Rtot, which measures defensive contributions based on several other metrics. He also finished second in baseball with six errors in left field behind Eddie Rosario in Minnesota.

Anyone who watched the Phillies can understand why they finished as the worst defensive team in baseball. They often played players out of position in favor of offense, most notably Hoskins in left, Kingery at shortstop, and Santana at third.

Adding Goldschmidt would give Philadelphia a superstar at first base who has received MVP votes in five of his last six seasons. Because he plays in Arizona Goldschmidt doesn’t get the recognition many believe he deserves.

Goldschmidt is a three-time Gold Glove winning first baseman, but adding him keeps Hoskins in left field, both literally and figuratively.

Perhaps sacrificing a little bit on defense makes sense when you’re adding a superstar like Goldschmidt. How much does that bat outweigh the runs given up by Hoskins defensively?

Next. Should the Phils trade for or buy a closer. dark

Goldschmidt is also from the Philadelphia area, born in Wilmington, Delaware just 30 minutes from Citizens Bank Park, so take that for what it’s worth.

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