Phillies spring training studs and duds: Who's shining, who's not?

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CLEARWATER, FL – MARCH 09: Jake Arrieta (49) of the Phillies delivers a pitch to the plate during the spring training game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 09, 2019 at the Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Phillies are about halfway through spring training. How does the team look, and who on the roster has stood out so far?

Spring training is an odd time. Baseball’s back, but the games don’t count, a bunch of minor league players are getting a lion’s share of the playing time, and many of the games aren’t even broadcast. It can be really hard to follow a team during spring training, as even game recaps and highlights are scarce. With that in mind, we’re going to look at how the Phillies have been doing this spring.

As is the case with preseasons in every sport, spring training isn’t about wins and losses, but about getting back into the swing of things, figuring out how your team fits together, and for many players, trying to win a roster spot. The Phillies’ starting lineup seems pretty much set, but there are a few spots on the bench and in the bullpen yet to be won. With that in mind, we’re going to take a look at some of the players who have had an outstanding spring training, whether outstandingly good or outstandingly bad.

At the time of this writing (March 13), the Phillies are 15 days away from Opening Day, with 18 Spring Training games played and 14 left to go. Things can still change for any number of reasons, the main one being injuries. That is when some of the people who have been shining this spring can step up and find a spot on the major-league roster.

Studs

Dylan Cozens

Cozens has had a great spring, batting .308 with three home runs and six RBI in 30 plate appearances. He gets a hit as often as he gets out when he makes contact (eight hits), and his OPS is through the roof at 1.130. He has been boom or bust at the plate though, as he has 10 strikeouts on the spring. Fortunately for him, he’s been more boom than bust so far.

The logjam in the outfield is going to make it hard for Cozens to find a spot, but he could slot in nicely on the bench. His left-handed bat and size could also make him a dark horse candidate to backup Rhys Hoskins at first.

Drew Anderson

Anderson added a cutter this offseason, and the early results have been impressive. The righty has been otherworldly in his three games started so far, going 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA and 11 Ks in 8.2 innings (yes you read that right) through Wednesday. He’s allowed only four total hits, and one walk, giving him a WHIP of 0.577. Anderson will be hard pressed to win a job as the fifth starter.

If he keeps these numbers up, he’ll be the first guy the Phillies turn to when they need an extra starter.

Jake Arrieta

Arrieta had one really great game against Minnesota March 3, striking out four and not allowing a base runner through three innings, and one mediocre game against Toronto, allowing two earned runs on three hits in 1.2 innings. His total numbers are 3.86 ERA, seven strikeouts, 0.86 WHIP, he didn’t get a decision in either game.

However, probably the most encouraging thing about Arrieta’s spring is that he’s looked healthy. He had offseason surgery, which with pitchers north of 30 is an added concern, and made some adjustments to his delivery, but he has looked good so far. He has also touched 95 with his fastball, which is a very encouraging sign for Arrieta heading into the season.

Honorable Mentions

J.T. Realmuto, Phil Gosselin, Jean Segura

Duds

Maikel Franco

Coming into the spring, Gabe Kapler declared a competition between Franco and Scott Kingery for the third base job. Franco appears to be leading that competition, but neither has been good this spring. Franco has batted right at the Mendoza line in 27 plate appearances, with seven strikeouts and only one walk. He does have a homer and six RBI and has at least managed to stay away from the double play ball, which is always a struggle for him.

Scott Kingery

Kingery flashed enormous potential during his time in the minors but has looked utterly lost during his time in the big leagues. His numbers this spring have been even worse than Franco. His average is the same, but he doesn’t have any homers and has only one RBI. He also has 11 strikeouts and two walks in 30 appearances and has a paltry .550 OPS. Kingery will most likely to start the season as a utility infielder but might need a full time starting job at second to realize his potential. That deal he signed before his debut is looking worse by the second.

Vince Velasquez

It’s hard to judge a pitcher based on two starts, but Velasquez has had two ugly starts. He allowed two walks and a homer in only one full inning of work on March sixth against Toronto and allowed five hits and five earned runs in two innings against Tampa Bay on March eleventh. His ERA has ballooned to 18.00, but he has managed six strikeouts in his three total innings of work. This actually seems kind of fitting for Velasquez, who is arguably the Phillies’ most frustrating pitcher. One day he’ll put up a 16-strikeout shutout, the next… well, you’ve seen his Spring Training numbers this year.

Next. Herrera, Hernandez expected to be ready for season. dark

(Dis)Honorable Mentions

Victor Arano, Cesar Hernandez, Odubel Herrera

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Phillies spring training studs and duds: Who’s shining, who’s not?