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