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Phillies: 10 keys to winning the National League East

By George Stockburger

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 11: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to manager Gabe Kapler prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Spectrum Field on March 11, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. The Rays won 8-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 11: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to manager Gabe Kapler prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Spectrum Field on March 11, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. The Rays won 8-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Atlanta Braves during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Atlanta Braves during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

The bullpen has to be as good as advertised

The Phillies have a solid mix of youth and experience out in the bullpen for 2019. David Robertson, who could quietly be one of the best free agent signings in baseball this year, gives them an established late-game arm. Robertson hasn’t had an ERA above 3.50 since his rookie season and he’s saved at least 30 games three times in his career.

Two other newcomers to the bullpen came over in trades this offseason, Jose Alvarez and Juan Nicasio. Alvarez comes over from Los Angeles joins fellow southpaw Adam Morgan in the ‘pen after having a very impressive 2.71 ERA in 76 games for Los Angeles.

Nicasio, who pitched two games for the Phillies in 2017 before being traded to the Cardinals, is coming off a rough season with Seattle highlighted by a 6.00 ERA in 46 games. He’ll be a middle reliever who could see about 50 appearances.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Pat Neshek #93 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Pat Neshek #93 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Pat Neshek also returns healthy and while Tommy Hunter will likely start the year on the injured list he showed flashes late last season. After posting a 5.04 ERA in his first 29 games Hunter had a very good ERA of 3.00 after July 1.

Perhaps the arm with the most potential in the bullpen is Seranthony Dominguez who went from a Rookie of the Year candidate to headscratcher last year. After not allowing a run in his first 12 games, Dominguez had a 3.95 ERA the rest of the season.

Rounding out the bullpen will likely be Edubray Ramos and Hector Neris, who have each had their rough patches in recent years. Neris went from being the closer of the future to a guy who couldn’t find the strike zone last year, resulting in a temporary demotion.

Ramos beat out Victor Arano, who had a terrible spring, for the final spot. After pitching with a 4.21 ERA in 2017 Ramos bounced back with a 2.32 ERA in 52 games last season. He’s a name often lost in the mix, but he’s just as important as the other arms.

There’s a ton of talent in this year’s bullpen and even more waiting in Lehigh Valley. With uncertainty remaining in the rotation the bullpen must be strong yet again in 2019.

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