Six Phillies takes after first half dozen games of season

The Philadelphia Phillies have surprisingly jumped out to a 5-1 start to the 2021 season, following dominant series victories against the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. The most recent win bolstered the team’s first-place spot in the National League East, with Thursday marking one week since Opening Day.

The Phillies looked strong out of the gates, helped by veterans Rhys Hoskins, Bryce Harper, and J.T. Realmuto, as well as up-and-coming players such as Alec Bohm and Connor Brogdon.

Fans are excited to see the Fightin’ Phils emphatically take down two preseason National League East division favorites. Although the Phillies might be hesitant to believe as serious contenders — given fans have had false hope from early-season success before — what we’ve seen on the field through six games is indicative of a team with promise moving forward.

Here are six Phillies takes after the team’s first half dozen games.

1. The front end of the Phillies starting rotation dominated.

Right-handers Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Zach Eflin carried the Phillies to an opening series sweep over the three-time defending division champion Braves. The starters posted a 1.31 ERA in the first three games.

Wheeler stole the show on Saturday afternoon, pitching seven scoreless innings and driving in two runs in a 4-0 victory. Both Nola and Eflin received no-decisions after surrendering game-tying, seventh-inning home runs. However, both cruised through the Braves lineup for the majority of their respective starts.

While Nola didn’t have his best stuff in his second start, he still left the game having only allowed one run.

4. Citizens Bank Park is fun again.

Citizens Bank Park finally has more fans than just the Phandemic Krew watching games from outside the center field gates. The crowds undoubtedly have been a factor, providing the Phillies energy and confidence during the first week of the season.

The Opening Day capacity has already been expanded by a few thousand, and hopes for gradual progress toward full capacity are finally feeling realistic. Hopefully, as more vaccines roll out, the “curve” is lessened even more and life can return back to normal sooner than later.

5. The CF competition wasn’t an overplayed storyline during spring training.

Former first-round pick Adam Haseley has posted a modest .286 batting average through the first six games, but he has never proven himself to be more than an average major league player.

Roman Quinn has gone hitless so far this season. He must be competent at the plate for his baserunning and defense to be valued and warrant a 26-man roster spot.

Expect to see this storyline persist in conversations surrounding the team this season — with current alternate training site players Odubel Herrera and Scott Kingery vying for playing time.

6. Defensive has highs and lows

The Phillies don’t have a reputation around the MLB as a top defensive team. Moving forward, they will look for improvement from Haseley and Rhys Hoskins, in particular.

However, timely plays when things are going well can drastically help a team’s morale. On Opening Day, Quinn and J.T. Realmuto teamed up for superb execution to prevent the go-ahead run from scoring in extra innings. Alec Bohm and Didi Gregorius also made highlight-reel plays.