I never thought I'd be able to do TWO horrible Shakespeare puns in one week. I think I've peaked.
Anyway, Maikel Franco. Man, it looks like he picked the right season to start hitting again. Because he's finally fitting in a lineup of legitimate MLB stars, all playing well. And somehow Maikel is the one with the most home runs...along with Bryce Harper.
Granted, the Phils lost their first game earlier today against Washington, but...it was bound to happen eventually. All teams lose. The Phils are still atop the NL East, tied with the Mets for first, and are still surging. Yes, it's a bit unsettling that both a lot of the carnage today came at the expense of Aaron Nola, but...that whole pitching staff is still doing fantastic. Arrieta, Elfin and Pivetta are all doing great, although Pivetta needs to get over a shaky start. It's also too early to tell whether Neshek or Robertson will be closing, but...again, it's early enough that both Harper and Franco have batting averages over .400.
The main question here is whether or not the Phils have enough to last the entire season. And given what I've seen from Harper, Franco, McCutchen and Segura...I am definitely intrigued. If everyone stays this on, we could be in for a huge season in Philly. They honestly took the opposite approach from San Diego, and melded the remaining starters to fit with the acquisitions. Granted, it's a very 2015-Padres-esque gamble to make, especially considering Harper's inconsistency, but...the pitching staff was kept entirely intact, and THAT unit has been doing insanely well thus far.
This madcap scheme seems to be working so far, but we'll see if the Phillies are made for long-term success.
Coming Tomorrow- Fireballer No. 4 for a team that may be in for a downswing this year.
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