Uncustomed Heroes of 2019: Phillies

...they just can't get it done, can they?

Look, i've been hoping for these guys to bounce back after since Hoskins came up, because they've been trying really hard, and they don't deserve their rotten luck, but...for the second year in a row, they've blown a May-June lead and let countless teams, like the Braves, Nats and Mets, finish in front of them in the standings.

Cesar Hernandez's 2019 was down from his breakout 2018, but still had a 2.5 WAR, a .279 average, a team high 171 hits and a .741 OPS. Unfortunately, he also struck out 100 times. You pick and choose. He's been DFA'd due to cap space, and will likely spend 2020 on another squad.
Why Him in 2019?: One of the last few homegrown talents to excel for Philly.
2020 Prediction: I say Cleveland signs him, and he has a modest year there

 After striking out way too much in Seattle, Bruce was picked up by Philly, where he struck out only 29 times in 51 games, as opposed to his 53 strikeouts in 47 games as a Mariner. He also hit well, with 12 home runs and 32 RBIs, peaking in the midst of the bamboo phenomenon.
Why Him in 2019?: Ended the year with dignity, and a higher average
2020 Prediction: Will be used off the bench most likely, but will have more homers than he did this year.

 In a year where Andrew McCutchen, Jay Bruce and Corey Dickerson saw IL time, Adam Haseley was a smart call-up for Philly. He had a .266 average in 67 games as a Philly outfielder, and had 26 RBIs in that time.
Why Him in 2019?: Usurped Nick Williams and Roman Quinn as the wisest homegrown outfield choice.
2020 Prediction: Will have a durable, consistent sophomore season sharing the OF with Harper and Cutch.

 Jake Arrieta had a strong start this year, with a 3.46 ERA in April with 30 strikeouts, and while his numbers lessened over time, he still notched 8 wins before leaving in August with a season-ending injury.
Why Him in 2019?: A veteran presence whose absence put the rotation in disarray
2020 Prediction: A season more similar to his Cubs numbers.

 Hector Neris' Jekyll/Hyde nature continued in 2019, as he garnered 28 saves a season after losing the gig with a 5+ ERA. It's even more admirable when you consider that the job only became his after David Robertson's injury
Why Him in 2019?: Was a light spot in a mixed-up bullpen.
2020 Prediction: He'll have lost the job again by June.

 After a strong start in Queens, Jason Vargas was a smart get for the Phillies. Unfortunately, his 2018 numbers returned, and had a 5.37 ERA and a 1-4 record.
Why Him in 2019?: Made the pitching situation in Philly in August even hazier.
2020 Prediction: Will be signed to a minor league deal, and will make a few starts, but his days as a perennial opening day rotation member are over.

And my favorite move the Phils made in 2019 was trading for Corey Dickerson to help with the outfield. When Dickerson was healthy, he hit .293 with 34 RBIs. Of course, he only played 34 games in the last 2 months.
Why Him in 2019?: His injury made the Phillies gain faith in Adam Haseley
2020 Prediction: Will be an amusing starting outfielder for an out-of-the-conversation team.

Coming Tomorrow- The team Dickerson came from, who didn't fare much better.