The Philadelphia Phillies went into the 2023 season without their two biggest lineup pieces, Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins. Obviously there was going to be some early issues, especially with 1st base being downgraded tremendously, and obviously the reigning NL champs would need new heroes to take the reins and carry the team.
And I was expecting something like this. I really was. But...we're nearly 2 weeks into the season and the two biggest contributors for the Phillies have been Bryson Stott and Matt Strahm, and it canonically makes sense. It's not 'well the whole team sucks and these guys suck marginally less'. It's 'a lot of people are playing well, but Stott's hitting up a storm and Strahm's gone scoreless in 2 starts and hasn't even allowed a run yet'. And...that I'm honestly down with.
Stott was giving me Scott Kingery vibes for a lot of last year. For a while he was backing up Didi Gregorius, who was only doing so well himself, and Stott only sort of heated up and figured out MLB hitting towards the end of the season, and eventually the postseason. Now, given a position he's a little more comfortable at, he's a much more valuable player, he's hitting .415 with 17 hits. The Phils have been using him as the leadoff batter, which, given that he's not really an RBI guy, is a great use of his talents. Besides, with Alec Bohm and his 13 RBIs, it's not like no one's pulling their weight anyhow.
Matt Strahm meanwhile is a bit more inexplicable. First of all, I've always rooted for Strahm, seeing as he's a collector and all, and it was nice to see him have a better season in Boston last year after missing some time in San Diego. The Phils made the right move in adding him to their pen, and though some other additions [Kimbrel, Soto, YUNIOR.] have struggled, Strahm has not only been efficient in relief, but since Painter, Suarez and Sanchez are all out, he's been pressed into a starting role, and...again, has not allowed any runs. Already Philly fans love him, because I honestly think he's perfect for this market [a lot like Pat Neshek, honestly], and if he keeps up the excellent work, in any capacity, he'll maybe become more than a fan favorite.
By and large, a lot of the guys I thought would have a nice start are. Brandon Marsh, Andrew Bellatti, Nick Castellanos, Trea Turner especially. Schwarber isn't hitting, wait til June. Realmuto's had a slow start, it's early. Nola and Wheeler have struggled, give 'em a few more starts. The important thing is that Bryce Harper is ahead of schedule and may be with the team next month at least, and even with the success they've had so far [see: Monday vs. the Marlins], that'll be a needed pick-me-up.
Regardless of the slower start, the Phillies are definitely on the right track, and it's people like Stott and Strahm that make me think there's some depth that's gonna keep this team from tanking completely.
Coming Tonight: Well, a White Sox outfielder has gotten injured and it's not him, so he's rolling.
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