It's wild to me that Bailey Falter's actually been impressive for Pittsburgh this year, despite really only being a bare bones style pitcher in comparison to their other success stories. But then again, that's what he was like in Philly, and that's why we gave him up. He ate innings, and he had some good starts, but Cristopher Sanchez was the showier arm, and they needed someone like Lorenzen who was a proven option.
Now, I still don't understand why they wanted Rodolfo Castro, seeing as he's done jack shit for the Phils since coming over here, but honestly it was bound to happen. Of course we give up a viable option for a low-market team in exchange for someone who eats roster space. Really the only difference is that the Pirates are at the point where they value a more basic starter like Falter, where as he stood out a lot more next to Wheeler and Nola last year.
Unsurprisingly, the Phillies giving up on key prospects right before they actually become useful is something that you can see in a lot of places in the league. And yes, I'm gonna name names.
Angels: Mickey Moniak, while not feeling like he should have been a #1 pick, is at least off to a more useful run in LA. Logan O'Hoppe, even if Brandon Marsh was worth it, has been a grade-A catcher for the Angels, and I'm glad he's been able to flesh out there. But most notable as a 'couldn't do crap til he got out of Philly' type? Hans Crouse, who was really well-heralded over here, did nothing, stayed in the minors, and now has a 0.00 ERA in relief for the Angels. Of course.
Astros: I couldn't fathom when we traded for Hunter Pence that we'd be setting up a 10 year long revenge story. Jon Singleton made waves as a rookie, then got into trouble off the field and never got back to the majors. Then the Brewers give him a shot, the Astros get him back, and he's playing for a playoff team and suddenly starting at 1st base over Jose Abreu. I'm happy for him, but it's wild that he's doing this as a Houston success story when we had him first.
Braves: Travis d'Arnaud, as I constantly forget, was a Phillies prospect before he was dealt to Toronto for Roy Halladay, and then to New York for R.A. Dickey. Traded for two Cy Young award winners, and now he's catching a guy who should have won one in Sale. To be honest, though, d'Arnaud only became truly great after getting out of Queens.
Cardinals: Jojo Romero we at least flipped for Edmundo Sosa, but this year that deal's looking shockingly even. Romero has a 2.61 ERA, and has been a key relief piece for the Cardinals, because of course he has.
Guardians: Carlos Carrasco, famously, even if he's not the menace he was in the mid-2010s.
Mariners: Also famously, J.P. Crawford, who we really thought was the future at SS, wasn't, and became the future for the Mariners after we traded him for Jay Bruce.
Marlins: Famously Sixto Sanchez, even if he's been a disappointment for the Marlins.
Mets: Jake Diekman became a reliable journeyman reliever right after getting traded out of Philly. I always forget that he was the extra prospect piece in the Cole Hamels deal. Anyway he's been decent for the Mets this year.
Red Sox: Famously Nick Pivetta, who was damn near perfect the other day. It frustrates me that we didn't wait on him, considering how disappointing Brandon Workman ended up being.
Tigers: Matt Vierling, as discussed, has become a key player for the Tigers this year, as someone's finally given an opportunity to play everyday.
So it's a pretty common factor, seeing the Phillies' prospect dealing coming back to haunt them. Considering the deadline is fast approaching, and the Phils will likely be taking on upgrades, I assume one or more pieces dealt this season may be future entries on this list.
Coming Tonight: He was abysmal to start the season, and then suddenly, like with his team, it clicked.
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