Steel Wheels

 

I think what has made Zack Wheeler's run in Philadelphia so satisfying is that it feels like what would have happened if Roy Halladay got all his injuries out of his system in Toronto and gave the Phils a longer run of strong seasons. 

And that's the wild part. Halladay coming to Philly was seen as such a win, and even if the injuries cut his tenure off he was exactly what he hoped for. With Wheeler, there was the opportunity for success but the worry of further injuries. In hindsight, all it was with Wheeler was the 2015 season, then a lot of the 2016 season rehabbing. Everything else has been incredible. There was never any reason to be worried. If anything, it made it easier for the Phils to get him. Maybe there was the fear that what had happened with Jake Arrieta would recur, or that it wouldn't lead us anywhere ultimately, but Wheeler has been one of the main reasons why the Phillies have continued to be so good, even after losing the World Series. 

In 140 games in Philly, now more than he had in New York, Wheeler is 61-33 with a 2.97 ERA and 956 strikeouts. It is very likely that this year, Wheeler will strike out his 1000th batter as a member of the Phillies. Even 2023, his statistical low point in Philly, he still had a 4.2 WAR, 13 wins, a 3.60 ERA and 212 strikeouts. That's...the low. I'm lucky to have seen Wheels pitch on a few occasions, and I always forget just how good his stuff is until I watch him. He's not spotless, but when he's on he's unstoppable. And I still think they should have given him the Cy Young in 2021 over Corbin Burnes. Though, funnily enough, Burnes, to this point another picture of consistent health, just missed a start, and he's a couple years younger than Wheeler. Skill issue I suppose.

Wheeler is just one of a few Phillies that are leading the team past a very rough stretch. Aaron Nola finally had a quality start yesterday against Arizona, possibly turning his season around. Sanchez, Luzardo and SURPRISINGLY TAIJUAN WALKER have been in really good shape this year, and with Ranger Suarez back, things might get even better. Alvarado finally feels like a great 9th inning man, regardless of the other bullpen issues. Max Kepler is getting hot, and now has 5 homers, which is pretty on target for what I thought he'd be for us this year. And of course, Harper, Schwarber and Stott are killing it. There have been a lot of frustrations from Philly fans lately, but if I know anything about Philly sports teams recently, it's that sometimes we need to get the kinks out early and then cruise to a big finish. Hopefully this one's similar to the football team.

Coming Tonight: The Guardians' rotation has underwhelmed so far, but of all people this guy has been the rock.