The Phillies are the worst team in baseball in 2015. They’ve lost the most games and they possess easily the worst run differential. They have a pitching staff that is worse than some teams’ Triple-A rotations. They’re on their second manager, and that’s not even by choice. And yet, somehow, against all odds, the season has been a major success for the Phillies. Here are five reasons why.
1 – Replenished Farm System
Entering the season, the Phillies’ farm system rated as one of the worst in the major leagues, thanks to a surplus of trades over the years in a failed attempt at a second World Series title. It hasn’t just been July trade deadlines for veterans though. The Phillies just haven’t been able to develop their own players dating back to the days of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels over a decade ago.
But following a franchise-altering summer that has included the trade of Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon and Ben Revere, the Phillies possess one of the better farm systems in the sport. According to MLB.com, they have six of the top 100 prospects in baseball, including three acquired in their recent trades. In fact, eight of the top 15 prospects were acquired in trades in the last month. From shortstop J.P. Crawford to catcher Jorge Alfaro to outfielder Nick Williams to pitcher Jake Thompson, the Phillies have a number of players waiting in the minor leagues to take over at the big-league level in the next year or two.
2 – Significantly Lower Payroll
Since baseball (foolishly) doesn’t have a salary cap, you can take the stance that payroll doesn’t matter, as long as the team remains under the luxury tax threshold. But when you have a $137 million payroll, you don’t want to consistently miss the playoffs, as the Phillies will for the fourth straight season. That’s why getting rid of high-cost players like Papelbon, Utley and Hamels makes sense for a team that still probably won’t compete for at least two more seasons. There’s nothing worse than having a $25 million pitcher or a $12 million closer on a last-place team. Now, if only the Phillies could find a way to move just one more big contract, particularly that of an aging power threat best suited as a part-time designated hitter for an American League contender.
3 – Talented Young Nucleus
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for the Phillies and it starts with some of the young core players on the 2015 team. Third baseman Maikel Franco emerged as a viable National League Rookie of the Year candidate before he suffered a broken wrist two weeks ago. Center fielder Odubel Herrera has obvious similarities to Shane Victorino, also a Rule-5 pick, and is a darkhorse Rookie of the Year candidate. Infielder Cesar Hernandez played well enough that the Phillies decided to trade away Chase Utley, the best second baseman in franchise history. On the mound, 2014 first-round pick Aaron Nola was called up to the major leagues in early July and has already become the team’s ace. Even young starters like Adam Morgan and Jared Eickhoff have impressed, while in the bullpen, Ken Giles is one of the top young relief pitchers in baseball.
4 – Emergence of Possible New Manager
The resignation of third-year manager Ryne Sandberg took the entire franchise by surprise, but interim manager Pete Mackanin has thoroughly impressed in the last eight weeks. The Phillies have posted a 21-15 record since the All-Star break and their obvious enthusiasm and energy have raised the possibility that Mackanin could be this team’s long-term manager. Even if he isn’t, there’s nothing wrong with young players on the team learning from one of the most veteran baseball minds in the game.
5 – Ruben Amaro Jr
I would have laughed out loud a year ago if you told me that there was a distinct possibility that the Phillies extend general manager Ruben Amaro Jr after his contract expires at the end of the 2015 season. But take a look at the job Amaro has done in the last calendar year. He nailed it on the Cole Hamels trade, bringing back six legitimate prospects from the Texas Rangers. He also dealt Chase Utley, Ben Revere and Jonathan Papelbon for an impressive collection of minor-league talent. He’s been patient and thorough on these trades, while in the past he’s been brash and reactive on trades. Now, it’s impossible to deny that Pat Gillick likely has some influence on Amaro’s moves but I’m an optimist and I choose to believe that Amaro has had a sizable role in replenishing the league’s weakest farm system. For what it’s worth, I don’t think the Phillies will retain Amaro as their general manager but if this is his final stretch, he’s leaving behind his best work yet.
