It’s been a rough first month of the season for the Phillies, but one of the things worth cheering for in these first few weeks has been the promising play of rookie Odubel Herrera.
The 23-year old Venezuelan, a rule 5 draft pick last year from the Texas Rangers, has been a revelation. Not only has he transitioned well from second base to center field, he’s also been one of the team’s few reliable bats. Batting at either leadoff or second, Herrera already has five doubles, two triples, three three-hit games an eight-game hitting streak and a game-winning hit against the Nationals – all within his first 20 games in the big leagues.
But despite Herrera’s stellar play, the MLB betting lines here not surprisingly favor the Nationals in this weekend's 3 game schedule. As we’ve discussed, some of that blame has to go to Chase Utley. Utley has been one of, if not the worst everyday player in the majors this season. Ryan Howard, while showing signs of life, is still a shadow of his old MVP-type self.
Thankfully, players like Herrera represent hope. As in, hope that Ruben Amaro is actually competent at his job and is capable of reconstructing the roster. There’s a good chance that he’s not, much like there’s a good chance Herrera is a flash in the pan who flames out by as early as June when teams have gotten the chance to scout him out.
But there’s also a chance he becomes another diamond in the rough like a certain Shane Victorino. In a season where looking for the best trade possible for starters Cole Hamels and Cliff is one of the major storylines, it will be interesting to watch how Herrera, Cody Asche and Freddy Galvis can perform as the Phillies’ future unfolds.
