The 2013 Philadelphia Phillies head into their final game in Atlanta at 73-88. By the time this baseball day ends, they could be picking as high as 7th in the 2014 MLB Draft and have basically clinched a protected draft pick which means they don't have to forfeit it in the even they sign a Class A Free Agent. It seems like a license for a bad contract in the wake of San Francisco extending Hunter Pence 5 years at $90 million but it doesn't handicap them from adding essential parts and there are plenty of those to fill.
I gave the Phillies a fighting chance at the start of the season. They needed to stay healthy. They did not. The gambles that were taken on Mike Adams, Michael Young, and Delmon Young needed to pan out. They did not. They seemed almost doomed out of the gate when it was clear Roy Halladay wasn't right. Those struggles would continue for most of the season and eventually end the reign of Charlie Manuel.
The Phillies will move forward with Ryne Sandberg and Chase Utley is set in stone as well. There are huge question marks to follow that will be answered in the offseason. Right handed power tops that list. Does Carlos Ruiz return to handle the pitching staff? Who fills out the starting rotation as we have had a lot of bullpen games these last few weeks? Including today.
Which brings us to the game. Zach Miner has filled in admirably in the spot starter role since Kyle Kendrick called it a season with some shoulder issues. This is Miner's final audition to the baseball world to see if he belongs in the major leagues after the veteran pitcher had been away the past few seasons. Facing him is Julio Teheran who has put together a strong season for Atlanta as they coast into the postseason.
Erik Kratz catches today with Ruiz nursing an injury and Roger Bernadina starts in right field. Darin Ruf is sitting this one out. The Braves to my surprise are playing most of their regulars. It's
anyone's guess how long they stay in. B.J. Upton, the prized free agent
signing of the Braves offseason is out and now appears to be a long
shot for making the postseason roster after posting a brual
.184/.268/.289 line this season. The best signing of the Phillies 2012 offseason was the one they didn't make.
Thanks for reading Philliedelphia this season and keep tuned in for various updates in the offseason as far as trades, signings, winter league updates, etc…
LINE UPS
PHILLIES
Cesar Hernandez 8
Jimmy Rollins 6
Chase Utley 4
Domonic Brown 7
Kevin Frandsen 3
Cody Asche 5
Erik Kratz 2
Roger Bernadina 9
Zach Miner 1
BRAVES
Jason Heyward 8
Justin Upton 9
Freddie Freeman 3
Evan Gattis 7
Gerald Laird 2
Andrelton Simmons 6
Elliot Johnson 5
Dan Uggla 4
Julio Teheran 1
