Why do the Phillies have Laynce Nix still?
So the Phillies hit rock bottom and managed to get worse and yet worse. The July 31 trade deadline came and passed and the Phillies management sent a terrible message to the fans and to the team itself: What you see is what you get. In other words, they told us the fans and the management that they were content with mediocrity. And right now I would rather be a Mets fan or Marlins fan.
Look at today's standings:
See what I do? The mets are tied with the Phillies, 14.5 games out of first place. They are sure to pass the Phillies soon, and the Phillies are committed to heading in the opposite direction.
Instead of unloading some of the Phillies veterans and bringing up some younger players to give the fans some new excitement and a chance, the Phillies committed to Michael Young, Carlos Ruiz, and Delmon Young and still allow for the same shadow to be cast over the team. While the team did call up third baseman Cody Asche (whom I believe fans are a little too excited over) and are finally letting Darin Ruf attempt the outfield, the remaining veterans give the team a "more of the same" feel.
Look at New York. The Mets, despite some flaws, are something to be excited about. Who would not want to see Matt Harvey and Zach Wheeler take on any contender in a three-game series? David Wright is still David Wright, and the smart pickup of Marlon Byrd made quite a difference with a mostly young team. They are on the way up.
The Miami Marlins also have reason to look up. While the roster contains ex-Phillies Placido Polanco, Juan Pierre, Chad Qualls, and Greg Dobbs, the roster contains some youth to be excited about. Jose Fernandez may combine with Matt Harvey to headline All-Star games for years to come, picking up some Cy Young award on the way. Giancarlo Stanton is one of the game's top hitters, and despite some early struggles, Marcel Ozuna will be a stud. Same can be said for Christian Yelich. Those three batting 3-4-5 and starts Jose Fernandez Jacob Turner, and Nathan Eovaldi are coming together as a nice rotation.
Our friend Corinne always comes up with some outstanding stats:
Since May 1, Laynce Nix's .347 OPS ranks dead last in MLB (min. 45 PAs) and is worse than four Phillies starting ptichers' OPS.
— Corinne (@Ut26) August 3, 2013
She also points out that Michael Martinez's is actually worse, but he doesn't qualify for plate appearances. But, Michael Martinez's OPS is one of the worst in Phillies history.
So, please, Phillies. Laynce Nix and Delmon Young: release them. If someone claims Michael Young on waivers, let him go; if he is not claimed, trade him to the Yankees or anyone else. Put Michael Martinez on the next space shuttle to the moon. Call up Cesar Hernandez and Freddy Galvis. Being worried about what value the Phillies could get back is not prudent; there is value in looking up.
The current veterans are only going to go down. The Mets and Marlins are looking up. I would rather be them right now.
