Phillies: Rebuilding or Regrouping?

The 2019 Philadelphia Phillies entered 2019 riding the crest of a Bryce Harper wave.

Surely, a World Series signing not only for 2019 but also, for many years down the road.

Unfortunately, Harper was a Right Fielder. Not a Pitcher, nor a manager.

In a season that played out like the Seinfeld episode, Bizarro World, the pinstripes would hang around playoff talk for a good part of the season.

Managerial decisions which could be termed “unusual”, Harper going in a slump, pitching by committee all were harbingers for disaster.

So, management, who mortgaged the future, were at a crossroad. Do we blow the whole thing up? Or, is it a matter of tweaks?

So, as you all know, a Manager change started things off. The aloof Gabe Kapler was let go but, landed on his feet in California.

The charismatic analytics guru, Joe Gerardi was brought in a responded with a glowing press conference.

Now, a respectable one up is in place with three big players in Hoskins, Realmuto, and Harper.

A good leadoff hitter in Andrew McCutchen…but, the pitching…weak middle relief and no lights out closer meant doom.

So, what are Girardi and Matt Klentak’s next moves?

Kevin Neibauer

Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.

Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.

A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.