Philadelphia Phillies: Gabe Kapler’s managing already driving fans crazy

It only took one game for Gabe Kapler to drive Philadelphia Phillies fans crazy over his managing after the team lost to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day.

Believe it or not, expectations are higher than normal for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2018 season when looking at some of the young talent along with key additions this team has to work with all of a sudden. From Rhys Hoskins entering his first full season to big signings in guys like Carlos Santana and Jake Arrieta, it’s hard to believe a team that has struggled so much over the years like the Phillies actually has some hype for a change, but it’s happening.

Not to mention, Gabe Kapler receiving an opportunity to be a manager for the first time had brought some excitement to the table as well in the city, although Philadelphia fans are feeling a little frustration at the moment. Kapler made it clear early on that he was going to bring a different kind of managing style to the 2018 season, but let’s just say the new manager learned the hard way on Opening Day against the Atlanta Braves that basics are sometimes the best approach.

After jumping out to a 5-0 lead over the Braves, Aaron Nola, who had already been pitching an amazing game, was in a great position heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, especially since his pitch count was pretty low as well. But after Ender Inciarte opening the bottom of the inning with a double followed by Ozzie Albies popping out right after, Kapler decided to remove his Opening Day starter in Nola after 68 pitches, and go with the bullpen instead.

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So how did this plan turn out for Kapler? Well, let’s just say Hoby Milner came right in, and gave up a two-run home run to Freddie Freeman to cut Philadelphia’s lead to 5-2. Before the Phillies knew it, the Braves would go on tie the game in the bottom of the eighth before Nick Markakis hit the game-winning three-run homer in the ninth inning to give Atlanta the 8-5 Opening Day win.

Take all of this into consideration along with Kapler’s decision to take Hoskins out of the game in the eighth inning on a defensive decision, disaster doesn’t even begin to describe this managing debut. And while some will argue that Kapler deserves some slack for this being his first game, it’s hard to do so when he literally could have had an easy win lined up if he just kept Nola in longer since every manager knows this decision was common sense.

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Even if this was just one game of a very long season, Kapler has a lot of making up to do in the next few days since every contest will be important if the Phillies are going to have any chance at competing for a playoff spot in the National League. With Nick Pivetta taking the mound on Friday, let’s hope Kapler uses Opening Day as a lesson to learn from his mistakes so Philadelphia can hopefully lock that first win of 2018 up.