Philadelphia Phillies Philes Vol 1.28: Awards Presentation

With the season now over, it’s time to present some hardware for the team’s best – and worst – in this final installment of Philadelphia Phillies Philes.

Leading off

With the 2019 campaign now in the books for the Philadelphia Phillies, we turn our attention to 2020. Will there be any coaching changes? What will the roster look like? Any free agent splash or trade acquisition?

While the answers will be discovered in the coming months, let’s take one final look at the season that was and hand out deserving honors in the first inaugural Phillies Philes awards presentation!

Most Improved Phillie

Winner: Scott Kingery (INF/OF)

In his second year in the bigs, Scott Kingery impressed in every fashion of the game. He made significant strides with his offense, nearly doubling his extra-base hits and RBI from a year ago while connecting on an impressive 19 home runs. His versatility in the field helped alleviate the sting of players being lost to injury, demotion, and even suspension.

In a year full of turbulence and up-and-down play as a team, Kingery’s hustle and continuous improvement bodes well for the Phillies in the years to come.

Honorable Mention: Ranger Suarez (RP)

Most Disappointing Phillie

Winner: Nick Pivetta (SP)

Coming into the year, the Phillies success relied heavily on the hopeful development of its stable of young starters. And while Zach Eflin and Vince Velasquez certainly experienced their fair share of struggles, none was more glaring than the regression of Nick Pivetta.

Bouncing between the bullpen and Triple-A, Pivetta was never able to find himself. Or his control. A pitcher can have all the “tools” in the world, but if he isn’t able to command pitches, it’s all for not.

Finishing the year with a less than stellar, 5.38 ERA and 4-6 record, Pivetta’s time in Philly may be coming to an end. Upgrading the back-half of the rotation is a necessity for Matt Klentak this winter.

Honorable Mention: Rhys Hoskins (1B)

Unsung Hero

Winner: Jose Alvarez (RP)

In a season full of injuries and uncertainties, lefty reliever Jose Alvarez was one of the most reliable arms coming out of the Phillies bullpen all season long. Second, in relief innings pitched to Hector Neris, Alvarez was readily available and quietly put together an outstanding year. Acquired in the offseason via trade, Alvarez notched a 3.36 ERA and 3-4 record with one save in 59 innings pitched. A free agent at the end of the year, the Phillies would be wise to bring him back.

Honorable Mention: Cesar Hernandez (2B)

Gold Glove

Winner: J.T. Realmuto (C)

J.T. Realmuto is a beast behind the dish. Aside from throwing out a league-best 38 would-be base-stealers, he played 145 games this year, all but a handful at catcher – the game’s most grueling position. Not only is he the Phillies’ team Gold Glove winner, he also has to be the NL’s leading candidate among catchers.

Honorable Mention: Bryce Harper (RF)

Cy Young

Winner: Aaron Nola (SP)

Aaron Nola‘s 2019 campaign was anything but smooth. The season was bookended by rough stretches, yet through it all, he remained the Phillies best pitcher. From May through the middle of August, Nola was his usual, dominant self. Compiling a 12-7 record and 3.87 ERA on the year, Nola is the ace of the staff and still one of the better pitchers in baseball. It’s imperative for the Phillies decision-makers to build a stronger stable of starters around him to support his efforts and lessen the mental burden.

Honorable Mention: Hector Neris (RP)

Best Athlete

Winner: Vince Velasquez (SP)

Vince Velasquez is a superior athlete. He’s one of the best on the team, let alone just among the pitchers. And while he struggled at times on the mound, he’s always willing and able to contribute to the game in every way possible, be it hustling on the base paths, aggressive at-bats or exceptional defense.

His elite athleticism and baseball instincts were on full display this past August when, in the 14th and 15th innings of a game against the White Sox while playing left field, he threw out one runner at home, nearly gunned down a second, and made this spectacular diving catch (see video here).

Honorable Mention: Bryce Harper (RF)

Best Defensive Play

Winner: Roman Quinn (OF)

The Phillies defense was significantly improved in 2019, and there were many plays to choose from. The play that stands out, however, was Roman Quinn‘s spectacular diving catch back in July against the Nationals. His blazing speed and amount of ground covered is incredible.

(If only he could stay healthy…)

https://twitter.com/Phillies/status/1150210686838030336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1150210686838030336&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsection215.com%2F2019%2F07%2F14%2Fphiladelphia-phillies-philes-vol-1-16%2F

Honorable Mention: Scott Kingery’s diving catch the game prior. (See video here.)

Most Costly Injury

Winner: Andrew McCutchen (OF)

In a season full of injuries, no loss was as paramount than that of Andrew McCutchen. In the first year of his three-year deal, Cutch was tasked with manning left field while holding down the top spot in the lineup. After his season-ending knee injury in early June, neither spot ever stabilized for the Phillies.

In addition to his on-field strengths, the 2013 NL MVP was the vocal leader in the locker room. And though he returned to the dugout, it’s not the same when not playing. His return in 2020 will be greatly welcomed.

Honorable Mention: David Robertson (RP)

Least Valuable Player

Winner: Pat Neshek (RP)

Pat Neshek – the pitcher who looked for every reason NOT to pitch. While I can’t argue injuries, I can question desire, and over the course of two stints and three seasons with the Phillies, Neshek was the epitome of a “Me” guy. He had no desire to help the team and was only interested in doing what he could when it was convenient for him. Most of the time, this meant sitting on the sidelines so he could properly rest.

Neshek’s a bum, and thankfully his Phillies tenure has run its course.

Honorable Mention: Nick Williams (OF)

Most Valuable Phillie Final Rankings (Top 15):

1. J.T. Realmuto (C) – Previous Rank: 1 (↔)
2. Bryce Harper (OF) – Previous Rank: 2 (↔)
3. Andrew McCutchen (OF) – Previous Rank: 4 (↑ 1)
4. Aaron Nola (SP) – Previous Rank: 3 (↓ 1)
5. Hector Neris (RP) – Previous Rank: 5 (↔)
6. Scott Kingery (OF/INF) – Previous Rank: 6 (↔)
7. Rhys Hoskins (1B) – Previous Rank: 8 (↑ 1)
8. Cesar Hernandez (2B) – Previous Rank: 7 (↓ 1)
9. Zach Eflin (SP) – Previous Rank: 9 (↔)
10. Jean Segura (SS) – Previous Rank: 10 (↔)
11. Jose Alvarez (RP) – Previous Rank: 11 (↔)
12. Ranger Suarez (RP) – Previous Rank: 12 (↔)
13. Jake Arrieta (SP) – Previous Rank: 13 (↔)
14. Maikel Franco (3B) – Previous Rank: 14 (↔)
15. Vince Velasquez (SP) – Previous Rank: 15 (↔)

“Ring the Bell” Award Winner of the Season

The bell-ringer to close the year goes to the team’s MVP – J.T. Realmuto. In addition to his stellar defense, the reliable Realmuto provided the most consistent spark in the Phillies lineup, finishing the year with 25 homers, 83 RBI, 92 runs scored and a slash of .275/.328/.493.

One of the top priorities for Phillies brass this offseason is signing Realmuto to a long-term deal. Not only is he the best catcher in baseball, but he’s also one of the best all-around players in the game. The Phillies were wise to acquire him last year, and as he enters the final year of his deal, the Phillies will be wise to spend big to keep him.

Ring the bell, J.T.; you earned it!

Phillie Pholly of the Season

More from Philadelphia Phillies

• The Real Reason Behind Trea Turner’s Recent Hot Streak
• VIDEO: Bryce Harper Hustles for Inside-the-Park Home Run vs. Giants
• Phillies Fans Let Ex-Manager Gabe Kapler Hear It in First Inning
• Andrew Knapp Finds New MLB Home With AL Contender
• VIDEO: Phillies Send Touching Message to Media Little League Team Before World Series

Heading into the season, the expectations couldn’t have been higher. Following the acquisitions of Jean Segura, Andrew McCutchen, J.T. Realmuto, and Bryce Harper, the team seemed poised for a big year. Unfortunately, that ‘big year’ never came, and was instead replaced with a depleted bullpen, uninspiring play, and a lack of hustle on far too many instances.

The blame certainly needs to be spread around. Injuries are a part of the game, and the fact that the Phillies’ pipeline has been sparse with quality prospects was clearly evident. This falls on the scouting and player development departments. (Hopefully, Alec Bohm and Spencer Howard can change the tide in the very near future.)

Likewise, where was the progression of Zach Eflin, Vince Velasquez, and Nick Pivetta? The trio needed a big year for the Phillies to have a chance, and none certainly did. Again, this falls on coaching and poor talent evaluation, as well as the individual players.

Gabe Kapler failed to set the tone early in the year after the first few instances of players lollygagging out of the batter’s box. If he’s back next year, he needs to have learned from his mistakes and hold his players accountable.

Lastly, the players failed. With all the hype and optimism coming out of Spring Training, the team fizzled faster than a flattening soda. Following the team’s three-game sweep of the Braves to start the season, they played under .500 the rest of the way. This is unacceptable.

Two years in a row under Kapler, the team began the year playing well, and everything would go downhill from there. It wasn’t entirely his fault. A manager is only as good as his players, and team president Andy MacPhail and general manager Matt Klentak failed the organization and its fans with their poor roster evaluations and misguided analytical approaches. And while Kapler wasn’t completely the problem, his out-of-touch nature and lack of discipline created a culture of mediocrity.

A return to team baseball is necessary, and that includes working counts, stealing bases, bunting runners over, hitting sacrifice flys, and manufacturing runs. No more preaching launch angle swings and poor plate discipline. This starts at the top, and it’s the reason the trio of MacPhail, Klentak, and Kapler all need to go this offseason.

It’s also the reason they claim the year’s overall Philly Pholly distinction. Changes are necessary, and hopefully, owner John Middleton agrees. Time will soon tell.

Phillies Phlashback

Today we harken back two months to the brightest moment of the Phillies season. The date was Thursday, August 15th, and the Phillies were in the process of battling back against the Cubs, when Bryce Harper did this:

As John Kruk proclaims, “Oh my gosh!”

On Deck

See you in February from sunny Clearwater, FL Philadelphia Phillies fans!