(Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
The Phillies shook the baseball world last week with the signing of Bryce Harper. Harper’s arrival in Philly has not only changed the Phillies prospects this season, but has also changed the landscape of the entire National League. The Phil’s went from having a very good offseason to having an all-time-great offseason. They have gone from a middle of the pack NL team to one that could win the pennant. Now, there is a lot of time between March and October. We aren’t going to get ahead of ourselves. I am already hearing Phillies fans saying we’re the favorites to win the NL.
As it stands right now, the Phillies still need to add some pieces. The rotation could use another lefty arm. The bullpen, while improved, could use another arm. It would be ideal to get both. However, I think it would better serve the Phillies to get Craig Kimbrel to solidify the bullpen. A bullpen with David Robertson, Craig Kimbrel and Seranthony Dominguez would undoubtedly be one of the best in baseball. We saw firsthand in ‘08 what a great bullpen and lineup can do.
Outside of Hamels, the ‘08 rotation didn’t wow anybody. Outside of Nola, no one on this rotation is going to wow you either. Well, at least not anymore (Jake Arrieta). The lineup the Phillies have this year can slug their way to a World Series just like the ‘08 team did. Eleven years later, the Phillies need to follow the same formula. A strong bullpen and offense can compensate for less than great starting pitching.
I can’t sit here and guarantee a championship should the Phillies sign Kimbrel. I can tell you it gets them closer. Kimbrel has been one of the most reliable closers in baseball for the entire decade. If the Phillies can sign him, the chances of winning the National League get a whole lot better. Follow the ‘08 formula, and let Kimbrel be this team’s Brad Lidge.
