Just a few games remain in what looks to be another (regular-season) step forward for the Phightin Phils.
That's not to say it hasn't been an at-times tortuous ride through 155 games to date. The biggest stars seemed to frustrate us the most. Aaron Nola never seemed to figure things out. Thankfully, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper did.
22-27 evolved to 85-69 with a week remaining to get to 90.
Raucous crowds remain a consistently loud presence at The Bank, fans fired up by the 2022 World Series run. Attendance is up 9,700 per game, tops in Major League Baseball.
So what went right, wrong and completely sideways? Let's play four questions:
1. What is the best thing that happened in 2023? This one is pretty easy. The development of young talent in-house is something this organization failed to do with any consistency for the past 15 years. The combination of Brian Barber and Preston Mattingly appear to be turning that around in a big way.
Start with Bryson Stott, a smooth, five-tool infielder already producing at an All-Star level. Challenge a friend to name who leads the Phillies' position players in WAR and you might win a free drink.
But the depth of emerging talent goes well beyond Stott. It is layered throughout the system. Johan Rojas skipped Triple A and is claiming the centerfielder-of-the-future job with stunning defensive stats. Despite just 130 at-bats, Rojas's WAR equals the combined WAR of Alec Bohm, Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber
Christopher Sanchez leads the pitching staff in ERA, repaying the organization for its multi-year investment of time.
2022 draft pick Orion Kerkering is already in the Phillies' bullpen, while 2020 first-rounder Mick Abel is finishing the year on a heater. OF Justin Crawford and IF Aiden Miller both look like first-round hits from 2022-23.
2. What is the worst thing that happened in 2023? It's tempting to point to the spring training injury to Rhys Hoskins. But the lineup has adapted well. Nola is a frustrating problem. But it might be a good thing to see that decline in the final year of a contract.
Therefore, my most unwelcome development is Andrew Painter and Tommy John. Crushing because it knocked the young man out for 2024 as well. A pill made more bitter by the recognition that it probably could have been avoided. Pumping up Painter's potential rotation spot did nothing but add pressure to a 20-year-old where none was needed. Just unnecessary.
3. What is the biggest offseason decision? The futures of longtime fixtures Hoskins and Nola is going to dominate December media coverage. I would make qualifying offers to both and take the draft pick if they move on. It's a cold business.
I would not be completely shocked if they signed Hoskins to a short-term deal, then traded Rojas or Marsh for a young, controllable starting pitcher. Both are exciting, young OF talents, but it's a better-balanced roster if they could swap one for a similarly talented pitcher.
4. How far will the Phillies advance in the postseason? I will never forget how the 2022 postseason began: Hoskins striking out leading off the 9th inning with the Phils down 2-0. I turn off the TV and storm outside, only to return after J.T. Realmuto strokes a single to left. Several crazy at-bats later, the Phils walked away with a 6-2 victory and the run was ignited.
Could it happen again? It could. But nobody can reasonably predict it. On paper, the Phillies pitching rules it out. It's not nearly good enough.
This run ends in the Divisional Round.
