MLB: Key to success for all 30 teams heading into 2015
By Robby Sabo
Philadelphia Phillies
- 2014 Finish: 73-89, 5th in NL East
- 2015 Key to Success: A Dominic Brown comeback
It’s been dark times for the Philadelphia Phillies recently.
Going from the euphoria of 2008 to the dread they’ve witnessed the past two seasons (73 wins in each), you can’t blame the city for being all-in on the Chip Kelly news.
Let’s be honest though, who didn’t see this slide coming?
Guys like Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Cliff Lee are still on this team. I say still because each one is older the next. It seems the Phillies can only rival the Yankees for stalest team in the bigs.
The franchise needs to live and let go.
The only three guys who are projected to be in the everyday lineup and are under the age of 30 are Ben Revere, Freddy Galvis and Dominic Brown.
It’s possible that the Phillies top key for 2015 will have much to do with the aforementioned Brown.
In 2013 Brown exploded for 27 HR and 83 RBI while batting a pretty decent .272. It was long-awaited glimpse into the talent Phillies’ fans had been hearing about for so long.
Then, suddenly, it came crashing down.
In 144 games a season ago, Brown only smashed 10 HR and 63 RBI while dropping to a .235 BA. With the Howard’s of the world having already declined, Brown was supposed to be the guy who assumed the “top hitter on the team” tag.
Still, the rumors about Cole Hamels getting shipped are legitimate. And why not? The Phillies need to retool this team in the worst way. Their strategy should be trading age and wisdom for youth and enthusiasm.
Shipping off Hamels for a bundle of prospects would be a fine start.
Brown regaining his 2013 form would also be a phenomenal step in the right direction for this organization.
Next: Miami Marlins