In the 2019 offseason the Philadelphia Phillies did not add any starting pitchers to the starting rotation.
The team thinks the starting pitchers currently on the roster can get the job done this season.
So far this season the Phillies five starters so far thru 16 games have 7 wins and 3 loses.
On the relief pitching side of things the Phillies did indeed add a big name player to the bullpen this offseason.
The Phillies signed 34 year old veteran right handed relief pitcher David Robertson to a 2 year contract worth 23 million dollars with a 3rd year option.
In this his 13th MLB season David Robertson has a career ERA of 2.90 with 53 wins and 33 loses.
The Phillies organization thought that by adding Robertson he would be the main go to guy out of the bullpen late in games in the 7th or 8th inning.
The Phillies thought wrong so far this season threw 16 games, Roberson in only 7 games has pitched 6.2 innings and has an ERA of 5.40 and 1 loss.
Robertson has surrendered 8 hits, 4 runs, 1 homerun, and 6 walks.
Robertson is currently on the 10 day injured list with a Grade 1 flexor strain in his right elbow there is no timetable for his return.
The pitching staff for the Phillies overall thru 16 games has an ERA of 4.62 and has 4 saves with a record of 10 wins and 6 loses.
Free agents Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel would be automatic upgrades to the pitching staff if the Phillies end up adding the pitchers along the line in the 2019 season.
Starting pitcher Dallas keuchel has been in the MLB for 7 seasons all with the Houston Astros.
His career record is 76 wins and 63 losses. His career ERA is 3.66. In 2015 keuchel lead the MLB in wins with 20.
Keuchel has also been named AL CY Young award winner one time and has been named to the MLB All Star game twice.
Keuchel also won the World Series championship in 2017 with the Houston Astros.
Relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel has been in the MLB for 9 seasons playing for three ball clubs. The Atlanta braves, San Diego Padres, and the Boston Red Sox.
His career record is 39 wins and 19 loses. His career saves total is 333. His ERA is 1.91. In 2011,2012,2013,2014 Kimbrel also had the most saves in all of the MLB.
Kimbrel was named Rookie of the Year in 2011. He has also been named to the MLB All Star Game seven times.
Kimbrel won the 2018 World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox.
I asked a couple Bucks County Community College students if the Philadelphia Phillies should potentially add both these pitchers, one of them, or neither of them. This is what the students had to say.
Michael Pietrangelo, of Southampton, Pa said “The Phillies overall team Era is at 4.30 which is slightly above league average 4.38.”
“In order for them to contend for a World Series they will need to lower their team Era average to closer to 2.93 top 5 in the MLB.”
“combine with their firepower on offense should ultimately yield a World Series appearance if not win.”
“Signing free agent closer Craig kimbrel to a multi year deal would help the Phillies out and give them the closer they seek and need.”
“His career ERA is 1.91 and he has 333 career saves. This is a no brainer signing that the Phillies organization needs to get done as soon as possible.”
Shawn Westerman, 18, of Philadelphia, Pa said “The phillies need to add one of these two pitchers.”
“They both have helped ball clubs the past two years win championships.”
“The biggest need the Phillies need right now is solid starting pitching.”
“With the addition of Keuchel he would be the Phillies number 3 pitcher in the rotation.”
“Keuchel the past few seasons has been the number one guy for the Astros who won the 2017 World Series.”
“If he comes to the Phillies he would be our number three pitcher behind Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta.”
“That one two three punch would be unstoppable in a tough NL East division.”
“If the Phillies somehow pull off this signing of Keuchel I think the Phillies can win the World Series this season.”
Ashley Fairchild, 21, of Bensalem, Pa said “the Phillies should sign both pitchers they need all the pitching help they can get.”
“It always seems like the Phillies either struggle one week with the starters then the next week the relief pitchers are struggling.”
“It seems like every night the average Phillies fan complains about the pitching performance of one of the pitchers.”
“Most Phillies fans want either Kimbrel or Keuchel or even both players. So why not give the fans what we want that will also help the ball club out tremendously.”
“I mean to me by just looking at Kimbrel and Keuchels stats the last couple of seasons. Signing these two guys are a no brainer decisions.”
