One month now stands between the Phillies and the beginning of spring training. It?s around this time of year that I begin to jot down story ideas and major plot lines that will require coverage during my time in Clearwater. The one idea that constantly catches my eye, because I know it will be garner attention this season, is the team's approach at the plate.
General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. played doctor after the 2011 season and diagnosed his ailing lineup with a bad case of swingitis. Too many players were jumping at bad pitches and not working counts, leading to fewer hits and non-productive outs. The remedy: not being afraid to hit with two strikes, cutting down on strikeouts and taking more walks.
That all seems simple in theory. Yet in practice, where this actually counts, it?s hard to imagine this veteran group of players dramatically changing their outlook on hitting. Professional athletes, almost across the board, are obstinate. That is meant as praise. Stubborn behavior and adherence to routine are typically what makes them successful.
Furthermore, baseball players are human, a fact that is too often forgotten. Let?s imagine this situation from Ryan Howard?s perspective. He?s been an MVP-caliber player in his career. He has been rewarded with a $125 million deal that begins this season. And he played hurt for the past two postseasons. If I were Howard, my mindset would be to resist any change to an approach that netted me a nine-figure contract. Furthermore, any athlete would look at the impact of playing hurt and convince himself that the only issue is health.
Of course, those that have watched Howard consistently know he?s been trending in a downward direction since his MVP season, with the exception of the 2009 season. His pitch recognition, especially off left-handed pitchers, leaves much to be desired.
Howard?s situation is not unique. Chase Utley?s tale is a similar one, just with one fewer zero in his salary. Jimmy Rollins was just rewarded with a new contract, so what is the impetus for him to change and become the prototypical lead-off hitter that spoils a pitcher?s pitch and works a count?
When someone has success, they usually stick to the formula that initially created it. That?s why this plate discipline concept seems somewhat far-fetched. Unfortunately for Amaro and the front office, the club?s failure to capture another title has very little to do with approach.
The Phillies? main problem is one that has no internal remedy. As players age, their production decreases and their likelihood of injury increases. There is no cure for Father Time (no legal remedy anyway) and it is ticking against this core?s chances at a second championship more furiously than it ever has before.
Casey Feeney is the producer of Phillies Clubhouse on Comcast SportsNet. E-mail Casey at kfeeney@comcastsportsnet.com.
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