The Philadelphia Phillies acquired Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy, and Hans Crouse from the Texas Rangers. Also, the Phillies re-acquired Freddy Galvis from the Baltimore Orioles… 

 

Not really what Phans expected from the trade deadline, but this is what you get for a team that has nothing to offer and plays like they don't either. 

 

How Much of a Chance Do they have?

 

  1. According to FanGraphs, the Phillies rank at a 15.9% chance to win the NL East and an 18.2% of making the playoffs. 
  2. The Phillies acquired an actual closer and a great starting pitcher to help a pitching staff that desperately needs it. 
  3. The "It" factor. The Phillies are one of those teams that always are in contention until the last possible day. They are always lengthening their opportunity which is frustrating as Phans. 
  4. In addition, Bleacher Report gauges their chances at 21.9% which is nice, but this is all pure conjecture at this point. 

 

Now that they have these players, What happens next?

 

  1. Kyle Gibson is now the Third best starter on the team. When Eflin returns he will slot into the #4 spot. 
  2. Ranger Suarez returns to the starting rotation as the #5 starter.  
  3. Ian Kennedy becomes the closer the Phillies needed. 
  4. Bradley and Neris become set-up guys for Kennedy. 
  5. Galvis becomes the needed defensive demon they need for a team that plays like their talent was taken. 
  6. Now, all that Phans need to do is wait for the healthy players to return and hopefully reap the benefits of new blood. 

 

Overall Chances?

 

So, the players are good but will they be great is the conversation that needs to be had. 

 

  1. Rhys Hoskins is the power-hitting first baseman with a bad average. 
  2. Didi Gregorius is not the defensive slugger he was signed to be. 
  3. Alec Bohm's woes continue at third base. 
  4. The outfield is still a mystery on most days.
  5. The OFFENSE IS INCONSISTENT!!!! The newly acquired pitching cannot do anything without run support. 

 

If the Phillies do not make the playoffs this year, the head office needs to make some signings and trades of even their most cornerstone players to shake up this team. 

 

The Phillies need to get better minor league development whether that comes in the form of new managers or something else, but Phillies prospects need to be ready for the show. They need to be provided with the proper help to succeed for this organization. 

 

Truthfully, the Phillies' chance is at 33% to make the playoffs/win the division. The Mets and Atlanta are not running away with the division. Both the Mets and Atlanta have been plagued with so many injuries. The Phillies definitely can make the best of this opportunity, but they need to start playing up to snuff. Losing to the Pirates is not playoff material, however, this team can win when they want.

 

Overall Message: Get it Together Phillies!!!

 

Photo: Yong Kim/The Philadelphia Inquirer