It’s time for the yearly discussion on the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup as spring training approaches. The media and fans seem to have the same conversation every offseason.
To be fair, manager Rob Thomson typically starts the discussion by implying that he will review his batting order and think about making adjustments. Although he did it last winter, he finally made the decision to keep Kyle Schwarber, the designated hitter, at the top of the lineup card for the whole season. In reality, when healthy, the top three players—including Trea Turner and Bryce Harper—maintained their positions for the whole season.
According to Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Thomson said the same thing during his October end-of-season news conference, wondering whether switching around his players may result in a more reliable offensive. Now that the Phillies will be assembling in Clearwater, Florida, beginning next week, nearly four months later, the question is resurfacing.
Rob Thomson says the Phillies’ lineup will alter this spring.
During a recent interview on The Phillies Show podcast, Thomson shared some details about his lineup ideas. Thomson had a single player in mind when he was questioned about moving the lineup and acquiring a new leadoff hitter.
“I think you’re you’re probably talking about Trea [Turner],” replied Thomson.
That should be rather obvious. Nevertheless, even Thomson has said that second baseman Bryson Stott would be a suitable addition to the top of the lineup. According to Thomson, that relocation doesn’t seem likely to happen, and with good cause.
When asked about Stott leading off, Thomson responded, “The thing is that we’re so left-handed, and you want Harper and you want Schwarber getting as many at-bats as you can.” “Now you put Stott in the leadoff spot now you’re really left-handed at the top, and it might create a problem, even if you’re facing a right-hander, everybody’s got three lefties in the ‘pen it seems, and they’ll just start matching up on you.”
A left-handed avalanche is produced by moving Stott up, and Harper and Schwarber must also remain close to the top of the order. However, Thomson intends to experiment with other appearances while exercising in the spring.
“I think we’ll play with it during spring training and see where it goes, see what the best fit for us is,” Thomson stated. And it’s possible that we do one thing when we’re up against a lefty and something other when we’re up against a righty. Harper may move up in the lineup a bit—not leadoff, but perhaps two spots—if Schwarber is moved behind Harper to better protect Harper.
It appears like Turner will start in certain spring lines, followed by Harper and Schwarber. It’s only one iteration.
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