There’s that?
The Phillies dropped a game today to the Yankees, 9-7. It’s pretty uninspiring when the starter simply doesn’t have it on the day, but the offense woke up a bit to make it interesting. Some notes:
- There’s good Taijuan Walker, mediocre Taijuan Walker and bad Taijuan Walker. This was very much a case of bad Taijuan Walker. He’s quite lucky that Ranger Suarez has a back that is acting up right now, or he’d be banished to mop up innings right off the bat. Instead, he’ll probably make a start or two to begin the season before the team comes to their senses and either lets him go or puts him in the corner.
- Seeing the offense not rollover and play dead was heartening to see. Brandon Marsh went two for two with two RBI, an encouraging outing from him. It’s starting to look again like the offense will have to be on its best behavior if/when Walker toes the rubber.
- I continue to be encouraged by Jose Alvarado. He may not have been as dominating as he has been so far in his other spring appearances, but yet again he was unscored on. His being able to carry it over into the season is, dare I say it, a make or break aspect of the bullpen? I know this isn’t from today, but this is…something.
Jose Alvarado’s 86mph Curveball broke 6 inches the wrong way (arm side, instead of glove side).
Pham’s reaction. pic.twitter.com/9hTsNBGgE9
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 18, 2025
- <to the tune of Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song”> Michael Mercado? Not a reliever.
- Are we done with spring games? I know I am.