The Good Phight’s Player of the Week: Sept. 2-8

Wondering how many he’s going to pile up

It was a good week to break out of a horrendous slump.

The team was heading on the road after a somewhat disappointing homestand and some questions were popping up again about the offense. Specifically, Kyle Schwarber was hearing some things about how ice cold his bat had gone before the team crossed the Canadian border.

Then he broke out.

Kyle Schwarber, Sept. 2-8: 30 PA, .462/.500/1.154. 9 R, 5 HR, 11 RBI, .652 wOBA

It was a good week to break out for Schwarber since the team needed these wins. Beating Toronto in the first game was exhilarating due to the fashion in which they did it. Schwarber’s three home runs, followed by the leadoff home run in the second game, helped him get off a schneid that had been brewing for weeks.

He earned this week’s award.

Honorable mention

Zack Wheeler: 1 GS, 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K, 1.50 ERA (1.35 FIP)

Yes, it was only the Marlins.

Yes, the game was never in doubt.

If Aaron Nola proved one thing this week – you cannot take any of these games for granted, no matter who is on the mound. Even with the Phillies offense pummeling Miami pitching to the tune of 16 runs, they still needed their ace to keep the pitching momentum going.

Will he win the Cy Young award? So long as Chris Sale doesn’t stumble, my guess is no. Should the conversation be much more vociferous in Wheeler’s favor? Absolutely.

Brandon Marsh: 24 PA, .421/.542/.526, 8 H, 2 2B, 3 R, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .470 wOBA

There are times when I wish we could share the TGP Slack channel and all the discussions that go on. A few weeks ago, I argued that Brandon Marsh should be benched until he can show that he could hit anything resembling major league pitching. I even made the argument that maybe, just maybe, the team might have a case for moving on from him in the offseason. Since then, he’s started to come alive again, this week included.

So, I take full credit for his late season resurgence.

You’re welcome.