The Phillies rotation is set with Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, Jake Arrieta slotted into the leading spots with some competition for the final 2 roles. Still, there are a lot of capable veteran arms on hand, providing the Phils some plausible deniability when they decide that Howard needs more seasoning. Vince Velasquez, Zach Eflin, and Nick Pivetta all spent time in Phillys rotation last season, and some mix of the three figure to get the early turns on the bump.
With the reduced schedule, groups need only keep their leading potential customers off the major league roster for the very first 6 video games to protect an additional year of team control down the roadway. The problem, naturally, has actually been hotly discussed for many years now, culminating in a grievance filed by Kris Bryant against the league. His complaint was unsuccessful. The problem persists every year with players like Harper using up the mantle to speak up for the rights of more youthful gamers. Service time control of this sort will continue to be a hot button issue until its attended to– in some form or fashion– at the time of the next CBA negotiation in 2021.
As for Bohm, the 23-year-old is the long-term answer at third base for the Phillies. Like Howard, he made it as high as Double-A last season, hitting.269/.344/.500 across 270 plate looks. His case for making the big league roster out of camp acquired some traction over the winter season, but all indications were– under typical scenarios– for Bohm to continue to develop in Triple-A at the start of 2020.
As in the rotation, the Phillies could certainly make space for Bohm if they so desired, however theres more than enough seasoned skill on-hand to make due. In a vacuum, theres space for Bohm, however its also not versus baseball wisdom to provide the vets a couple of weeks or more to prove theyre still capable of dealing with starters minutes.
Howard, 24 in 10 days, has a greater ceiling than those 3, but hes just pitched as high as Double-A– he made just 6 starts in Reading last year after beginning the year in High-A. Given standard advancement paths, it would be unexpected for Howard to make the rotation from the jump– but thats not to say hes not capable.
As for Bohm, the 23-year-old is the long-lasting response at 3rd base for the Phillies. His case for making the big league lineup out of camp gained some traction over the winter, however all signs were– under normal circumstances– for Bohm to continue to establish in Triple-A at the start of 2020.
Bryce Harper isnt rather as accommodating, speaking out recently about the possibility of Spencer Howard– another top Philly possibility– not making the Opening Day roster, per MLB.coms Todd Zolecki. With intrasquad video games such a heavy element of the ramp-up to Opening Day this season, Harper has actually seen Howards things up close and personal– and hes satisfied.
As in the rotation, the Phillies could certainly make room for Bohm if they so wanted, however theres more than enough experienced skill on-hand to make due. In a vacuum, theres space for Bohm, however its also not against baseball wisdom to provide the veterinarians a couple of weeks or more to show theyre still capable of handling starters minutes.
Philadelphia Phillies top third base possibility Alec Bohm understands the characteristics of service time control, and he understands the business sense behind holding him back in the minors to begin the year, per Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Thats a smart company move,” Bohm said.
