Gabe, Phils Running Low On Coconut Oil

As Philadelphians, we have seen many coaches come and go. Some have brought odd techniques that were supposed to redefine how the game was played(*shoots middle finger in Chip Kelly’s direction*). Others were scrutinized early for being player coaches that eventually found success.

Then there is Gabe Kapler.




Gabe was advertised as an even split from both schools of thought. A players coach with a background in analytics that baseball has never seen before. During the first 40 games of the season this combination looked really good. The offense was clicking, young players were getting big league time, and the Phillies were fun to watch.

Now as the season rolls into a crucial stretch against opponents with winning records the Phillies have started to slip away. Some of this is blamed on a cool down in key players bats, dropped fly balls, and a Rhys Hoskins DL stint due to a freak accident. However, not everything can be blamed on the players.




Lets start with the defensive shifts.

Jake Arrieta freaked the hell out during the San Francisco series that some defensive shifts have just been straight up weird. A blind elderly man with a tennis racket could put the ball in play between second and third against the Phillies. I don’t know what kind of shifts infield coach Jose David Flores goes over in practice but every time the camera pans to him he is flapping his arms like the Wawa goose.




Pitching decisions.

First it started with pulling the ace at 70 pitches on opening day. You have one chance to make a first impression, that was like throwing up at your job interview. Lately, it has been bringing in unreliable pitchers when steady hands weren’t done dealing. Seranthony has been the most consistent out of the pen. He has given you back to back shutout innings numerous times. Maybe next time keep him in to get the last out and not lob a fastball down broadway resulting in a walk off grand salami? I don’t know man, I never played in the big leagues but that seems logical.




Starting the hot bats.

This is actually an improvement that I’ve seen from Gabe. Having a plethora of young outfielders can be a tough situation. Some need every day starts in order to maintain production. When Rhys went down it gave Nick Williams a true chance to shine. Early on he only appeared in pinch hit situations but now, given everyday starts, he is really starting to find a grove. I’d much rather see him take a starting position in right field over Aaron Altherr.




Coconut oil and banana hammocks aside, Gabe is very much still learning on the job. We should be used to this by now given the blunders Dougie P made during his inaugural season. The difference between the two is Gabe has 162 games to get it figured out while Dougie had 16 weeks. Gabe, if you are reading this, hopefully not through a twitter burner account, I leave you with a simple phrase: Get your shit together. Give us a team that has a recognizable lineup day to day. Don’t over manage and when it comes to your gut or analytics, go with the six pack. You might get booed to start but if you get us to the postseason, the past will be forgotten.