As the 2020 playoffs continue with the Championship Series’, we are forced to watch the Braves continue to shine in the post season. Along with reports coming out that the Phillies are not optimistic about re-signing J.T. Realmuto, it’s tough to be a Phillies fan right now
The silver linings for this disastrous season are as follows: Matt Klentak is no longer the General manager, the albatross of a contract of Jake Arietta is over, Zack Wheeler is a legit top of the rotation addition, and Alec Bohm has announced his arrival.
“I Love That Rookie”
The above quote was uttered by my 9-year-old, baseball crazy son. After watching highlights one morning, he said to me, “Dad, Alec Bohm had….. (something about his hitting). I love that rookie!”
Bohm has been nothing short of amazing for the mediocre ball club. He has been the Phillies’ best hitter since entering the lineup on August 13th. Bohm hit .338 with a .400 On-Base Percentage. He drove in 23 and scored 24 runs. Bohm went hitless in only 12 games, and only twice has he been held hitless in back to back games. Also, he had multiple hits in 19 of the 44 games he played.
Defensive Liability?
Bohm’s defense was the key to his arrival. He struggled last year as he adjusted to the speed of the game as well as the grass fields. In fact, according to an article from The Inquirer by Scott Lauber in January, a National League evaluator stated he was horrendous after watching him in the Arizona Fall League. Bohm committed four errors in ten games. Pundits felt that a change of position would do Bohm good.
Bohm worked hard on his defense at third base. With Rhys Hoskins at first, Bohm’s chance in the majors would be at third base. From what I saw, his defense seemed just fine. He played third in 38 games and committed four errors. His fielding percentage was a respectable .957. However, in his seven starts at first base, he was flawless.
Regardless, Bohm has arrived. With his arrival, he has brought possibly the first Phillies Rookie of the Year since the Big Piece, Ryan Howard in 2005. Bohm holds possibly an even more important title than Rookie of the Year. He has become my, and possibly a lot more, 9-year old’s favorite Phillie.
Mandatory Credit – Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire
