As the Phillies are set to kick off Spring Training this week, the team looks a lot better than they had last year. With a better bullpen, a new GM, and some returning veterans, the 2021 season is set to be a brighter one than year’s past.
Today we’re going to look back at some of the players who made up the 2020 Philadelphia Phillies. In the spirit of reminiscing, however, we’re going to look to see which song by pop artist Taylor Swift best describes these player’s season. I mean, T-Swift is even reminiscing her old days with her remakes of songs as well.
The 2020 Phillies’ Soundtrack by T-Swift
Jake Arrieta – “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
‘I remember when we first signed you and,
Saying “This is it we have an ace” ‘but then,
You haven’t had a good game in a year
And you keep on getting hurt (what?)’
I mean, can the lyrics fit any better?
Arrieta’s three-year contract with the Phillies was worth $75 million (pre-COVID). Phillies fans were excited when Arrieta came on, as he was a bona fide ace, a Cy Young winner, and a World Series champion. It had the makings of a great relationship, and told the world that the Phillies were done rebuilding.
But some relationships just never quite work out. From clubhouse drama to multiple injuries, things just never took off how anyone envisioned. Not to mention his performance on the field. In 64 starts for the Phillies, Arrieta pitched a mediocre 4.36 ERA. For $25 million a year, that’s just not good enough.
So while Arrieta is free to go back to his ex-team in Chicago, we are likely never to see Arrieta in a Phillies uniform again.
Like, ever.
Mickey Moniak – “22”
The former first overall for the Phillies had his 22nd birthday on May 13th last year! That’s right, his MLB debut was at age 22! The young gun appeared in eight games for the Phillies last season, going 3-for-18.
While the outfielder has been with the Phillies since 2016, he is still only 22-years old and has plenty of time to mature and develop into a starting outfielder down the line. He should even have a chance to win the starting job if he has a strong enough Spring Training, though Adam Haseley or Scott Kingery will likely win the job.
Brandon Workman/Heath Hembree/David Phelps – “Should’ve Said No”
You know, when the Phillies brought on Workman, Hembree, and Phelps to help right the ship in the bullpen, there was hope that they could turn the season around. Instead, the trio allowed 35 runs in 30 innings of relief work. It just didn’t work, man.
When it comes down to it, Matt Klentak should’ve said no, should’ve thought twice before trading for them all.
Seranthony Dominguez and David Robertson- “Blank Space”
This one comes a bit obvious. Neither of these guys pitched and contributed in 2020, leaving a blank space. Seranthony Dominguez tore his UCL in his elbow, leading to a season surgery. As for David Robertson, he suffered set back after set back, eventually leading to him being shut down for the season as well.
It’s always a shame when players get hurt, it really is. However, in the case of these two, they really left a blank space for the Phillies in 2020. Each collected paychecks as they nursed their respective injuries. The Phillies resigned Dominguez in hopes he returns to his dominant form. Robertson is now left looking for a team ahead of 2021.
Alec Bohm – “Sparks Fly”
From the moment Alec Bohm made his major-league debut, you could just see the sparks fly. The young third basemen took the team by storm, batting for an .881 OPS in 44 games. He arguably should have won the Rookie of the Year award. We can see sparks fly every time he comes to bat.
One thing is for sure, 2020 was the beginning of a nice, long relationship between the Phillies and Alec Bohm.
Vince Velasquez – “Bad Blood”
There’s always been a good amount of bad blood between Phillies fans and Vince Velasquez. A starting pitcher who at his best was average and has been far from average as of late.
Velasquez remains in the conversation for a starting role this year. We all know he has problems, and fans don’t think he can solven them. So, it may be time for the Phillies to make a deep cut, and get the bad blood out.
J.T. Realmuto – “Love Story”
You saw this one coming, didn’t you? Truth is this song almost perfectly describes greling process leading up to Realmuto’s contract with the Phillies. There’s an obivous connection between the two sides (Romeo and Juliet), but external factors kept the two sides from agreeing to a deal during the season.
Realmuto always wanted to return to Philly, citing fans backing him since day 1. Now, following a grueling offseason where fans where fans got tired of waiting, wondering if he would re-sign with the Phillies, he said yes.
Photo Credit: Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire
