For the first time in a decade, Phillies fans have many things to be thankful for this year. Hot off of an NL Pennant, how could they not?
With the World Series out of sight in the rearview and the Winter Meetings coming up soon, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the past season.
Let’s recap all the great things we can be thankful for this year.
Kyle Schwarber
Kyle Schwarber wasn’t around last Thanksgiving and now every Phillies fan would gladly make him a plate. The leadoff slugger hit 46 home runs in the regular season, setting a new Phillies record for home runs by an outfielder.
He also added 6 postseason Schwarbombs including this monster in San Diego.
Rob Thomson
Remember Joe Girardi? I choose not to. Instead, be thankful for Rob Thomson’s in-season promotion to manager. The Phillies had a 65-46 record under ‘Topper’. His aggressive managing style in the playoffs helped the Phillies secure the National League Pennant for the first time since 2009.
He’s every Philadelphian’s favorite Canadian.
Dave Dombrowski
The Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations has made the Phillies successful again. I’ve been saying for a while that Dombrowski’s previous successes should be a reason for optimism.
He was able to turn the Phillies’ tire fire of a bullpen in 2020 around into a bullpen that came in clutch during the playoffs. He was able to find diamonds in the rough like Garrett Stubbs, Andrew Bellatti, and Brandon Marsh and, with the help of the coaching staff, turn them into above-average MLB players.
Be thankful this man got John Middleton to go over the luxury tax threshold and will probably do it again in 2023.
Seranthony Dominguez
The Phillies have a home-grown closer. While he faltered coming off the IL late in the season, Seranthony showed he had closer material by posting a 1.69 ERA in the playoffs when it really mattered. He’ll most likely shut out games for the Phightins in 2023 and, for that, we can all be thankful.
Garrett Stubbs
He’s cool, fun, and has a killer playlist.
He’s also not Andrew Knapp. Be Thankful.
Bryce Harper
This man played through a tear in his elbow. He got his thumb broken by a Blake Snell fastball. This man has suffered for your Philadelphia Phillies. I don’t care how much money he’s making. He’s underpaid.
Through it all, Harper POWERED the Phillies through the playoffs. Like Kyle Schwarber and Rhys Hoskins, he slammed 6 postseason homers. He hit .500 in the NLDS against the Braves and .400 in the NLCS against the Padres.
He got hot at the right time, starting with this homer against the Cardinals.
Good Aaron Nola
He’s baaaaaaaccckkkkkk.
Aaron Nola posted the second-highest bWAR in the NL with 6. He had a 3.25 ERA in the regular season. He threw 2 complete games and had a ridiculous 8.10 K/BB ratio. Nola also pitched gems against the Cardinals and Braves in the playoffs.
The Phillies’ second ace has returned. Give Thanks.
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
