The date is March 28, 2019.
Sure, you're a little cold but you're heading to the ballpark to see Bryce freakin' Harper and the 2019 Philadelphia Phillies so you know greener pastures and warmer weather is right in front of you.
Now, close your eyes and envision that first Harper jog out to right field at "The Bank."
Chills.
What will Gabe Kapler's starting lineup look like?
Let's take a look at the deepest lineup in the NL.
1. Andrew McCutchen:
Andrew McCutchen's on base percentage with the Yankees last season? .421. The guy is an on base machine and even though he *likely* won't put up MVP caliber numbers here in Philadelphia, Andrew McCutchen will at least give the Phillies a good at bat and a patient approach.
2. Jean Segura
Oh let's slide in a .300 hitter in the two hole? Sign me up. Jean Segura is the perfect two hole hitter. Doesn't have the pop you'd like to have out of spot in the lineup but he'll move guys over and get the job done. Even if McCutchen, and his projected .380-.400 OBP gets out, having a .300 hitter behind him isn't a bad idea.
3. Bryce Harper
Even if Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura SOMEHOW get out before Bryce Harper, I'll take the chance on the guy that in his last 4 years has averaged a .410 OBP to get on base in my three hole. This lineup is insane.
4. Rhys Hoskins
Oh, you mean to tell me another tough out is going to be my clean-up hitter? Sign me up! Hoskins was top 5 in baseball in pitches per plate appearance last year. He's going to hit 35+ home runs this year and drive in over 100 runs with what he has in front of him. Book it. The Phillies could realistically have 70 to 80 home runs between Harper and Hoskins this season.
5. J.T Realmuto
Holy CRAP this team has J.T Realmuto, the best catcher in baseball. I feel like we've forgot about the fact that the Phillies have the best catcher in baseball. Anyway, a 20 home run, 20 double season from your catcher is going to be amazing.
6. Odubel Herrera
Sure, he's banged up right now with a hamstring injury but Odubel Herrera will be this team's starting center fielder in 2019. Herrera has gone from the teams best player for the last 3 seasons to their 6 hole hitter in one offseason. A reduced role Herrera should lead to a break-out for the 27 year old.
7. Maikel Franco
Do people forget that Maikel Franco led the 2018 Phillies in batting average? Yes, I'm still not sure how it happened but it happened. Anyway, the best version of Maikel Franco in 2018 was seen at the bottom of the lineup, getting 20-25 HR's out of your seven spot in the order isn't the worst thing in the world.
8. Aaron Nola
Pitcher batting eighth. It's what Gabe Kapler is going to do, deal with it.
9. Cesar Hernandez
You mean to tell me that the Phillies are going to round out their lineup with a guy that has an OBP in the .360ish range? You're darn right I am. If Cesar Hernandez is one thing it's consistent and the guy is an OBP machine. Let's hope he brings that to the 2019 Phillies.
