As we pass the Memorial Day checkpoint - the spot in the MLB season where many believe the standings become notable - the Phillies have the best record in the National League, the best winning percentage in all of baseball, and have won nine of their last 10 games.
As the Phils continue to roll and look to extend their lead in the NL East, Joe Giglio says it’s time that manager Rob Thomson gets his proper praise for where the team is at this point in the season.
“It feels like one person has not been talked about a lot, and he doesn’t get talked about a lot when things are good. It’s only when things are bad that he gets brought up a lot,” Giglio said. “He deserves more credit for where the Phillies are right now and the season they’re having.”
It wasn’t the greatest start to the season for Philly, but the team has come on of late, rising to sixth in the league in team OPS, seventh in runs, and fifth in doubles, while the pitching staff has logged more strikeouts than any other team in the game. In a season where Bryce Harper had an extended slump, the Phillies are sitting pretty at the first main checkpoint of the season, and Giglio says the skipper needs to get his proper credit given the comparison to where the Phils sit in the standings and what they look like on paper.
“I think Rob Thomson is doing an excellent job with this team, because I don’t think they’re the best team in baseball roster-wise,” Giglio said. “They have a manager right now who is running two different lineups…it’s worked. He’s gotten the best out of Trea Turner by leading him off against lefties. He’s gotten a lot out of Stott by protecting him and batting him leadoff against righties.
“I think Rob Thomson deserves more credit than he’s getting here.”