Best of Phillies on 94WIP: Does Dave Dombrowski Want to Win the World Series in 2026?
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What recent changes did the Phillies make to their roster?
This is the best of WIP. Max Kepler, come on down. Well, let me just say this. When I saw the news that the Phillies had another one-year, $10 million guy, it was like, it just reminded me of the Sixers. How, with Joel, when he was in his prime, it felt like every year they would cycle through new players trying to find the right match. You know, like, here's Danny Green, here's P.J. Tucker, here's this guy, here's that guy. There's another season without a great outfield. Danny Green was a good match for a little bit. Yeah, when he played for Toronto and beat the Sixers.
What are the implications of Dave Dombrowski's comments on the outfield?
So this dude, outstanding defensively, big bat from a power standpoint, but low batting average, low on base percentage, and high strikeout situation. And so it follows in line a different type of player than Kepler. And I'm going to put both corner spots, Kepler and Whitmerryfield and Austin Hayes. guys, so to speak, or the trade with the expiring contract guys or whatever. So, James, is this guy going to be better than those guys? Maybe. Maybe. I mean, look, he's had one great year. In 2023, he was elite. You know, he hit close to 40 homers, was awesome in the playoffs.
How does the addition of Adolis Garcia impact the Phillies' lineup?
I think he was the ALCS MVP. He was. Yeah, he was awesome for that year. And he's never come close to that. You know, they need power. I've talked about that a lot. I like adding a guy. Oh, he's legit power. He's got power. So what was the difference that year?
What are the concerns regarding Justin Crawford's role in center field?
I don't know, man. It happens. We see that in baseball sometimes where guys just have this massive year and it kind of never get back to that level. To your point, Joe, he is a really good right fielder. He's got a hose, which will be fun. It's been a while since we could see someone gun someone down from right field like that. But... Yeah, it's a flyer. It's another one-year hopeful. He's turning 33 in March, so he's kind of heading towards the other side of the age curve.
What do the Phillies need to do to improve their chances for the World Series?
He fits the roster perfectly. But yeah, you're hoping he comes in and he's motivated on a one-year deal and you get some pop and you get some good right field. But it's a flyer. It's a hopeful. So let me read you the home run titles starting in 2021. And then I'm going to get to a different category. And these are impressive numbers. Home run totals from 21 on. 31, 27, 39, 25, 19. I mean, those are impressive totals.
How does the Phillies' offseason strategy reflect their long-term goals?
But then let's get to this reality. Career batting average, 237. Now, there's a lot of 237 hitters in baseball these days, much to my chagrin. But the hope is, okay, walk a lot, get on base a lot. Not really. Career on base percentage, 293. If you're below 300, that is sub-freaking-standard. It's bad. I mean, that's really bad. Well, we can work on that approach.
What are the potential outcomes of trading Matt Strom?
I mean, he's 33. The one thing I will say, even last year when he was bad, he hits the ball hard. You know, like he's got, love the phrase, exit velocity and all that. Like, he does hit the ball hard, so... there are things you can point to as positives. And he's an energy guy, right? Yeah. When he's on, he's pretty high energy. Yes, absolutely. And again, look, we're talking about this team as, they're in the, what are you going to do in the playoffs?
What are the overall sentiments regarding the Phillies' current roster and future?
We're going to have fun with the season, but ultimately what they do in the playoffs is what matters for this team. This is at least a guy, unlike Kepler, who has come through on the biggest of stages, has had massive moments in the playoffs, so at least that is something you can point to. Well, the other thing is it is different. People want it different. They want it not running back. New blood, so to speak. I'm happy that it's not Castellanos. I think it's less likely. But I think that... I think Bader's probably gone regardless. I did, too. Yes. I think it impacts it a little, but I think if Bader were in a price, they could work. And Gelb said they're still interested, and there's dominoes falling.
It's all about the market. And I don't think he's going to get what he thought he was going to get. I'm just concerned, does this $10 million instead of a $4 million player make it harder to get Bader? And that's essentially where I'm driving that.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What recent changes did the Phillies make to their roster?
0:00–0:40
2
What are the implications of Dave Dombrowski's comments on the outfield?
0:40–1:23
3
How does the addition of Adolis Garcia impact the Phillies' lineup?
1:23–1:37
4
What are the concerns regarding Justin Crawford's role in center field?
1:37–2:04
5
What do the Phillies need to do to improve their chances for the World Series?
2:04–2:37
6
How does the Phillies' offseason strategy reflect their long-term goals?
2:37–3:00
7
What are the potential outcomes of trading Matt Strom?
3:00–3:25
8
What are the overall sentiments regarding the Phillies' current roster and future?
3:25–1:05:46