Haseley Has a Job

It looks like Adam Haseley will be the Phillies center fielder in 2020. General manager Matt Klentak said so in an interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. 

Haseley earned it with a solid rookie campaign. He hit .266 with a .720 OPS and 5 homers in 222 at-bats. But what really opened eyes was his defense. He made a number of highlight-reel plays, robbing opponents of home runs. Like this. 

Klentak's announcement sets a couple of things in motion. It unofficially ends the Phillies career of Odubel Herrera, who has been a terrible player over the last few seasons in addition to being charged in a domestic abuse case. The Phillies still owe him millions, but this will be a case of addition by subtraction.

It also means Scott Kingery is the everyday third baseman. Top prospect Alec Bohm will most likely start the season in the minors. If he gets hot early, look for him to get called up and Kingery could move to center if Haseley falters.

But I don't think he will. He's a solid line drive hitter and more power should come as he gets older. The former No. 1 draft pick deserves the job as the starter in center.

Pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater in about 8 weeks and this has been one of those most eventful winters in recent memory. The Phils have gotten better and their opponents have lost key players, most recently the Nationals, who saw Anthony Rendon sign with the Angels last night. It's gonna be a fun year.