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Call from the Bullpen by David Maull

The Bullpen | Phillies | Sports Front Page

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Fightin' Phils Rising to the Top
From the July 2, 1998 TV Times

While the baseball world has been focused on Mark McGwire's home run chase, the dominance of the Yankees and Braves, the resurgence of the Cubs and the underachievement of the Orioles, another team has made great strides with little fanfare.

The Philadelphia Phillies, a team that went an anemic 4-22 last June en route to a 68-94 last-place finish, are hovering around the .500 mark as the all-star break approaches and have become perhaps the most promising young team in baseball.

The franchise that has had just one winning season since 1987 suddenly has a bright future thanks to a promising group of youngsters and some smart moves by the front office.

Here are five reasons why the Phillies are a team to watch in the second half of the season.

1. Doug Glanville. This is the player that's going to make people forget Lenny Dykstra. Glanville, a 27-year-old center fielder, has been outstanding in the leadoff spot, batting well above .300 all season and at one point hitting in 54 of 58 games. The trade that brought him from the Cubs in exchange for Mickey Morandini could turn out to be one of the club's best in years.

2. Curt Schilling. Quite possibly the best pitcher in the National League. With a little more run support, he would be chasing 20 wins this season. But more importantly, the veteran who struck out 319 batters last season, sets a good example for the young and often-inconsistent pitchers that round out the team's staff.

3. Scott Rolen. Last season's National League Rookie of the Year plays with the poise of a 10-year veteran. He is smart in the field, on the basepaths and at the plate. More importantly, he hasn't buckled under the pressure of having to live up to the legacy of Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt. If healthy, he should be a fixture at the hot corner for the next decade.

4. Terry Francona. The youngest manager in the majors, Francona has exhibited the most important virtue needed to guide a young team - patience. Players have responded to his firm-but-fair approach and he no doubt has played a large role in the development of a close-knit clubhouse.

5. Resilience. On June 16, the Phillies trailed Pittsburgh 7-1 in the bottom of the ninth before erupting for seven runs in the final frame and pulling out an 8-7 victory. On May 28 in Chicago, the Phils trailed the Cubs by the same score and also rallied to win 8-7. Twenty-five times this season they've rallied to win after trailing in a game. Even when they lose, the Phillies go down fighting, which is all you can ask of young players trying to survive in the majors.

The Phillies' front office as embarked on a rebuilding plan that is paying early dividends. Although a wild card run and even a .500 finish will be a stretch this season, the team is making people notice for the first time since the World Series run of 1993.

There was a reason for optimism last year when the Phils finished with the third-best record in the National League (44-33) after the all-star break.

Shortstop Desi Relaford, catcher Mike Lieberthal, outfielder Bobby Abreu and first baseman Rico Brogna provide the foundation for a contender. The addition of a starting pitcher or two and a power-hitting outfielder could prepare the Phils to challenge the Braves and Mets in the N.L. East next season.

Letting outfielder Gregg Jefferies go at the end of the season could free up some cash to fill those needs.

The Phillies might still be a year or two away but finally there is reason to go to Veterans Stadium for something other than an Eagles game.

The lean times are over.