The Good Phight
Small victories, large defeats.
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Phillies Report Card: Otto Kemp
The Good Phight grades rookie left‑fielder Otto Kemp a D‑ after a disappointing 2026 season. Despite a promising 2025 OPS against lefties (.786, 20% above league average) and a solid rookie slugging line (.411, 92 OPS+), Kemp struggled in the majors, going 2‑for‑20 with nine strikeouts in the NL Wild Card Series and failing to stick on the roster after multiple demotions. Injuries, defensive woes, and an ill‑suited platoon role left him as dead weight on the Phillies’ 26‑man postseason list, culminating in a game‑ending strikeout against Chris Sale. The piece highlights his early promise, injuries, and the misfit role that doomed his performance.
Can Bryson Stott ever win a Gold Glove?
The article debates whether Phillies infielder Bryson Stott can ever claim a Gold Glove at second base while teammate Brice Turang remains the league’s top defender. It highlights Stott’s solid defensive reputation, his recent shift to third base, and the challenge of surpassing Turang’s fielding metrics. By referencing past cases like Bryce Harper’s defensive decline, the piece asks if an exceptional season could tip the award in Stott’s favor.
Phillies news: Peter Fatse, outfield, Teruaki Sato
The Good Phight breaks down the Phillies' upcoming roster moves as arbitration deadlines loom, highlighting left‑fielder Peter Fatse’s urgent need to reclaim his plate approach amid potential trades. The piece also revisits outfield depth options and notes that no Phillies made the Gold Glove list, while the Diamondbacks and Red Sox each snagged three awards. Additionally, former Astros skipper Brad Ausmus is mentioned as a possible Houston manager, and Japanese infielder Teruaki Sato enters the MLB posting system, sparking speculation before the lockout.
If you could turn the clock back to a Phillies era, which would it be?
The Good Phight asks Phillies fans to pick their favorite era, from the Mike Schmidt‑led 1970s—including the 1975 season captured in a vintage photo—to the recent 2008 World Series run and its follow‑up glory days. The article invites readers to reflect on the team’s most memorable periods and imagine reliving that golden time.
Phillies news: Justin Crawford, Randy Flores, Kaima Taira
Don’t forget to turn back those clocks, folks. The Phillies probably wish they could turn back the clock to the days when they had the better offense. On to the links. Phillies news: MLB news:
How to improve the Phillies: Outfield
The Good Phight breaks down the Philadelphia Phillies’ persistently weak outfield and outlines possible off‑season moves. With Brandon Marsh, Bryan de la Cruz and Derek Hill under team control, the club faces tough arbitration decisions, especially after Marsh’s disappointing 2026 decline. The article also weighs the value of rookie Justin Crawford’s position and examines free‑agent targets: Japanese prospect Teruaki Sato, Japan’s Seiya Suzuki—who delivers a wRC+ above 118 and solid defense—but may be a DH, and power‑hitting Randy Arozarena. Creative roster tweaks or a splash signing are the only ways to end the outfield questions heading into 2027.
If the Phillies players had a costume, what would it be?
On Halloween, The Good Phight playfully imagines what each Philadelphia Phillies player would wear for trick‑or‑treating, from dressing as fellow teammates to more creative costumes. The light‑hearted piece, published October 31, 2026, mixes seasonal fun with a nod to the team's camaraderie, offering fans a whimsical glimpse into the players’ imagined Halloween outfits.
Phillies news: Peter Fatse, Teruaki Sato, Brewers
The article highlights several MLB updates, starting with newly appointed Phillies hitting coach Peter Fatse promising to revive the offense. It notes the Phillies' potential push into the Japanese market and warns of a looming lockout. In broader MLB news, the Milwaukee Brewers unexpectedly lead the 2027 power rankings, while the Arizona Diamondbacks face decisions on trading Ketel Marte and bolstering pitching. A lengthy offseason trade candidate list is also provided.
The Phillies should emulate these two things from the world champion Brewers
The article argues that while the Phillies shouldn’t copy the Brewers wholesale, they can adopt two key tactics that helped Milwaukee win back‑to‑back 100‑win seasons and a World Series. First, the Phillies have replaced hitting coach Kevin Long with Peter Fatse (and added Joe Cronin) to shift toward a more patient, strike‑zone‑focused approach—mirroring Brewers coach Daniel Vogelbach’s philosophy that emphasized grinding at‑bats, low chase rates (Milwaukee’s 29.1% vs. Philly’s 34.8%) and manufacturing runs without relying on home runs. The piece highlights how this mindset contributed to Milwaukee’s offensive efficiency and suggests the Phils should emulate it.
What can the Phillies learn from the Brewers?
The Good Phight examines how the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2026 World Series win can guide the Philadelphia Phillies. While the Brewers succeeded without a massive payroll, the article argues the real lesson lies in their roster construction—heavy reliance on home‑grown talent like Brice Turang, Jackson Chourio and Jacob Misiorowski, and a balanced lineup that scores without power surges. In contrast, the Phillies have leaned on free agents and inconsistent hitters, often depending on Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber for offense. By comparing postseason runs since 2018, the piece suggests the Phillies need to develop more “well‑rounded” hitters and trust their farm system to sustain success.
Phillies report cards: Orion Kerkering
The Good Phight grades Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering an F for 2026 after a dramatic collapse following a promising start. Kerkering posted a 2.61 ERA through July 28, striking out more than he walked and surrendering only three homers in 41⅓ innings. Yet from July 31 onward he yielded 23 runs in 16⅔ innings, saw his walk rate surge and lost strikeout command, prompting the Phillies to downgrade his leverage usage from a 1.31 aLI to 0.38 in his final four games. Despite still possessing solid peripheral traits, his inability to deliver in critical situations cost the team, extending a decline that began after a costly 2025 NLDS error.
What did you think of the World Series?
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch their first-ever World Series title, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4‑1 in Game 5 at Tropicana Field on Oct. 28, 2026. After a dominant regular season, Milwaukee’s postseason run featured an eight‑run fifth‑inning rally in Game 3 and a 12‑inning walk‑off win for the Rays, though the series ended quicker than many expected. The victory comes amid looming uncertainty for the 2027 season due to a potential lockout, leaving fans to reflect on whether the 2026 showdown met their hype.
Phillies News: Garrett Stubbs, Rotation, Free Agents
The Phillies announce catcher Garrett Stubbs will be designated for assignment as they chase deeper rotation options and aim to treat every month of next season like August 26. The brief roundup also flags upcoming free‑agent rankings, a Red Sox‑Athletics trade, and confirms Tatsuya Imai and Bo Bichette remain with their current clubs.
Phillies Report Card: José Alvarado
The Good Phight’s October 29, 2026 report card grades Phillies reliever José Alvarado a modest C after a turbulent 2025‑26 stretch. After an 80‑game suspension for a testosterone violation, Alvarado logged a career‑high 58.1 innings across 68 games—third most for Philadelphia—but posted a 4.78 BB/9 (third‑worst on staff) and a 25.6% strikeout rate, down from his peak. He struggled to strand runners (66% LOB) and saw his ground‑ball rate drop, though his HR/FB rate hit a low. Despite uneven performance, his durability kept him in the bullpen rotation.
MLB offseason dates to remember
The Brewers win the World Series, kicking off the 2026 MLB offseason packed with crucial dates. Free‑agent filing starts the day after the Series, with free agency opening five days later. Key meetings include GM sessions (Nov 9‑12, Las Vegas) and owners’ meetings (Nov 17‑19, New York). Deadline deadlines hit Nov 17 for qualifying offers and Rule 5 protection, Nov 20 for non‑tenders, and Dec 1 when the CBA expires, potentially triggering a lockout. The Winter Meetings (Dec 7‑9, San Diego), Rule 5 Draft, and arbitration/arbitration figures (Jan 8) follow, alongside the International Signing Period on Jan 15. All events hinge on pending CBA negotiations.
If you could change the outcome of one Phillies game, which would it be?
The Good Phight asks Phillies fans to pick the one game they'd rewrite, from historic heartbreaks like Mitch Williams’ blown save in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series to the recent 2023 NLCS loss that cost them a second straight pennant. The piece muses on how changing that result could have altered the franchise’s legacy and personal fan memories, inviting readers to reflect on iconic moments—from Joe Carter’s heroics to a dreaded Kevin Ginkel outing—before sharing their own pick.
Phillies News: Zack Wheeler, Aidan Miller, Teruaki Sato
The Phillies celebrate Zack Wheeler’s NL Comeback Player of the Year award as he rebounds after a tough season, while top prospect Aidan Miller returns pain‑free and thriving in the Arizona Fall League. The Inquirer’s ongoing series now examines the Phillies’ 2027 infield outlook. Elsewhere, MLB news notes Dodgers owner Mark Walter’s determination to keep the team amid a federal probe, and Japanese sluggers Teruaki Sato and Shugo Maki are poised to become high‑profile free agents this winter. Yankees legend Jorge Posada comments on the need for a strong coaching voice but feels unwelcome in New York.
Zack Wheeler named NL Comeback Player of the Year
Zack Wheeler earns the NL Comeback Player of the Year award after returning from a serious surgery that threatened his career. The Phillies' right‑hander, who pitched in the August 13 Field of Dreams game, impressed the Players Association with dominant performances throughout the season, prompting peers to honor him with the National League comeback accolade.
2026 Phillies Report Cards: Alec Bohm
Alec Bohm’s 2026 season was a rollercoaster for the Phillies. After a disastrous April (.151 average, .426 OPS) and off‑field drama involving a lawsuit against his parents, he slumped to the bottom of the lineup. A strong second half lifted his numbers — he hit .298 with a .794 OPS post‑All‑Star break and posted a .327 average in August, even delivering the game‑winning solo homer in Game 2 of the Wild Card series. Still, his full‑season line reads .249/.315/.383, 15 HR, 88 RBI and a meager .698 OPS, earning him a final grade of D. The piece weighs whether Bohm’s modest rebound can justify his future role as the Phillies approach free agency.
Do the Rays have a miracle in them?
The Tampa Bay Rays stave off elimination in Game Four of the 2026 World Series with a walk‑off single by Ben Williamson, extending the series against the Milwaukee Brewers to a 3-1 deficit. The piece reflects on the Rays’ past World Series comebacks in 2020 and asks whether a new miracle can emerge this year, highlighting the dramatic moment captured at Tropicana Field on October 27.
Phillies news: Peter Fatse, Randy Arozarena, free agents
The Phillies are busy this offseason, with Randy Arozarena emerging as a top targeting name and the club officially hiring former Red Sox hitting coach Peter Fatse, alongside new assistant coaches. While the team’s spending limits remain uncertain in the post‑CBA era, the moves hint at an aggressive roster overhaul. Other MLB notes include Jim Bowden’s free‑agent contract insights, the Mariners’ managerial candidates, Jeff Hoffman’s elbow surgery recovery ahead of 2027, and the Arizona Fall League hitting its midway point.
World Series Gamethread: 10/27/2026
Can the Brewers clinch it tonight? Can the Rays extend the series, and the MLB season, yet another day? Can we talk about it? Yes we can!
2026 Phillies report card: Steward Berroa
The Good Phight’s 2026 Phillies report card gives outfielder Steward Berroa a D. After joining Philadelphia from Milwaukee in early June, Berroa appeared in just six MLB games, going 0‑4 with a single RBI and a .143 line, while spending most of the season in Triple‑A Lehigh Valley where he hit .251 with five homers, a .363 OBP and 15 steals. The piece notes his solid speed and defensive skills but doubts his long‑term major‑league viability, suggesting he may remain a “Quad‑A” player next season.
Should check swing calls be reviewable?
Game 2 of the 2026 World Series ends in controversy as Rays’ Yandy Diaz checks a curveball from Brewers’ Aaron Ashby with two outs and the tying run on third. Home‑plate umpire Jim Wolf calls a ball, but catcher William Contreras challenges the call; first‑base umpire James Hoye rules Diaz swung, sealing a 0‑2 series deficit for Tampa Bay. The piece notes MLB’s lack of an official swing definition and highlights ongoing tests of check‑swing challenges in the minors, which would have overruled the call under current technology. It asks whether such calls should be reviewable in the majors.
Phillies news: Aidan Miller, Tim Mayza, Francisco Lindor
The Good Phight breaks down key offseason moves for the Philadelphia Phillies, spotlighting Aidan Miller’s strong showing in the Arizona Fall League and evaluating which prospects could reinforce the bullpen in 2027. It also explores Tim Mayza’s financial motivations for re‑signing, notes Alex Cora’s unlikely fit as Phillies manager, and covers broader MLB news: experimental outfield‑shift rules in the AFL, Francisco Lindor earning the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, and Rocco Baldelli exiting the Mariners’ manager hunt.
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