Why the Mets own the Phillies: Felske Files Episode 106

The New York Mets are done strangling the Phillies with their bare hands for the moment, and now the team gets to spend the weekend in the Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC, for another go-around with the Nationals.

Then, they play the Mets again next week! In New York!

Who set up this schedule, anyway?

Joining me on the show to discuss why the Mets seem to have the Phils’ number the last couple years is beat writer for CSN Philly Jim Salisbury.

Among the topics we discussed...

• Clay Buchholz’ injury and which minor leaguer could be in line to take his place
• Vince Velasquez’ struggles this year are a mirror of his issues from 2016
• Why can’t Velasquez seem to put hitters away? How much rope should he have as a starter?
• Would the Phils have been better served to have at least one veteran catcher on the roster to help with the young starters?
• Is the offense any better this season than it was last year?
• Might the Phillies consider a free agent starter from next year’s free agent class?
• Would Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish, or Johnny Cueto (if he opts out) be an intriguing target for GM Matt Klentak?
• The Phillies are going to spend money, it’s just a matter of when.

Also, minor league baseball began this week, and as we’ll do throughout the year, Jay Floyd of PhoulBallz.com joined the show to talk about which prospects have gotten off to a hot start and which are still finding their footing.

• Are we keeping too close an eye on prospects? How much attention is too much?
• Would players do better if we weren’t keeping track of their performance every day?
• At what point is it fair to be legitimately concerned about J.P. Crawford’s offensive performance. It’s obviously too early now.
• Which other Lehigh Valley starters are struggling? Who’s doing well?
• In Lakewood, Sixto Sanchez is the most intriguing pitching prospect in the organization.
• Mickey Moniak, can he be a star?

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