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Phillies trade talk: Tommy Joseph shouldn’t be blocking anyone

On Episode 135 of The Felske Files, John Stolnis and Justin Klugh discuss the performance of their first baseman and whether he’s performed well enough to block Rhys Hoskins from joining the Majors.

By John Stolnis and Justin Klugh

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MLB: Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Episode 135 of The Felske Files is brought to you by Anthony Arot and The Nash Wealth Management Group! Check them out here!

There is less than a week to go before July 31, and all the Phillies are still Phillies.

Pat Neshek, Howie Kendrick, Jeremy Hellickson, Joaquin Benoit, Daniel Nava, Tommy Joseph, and all the rest of the members of the Phils who have been rumored to be on the move this month are still here, and some of the natives are getting restless.

They want to know why general manager Matt Klentak hasn’t done anything yet. Why rebuilding teams like the Atlanta Braves are rumored to be in the hunt for Sonny Gray while the Phillies are rumored to be interested in Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich, moves that cannot be completed until the winter. They want to know how the Phils are going to clear the logjams at first base, second base, shortstop and the outfield in order to promote Rhys Hoskins, Scott Kingery, J.P. Crawford and the rest of the outfield contingent.

These are all valid concerns. But these are tough decisions and, as we’ve seen in the past with this team, it takes two to tango here at the trade deadline. It’s one thing to be eager to move some of your players to another roster, it’s another to find a partner to actually take them.

One of those players is Tommy Joseph, who the Phils are actively looking to deal so they can bring up the explosive youngster Rhys Hoskins to the big leagues. Hoskins went yard again on Monday night and is .282/.376/.561 with 23 homers and 21 doubles this season for the Iron Pigs. Meanwhile, Tommy Joseph is batting .247/.306/.443 with 15 home runs and 18 doubles.

Going into Monday’s game against Houston, Joseph ranked 26th out of 27 qualified MLB first basemen this year with a -0.3 fWAR. And aside from one good month this season, his offensive numbers have not been up to par.

Folks, it’s entirely possible Tommy Joseph just may not be all that good, and there is no way he should be blocking Hoskins, or anyone else, from the first base job on August 1.

On Episode 135 of The Felske Files, hosts John Stolnis and Justin Klugh talk about Joseph and the trade deadline, the latest rumors, and just what the Phils will do about their first base position if they cannot find a taker for the young slugger.

Also on this week’s show...

  • Prior to getting blown out by the Astros in the first game of that series, the Phillies enjoyed a really fun week of offensive explosions
  • Nick Williams’ energy and surprising power have helped the team look more alive than at any point this season
  • Virtually all of the Phillies hitters are doing well in July
  • Odubel Herrera and Maikel Franco are finally performing like they belong in the middle of the order
  • The return of Cesar Hernandez has also been a huge key
  • Which Phillies are going to be dealt at the deadline?
  • Phils manager Pete Mackanin had some interesting comments about the prospects on the farm he’d most like to see at the big league level
  • Is Tommy Joseph good enough to warrant blocking Rhys Hoskins from the first base job?
  • Critics of Klentak need to give the GM more time before deciding he’s not doing enough to help the rebuild move along
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