Franco, Williams, Lead Phillies in Blowing Out the Mets in Season Finale

The Phillies ended the 2017 season with a bang, defeating the Mets 11-0. In winning their final game, the Phillies have given their fans several storylines to follow going into 2018. 

One of the biggest questions for 2017 was whether Maikel Franco would step up his game, living up to his potential and the fans' expectations. For most of the season, that question was answered in the negative. But General Manager Matt Klentak refused to give up on Franco, asserting that he has too much talent. 

Franco's late season surge may have proven Klentak right. After hovering at a little over .200 for most of the season, Franco increased his average to .275 for the month of September. In his last five games, he hit 4 home runs and drove in 7 runs, which included a three-run blast in the last game of the season. Franco ended the season leading the team in home runs, with 24.  If nothing else, Franco's late season performance has made a statement that he is not ready to fade away as the Phillies' regular third baseman. 

The Phillies went into 2017 with the question of what their outfield will look like in the long-term.  Offensive performance from the outfield was disappointing to say the least in 2016.  Right fielder Nick Williams emerged from the minors this season, showing fans that he was worth the wait after being acquired in the 2015 Cole Hammels trade. Playing in little more than half of the Phillies' games this season, Williams batted .288, belting out 12 home runs and knocking in 55 runs. In the season finale, Williams earned a curtain call by speeding around the bases for an inside-the-park home run. With Odubel Herrera in center and Aaron Altherr in left, the outfield for next season appears set, and ready to continue to produce offensively. 

The biggest question for the Phillies to answer during the off-season will be the pitching. Despite inconsistent performances throughout the season, Nick Pivetta made a statement today that he will be part of the conversation of who will make up the Phillies rotation in 2018. In the final game, Pivetta pitched 5 shut-out innings, walking 5 but striking out 7. This was a follow-up to his 6 inning shut-out performance a week ago in Atlanta.  Pivetta improved upon his 11.57 ERA in August, but posting an ERA of 5.14 in September. Although there is still room for improvement, if this trend were to continue, Pivetta could solidify his position in the Phillies rotation. 

Phillies players now have 5 months to rest, recuperate, and get ready for Spring Training. In the meantime, the front office will need to make difficult chooses concerning the manager, the coaching staff and the on-the-field personnel. One thing that is certain is that the team that starts the 2018 season will be remarkably different from the team that started the 2017 season. 

William J. Kovatch, Jr. 

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