LOS ANGELES (AP) — Colorado slugger Trevor Story is receiving treatment for right elbow inflammation in Arizona
http://www.nationalsfanproshop.com/authentic-max-scherzer-jersey , and the Rockies remain encouraged that he will return soon.Manager Bud Black
says Story was feeling better Wednesday. The All-Star shortstop may participate
in some baseball activities at the team’s spring training facility in Phoenix on
Thursday.Black said the team would check on Story on Friday. He is listed as
day-to-day and no timetable has been set for his return.Story tweaked his elbow
on a throw in the first inning of an 8-2 loss to the Dodgers on Monday night and
aggravated it on a swing in the fourth.Colorado began Wednesday 1 1/2 games
behind the NL West-leading Dodgers.Story this year became the first shortstop in
major league history with at least 40 doubles, 30 home runs and 25 steals in a
season. PHILADELPHIA (AP) — It took the Philadelphia Phillies a little longer
than usual to arrive at a familiar spot.After leading their division with the
second-best record in the National League one week into August, the Phillies
went 16-33 over the final 49 games and finished with a losing record (80-82) for
the sixth straight season.There are several reasons for the collapse, and the
Phillies will enter the offseason with plenty of questions as they try to
reshape the roster into one that can contend for a full season. Philadelphia
could try to land a big-name free agent like Bryce Harper or Manny Machado — or
even both.“There’s been some really important answers but there’s things we have
to address this offseason and future offseasons,” general manager Matt Klentak
said Monday.Gabe Kapler’s first season as manager was adventurous. His
unconventional approach drew a ton of scrutiny and criticism in Philadelphia,
especially after the team fell apart.But Klentak is sticking by his
analytics-minded manager and his new-school style.“His energy, his
attitude
Michael Taylor Jersey , his work ethic and his willingness to adjust are about as good as they can be and I think we made enormous strides this year,”
Klentak said. “We were projected to win 74-76 games. That team is not going to
the playoffs if you play traditional baseball. When those are your expectations,
that’s a good year to try things.”Kapler, who found a positive spin on
everything throughout the season, is optimistic — no surprise — about 2019.“If
everybody takes a small step forward in their development we’ll win a lot of
baseball games,” Kapler said.Here’s some things to know about the Phillies
heading into the offseason:GOT AN ACE: Right-hander Aaron Nola established
himself as a legitimate No. 1 starter by having one of the best seasons in
franchise history. He was 17-6 with a 2.37 ERA. His 224 strikeouts were the
second-most ever by a Phillies pitcher age 25 or younger. He joined Grover
Cleveland Alexander (1915) as the only Phillies pitchers to strike out 200 or
more batters and hold opponents to a batting average of .200 or lower. His 0.976
WHIP was the fifth-lowest in team history.REST OF ROTATION: Right-hander Jake
Arrieta (10-11, 3.96) isn’t going anywhere because of his big contract. Fellow
righties Zach Eflin (11-8
http://www.nationalsfanproshop.com/authentic-shawn-kelley-jersey , 4.36), Vince Velasquez (9-12, 4.85) and Nick Pivetta (7-14, 4.77) showed flashes
but lacked consistency. It’s likely at least one of the trio returns and all
three could be back.CLOSING TIME: Rookie Seranthony Dominguez (2.95 ERA, 16 for
20 in save opportunities, 74 Ks in 58 innings) struggled after an outstanding
start and then finished strong. Hector Neris lost his closer’s job, got demoted
and was excellent down the stretch. Several relievers had up-and-down seasons.
The Phillies like their bullpen depth.INCONSISTENT OFFENSE: The Phillies
finished last in average (.234) and were 22nd in runs. More hitters regressed as
coaches emphasized launch angle instead of contact. Six players hit at least 15
homers but only two teams struck out more. Left fielder/first baseman Rhys
Hoskins (.246
Trea Turner Jersey , 34 homers, 96 RBIs) will be part of the nucleus going forward. Catcher Jorge Alfaro (.262, 10, 37) and infielder Scott Kingery
(.226, 8, 35) will get another chance to prove they can be regulars. But there
aren’t many other guarantees. Outfielder Odubel Herrera had a career-high in
homers (22) and career-low in average (.255). Same for second baseman Cesar
Hernandez (.253, 15
http://www.nationalsfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-wieters-jersey , 60). Third baseman Maikel Franco (.270, 22, 68) and outfielder Nick Williams
(.256, 17, 50) aren’t locks to be back.CHASING STARS: The Phillies will make a
strong push for Harper and Machado. They spent big bucks on Arrieta ($75
million, three years), first baseman Carlos Santana ($60 million
Joe Blanton Jersey , three years) and right-handed relievers Pat Neshek (2.59 ERA, five saves) and Tommy Hunter (3.80 ERA, four saves) last offseason
and got varying results. Ownership has deep pockets and a need to improve
attendance. Harper or Machado or both would excite fans and significantly
upgrade the lineup.
