Phillies
MLB National League East Philadelphia Phillies 2022
At 82-80, the Phillies finished respectably at over .500, but they still fell 6.5 games short of the Atlanta Braves. Heading into 2022, there is a lot of optimism surrounding Philadelphia. Still, they will have to fight in what should be a solid division that includes the defending champion Braves, the high-spending Mets, and an up-and-coming Marlins team.
The 2021 Phillies were led by NL MVP Bryce Harper. Between Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Rhys Hoskins, a team that finished 12th in runs per game (4.53) should once again be solid offensively.
Defensively, the Phillies’ rotation could be a real strength. Zack Wheeler was brilliant last year, and Aaron Nola is an exceptional number two. Aside from these two, Kyle Gibson, Zach Eflin, Ranger Suarez, and Hans Crouse remain options to fill out the rest of the rotation.
Before the MLB lockout, the Phillies signed a couple of players. Corey Knebel was signed as an option for Joe Girardi in the backend of the bullpen. Johan Camargo was also signed as an infield option.
Don’t be surprised if the Phillies shoot for higher targets prior to the 2022 season. With question marks in the outfield and on the left side of the infield, the Phillies could be aggressive both in the free-agent and trade markets.
Philadelphia will have its sights set on contending in 2022, and in what should be a really competitive NL East, they should be right in the thick of a playoff hunt by the end of the season.
MLB National League East Philadelphia Phillies History
Having been founded in 1883, the Philadelphia Phillies hold a claim that no other professional sports team can make. They are the oldest franchise in history to have the same name and to have been located in the same city since their inception.
Starting in 1883, the team was introduced to the National League as a replacement for the Worcester Worcesters (also referred to as the Ruby Legs). They were dropped as they were deemed not big enough of a market to support a major league franchise.
When the “modern” era of baseball started in 1903, the Phillies were part of the original sixteen teams and one of the first eight in the National League.
Not only have the Phillies only played in the National League, but since divisions started in 1969, the team has known no other division other than the NL East.
Going back to their first season in 1883, the Phillies’ have not always maintained success as an organization. They are a combined 9,935 – 11,112, good for a .472 winning percentage. In fact, they were the first professional sports team to collect 10,000 losses as a franchise.
Due to their long history as an organization, the team has played in five different stadiums. Their first stadium was Recreation Park, which they played in from 1883 to 1886. Since then, they have played in Baker Bowl (1887-1938), Connie Mack Stadium (1938-1970), Veterans Stadium (1971-2003), and their current home, Citizens Bank Park (2004 to present).
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