As the Phillies attempt to go from rebuilding to contending in the next few years, roster turnover will a frequent topic.
Outside of Odubel Herrera and Maikel Franco, not one position player on the big-league club is a lock to hold the job in 2018–or even through the end of 2017. Unless, of course, Cesar Hernandez’s performance down the stretch of 2016 (.854 OPS after June 22) is a precursor of things to come.
Hernandez showed up to camp in great shape and with the idea of becoming an even better player in 2017.
“I know I can be better,” Hernandez said, per CSN Philly. “If I’m consistent and I try to do things the right way, I can be very successful. That’s the plan.”
A few thoughts on what Hernandez has to do to become a long-term fixture in Philadelphia and prove last year’s breakout wasn’t a fluke.
-Get on base.
Last season, Hernandez posted a .371 on-base percentage. That mark was good for sixth-best among all middle infielders in the sport. The only second basemen or shortstops with better OBP figures: DJ LeMahieu, Jose Altuve, Daniely Murphy, Ben Zobrist and Dustin Pedroia.
If Hernandez is truly capable of getting on base 35-38 percent of the time, the Phillies have a weapon.
-Improve as a base runner.
The good: Hernandez has stolen 36 bases over the last two years. The bad: Hernandez has been caught 18 times.
If Hernandez is going to grow into a National League All-Star-type, better base running–both in base stealing and running from station to station–is crucial.
Phillies to watch
-Hope the front office doesn’t get a massive trade offer.
Hernandez was the subject of trade rumors during the hot stove season. With arbitration coming after the 2017 season, the 26-year-old is about to get expensive for a rebuilding team that has second base prospects on the horizon.
In order to join Herrera and Franco as long-term building blocks in Philly, Hernandez has to be good enough that the Phillies push away any serious offers for him this summer.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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