The Good Phight
Small victories, large defeats.
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Phillies Report Card: José Alvarado
The Good Phight’s October 29, 2026 report card grades Phillies reliever José Alvarado a modest C after a turbulent 2025‑26 stretch. After an 80‑game suspension for a testosterone violation, Alvarado logged a career‑high 58.1 innings across 68 games—third most for Philadelphia—but posted a 4.78 BB/9 (third‑worst on staff) and a 25.6% strikeout rate, down from his peak. He struggled to strand runners (66% LOB) and saw his ground‑ball rate drop, though his HR/FB rate hit a low. Despite uneven performance, his durability kept him in the bullpen rotation.
MLB offseason dates to remember
The Brewers win the World Series, kicking off the 2026 MLB offseason packed with crucial dates. Free‑agent filing starts the day after the Series, with free agency opening five days later. Key meetings include GM sessions (Nov 9‑12, Las Vegas) and owners’ meetings (Nov 17‑19, New York). Deadline deadlines hit Nov 17 for qualifying offers and Rule 5 protection, Nov 20 for non‑tenders, and Dec 1 when the CBA expires, potentially triggering a lockout. The Winter Meetings (Dec 7‑9, San Diego), Rule 5 Draft, and arbitration/arbitration figures (Jan 8) follow, alongside the International Signing Period on Jan 15. All events hinge on pending CBA negotiations.
If you could change the outcome of one Phillies game, which would it be?
The Good Phight asks Phillies fans to pick the one game they'd rewrite, from historic heartbreaks like Mitch Williams’ blown save in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series to the recent 2023 NLCS loss that cost them a second straight pennant. The piece muses on how changing that result could have altered the franchise’s legacy and personal fan memories, inviting readers to reflect on iconic moments—from Joe Carter’s heroics to a dreaded Kevin Ginkel outing—before sharing their own pick.
Phillies News: Zack Wheeler, Aidan Miller, Teruaki Sato
The Phillies celebrate Zack Wheeler’s NL Comeback Player of the Year award as he rebounds after a tough season, while top prospect Aidan Miller returns pain‑free and thriving in the Arizona Fall League. The Inquirer’s ongoing series now examines the Phillies’ 2027 infield outlook. Elsewhere, MLB news notes Dodgers owner Mark Walter’s determination to keep the team amid a federal probe, and Japanese sluggers Teruaki Sato and Shugo Maki are poised to become high‑profile free agents this winter. Yankees legend Jorge Posada comments on the need for a strong coaching voice but feels unwelcome in New York.
Zack Wheeler named NL Comeback Player of the Year
Zack Wheeler earns the NL Comeback Player of the Year award after returning from a serious surgery that threatened his career. The Phillies' right‑hander, who pitched in the August 13 Field of Dreams game, impressed the Players Association with dominant performances throughout the season, prompting peers to honor him with the National League comeback accolade.
2026 Phillies Report Cards: Alec Bohm
Alec Bohm’s 2026 season was a rollercoaster for the Phillies. After a disastrous April (.151 average, .426 OPS) and off‑field drama involving a lawsuit against his parents, he slumped to the bottom of the lineup. A strong second half lifted his numbers — he hit .298 with a .794 OPS post‑All‑Star break and posted a .327 average in August, even delivering the game‑winning solo homer in Game 2 of the Wild Card series. Still, his full‑season line reads .249/.315/.383, 15 HR, 88 RBI and a meager .698 OPS, earning him a final grade of D. The piece weighs whether Bohm’s modest rebound can justify his future role as the Phillies approach free agency.
Do the Rays have a miracle in them?
The Tampa Bay Rays stave off elimination in Game Four of the 2026 World Series with a walk‑off single by Ben Williamson, extending the series against the Milwaukee Brewers to a 3-1 deficit. The piece reflects on the Rays’ past World Series comebacks in 2020 and asks whether a new miracle can emerge this year, highlighting the dramatic moment captured at Tropicana Field on October 27.
Phillies news: Peter Fatse, Randy Arozarena, free agents
The Phillies are busy this offseason, with Randy Arozarena emerging as a top targeting name and the club officially hiring former Red Sox hitting coach Peter Fatse, alongside new assistant coaches. While the team’s spending limits remain uncertain in the post‑CBA era, the moves hint at an aggressive roster overhaul. Other MLB notes include Jim Bowden’s free‑agent contract insights, the Mariners’ managerial candidates, Jeff Hoffman’s elbow surgery recovery ahead of 2027, and the Arizona Fall League hitting its midway point.
World Series Gamethread: 10/27/2026
Can the Brewers clinch it tonight? Can the Rays extend the series, and the MLB season, yet another day? Can we talk about it? Yes we can!
2026 Phillies report card: Steward Berroa
The Good Phight’s 2026 Phillies report card gives outfielder Steward Berroa a D. After joining Philadelphia from Milwaukee in early June, Berroa appeared in just six MLB games, going 0‑4 with a single RBI and a .143 line, while spending most of the season in Triple‑A Lehigh Valley where he hit .251 with five homers, a .363 OBP and 15 steals. The piece notes his solid speed and defensive skills but doubts his long‑term major‑league viability, suggesting he may remain a “Quad‑A” player next season.
Should check swing calls be reviewable?
Game 2 of the 2026 World Series ends in controversy as Rays’ Yandy Diaz checks a curveball from Brewers’ Aaron Ashby with two outs and the tying run on third. Home‑plate umpire Jim Wolf calls a ball, but catcher William Contreras challenges the call; first‑base umpire James Hoye rules Diaz swung, sealing a 0‑2 series deficit for Tampa Bay. The piece notes MLB’s lack of an official swing definition and highlights ongoing tests of check‑swing challenges in the minors, which would have overruled the call under current technology. It asks whether such calls should be reviewable in the majors.
Phillies news: Aidan Miller, Tim Mayza, Francisco Lindor
The Good Phight breaks down key offseason moves for the Philadelphia Phillies, spotlighting Aidan Miller’s strong showing in the Arizona Fall League and evaluating which prospects could reinforce the bullpen in 2027. It also explores Tim Mayza’s financial motivations for re‑signing, notes Alex Cora’s unlikely fit as Phillies manager, and covers broader MLB news: experimental outfield‑shift rules in the AFL, Francisco Lindor earning the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, and Rocco Baldelli exiting the Mariners’ manager hunt.
World Series Gamethread: 10/26/26
If you have YoutubeTV, you’re probably split screening this one. Eagles on one side, World Series on the other. Let’s talk about it.
Phillies hire Peter Fatse as Hitting Coach
The Phillies have appointed former Red Sox hitting coach Peter Fatse as their new hitting instructor, according to The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes. Fatse began as the Twins’ hitting coordinator in 2019, joined Boston thereafter, and served as Red Sox hitting coach from 2022 until the staff overhaul in April 2026. During his tenure, Boston ranked 14th in wRC+, with highlights like Tyler O’Neill’s career‑best .847 OPS in 2023 and Ceddanne Rafaela’s emergence. The hire also ties him to Alex Cora, who recently declined the Phillies’ managerial overtures.
Phillies report cards: Jose Urquidy
The Good Phight reviews Jose Urquidy’s surprise impact on the Phillies’ late‑season stretch. Picked up off waivers in September, Urquidy logged two appearances (including a 4 2/3‑inning, six‑strikeout, shutout start against the Mets on Sept. 18) that helped the beleaguered staff and contributed enough WAR to rank in the team’s top ten. While his only scheduled start faltered, the pitcher earned a solid B grade for delivering critical innings when the club needed them. The piece notes his uncertain future with Philadelphia beyond 2026.
Beware of Paying for Aging Corner Outfielders
The Phillies’ urgent need for outfield offense has sparked rumors they could chase players like Randy Arozarena or Seiya Suzuki, but the article warns against overpaying aging corner outfielders. It reviews big contracts since 2021 for players 29 and older—such as George Springer ($150 M/6 yr), Kris Bryant ($182 M/7 yr), Nick Castellanos ($100 M/5 yr), and Aaron Judge ($360 M/9 yr)—and highlights how many have underperformed as they entered their 30s. With limited prospect capital, the piece advises Philadelphia to avoid the costly pitfall and consider younger, high‑upside talent instead of veteran bounce‑back bets.
Is Alec Bohm worth a qualifying offer from the Phillies?
As the World Series wraps up, the Phillies face a critical offseason choice: should they issue a $23 million qualifying offer to third baseman Alec Bohm? The article breaks down what a qualifying offer entails—a one‑year, high‑salary deal with draft‑pick compensation if the player declines—and weighs the risk of committing that money to Bohm’s limited skill set against the potential reward of securing extra picks. Readers get a clear picture of the financial stakes and roster implications as Philadelphia plots its 2027 strategy.
Phillies news: Alec Bohm, Aidan Miller, Rays
Remember when Cowboys week actually meant something to the Eagles? Those were fun times. Now, tonight, we have to see which team stinks less. At least there is the World Series, which has been very good so far. On to the links. Phillies news: MLB news:
What is your favorite Phillies World Series memory?
On October 14, 1980 the Phillie Phanatic celebrates Ron Reed’s strikeout to seal the Phillies’ 4‑2 win over the Kansas City Royals, clinching Philadelphia’s first World Series title. The blog post, published October 25, 2026, reflects on the Phillies’ eight World Series appearances (2‑6 record) and invites fans to share their favorite moments, recalling the author’s vivid memory of the controversial 2009 Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park when an Alex Rodriguez homer hit a camera and should have been ruled a double.
Phillies news: Alec Bohm, Justin Crawford, Cal Ripken, Jr.
I find myself becoming a crotchety old man watching baseball these days, so seeing these two teams in the World Series makes me happy. I am especially enamored with watching Chandler Simpson….yet I can’t really stand Justin Crawford, a Simpson lite type of player. Why is that? On to the links. Phillies news: MLB news:
World Series Gamethread: 10/24/2026
The Brewers have a 1-0 lead in the series and can take serious control tonight with a win. Let’s talk about it.
How to improve the Phillies: Infield
The Good Phight dissects the Philadelphia Phillies' infield overhaul ahead of the 2027 season. With Bryce Harper likely shifting back to first base, Bryson Stott returning to second, and Trea Turner slated as the everyday shortstop, the team faces a third‑base vacancy and depth concerns. Prospects like Aidan Miller add uncertainty, while free‑agent targets—Jazz Chisholm Jr., Mauricio Dubon, and a third unnamed option—offer defensive upgrades and modest offensive upside. The article outlines each player's fit, potential lineup balance, and the challenges of finding impactful infield help in a thin free‑agent market.
Is the championship window still open?
The article examines whether the Philadelphia Phillies' 2022 championship window remains viable as they head into the 2026 postseason. While the World Series showcase top talent across both clubs, the Phillies still boast stars but lack depth in reliable role players. Mentions of Bryson Stott, Jonathan Bowlan, and emerging prospects like Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, and Aidan Miller highlight both the strengths and developmental gaps in Philadelphia’s system, prompting the central question of sustained contention.
Phillies news: Don Mattingly, outfield, Stephen Vogt
As the World Series winds down, the Phillies eye arbitration and free‑agency moves, with manager Don Mattingly reconsidering his role after the club reignites his managerial ambition. The team also has a clear outfield need and may target Cleveland’s Steven Kwan. Meanwhile, MLB chatter notes the Marlins entertaining offers for Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez, Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt committing to the Guardians, and the Rangers experimenting with top prospect Sebastian Walcott in various positions.
World Series Gamethread: 10/23/2026
It begins tonight. Game 1 is in Milwaukee and both teams are ready. Let’s talk about it.
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