UNCOVERED: 3 - The Untold Story

What if the Phillies whiff on a shortstop? Exploring contingency plans to improve the roster.

PHILADELPHIA — Years ago, before John Middleton became the face of the Phillies’ ownership group, Jimmy Rollins equated him with George Steinbrenner. It’s a comparison that Middleton never minded. Because the late Yankees owner was notoriously obsessed with winning, a trait that is admirable to a former college wrestler-turned-billionaire baseball…

The Philadelphia Inquirer · Dec 1, 2022

David Murphy: Phillies’ best chance at replacing Bryce Harper is at shortstop

PHILADELPHIA — The news that the Phillies are planning to be without Bryce Harper until after the All-Star Break brings some clarity and some confusion to their offseason.

The Philadelphia Inquirer · Nov 27, 2022

Marcus Hayes: Give thanks for Rob Thomson, A.J. Brown, Howie Roseman (?), and, always, Jason Kelce

It’s the time of year when we reflect on the people and the things that brought us joy over the past 365 days. From an unexpected playoff run by Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, to a miraculous World Series appearance by the Phillies, to a more perfect Union, to the…

The Philadelphia Inquirer · Nov 24, 2022

David Murphy: Phillies’ 2023 rotation will depend on attrition (Wheeler/Nola), an addition (Painter), and a Suárez breakout

It’s hard to add a legitimate playoff-caliber rotation piece for a reasonable price. We saw that at the trade deadline this past August, when the Phillies were unable to make a serious play for a starting pitcher who might have made a difference in the postseason. We saw that on…

The Philadelphia Inquirer · Nov 15, 2022

David Murphy: Bryce Harper’s comments are just one reason to think the Phillies will go big in free agency

PHILADELPHIA — The offseason was less than an hour old when the annual lobbying campaign began. Somebody asked Bryce Harper if he wanted to send a message to the fans about the Phillies’ determination to repeat as National League champs. Instead, he responded with a message that seemed intended for…

The Philadelphia Inquirer · Nov 13, 2022

How the new playoff format surprised Cubs president Jed Hoyer

MLB executives weighed in on the expanded playoffs at the general managers meetings.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 12, 2022

Phillies’ biggest offseason questions: Harper’s elbow, shortstop addition and Painter in 2023?

HOUSTON — Once it was over, Kyle Schwarber did what he almost always does after a game, win or lose. He sat down at his locker, cracked a beer, and decompressed with half a dozen teammates.

The Philadelphia Inquirer · Nov 8, 2022

Phillies will have to ride big bats if they are to win the World Series

All along, the Phillies liked their chances in any postseason series, against any team, provided they were able to start Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola in the first two games. It’s what makes them dangerous. It’s probably the biggest reason they won the pennant.

The Philadelphia Inquirer · Oct 31, 2022

David Murphy: How the Phillies and Astros built their World Series rosters

HOUSTON — Good players.

The Philadelphia Inquirer · Oct 28, 2022

The Phillies Are the Anti-Astros

This World Series matchup is full of contrasts. The Astros have Dusty Baker, in his 25th season as a big-league manager, while the Phillies have Rob Thomson, in his first. One of them will win their first title as a skipper by the time this thing is over. Houston has…

Sports Illustrated · Oct 28, 2022