Phillies legend Larry Bowa believes the team could win the World Series in 2022
The vibes are immaculate in Clearwater, Florida. John Middleton and the Philadelphia Phillies went over the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history, signing both Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos following the MLB lockout. Over the past week, we got a glimpse into the power that the Phillies lineup now holds and there’s no reason why the Phillies shouldn’t be considered contenders come Opening Day on April 8th.
With just 10 days until Opening Day, the Phillies are gearing up for their most anticipated season in recent memory. Following yesterday’s game, Phillies legend Larry Bowa sat down and talked on 94.1 WIP with Jon Marks and Ike Reese about the outlook for this year’s team.
Larry Bowa believes the Phillies could go all the way in 2022
“I think Dave Dombrowski has done a tremendous job in putting this roster together. I’m gonna be shocked if this team doesn’t make the playoffs. I’m not gonna be satisfied just getting to the playoffs. I think this team can go much deeper than that, barring injuries. It wouldn’t shock me if we went to the World Series at all, it really wouldn’t.”
“If we can stay healthy out here and this offense continues to thumb like I think they will…they’re not going to hit every game, but for the most part they’re going to be consistent and we’re going to put up runs.”
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Adding Schwarber and Castellanos to a lineup that already has Bryce Harper, JT Realmuto, and Rhys Hoskins immediately gives the Phillies one of the best 1-6’s in all of baseball. Tack on the emergence of Bryson Stott, with an expected bounce-back year from Didi Gregorius, and a mix of Matt Vierling and Mickey Moniak in centerfield, the Phillies lineup is looking scary.
The Phillies’ past struggles have fallen on late-game pitching, but with the additions of Corey Knebel, Brad Hand, and Jeurys Familia in the bullpen, that shouldn’t be as much of an issue. Seranthony Dominguez returning to the field for the Phillies will be one of the biggest keys to this season. Getting a dominant arm to put in front of Knebel will finally give the Phillies a set 8/9 duo.
Zack Wheeler is coming off a 2nd place Cy Young finish, Aaron Nola is gearing up for a prove-it season, and Ranger Suarez is looking to build off one of the best seasons by a pitcher in Philadelphia history. The Phillies are predicted to have a top starting rotation in the league if healthy, with Zach Eflin and Kyle Gibson as the 4 and 5 in the rotation.
All of the sudden, a run at a World Series doesn’t seem too far fetched now does it…?
Up Next for the Phillies
The Phils take on the New York Yankees today down in Tampa at 1:05. Aaron Nola gets the ball, with Schwarber and Castellanos in the lineup once again.
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Mandatory Credit: The Philadelphia Inquirer
