The Phillies are doing something right under Gabe Kapler

This is not going to be a Kapler hit piece. Far too many stories are being written so far about everything the new manager is doing wrong that we are beginning to lose sight of some of the good things he is instilling in the young team so far this year. So, let’s look at one of those things: patience at the plate.

Coming in to this season, the Phillies weren’t exactly the most patient team around. Stocked with players like Freddy Galvis, Maikel Franco and others that lacked the discerning eye at the plate, the team routinely ranked in the bottom half of the league in pitches per plate appearance.

Phillies’ P/PA ranks

Year P/PA MLB rank Year P/PA MLB rank 2017 3.94 T-9th 2016 3.81 26th 2015…