"If you make mistakes, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber & Trea Turner are gonna embarrass you" - HOF Pitcher lays out strategy to tackle Phillies' Big-3
The Philadelphia Phillies have remained dangerous all season thanks to their elite pitching staff and potent lineup. The combination of Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner at the top of Philadelphia's lineup is arguably the most menacing trio right now, next to the Los Angeles Dodgers'.
The Phillies are considered a World Series favorite as the postseason rapidly approaches. While the club is among MLB's deepest, in an interview on The Phillies Show, John Smoltz shared how he would approach the top of their lineup
According to the Hall of Famer, the use of Kyle Schwarber as a leadoff ahead of Turner and Harper poses a different challenge for pitchers, even though the three are susceptible to strikeouts.
"I wouldn't be fearful of Schwarber as the leadoff hitter personally as a pitcher, but what creates problems for you is if you make mistakes, they're going to embarrass you [29:20]," Smoltz said
Smoltz explained that while Schwarber, Turner, and Harper could do significant damage, there are ways to attack each hitter. As someone who racked up over 3,000 strikeouts and won a Cy Young Award, Smoltz might be the perfect person to analyze the Philadelphia stars.
"Trea Turner is the most dynamic player. I'm a huge fan of his. I talk about it every time I do a broadcast. He does expand the zone a little bit too much [29:38]" - Smoltz said while praising Turner's speed on the bases.
Despite Smoltz's belief that Philadelphia's stars can be attacked during an at-bat, the Braves legend said the team can be dangerous if it remains calm at the plate.
"Slowing that heartbeat and controlling the strikezone, if they do that they're not vulnerable [30:27]," Smoltz said of the trio's strengths
Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies hope to finally bring a title home
Following his high-profile move from the Washington Nationals to the Philadelphia Phillies, Harper has evolved as a player and man. The generational superstar has continued to impress his club. However, World Series success eludes him.
After reaching the fall classic in 2022 and losing a crucial Game 7 during last year's NLCS, Philadelphia appears stronger than ever and will likely make a deep playoff run. If Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber are locked in throughout the playoffs, it could mean trouble for the rest of the league.