Seth Vigdor
USA Today just provided their list of 100 MLB players that you need to know this year and a Phillies’ player made the list. Pitcher Aaron Nola came in at number six on the list. Here’s some of what they had to say of Nola.
“Nola is most known for his outstanding command — the ability to move his pitches around the strike zone, placing them where he wants them in any given count. At his best, he doesn’t just throw strikes, he also throws quality strikes that result in a vast number of ground balls and strikeouts (68 in 772/3 big-league innings). While his pitches are not overpowering — his fastball tops out at 91 mph — a low three-quarters arm slot results in a lot of horizontal movement to his pitches. The 22-year-old also has the ability to mix and trust his three-pitch arsenal (fastball, curveball, changeup). Because Nola is around the plate with his pitches, opposing batters get plenty of hits against him, including 11 home runs in 2015. Left-handed hitters had a .834 on-base-plus-slugging percentage against him, as opposed to .618 for right-handers. Still, Nola has the physical gifts and aptitude to maintain and improve upon his 3.59 ERA.”
Considering just how bad the Phillies have been over the last couple of years, it’s very nice to have a player to look forward to for years to come in the organization. Things are starting to look promising under new general manager Matt Klentak. He has come in the door making trades left and right and Nola will be a big part of the Phillies future. It’s also great to see one of our guys get some national recognition.
You can read the full list here.