Categories: 2017 Value 50

2017 Phillies Value 50: 10-1

Throughout this week, we’ll unveil the list of the 50 most valuable people to the Phillies’ success in 2017. These are the most valuable people in the Phillies’ organization: The 2017 Phillies Value 50.

Methodology: The team at Phillies Nation each ranked who is most valuable to the Phillies’ success in 2017, from 1-50. We added up the rankings (anyone unranked immediately received a 51), then sorted the list.

Here is 50-41.

Here is 40-31.

Here is 30-21.

Here is 20-11.

Today, 10-1.

BONUS: Listen to our first Phillies Nation Podcast Minisode, where Tim Malcolm breaks down our Value 50 top-10.

10. Matt Stairs, hitting coach

Moving from the broadcast booth, Stairs has a tall order: fix one of the worst offenses in baseball. That … and make younger guys better hitters.

9. Maikel Franco, third baseman

After a down year in 2016, Franco will look to become a more steady contact hitter. If he does, he’s a future piece for the franchise. If not? A lot of questions.

8. J.P. Crawford, shortstop

The No. 1 prospect should make it to Philadelphia in 2017. And if so, all eyes will be on him. No pressure, J.P.

7. Vince Velasquez, right-handed pitcher

Like Franco, this is a big year for Velasquez, who needs to show that he can make a step forward as a front-line starter.

6. John Middleton, owner

The control person of the Phillies, Middleton has made it his mission to ensure another championship in Philadelphia. Will he put his money where his mouth is?

5. Pete Mackanin, manager

Balancing being a player’s manager with trying to win with a young team will be the biggest test yet for the man leading the clubhouse.

4. Andy MacPhail, president of baseball operations

MacPhail drives the whole bus. Will it continue picking up prospects or start finding veterans?

3. Aaron Nola, right-handed pitcher

After an elbow injury prematurely ended his 2016 season, Nola hopes to right the wrongs and become a front-line pitcher this year. A crucial season for a good arm.

2. Joe Jordan, director of player development

Ensuring prospects develop in the best possible way is a tough task, but Jordan has been doing a decent job of it. This year may be the biggest year yet for him.

1. Matt Klentak, general manager

Tim Malcolm has more on what Klentak means to the Phillies in 2017.

Tim Malcolm

Tim first found the Phillies as a little infant at Veteran’s Stadium, cheering on a Juan Samuel game-winning home run in his very first game. With the pinstripes in his blood, he witnessed Terry Mulholland’s 1990 no-hitter, “Steve Carlton Night” at the Vet, game three of the 1993 World Series, countless games during the charmed 2008 championship season and various road excursions. Since November 2007 Tim’s been writing about them daily at Phillies Nation, becoming one of the world’s most popular Phillies scribes. You can catch him on Twitter and Facebook, as well. When he’s not talking about the Phils he’s relaxing with a St. Bernardus ABT 12 or one of his many favored brews.