Inside The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Superstar Can't Be Stopped During World Baseball Classic

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner has been unstoppable for Team USA during this year's World Baseball Classic.

Kade Kistner

Philadelphia Phillies Superstar Can't Be Stopped During World Baseball Classic
Philadelphia Phillies Superstar Can't Be Stopped During World Baseball Classic /
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The Trea Turner who showed up this spring to the World Baseball Classic for Team USA is an absolute fiend. 

Widely regarded as one of the best shortstops in baseball for his unique blend of elite speed, defense, and contact skills, the Philadelphia Phillies signed him for 11-years and $300 million.

And yet, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has been batting him ninth in the lineup.

But Turner has shown that he may very well be the best nine hole hitter in the entire history of baseball.

In his last six at-bats in the tournament, Turner has:

  • Hit a grand slam to send the United States to the semi-finals of the tournament.
  • Hit a solo home run to extend their lead over Cuba in the semi-finals.
  • Singled.
  • Hit a three-run home run to ensure that Cuba had no chance of coming back and helping seal Team USA's place in the World Baseball Classic Final.

On top of his incredible and historic performance at the plate, Turner has played elite level defense up the middle in tandem with Chicago White Sox infielder Tim Anderson who moved over to play second base.

Turner is proving to the world why he is the best shortstop in the sport. Perhaps just as importantly he is giving Philadelphia and its fans a showcase of what to expect for the next decade-plus now that he is onboard. 

It's been a fun ride to watch him this spring wear the stars and stripes.

It's going to be just as fun watching him in the red pinstripes. 

Buckle up Philadelphia. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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