But Kapler made the unorthodox and, in my opinion, incorrect decision to pull Aaron Nola early from the game. Everyone reacted the same way at the time, and their intuitions were proven correct when Hoby Milner gave up the two-run bomb to Freddie Freeman in the 6th and the team imploded in the following innings.
Because all that happened, Philly fans now have an unfavorable first impression of Kapler, and it’s going to take some winning in order to shake it.
Luckily, the Phillies play 161 more games this season, so there’s time. On Episode 184 of Hittin’ Season, I talked to The Good Phight’s Paul Boye about the Opening Day loss and whether Kapler will be given the chance to make a second impression on the fanbase.