Max Kepler finding success with career year as ‘blueprint’

Max Kepler has had some early success in his first season with the Phillies. (Madeline Ressler/Phillies Nation)
PHILADELPHIA – Kevin Long knew he had something to work with. The veteran hitting coach ventured to a training facility near his Scottsdale home in December to check out a free agent hitter that had his attention. The Phillies’ decision makers were scheduled to meet that night over Zoom to discuss, among other things, who will be playing left field for the club in 202