Philadelphia Phillies: Trades and Consequences

While one move can lead to another, offseason groundwork and the Winter Meetings are a crystal ball for the fans regarding the strategy of Matt Klentak, general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Klentak’s Blueprint:

Despite plans for tomorrow, life intervenes with unforeseen wrinkles to challenge one’s flexibility.

Stockpiling resources of talent, Klentak now has room to deal a catcher, a reliever and a middle infielder. To accomplish this, he quickly dealt for Pat Neshek as an eighth-inning setup man because the team had a major weakness in that spot. And the GM then acquired Howie Kendrick – a salary dump – to plug a corner outfield hole, which also gave the exec the opportunity to swap Cesar Hernandez for a left-swinging outfielder. But if no other move is forthcoming, Klentak will have the problem-free luxury of only improving the organization.

Being in a win-win situation with Jeremy Hellickson, the decision-maker didn’t have to pick up another starter to head the rotation: This known commodity is probably better than other available options in an area with few possibilities and plenty of competition. Again, pitching-wise, when Klentak inked Joaquin Benoit as another eighth-inning man, the executive revealed building a stronger club in an improved NL East with many possible pieces to deal before spring training and/or near the trading deadline.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “There are more teams looking for pitchers than there are pitchers. That’s why it’s pricey.” – Brian Cashman"

The increased production from Cameron Rupp, the acquisition of receiver Jorge Alfaro and the progress of backstop Andrew Knapp have the Philadelphia Phillies in position to move a catcher as well.