Acquiring a left-handed hitter with power is an undeniable need for the Philadelphia Phillies, but a move for an outfielder to bat fifth involves the contract’s length and amount, the asking price regarding talent, competing franchises for a coveted player and the timing of the deal.
The Other Extreme:
The higher one’s aim is; the harder the task is to achieve that goal.
While Jay Bruce is a more attainable target, Charlie Blackmon is on the opposite end: a long shot. He’s easily affordable and controllable. 2017 is his second round of arbitration for an estimated $9 million, and the outfielder can provide a solid left-side bat for two summers. But keep in mind, until right fielder Dylan Cozens is ready by – maybe – 2018’s trading deadline, general manager Matt Klentak would not deal Blackmon.
According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, the price tag for Blackmon is exorbitant; ergo, he probably won’t be changing his employment address anytime soon. However, my article presents only the cost of a player fans hope for instead of a viable alternative like Bruce.
At the Winter Meetings in early December, Klentak and skipper Pete Mackanin discussed the fit of Blackmon. He’s a .300 hitter who can blast 25 homers and drive in 90 runs, but just the thought of his acquisition lit up Mackanin’s face. Obviously, the grinning manager can slot him between Maikel Franco and Tommy Joseph: Franco would see better pitches, and Joseph could protect Blackmon.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “In 1961, when Maris broke Babe Ruth’s record, he wasn’t intentionally walked once. Mickey batted after Roger, and nobody was going to put a man on base with Mantle coming up to the plate.” – Mel Allen"
Preferring a solid starter and/or an eighth-inning setup arm, the Colorado Rockies are selling high, but other organizations are balking. At what? The asking price. Colorado wanted Kevin Gausman from the Baltimore Orioles or Marcus Stroman from the Toronto Blue Jays, and both 25-year-old hurlers have four campaigns of club control. Meanwhile, the Rockies’ stance on Blackmon hasn’t changed despite the Michael Dunn signing. Are they posturing?
Blackmon’s stats:
- Home: 68 Gms., 278 AB, .335 Avg., 12 HR, 47 RBI and a .939 OPS.
- Away: 75 Gms., 300 AB, .313 Avg., 17 HR, 35 RBI and a .926 OPS.
- First half: 75 Gms., 300 AB, .310 Avg., 12 HR, 43 RBI and an .868 OPS.
- Second half: 68 Gms., 278 AB, .338 Avg., 17 HR, 39 RBI and a 1.003 OPS.