Call to the pen
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Phillies GM Revisited

By Tal Venada

May 23, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Brock Stassi (L) and left fielder Howie Kendrick (M) and right fielder Michael Saunders (R) during batting practice before action against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Brock Stassi (L) and left fielder Howie Kendrick (M) and right fielder Michael Saunders (R) during batting practice before action against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kendrick Will Be in the Phils’ Lineup This Week. Photo by Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports.
Kendrick Will Be in the Phils’ Lineup This Week. Photo by Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports. /

At the two-month mark, front offices review their players and their recent acquisitions, but here the evaluation is the success rate of 50 percent general manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies uses to measure a satisfactory offseason regarding his pick-ups.

Purchased Pieces:

When you have a long-term plan, the naysayers will offer a short-term critique even if you inform them your goal is in annual increments.

According to GM Klentak in TV interviews, his definition of satisfactory is 50 percent for veteran additions during the winter. Last year, for instance, Jeremy Hellickson had a solid 162 but a season-ending injury befell Charlie Morton before April ended. On the other hand, the exec has never mentioned his expected percentage from the pipeline especially regarding traded-for prospects, but one clue he did provide was what? Quantity.

In right field, Michael Saunders isn’t producing the numbers he had for the Toronto Blue Jays in the first half of last summer. But because he’s the only left-side bat with power, the Philadelphia Phillies will probably give him more playing time solely for that reason. Yes, the corner outfielder is in danger of losing at-bats to Aaron Altherr with Howie Kendrick‘s return. That stated, he’s been productive out of the five hole.

Stats:

  • Saunders’ total: 160 AB, .231 with 6 HR and 19 RBI.
  • Batting fifth: 110 AB, .264, 4 HR and 15 RBI.
  • Joseph’s total: 149 AB, .257, 8 HR and 24 RBI.

Among the paying customers in the right field seats, two unhappy fans vented about Saunders’ lack of performance for this campaign. When this guy had such a bad second half, why did Klentak sign him? He’s done nothing! Look at his .231 average; he can’t hit. We won’t be able to get anything for him.

After finishing his rehab assignment with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Phillies are activating Kendrick for the Miami Marlins series. And he is returning to a .333 average for 39 at-bats. Basically, we’ll see where Kendrick is by the All-Star break – six weeks – before drawing any conclusions. At Lehigh Valley, however, he split his time between left field and third base, which means he’ll also take some ABs from Maikel Franco. In other words, Kendrick will play left and Saunders will sit, and/or Kendrick will man third replacing Franco.

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