Call to the pen
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Phillies: Unpacking the Talent in Camp

By Tal Venada

Mar 1, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) takes the field at the start of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) takes the field at the start of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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If Burnett Is Healthy and Effective, He Could Be the Main Lefty in the Relief Corps. Photo by Steve Mitchell - USA TODAY Sports.
If Burnett Is Healthy and Effective, He Could Be the Main Lefty in the Relief Corps. Photo by Steve Mitchell – USA TODAY Sports. /

When a player has more than one organization to pick from, he looks for the needs on their rosters, and he bases his decision on the best chance to make a parent club. In other words, he doesn’t want to be a team’s backup plan and doesn’t take a minor league deal if he has a better offer. And he doesn’t want to be on the losing end of what? A club’s good problem.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT:   “These days baseball is different. You come to Spring Training. You get your legs ready, your arms loose, your agents ready and your lawyer lined up.” – Dave Winfield"

What weakness did Sean Burnett see when he looked at the Philadelphia Phillies’ roster in November? A spot was open for a left-handed reliever on a franchise with limited playoff potential. In other words, he noticed a situation with less pressure but an opportunity to reestablish his value and prove he’s healthy.

While Burnett had interest in the Phillies, Klentak eyed the reliever’s Triple-A numbers: 47 games, 47 1/3 innings and a 2.28 ERA after missing the entire 2015 season. And the southpaw also worked as a situational lefty for the Washington Nationals with a 3.18 ERA for 5 2/3 frames during 10 September appearances. So, if Burnett is healthy and puts zeroes on the scoreboard, the portsider will probably claim the final slot in the bullpen.

Next: Phillies’ Battle of Rookies

On one final matter, when the TV broadcasting begins this weekend in Clearwater, what will be the most noticeable wrinkle on the diamond? A mic’d-up Matt Stairs.

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