Call to the pen
Fansided

Upcoming Decisions for the Phillies GM

By Tal Venada

Jun 23, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. (59) talks with catcher Cameron Rupp (29) during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. (59) talks with catcher Cameron Rupp (29) during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a Little Time, Kendrick Has Reacquainted Himself with Second Base. Photo by John Geliebter – USA TODAY Sports.
With a Little Time, Kendrick Has Reacquainted Himself with Second Base. Photo by John Geliebter – USA TODAY Sports. /

Switching Howie Kendrick to second base opened a spot in the outfield for Cameron Perkins on the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs to showcase his ability. Meanwhile, the locals had wanted second sacker Scott Kingery. At that time, however, he had averaged .220 from June 2 through June 14, but he rebounded after this limited adversity to bat .364 through June 24. So, why is there a rush? The regular with the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils won’t need a 40-man slot until after the 2019 campaign. On the other hand, Perkins, the already-protected outfielder, has earned almost a month to impress general manager Matt Klentak.

Although only Mark Leiter‘s third of three starts with Lehigh Valley was solid, he is the fill-in for Jerad Eickhoff. On the other hand, right-hander Thomas Eshelman had eye-popping stats before his shaky appearance on June 22: four earned runs during six innings. But the hurler will not require 40-spot protection until after the summer of ’19. Ergo, don’t expect Eshelman or Kingery in 2017, barring a totally unexpected event.

First baseman Rhys Hoskins will not need to be on the 40-man roster until after the 2018 season. But the first sacker’s situation is different than Kingery’s because Hoskins is nearly ready for a promotion. Unfortunately, Tommy Joseph is blocking him. Of course, Cesar Hernandez has also been very productive but the Philadelphia Phillies have a leeway of another 162 at second base, while Kingery is at Triple-A.

Triple-A Comparison:

  • Joseph, almost 25 in 2016: 27 Gms., 100 PA, a .347 Avg., 6 HR, 17 RBI, a .981 OPS and a 0.7 WARP.
  • Joseph’s 300-AB Projection: 81 Gms., 300 PA, 18 HR, 51 RBI and a 2.1 WARP.
  • Hoskins, 24: 75 Gms., 306 PA, a .305 Avg., 17 HR, 60 RBI, a .997 OPS and a 1.6 WARP.
  • See statistical comparison for advanced numbers (last page).

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT:   “Being general manager is like being the de facto owner. It’s like wearing the crown of ‘Restaurant Man’ without being ‘Restaurant Man.’ You’re trying to run the business, but you’re running the ranch without riding the big horse.” – Joe Bastianich"

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