Phillies’ Dollars and Sense

Based on his track record, general manager Matt Klentak will go with a rotation of Nola, Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez, Nick Pivetta and a free agent hurler to provide needed experience for the young staff. And while Nola with his dominance and Eickhoff with his bulldog mentality will provide the consistency, Velasquez and Pivetta have the stuff GMs are looking for at the front of the starting five. Meanwhile, you can expect the smoke-throwing relievers to compete for the final three frames, and Klentak will add a seasoned arm or two to the pen during the winter.

Barring trades, injuries or unexpected events, Herrera, Franco, Joseph, Altherr and the double-play combo of Hernandez and Galvis will be in the Opening Day lineup. And Nick Williams is also a solid possibility, but he obviously must produce longer than 16 contests and 57 at-bats. Yet if anything is apparent this 162, the red and white have regulars who are still improving.

From the standpoint of players with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, you might see second baseman Scott Kingery next June – currently hitting .279 – if he convinces management he’s ready after 300-400 ABs. And receiver Jorge Alfaro with a solid first two months could get a shot if the organization is not comfortable with their current catching tandem. But keep in mind, right fielder Dylan Cozens is also waiting for a chance if Herrera, Altherr or Williams struggle or are on the disabled list.

"CURVE BALL:   “Purists maintain that if you go to a baseball game you will almost always see something you have never seen before. Unfortunately, it usually takes place in the stands.” – Joe Queenan"