The Phillies After July’s Trades
While fans are waiting for the next deal, it might not happen until August for a healed outfielder still with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Dog-Days’ Expectations:
Although one person is certain of a spectacular outcome, another has a more tempered view of it based on previous disappointments.
During the time between the All-Star break and July 31, writers and fans searched for any information on potential swaps. Unfortunately, most don’t have a foundation for front-office decision-making like they do with on-field managerial calls. For instance, roster limitations produce misunderstood moves, while a closer for a ninth-inning save makes debatable sense.
Concerning July’s trades, general manager Matt Klentak had the priority to deal five players with expiring contracts. And he spent his time correctly by working the phone aggressively to swap four of them. On the other hand, he was open to fielding – not initiating – any interest in dependable and controllable regulars like Tommy Joseph. But only for an excellent offer.
Regarding the 40-man roster, Klentak has only 15 slots besides the active 25, but he can’t fill those 25 with many inexperienced players. The GM might add some veterans: a starter, one or two bullpen pieces and a reserve. In other words, he can’t count on a handful of rookies. And every year the pipeline has more minor leaguers who require a slot to avoid the Rule 5 Draft, which is why the decision-maker recently acquired Single-A talent not needing that protection.
With July in the past, Klentak’s objective will be to move Daniel Nava who is now healthy. On the other hand, it’s not the time to get a Joseph through waivers because some rival exec will claim the dependable first sacker, who’s making near the MLB minimum.
Sometimes, bringing an umbrella to the game seems like a good idea depending on the forecast. But not for sideways rain. One minute you’re enjoying a scoreless battle, and then you feel the first drops, an increasing drizzle and, finally, the impending downpour. You seek cover, while the thunder rolls and lightning brightens the night sky.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “I just saw over the years that the times that we did remarkable things, it was always because players didn’t want to let each other down. Players wanted to lift each other up.” – Theo Epstein
During the rain delay, you can hear baseball conversations without much effort. One gear-wearing local expressed his disappointment regarding Klentak’s pickups. He should have got a blue-chipper from the Colorado Rockies, but they only gave up lottery types. Wasn’t Nick Pivetta – his friend questioned – one of those? Well, his ERA is over 5.00 and he’s no ace, is he? Hey, they’re removing the tarp.
Regarding the rotation, the battle is for the bottom two rungs: Pivetta, Jake Thompson, Ben Lively, Zach Eflin and Mark Leiter Jr. are the top arms if Klentak doesn’t add a veteran during the offseason. In fact, the competition is very fluid. Thompson, for instance, had an unexpected opportunity but had a good and poor start. For now, however, Pivetta, Eflin, Lively, Leiter and Thompson will get more chances.
NICE CATCH: “I’ve learned to never expect or require performances that exceed the player’s ability. If they just equal their ability, that’s what you want.” – Ned Colletti
For the relief corps, Leiter replaced Thompson, the southpaws are there due to shortcomings with left-handed relief, and Jesen Therrien – linked at Jesen Dygestile-Therrien – filled one opening. Unfortunately, Edubray Ramos had been on the seven-day disabled list at Triple-A from July 24 with a blister problem, but he rejoined the Philadelphia Phillies after one test outing on August 1 to fill Joaquin Benoit’s spot.
If you’re expecting first baseman Rhys Hoskins, he had an inconsistent July with a .211 average, five home runs and 15 RBIs. Meanwhile, right fielder Dylan Cozens is slumping, and his July stats were .189, five homers and 12 RBIs. As for Nick Williams, though, he was down to .277 but he has rebounded. However, his improvement with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs and the Phillies is a small sample size, and Klentak just added left fielder Hyun Soo Kim, a left-handed hitter. But Kim has struggled this season with limited playing time due to a crowded Baltimore outfield after hitting .302 last summer in 305 at-bats.
Next: Ashburn vs. Herrera (a timeframe comparison)
To sum up, Klentak acquired three starters, two late-inning relievers, Kim and one middle infielder, who could possibly switch to third base (just a thought). Presently, Williams will have some competition for left field: the GM’s backup plan. And what is it for Williams and Kim? Audition time!