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"