Phillies’ Offseason Expectations
By Tal Venada
If past is prologue, predicting this winter’s acquisitions depends on the balance of 2017’s performances in the eyes of general manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies.
The 2018 Squad:
With your track record, your direction and decision-making are clear indicators of your approach to demands in your immediate future.
To understand the upcoming offseason, you firstly must dispense with your wishful thinking of inking expensive free agents to capture a playoff berth. Translation: Rebuilding continues. But Klentak’s patterns during the last two winters offer an insight into his plans for November and December.
Restructuring is not an instant turnaround helped by picking up one big bat or arm via a signing or a trade. For instance, what would happen if the star added is a catcher or an outfielder? Well, Klentak would have the so-called good problem he has at first base, second base and shortstop. In other words, the free agent would block young receivers and outfielders; however, the only exception currently would be at the hot corner.
During the final two months, Klentak will monitor players who could be on the Opening Day roster. He will decide on some in August and others in September. But, presently, management is evaluating Nick Williams and Hyun Soo Kim for a corner outfield spot.
Regarding the starting staff, Nick Pivetta and a handful of other young hurlers will be auditioning until campaign’s end for two spots due to Jeremy Hellickson‘s departure. But the relief corps is another matter because no one has a set role for ’18.
Barring an injury, a swap, a monumental slump or any other unforeseen event, Rhys Hoskins and J.P. Crawford will be must-see call-ups. But Hoskins and Cozens could receive promotions before September if they are producing with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. However, both have struggled recently – Cozens in particular. On the other hand, Crawford could see more time if Galvis occasionally slides over to the hot corner.
"ONLY YOU: “I would think I drive most hitting coaches crazy. During one single at-bat I used six different stances on six pitches. Oh yeah, I also struck out. So what do I know?” – John “Krukkie” Kruk"