Phillies: Trades Open to Debate

Although Many Believe Joseph Will Be Elsewhere in 2018, Rupp May Be More Likely To Go. Photo by H. Martin/Getty Images.
Although Many Believe Joseph Will Be Elsewhere in 2018, Rupp May Be More Likely To Go. Photo by H. Martin/Getty Images.
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Franco Can’t Avoid His Hitting Problems. Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images.
Franco Can’t Avoid His Hitting Problems. Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images. /

While season’s end approaches, multiple players for certain positions will lead to possible moves by general manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies, but some swaps have drawbacks.

The Pros and Cons:  

Solving one problem doesn’t always come without surprises: No one can anticipate every possible outcome.

Due to shortcomings on the 40-man roster, the front office will be in the market for a left-handed bat with power to slot behind Rhys Hoskins in the lineup. The rest of the offense is already here or will be by next June. Additionally, Klentak will probably be pursuing one or two starters and two veteran relievers this winter: One could be a closer if Hector Neris has a relapse of blown leads, ties and saves, not one meltdown total.

If a club is looking for experienced MLB talent from other organizations with a surplus of position players, the Phils have three catchers and two first baseman. Ergo, one extra at both spots. But even though Tommy Joseph and Cameron Rupp appear to be available no-brainers, they are more than mere placeholders for Hoskins and Jorge Alfaro.

At the hot corner, Maikel Franco is the partially forgotten slugger since Hoskins’ arrival. Because when positive news is plentiful, the warts get overlooked. But the third-sacker’s hold on his job is temporary because of his average: He’s batting .210 for August but he did hit .255 for July. However, his other performances are acceptable: launching bombs, driving in runs and fielding.

Beginning in September, infielder J.P. Crawford will cut into Franco’s playing time, and number seven will be fighting for his job. He has gone from a possible cornerstone to a trade chip after this season, and management may already have decided to go in another direction. Basically, Hoskins can replace Franco’s homers and RBIs, and Crawford could defend the hot corner and produce a higher average because of his plate discipline. And next April, infielder Scott Kingery can supplant Crawford at third base for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. In other words, eventually, Kingery could be at third, and Crawford would handle short if Freddy Galvis doesn’t re-sign after 2018.

Regarding Franco, the Philadelphia Phillies might swap him during the offseason if they have someone to play the hot corner, or number seven responds favorably to Crawford’s challenge. Ergo, another chance. Basically, Klentak is lighting a fire under Franco.

IN OTHER WORDS:     “Baseball can build you up to the sky one day, and the next day you have to climb a stepladder to look up at a snake.” – Johnny “The Needle” Pesky
Was 2016 Only a Career Year for Rupp? Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images.
Was 2016 Only a Career Year for Rupp? Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images. /

At April’s end, the faithful decided they’d seen enough of Rupp. But batting .263 with nine long balls since July 1 would make him attractive to a team needing a receiver, which is one of the difficult positions to fill: ergo, the acquisition of Alfaro. And you may have noticed Rupp is behind the plate for Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff and recently a struggling hurler. Not a mistake!

For ’18, one possibility is carrying three backstops. Alfaro can man first base to give Andrew Knapp a start every fifth day, and Knapp or Rupp can pinch-hit. Yes, one less bench spot for a free agent.

To the gentleman who had this to say on Twitter, why is Rupp still here? Give me one good reason. I’m waiting. Answer: You’re not the GM.

Even before the red pinstripes had called up Hoskins, many posters had demanded getting rid of Joseph, but on this comment the new left fielder earned the infield gig three days after arriving. Okay, let’s start the “Run

#

TommyJoseph out of town” campaign now! Well, Ignatius – if that’s your real name or a curse from the gods – can Hoskins supply all the power himself? In other words, if the Phillies move Joseph and Franco, the only hitter who can blast 25 home runs or more will be Hoskins.

EITHER THAT OR THIS:      “You have to face reality some time. But there’s no sense in facing it until somebody forces you to.” – Billy “Moneyball” Beane
Who Will Replace Joseph’s Power in the Lineup for 2018? Photo by H. Martin/Getty Images.
Who Will Replace Joseph’s Power in the Lineup for 2018? Photo by H. Martin/Getty Images. /

With Crawford at third base, Hoskins and Joseph will be the power threats even with some guys producing 15 bombs for the summer. So, you can’t swap Joseph for pitching unless you add some pop to the heart of the order. And a left-side bat would be preferable.

In the outfield, Odubel Herrera has three years of experience, and Hoskins is demonstrating plate appearances the locals stop everything to watch. Even his teammates can see the difference in his approach: his plate discipline. However, even though Aaron Altherr is having a solid 2017, so did Franco for 2015.

ONLY YOU:   “Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher’s mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again.” – Jimmy Piersall

Next: Phillies: Crawford's Aha Moment

While Altherr has better plate discipline than Franco, Nick Williams still has something more to prove. And he needs to demonstrate his major league success for more than two solid months. On the other hand, Hoskins is not a liability in left field. But if there is more to Hoskins than hitting and fielding, what else will he probably contribute? Influence!

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