Phillies: Trades Open to Debate

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

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

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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