Phillies Changing the Scenery

Between the white lines, many regulars during the rebuilding phase only appear to be playing in the wrong position: General manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies is employing versatility.

The Reinvention: 

With necessity, new ideas have the optimum chance to flourish and form an improved situation until the next brainstorm.

If the Phils are confusing you with their decisions lately, the current trend of versatility in baseball is going beyond the super sub and the tough-outs specialist: a fireman – in addition to the closer – who extinguishes the flames wherever they are. For the hometown nine, meanwhile, second baseman Scott Kingery and shortstop J.P. Crawford are manning second, short and third. Locally, Freddy Galvis played center field, Maikel Franco will have starts at first base, and Cesar Hernandez will again field some games at short. And don’t forget the first base experiment during spring training for Andrew Knapp and Jorge Alfaro‘s recent appearance at that infield corner.

For some postgame analysts, this approach has led to current guesses of basically secondary benefits. Yes, the ability to handle multiple positions increases the player’s value for the organization or as a trade piece. But they miss that the scenery in fair territory has a different look.

In the outfield, Nick Williams and Rhys Hoskins will soon flank Odubel Herrera, while Aaron Altherr will also be a welcomed addition in early September. Therefore, if Tommy Joseph, Williams, Herrera or Altherr are struggling, they can come off the bench, while Hoskins will be in left field or at first base.

If you were in the room with Klentak and Mackanin, what would you hear? We’ll activate Herrera when the rosters expand on Sept. 1 instead of making two moves now. And we’ll try Galvis in center especially with his arm. Of course, the skipper replies, the guys who produce will play: If Galvis and Crawford are hitting and Franco isn’t, the regular third sacker can clear his head for a day or two.

When Mackanin briefs the coaching staff – while you watch – he stresses the importance of playing time for the regulars. Ergo, hitting equals starting. For instance, if Alfaro (1B), Hernandez (2B), Crawford (SS), Franco (3B), Hoskins (LF), Galvis (CF) and Williams (RF) are getting on base, guys like Altherr and Joseph if they are cold will be riding the pine. Skip, what if Joseph is hot? He’ll start at first, Hoskins will be in left, and Alfaro will be on the bench.

IN OTHER WORDS:     “Sometimes the manager must perform with the courage and agility of a circus performer, carefully crossing the highwire between short-term problems and long-term objectives.” – Buck Rodgers