Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Players, 3 Spots
Because fans don’t see all the possibilities, the moves of the front office tend to surprise, puzzle or lead to immediate criticism of general manager Matt Klentak and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Three Directions:
Increasing your options with a thorough search is the way to discover a second answer you can only appreciate if you make the effort.
While many of the faithful believe trading Cesar Hernandez, Freddy Galvis and/or Maikel Franco is a no-brainer, Klentak knows otherwise. He doesn’t have to accept the best offer from GMs looking for a bargain because they think he has a numbers problem. But does he really have more than he needs?
Barring a swap, injuries or unexpected events, second baseman Scott Kingery will probably begin 2018 with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. No way you say? Keep in mind, the infielder doesn’t need a 40-man slot until after the 2019 campaign, but he’ll join the team in early June if management’s plan doesn’t change. They won’t just hand him a starting job or deal someone until he proves himself at the top level.
Although he is a little further down the path, J.P. Crawford is productive, but has he done enough to be a regular on Opening Day? Well, unless Klentak can acquire a solid hurler to slot behind Aaron Nola, the decision-maker won’t be moving Hernandez, Galvis and/or Franco just to open a spot for Crawford. That said, the pickup of a left-handed bat with power or a mid-rotation southpaw could also dramatically influence the exec. Another consideration – albeit doubtful – is for Crawford to open with Lehigh Valley next April.
Regarding Franco, posters at Phils sites have recently been happy enough with the organization to ignore the third sacker. But the statistical devotees are the exception: One views the whole season, while another considers recent performances. GMs use both! But while the sabermetrician pointed out that Franco literally adds zero value because he is horrible on offense, defense and the base paths, the other gentleman countered with Franco’s average in September and since Crawford’s arrival.
WORDS OF WISDOM: “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden
Motivating Franco (Compa F) are his friendships with Hector Neris (Compa H) and Luis Garcia (Compa G). Yes, those handles only vary with their names. And all three are walking the tightrope between success and failure. Having a friend (compa) is an important factor for players during the long grinding months.
While Klentak hoped for 30 homers from Franco and is getting 20, he cautiously mulls over his other options including those for ’19. He understands that nobody hits 20 bombs by accident, even though home run output is up in the majors. That stated, Franco is batting .297 in September and .319 with two long balls and seven RBIs since Crawford’s first start on Sept.5, while the rookie is at .245 with a .379 OBP, no homers and six RBIs. Not a slam dunk!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight – it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” – Mark Twain
Leaning on the Phillies to fire manager Pete Mackanin, fans have a favorite reason: Galvis batting second. In that spot, however, Galvis has a .274 average (361 ABs) compared to a .217 mark (231 ABs) in the other holes combined. Isn’t the skipper’s job to get the most out of each player? Well, the gold glove defender has acquitted himself and Mackanin.
Unlike armchair GMs, Klentak and his staff don’t have the luxury of cherry-picking the numbers. But if you take Hernandez out of the lineup, how would the club do? Well, the Philadelphia Phillies were 21-39 (.350) through June 9, and they went 9-21 (.300) from June 10 through July 16 with the second baseman on the disabled list. In other words, they would have eight more victories over a full 162 with Hernandez.
While trading Franco, Galvis and/or Hernandez are the recommendations from the locals, what are the consequences? Well, Odubel Herrera would be the leadoff man if Klentak swaps Hernandez, but the center fielder is notoriously streaky. This summer, he has a .244 average and a .250 OBP for 86 at-bats atop the lineup. Yes, Kingery can lead off but his power would have more value in the heart of the order.
Replacing the current middle infielders and/or the third sacker with Kingery or Crawford isn’t a realistic option for two reasons. Kingery and Crawford must prove they can hit major league pitching for three months excluding September and March. In fact, ’18 could begin with Kingery mostly manning the hot corner for the IronPigs along with games at the other two positions, while Crawford would start at second, short or third in Philly. And if Klentak stlll has an unresolved situation, he can add Kingery to the mix.
To reiterate Klentak’s choices, he doesn’t have to deal Hernandez, Galvis and/or Franco. Kingery and Crawford can open with the Allentown affiliate in April. But a demotion for Franco to the minors would be counterproductive: He either will do it next year, or he will be out according to the GM. But unless the red pinstripes can receive a solid number two, a lefty for the rotation or a left-handed hitter with pop, the team will probably continue the competition into spring training and the first half of next season.
Next: Phillies: Keeping Up with Hoskins
The Phils’ hit-to-play approach also works because of the versatility to switch Franco to first base and Rhys Hoskins to left field if Aaron Altherr, Nick Williams or Herrera struggle as well. Basically, the Philles without Tommy Joseph and with Kingery in Lehigh Valley have eight regulars for seven positions (infield and outfield). So, what does it remind you of? Musical chairs!