Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies offseason secrecy

By Tal Venada

JUPITER, FL - FEBRUARY 23: Baseballs and a bat sit on the field of the Miami Marlins during a team workout on February 23, 2016 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
JUPITER, FL - FEBRUARY 23: Baseballs and a bat sit on the field of the Miami Marlins during a team workout on February 23, 2016 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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Hoskins could propel the Phillies toward a Wild Card berth. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images.
Hoskins could propel the Phillies toward a Wild Card berth. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images. /

Last winter, the Internet had some memorable comments regarding the addition of more offense. One poster believed signing a certain right-handed outfielder was not only the right move but also knew it would happen. It didn’t! Telling him the red and white needed a left-handed bat with pop for the five-hole didn’t convince this somewhat belligerent fan because the hitter produced a .280 mark against same-side pitchers.

Hypothetically, if a player has 10 hits in 28 at-bats against run-of-the-mill hurlers but only one knock for 10 ABs versus top closers, he then goes 11 for 38 and has a .290 average against right-handers. But only .100 versus those ninth-inning firemen!

In the class of ’19, the Phils might have interest in portsiders Clayton Kershaw or Dallas Keuchel with the latter being the favored stud. Kershaw will want more seasons than the red pinstripes will risk, but other franchises including the Los Angeles Dodgers won’t consider that a problem. On the other hand, Keuchel could be a target if management feels he’s the piece to get the team deep into the playoffs. A big if!

In the market for a bat, Klentak will probably have Bryce Harper in mind for a major expenditure: He’s a left-side hitter with power, he’ll be 26 in a year, and the Washington Nationals have financial issues due to their territorial dispute for TV rights with the Baltimore Orioles.

Basically, Harper is the big-dollar acquisition management will probably spend their money on, while they will gradually increase the salaries of their young standouts to keep them for the long run.

On the other hand, inking Manny Machado may depend as much on Maikel Franco as Hoskins. The GM with Hoskins and Harper might not want another pricey slugger with his current options for the hot corner. One is Scott Kingery.

"THE WAY IT WAS: “People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” – Rogers “the Rajah” Hornsby"

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