Phillies offseason secrecy

With surprises in the offing, other franchises, writers, and fans, die-hard and casual, have only speculation regarding potential trades and free-agent signings for general manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Winter forecast:

Some people have difficulty keeping any information in strict confidence, while others will take it to the grave.

The previous Phillies’ front office did not confirm leaks from other organizations, but the current higher-ups have even their competitors guessing. Up until now, the red pinstripes have only offered a few clues during late September interviews. So, what does a scribe have to be? A detective!

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Phillies are the mystery team for the offseason most GMs picked in a recent poll. And they’re anticipating something big may be ahead. Will Klentak ink a free agent like right-hander Alex Cobb for 2018? Or if the wheeler-dealer favors a swap, Giancarlo Stanton could hit behind Rhys Hoskins.

As for predictions, other writers will provide reasons why Stanton is a match for the Phils, and their articles will cover many other big-name stars Klentak could pursue. Yes, the locals have over $150 million available and a well-stocked farm system, but the plan is to rebuild with young inexpensive talent.

In other words, the idea wasn’t to develop prospects and then trade them. And they will not, for instance, be signing a 31-year-old starter for five summers or more because he’ll be at least 36 and declining at the end of the contract.

From a distance, the locals need pitching, have major financial resources, and have previously spent up to the threshold of the luxury tax: Any amount above $197 million for ’18 will incur the penalty.

However, the execs detest bidding wars and buying rotation arms even if they’re ready to contend, and they’re not. But even though righties Yu Darvish, Jake Arrieta, Lance Lynn, and Cobb are over-30 hurlers, they will have no shortage of suitors. Or rumors!

As for Stanton, Klentak had more interest in Christian Yelich because he’s 25 and a left-side bat. He has .300-average potential, can blast 15-20 homers, and is under contract for the next four campaigns at $44.5 million.

However, the decision-maker was only willing to take on Stanton’s contract to acquire Yelich in the package. Since then, though, national pens list the Phillies as one of the clubs pursuing Stanton by himself. Forgotten or Embellished?

THE AMERICAN PASTIME THEN: “There are only two seasons – winter and baseball.” – Bill Veeck

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