Call to the pen
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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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Chatwood is probably the immediate target for the Phils. Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images.
Chatwood is probably the immediate target for the Phils. Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images. /

With everybody guessing, the Phillies will probably add righty Tyler Chatwood: He has a mid-90’s fastball, has an excellent ground-ball rate, and avoids hard contact. His numbers away from Coors Field are decent, he’s 27, and he currently makes $4.4 million.

However, until the top pitcher’s sign, that market will be at a standstill, but Klentak can quietly woo Chatwood with a $32 million offer for four summers. And he’ll only be 31 at the end of the deal.

Chatwood:

  • 2016 Away: 13  Gms., 8-1 with a 1.69 ERA for 80 Inn.
  • 2017 Away: 16  Gms., 13 Starts, 5-7 with a 3.49 ERA for 77 1/3 Inn.

According to Jason Coskrey of the Japan Times, Shohei Ohtani (the correct spelling) wants to be the best baseball player–not a pitcher–in the world. But he’s uncertain about being a two-way star because he must first see if he gets that opportunity. That stated, the preference of starters who wanted to be more complete players was to hit, run the bases, and field, not just pitch.

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Otani, 23:

  • 2015: 22 Gms., 15-5 with a 2.24 ERA for 160 2/3 Inn.
  • 2016: 21 Gms., 10-4 with a 1.86 ERA for 140 Inn.
  • 2017: 5 Gms., 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA for 25 1/3 Inn.

Based on his choices, Ohtani will pick from contenders, American League organizations, rebuilding clubs, and west coast franchises. Geography is a consideration because 8 p.m. PT is 1 p.m. GMT+9 in Japan.

But while an AL contender can offer serious October baseball, Ohtani would likely platoon as a designated hitter, but he’d bat more with another Junior Circuit team. On the other hand, a National League organization during restructuring could have him start every fifth day and be an outfield regular as well.

Otani, 23:

  • 2016: 104 Gms., 382 PA, .322, 22 HR and 67 RBI.
  • 2017: 65 Gms., 231 PA, .322, 8 HR and 31 RBI.

Next: Phillies: Pitching decisions magnified

For 2018, the Phillies have 12 position players for 11 spots after Kingery’s promotion, one extra catcher to move and a need for an additional outfielder. But acquiring a hitter for the next 162 seems to be improbable because those 12 are young and inexpensive: the whole idea of rebuilding and development. Therefore, when you consider the front-office secrecy, what big things could Klentak be up to? Chatwood and Ohtani!

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