Phillies: Eyeing divisional rivals
Before the Phillies start wheeling and dealing begins, the groundwork for trades and free-agent signings is continuing for general manager Matt Klentak with the goal of mid-December acquisitions at the Winter Meetings.
Immediate competition:
The foundation for a multi-storied building is an important factor for a strong, long-standing structure, which houses its business counterparts.
In the NL East, winning the division in 2018 doesn’t appear possible for the Philadelphia Phillies because the defending champion has a strong rotation, decent bullpen, and an explosive offense. However, second place and a berth for the Wild Card Game is not out of reach for the Phils.
With the mid-month conclusion of the General Managers Meetings, Klentak made the necessary contacts for December’s haggling. And those powwows will hopefully produce the added pieces to the 25-man roster.
IN OTHER WORDS: “Building a baseball team is like building a house. You look for the best architects, the best builders – and then you let them do their jobs.” – “Stand Pat” Gillick
The Washington Nationals:
While the Washington Nationals have an obvious advantage to capture their third NL East crown in a row, Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy and Gio Gonzalez will be free agents after the season. So, ’18 could be a do-or-die campaign, and their financial problems are a threat going forward.
The long-running dispute with the Orioles-controlled MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) between the Washington and Baltimore franchises regarding TV revenue is out of court and back in the hands of the MLB arbitration panel.
In other words, the over $100 million in withheld payments for TV rights is the difference between the arbitration panel’s ruling in 2014 and the amount received by the Nationals.
Last summer, the red pinstripes went 8-11 against Washington, but both teams have improved since their 12th game on May 14. On the other hand, signing pricey talent is still problematic: The Nats deferred half of Max Scherzer‘s $210 million through 2028.
The New York Mets:
The New York Mets built an impressive five-man staff, but their health is another matter. That stated, their medical problems have continuously received media scrutiny for over 10 years, and it may be an approach influenced by the bottom line from the higher-ups on down. Ergo, money and expectations.
Even though the Phillies went 3-3 against their hobbled divisional foe in September 2018 is more promising at this point for the red and white versus the Metropolitans.
Yes, they still have Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, but after those two they have hurlers with average stuff, injury-plagued histories, and one former stud. The New Yorkers will need three infielders and a center fielder this offseason to rebuild their offense.
Last winter, one fan questioned the reasoning for slightly constructing a roster with the competition in mind. It didn’t matter because he only cared what the hometown nine were going to do. Did he have a point?
If, for instance, the Phillies’ middle of the order for ’18 is Odubel Herrera (3), Rhys Hoskins (4) and Nick Williams (5), an opposing manager could neutralize them with a left-handed setup man. The reliever would pitch to the two left-side hitters and walk Hoskins. Ergo, a workable strategy!
To most locals, piecing together an active 25 without considering your divisional rivals isn’t important. But a GM might ink one player over another with that consideration in mind.
ONLY YOU: “Why would you want to stay manager and be second-guessed by me when you can come up into the front-office and be one of the second-guessers?” – George Steinbrenner
The Miami Marlins:
On the other end of the spectrum, the Miami Marlins want to cut payroll by $60 million, but moving Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon and Martin Prado will only total $49 million. Did I mention they also need pitching? So, Miami will probably settle for bargain starters and relievers.
In 2017, the Phils had an 11-8 record against the Marlins, and in the upcoming 162, Miami will not be as strong offensively. In other words, you can expect to see if their farm system has valuable prospects in the upper levels.
The Atlanta Braves:
With Sun Trust Park, their new stadium for 2017, the Atlanta Braves were simultaneously trying to be competitive for attendance purposes and restructure their roster for the future. This offseason, they will need two rotation arms because the three veteran starters from ’17 won’t be returning. But are their green hurlers ready for a bigger workload?
Another question will be their aging corner outfielders, but Atlanta will have difficulty due to the $53.5 million still owed to Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis. And an upgrade at the hot corner will be another concern for their new general manager Alex Anthopoulos.
Among their problems, the Braves will be dealing with the penalties for their violations regarding the international market, which led to resignations in their front office. And Anthopoulos had his own troubles roughly five years ago with the Toronto Blue Jays because he asked other organizations for the medicals on available players by faking an interest in them. However, word got around and clubs stopped calling him about trade possibilities. Reputation matters!
IN OTHER WORDS: “It is the nature of being the general manager of a baseball team that you have to remain on familiar terms with people you are continually trying to screw.” – Michael Lewis
Under normal circumstances, a new GM doesn’t make drastic changes during his first season, but Atlanta’s second-half record was 30-45 despite winning the first three games. Regarding the Phillies, the Braves were 4-2 in the last two series against them but 6-13 overall.
Next: Phillies offseason secrecy
To sum up, Miami will experience the pain of a total rebuild, and Atlanta with a new decision-maker will have plenty of issues. But if the Phillies acquire a starter or two, they could challenge the Mets for second place in the NL East and a possible shot at the playoffs. Translation: Wild Card Game!