Phillies have a strong plan B

Regarding the Phillies’ rotation for the upcoming season, some fans are experiencing impatience, confusion, hopelessness and/or nervousness due to being in the dark; but, firstly, general manager Matt Klentak won’t sign any free agent for any dollar amount or an unlimited number of campaigns.

Alternative tactic:

While the Philadelphia Phillies need a two-slot starter behind Aaron Nola, they don’t want the albatross of a back-loaded contract with two or three years of bad money. However, because this offseason’s market only had a few opportunities for a dependable hurler in his late 20s, Klentak acquired arms to relieve some pressure on his five-man staff.

"IN OTHER WORDS: “You’ve always got to have a plan B. You’ve got to be able to shift gears and find a new course of action.” – Joe Teti"

When the Phils ended 2017, the biggest hole in the active roster was a solid rotation arm, preferably a lefty. But the challenge for Klentak is still a moundsman with three to five good years ahead of him, not behind him.

On the market, the specific target for the red pinstripes is also of interest to 29 other franchises, and overpaying might be the best option. Translation: Do you feel lucky?

Owners have finally realized the price tags will drop in January because the pressure will also be on the available players and their agents. On the other hand, execs probably want to limit the projected cost of $300 million or more for 2019’s premier free agents.

Regarding free agents, the faithful are eyeing the top two starters–who are 31 and 32–but Klentak must weigh the entire commitment, not just the first summer. And even if the dollars are the same annually on a $120 million deal over five seasons, the risk of losing $72 million for the final three equals the GM’s unemployment.

On the second tier, the two hurlers are 30 and 31 with a price tag of $14 million to $19 million per annum for four seasons. Less risk, less reward. But if the cost comes down to the above four possibilities, Klentak might have interest if he still has a need.

On the trade front, the starters on the Tampa Bay Rays, the Kansas City Royals and the Pittsburgh Pirates have asking-prices involving top prospects. They want to rebuild, but many interested GMs are reluctant to part with their most talented youngsters.

While the hometown nine need a left-handed starter or, at least, a reliable two-slot pitcher, they also want someone under 30 but will probably end up empty-handed. However, other organizations in a similar situation have employed a successful strategy to lower the pressure on a challenged rotation.