Phillies have a strong plan B

Limited options:

Behind the front-office doors, the multifaceted staff is probably eyeing some other options we’ll never know about. But while two candidates have landed elsewhere, a third just became an improbable acquisition.

Signed by the Chicago Cubs, Tyler Chatwood was worth overpaying for. He is in his late 20s with a mid-90’s fastball and decent numbers away from Coors Field. However, one baseball site predicted $20 million for three campaigns, and the estimate there was $32 million for four years. He received $38 million for three summers.

Although he was a long shot, Shohei Ohtani had the opportunity to pitch, hit, and field for the Phillies. But he selected an American League club (the DH rule) on the west coast near the beach.

To re-up their first baseman for $20 million per 162, Kansas City moved a $9 million reliever to lower their payroll to $94 million with the 2018 goal to be under $120 million. So, the Royals might keep southpaw Danny Duffy unless they receive a lopsided offer.

On Phillies sites regarding Pat Neshek, some had the impression bringing him back after the trade was puzzling. In other words, some believe organizations deal players primarily due to dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, another fan stated Neshek had only wanted to be on a contender.

With a different take, one local felt the Phils are going from bad to worse. And he’ll have to follow another club despite being a Philly fan for a long time. Yeah, and when the hometown nine notch some wins, he’ll forget ever doubting them.