Lopsided Phillies’ trade-off

Besides the Phillies acquiring setup relievers, the offense received a significant upgrade because general manager Matt Klentak moved a defensive wizard and signed a slugging first baseman to shore up the left-side weakness in the batting order.

Risk versus reward:

While the old baseball ways are disappearing under a sea of numbers, the Philadelphia Phillies took a major step into uncharted waters by hiring an analytically oriented manager. Basically, Klentak is transitioning away from the regular with only a handful of days off over a grueling 162 and incorporating a 13-player system for the best results possible.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it’s about deliberately choosing to be different.” – Michael Porter

If you look at a mall directory to get your bearings, the biggest help is the “you are here” indicator. And, hitting-wise, the Phils are at January’s crossroads regarding their roster.

Concerning offensive changes to the active 25 during the offseason, Klentak has primarily replaced Freddy Galvis with Carlos Santana. Defensively, J.P. Crawford allowed the exec the luxury of dealing the shortstop a year before his free agency. On the other hand, the most prominent shortcoming was a left-hand bat with power. Ergo, Santana.

Otherwise, the same players are still with the organization, and no rumors are sprouting up from below the surface either. So, Tommy Joseph and Cameron Rupp will be heading to Clearwater in roughly five weeks.

When it comes to first sackers limited only to that position who have 20-homer pop, many are available. But catchers are in limited supply and receiving is a difficult spot to fill.

With an eye for a bargain, general managers are keenly aware of clubs with an extra player, whether it’s a starting pitcher, an infielder, an outfielder or a catcher. They know Klentak would be better-off with just two backstops, and these decision-makers want to capitalize on the situation.

From the armchair GMs on the Internet, one suggested Maikel Franco, Andrew Knapp, Joseph, and Rupp were swapping possibilities for an unspecified package deal. Well, Franco is getting another summer to rebound with the motivation of playing time until and after Scott Kingery‘s promotion.

Regarding trades, others were either offering too much or relatively nothing for something. One wanted to swap Joseph for a starter atop the free agent list. Of course, the usual suspects showed up too: the “take whatever you can get” fan and the “pay him whatever he wants” guy.

Strategic update:

For April and May, Cesar Hernandez, Crawford and Franco will be in the lineup except for a few games. However, when Kingery arrives in June, each will start 75 percent of the contests with Hernandez playing more due to his leadoff ability. Of course, the cold bat will be on the bench.

Before June, a utility infielder will also get some at-bats: more if he can play the outfield like Florimon. Yes, and a  needed reserve will also back up Rhys Hoskins, Odubel Herrera, Aaron Altherr and Nick Williams.

Barring a move, Joseph will receive limited opportunities at first because Santana will start 130-140 games. And Rupp or Knapp–three options remaining–will probably compete for the secondary role behind Jorge Alfaro.

Beginning in April, the outfield rotation will be 75 percent for Hoskins, Herrera, Altherr, and Williams. But Altherr and Williams will be in the batter’s box less than Hoskins and Herrera. However, an ice-cold Herrera will sit.

Because Klentak and Kapler will share their analytics, the GM will have more in-depth knowledge of his 25-man roster. But it will affect both decision-makers. Additionally, Kapler’s stated preference is keeping players fresh and sharp with plenty of playing time for everybody.

IN OTHER WORDS: “When you’re building something, you know all of the trade-offs.” – Nolan Bushnell

Regarding the bottlenecks at first base and behind the plate, Joseph will be a balancing piece if a trade opportunity presents itself. And Klentak probably won’t receive a fair offer for Rupp unless an injury forces a competitor to make a deal. So, the exec waits.

On the other hand, Klentak has a secondary approach if he likes a proposal. Translation: An overture for Hernandez, Williams or Altherr could lead to a new employment address due to a worthwhile offer. Ergo, all plans are subject to change.