Phillies’ year of the challenge

Focusing on the Phillies’ starting rotation, fans see many options, but most have a price tag general manager Matt Klentak is not comfortable recommending to his higher-ups.

Rotation race:

Because of a slow free-agent market, some supporters of the Philadelphia Phillies are under the impression Klentak isn’t conducting business to their liking. But even though the GM has acquired two setup men and a left-handed bat with power, unsurprisingly, many disappointed locals feel not signing an ace equals a missed opportunity.

"IN OTHER WORDS: “There are two ways to be happy: improve your reality, or lower your expectations.” – Jodi Picoult"

With the clock ticking away the days of January, the negotiations for overpriced free agents and Scott Boras’ clients are continuing toward spring training. But patient franchises interested in the top hurlers are waiting for their demands to drop in total value and/or length.

Even though the two aces on the market have yet to sign, the bottom offer for either is $110 million over four summers. But the Phils won’t commit $100 million if they can’t win the division. Due diligence only!

On the second tier, three starters are the backup plans for contenders adding another arm to strengthen their staff. But two organizations with rotation needs aren’t re-upping them, and another is the Tampa Bay Rays, who won’t re-sign a free agent and especially one with diminished stuff since his T.J. surgery: too risky in seasons and dollars.

Regarding trade possibilities, other GMs are taking proposals from many clubs and asking for young keepers like second sacker Scott Kingery. No deadline, no rush.

If Klentak doesn’t like the asking prices of the better free-agent starters, he could accept a salary dump or an available veteran as a one-campaign stopgap. Or does the decision-maker think he already has younger versions on the 40-man roster at or near the MLB minimum like right-hander Ben Lively?

On Internet sites related to the Phillies, many armchair GMs provided numerical proof to back their claims for or against a free agent, a trade candidate, a quick-fix acquisition or the usual suspects in the organization. But one poster found those youngsters unacceptable.

Surprisingly, one reason given to sign a top moundsman was to cover the team if Aaron Nola suffers an injury with a lengthy rehab. Well, no franchise–especially one with many hurlers not named Nola–will ink a costly pitcher as a plan B.