Phillies' Unique Backup Plan for the 2018 season and beyond

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Switch-hitter Knapp was very productive despite limited playing time, and that will factor into his chances to be the third catcher. Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images. /

While Phillies fans have questions regarding two players on the active 25, general manager Matt Klentak’s transactions indicate his roster strategy.

Following Klentak’s breadcrumbs:

The GM of the Philadelphia Phillies has revealed his thinking by his lack of moves, as opposed to signing reserves to come off the bench. However, today’s younger execs are being creative and not blindly following the traditional approach to carrying 25 players.

IN OTHER WORDS: “People should think things out fresh and not just accept conventional terms and the conventional way of doing things.” – R. Buckminster Fuller

After last season ended, Klentak stated in a television interview the regulars wouldn’t be starting in almost every game. And he remarked about doing things differently. Meanwhile, having versatility with infielders is the current process on the top two organizational levels.

According to MLB.com in a question and answer interview with manager Gabe Kapler, he liked the idea of having four infielders for three spots: second, third and short. He also mentioned Chicago Cubs skipper Joe Maddon’s method of keeping his stars fresh by giving his reserves opportunities to succeed.

When you combine both their views, you reach the conclusion of playing time-based on maximizing a strength: Rhys Hoskins for his power and Cesar Hernandez for leading off. But others will earn additional starts with their performance, while some will sit due to a lack thereof.

Based on Phillies’ transactions, a fan can see the entire offseason revealing the decision-makers’ thinking roster-wise. In Klentak’s case, however, the missing moves are also telling. Who’s on the bench?

Granted, pinch hitters and defensive replacements aren’t sexy, but a home run in the ninth inning to tie, take the lead, or win the game is. Yet when a batter comes off the pine to bat for a reliever, who will have you on the edge of your seat? Tommy Joseph or an infielder initially signed to a minor league deal?

That’s right! While you were praying for an ace, Cameron Rupp, Andrew Knapp, and Joseph did not change their employment address. And Klentak only acquired infielders and outfielders to compete for a reserve spot with Pedro Florimon.

Financially, Rupp is earning $2.05 million, while the others are at or slightly above the MLB minimum. And even though three catchers and another first baseman appear unnecessary, Kapler will find enough at-bats for Joseph, Rupp, and Knapp.

Rupp’s experience will be helpful to the newer members of the staff. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images. /

Playing time:

If you remember last year’s camp, Brock Stassi and Daniel Nava made the club when it seemed Jesmuel Valentin would be a backup infielder. But first, sacker Stassi was on the active 25 as a left fielder. Translation: Klentak’s move!

As for Jorge Alfaro, he will receive the lion’s share behind the plate. Typically, a catching tandem is a “100 to 60 start” split. So, Alfaro will probably be in the batting order for roughly 90 contests.

On the other hand, Rupp’s experience will help Alfaro with the pitching staff, and the veteran will handle starters in a blue funk. That stated, 40 games with four at-bats apiece should keep him sharp enough to be a right-side hitter off the bench.

Being a switch-hitter, Knapp will receive the assignment against tough right-handers like the front two of the New York Mets’ rotation. Kapler will also pencil Knapp into the lineup roughly 30 times, and he’ll be the best left-handed pinch hitter when Nick Williams starts.

Although Joseph will only have 25 starts to Carlos Santana‘s 137, the former regular will be the primary bat off the pine after Aaron Altherr or Williams. The first sacker will pinch-hit against southpaws and challenging right-handers.

When it comes to injuries requiring a disabled-list stint or four days to heal, the first baseman and two backstops will be productive with those precious opportunities. And if a regular goes into a slump, he can take a dugout seat to clear his head. A day off works also.

While many locals have been wondering about Rupp, Joseph and Knapp, all their comments have been about trades or returning to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Yes, all three have options but will be worth keeping an eye on during spring training. The answer to who goes is none!

Barring a decent trade offer, injury or an unforeseen event, the Phillies will keep Joseph, Rupp, and Knapp in red pinstripes. But if you aren’t sure of that, remember this word? Stassi!

Proving he doesn’t have to homer to score, Franco, heads home on Rupp’s RBI double. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images. /

Answered questions:

From responses on Twitter regarding Saturday’s article, the conversation revolved around Maikel Franco. Firstly, he doesn’t need speed to average .260 or .280; he must get some knocks by going to the opposite field for singles and doubles to beat the shift. He must keep the defense honest.

Yes, the third sacker can hit 25-30 long balls and drive in 80 runs, but he must be more consistent at the plate. He must contribute more for Kapler to frequently list him on the lineup card. On a positive note, he won’t have the pressure of the “be like Maik” commercials.

On Sept. 5, J.P. Crawford joined the Phils, and Franco proceeded to hit .279 with six bombs and 14 RBIs from that date. But two Francos were inside those numbers: the challenged veteran and the homer-happy slugger.

Franco:

First 16 games: 47 AB, 15 H, .319, 2 HR and 7 RBI.
Last 5 games: 21 AB, 4 H (all HR), .191, 4 HR and 7 RBI.

Ergo, if he has to produce to save his job, he will! But he has a “home run contest” mentality, and he wants to be first. Fortunately, Santana and Hoskins will dull that tendency.

In April, many players are cold on the field and with their production. Yes, it’s a shock to the system to go from Clearwater to Philadelphia, but don’t panic if Franco gets off to a slow start. He and Crawford will exclusively man the left side of the diamond, and they’ll have two months before Scott Kingery‘s debut.

Thank you, readers, for a lengthy conversation on Twitter. And if you disagree with me, I am okay with that.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Different people have different opinions, and its okay to respect all of them.” – Juan Pablo Galavis

Depending on the need, I will answer you there and in my next article with more detail. Anyone else who wishes to participate just go to my Twitter handle at the top of any of these four pages.

This summer, Joseph will be a potent weapon off the Phillies’ bench. Photo by H. Martin/Getty Images. /

The Numerical Bible:

This review is not a sabermetrics article, which means no heavy statistical analysis. But because some readers rely on stats, this is only a reference: no reason to articulate the importance of these numbers.

Phillies’ Unique Backup Plan

While Phillies fans have questions regarding two players on the active 25, general manager Matt Klentak’s transactions indicate his roster strategy.

Following Klentak’s breadcrumbs:

Playing time:

Answered questions:

The Numerical Bible:

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