Phillies’ plan A dollarwise

While many Phillies fans are thinking of today’s victories, the front office headed by general manager Matt Klentak must have concern for tomorrow because they didn’t suffer rebuilding pain for two or three years of contending for a Wild Card Game.

One-two punch:

With a full schedule of exhibition games ahead, the Philadelphia Phillies and their faithful supporters are approaching this season with unbridled hope. But the similarity ends there because fans still want to spend for an ace, and Klentak had to factor in expenditures for future homegrown stars.

"IN OTHER WORDS: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin"

No, Klentak won’t recommend certain signings to president Andy MacPhail because the senior executive is against long-term deals for over-30 moundsmen. But if–a huge if–a three-campaign offer with a mutual option is acceptable, it might come down to an extra $10 million..

Firstly, additional millions will also be easy proposals for other organizations, but a guaranteed fourth summer will be the move of an anxious contender. The Phils aren’t! The why is being able to pay two estimated commitments beginning with the 2019 season for major in-house talent.

If the red pinstripes are serious contenders, they will need an ace to start the first game of the NLDS, the NLCS and the 2020 World Series. Another requirement will be either a pure hitter and/or a slugger. In other words, they’ll need an arm and a bat between 26 and 30 years of age for a sustained run, not a long shot.

To illustrate, the 1950 Phillies had Robin Roberts as their stopper and big-game hurler including his triumph to clinch the pennant on Oct. 1. And Richie Ashburn is still the best leadoff man in franchise history.

Despite 1964’s collapse, those Phils had Jim Bunning taking the ball every fifth day including a perfect game on Father’s Day. And the power hitter was rookie Dick Allen: 162 games, 708 PA, .318, 29 HR and 91 RBIs.

As for 1980, Steve Carlton again provided another dominant 162 to lead the pitching staff, and the club finally got past the NLCS. Also going through lean times with Lefty before contending was Mike Schmidt, who was a heralded defender at the hot corner as well.

And 10 springs ago, Cole Hamels was preparing for a new season after the team to beat won on the final day of the schedule. But the offensive star this time was a three-hole hitter: Chase Utley.