Phillies’ plan A dollarwise
By Tal Venada
Today’s twosome:
Displaying dominance in 2018’s second half, Aaron Nola sparkled in 10 consecutive performances over two months. He accomplished that with a combination of a 93- 94-mph fastball, a devastating curveball and pinpoint control.
In the batter’s box, Rhys Hoskins not only demonstrated his ability to provide souvenirs but also his plate discipline in the process. Granted, the league will make it a priority to exploit any weaknesses or pitch around him. Translation: realistic numbers.
With three-year contracts, Klentak revealed the strategy behind the front-office doors. In other words, significant commitments for Nola and then Hoskins will escalate from ’19 through ’21. And if both have spectacular 2018s, they won’t be earning slightly above the MLB minimum in 2019.
Keeping the supporting cast together is also financially critical for a sustained run. Therefore, management can’t have, for instance, five players receiving $30 million per summer or $150 million of the $197 million thresholds for the competitive balance tax.
The leadoff hitter, the setup men, the rotation and the other regulars won’t receive their monetary value with the hometown nine if five stars tie up 75 percent of the budget. And keep in mind, most franchises are realizing the penalties for excessive spending to be a losing proposition.
The GM must figure a maximum of three standouts at $90 million total per year: 45 percent. Ergo, he’ll have $107 million available for the 40-man roster and a fourth signing of a free agent or a highly successful prospect like Scott Kingery or Sixto Sanchez.
Depending on their 162, Nola and Hoskins could receive $2 million up to $8 million for 2019. Nola will be on the higher end and Hoskins on the lower side. But is there an organizational candidate a fortune teller’s crystal ball might display dollar signs? Yes, Kingery!