Even though the Phillies are at the beginning of the Grapefruit League schedule, their pitching assignments reveal management’s offseason view concerning the four open slots on the starting staff.
Initial considerations:
Regarding the difference between the fans and general manager Matt Klentak, the Philadelphia Phillies are planning for multiple campaigns, not just 2018’s Wild Card Game. But if an acquisition is workable within the GM’s framework, he won’t hesitate to make a trade or sign a free agent: now or in July.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.” – Thomas A. Edison"
According to agent Scott Boras, teams would come to their senses and ink his stars: Jake Arrieta, Lance Lynn, and Alex Cobb. But a month later, they haven’t done so.
While the Phils need a dependable starter, they have specific requirements dollarwise and lengthwise. But an outright bargain isn’t the only possibility.
Concerning the roster, as is, Klentak’s plan was a beefed-up offense and a strengthened bullpen to compensate for the anticipated bottleneck of free-agent starters. And when you consider 2017’s finish of 37-36 combined with the GM’s winter pick-ups, an 82-80 mark will be a solid record for the back end of rebuilding. So, relax!
Advice from the Internet had a local flavor. For instance, the Phillies should get a real pitcher, not an old one. And the same poster seemed in favor of Arrieta but, unfortunately, wasn’t clear about Arrieta’s age. Best guess?
On the other hand, another fan decided that Lynn is a long-term solution, while Cobb is only a one-summer inking to flip in July. And a third poster made trading for a proven starter an easy accomplishment by giving his unwanted players for a desirable moundsman. But what does the other club want?
Barring any last-minute additions, Jerad Eickhoff and Vince Velasquez will slot behind Aaron Nola because they’ve previously succeeded at the major league level. They earned the opportunity to bounce back to 2016’s potential, and the alternatives in camp aren’t encouraging either. Yes, the odds are against four spring standouts.
In Clearwater, the competition for two openings on the five-man staff is between fireballers and finesse hurlers. And because a batter must swing earlier at electric stuff, he could miss it even if it’s right down the middle. On the other hand, a 91-mph fastball is hittable, and MLB pitchers are inaccurate 30 percent of the time.