Phillies: Extra-pen-arm ripples

Questions and consequences:

Based on 2017, Klentak has closer Hector Neris, setup men Luis Garcia, Tommy Hunter, Pat Neshek, southpaw Adam Morgan, Edubray Ramos and lefty specialist Hoby Milner. Their jobs to lose!

That stated, the original nine-man pen voiced by Kapler at the beginning of camp didn’t even fool the club’s broadcasters because a receiver with two other reserves isn’t workable. The players, no doubt, reached the same conclusion and realized management’s strategy.

For an eighth seat in the pen, Jake Thompson, Mark Leiter, and Drew Hutchison can pitch multiple frames, make spot starts, and work extra innings or frames after a rain delay, an injury or a poor outing from a rotation arm. Those hurlers could also be starting-staff considerations due to injury or ineffectiveness from the top candidates for those roles.

Adding a third left-hander to the relief corps is a possibility for veteran Fernando Abad, but his only appearance on March 3 was disastrous: no outs and three earned runs. However, if he struggles or isn’t healthy, he will require a 40-man spot to be on the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs roster. An unlikely move!

Unless one of the seven relievers who earned jobs or signed during the offseason has difficulty or can’t go, Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriquez might be a temporary fix. Last season, though, was his worst MLB campaign. Additionally, the red pinstripes have a handful of extra bullpen pieces who auditioned for Klentak in the second half last year to earn roster protection.

As for the reserves, Nick Williams or Aaron Altherr will be the left- or-right-side bats coming off the pine to pinch hit, while the other will start the game. And the three utility men could be a backup catcher, an infielder and an outfielder. However, the eighth reliever would probably replace one of the backstops.

"APPLIES HERE: “A wise man makes his own decisions; an ignorant man follows the public opinion.” – Grantland Rice"

Coming into camp, the Phillies had seven relievers for seven jobs, but Kapler could prefer an eight-man bullpen. And competition for another role could mean a long man or another portsider. Additionally, a shorter bench also increases the urgency to produce. Ergo, motivation!