Phillies: Keeper-defining surprises

While the Phillies are accumulating victories, management is relishing the talent they sacrificed three summers rebuilding to acquire, but some fans may be expecting more from these youngsters learning their craft.

No time for patience:

During each Philadelphia Phillies‘ season, the faithful gravitate to the extremes of winning and losing, but it isn’t never-ending. And the same is true of their regard for players: They are future stars except for those with immediate success: approximately five percent.

"IN OTHER WORDS: “Sometimes things aren’t clear right away. That’s where you need to be patient and persevere and see where things lead.” – Mary Pierce"

In the comfort of their homes, supporters everywhere love rookies and have expectations based on hype –or lack thereof. Producing early –they believe– is equaling stats from Triple-A and Double-A, but not doing so to them means a demotion, a benching or a status change.

Behind the front-office doors, general manager Matt Klentak has a different take. He understands a player makes an impact in their third year or after three campaigns. However, that is an injury-free timetable.

When fans see a .300 average with power, they are ready to advance that minor leaguer to the majors from the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils or the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Yes, those supporters only need a strong April to promote a top prospect to an everyday spot on the red pinstripes.

On the other hand, organizations realize hopefuls have ups and downs, and they want to see the youngster handle adversity. They also require the prospect to earn an advancement to the next level with a solid first or second half. Like most companies, they don’t hand out promotions easily.

Unfortunately, forming a negative impression early on isn’t difficult because the player is making a big jump from the IronPigs to the Phillies. And specialist roles like a closer only require a bad outing or two to scar that reliever for a 162 or more. Guess who?

Although boobirds render a guilty verdict, management understands a rookie with less than 100 at-bats is still adjusting to MLB competition. And three blowups, for instance, out of 30 opportunities equals 90 percent success: The club sees 27 victories, but the faithful bemoan the three defeats.