Phillies: July’s trade targets
While Phillies fans are searching for answers to fix shortcomings, general manager Matt Klentak is considering the competition, his situation, and the player’s track record before pulling the trigger on a deal he’s responsible for.
Critical timing:
For the Philadelphia Phillies, management has two timelines: One is the lengthy negotiated deal down to the wire, and the other is the stealthy trade in late June or early July. Klentak must be decisive even with the high stakes of the organization’s first postseason hopes.
IN OTHER WORDS: “You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” – Theodore Hesburgh
A third method is the knee-jerk swap of armchair GMs, and supporters of all 30 franchises have them. To illustrate, some wanted the Phils to pay Jake Arrieta his original asking price: $210 million over seven campaigns. Was waiting unacceptable?
As for the quick, unpublicized acquisition, Klentak had needed a left-handed bat to complement his right-heavy power, and he overpaid to sign one of few sluggers with plate discipline: Carlos Santana. Yes, when a scarcity exists in a problem area, the dollar has a silver-tongue.
On the other hand, some clubs have a trading advantage with a player inked beyond 2018: They don’t have time limits. They will play one team against three others to maximize their return unless they receive a more-than-expected offer.
Leaving no stone unturned, front offices have an in-house preference to plug a 25-man hole. And the red pinstripes had done just that with Seranthony Dominguez, but surprisingly he thrived by recording the toughest outs. In fact, he’s the closest reliever here to being automatic.
For now, the decision-makers are concentrating on the second wild card because the Phils are one of five clubs within two games of both spots. But while they had produced an 18-20 mark against divisional favorites and playoff hopefuls for 38 contests out of 42 ending on July 1, they were 9-8 versus those other four teams during this stretch.
Wild-card franchises:
- The Los Angeles Dodgers: 2-2.
- The St. Louis Cardinals: 4-3.
- The Chicago Cubs: 1-2.
- The Washington Nationals: 2-1 with four more games by July 1.
Under consideration:
Adding a hitter to protect Santana appears necessary, but the positions to consider are right field and the infield’s left side. As for Maikel Franco, he either leaves room for doubt in the five spot, or he’s the RBI man at the bottom of the order. He’s at .258 with 10 bombs and 38 RBIs.
Entering the season, the issue was the offense after the cleanup hitter, but Franco’s numbers indicate he’s a possible fit. The third sacker projects to .258, 21 homers and 79 RBIs. As for outside hot-corner options, the link on the last page connects to “Phillies: Trade-fix checklist.”
Which starters are some fans uncomfortable with? Well, some might be waiting for Vince Velasquez or Zach Eflin to live down to expectations. Or they require a proven commodity to slot third because they don’t trust the bottom three pitchers. Name recognition?
ON THE OTHER HAND: “When your opinions start to coincide with those of the majority, it is time to reconsider your opinions.” – Mark Twain
Currently, the relief corps is the proverbial thorn in the side, and the stronger competition equals, the more difficulty they experience. They have two problems: One is the similarity of their stuff, and the other is those on the disabled list: Pat Neshek, Luis Garcia, and Edubray Ramos.
If Kapler deploys a soon-returning Neshek in critical situations, he could bring in Dominguez for the last four or five outs. Additionally, Neshek’s unorthodox delivery between two flamethrowers will benefit him and the next reliever. A solid plus!
Acquisitional talent:
Of the possible solutions, the faithful rarely mentions right-hander Raisel Iglesias of the Cincinnati Reds, but national publications expect him to have many suitors. And although Iglesias has a 2.08 ERA with 15 saves, he is under contract through 2020 with a balance of $11.5 million after July 31. Ergo, a higher asking price.
Like Iglesias, lefty Brad Hand of the San Diego Padres is closing without the pressure facing postseason hopefuls. He has 22 saves with a 2.75 ERA. However, his pact has $15.67 million remaining through 2020 with a $10 million club option for 2021. The competition will also be fierce here.
After three solid summers, southpaw Zach Britton had been on 2017’s DL for three months with a left forearm strain and began this year on June 12 due to Right Achilles surgery. He has missed 5.5 months out of nine since April 2017. He will have $4 million remaining on his commitment by Aug. 1.
If you hear about a closer who blew a four-run lead in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves, what’s the first name that comes to mind? Of course, “Happy Hector” Neris did it again, right? No, it was Britton of the Baltimore Orioles on June 22, and he nearly lost the game. In Philly, that’s an unforgivable sin.
Finally, four contests remain on this 42-game stretch ending July 1 against wild-card and divisional contenders. In other words, even an 18-20 mark puts them in a viable position for serious September baseball. So, locals should consider their recent opponents regarding Phils starters, relievers, and hitters.
To some fans, Washington is beatable despite being the favorite to win the NL East. But before you underestimate them, remember their message. Down 6-2 on national TV, they faced an embarrassing sweep at home, but Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy were an amped duo. What happened next? Boom!
The Numerical Bible:
This review is not a sabermetrics article, which means no heavy statistical analysis. But because some readers rely on stats, this is only a reference: no reason to articulate the importance of these numbers.
Goal of 80 percent (through June 27):
Late-inning relievers:
- Dominguez: 17 good and two so-so of 21 total for 90.5% (Phillies)
- Hand: 29 good and 0 so-so of 37 total for 78.4%
- Britton: 5 good and one so-so of 8 total for 75.0%
- Iglesias: 24 good and one so-so of 32 total for 78.1%
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Stats through June 27:
Relievers’ stats:
- Dominguez, 23.5: 21 Gms., 25 2/3 Inn., 2.10 ERA, 5 Saves, 9 Holds, 1 BS, a 1.66 FIP, a 2.17 xFIP, a 1.98 SIERA, a 0.9 fWAR and a 0.72 WHIP (Phillies).
- Hand, 28: 37 Gms., 39 1/3 Inn., 2.75 ERA, 22 Saves, 3 Holds, 4 BS, a 3.46 FIP, a 2.85 xFIP, a 2.48 SIERA, a 0.4 fWAR and a 1.02 WHIP.
- Britton, 30.5: 8 Gms., 7 2/3 Inn., 7.04 ERA, 1 Save, 1 Hold, 1 BS, a 5.71 FIP, a 4.65 xFIP, a 5.26 SIERA, a 0.0 fWAR and a 1.80 WHIP.
- Iglesias, 28.5: 32 Gms., 34 2/3 Inn., 2.08 ERA, 15 Saves, 2 BS, a 3.53 FIP, a 3.49 xFIP, a 3.16 SIERA, a 0.4 fWAR and a 1.07 WHIP.
Phillies addition (2017 stats):
- Neshek, almost 38: 71 Gms., 62 1/3 Inn., 1.59 ERA, 23 Holds, a 1.86 FIP, a 3.26 xFIP, a 2.70 SIERA, a 2.5 fWAR and a 0.87 WHIP.
Next: Phillies: Trade-fix checklist
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