Phillies: Making a splash revisited

For the Phillies faithful, beginning the second half in first place is more than they expected in April: General manager Matt Klentak’s window of contention is a year ahead of schedule.

Plan B:         

When the Philadelphia Phillies face competition going for broke this season, the cost at the trading deadline will be too steep for 2018. Fortunately, most organizations don’t have to live up to the ghosts of legends past.

IN OTHER WORDS:                “It was a death struggle every day being a Yankee: you either won or you lost. There was no second place. Half of us were nuts by the end of a season.” – Jerry F. Coleman

While a sought-after slugger is now on the west coast, the Phils are formulating a new strategy going forward. Basically, the idea is to improve the five hole in the lineup, ninth-inning options and the three slot in the rotation for October. Two or three deals ahead?

For the Baltimore Orioles, the Phils had right-hander Adonis Medina on the table. He is the number-two prospect for the franchise and only behind righty Sixto Sanchez. However, the execs also expected to receive southpaw Zach Britton. Translation: Medina for two rentals. But the O’s wanted two studs for one star.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in win-now mode, and their five-for-one proposal reflects it. So, they sent five players to Baltimore: a now second-ranked prospect, a Triple-A infielder, and three minor leaguers reporting to Double-A. But the Orioles still have Britton.

For Los Angeles, the big bat is a shot of motivation for their troops to gain an advantage over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ergo, capturing the NL West is the first box to check off on their agenda. But, now, they are turning their attention to adding setup men for the seventh and eighth frames.

Despite the millions spent by the Dodgers ownership, the goal is more than just getting to the World Series this time. Yes, their management is under the gun to go all the way: It’s do-or-die time.

With the red pinstripes atop the NL East, they envision the second half with the acquisition of a difference-maker. Basically, the division is up for grabs due to injuries, a disappointing 2018 campaign for some stars, and surprises.

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Fans are hoping for the good news that will catapult the team toward winning the divisional crown, and the players hope Klentak will trade for additional help to push them over the finish line. Doing so will be an enormous boost.

When co-owner John S. Middleton powwowed with president Andy MacPhail and Klentak, the top voice of the Phillies embraced taking the division. Yes, the higher-ups have considered their options and signed off on the parameters.

For Klentak, an area of run production to increase is right field. And one solution is second baseman Whit Merrifield, who is a super sub with a .307 average. Additionally, he  can also handle the hot corner, center field and right field. On the other hand, the interested Milwaukee Brewers have a weak middle infield.

Keep in mind, Maikel Franco is hitting .269 with 13 bombs and 47 RBIs. And Kapler is gradually moving him up to the five spot in the batting order behind Carlos Santana: Pitching around the first sacker is one reason for his pile of free passes.

Moreover, switch-hitter Eduardo Escobar is another possibility: He is a third baseman but only an adequate shortstop. As for his glove, up-the-middle strength is a critical factor, and defense is a Phils’ weakness: They are 14th in NL fielding percentage and errors. A snag?

Although Escobar is averaging .271 with 14 homers and 57 RBI, he could bat between Santana and Franco, who has similar stats. But the Minnesota Twin is a rental with only $1.62 million remaining on his contract after July 31, so the club can lengthen the lineup.

Proposals for now:     

While the rotation has four solid hurlers, Zach Eflin and Vince Velasquez could be in for a baptism of fire in the postseason. Because every run is precious to advance to the NLCS, managers have a quick hook when the opposition threatens to score. Translation: Add a veteran arm!

Coming into the All-Star break, J.A. Happ and Cole Hamels have struggled in their recent starts. Happ went 0-3 with a 9.75 ERA in July to go from a 3.62 ERA to a 4.29 ERA. As for Hamels, he went from a 3.41 ERA to a 4.36 ERA because he was 1-2 with a 9.50 ERA for his last four outings.

Keep in mind, 90 percent of starters, closers and bats are rentals. Yes, some organizations have multiple needs, while others also have hindrances to overcome before plugging a hole.

As for some franchises, the penalty for exceeding the competitive-balance threshold of $197 million is 50 percent due to overspending. And ’18 is their chance to “limbo” below it to reset the process for 2019’s free agents.

Regarding the New York Yankees, they will either exceed the $197 million or pay in prospects. Yes, they went to great lengths to cut payroll, but moving top MiLB talent does not appeal to them either.

While the Brew Crew needs starters, the Yanks are the main competition for Happ or Hamels, unless they can acquire a better moundsman: a consideration. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers are looking for youngsters and salary relief: Happ at $4.33 million and Hamels at $13.5 million.

Three outs away:

To get a big slice of the excitement, the front office must seize the opportunity. Yes, no GM wants to part with their future stars, but isn’t going deep in the playoffs the whole point? Of course, no club has a guarantee of multiple healthy 162s. Translation: the New York Mets.

The Phillies need a ninth-inning arm for less-stressful saves to complement Seranthony Dominguez, who will be securing the toughest late-game threats. Meanwhile, the pen has already tasted postseason usage.

Baltimore is swapping Britton separately, and the O’s have seven other suitors. In that case, right-hander Jeurys Familia of the Mets is a rental to consider. He has a 2.88 ERA with 17 saves out of 21 chances.

As for Britton, his fastball has increased to 94.3 mph, but he had reached 96 mph in previous summers. However, he is healthy and effective with improved sink on his heater. And while he had two poor appearances, the other 13 were scoreless with four saves.

ONE FINAL THOUGHT: “The reason so many people never get anywhere in life is because when opportunity knocks, they are out in the backyard looking for four-leaf clovers.” – Walter Chrysler

When Middleton, MacPhail and Klentak had their meetings and measured the cost, they decided against moving Enyel De Los Santos, Eflin or Sanchez in any deal. Currently, the execs now realize their shot is the NLCS. The Dodgers again?