Philadelphia Phillies starting pitching rotation alternatives
By Tal Venada
Because the Phillies have additions behind the plate, in the pen, and to the infield, general manager Matt Klentak recently expressed pride regarding his stretch-drive trades.
Bottom-rung issue:
For the Philadelphia Phillies, Klentak has addressed the franchise’s needs for more offensive, better catching defense and a lefty specialist. But although the GM did not deal for a closer or a starter, he has other possibilities on the active 25 and the 40-man roster.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “I have a number of alternatives, and each one gives me something different.” – Glenn Hoddle"
In the absence of quality starters, many organizations fortify the back end of the bullpen. For instance, the New York Yankees are exhibit A for a loaded relief corps to compensate for their five-man staff. Yes, Klentak is doing the same thing to a lesser degree.
Another way is with a strong defensive receiver to catch hard-to-handle pitches and earn the hurler’s trust. Ergo, the moundsman increases his effectiveness due to his batterymate. As for management, they had this in mind with backstop Wilson Ramos.
Some fans are not happy the front office didn’t acquire Cole Hamels or J.A. Happ, but the clubs picking them up were the Chicago Cubs and the Yankees respectively. In other words, they are where the 2009 Phillies were expectation-wise.
Basically, the available arms were not an upgrade over Zach Eflin or Vince Velasquez. Hamels and Happ were struggling: Hamels had only one so-so outing out of his last five, and Happ needed two good starts for a 5.87 July ERA. No, outbidding wasn’t an option!
For the red pinstripes, only Nick Pivetta, the five-slot hurler, is inconsistent: One bad performance out of five is acceptable. The flamethrower, however, had eight bad outings out of 11 for June and July: 1-6 with a 6.84 ERA as a starter. A liability?
On the other hand, playoff teams need only four starters. But Eflin and Velasquez will be facing the toughest competition and increased pressure with each series. Translation: Adding a veteran with postseason experience for the three slot might be worthwhile for the NLDS and NLCS.