Phillies: Lazarus-like lineup resurrected for August
By Tal Venada
Reanimating the Phillies offense had only required an additional roster move, and that transaction jump-started the engine constructed by general manager Matt Klentak.
Fire starter:
When the Philadelphia Phillies faithful bemoaned the recent lack of run production before Wilson Ramos‘ arrival, they recommended what Charlie Manuel had referred to as little ball. Yes, it’s the cure-all to breathe eternal life into sleeping mortals who awaken to sin no more.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “Work is the grand cure of all the maladies and miseries that ever beset mankind.” – Thomas Carlyle"
Similar to the four seasons, baseball from April through October has three parts. The first half is for experimenting within reason, the stretch drive is to turn those answers into victories, and the postseason is to triumph with hardware.
Presently, the Phils are in the second phase of this 162, where even the slightest edge has value. The first 95 games provided the opportunities for playing time; now, management makes their decisions based on those midpoint numbers. Translation: pennant race!
To illustrate, Klentak made a shrewd paper move by optioning Zach Eflin, but he won’t miss a turn due to two off days and a makeup day. Ergo, Eflin was the 26th man on Aug. 16. But the GM’s original transaction allowed them to have Scott Kingery as a pinch runner and J.P. Crawford for late-inning defense.
In Eflin’s case, he took one for the team income-wise, but only his agent can complain. And Eflin isn’t alone. Regarding Edubray Ramos, one possible explanation that Klentak optioned him was to have the now-disabled lefty Austin Davis for the six upcoming games with the Washington Nationals.
Until Sept.1, the schedule including each current series will factor into roster decisions. For instance, Klentak reactivated Hector Neris as the ninth reliever to combat the Boston Red Sox facing the bottom of the rotation. Yes, the strategy was successful.
As for catcher Ramos, he quickly ascended to the two slot because he can hit .300 with power. And adding his bat allows Carlos Santana to have some days off and switch to the five hole with Asdrubal Cabrera for protection. Meanwhile, the lineup is also due for extended scoring.