Philadelphia Phillies: Decisive bullpen moves for 2019

If dependable Phillies relievers have a success rate of an imperfect 80 percent during the next campaign, they will keep the team in many games, but the offense must score enough to be victorious.

Final countdown:            

For the Philadelphia Phillies faithful, September’s end is near, but the players will still be making an impression on the front office. So, whether they battle in the thin Denver air or the friendly confines of the Bank, each outing will be an audition for next April’s roster.

IN OTHER WORDS:          “An adventure is something that while it’s happening you wish it wasn’t.” – Mark Twain

Regarding a question from Double D, a poster from another Phillies site, he asked what the franchise’s plans are for the pen. Well, they are finishing against the Colorado Rockies and the Atlanta Braves: two contending organizations now and next summer. A strong outing can form a lasting impression.

Like my reader, many fans are wondering about ’19: But they gave up on this 162 long before the series in Atlanta. And even though the Braves were the squad wearing a target on their back, they clinched the division.

In Philly this season, some locals didn’t believe in the club through mid-June. And –finally– they realized the hometown nine were in first place. However, the Phils began losing more supporters each week after going into an early August tailspin and disappointing many.

Meanwhile, Braves fans were dreading another disastrous ending. But while our faithful had previously conceded defeat, theirs were still fingering their worry beads. No, ’18 hasn’t been normal.

While the good guys were on life support, Kapler had his starters not named Aaron Nola or Jake Arrieta giving a max effort: The manager didn’t want them to pace themselves for six frames or more. Now, he’ll limit the starters’ innings and probably audition at least five bullpen arms in many contests.

Double D, Kapler, originally, was evaluating hurlers for October based on their strengths, weaknesses and potential opponents. Currently, the organization’s thinking is to construct next year’s relief corps.

Top guns:     

While seven firemen are succeeding, one is struggling. But the seven games remaining are against postseason-like competition and will weigh heavily on general manager Matt Klentak’s decision-making for 2019.

Aside from under-contract-arms Pat Neshek and Tommy Hunter, Seranthony Dominguez is the top pitcher returning and is growing into the most critical role in the pen. Yes, he had a rough patch, but the Phillies cut back on his workload and stressful frames. Voila!

Since his August difficulties, Dominguez has five saves and a 2.38 ERA for his last 10 performances: eight good, one so-so and one bad. Stuff-wise, he’ll be able to handle the toughest inning of the last three, but his workload could occasionally be four outs.

Even though Neshek has five bad appearances since mid-July’s downtime, the Phils have used him in more critical situations, Double D. As for his second-half stats, he has four saves and a 3.38 ERA with 18 good performances.

Also returning is Victor Arano, who proved he could record ninth-frame outs. He has a 1.93 ERA and 21 good outings out of 24 since the All-Star break. Additionally, he saved his only three opportunities in the first half.

As for Hunter, his 2.59 ERA is more than two runs lower than his first-half ERA, and he has three saves since the break. Apparently, the faithful didn’t write him off because they were too occupied with Hector Neris. But if he has a terrible April, many fans will dread his appearances.

Four spots:         

Since his recall, Neris has earned some high-leverage innings and handled them successfully. He has a 2.40 ERA and a converted save. That stated, he’s one meltdown away from a chorus of boos because paying customers demand more than his employer: the Phillies.

ON THE OTHER HAND:  “A career is a series of ups and downs, of comebacks.” – Steve Guttenberg

Another former occupant of the proverbial doghouse is Adam Morgan, who has a 2.91 ERA and 19 good performances out of 25 since mid-July. And being a left-handed reliever affords him an excellent opportunity to return in ’19. In fact, Klentak only acquired lefty specialists for the stretch drive.

Having a solid 162, Edubray Ramos has a 2.08 ERA in the second half with only two bad appearances out of 11. Basically, the flamethrower can pitch anywhere from the sixth on. Even the ninth!

Well, Double D, those seven are in the mix for eight relief-corps slots, which leaves Garcia without the numbers to justify a bullpen seat. He has 15 good outings, while five others are either so-so or poor. Translation: Klentak may opt for a second southpaw or lefty specialist behind Morgan.

Unless the GM receives a solid offer of a veteran starter or closer, don’t expect a trade or a free-agent signing. Basically, the red pinstripes have four young rotation arms including Jerad Eickhoff. And, performance-wise, he or right-hander Enyel De Los Santos could push Nick Pivetta to the pen.

Portside moundsmen:

Basically, Klentak has the Phillies loaded with bullpen pieces. And southpaws Luis Avilan and Aaron Loup are arbitration eligible. However, the exec could ink either for approximately $2 million.

As for other options, left-hander Davis has a 3.38 second-half ERA with 13 acceptable appearances out of 19, but he also has allowed eight of 15 inherited runners to score for the season. On the other hand, he can work multiple frames. So, he’ll also be competing for the final seat in the pen.

Getting possible consideration from Klentak will be lefty-specialist Avilan. He has only two poor outings out of 12 with a 3.18 ERA since he joined the Phils. Unfortunately, he has allowed three of seven inherited runners to score. Or Klentak could go with a long man: Eickhoff, De Los Santos or Anderson.

To date, Double D, the stats since the mid-summer downtime are not good for Garcia (6.75 ERA), Loup (6.00 ERA) and Rios (6.52 ERA). Meanwhile, second-half relievers with only a couple opportunities are De Los Santos (three), Anderson (two) and Eickhoff (one).

CURVE BALL:   “Are you placing enough interesting, freakish, long shot, weirdo bets?” – Tom Peters

Entering February, the team will have many more starters and relievers than necessary. In the bullpen, they currently have 15 including lefty specialists and long men, but they also may have a battle for the final spot. So, which reliever may not make the active 25 to your visual delight? The one you dread!