Call to the pen
Fansided

Philadelphia Phillies: Trade bait up for debate

By Tal Venada

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 23: Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates a home run with Maikel Franco #7 during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 23: Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates a home run with Maikel Franco #7 during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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There is little demand for first baseman with 20-homer power like Bour. Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images. /

Methods and rules:           

Like any business, baseball has restrictions: time, competition and extenuating circumstances. Currently, Klentak is receiving calls and offers regarding his available players. But execs must first set their 40-man roster by early November for the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 12 at the Winter Meetings.

Generally speaking, the faithful will not be happy waiting because every year they believe the front office is doing nothing. Fire Klentak! On the other hand, fast deals can be rip-offs. To illustrate, the Jake Arrieta signing revealed the end result financially justified the delay.

"ON THE OTHER HAND:   “Toughest job in baseball is the general manager. Second toughest is the hitting coach.” – Ken Harrelson"

As for availability, the Phillies have two players they won’t move: Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins. However, Carlos Santana and Arrieta will be here next season because of their contracts and acceptable –not perfect– numbers. Arrieta is behind Nola for ’19, unless one of the youngsters surpasses him. Yes, one just might!

On swaps involving Herrera, Franco or Hernandez, Klentak will be the point man setting up a trade. President Andy MacPhail will sign off on some due to complexity, and a megadeal will require co-owner John S. Middleton’s approval. In fact, this coordination is necessary and includes free-agent negotiations.

Don’t expect youngsters to be in deals without a corresponding move. In other words, Klentak could swap Hernandez because he can platoon Kingery with J.P. Crawford at second base. But the GM would still need a leadoff man in the return package.

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