Constructing 2019’s Phillies for April
For the Phillies, acquiring stars and fitting the pieces together will be front and center over the winter, but firstly general manager Matt Klentak must finalize his 40-man roster.
Building a contender:
While the Philadelphia Phillies faithful voice their wishes, Klentak has the responsibility of improving the offense and defense despite the obstacles. Of course, his manager can only make recommendations, but the skipper’s approach will depend on the GM’s success.
IN OTHER WORDS “The manager of a team is like a stagecoach; he can’t move unless he has the horses.” – Pete “Charlie Hustle” Rose
For those in the cheap seats, the job ahead of Klentak appears easier from a distance, but the front office knows it’s more than making a big splash with a free-agent signing. Basically, locals eye the situation in black and white, but the grey area dwarfs that: The GM operates there.
By Nov. 20, Klentak must submit his 40-man roster to Major League Baseball. He is deciding the prospects to protect from the Rule 5 Draft, and four minor leaguers including right-hander Adonis Medina –the pipeline’s third-ranked player– may replace someone currently there.
As for the active 25, the Phils will pare down the full roster after they complete their offseason changes and spring training. Some moves are obvious: The red pinstripes won’t carry two starting third baseman and two regular first sackers. On the other hand, they won’t turn a strength into a weakness either.
Despite working counts and concentrating on launch angles, the hometown nine scored 677 runs for 11th in the National League and hit 186 home runs for NL’s sixth place. They were third with 582 walks and dead last in the Senior Circuit with a .234 average. Translation: Changes are coming.
Regarding their glove work –or lack thereof– the Phillies committed 123 errors and had a .979 fielding percentage for 14th in both NL categories. In the end, the St. Louis Cardinals did not relinquish last place. However, offense and defense are not completely independent of each other.
On the mound, Klentak doesn’t have a left-hander for the rotation, but a handful are free agents. Additionally, the bullpen needs a more frequent ninth-inning option: a hurler to take the ball 75 percent of the time. Some matchups will still be necessary.
Lineup considerations:
With the batting order, the left-right balance carries more weight in the last three frames. The general idea is not having consecutive same-side hitters for the opposing manager to breeze through with one reliever. Forcing him to use his pen is critical.
In the leadoff spot, the ideal candidate would work counts, draw walks, have speed, and hit .280 or more. Currently, Cesar Hernandez and Roman Quinn are switch-hitting speed merchants, but the latter is injury-prone. So trading Hernandez will require a replacement to lead off.
While the two and four holes are RBI slots, speed or a higher OBP is the two-spot preference, but two regulars can alternate depending on the opposing starter. So, Rhys Hoskins, Carlos Santana or an expensive free agent will be Klentak’s choices. But correctly deploying Santana’s left-side bat will affect the overall lineup.
Regarding the three spot, the best hitter traditionally bats there, and Odubel Herrera fit the bill until 2018. Hopefully, he rebounds by being the free swinger he was. But will management realize mixing in some time-tested baseball utilizes all of a skipper’s weapons? Or not.
If a cleanup hitter is a free-agent acquisition, a right-side bat with 30-homer power would be a perfect fit. That stated, the competition for a young superstar will be fierce. But Klentak has sent signals he intends to be active in his pursuit of a major offensive addition. Yes, some may disagree.
If the Phillies add a big right-handed bat, Santana would provide the protection a slugger will require to get good pitches. Currently, the most familiar lineup threat would be Hernandez (SH), Hoskins (RH), Herrera (LH), a right-side hitter and Santana (SH). Of course, don’t expect a set order here or elsewhere.
Gloves and arms:
Behind the plate, both catchers will continue to develop despite the public outcry to pursue an upgrade. Basically, rebuilding means promoting a capable player and giving him the time to be a long-term solution. In other words, a young regular will make an impact in or after his third campaign. But can you be patient?
By switching Hoskins to first base and Santana to third, the red pinstripes will be stronger in left field with Nick Williams but weaker at the hot corner. Overall, this will improve the defense and be even better with Quinn stationed in right field if he can stay healthy. Cross your fingers!
At the head of the rotation, the Phillies have an ace paired with a veteran moundsman to slot second or third. So, at least, one will pitch in every series, and they give the team a one-two punch for the playoffs. Having them handle the pressure allows the three younger hurlers to reach their potential.
To complement Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta, Klentak will probably explore inking a southpaw to slot between them. Granted, the New York Yankees will be the GM’s main competitor for an obvious need. However, Klentak may only accept the safer route of a three-summer deal to minimize the risk.
While some believe promoting an MiLB star to the five-man staff is the answer, that will only begin their three-year clock toward making an impact. However, if a left-hander joins the club, management will continue with two of the three from the bottom of the rotation.
Nick Pivetta ended ’18 on a downward trajectory with a 2-11 record and a 5.66 ERA for 105 innings: 21 starts. Yes, he struggled after May’s end, but his stuff plays well in a closer’s role. In fact, inking a southpaw starter could plug two holes.
Deciding outs:
With a free-agent portsider to slot between Nola and Arrieta, the Phillies would have a flamethrower for the back end of the bullpen: Pivetta. And if he has a set role as the ninth-inning fireman, it will open up critical frames for Seranthony Dominguez and Hector Neris.
Concerning the relief corps, most franchises have three to five solid bullpen pieces including their closer. Appearance-wise, a reliever’s expected success rate is 80 percent. As for the Phils, they have a handful of decent setup men like Pat Neshek and Victor Arano to pave the way for their top relievers.
Having a lefty specialist or a long man will fill out the mostly in-house relief corps. Keep in mind, the Avalon pickup could benefit the ’19 team. Not all trade-deadline moves were for the 2018 stretch drive.
Regarding the toughest outs, one solution could be Neris for the sixth and seventh frames, Dominguez for the seventh and eighth innings, and Pivetta for the ninth. So, what could Neris, Dominguez and Pivetta be? A three-headed dragon!
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