Overhauling 2019’s Phillies bullpen

With a little stupid money, the Phillies strategy and direction are emerging from the front office, where every rock is either upside down or on its side regarding trade partners and free agents.

Unpredictable outcome:

While the recent offseasons for the Philadelphia Phillies continue to evolve, general manager Matt Klentak is making bolder plans with contention on the immediate horizon. And his calculation for ’19 promises to be even more daring if rumors are any indication concerning December and January.

"IN OTHER WORDS      “Every change begins with a vision and a decision to take action.” – David Bornstein"

Firstly, fan bases love the buzz and the other aspects of the hot stove league, but some agents and teams deliberately leak information to benefit themselves. And all franchises have supporters of different stripes: critics, vent-influenced followers, “homers” and silent locals. But disagreeing can be problematic.

Unfortunately, the critics are the most vocal, dominate conversations, and negatively sway unhappy fans who question Klentak’s actions. But the origin is the first bad transaction, real or perceived: the seed planted and fed with additional deals not to the liking of the venting crowd.

Whether the faithful demand a closer or don’t believe management will acquire one, reports are indicating Klentak’s approach is to trade Pat Neshek and Tommy Hunter and pursue a ninth-inning solution. But doing so would change the pen dynamic with three hurlers to handle the difficult or final outs.

If the Phils restructure the relief corps, Hector Neris will extinguish a sixth or seventh inning threat, and Seranthony Dominguez will face the hitters in critical situations during the seventh or eighth frames. And a new reliever will probably be the ninth-frame fireman.

While some locals chase every rumor for bits of information, Klentak is doing his due diligence by listening to the asking prices of free agents. And he’s also in contact with other GMs to find possible matches, but sometimes the player he inquires about isn’t available without a substantial overpay.

From this effort, the higher-ups will decide the best route to advance their goal. Will it be a closer, a left-handed starter and/or a big bat for the middle of the order? But keep in mind, competitors have interest in the same pieces, and the seller has needs to fulfill also. So, It’s anything but fast.