As each day passes, the Phillies are usually the franchise mentioned on many top stars in trade rumors and free-agent pursuits because general manager Matt Klentak has the energy of a wild stallion.
Dismissal requests:
Regarding the Philadelphia Phillies, the contrast between some fans’ perceptions of Klentak and his effort is astounding. In fact, a national publication has noticed how he seems to be in almost every conversation for top-shelf talent from another organization or through a signing.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “If we would have anything of benefit, we must earn it, and earning it become shrewd, inventive, ingenious, active, enterprising.” – Henry Ward Beecher"
To clarify, traditionalists didn’t want Klentak’s analytical approach from day one, but sabermetric devotees previously had feared the game would leave the Phils behind. That stated, statistics mixed with some old-fashioned hardball will probably be the next answer.
If the red pinstripes fire Klentak, they would hire another analytic GM because traditional execs are becoming extinct. Yes, all ball clubs are using numbers just to stay even or get the slightest advantage. In fact, stats have a 90 percent success rate: It includes the positioning of every fielder on every play.
For the faithful wondering why only some things are happening, the Winter Meetings from Dec. 9 through 12 will kick off most wheeling and dealing. Presently, only some teams are making acquisitions. On the other hand, most top-tier free-agent signings and talent-loaded swaps will eventually develop.
As for superstars, Klentak has shown interest in 30-homer bats like Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. And even though he prefers a left-handed hitter, he won’t hesitate to acquire a right-side slugger. Ergo, he may want Harper but won’t pass on Machado.
Regarding his secondary objective, Klentak has contacted agents for Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ and the San Francisco Giants for Madison Bumgarner. Preferring, however, a rotation southpaw hasn’t stopped him from touching base with the Cleveland Indians about their right-handers. Due diligence?
On the GM’s wish list, he appears to want Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Miller or Zach Britton to be a closer or a fireman who retires the toughest outs regardless of the inning after the sixth frame. However, the cost could be the determining factor for a top gun.