Phillies: Plan B’s everyday 8
While the Phillies faithful are watching the sizzle of free-agent and trade rumors, general manager Matt Klentak has assembled his starting lineup of eight regulars out of nine players before pursuing three available bats.
Drawing-board picture:
Philadelphia Phillies fans are quick to judge acquisitions and stars moved to other organizations. However, Klentak is continuing a two-step approach to ease the decision-making pressure before February by plugging roster holes.
IN OTHER WORDS: “The most successful people are those who are good at plan B.” – James A. Yorke
Last winter, Klentak was being creative to fill a major need. The exec signed switch-hitter Carlos Santana to be a balancing piece in a right-heavy lineup. Basically, the GM had wanted Rhys Hoskins and Santana in the batting order, but the left field gamble didn’t pan out.
As for Santana and the available setup men, associating a front-office misstep with them eliminates other possibilities. For instance, one explanation is moving the relievers to restructure the relief corps with a closer, and doing so would reallocate $15.5 million toward a costly fireman.
Presently, some supporters believe Klentak didn’t do enough by the July 31 deadline like postseason-bound favorites expected to win the pennant. And he took chances when he should have played it safe. However, some fans pass on criticizing the GM for their approved acquisitions who struggle. Sound about right?
Regarding Santana, he would still be on the Phils if the outfield experiment was successful. Klentak inked him as a left-side hitter with power, and locals against it are pointing out his so-called mistake. In baseball, the only way to quiet the boobirds is winning a World Series. Anything else deserves criticism.
Unfortunately, a left-handed bat with pop is again a missing piece if the red pinstripes plan on contending this 162. But Klentak may not want to wait until February for Bryce Harper. No, the higher-up will push for Michael Brantley instead.
Klentak also received a lefty reliever from the Seattle Mariners. Yes, James Pazos had made 60 appearances in 2018 with a 2.88 ERA for 50 innings, so the exec filled a critical need in the bullpen. Can I get a fire Klentak?
Positions two through six:
By ending the logjam at the infield corners and opening up an outfield spot, the Phillies now have nine players for eight positions. Scott Kingery and/or Roman Quinn would handle right field.
This article covers each defensive slot from the two (receiver) through the nine (right field).
Even though he isn’t playoff ready, Jorge Alfaro, batting mostly eighth, will again don the tools of ignorance because the Phils traded for the youngster to be their catcher for years. Yes, he made errors in his rookie campaign, but he’ll make less as he improves glovewise. Repetition required, no?
Manning first base, Hoskins will be the cleanup hitter, unless Klentak signs one of the top-tier sluggers for over $350 million. Optimistically, he’ll hone his game by playing a familiar position, learning from 2018, and preparing for the long upcoming grind. But will he launch 40 bombs?
At the keystone, leadoff man Cesar Hernandez will hopefully bounce back to the .294 batsman of 2016 and 2017. But it might depend more on management’s philosophy of taking pitches and launch angle regardless of the regular’s skill set. By May 1, the approach will be visible.
Defending the hot corner and slotting fifth or sixth, Maikel Franco is the Phillies preference due to age, talent and last season’s numbers: .270, 22 home runs, and 68 RBIs due to frequently hitting eighth. Basically, Kapler forced him to be selective at the plate by batting him in a thankless slot. And he survived!
At short, Jean Segura will probably hit behind Hernandez unless a stronger bat signs here. He averaged .304 with 10 long balls and 63 RBIs in ’18. As for his last three summers, he had marks of .319, .300 and .304 with OBPs of .368, 349 and .341 respectively.
Warning-track patrol:
While Hoskins switches to first base, Nick Williams goes from right to left, and Quinn or Kingery will man right field. Of course, Odubel Herrera will again handle center field.
The new left fielder will be Williams who will also hit fifth or sixth like Franco. Basically, his glove isn’t as effective in right field: His best outfield spot is left. In 2018, he produced a .256 mark with 17 homers and 50 RBIs but should improve with consistent playing time.
Returning to center, Herrera will work to rebound from his .255 average last year. For now, he’ll be the three-hole hitter, and his 2019 will also depend on Phillies management like Hernandez. But if he explained why the “pitches per at-bat” philosophy was problematic during his exit interview, he’ll bounce back.
Barring trips to the DL, Quinn is an excellent defender who can make up for rare misplays with his wheels. The speedster could slot ninth or second between Hernandez and Segura or could also leadoff at times. However, he hasn’t played 100 games as a pro due mostly to being injury-prone.
As for Kingery, he had limited time in right field due to Crawford’s disabled-list stint. But he’ll get a chance there again and hit seventh. And if Quinn misses time, Kingery could capitalize on an opportunity.
Based on the availability of Manny Machado and Harper, third base and right field could change before spring training. But the difference now is Klentak can negotiate on his own terms. Currently, upgrading right field is more critical.
Expensive improvements:
Before the bidding wars for Machado and Harper begin, Brantley, who hit .304 with 17 bombs in ’18, could be the needed left-handed bat with power. Klentak doesn’t need 30 home runs because averaging .300 also produces RBIs. Additionally, Brantley’s prediction from a national publication for three years is $45 million.
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With Segura’s deal, Klentak has a more advantageous position to play his hand for Machado, 26. Whose financial forecast is $390 million for 13 seasons or his whole career. That stated, he’ll likely prefer opting out after three summers.
The last domino to fall will probably be the crown jewel of the Boras Corporation: Harper, 26. But while a long drawn-out process could extend into early February, super agent Scott Boras will hold out for at least $420 million for 14 seasons. Yes, the star will likely want to opt out after three campaigns.
To sum up, Quinn and Kingery are the backup plan in right field, while Franco is the current third sacker. But even if the Phillies add Brantley, he’s a left fielder, so Harper will still be an option for right field. Realistically, who will the red pinstripes target to acquire before mid-February? Brantley and Harper!
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