Phillies: Bullpen decisions now on front burner

Buyer’s call:

Because many fans don’t understand that markets open at different times, they have an unnecessary concern of their team being unsuccessful during the Winter Meetings. To illustrate, two recently signed closers opened their class by setting the price range with three-year pacts of $25 million and $30 million.

As a starting point, Kimbrel is asking for $80-100 million over six campaigns. But Klentak probably won’t go past four summers, and he likely is saving his stupid money for Bryce Harper. In other words, a closer and decent starter before a superstar indicate the decision-maker’s approach.

As for Britton, who wants to close, the Yankees also have interest, but they don’t want a ninth-frame moundsman. Therefore, Britton is a good fallback option for Miller at $33 million for three years.

With Britton, the GM is basically competing with the Yanks. So, Klentak should have a reasonable expectation of inking him. But the lefty will probably decide by Dec. 23 or sooner, which, as always, depends on negotiating.

If the red pinstripes sign Britton, Hector Neris will hold the threatening opposition in the sixth or seventh innings, Dominguez will lock down the tough outs in the seventh and eighth frames, and Britton will close out the ninth inning.