Phillies: Bullpen decisions now on front burner

Southpaw competition:

In the not-only-but-also category, Klentak dealt for lefty relievers: Pazos and Alvarez. But while Alvarez’s addition confused some, the decision-maker has also doubled up on starters in 2016 and 2017 plus two setup men in 2018. Yeah, he’s playing for one pickup to be effective and healthy,

Concerning Pazos, he mostly fires a four-seam fastball (91.8 percent) and a slider. His smoke touches 98.6 mph, but his average heater is 93.8 mph. Additionally, he produced a 2.88 ERA for 50 innings and will have an early advantage after changing leagues.

Like Pazos, Alvarez had higher ERA estimators (FIP, xFIP and SIERA) with a lower ERA: Alvarez recorded a 2.71 ERA for 63 frames. His average four-seam fastball is 91.9 mph, and his repertoire also features a slider, sinker and changeup.

While some writers have speculated the two left-handers will spell the end of Morgan’s tenure with the Phillies, they have to firstly demonstrate they both can stick with the club. And Klentak mentioned only Neshek and Hunter as trade bait. So, it’s doubtful Morgan is going to another organization for now.

As for fireballers Victor Arano and Edubray Ramos, they have been effective in a setup role. Arano had a 2.73 ERA for 59 1/3 innings, while Ramos recorded a 2.32 ERA for 42 2/3 frames. Ergo, both have earned a shot at keeping their pen seats.

If Neshek and Hunter are still with the Phils, Pazos, Alvarez and Ramos in their third option season ending April 8 can return to Triple-A, while Arano faces no restrictions in that department. In other words, Klentak has wiggle room and, therefore, no loss of negotiating power with other franchises for Neshek and Hunter.