Phillies: Wait ’till next year or 2019
By Tal Venada
With February approaching, the Phillies faithful finally are freeing themselves from 2018’s doubts regarding roster construction based on the first –not only– January signing by general manager Matt Klentak.
More ups than downs:
Even though the Philadelphia Phillies had acquired a .300 hitter and a solid outfielder, fans still had a hope shortage. No more! Now, Klentak has the team within striking distance of the playoffs due to his offseason activity, and he has five weeks to negotiate for more upgrades.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “Every successful person I have heard of has done the best he could with the conditions as he found them and not waited until next year for better.” – E. W. Howe"
Changing on a dime, down-and-out expectations went to the sky’s the limit. And either the elation for Opening Day is long-lasting or a temporary fix for baseball junkies. But will it keep the locals happy until month’s end?
Perhaps, fans’ interpretation of the stupid-money comment was different than co-owner John S. Middleton’s meaning. And although many anticipated major expenditures in mid-December, the most expensive free agents rarely sign then. Also, the market dictates the heaviest spending.
Some naysayers had already started the wait ’till 2020, and one theory was it’s the skipper’s fault. Three weeks later, they’re not so certain of the club’s fate. In their minds, the red pinstripes had to pick up a closer, a starter and/or a slugger; but now one of those pieces is here.
Regarding a left-handed rotation arm, Dallas Keuchel will probably remain available due to his high asking price and his agent Scott Boras. Meanwhile, Klentak is exploring two trade avenues for a lefty in the hopes of avoiding another February addition to the five-man staff.
As for Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, neither is quickly accepting an offer because the first signer would set the market for the other. Currently, organizations are leery of long-term contracts and high AAVs (average annual value) on shorter pacts.
Like last winter, the market is sluggish because teams experienced paying for back-loaded commitments involving multiple campaigns. Yes, it also burns a slot on the active 25 and the 40-man roster GMs use for solid prospects. The end of an era?