Phillies: Deadline’s X factors for 4 NL Wild Card teams

After the dust settled, the Phillies and two other National League competitors are within 2.5 games, but how do general manager Matt Klentak’s moves compare to his contemporaries for the stretch drive?

Turn the page:

Many Philadelphia Phillies fans have less interest in the wild-card race than New York Mets supporters. But if your club has a chance to win the NL Wild Card Game, you could –at least– enjoy the ups and downs of meaningful August and September baseball before NLDS reality strikes. The Los Angeles Dodgers!

"IN OTHER WORDS: “Giving up is conceding that things will never get better, and that is just not true. Ups and downs are a constant in life, and I’ve been belted into that roller coaster a thousand times.” – Aimee Mullins"

With July 31 in the rearview mirror, the Atlanta Braves have added two late-inning relievers and have a comfortable divisional lead. On the other end, rotation injuries to the Milwaukee Brewers have dropped them in the NL Wild Card race at a critical time they might not recover from.

Presently, the impression of many locals is the lack of all-in deals before Aug. 1 equals missing the playoffs. And they may believe the red pinstripes are at a disadvantage in the final two months due to the competition’s pickups. Ergo, Klentak’s acquisitions –they feel– are only a Band-Aid on a gaping wound.

Regarding the NL Wild Card Game, the winner has to rely on their best starter to secure the victory but also must face the Dodgers in Los Angeles with that top pitcher having one outing: probably game three at home. So, the odds definitely favor the top NL organization.

While many are concluding a lack of commitment from management, the front office is saving those MiLB trade chips for 2020 instead. Otherwise, those same detractors will bemoan moving solid minor leaguers for a shot in the dark rather than waiting a year for a more favorable opportunity.

The Phils’ postseason window opened in 2019 for the first of five campaigns, and the execs made their decisions based on multiple chances for a championship. Unfortunately, only armchair GMs don’t have limits and rules preventing them from assembling a powerhouse club.

That stated, expectations are fans’ biggest obstacle. To illustrate, I predicted a four-team race for the NL East with good health being the deciding factor. Without that, the best hope would be capturing a wild-card berth. Ergo, the Fightins are in the thick of the hunt.