Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies: Restructuring 2020’s starting rotation

By Tal Venada

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros reacts after striking out Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to end the sixth inning at Minute Maid Park on July 06, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros reacts after striking out Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to end the sixth inning at Minute Maid Park on July 06, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Currently, Bumgarner could be pitching his way in some team’s rotation. Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images. /

Portsiders:         

When the Phillies faithful consider free-agent signings, they mostly focus on the positive aspects of the moundsmen, but general manager Matt Klentak must weigh negatives those locals may not be aware of. The GM considers the star’s age, injury history, location preferences and his organization’s finances.

Concerning Hyun-Jin Ryu, the left-hander is having an excellent campaign, and his numbers will excite many fan bases. However, Asian players usually prefer west coast teams, and he’s in his final prime year: ages 27 through 32. Plus he’s an injury risk.

While Cole Hamels tugs at our heartstrings, the aging veteran is in the uncharted waters where the other three Phillies aces finished their careers: a nostalgic brew. And he’ll probably seek a three-season deal and accept two summers at or slightly above his current $20 million salary.

Southpaws’ 2019 stats through Aug. 15:

  • Bumgarner, 30: 26 Gms., 158 2/3 Inn., 8-7, a 3.63 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP.
  • Hamels, 35.5: 20 Gms., 109 2/3 Inn., 6-4, a 3.69 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP.
  • Keuchel, 31.5: 11 Gms., 65 2/3 Inn., 3-5, a 4.39 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP.
  • Ryu, 32.5: 22 Gms., 142 2/3 Inn., 12-2, a 1.45 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP.

Pitching for a new contract, Madison Bumgarner has a 2.78 ERA from June 25’s ballgame. But only his first two campaigns will be during his prime, and two or three will be after that: half or most of his agreement. Overall, he is putting up three-slot-hurler stats.                    .

As for Keuchel, he also is a mid-rotation piece, but he won’t have a QO (qualifying offer) to complicate his offseason status. However, he’s in his final prime 162, and any pact will be for the campaigns beyond that. Plus he will probably receive a deal for 3-4 seasons with his best years behind him.

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