Phillies: Girardi’s new sandman coming to close
By Tal Venada
Right direction:
Whether the Phillies ink Cole Hamels or deal for southpaw Robbie Ray‘s final arb campaign at an estimated $10.8 million, they could have Cole or another top-tier moundsman in the fold by mid-February. If not, Suarez or Velasquez will receive consideration.
Klentak will probably acquire a fireman or two, but the market for those arms is not plentiful. So, the exec may add a free-agent reliever sooner rather than later.
The new three-batter rule will be important to watch in spring training and the first half. Fortunately, the good guys don’t have or won’t pick up any one-out hurlers, but constructing a left-right balance in the lineup will affect offseason moves regarding the offense’s answer to this wrinkle.
The ball will not be the same either in 2020 to offset 2019’s barrage of home runs, but will it be the year of the pitcher? And expect that lopsided advantage to swing pendulum-like in the other direction and those fly-ball homers to stay in the park next season.
Before you sour on any starter or reliever who has a bad outing, allow the new pitching coach some time to remedy any mechanical problems, improve their best pitches, or fix new issues they’re having. And do me, yourself and the red pinstripes a favor, okay? Give Price a chance!