Joe Girardi’s weighty seat at the Phillies table
Adding a knowledgeable baseball lifer is an advantage the Phillies and the faithful will appreciate during the offseason, spring training and 2020’s first half, plus general manager Matt Klentak is already considering his new manager’s recommendations.
Fourth voice:
If Philadelphia Phillies fans want to completely understand Joe Girardi, they must first realize his playing days were behind the plate: every pitch. Plus he also had the familiarity of hitting opposing hurlers and guiding his staff to preferable outcomes. Yes, an all-encompassing field view.
IN OTHER WORDS: “We need a variety of input and influence and voices.” – Jim Rohn
In December, the action revolves around Klentak as the point man regarding roster construction, financials and limitations. But Girardi also voices his take on available stars he led for the New York Yankees, and he probably has conversations with recent ex-Yanks to evaluate their expectations.
So far, Klentak has signed Zack Wheeler for five campaigns to a $118 million tally and is doing his part by providing a front-of-the-rotation piece. And, presently, the GM is at the Winter Meetings to pursue other irons in the fire. Meanwhile, the faithful should enjoy the addition to the five-man staff for a while.
Girardi is probably working closely with Klentak on personnel matters. Recommendation-wise, the Fightins have done their due diligence with *Didi Gregorius, Dellin Betances and Austin Romine. But while the exec re-upped Andrew Knapp as the backup catcher, the reliever and shortstop are still considerations. *Phillies signed.
For now, Girardi and Gregorius have praised each other, and you can imagine something similar with Betances. Additionally, the former Yankees and the new manager are probably having conversations about the Phils’ openings on the dirt and in the pen. So either star could shortly ink contracts here.
Basically, Girardi has an equal seat at the table, but his influence also has limitations. And the reserve-backstop decision produced a lower salary, a younger receiver, and minimal playing time. Roughly, the voices of the managing partner, president, GM and new skipper have equal input, not rank.
Management’s powwows are frequent during roster construction, plus Girardi and Klentak are approaching the 25-man squad regarding production, chemistry and other factors in the dugout, clubhouse and the media. Yes, the bottom line is ever present with every move.
Defense and offense:
If the Phillies are considering a buy-low candidate, shortstop Gregorius has the potential for a solid return. Granted, he’ll be 30 during the next 162, but a three-summer pact could provide acceptable production through age 32 similar to 2018’s stats. Translation: a slight decline.
Phillies free-agent target:
Gregorius, 29.5:
- 2019: 82 Gms., 344 PA, a .238 Avg., 16 HR, 61 RBI, a .718 OPS and a 0.9 fWAR.
- 2018: 134 Gms., 569 PA, a .268 Avg., 27 HR, 86 RBI, an .829 OPS and a 4.7 fWAR.
- 2017: 136 Gms., 570 PA, a .287 Avg., 25 HR, 87 RBI, a .796 OPS and a 4.1 fWAR.
- 2016: 153 Gms., 597 PA, a .276 Avg., 20 HR, 76 RBI, a .751 OPS and a 2.7 fWAR.
Previously, Gregorius’ expectations were offers in excess of $100 million for five seasons or $20 million AAV, but they are currently $14 million each for three campaigns. Except now, his injury-plagued walk year has halved his projected earnings. So, this could be a bargain the red pinstripes should evaluate: lengthwise and dollarwise.
Gregorius missed the first two months of 2019 due to the end of his recovery from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow from 2018’s ALDS. Additionally, he had two other stints on the injured list.
This acquisition would lead to Jean Segura and Scott Kingery manning the hot corner and the keystone respectively. Though, some national writers believe the opposite.
Kingery committed four of his nine errors as a third sacker but had no miscues at his natural position: second base. However, he only started six games at the keystone and 37 at the hot corner, where he had two errors each: fielding and throwing. Broadcasters, unfortunately, pointed out his difficulties there.
Experience-wise, Segura had been a second sacker through 2011 and has since played short except for 2016 as the Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman. But while he has never manned third professionally, many shortstops switch to the hot corner later in their careers. Last summer, he had “nine fielding and 11 throwing” errors.
Moundsman:
Even though the Phillies are considering upgrades for the back end of the bullpen, Girardi’s candidate is Betances. And the new manager is basing his recommendation on the four excellent seasons Betances provided as a setup man and occasional closer during Girardi’s tenure. Expect a comeback!
Betances had excelled in the Yankees’ pen for five campaigns, but the injury bug limited him to only two mid-September strikeouts in ’19. Health-wise, he had missed 5.5 months with a right shoulder impingement and a strained lat, plus he then suffered a partially torn left Achilles tendon in his only 2019 appearance.
Phillies free-agent target:
Betances, 31.5:
- 2018: 66 Gms., 66 2/3 Inn., a 2.70 ERA, 4 Saves, 20 Holds, a 1.7 fWAR and a 1.05 WHIP.
- 2017: 66 Gms., 59 2/3 Inn., a 2.87 ERA, 10 Saves, 19 Holds, a 1.2 fWAR and a 1.22 WHIP.
- 2016: 73 Gms., 73 Inn., a 3.08 ERA, 12 Saves, 28 Holds, a 2.9 fWAR and a 1.12 WHIP.
In ’19, Betances earned $7.25 million in his final arbitration year, but one national publication’s estimate for ’20 is $7 million. Normally, a player must prove he’s healthy on the field during the 162. But a free-agent shortage of late-inning fireman could influence his market.
While Romine, 31, is an excellent defensive catcher, he also had a career year at the plate. He produced a .281 average with eight home runs and 35 RBIs compared to a .244 mark with 10 homers and 42 RBIs in ’18. Last summer, the receiver earned $1.8 million.
J.T. Realmuto will handle the bulk of the workload, and his backup will give him a rare day off, play a twin-bill game, and pinch-hit. So, the Fightins re-upped switch-hitter Knapp for $0.7 million. And if Romine signs for 2019’s pay, Knapp will cost $1.1 million less, plus he’s three years his junior and isn’t a right-side bat like Realmuto.
Money matters:
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Beginning with Betances, the Phillies may take Girardi’s preference because they have no reported connection to other relievers, and the flamethrower can close. Plus Klentak can offer $4 million with incentives increasing it to $10 million total for 2020 with a vesting option or two.
Anthony Rendon and Josh Donaldson are receiving the Phils’ interest with their “blow through Luxury Tax” approach, which could also nudge Gregorius, no?. Ergo, Gregorius could accept their proposal sooner rather than later with a decent offer. But Girardi’s reasoning could be Gregorius’ left-side bat with power.
Although the red pinstripes are all-in on *Gerrit Cole and **Stephen Strasburg, they acquired Wheeler instead. Plus many baseball men think the fireballer has the upside of a higher level, and the suits may believe they can also pick up an innings-eater for $10 million. Roughly, two starters could sign for the price of Cole now, not February. **Nats re-signed and *Yanks signed.
Management can simultaneously raise the bidding on Rendon and Donaldson for their competitors, while they encourage quicker decisions from Gregorius and Betances. Yes, they need a left-hander hitter with pop, but Rendon and Donaldson bat right-handed.
Is the goal to spend another $225-250 million for Rendon, Cole or Strasburg? Or is it to pair Wheeler with Aaron Nola and Betances with Seranthony Dominguez? And if Gregorius and Betances –neither has a qualifying offer– are their moves, what is the unlimited spending maneuver? A misdirection?
Next. Phillies: Trade wild-card player to fill wish list. dark
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