Call to the pen
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Phillies: 2020’s playoff-bound ifs (a long version)

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 30: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a double in the bottom of the third inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 30, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 30: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a double in the bottom of the third inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 30, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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McCutchen’s return atop the Phillies lineup is a needed return. Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images. /

Surprises, comebacks, breakout campaigns and ifs are ahead for this gang of Phillies, even though general manager Matt Klentak is continuing his offseason efforts to improve the field product and capture the National League East crown.

Winning goals:   

A year ago, some Philadelphia Phillies fans decided “win now” was a guarantee of a divisional title, but this desire was a goal, not their wishful thinking. As for ’20, a rotation upgrade and an offensive pickup are in the fold, and the likely signing of a closer-type fireman is at hand. They want –not will–want to win now!

"IN OTHER WORDS: “Underdog, that’s something that we’ve been accustomed to, playing in Philadelphia. We’re always the underdog.” – Jimmy “J-Roll” Rollins"

Again, a review of the previous 162 reveals the surprises and disappointments no one saw coming in April. And 2020 will provide another version of this annual ritual. However, baseball men see it every summer: the star with a prolonged slump and the eye-opening rookie from Double-A.

While the faithful express concern about the five-man staff, they discount the differential between contributions and expectations, real or perceived. Management has an ace, a five-slot hurler and three pitchers in between. So, a solid bottom-rung arm could eat six frames per outing along with some dominate performances.

The relief corps has middle relievers, setup men and critical-inning firemen. Again, many locals want this pen situation resolved yesterday and expect Klentak to add a top gun regardless of availability. But every GM has that toughest job in baseball, and potential employees have agents to negotiate for their market value.

With the new three-batter rule for relievers and openers, a left-right balanced lineup benefits the offense. Ergo, another left-side hitter with power had been high on Klentak’s wish list, and he signed him to a one-season contract to give his future third sacker a full campaign at Double-A and Triple-A combined. Message: Earn it!

Between wishful thinking and track record is reality. Therefore, the new two-slot starter could increase his performances to the level he had shown in 2018’s second half. Or he could match last year’s numbers, but he also could have a down 162. According to Charlie Manuel, though, baseball is 40 percent luck!

By 2019’s end, the fan base had a handful of new questions besides the injury bug’s affect on the 25-man roster. Will the stud at the rotation’s head have difficulty in the cold climes of April and October? Will the homegrown slugger be the first-half star or the second-half dud? And who will be going and coming?

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