Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies: NL East rivals’ warts for 2020

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 26: Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on August 26, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 26: Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on August 26, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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While many fans view Syndergaard as a solid rotation piece, his distrust of Ramos’ game calling is a shortcoming for the Mets. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images. /

Mets and Phillies:         

While some fans have doubts about the Phillies ability to have more victories than the New York Mets, they are at $207.523 million AAV, which is $0.477 million under the Luxury Tax limit. Plus they need a third sacker and a center fielder, and they have reportedly lost money over the last two campaigns.

Basically, the Metropolitans might proceed with the roster they have, and it includes a first baseman in left field. Plus catcher Wilson Ramos, a solid hitter, is a defensive liability, and Noah Syndergaard made multiple requests for another receiver due to his game calling. Meanwhile, their biggest concern is the bullpen.

In ’19, New York (NL) had accepted Robinson Cano, then 36, and his remaining $120 million ($24 million AAV) to acquire Edwin Diaz; but the former closer for the Seattle Mariners and setup man Jeurys Familia were major disappointments. An eyesore for sure!

When some fans consider the red pinstripes’ needs, they tick off a third sacker and a center fielder. Well, what position would Scott Kingery play? Plus Adam Haseley had advanced 1-2 years early due to injuries and a suspension but hit .266 while showing a decent glove in every outfield spot.

Like the Braves and Nationals, the Phils need a fifth starter, and these organizations will tab the winner of their March competition. But each team has a certain moundsman in mind prior to camp. Basically, some faithful supporters fret over filling this spot with a four-slot arm.

The Fightins had placed eight relievers on the IL (injured list) for big chunks of last summer, but some paying customers have either written them off or expected better results than their employer. Rule of thumb: An effective reliever has an acceptable performance rate of 75-80 percent; a stud closer has 90 percent.

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