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Phillies: Matt Klentak shouldn’t wait to make trades

By George Stockburger

Apr 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak before a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak before a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Klentak can’t wait until July 31st to pull the trigger on a trade for the Phillies

Reports of a standing offer between the Phillies and a mystery team for Pat Neshek aren’t surprising. The 36-year-old has surpassed expectations this season as a Phillie, and could be their most valuable trade chip

General Manager Matt Klentak struck out at the deadline last year, moving only Carlos Ruiz during the August waiver period. This season the number of players destined to be traded is up thanks to the offseason additions of Neshek and Daniel Nava.

This season the number of players destined to be traded is up thanks to the offseason additions of Neshek and Daniel Nava.

In order to ensure a prosperous trade deadline, Klentak can not postpone making the necessary moves to set the Phillies up for success. That includes trading Neshek sooner than later when his value is set, his health is favorable, and the bids are coming in.

Yes, Klentak can wait for the market to set by waiting for another quality reliever to be traded or until a contender loses a key piece to their success. But if an offer comes along in June that’s too good to pass up, the team can not procrastinate.

Next: Phillies prospects to watch in short-season Williamsport

Trade Nava, Neshek, Jeremy Hellickson, or whomever you get the right offer for before catastrophe strikes and they’re on the disabled list.

Not only does that guarantee the prospects you target are in the organization before a veteran falls apart, but allows young players like Nick Williams to get their feet wet.

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