Phillies: The Argument Against Making Major Additions

Phillies: An Argument Against Making Major Additions

By Joe Piazza | Nov 29, 2016

Oct 2, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a two run single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

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All Time Phillies greats Larry Bowa (left) and Mike Schmidt (middle) and Steve Carlton (right) (Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports) /

Who is the face of the team?

One mistake I believe teams often make is acquiring a free agent (or trading for someone) to be the face of their franchise. Until 1969, free agency was basically unheard of. Players developed with their team, and learned baseball the way their home franchise taught it. So how can a player from a different franchise be expected to embody a new team? Without an understanding of the culture, it’s just a job.

Whether it’s J.P. Crawford, Maikel Franco, Jorge Alfaro, or anyone else in the system, someone must establish himself as the face of the Phillies. Though it’s no guarantee that Crawford, Cozens or Alfaro will see enough major league at bats to make an impact in ‘17.

Until someone steps up as a leader of the team, the front office would be wise to wait on bringing in a star player.

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