That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies: Does Matt Klentak Have Any More Moves to Make?

By George Stockburger

Nov 8, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak during the MLB general managers meeting at the Omni Scottsdale Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak during the MLB general managers meeting at the Omni Scottsdale Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin speaks with the media on day two of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin speaks with the media on day two of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Pete Mackanin desperately wanted to add a veteran bat, and Klentak delivered. Howie Kendrick is projected to start the season at the Phillies left fielder, although he can also play second if Cesar Hernandez is moved.

Mackanin said he would love another major league bat to help Maikel Franco, Odubel Herrera, and Tommy Joseph develop. Any trade involving the acquisition of a big bat would cost the Phillies some talent, such as Hernandez or Herrera.

Names such as Andrew McCutchen, Brian Dozier, and J.D. Martinez have been thrown around, but the likely hood of any of those happening is slim. Martinez makes some sense, while Dozier would simply be a luxury based on his 40 home run potential.

Signing or trading for an impact bat of t hat magnitude won’t happen. Reserves such as Brandon Moss, Logan Morrison, or Daniel Nava could compete for a job on a young team. Utility men such as Andres Blanco, Daniel Descalso, or Stephen Drew could fill that role.

Home/Phillies Rumors