That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: 5 lessons to learn from 2019 World Series

By Travis Strominger

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 02: Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton shakes hands with Bryce Harper as Vice President & General Manager Matt Klentak in middle looks on during the press conference to introduce Bryce Harper to the media and the fans of the Philadelphia Phillies on March 02, 2019 at the Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 02: Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton shakes hands with Bryce Harper as Vice President & General Manager Matt Klentak in middle looks on during the press conference to introduce Bryce Harper to the media and the fans of the Philadelphia Phillies on March 02, 2019 at the Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Phillies Matt Stairs watches his two–run home run along with Dodgers catcher Russell Martin sail into the right field stands to give the Phillies a 7–5 lead in the 8th inning in Game 4 of the NLCS in Los Angeles Monday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) /

4. If you see a path to a title, take it

With all that said, the Phillies may have severely underperformed in 2019, and with a few changes in the right places, the team could be much better suited to compete for a title in 2020. If the Phillies believe that they are close enough to contention and see an addition at the deadline that would put them over the top, they should go for it.

The Nationals did so with several bullpen additions in 2019, and it paid off with a title. While that’s just one example, you could look back to the 2008 Phillies as more proof. That team didn’t stop with its core. Pat Gillick added Joe Blanton and Matt Stairs as key players in the World Series run.

As you remember, both of those players hit some very memorable postseason home runs.

The Phillies in 2018 were linked to Manny Machado all season long leading into the trade deadline. They tried, but eventually passed. Similarly, in 2019, the Phillies were linked to several high-performing bullpen pitchers. They made smaller moves instead. Why? Perhaps the team realized that they didn’t have the talent to make a playoff run.

Perhaps in 2020, after some checks off their “laundry list”, the Phillies may be in such a position. However, it will be tough to make such moves with few high-level prospects in the farm system. That doesn’t mean it’s not possible, though.

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