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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 16: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a walk-off two run double in the ninth inning to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-8 in a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park on July 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

5. Don’t listen to the fans

Bryce Harper’s signing was highlighted by a press conference in which John Middleton mentioned a Todd Zolecki Twitter poll, showing that the fans wanted Harper.

Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies /

Philadelphia Phillies

While it pleased the fans, that’s probably the last thing a sports organization should do. The owner should trust the General Manager to do what’s right for the team. That doesn’t seem to be the case right now, which is another issue entirely on its own.

I’d venture a guess that the winners in the last decade haven’t done such a thing.

Sports teams should not listen to fans when making moves. It can only end poorly. While they may coincide, that should never be the reason for adding a player. The Phillies will be in play for some top-tier free agents and fans have made their preferences clear. But, as I have already said, the Phillies should only add players because the team sees fit.

In summation, there are many things the Phillies should keep in mind, and several important lessons to be learned from the World Series this year. It will be an uphill climb, but with the right moves, the Phillies could vault themselves into the conversation (particularly in starting pitching).

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