Major League Baseball

Big Roster Test for Phillies GM

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:36 p.m. ET

Fansided, Tal Venada/FanSided via Call to the Pen

Altherr's Ability To Play Center Field Gave Him the Inside Track for a Reserve Role. Photo by Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports.

While spring stats count for some positions, MLB rules can force a general manager like Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies to make a decision that causes fans to shake their heads.

A Numerical Threesome:

When it comes to logic, it mostly works if the thinker has all the facts because one unknown piece of information can change the conclusion.

Deciding on the major league status of some players, Klentak has March stats, the 40-man roster and the active 25. And understanding these three equal factors is important to avoid confusion and surprises. In other words, the Philadelphia Phillies GM doesn't have much wiggle room to add someone to the roster without pruning a valuable youngster or without an athlete requiring an eight-week rehab. That stated, Klentak has only one slot to work with because he has just one player to drop.

If the front office can't make a second change to the 40 total, they will keep Aaron Altherr, Adam Morgan, middle infielder Jesmuel Valentin and catcher Andrew Knapp. And replacing any of them without placing someone on the 60-day disabled list would require subtracting another minor leaguer from the 40. Additionally, some invitees signed to MiLB contracts also have opt-out dates and can accept a better offer with another organization at that time. Meanwhile, Altherr is the only lock because he can spell Odubel Herrera occasionally and can handle all three outfield spots.

Reviewing the 40 names, Klentak knows Luis Garcia is out of options. Ergo, he won't be in Cincinnati for Opening Day or be with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs if another franchise claims him off waivers. Remember, Garcia was the reliever who informed field management that he did not want to be the closer. In other words, he found a good way to be a former player because you should at least make an unvocalized effort.

Adding youthful decision-making to the process, Klentak quickly promotes prospects to higher levels including the majors. He prefers a Valentin and a Knapp to veterans if the rookies are healthy and give him confidence in their ability for even a trial basis. But keep in mind, he heavily deciphers the sabermetrics before pulling the trigger, and he has a staff with number crunchers.

Knapp Is Hitting His Way onto the 25-Man Roster. Photo by Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports.

Among the utility infielders, Valentin is hitting .355, which is 100 points higher than his competition. However, he has committed three errors, which will cause some concern among the former infielders on the coaching staff.

While Sean Burnett has been effective and could be a late-frame weapon, Morgan has also pitched well and can work multiple innings, be a spot starter, and handle long relief. He has a 2.35 ERA for 15 1/3 frames. On the other hand, Burnett can opt out on March 26 or try to make the team, which would require adding him to the 40-man roster. Currently, he has a 2.00 ERA for nine innings.

Evaluating players to round out the active 25, Klentak, the skipper and the coaches will have a debate regarding the receivers in camp: Ryan Hanigan, Bryan Holaday and Knapp. And the field staff will point out how the rookie needs more time to be a backup at first base: He's not ready. Hitting-wise, they'll be smiling because Knapp has produced four hits in his last 14 at-bats over six games. Alright!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

"I'd be willing to bet you, if I was a betting man, that I have never bet on baseball." – Pete E. Rose

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." – Earl L. Wilson

Next: The Final Spot

Morgan Is Enjoying Another Solid Spring, but This Time It's for a Bullpen Seat. Photo by Steve Mitchell – USA TODAY Sports.

Picking a 25th man, Klentak will discuss Brock Stassi, Daniel Nava and Chris Coghlan during a roster meeting because the club needs a fifth outfielder. Keep in mind, Klentak can stash Nava and Stassi with the IronPigs: Stassi has no opt-out clause, Nava's is in June, and Coghlan's is March 26. During the powwow, however, the exec will note that Stassi is a left-handed hitter with some power off the bench, can spell Tommy Joseph at first base against a tough right-hander, and can give Howie Kendrick a day off in left field. Continuing with Coghlan, this outfielder can also man second and third base, while Nava is a switch-hitter who can pinch-hit regardless of any pitching moves. Versatility is the key.

IN OTHER WORDS:

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious." – Yogi L. Berra

To sum up, rebuilding has stocked the farm system, and now the pipeline is strong with only Garcia's spot up for grabs. Basically, Valentin and Knapp are the young promotable types Klentak prefers. And Morgan is younger and more versatile than Burnett, but the veteran could opt out due to the market's shortage of southpaw relievers. And if Coghlan ops out, the final spot will go to Stassi or Nava, and what would that come down to? The wire!

Burnett Looks in but May Be Looking Elsewhere for a Late-Inning Job If He Can't Beat Out Morgan for the Last Pen Spot. Photo by Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports.

The Numerical Bible:

This review is not a sabermetrics article, which means no heavy statistical analysis. But because some readers rely on stats, this is only a reference: no reason to articulate the importance of these numbers.

* Morgan had 21 starts.

Hitting:

Triple-A Hitting:

Valentin, almost 23:

Pitching: