“These are not the prospects you’re looking for” –Matt Klentak, Probably
So, a very hot Philadelphia team committed a felony via trade mid-season. But it’s July 31st…not October 31st and Matt Klentak is using Jedi mind tricks, not Howie Roseman.
This trade deadline was a breath of fresh air for this first place Phils team that was still on the fence of being good believe it or not (see The Phillies are Tied for First in the East… So Why Not).
Klentak started with adding the Assman, Asdrubal Cabrera, while only giving up Franklyn Kilome. I like young pitching but I like bats more and the Assman’s is a great addition.
The two-time All Star is having what could very well be near a career year slashing .272/.323/.478 with 18 HR and 58 RBI already. These are on pace to break his career highs or at least very close to it. Yes, he’s 32 but (I’m literally salivating at what I’m about to type) THE PHILLIES ARE PLAYING FOR THE PRESENT!!!!!! Kilome had a 4.24 ERA and a 4-6 record in Reading so this was a steal.
Moving onto the trade that looks to make even less sense, two-time (including 2018) All-Star Wilson Ramos for pocket lint or loose buttons to be named later. He’s a little banged up right now with a left hammy injury but no one is too worried. The Phils have two mediocre catchers to get by until he’s good and ready. No need to compare to anyone else’s numbers right now since no one was given up but let’s take a look at the Buffalo’s numbers. At his age 30 season, he is slashing .297/.346/.488 with 14 HR and 53 RBI. Mr. Klentak, this was a phenomenal move.
At the buzzer, Matty Tradesman picked up LHP Aaron Loup for RHP Jacob Waguespack. This added a much-needed lefty to the bullpen that had not nearly enough (bye Jake Thompson). He has a 3.47 ERA for his career allowing lefties to hit .231 with a .299 OB. Not going to knock your socks off but a much-needed tool for the bullpen at a very low price in a market where relievers were VERY overpriced. Remember how vital Scott Eyre was getting lefties out on that championship team? Well, here’s that piece. Waguespack had a 4.68 ERA and a 4-6 record across Lehigh and Reading this year so Klentak wins again.
The Phillies were just one unfortunate mental error by Odubel (leave El Torito alone, shit happens) away from sweeping the best team in baseball. The position this team is in is very exciting to say the least. Now with these new pieces added without losing any of the ones already in place, this team is about to put on a SHOW the next two (hopefully three) months.