While Phillies fans panic, one rotation southpaw is a trade waiting to happen, and general manager Matt Klentak can make this deal whether or not the team is in divisional or wild-card contention.

In-season acquisition:

The Philadelphia Phillies made great strides during the offseason, but now expectations vary depending on optimism, pessimism or both alternating. Yet when stormy weather occurs, the complaining, finger-pointing and/or scapegoating begin anew with the usual quick fixes recommended.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Losing streaks are funny. If you lose at the beginning, you got off to a bad start. If you lose in the middle of the season, you’re in a slump. If you lose at the end, you’re choking.” – Gene “Skip” Mauch

After exiting a seven-game valley, the Fightins –like I said– were going to win again, but this won’t be the only rough patch before season’s end. Yes, annual losing spells are nothing out of the ordinary, so don’t get too comfortable: take nothing for granted. Or it will jump up and bite you!

Whether the Phils are in the hunt or not, they will need a rotation lefty for 2020 and beyond. Basically, Madison Bumgarner, Mike Minor, Robbie Ray and Matthew Boyd are the candidates Klentak is evaluating. But only Boyd and Minor are two-slot arms, and Boyd has 3.5 years of team control.

Presently, 2019 is the first of a four-campaign window for a World Series Championship. Many stars will be here during that time frame, and some pieces currently surrounding them will be as well. Yes, those key players will be in their prime between ages 27 through 32 in those summers.

In addition to a $2 million threshold increase for 2020, the red pinstripes will have another $24.5 million because of three departing relievers and the current $9.6 million under the competitive-balance threshold if it remains without change. But salary increases and contract extensions will require a large percentage of it.

Because the exec doesn’t have a strong left-handed starter in the minors, the plan for the deadline and/or the winter is to pick up a portsider for the five-man staff. And those options are in short supply. Translation: The sought-after hurler must come from outside the organization.

Of the four southpaws who might be available, Boyd is the only one at the beginning of his prime who fits perfectly in the four-year span of control regardless of 2019’s standings. Klentak will need a left-handed starter in ’20, no? That stated, what will it take to pry him loose from the Detroit Tigers?