With the new year ahead for the Phillies, hopes, dreams, and wishful thinking are spread unequally from the “it’s a no-brainer” fan to the doubting Thomas in the crowd, but soon winter will turn to spring with windblown homers and a parade of hopefuls and veterans.

Asking price aside:

While the front office of the Philadelphia Phillies pieces together their Opening Day roster, fans have secure solutions for consideration. On the other hand, money is no object unless you’re paying the bill or responsible for the success of your decisions.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Yes, risk-taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking.” – Jim McMahon

Regarding the rotation, the Phils have Aaron Nola and a handful of moundsmen for the other four spots. Even Jerad Eickhoff must earn a slot due to his difficulties last summer.

When the faithful consider free-agent hurlers, their favorite is Jake Arrieta. And they believe acquiring him should be the top priority for general manager Matt Klentak. Bar none!

As December draws to a close, the locals are growing impatient with management’s perceived foot-dragging. The only thing Klentak has to do is to outbid other franchises for Arrieta’s services, meaning what exactly?

Well, the dickering will begin at $160 million because Arrieta’s agent has stated that as the pitcher’s value. He wants $25 million for each of six campaigns.

However, Scott Boras is representing the ace, and he has the reputation of squeezing every dollar out of any organization willing to pay for the privilege. And he has invented some competition on occasion to raise the price.

Why not just pay the asking price? Well, Mr. Boras will realize he’s dealing with a novice and tell the GM he has a better offer elsewhere. Translation: $180 million for Arrieta.

On the information superhighway, many comments expressed familiar themes. For instance, Arrieta and Nola would be a solid one-two punch. And the red pinstripes could land a Wild Card spot by inking the star.

In fact, many believe it makes no sense to spend $60 million for Carlos Santana and not go all in. Otherwise, adding the first baseman was a fool’s errand. But spending $160 million for a one-game playoff isn’t smart either.