While Phillies fans are only looking ahead to 2018, the strategy developed by general manager Matt Klentak includes 2019 as well because the four added pieces are integral parts for two campaigns.

Details examined:

For the Philadelphia Phillies, acquiring Carlos Santana was an imperfect fit: right bat, wrong position. However, settling for something workable can be enough.

IN OTHER WORDS: “The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.” – Robert Frost

During an interview near the end of September, president Andy MacPhail recalled telling the owners to expect a quiet offseason and mentioned their disappointment. But other front offices saw through the deke and were anticipating a few surprises.

On the other hand, Klentak’s television appearances were different. He pointed out the Phils are ready for the next phase of rebuilding. Ergo, the exact opposite.

During the past two winters, Klentak signed six pitchers and two outfielders to one-year contracts, but his three new additions are for two summers or more. In other words, the GM is setting his bullpen and offense up for ’18 and ’19.

With the rotation needing improvement, Klentak’s pattern suggests a starter who is controllable for two seasons or more. But the key is to accomplish that without bankrupting the farm system. Difficult but possible.

Being creative is the current approach for execs to get an edge on other organizations. Yes, the days of moving a defensively challenged infielder to an outfield spot are expanding to solve the created problem of two players for one position.

For instance, the red pinstripes temporarily moved Odubel Herrera, a Rule 5 second baseman, to left field and then to center. Recently, the Seattle Mariners picked up Dee Gordon as a leadoff man, who’ll probably be their new center fielder. The new normal!

Klentak signed Santana because he’s a left-handed bat with power for the middle of the order. The decision-maker overpaid to fix that shortcoming. Additionally, it was doable because Rhys Hoskins had proven he could handle left field.