While the Phillies count down the days before their returning warriors take the field in Clearwater, many fans are not happy with the spending of general manager Matt Klentak regarding free-agent starting pitchers.

Targeted selection:

Of three, one free agent tops the wish list for the ’19 Philadelphia Phillies: Manny Machado. And the basis for this decision is the team could challenge at that time for the divisional title, while this 162 is a stepping-stone toward contention.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.” – William Jennings Bryan

Regarding Machado, the front office will bid competitively for the left-side infielder, unless they are enthusiastic after 2018’s performances of Maikel Franco, J.P. Crawford and/or Scott Kingery. And it will also depend on Machado’s stats for ’18 because he had a difficult first half of ’17: .230 with 18 homers and 47 RBIs.

As for agents, Scott Boras doesn’t represent Machado. Translation: Boras’ reputation is asking for the top dollar and waiting for the biggest offer: He currently has 20 unsigned players.

Financially, the Phils can ink Machado and will be nowhere near the luxury-tax threshold. In other words, they can acquire additional expensive pieces to remedy their shortcomings, although pitching could be the exception if the ace is 30 years-of-age or older.

Competition for the sure-handed defender won’t come from the Los Angeles Dodgers because their money will go to Clayton Kershaw. Meanwhile, their same-city rival will be keeping Mike Trout and couldn’t do that if they sign one of the superstars of the next class.

As for the Boston Red Sox, a successful inking of J.D. Martinez won’t leave room for another big-ticket addition. However, the New York Yankees are limiting their payroll to $197 million to reset their penalty percentage for 2019; otherwise, they’d pick up Yu Darvish.

On a Phillies site, one fan posted the organization should dump Franco and get Machado because the club would have Machado, Carlos Santana, and Rhys Hoskins to provide more than enough power. Unfortunately, his strategy was for 2018.

On the other hand, another believed the red pinstripes would add two free agents for 2019, but their proposals for Bryce Harper and Machado won’t be enough. Well, if management wants Machado, they will have a solid shot because the Yankees will only be able to sign Machado or Harper.