Before the Phillies start wheeling and dealing begins, the groundwork for trades and free-agent signings is continuing for general manager Matt Klentak with the goal of mid-December acquisitions at the Winter Meetings.

Immediate competition:

The foundation for a multi-storied building is an important factor for a strong, long-standing structure, which houses its business counterparts.

In the NL East, winning the division in 2018 doesn’t appear possible for the Philadelphia Phillies because the defending champion has a strong rotation, decent bullpen, and an explosive offense. However, second place and a berth for the Wild Card Game is not out of reach for the Phils.

With the mid-month conclusion of the General Managers Meetings, Klentak made the necessary contacts for December’s haggling. And those powwows will hopefully produce the added pieces to the 25-man roster.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Building a baseball team is like building a house. You look for the best architects, the best builders – and then you let them do their jobs.” – “Stand Pat” Gillick

The Washington Nationals:

While the Washington Nationals have an obvious advantage to capture their third NL East crown in a row, Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy and Gio Gonzalez will be free agents after the season. So, ’18 could be a do-or-die campaign, and their financial problems are a threat going forward.

The long-running dispute with the Orioles-controlled MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) between the Washington and Baltimore franchises regarding TV revenue is out of court and back in the hands of the MLB arbitration panel.

In other words, the over $100 million in withheld payments for TV rights is the difference between the arbitration panel’s ruling in 2014 and the amount received by the Nationals.

Last summer, the red pinstripes went 8-11 against Washington, but both teams have improved since their 12th game on May 14. On the other hand, signing pricey talent is still problematic: The Nats deferred half of Max Scherzer‘s $210 million through 2028.

The New York Mets:

The New York Mets built an impressive five-man staff, but their health is another matter. That stated, their medical problems have continuously received media scrutiny for over 10 years, and it may be an approach influenced by the bottom line from the higher-ups on down. Ergo, money and expectations.

Even though the Phillies went 3-3 against their hobbled divisional foe in September 2018 is more promising at this point for the red and white versus the Metropolitans.

Yes, they still have Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, but after those two they have hurlers with average stuff, injury-plagued histories, and one former stud. The New Yorkers will need three infielders and a center fielder this offseason to rebuild their offense.