While Phillies fans search for answers to the 2018 rotation, their patience is in short supply regarding general manager Matt Klentak, and anything other than fixing the staff to their satisfaction is unacceptable.

Few from many:

Since the offseason prior to the 2015 campaign, the Philadelphia Phillies had three years to trade their aging veterans, audition players for most of their 25 roster slots, and field a contender. However, restructuring is moving proven stars in their 30s for prospects: The swap is quality for quantity.

IN OTHER WORDS: “I guess that’s the story of life: what you most fear never happens, but what you most yearn for never happens either. This is the difference between life and fiction. I suppose it’s a good trade-off. But I’m not sure.” – Philip K. Dick

Rebuilding is the last resort for a franchise because losing is not only painful for management and players but also the fan base. In other words, attendance drops and television viewership does as well. Yes, revenue.

When the novelty of acquiring young talent fades, the locals conclude someone is to blame for the defeats: The execs or the players aren’t doing their jobs. But restructuring isn’t cut-and-dried, doesn’t guarantee success, and isn’t on a time-schedule.

Even if stars are past their prime, they can still produce with some semblance of their glory days, and dealing them means a lot of pitching prospects with the hope of one surprise or more. Of course, no club is going to part with the best arms in their pipeline.

During 2017, Phillies fans on the Internet questioned not promoting starters from the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs at the right time. Well, Klentak looks at more than just a pitcher’s ERA. He primarily wants to know the hurler’s response to adversity.

On the other hand, a moundsman like righty Thomas Eshelman remains with the Allentown affiliate because the Phils don’t want to burn a roster slot. Only 15 MiLB stars per team have one. But not having that protection allows another organization to claim players through waivers.

Regarding significant trades, a GM’s priority is a starting catcher who will be working with the pitching staff for many seasons. So, Jorge Alfaro, specifically, was the centerpiece of the return for Cole Hamels.

In fact, all the hurlers picked up from other teams were only rotation arms. No club deals away a potential ace. No, those studs come through the minors like Aaron Nola and right-hander Sixto Sanchez.