Recently, the Phillies indicated by free agents, pursued and signed, and general manager Matt Klentak’s reluctance to move salary for secondary pieces instead of difference-makers is revealing.

Detectivelike analysis:

For many Philadelphia Phillies fans, lack of a stellar rotation is a season-ending debilitation and guarantees an also-ran campaign. But 2008’s five-man staff was an exception to the rule. To some, though, only the rule exists.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Fear is the foundation of all human limitations.” – Benny Urquidez

While many locals bemoan the lack of offseason transactions, they miss Klentak’s approach: quality, not quantity. In fact, he inked two of three known targets. But the miss would have increased payroll to roughly $4 million AAV (average annual value) over the $208 million limit with no indication to avoid July deals.

Sometimes, fans blame the pitching and/or hitting coaches when the stars slump or are struggling. But when the coach is irrelevant, the player then has good starts or has six hits in four games after 17 knocks in 40: Roman Quinn after a fired coach. And Zach Eflin was again enjoying the success of his first three months.

If they are atop the division or on a solid run in July, management will deal decent prospects –not Alec Bohm or Spencer Howard— for standouts to plug holes. But don’t expect the best players for a wild-card shot if the Fightins are a .500 squad.

In 2019, many locals overestimated the red pinstripes’ ability to win the division and are now envisioning only two starters and nothing else. However, ’20 is not an automatic duplicate of injuries and down second-half performances with an additional bat and arm. Plus the Phils’ upcoming 162 isn’t a foregone conclusion.

Even though Klentak could swap Jay Bruce and *Odubel Herrera to clear payroll space of $18.1 million AAV, their names didn’t surface in any reputable winter rumors. Yes, Bruce is a bargain as a bench bat and temporary fill-in, while moving Herrera would be selling low and not reestablishing his value in the first half. *DFA’d to test market

In December, the execs were likely offering a top-tier fireman $7 million, and their current $204.6 million AAV would increase to $211.6 million AAV and exceed the $208 million CBT (competitive-balance threshold) with a 20 percent penalty on $3.6 million. And July’s deals could increase the AAV by an additional $12-20 million.