Adding a power bat to the middle of the order for August, general manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies wants to know if the Triple-A first baseman/left fielder is the genuine article.

Power and Competition:

With versatility, you can increase your options to solve multiple problems with just one adjustment that sets off a domino effect.

As Rhys Hoskins, Scott Kingery, J.P. Crawford and Dylan Cozens become closer to being ready for the major leagues, the front office is considering more than switching Hoskins to left field. In other words, the view of fans, many writers and media personalities is not thorough. Ergo, Klentak’s opposite. Many moving parts are in the works.

Regarding the chances of the three top prospects, Hoskins is primarily a first sacker but Tommy Joseph is productive. And the same situation occurs with the double-play combos for the red pinstripes and their Allentown affiliate. Yes, while Kingery may only need three more months to earn a promotion to the majors, Cesar Hernandez is a solid leadoff man. And although Crawford is making some noise with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Freddy Galvis is a defensive wizard who provides enough offense to warrant a starting role.

Having three home run hitters is preferable if they slot right, left and right in the middle of the starting nine. But the three right-handed bats of Maikel Franco, Joseph and Hoskins are only a temporary fix due to left-side hitters Odubel Herrera and Nick Williams separating them. Yet keep in mind, this alignment would fill lineup holes three through seven. And the other spots would basically be Hernandez (1), Galvis (2) and the catcher (8).

While looking over their reports for their director, two scouts speculated about Hoskins and Joseph. Yeah, if Hoskins lives up to his potential – one pointed out – it might not be Joseph who would lose his job. It would be Franco. Do you mean Hoskin’s power would replace Franco’s? Yes.

In the pipeline – Paul, the other scout, stated to Joe – we don’t have a third base replacement for Franco. Yes, Kingery is a possibility if he can handle the hot corner at Triple-A next April and May. Or, Joe replied, Galvis could slide over there with the promotion of Crawford in September or next summer. Joe, Paul agreed, you know you might be right.