While the Phillies plot 2019’s course like 27 other organizations, many fans aimlessly negotiate a roster maze with limited information to clearly understand general manager Matt Klentak’s offseason decisions.

Realistic expectations:

The Philadelphia Phillies faithful are facing another winter of sorting through the available speculation combined with their own annual evaluation from a distance. Yes, their passion can cloud their thinking with the fear management will trade or be unfair to their favorite.

IN OTHER WORDS “Aggressiveness is not the main trouble with the human species, but rather an excess capacity for fanatical devotion.” – Arthur Koestler

Beginning around mid-September, supporters of big-market franchises have a range of expectations for the next 162. Firstly, one Phils’ group names every deficiency the club has and wants everything fixed. To start, cut the errors in half and increase scoring by twenty percent.

According to these fans, the red pinstripes must add a big bat, a left-handed starter and a closer. And some even expressed disappointment because Klentak had failed to swap a handful of top prospects for Manny Machado. Basically, get to the NLCS with a shot at winning the National League pennant.

As for the first two categories, the theme is firing the GM is always an option for a perceived lack of action or victories. But the pendulum swings the other way for locals who believe the front office will only sign mid-level free agents, while the youngsters develop in 2019 for 2020. Ergo, 2018 was a mirage.

The all-or-nothing supporters are at the extremes. Because while one group wants to replace 23 players on the active roster, their opposites anticipate no changes made over the winter. Realistically, Klentak has acquired veterans every offseason since his arrival ahead of the 2016 campaign.

In fact, Double D, a poster from another Phillies site, recently expressed confusion due to overly negative or positive beliefs before the World Series is even over. Well, many fans have an emotional attachment to certain stars and disfavor regulars who performed or carried themselves below their expectations.

Waiting in a world of instant gratification is the cardinal sin no exec can avoid. Translation: The faithful get nervous in mid-November, but deals won’t usually begin popping until Dec. 10: the second day of the Winter Meetings. And each week with nothing but rumors will fuel anger with the team in this annual ritual.