In this new dawn of Phillies baseball, the team to beat is back from rebuilding’s darkness, but improved everyday-eight production and rotation performances besides their one-two punch will deliver many contention-related answers.

GM 101:

Before Philadelphia Phillies fans began celebrating –many a doubting Thomas among them– the execs had waited for their new superstar’s decision. Now, his Phils’ teammates will probably play at a slightly higher level and have the luxury of lowered pressure with his threatening bat in the three spot.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Overcoming barriers to performance is how groups become teams.” – John Katzenbach

Regarding front officespeak, higher-ups don’t make statements they will hear about for months if things don’t work out. As it is, the faithful remind them when negotiations aren’t fast enough. Yeah, like mid-December?

In his interviews, Klentak allows for a touch of optimism with no promises attached. He mentions free agents or hints at trade possibilities without depth or comparison. Basically, he keeps you interested without the pressure of a must-produce situation.

On the other hand, president Andy MacPhail uses the old-school approach from his GM days. He states the owners want to shell out more money to give them cover but then reveals the difficulty in doing so. Yes, the organization has the dollars and the owner’s approval, but he only promises 100 percent effort.

Regarding managing partner John S. Middleton, his paraphrased comment was to maybe be a little stupid with spending. Quickly, stupid money became immediately paying the superstar whatever he wanted. You can be sure Klentak and MacPhail considered it a cringeworthy characterization.

Pitching-wise, MacPhail prefers buying the bats and growing the arms. And the final item on the wish list is a southpaw for the five-man staff. However, if the red pinstripes had a left-hander among the moundsman for three slots, would they even consider picking up a lefty now or July?

In the pen, the Phils can place two setup men on the injured list before Opening Day and still cut the veteran righty they acquired from the Seattle Mariners with Jean Segura. Granted, they’ll eat $8 million at best of the $9 million pact unless they strike a better deal. Yes, they can only carry eight of 11 decent relievers.