For the Phillies faithful, beginning the second half in first place is more than they expected in April: General manager Matt Klentak’s window of contention is a year ahead of schedule.

Plan B:

When the Philadelphia Phillies face competition going for broke this season, the cost at the trading deadline will be too steep for 2018. Fortunately, most organizations don’t have to live up to the ghosts of legends past.

IN OTHER WORDS: “It was a death struggle every day being a Yankee: you either won or you lost. There was no second place. Half of us were nuts by the end of a season.” – Jerry F. Coleman

While a sought-after slugger is now on the west coast, the Phils are formulating a new strategy going forward. Basically, the idea is to improve the five hole in the lineup, ninth-inning options and the three slot in the rotation for October. Two or three deals ahead?

For the Baltimore Orioles, the Phils had right-hander Adonis Medina on the table. He is the number-two prospect for the franchise and only behind righty Sixto Sanchez. However, the execs also expected to receive southpaw Zach Britton. Translation: Medina for two rentals. But the O’s wanted two studs for one star.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in win-now mode, and their five-for-one proposal reflects it. So, they sent five players to Baltimore: a now second-ranked prospect, a Triple-A infielder, and three minor leaguers reporting to Double-A. But the Orioles still have Britton.

For Los Angeles, the big bat is a shot of motivation for their troops to gain an advantage over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ergo, capturing the NL West is the first box to check off on their agenda. But, now, they are turning their attention to adding setup men for the seventh and eighth frames.

Despite the millions spent by the Dodgers ownership, the goal is more than just getting to the World Series this time. Yes, their management is under the gun to go all the way: It’s do-or-die time.

With the red pinstripes atop the NL East, they envision the second half with the acquisition of a difference-maker. Basically, the division is up for grabs due to injuries, a disappointing 2018 campaign for some stars, and surprises.