Are they going to, or won’t they? Before the Philadelphia Phillies play their Opening Day game on March 28, would they make a move to improve their pitching? The championship-contending team has been linked to rumours of being a free agent or trade suitor for multiple players despite not making any moves.
Though it’s unclear if the Cleveland Guardians are even considering giving up their closer in a trade, Emmanuel Clase has surfaced in trade rumours. Given that it’s unknown which reliever will play closer this season, Philadelphia has been suggested as a possible suitor.
During his appearance on SportsRadio 94WIP’s Morning Show with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie on February 7, Phillies head of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski hinted that the team would feel comfortable using several relievers to finish games depending on the matchup.
The committee method is much outweighed by the idea of having a single closing pitcher that a team designates for those tasks. Even though analytics have altered the game since the Phillies’ 2008 pennant, part of their strength back then was depending on closer Brad Lidge. Manager Rob Thomson should continue to use one reliever as a closer in 2024 in case of injuries or inconsistent play.
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