The Offseason: 10/14/2020

Have you ever thought about who you’d like the Phillies to pattern their organizational structure after? Consider:

• They could be like the Yankees, spending their money on better scouts, better data, better everything
• They could be like the Rays, penny pinching their way to figuring ways to do things differently, yet effectively

They could be like any of these teams still in the LCS with the types of resources they have, but they look like they are increasingly becoming poisoned by an owner that has no idea what he actually wants. Sure COVID-19 is going to affect payroll next year, but it feels like John Middleton just can’t make up his mind on what he wants the Phillies to be like. Are they going to be an analytically driven organization, making decisions based on what the data tells them, or are they going to employ more “baseball people”, relying more on scouting? Of course we know that they the most effective way is to combine both of these schools of thought, but it seems like Middleton just can’t figure out what he wants to do. He better. Quick.

On to the links:

Phillies news:

• Mike Schmidt had some kind things to say about Joe Morgan after his death.
• Want to fix the Phillies’ bullpen? This is what they should be looking for.
• Matt Gelb wrote an excellent article ($) about J.T. Realmuto, his negotiations and the owner that you should really read.

MLB news:

• If the Yankees are going to move on from Gary Sanchez to someone better wink wink, it’s gonna cost ‘em.
• Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his start for the NLCS game two and it ended up biting Los Angeles.

Rumor roundup:

• Who should the Yankees be pursuing in the offseason? Here’s a look at three teams that would be fits.
• Tony La Russa
  <giggle>
  is reportedly
  <snicker>
  the White Sox’
  <snort>
  next choice to be
  <hee-hee>
  their next manager
  <AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA>