The Phillies were not forced to spend $64 million last winter on six veteran players, but logic drove the decisions. Add a few older players in spots where they would not block a young one. Limit the commitments to one year. Reap the benefits both on the field and off, with a possible flip in July for a younger lottery ticket or two.
With more than a quarter of the season complete, that plan has floundered.
Clay Buchholz's season ended after two starts. Howie Kendrick has been absent for almost six weeks. Jeremy Hellickson's strikeout rate has plummeted.