The Philadelphia Phillies are clear favorites to win the World Series, according to one of the most notable Major League Baseball insiders in the business.
Following the trade deadline on Tuesday night, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale published a report announcing the winners and losers from the deadline. In the piece, Nightengale lauded the Phillies’ moves and predicted that they will win the franchise’s third championship this fall.
“The Phillies are the most complete team in baseball, and favored to win the World Series,” Nightengale said.
“No one goes for the jugular like Dave Dombrowski, Phillies president of baseball operations. Sure, he loves prospects like everyone else, but he refuses to let prospects stand in the way of a World Series.
“The Phillies needed a closer … and didn’t hesitate … to land Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estevez (who hasn’t given up a run since May 28). They also sent their 10th-best prospect packing for Chicago White Sox reliever Tanner Banks. They also needed a right-handed hitting outfielder, so hey, why not acquire Austin Hays from the Orioles for reliever Seranthony Dominguez?”
Nightengale is not the only analyst who has sung Dombrowski’s praises in recent years. It is difficult not to love Dombrowski’s consistent willingness to stick his neck out and risk overpaying for moves he feels will help the Phillies contend. Philadelphia was in the mix for a variety of bullpen options at the deadline and would have landed another stud had Dombrowski not pulled off a deal for Estévez.
Dombrowski is the sort of general manager that fans appreciate. He’s built a Phillies juggernaut that, at the very least, should be considered the favorite to come out of the American League.
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