At the risk of trying to suggest I understand the thinking of the Phillies in general and Dombrowski specifically. these first two picks indicate to me an even more interesting scenario, and thats just how these first two picks might have more than a little to do with the upcoming trade deadline and just who the Phillies believe they will have to move in order to acquire the player they really want.
Almost everyone understands that THIS is the year they are all in, they are absolutely going for all the marbles this year after two near misses. And to me, based on everything I have always observed about Dombrowski, in the years that he truly felt were THE years, [Florida in '97, Red Sox a few years ago] he was not at all averse to moving top minor leaguers for proven major league talent that could help push his team over the top.
Now, he is not trading Painter, thats not happening, and I can't see them moving Miller, who is poised to take an infield spot in a few years. This leaves me with one other candidate, a guy we know other teams ask about...Justin Crawford. My guess is that DD feels he will have to deal Crawford if he hopes to acquire a top talent at the deadline, someone like reliever ace Miller of Oakland. I don't think it was coincidental that Crawford was moved to Double A this week. By doing this, the Phils were signaling to other teams that he is merely a phone call away [witness Rojas last year.]
Look, I understand that the major league draft bares almost resemblance to basketball or football, these draftees are years away. BUT, as Triple A becomes less important, and players are graduating to the major leagues at an ever increasing early stage in their development, I could see DD using this as a hammer when considering whether to move Crawford or not, "hey, he might well be your center fielder by next summer". The talk for someone like Miller to be acquired was about 3-4 top prospects. DD is not doing that. But Crawford and one other prospect might get you a Miller. Truth be told, only DD knows A] what he wants and B] what other teams want in return.
But I believe the Phils have come to the belief that in order to get the guy they want Crawford is going to have to go. And with their first two picks yesterday they A] fortified that potential hole left if/when he is moved while B] be reasonably content with the two players, at their likely cost, that they drafted.
Dombrowski has never worked in a vacuum and unlike some past Phillie GMs, has shown he can walk and chew gum at the same time. Let's see what happens next but I remain convinced that these two picks were related if only somewhat top what they think they will be losing in the next two weeks.
