They're out of it though. The games behind matters less than the fact that they are behind three teams instead of 1. I'm starting to think Arizona may take it. I simply can't imagine the Phillies playing above .500 for the next 17 games (even 9-8 would be a surprise, and not good enough).
But I hope I"m wrong!
I don't think Klentak will sign any of these relievers as free agents prior to the Rule V draft. But Hughes has a relatively cheap option ($2.75 million) and Morin can be tendered. You let Parker and Vincent go.
Similar situation with Vargas and Smyly. The Mets have already paid $2 milllion to cover Vargas's buyout so you can either let him walk or give him $6 million. That's a somewhat more significant amount if you think he will sink to 6th starter or long reliever. If you let him go, maybe you lock up Smyly cheap instead.
