If the Phillies want to win their first World Series since 2008, they are going to have to address two familiar bugaboos. The bullpen has once again been a work in progress, as Jordan Romano has failed to replace departed closer Jeff Hoffman and lefty specialist Jose Alvarado will be ineligible for postseason play after receiving an 80-game PED suspension.

The trades happen suddenly, and often with little or no warning. Said Brandon Marsh: “I get brought into the office, shook hands, and there it was.”