Phillies following course of action at Meetings

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said on Wednesday that the teams with the most successful rebuilds have stuck to their plans.

It is why the Phillies plan to stick to theirs.

It is why they have not been the proverbial “mystery team” this offseason, secretly pursuing a multiyear contract with outfielder Ian Desmond or jumping into the fray to acquire pitchers like Chris Sale or Wade Davis. It is why it is highly improbable the club will trade second baseman Cesar Hernandez, who will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2020 season, for a one-year rental like outfielder J.D. Martinez.

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It is why if the Phillies make any more transactions this offseason — and that is the plan — they are likely to acquire a utility infielder, an extra outfielder or a relief pitcher.

That big-time power bat needed to help manager Pete Mackanin’s offense? Not this offseason, unless a team decides to move one for very little in return.

“We have to identify the players that are ready,” Klentak said of the club’s young talents. “There is going to be a time when it is going to be time to sink or swim.”

The time is 2017. The Phillies need to know if Roman Quinn or Aaron Altherr are part of the future. They need to know if Tommy Joseph can replicate his 2016 success. They need to know if …

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