Phillies have modest goals for 2017

After improving from 63 wins in 2015 to 71 in 2016, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin wants his players to aim for 81 this season.

The next step in the rebuilding process for the Philadelphia Phillies brings modest goals.

After improving from 63 wins in 2015 to 71 in 2016, manager Pete Mackanin wants his players to aim for 81 this season. The team has had four straight losing seasons.

“I don’t want to set the goal too high because I want to be fair to everybody,” Mackanin said last month. “I feel like if we can play .500 and bring it in to the first part of August where the guys start jelling and believing in themselves and getting those competitive juices flowing, I think we can be in the hunt if we get to that point.”

General manager Matt Klentak made moves to bolster the roster for 2017, giving the Phillies a better opportunity to win more games now while keeping an eye on the future by avoiding lucrative, long-term contracts.

Veterans Howie Kendrick and Michael Saunders, a 2016 AllStar in Toronto, provide muchneeded pop at the corner outfield spots. Right-hander Clay Buchholz strengthens a deep starting rotation and could be a trade chip in July.

The newcomers join a talented young core that includes All-Star center fielder Odubel Herrera, third baseman Maikel Franco, second baseman Cesar Hernandez and shortstop Freddy Galvis.

The Phillies have one of the best farm systems in baseball so several young prospects are waiting in the wings.