As we peruse through what has been happening with the Phillies in the last three months, much has
happened, and there is much to understand.  Nothing remains static in this world, and the Phillies are 
no example.  Trades have been made, signings will occur, and there will be major and minor changes in 
the way the Phillies do business.  Since more transactions will be made, and it's important to understand 
what to do with this new information.

     Let's take the example of all the new minor leaguers that the Phillies received in the trades for Cole 
Hamels, Ben Revere, Jonathan Papelbon, and Ken Giles.  The Phillies have a responsibility to market 
these new players, and everything we're hearing tells us that some of them will be cornerstones for the 
future.  We're hearing about pitching, and where also hearing about how youth is involved in the new 
movement forward.  This is all wonderful information, and if even half of it pans out, there could be a 
reasonable turnaround in Philadelphia.  On the other hand, what if things don't work out?  That's an 
entirely different story.  How then, do fans determine if the information they are hearing is accurate?

     The answer to the question is actually quite simple.  There is a simple process that makes identifying 
quality information an intelligent enterprise.  Here's how it goes:

1.   Listen to the initial report.  The watchword here is listen.  That doesn't mean make decisions based 
on the initial report.  It also doesn't mean becoming emotional and jumping to conclusions.  It only says 
listen to what's being said.

2.   Now, we wait.  Any newsworthy report starts with an initial presentation, but then it needs to be 
followed with factual information.  We never get that in the initial report.  It's too early for quality. 
So, initial presentation tells us that we have a reasonable number of quality prospects, and that many 
of them could step into big-league roles.  That sounds wonderful, but all kinds of things can happen, 
so before we rush out and buy tickets to what's being presented as possibly competitive, we need to 
wait and see how these prospects develop.

3.   Now, we get more facts.  We watch and see what develops, and we make some decisions about 
whether or not it supports the initial report.  There are always indicators along the way, and the key to 
understanding them is not to make decisions about the initial report too early.  Give it time to develop 
see where it goes.

4.   Now, since we have additional facts, we wait again.  This allows us to more closely scrutinize what's 
developing, and the way it's all being handled.  In the end, we want the product were supporting to meet 
our "lofty" standards.  This allows us enough time to see if that's actually occurring.  This is where the 
organization, now charged with the responsibility of carrying out what was reported initially, makes its plan 
come alive.  This is also where we make our determination about the credibility of the initial report, and the 
ability of the organization to deliver what's being promised.

5.   Now, with an initial report being rendered, providing it with enough time to develop, acquiring all the 
facts, and then determining if what is taking place coincides with those initial reports, we can make a 
decision about whether or not we want to support the movement forward.

     Making intelligent decisions, with factual information, and also being patient enough to let the plan 
develop, not only keeps fans from being led down an inaccurate path, it also has a reciprocal effect with 
the organization.  When the sellers know that the buyer will closely scrutinize all information, the sellers 
not only wants to report facts, but they want to become more efficient with regard to their ability to deliver 
what they promise.  That reciprocity, very often, helps pave the way for a more efficient organizational 
level of performance and that quality product we all want.

     There is always a reciprocal nature between the person presenting information, and the person receiving 
it.  If the person receiving the information learns to be patient, acquires the facts, and then makes intelligent 
decisions, the person on the reporting end learns how to increase their level of accuracy.  That's what we're 
looking for as fans in Philadelphia.  We know that we are a viable part of this organization, and our willingness 
to become more efficient with our part of the plan will increase the organization's efficiency regarding their 
end of things.

     So, how we you fan?  We scrutinize patiently.