Today is the final day to exercise contract options across baseball and many veteran relievers will be joining the likes of Brad Lidge as free agents.
Names that are likely to come available today include Francisco Cordero, Dan Wheeler and Jon Rauch. A couple of set-up types have already been declined options, including Francisco Rodriguez, who got a $4 million buyout from the Brewers, and Chad Qualls, who will become a free agent instead of getting $6 million from the Padres. They'll join Lidge, who was declined a $12.5 million option last week.
Rumors are already swirling around Ryan Madson, who finally became the Phillies' full-time closer in 2011. The Phils are considered a strong candidate to retain his services. Even if they do, they could still be in the hunt for a set-up man. Jose Contreras and Antonio Bastardo have saved a combined 17 games and Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has suggested that the club's stable of young relievers isn't ready to handle the higher-leverage frames.
In related news, the Yankees have reportedly made a contract offer to CC Sabathia, who has until Monday to decide whether to opt out of his deal. If he does, how much do you want to bet the Phillies get involved? Aramis Ramirez declined his portion of a $16 million mutual option. The 33-year-old third baseman hit .306/.361/.510 with 26 homers … essentially Hunter Pence production at a position where Placido Polanco limped to a .674 OPS.
The Phils have about $55 million coming off the books, but a mountain of salary escalators and major decisions at closer and shortstop.
Bob Brookover suggested targeting Michael Cuddyer for an offensive stop gap for Polanco and Howard. I would mind ahving his bat. Not sure what his stats looked like this year but I always though his bat was consistent.
The fact that Sabathia may become an option for the Phils is crazy. I know any team can use pitching but I think the Phils would be wise to concentrate on signing guys that can hit and bullpen arms.
Posted by: Tim from Williamsport | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 12:56 PM
CC can hit, Tim. So, what's not to like? Just kidding.
Posted by: mainerob | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:12 PM
Aramis Ramirez at a good 2 year deal with an option might not be a bad deal. SOmeone would be willing to take Polly off of ours hands if the Phils pitch in some salery.
...on a unrelated note. I think it's time for the beerleaguer guy to pick himself up, dust it off and get ready for 2012.
That logo is sad.
Posted by: Danny Mac | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Why would the Phils be in the the mix for CC? We just declined Oswalt's option. Yes, I know CC is more durable, and he may be a better pitcher at this point in their respective careers, but he would cost more, not less. How would spending a Lee-like fortune on CC help us when we have questions at 3B, 1B (part of the season), LF, SS, and BP -- all of which will cost $$ to answer.
Posted by: GBrettfan | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:29 PM
I bet the Yankees throw money at Oswalt. They need pitching. I would love CC...I know we need hitters but wow would that be incredible...
Posted by: Get Rube A Beer | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Anyone see the new ugly Marlins hats? it looks like a cheap hotel chain's logo
Posted by: Get Rube A Beer | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:32 PM
A few thoughts:
Freddy Galvis is my SS in 2012. I love Jimmy, but I think he'll want too many years and too many dollars. I don't fault him for taking it and I don't fault the Phils for not paying it. It's just one of those things. If they upgrade offensively at a few positions (LF, 3B come to mind), they can afford to have an all-glove SS.
Ramirez is interesting. On a 2-3 year deal, it's worth it (almost regardless of the dollar amount). Polanco still serves a purpose: You should be able to fill 162 games at 2B with Ultey and Polanco...maybe.
A big "No" to any CC "involvement." No need for CC in this rotation. He's superfluous.
Unless Madson takes very little money, I let him walk. I'm not the biggest Madson fan. To be honest, I'm not a big bullpen fan. Having a high priced bullpen is a misallocation of resources if you ask me. But no one ever does.
Uh...what else? I guess that's it for now.
Posted by: R.Billingsly | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:39 PM
The Marlins are going to be the Miami Marlins in '12, right?
GRAB: Isn't the "new" Marlins logo the same thing, just with an "M" instead of an "F"?
Posted by: R.Billingsly | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:42 PM
The Marlins hat is ugly but it looks like that Marlins are being smart and marketing to Miami and Miami only. I can't say if they are doing it well but it is obviously what they are doing. They hire Ozzie they come out with this neon hat. They don't care if everyone else in America thinks they are nuts. They care if 40,000 people in Miami want to see them nightly. I don't know if it'll work.
Posted by: gobaystars!! | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:42 PM
GRAB: Never mind, I saw it. Gosh, is it terrible. What are the uniforms going to look like?
link:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/31/yep-this-is-the-new-marlins-cap/
Posted by: R.Billingsly | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:48 PM
Amaro is going to spend big money on a FA veteran closer. Valverde's option got picked up for $9M by the Tigers.
Bell supposedly wants a minimum of 3 yrs guaranteed and already rejected a 2 yr/$15-16M deal with an option from the Padres. Papelbon also wants a minimum of 3 yrs and supposedly won't take a pay cut in his annual salary from $12M this year.
Madson is going to make more than Bell and he is set up nicely for a 3 yr/$10M+ annual salary. He's arguably the best FA closer on the market & that includes Papelbon.
Next tier down includes guys like Francisco, Nathan, Capps, Cordero, KRod, and Farnsworth. Like Nathan and Francisco the most out of that group. Stay away from Farnsworth, Capps, and KRod.
Still would like to see Nathan here on a 2 yr/$11-12M deal with a 3rd year option that vests based upon IP/Saves with say a $1.5M buyout.
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 01:59 PM
I kinda like the logo.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:02 PM
I think it looks cheap and kinda stupid. I am an old school jersey kinda guy tho
Posted by: Get Rube A Beer | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:06 PM
On the new Marlins logo: Gag me with a spoon! Barrrrfffff!
Posted by: Lake Fred | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:06 PM
White Sox picked up the option on mediocre Frasor for $3.75M? With the Lopez/Affeldt signings, the market on veteran FA middle relievers starts ~$4M.
I wouldn't mind seeing Amaro resign Lidge to a 1-yr deal at $2.75-3M, sign Nathan as the closer at say $5M next year (2 yr deal that jumps to say $6.5M-$7M in '13), and try to acquire a 'Value Village' type veteran reliever at ~$1M.
One guy I would love to see in here as a veteran LOOGY is Zach Duke. His days as a MLB starter are over but he is a guy who screams 'LOOGY reliever' as he transitions to a niche bullpen role.
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Derek Lowe traded to Indians for Single-A prospect. The Phillies faced Lowe 4,307 times in the last four years.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:11 PM
I have no problem with the Marlins' logo. Like the article said, it's not as though they have an old history they are rejecting by subbing in a modern logo for a classic one. Miami is colorful, so is the logo.
Will the departure of LaRussa make a difference in the Cardinals' performance? Will Dave Duncan stay on?
Posted by: GBrettfan | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:14 PM
MG: Interesting name to throw out there. Wouldn't be surprised to see them take a chance on a couple guys like Duke, although his day's as an MLB starter never really existed, outside of 14 starts in 2005.
Posted by: Ops | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:15 PM
Elias Rankings are out for FA:
Oswalt, JRoll, and Madson are Type 'A' free agents
Ibanez and Lidge are Type 'B' free agents.
Phils will definitely offer arbitration to JRoll & Madson. Doubt they will to any of the others.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/10/official-elias-rankings.html
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:17 PM
JW - Braves traded Lowe for basically $5M in salary relief and essentially a 'bag of baseballs' because the prospect's ceiling is 'LOOGY reliever'
He's going to get creamed next year in the AL again unless he somehow makes miraculous progress with that cutter this offseason. Can't blame the Indians though for taking a flyer on a veteran starter who will give them 30+ GS at $5M. Needed to find another starter on the FA market/via trade.
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:24 PM
Ops - Yeah because Duke would come cheap. It would also allow the Phils to have Savery start the year at Lehigh giving them a little add lefty reliever depth for a system that has none right now.
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:25 PM
My crazy Phils' predictions this offseason:
- Phils either sign A. Ramirez or Reyes in a boost
I also wouldn't be surprised if the Phils trade D. Brown either although it would take some really interesting in return at 3B/SS for Amaro to bit.
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:32 PM
On Duke:
I think Cholly and Dubee used to think very highly of him, when he was in Pittsburgh. Wouldn't be surprised to see him targeted by the Phils.
I could see Chris Snyder being looked at as well as a backup catcher. Would be a younger and better option then Schneeder.
I wonder what Grady Sizemore's market will be. I could see a small market team like Seattle or San Diego giving him a shot, at a buy low/high ceiling/not much risk type of pickup.
Citi Field is bringing in the fences in 2012 too, by an average of 12 feet. Fences will be lowered at some places too.
Posted by: denny b. | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:33 PM
3 words regarding Jon Rauch: No Effing Way.
Posted by: basil fomeen | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:46 PM
I wonder if the Phils might not back up the truck for some Pirate castoffs.
Snyder at backup catcher - maybe.
Doumit for bench, pinch hitter, backup first baseman/rightfield, emergency third catcher - longshot.
Duke for loogy.
Any of those are possible. There are any number of broken down old catchers they'll likely go for instead of Kratz. Duke? No idea if they'll look at him. But Doumit in that bench role is intriguing. And he'd give the team a legitimate third catcher, which they've never really had. That would extend their bench by one player because in the past they've always been afraid to use the backup catcher to pinch hit.
Posted by: aksmith | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Other than the Sabathia-Lee friendship, why would the Phillies get involved here?
I would rather them hand the same pile of cash to Hamels than CC.
Seems like it's one or the other, not both; so why not go with the homegrown guy (who's incidentally been much better in the playoffs).
Posted by: STS | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:58 PM
I can see them bringing in Aramis Ramirez
Posted by: Get Rube A Beer | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:59 PM
Cardinals manager La Russa announces retirement
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7174263/tony-la-russa-glorious-career-ends-top-st-louis-cardinals
Posted by: J96 | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 03:25 PM
Good riddance to La Russa...I can't stand him
Posted by: Get Rube A Beer | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 03:32 PM
Wonder if the LaRussa retirement and the WS win are going to change the dynamic in STL? And if so, I wonder if Pujols is likely to stick around, or more likely to bolt? Should be an interesting offseason in "Baseball Heaven."
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 03:35 PM
I'm not wild about the Marlins new cap, but it is better than any number of caps from 1970s and 1980s.
Lake Fred: Did you like the Astros uniforms in the 1980s?
Posted by: clout | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 04:17 PM
Duke has always had better splits vs. LH than RH, but would I sign him as a LOOGY?
No.
Why? Because his career OPS vs. LH is .750. Almost any off-the-shelf LOOGY can do better.
Posted by: clout | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 04:25 PM
Zach Duke would be a solid addition for the 2012 Iron Pigs.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 04:34 PM
aksmith - We already did take a Pirates castoff, and he left such little impression that I can't even recall his name right now!
Posted by: GBrettfan | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 04:45 PM
Braves traded Derek Lowe to the Indians for a single A pitcher. Atlanta is picking up $10 million of Lowe's $15 million for the 2012 season.
Guess they really want to get rid of the guy. Don't see what's so hot about this Cleveland kid. Is he their #1 pitching prospect?
Posted by: The_GodfatherSJP | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 04:53 PM
CC is supposedly looking for a six-year deal. The Phils or anyone else would be crazy to give a guy who weighs a jelly-like 350 or so anything close to that. He's been great to this point, but I find it very hard to believe he will continue at the same level.
Posted by: Little Ollie | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 04:54 PM
Godfather, by all accounts I've seen, he projects as a LOOGY (this Cleveland prospect).
Something feels "off" about this deal.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:02 PM
Clearing out Lowe, to bring in Oswalt.
Posted by: Bedrosian's Beard | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:16 PM
Clearing out Lowe, to bring in Jose Reyes. Heard it here first.
Posted by: rich | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:30 PM
I do not think the Phils would chase CC.
Posted by: Luis | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:30 PM
If they have $ to chase CC I'd much rather them spend it on offense.
Posted by: rich | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Cholly can catch Sabathia, with Sabathia having a 15 yard head start....Hahahaha! Anyways i dont see the Phils pursuing Sabathia they already have 2 high priced starters, turned the contract of a fourth and have other pressing needs. CC will command a high amount of money, just dont see it happening.
Posted by: Luis | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Luis: I agree. It makes no sense.
Posted by: rich | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:39 PM
I have to admit that I never really warmed to Oswalt for some reason and if he signed with the Braves I could easily find myself rooting quite hard against him.
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Only way the Phillies make a move on CC is if they don't resign Hamels for whatever reason. He's actually got 1 more year of arbitration before he's a free agent. But CC is much older and will be more expensive.
Posted by: The_GodfatherSJP | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:44 PM
Last time cole was the man in Philadelphia pitching wise we won a world series. Kind of want to see what happens if you pitch Hamels in the 1 rotation spot in the playoffs next year. He really stepped up to the occasion before. Maybe Cole wants the spotlight. Give it to him.
Won't we severly handicap other teams rotations more if we go Hamels, Halladay, Lee. The other team has to throw their best lefty out game 1, then at worst, even if they decide to go with their best lefty again in the series on short rest, we always have hamels or lee to throw at them.
Posted by: mm | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:53 PM
I'd see Oswalt going to ATL before I see him going to the Yanks. Such a big deal was made about his no-trade clause and Roy being very particular in his level of comfort with his team (and Lidge's lobbying to get him to waive the NTC). I just don't see him wanting to go to NYY. ATL, though, might suit his fancy, it's a much shorter drive to Mississippi. ;)
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 05:57 PM
I agree. I think Oswalt's a southerner through and through and I don't see him feeling comfortable in NY.
I could see Nolan Ryan liking him and pursuing Oswalt for the Rangers.
Posted by: rich | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 06:00 PM
I can't see Atlanta going for Oswalt. He'll likely want too much money and his health is suspect. They don't need any more damaged pitchers.
Atlanta has great young pitching and Hudson is a true ace. Why would they spend money on an old guy who isn't likely to be any better than what they already have?
Posted by: aksmith | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 06:02 PM
aksmith is exactly right. The last thing the Braves need is starting pitching. Teheran is as close to "can't miss" as you get and they've already got Hudson, Jurrjens, Hanson, Beachy and Minor.
The Braves could use a bat, though.
Posted by: clout | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 06:19 PM
The Sox exercised their option on Scutaro so the posters who think there's no chance Galvis won't be MLB ready next season are closer to their wish.
Posted by: clout | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 06:23 PM
Clout - NOBODY thinks Galvis will be major league ready before 2013. NOBODY.
What some people think is that the money for Rollins could be better spent on a bigger offensive force or two and a closer/setup guy. And in that case, Galvis may not be completely embarrassing.
I still think they'll either resign Rollins or bring in a veteran rather than play Galvis before he's ready.
Posted by: aksmith | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 06:34 PM
I'm on the record multiple times saying that Galvis will NEVER be MLB-ready. Not for the Phillies, anyway.
I suspect we'll hear of a Rollins signing within the next couple of weeks. He's certainly doing quite a bit to further ingratiate himself with the good folks in Philly for someone who may go elsewhere.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Get ready Freddy. The fix is in.
Posted by: Meyer | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Teams starting Galvis dont contend for titles...at least not in 2012. If we were the Astros, yeah, you might give him a shot and let Jimmy walk. We're not the damn Astros.
Posted by: NEPP | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Aramis Ramirez months ago I said I'd like to see him in a phillies uniform.Was told he was terrible,couldn't field,low obp,etc. Glad to see others now considering him.
Galvis 2010 at Reading,wouldn't have given him a shot. Didn't see him this year but the hitting improved. Glove has never been an issue. Saw Stupes make it and never thought he was impressive at Reading so let's brake the mold and give Freddy a chance.Nothing vetured,nothing gained.
Posted by: jr | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 07:41 PM
CC has re-signed with the Yanks. Just announced.
Posted by: rich | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Sign Aramis up
Posted by: Scotch Man | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 08:05 PM
Sabathia...LOVE of the game.
Posted by: NEPP | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 08:32 PM
Yes get D'artagnon, Athos and Porthos too.
Posted by: Rauls grandpa | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 08:35 PM
This is the beer leaguer I know and love.
Welcome back from the doldrums of playoff losing
everyday posters.
Phanatic everyday lurker
Posted by: Patrick | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Its been a rough, rough month...where I've managed to cross several items off of my ever growing honey-do list.
I also set up a new carpentry studio in my basement which has taken up a TON of time. It used to all be in my garage but I decided I liked being able to do stuff in the winter too...and VT winters get damn cold.
I dont see us getting Ramirez or Reyes as both will be overpriced and Rube hasn't shown a tendency to go that route yet. Ibanez was overpriced but at a much lower level than Ramirez will be. Lee took less money to come here...would Aramis?
Posted by: NEPP | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 08:39 PM
One of CC's contract provisions is that he is given a hotel suite on all road trips. Not surprising, since he probably can't fit into a normal room.
Posted by: SLO Phan | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Was the philly.com article stating branon phillips a free agent accurate? Isn't he buds with Jroll?
Posted by: Pblunts | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 09:11 PM
CC back to yanks, 5/$122M
Posted by: Pblunts | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 09:17 PM
Brandon is not a FA. The Reds exercised his option.
Posted by: gobaystars | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 09:39 PM
Y'all think their hats are questionable...???
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/7/2474722/miami-marlins-ballpark-home-run-structure-what-is-that-gaaaaaaaaah
Posted by: Scott | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 09:45 PM
aksmith: "Clout - NOBODY thinks Galvis will be major league ready before 2013. NOBODY."
From R.Billingsly just a few inches above aksmith's post:
"Freddy Galvis is my SS in 2012."
One of at least a dozen of similar posts since season's end.
Posted by: clout | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Clout - NOBODY thinks Galvis will be major league ready before 2013. NOBODY.
I do. I want a slick-fielding, no-hit shortstop who's younger than (name your metaphor) who is never hurt. For all 162 games in 2012. Today.
I also want to retain Hamels, and convince Clifton (hey, ump, I GOTTA have that strike) Lee to move on.
With no salary gouge when we dump him for an established MLB-ready 2nd or 3rd baseman, or better yet, both. Let the bullets fly, but dammit, I'm sick of the Lee-love when we have cripples at both corners and at 2nd, too.
Posted by: cut_fastball | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Wait, you are serious that you think the team would be better without Cliff Lee because he came up samll in a playoff start? Do you think Howard got hurt or Rube signed Polanco to a 3 year deal because of Cliff Lee? Do you think that having Lee means Hamels is on his way out? I don't follow any of this.
Posted by: gobaystars | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 10:35 PM
There is 0% chance that Galvis is the opening day starter next year just as their is 0% that Bastardo is their closer.
Amaro right/wrong is going to sign a veteran to fill both of those roles. Only question is whether the Phils resign JRoll/Madson respectively for those roles or another FA.
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Maybe I'm a general fighting the last battle, but someone please convince me that a $150mm LH starting pitcher is worth FAR more than a sturdy and productive 2nd and 3rd baseman. TLR won it all this year with 1 good starting pitcher; a great – heck, legendary 1st baseman: and who? Rafael Furcal? David Freese? Nick ‘effin Punto? Geesh.
Younger and hungrier, with solid starting pitching and a great bullpen is a pretty good recipe. BTW, anyone who thinks Chase Utley gets better next year…
Posted by: cut_fastball | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Re: LaRussa
Why is everyone acting like it is completely shocking he retired? He just won his 3 WS, is 68, has had some health issues the last few years, and was faced with the real possibility that Duncan & his best player (Pujols) would not be back next year.
Very few people are accorded the possibility of going out on top on their own terms. LaRussa was smart enough to take advantage of that opportunity.
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 10:56 PM
The Reds have declined a 12 million dollar option on closer Francisco Cordero, making him a free agent.
A lot of closers are on the market this year. Might make re-signing Madsen easier, driving his price down?
Posted by: rich | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 11:01 PM
cut_fastball: Lee was incredibly valuable all season. Remember the 6 shutouts?
rich: Unfortunately, Amaro's M.O. is to be a first-mover. I expect the Phillies to be among the first to sign a closer and I expect the teams that wait on a closer to find plenty of bargains.
Posted by: DH Phils | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 11:10 PM
Sox interviewed Mackanin and this caught me as a strange answer:
"Mackanin described himself as both a players’ manager and a disciplinarian.
“I think you have to have an element of both sides of that in order to be a good motivator,” he said. “To me, it’s like the way you handle your kids. I used to tell my son, I wear two caps, one has a ‘D’ on it, one has a ‘P’ on it. One is for Dad, the other is for Pal. When I have the ‘P’ cap on, we’re pals; when I put the ‘D’ cap on, you do what I tell you.”
Is it me or does this answer make little sense? Can't say I have been impressed by Mackanin during his tenure here either when he has taken over for Cholly after he gets tossed with some of his tactical in-game maneuvers or his interviews. Wouldn't mind seeing him get the job and the Phils promoting someone else to the bench coach role.
http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/red_sox/index.php/2011/10/31/pete-mackanin-who-wouldnt-want-to-manage-the-boston-red-sox/
Posted by: MG | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 11:12 PM
If we have $55 million to work with, effectively, that's what, 7-10 mil for salary increases?
Leaves some 40-45 million to fix our holes. $30 mil is going to Rollins and Hamels to resign them. Reyes will be way overpriced and there really aren't any good options after Rollins. Furcal is an injury liability and no other free agents hit well in the position. Who else would you want? Barmes? Cabrera? Jack Wilson? You've got Rollins, who's a better defender than Furcal, and that's it.
Given Galvis' poor bat, I'd be much more comfortable signing Rollins to a 4 year deal and bringing Galvis up as a utility man. Hell, kid needs to spend time at AAA before we can really evaluate his offense. Figure Galvis or Mini-Mart replace Valdez.
As poor as Polanco's production was, I don't see anyone on the free agent list other than Ramirez who's any better. Ramirez will probably get a 3 year deal from somewhere (lots of teams need 3B help) but I don't see how we can afford him. We'll have $10-15 mil, maybe, to get bullpen help, a backup catcher, and another bench player to spell LF/1B.
And please don't argue with me on that last point. The salary limit for the Phillies is $175 million. Period. We're not spending any more. We are not the Yankees. You may not argue that we have to go over that line. That's the budget, that's the limit, effing deal with it.
Posted by: The_GodfatherSJP | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 11:52 PM
Another offseason of BLers saying "no way X will happen"...I especially love the over-the-top jerkiness of this attempt.
Posted by: Bedrosian's Beard | Tuesday, November 01, 2011 at 12:09 AM
cut_fastball,
Cliff Lee picked an incredibly bad time to blow a four run lead. Not something he normally does, and not something I would bet on him doing again.
On Utley, even at this past year's level, the guy is still a good second baseman. And for the record: My feel is he will almost certainly never be the Utley of 2007-2009. But he has an entire winter to rehab, will work extremely hard (without doubt), and barring further injury will come into spring training in top shape. He's had a pretty tough two years. Could he regress further in 2012? Sure anything can happen, but I would not bet on it.
There are enough other moving parts that are more pressing to address without upsetting the Lee and Utley applecarts.
Posted by: Bob | Tuesday, November 01, 2011 at 08:38 AM
Polonco hasn't made it through a full season without a debilitating injury sapping his bat by the end of the year. He's great when he's healthy, but he's only healthy 1/2 the time.
Posted by: Jbird | Tuesday, November 01, 2011 at 08:48 AM
cut -Do you really think this Phils team isn't hungry? Halladay and Lee took less money to come here just because they want a championship. Younger does not equal hungrier and I am sick of hearing people insinuating it does
Posted by: Mike S. | Tuesday, November 01, 2011 at 09:06 AM
I always heard older people ate less. And they like to eat early. Can we get verification on this, Old Phan?
Posted by: Rauls grandpa | Tuesday, November 01, 2011 at 09:46 AM
Yo, newer thread
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Tuesday, November 01, 2011 at 10:05 AM