Now That the Dust Has Settled
November 9th, 2009 by Jason Weisbecker
Is it safe to come out yet? Now that most of you phanatics have had a chance to calm down and have a nice cry, it’s time to take a look forward. For my first blog, I would like to look towards the off-season and our wish lists. What do you want the front office to bring you for Christmas? What’s the biggest need? Would you add to the rotation by jumping into the Lackey sweepstakes? Would you make a splash by luring Pettite to Philly? Or would you go low risk high reward after a Rich Harden? Maybe your wish list includes fixing the pitiful bench. Do you want Marco Scutaro or maybe a Coco Crisp? How about Eric Brunlet I am sure all of these names will be mentioned and many more. But for now I am not interested in the so-called experts opinions. I want the fan perspective.
As for me, I believe that they could use at least one more starter. Perhaps Rich Harden, would be a nice replacement for Pedro. Obviously, Lackey would instantly give this team the best rotation in baseball, but most likely is wishful thinking. This goes without saying, but they have to extend Cliff Lee, yesterday. They absolutely must upgrade their depth. Ben Francisco and Matt Stairs are not going to cut it. This is where they could go after a Marco Scutaro or even former Penn QB Mark DeRosa, although he would fill the need at the hot corner full time. I am sure there will be talks of Adrian Beltre, which would be a significant upgrade offensively. Any of those players would upgrade an already very good team. I expect names such as Chone Figgins and Jose Valverde to also pop up. Valverde would immediately stabilize a struggling back end of the bullpen and make them even better.
This team also needs to find another outfielder, maybe not for this year, but Raul isn’t getting any younger. To recap, I believe that the Phillies biggest off-season needs are (in no particular order) bench depth, at least one outfielder, a third basemen, another starter and some bullpen help. With a stronger bench and a steadier bullpen, Philly may have been celebrating their 2nd straight World Championship!!!
Posted in Phillies | 7 Comments »
November 9th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Lackey would put this staff over the top, so would Roy Holiday. The team has the money after two straight World Series trips so I say do it. I doubt it happens though. But yea man, that bench needs a change. Stairs and his .110 average won;t cut it.
November 9th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Adrian Beltre’s ops was actually worse than Pedro Feliz so for the money he would not be an upgrade.
November 9th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
The money needs to go into extending Lee and Werth. From there get a bench. With Drabek in the minors I don’t think the Phils need to spend big money on pitching. Just keep what they got and hope Lidge is better. He can’t be worse.
November 10th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Welcome to the Philly sports seen. We do need to add additions to the bench. Also a decent back up Catcher. Offer Feliz less money and he might come back. Otherwise try to sign Beltre. Defencely Feliz is fine I think they ARE LOOKING FOR MORE POP. The starting pitching is what it is. They will not take on any more contracts. Wip rummer today. Hammels & Victorino for Roy Halliday. Interesting but very risky.
November 10th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Thus far I like the wish Lists…I forgot to mention a back up catcher. I believe a player such as Greg Zaun would be a nice addition or even a Yorvitt Torrealba. I honestly do not believe they should try to trade for Holliday. Cliff Lee was an absolute steal and with Hamels and Happ you may not need another big name. Blanton will be the 4th starter and then maybe sign an innings eater until Drabek is ready..I am interested to know what you all want to do about the Left Field position, (maybe not this year but very soon) back end of the bullpen help and more bench depth?? Keep the List’s coming…
November 10th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
The Phillies can fix their 3B spot and the need for a hitter who doesn’t strikeout with one move. Bring back Placido Palanco. THe guy was a stud and the team should have never got rid of him.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:14 am
That is a very interesting scenario. If Placido Polanco is comfortible moving back to third base, that would be a very nice fit for the Phils. However, it depends what you are expecting out of your third baseman. Defense will most likely not be an issue, as he won a gold glove yesterday for his play at second base. But, if the Phils are looking for power at the hot corner this is not there guy. Polanco will bat around .300 and bring some more leadership to this team. So far, this may be one of my favorite off season potential additions…