General offseason questions
by WholeCamels
on Nov 2, 2008 12:07 PM EST
As we enter the first offseason in 28 years where the Phillies can boast a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (just love the sound of that...), it's time to look at how the team can IMPROVE next season.
1. Will the luster of a recent Championship resonate with free agents? This decade of parity has yet to produce a repeat World Championship, with the Red Sox being the only team to win twice, three years apart. So is that pull the same as it was in the past?
2. This Phillies team is pretty well set at all the key positions. They're as strong up the middle as any team in baseball, have a certified ace starting pitcher, and a closer. Glaring needs (if one can characterize them that way) are another starting pitcher (but who doesn't have this need?) and a left fielder to replace Burrell if/when he leaves.
It should be interesting. This team does not have to do a lot, and luck is a HUGE factor, but it'll be fun to see what new GM Amaro does this winter.
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Honestly, I think I’d leave the rotation alone and concentrate on left and the bullpen.
I can understand the Phillies’ dilemma with Burrell. On one hand, we’ll probably have to sign him long-term to keep him, and who knows how much longer he’ll be able to play the field competently (if he’s even able to do that now)? Plus we have Michael Taylor at AA who could be ready to start on Opening Day 2010. On the other hand, if we don’t re-sign Burrell, we’re going to have to take a big hit offensively in 2009. The FA market is pretty bare and there are no legitimate alternatives in the organization. I think Jenkins can play better than he did this year, but even if he goes back to his 2006 numbers, that’s still a big dropoff compared to Pat.
Maybe Burrell would take a two-year contract for a huge amount of money per year and with no no-trade clause. I doubt it though, no matter how big the Phillies made the number. It’s always about the years.
What should we do about Chad Durbin? He’s in his arbitration years and he’s coming off a 2.87 ERA. I guess you have to give him a tender, but that probably means we’re going to end up overpaying him.
by taco pal on Nov 2, 2008 7:30 PM EST 0 recs
I would like to think Pat feels bad for stealing the phillies money these past 5 years…but since I know that isnt the case…I can only hope he signs a long term deal for cheap money, or a short term for more. Otherwise…I think its bye bye Pat.
I am more worried about the other player on arbitration…Ryan Howard. The Phillies need to give him a contract…making him go to aribtration every year is insulting, and he belongs in Philly. If I see this guy in a Yankee uniform in a few yeras, I’ll be beside myself.
by Clyde Simmons on Nov 3, 2008 9:07 AM EST 0 recs
I would like to think Pat feels bad for stealing the phillies money these past 5 years…
What in the sam hell are you talking about?
http://www.thegoodphight.com
WHY CAN'T US?
by WholeCamels on
Nov 3, 2008 11:17 AM EST
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This is a common misconception among Phils fans. That Pat “stole” money the last 5 years. OVer the last 5 years here are Pat’s per season averages: 147 games, .261 BA, 25 doubles, 1 triple, 30 home runs, 96 RBI, 98 walks. I dont think many players in baseball can boast those averages over 5 years. HE is gonna get paid!
by schrifty on
Nov 3, 2008 12:50 PM EST
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Yeah, it’s pretty ridiculous. I guess you could say Pat stole money in 2003 when he had his one bad season, but that’s it. And he might have been hurt that year. He’s been a very good hitter every other year of his career.
by taco pal on
Nov 3, 2008 2:48 PM EST
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I say that because I really think the phillies gave him too big of a contract after 2002. He was getting better every year prior to 2003, had a breakout season ton convince the phillies to sign him long term, but then returned to a lower level of play. From 2003-2008 he batted less than .255 (I would call that average). For what he was: A power hitter who wasn’t that great of a fielder and couldn’t run for jack, I just wanted to see more consistancy and production at the plate for the money we paid him. I don’t think anyone will argue with me how frustrating it was when he was in a rut and came to bat with RISP. Its like watching Ryan Howard bat against a Lefty throwing breaking balls, you just have this feeling in your gut this isnt going to end well.
by Clyde Simmons on
Nov 3, 2008 3:30 PM EST
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Pat carried this team in the second half of 07 for the first playoff appearance since 93. Then he carried them the first half of 08 and we won a world series. An average of 30 hr and 100 RBI over the last 5 years are matched by almost no one. THis list includes Miguel Cabrera, Adam Dunn, Carlos Delgado, Manny Ramirez, ALbert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Jim Thome, Mark Teixeira, Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee, Vladimir Guerrero, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Beltran, Paul Konerko, and David Ortiz. That is pretty select company. Of those 15 players only 5 are outfielders. Pat is really in very select company. There is no chance that he gets paid less than 12-15 million per year on a likely 4 year deal. He also has been in no way stealing money.
by schrifty on
Nov 3, 2008 4:51 PM EST
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Exactly
Maybe his average wasn’t very high, but a guy who posts .850-.900+ OPSes year in year out is worth the salary we paid him in my book.
by Alon on
Nov 4, 2008 11:43 AM EST
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Pat’s gotta go, but man did the guy redeem himself with the double in game five. so what if if he had a lousy couple seasons, he came through in the one at bat where it was needed most, and i would imagine he’s gonna get quite the applause when he shows up at citizens bank park in a different uniform.
by sixrfan on Nov 7, 2008 3:34 PM EST 0 recs
He had exactly one lousy season, and it was five years ago. I don’t know where you’re finding this “couple” of lousy seasons.
by taco pal on
Nov 7, 2008 4:56 PM EST
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