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Can't see through the smug (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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Through the first two weeks of the off-season, I haven’t heard much out of the Phillies’ front office that’s made me happy. The payroll isn’t going up much, despite a year of record attendance and post-season revenues I assume they didn’t budget for but that included eight home dates, one short of the maximum possible (they didn’t need that Game Five against the Rockies, thankfully). Yet they’re looking at pricey but questionable free agent additions to the bullpen like Fernando Rodney; are evidently hot once again for aging Mark DeRosa ("he's a Penn grad" really isn't a very compelling reason to bring the guy onboard); and reportedly are planning to bring in a "defense-first" type for infield depth. That’s four "ughs" right there, all along the lines of past mistakes we’ve seen the Phillies make—in fact, they’ve made these exact mistakes in previous offseasons. Read Roberto Hernandez for Rodney, David Bell for DeRosa, and Abe "No-Hit" Nunez for whatever slick-glove guy they bring in for the bench. 

Yet I find myself unable to get too worked up about it anymore. it’s not because I don’t care; it’s because I’m now (almost) convinced that whenever my views diverge from those of GM Ruben Amaro Jr., the strong likelihood is that he's right and I’m wrong.

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Ruben Amaro Jr. is reportedly so content with the offense that Ben Francisco and Greg Dobbs can provide off the bench next year that he thinks that the Phillies should focus on defense with their other bench positions.  Here's the Inquirer's introductory take on the matter:

The Phillies will emphasize defense when working to improve their bench this off-season, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said yesterday.

While the team would love to add part-time players who can hit for batting average and power, they will "err on getting defense over offense," Amaro said.

Amaro is wrong here for two reasons that can be encapsulated with the following numbers:  .630 and .447.

First, Amaro is wrong because the Phillies as a team had an awful .186/.284/.346 triple slash line and .630 OPS last year when pinch hitting.  That .630 OPS was 12th in the NL.  Their .186 batting average when pinch hitting was 15th in the NL.  This is awful production from the bench, especially given that the bench usually comes into play in important game situations.

Second, the Phillies were 8-16 in interleague play last year (when you add in the World Series) and have a .447 overall winning record against the AL since interleague play has begun (including World Series appearances).  As was quite clear in the World Series, the Phillies suffered with the DH at Yankee Stadium and Hideki Matsui being the main pinch hit threat at Citizens Bank Park.  With a bench that's weak offensively, the Phillies will not eliminate their NL East disadvantage in interleague play or give themselves more options if they reach the World Series again.

Both of these reasons indicate the Amaro is foolish to emphasize defense over offense in his quest to fill out the bench this off-season.

But, there is one possible way that I could be less angry with this decision.  In filling the third base spot, as PhillyFriar has noted over the past week, there are players available by free agency or trade who might be offensive assets but defensive liabilities.  If Amaro were to pursue one of those players, it might be worth backing him up with a more defense-oriented infielder who can sub for the new third baseman when appropriate.

However, even this possibility would explain just one position.  Even if that were to come to pass, the Phillies need more offense off the bench.  Focusing on defense is wrong.

Thanks for your patience around here.  This is truly the slowest part of the offseason.

PARK, EYRE, PEDRO: STAY OR GO? - Philled In
Scott Lauber breaks it down.

Reports: Dodgers, Cubs stalk Martinez
If people are willing to overpay for Pedro Martinez, let them. He's worth more to other teams than the Phillies at this point, probably.

Park keeping options for 2010 open
I know we're talking negotiations and whatnot, but I really hope Park doesn't insist he's still a starting pitcher.

Phillies no stranger to awards
It's really funny how much less of a crap you give about these awards, as a fan, when your team has been going deep into the postseason.

crashburnalley.com " The Case Against J.A. Happ
Trade J.A. Happ now, while is value is (likely) at its peak?  

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More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

2009 National League Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Chris Coghlan of the Florida Marlins was named the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year today, narrowly edging out Phillies' LHP J.A. Happ for the award.  Coghlan received 105 total points and 17 first place votes, versus 94 and 10 for Happ.

Coghlan posted a .321/.390/.460 line for the Marlins, starting 120 games in left field for the Fish. 

Vote tallies after the jump...

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More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

If the Angels re-sign Figgins or sign Beltre, would they finally make Brandon Wood available? (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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On Friday, we tackled the free agent possibilities at the hot corner.  Ruben Amaro is said to be leaning toward signing a free agent, but due diligence dictates a look at potential trade targets as well.  I've tried to limit the discussion to third basemen who might actually be available (so you won't see Ryan Zimmerman listed below, sorry).

Without further ado, here's a look at how the trade market for third basemen shapes up: Brandon Wood, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Garrett Atkins, Andy LaRoche, Dan Uggla, and Alex Gordon.

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NL ROY Award in offing for Happ?
So, root for him!  Winners announced at 2 p.m. Eastern time.  Go here for results.

Philly's Wedding -- World Series Losers + A Loser - TMZ.com
I hate myself for posting this. I'm sad.

Honoring Harry | Philadelphia Daily News
A statue of Harry Kalas outside the ballpark? Fine with me.

Lidge never let on that arm was hurting
Well that's aggravating.

Yankee win might have to tide us over

It may be awhile before we see another athlete come this way like Jeter, who showed up at spring 15 years ago acting the way every parent would want his or her kid to act on the big stage, and hasn’t changed. The two-strike bunt he tried in Game 2 against the Phillies might’ve been the first dumb thing he’s done, or said, in 15 seasons.

Wipe off your chin, dude.

Ryan Madson Headlines Celebrity Bowling Event This Wednesday in Pennsauken

So, if you're in the area...

Mike Schmidt in Jupiter, Estate of the Day

If we all pitch in, like, six dollars, we could buy it and make it The Good Phight's clubhouse!

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

Could Adrian Beltre be manning the hot corner for the Phillies next year? (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

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The 2010 Philadelphia Phillies aren't likely to be all that dissimilar from the 2009 version that came within two wins of taking home back-to-back World Series titles; 7 of the 8 starting field players return, along with the top 4 starters and much of the bullpen.  Given that fact, it's obvious that general manager Ruben Amaro needn't do much to run out a title contender yet again next year.

Yet that single opening in the starting lineup is a glaring one: third base, where the Phillies haven't really found an acceptable solution since trading Scott Rolen away midway through the 2001 season.  In a city where the greatest third baseman of all time plied his trade, this is certainly a disappointing development.  Thankfully, third base appears to be Amaro's top priority this offseason, and while the term "buyer's market" may be a bit strong, the Phillies nonetheless look well-positioned to address this long-standing need.

So who's available?  There are a number of free agents that fit the bill.  Who knows how Amaro views these candidates -- TGP has disagreed fundamentally with Rube over free agent value before -- but for what it's worth, here's a look at the key free agent third basemen: Adrian Beltre, Chone Figgins, Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco, Miguel Tejada, Troy Glaus, and Melvin Mora.

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Just a few links for you today.  Enjoy your weekend.

Phillies’ Utley wins fourth straight Silver Slugger Award
Yay.

Bowa didn't change, so Phillies did
Bowa "shaped" Jimmy Rollins? I only remember that he wanted to turn him into a Junior Juan Pierre.

Phillies apparently looking at 3 for third base
Polanco at third base, about four years too late? And when was the last time he played there regularly?

New York Mets are reportedly 'absolutely in' on adding free agent Chone Figgins
OK...

NL East offseason rumblings
I object to the characterization of Javier Vazquez as "young."

Putting things in perspective: 3B, No. 7 and the GM Meetings
Scoring more runs never hurts.

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

Shocking, but Albert Pujols might win the National League MVP award this year! (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

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And the SBN bloggers roll out the last set of postseason awards... last but not least, National League Most Valuable Player.  The not-shocking results (and the ballots of jonk and me on all awards) after the jump

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More photos » by Tom Mihalek - AP

I want some Graham Slam! (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek, File)

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It's a joke of an award, and I pretty much hate it, but here we go anyway.

Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino were named National League Gold Glove Award winners today.  It's Rollins' third straight, and Victorino's second.

The rest of the National League winners: