Phillies Links Post, December 27th 2013

Only two players are projected to have at least 3 fWAR: Cliff Lee (4.5), and Cole Hamels (4.1).

Jonathan Papeldone? by Jason Collette at Fangraphs:

While Papelbon’s numbers line up with the average figures for his peers, his salary is anything but average. Papelbon certainly retains the ability to be an effective closer for Philadelphia, or perhaps another team over the next two to three seasons. That said, the market certainly views the pitcher differently than he was when he signed his current deal two years ago.

Even if the Red Sox thought they could bring Ellsbury (something of a mystery prior to 2013) back in 2014, they would still be counting on a group of not-terribly-young part timers and Bradley to fill two outfield spots.

With Victorino on board, however, the Red Sox had an important role filled both in 2013 and beyond. As noted above, for 2013, Victorino could be expected to hold down right field, and also play center in case Ellsbury got hurt. Having plus defense in both center and right also mitigated the issue of having, say, Gomes getting significant time in the outfield. There is no need to go on at length about 2013.

Dave Cameron compares the Yankees' signings this off-season to those of the Rangers, including the latest deal for Shin-Soo Choo:

When you combine it with the questionable decision to take on $138 million in Prince Fielder’s contract, the Rangers have aggressively spent on two flawed, declining players who aren’t really stars. Both are good, above average players, and each projects for about +3 WAR next year, but I don’t know, I think $270 million should buy you more than an expectation of about +6 WAR and some serious decline afterwards. They both make the Rangers better, but almost any combination of $270 million in spending would have made the Rangers better, and I think there are a lot of combinations that would have been preferable to the route they ended up taking.

I link this article because I think it's interesting. I have to admit that my initial reaction is that exceptions happen (no surprise), but YMMV: Looking for Bias in Top 100 Prospect Lists

DON’T REWARD MANAGERS OF PED CHEATS by Murray Chass. Hmm...

Alternate baseball, chapter six -- reimagining the 1981 season without the strike (the Phillies do well)

Phils pin hopes on prospect Aaron Altherr from Matt Gelb

Finally, awesome infographics, including this one:

MLB Hall of Fame Voting Trajectories

And this one from Phil Roth:

MLB Past and Future Payrolls

And from Craig Robinson of Flip Flop Flyball:

Arbol de Beisbol

And along these lines, but not necessarily baseball-related (although two of the above are included)...

The 12 Best Sports Infographics of 2013