Philadelphia Sports Blog

IS ANYBODY GOING TO MISS PAT GILLICK?
DIDN’T THINK SO!
By John Leon

Once again the Phillies shoot themselves in the foot. They acquired Matt Stairs for a prospect and correct me if I’m wrong but don’t they need some arms? Now, Stairs is a professional hitter and make no mistake about that, but once again “Stand Pat” didn’t address what the Phils actually needed. All he is, is another Russell Branyan.

They got a hitter that fits perfectly into the mold of what they already have, a home run threat that strikes out a lot, has little or no speed, is left handed and plays 3 positions, outfield, first base and pinch hitter. Do you think that maybe they could have acquired a speedy player that might help create some runs, instead of getting another one of what they already have?

In my opinion, Pat Gillick has not done what he was paid to do and that’s to help improve the team. They were good already and they had a pretty good bench that Charlie Manuel has used almost every game, but they are lacking something and that’s another arm out of the pen. “Everyday” Eddie Guardado was available and the Twins picked him up. Do you mean to tell me that the Phils were not in the running for an experienced arm like him and if not, then why? The Twins picked him up for some minor prospects and God forbid if they have to give up one of their prized arms. If you’re not going to bring them up now for help, then when? 2-3 years from now? Gillick will be in the rear view mirror and who knows what the Phils roster will look like by then?

Gillick said before the season that this would be his last and if last impressions are the best, then he better do some spin doctoring. This is abysmal they way the “Gang that Couldn’t Shoot Straight” has allowed this to take place. Ryan Madsen is this year’s Geoff Geary and I swear if I see him in another game, I’m going to start calling Charlie the “Willie Randolph clone”. Randolph had a thing for Guillermo Mota and ran him out there every game, in hopes that he would get him out of jams. Instead he threw gas on the fires and helped the Phils catch the Mets last year. Madsen is starting to take on those Mota looks.

Are they going to hope that Fabio Castro can help? Why couldn’t they swing a trade for Mark Kotsay, a speedy outfielder that can create some havoc and is very good defensively? Pat Gillick and David Montgomery, please pick up the white courtesy phone, your 15 minutes are up.

Retirement can’t come soon enough for Gillick and maybe Montgomery will follow, but let’s hope they find a GM with some cujones that can be creative and get some players in that actually make sense for the Phils. Otherwise this will be just another team that teases championships but never gets over the hump, leaving the Phillies Fans to wait yet another year.