by John Ryan
While the 2009 free agency period has now rolled on for around 3 weeks, the Phillies have yet to make a move other than to trade a top minor leaguer (Greg Golson) who disappointed for someone else’s disappointment (Mayberry, Jr.) and sign an expected minor league helper (Mike Koplove). With that being said, there are some interesting names floating around the Phillies these days, some in trades others in free agency. Let’s run down some of the names being tossed around and I’ll give my forecast on whether they will land in Philadelphia anytime this year. Also, I’ll throw in some possibilities that I’ve thought would be a good fit either now or in the past. Keep in mind, my picks are all speculation and educated guesses about who the Phillies may be pursuing. Some could switch positions, play less, be a salary dump/trade (Adam Eaton for Andruw Jones anyone?) or have some good upside.
Other People’s Player’s
1.) AJ Burnett/Derrick Lowe - It was recently reported in the local Philadelphia papers that their agents were contacted. Well, I’m assuming the conversation went something like this: Agent A/B, ” Well, we’re looking for a five year deal in the neigh….wait, hello?? Is anyone there? Ruben?” Silence ensues on the other end and eventually gives way to a dial tone. The Phillies are not an organization that likes to lock up players, let alone pitchers, to five year pacts ever since Ed Wade left town. So while I’m sure they checked in with the agents, I have little doubt that none of the above mentioned players ever throws a signature sinker or fiery fastball in red pinstripes. Forecast : As Frosty as that famous snowman.
2.) Delmon Young – The Twins are reportedly quietly shopping him in order to deflect form the fact that he was a.) a major disappointment and b.) they gave up Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett. The Phillies are apparently in on Young who could represent a younger, more athletic player in left field, and has major power potential. He also would come cheap in terms of money but someone would have to be traded in order to acquire his services. If it’s in the Carlos Carassco mold, you can throw a bat to that, but if it’s someone like Kyle Kendrick (whom the Phillies are reportedly trying to gauge the value of) you can bet you’ll see him around Philadelphia. Forecast : Cloudy with potential sunshine.
3.) Jermaine Dye – The Phillies reportedly checked in with one of their favorite dance partners, Ken Williams, and may have hung up faster than they did on the phone with Burnett and Lowe’s agents . The White Sox are reportedly asking for a steep price and the Phillies have thus far balked. Forecast : Frozen.
4.) Damion Easley/Nick Punto – The Phils are shopping for a low cost, short term option while Chase Utley heals from his curse…err injury. Punto used to play for the Phils and can play all infield positions, and Easley knows the NL East well from playing on Florida and New York. Forecast : Mildly Sunny.
5.) Doug Brocail – Numbers wise, Brocail was fine last year. The problem is, he’s a type A free agent and would require draft pick compensation, and he’s 39 years old and cant pitch more than one inning, or more than one day in a row regularly. Forecast : Cloudy and potential snow storms.
Incumbents
1.) Jamie Moyer – Remember when re-signing Moyer was going to just be a formality? Well, everyone seems to be wondering where those days have gone. While he’s still probably a good bet to return, it seems as if there must be something keeping the sides from putting ink on what seemed like guaranteed paper. If it’s over years, the Phils may include an option with a buy out. It’s unknown where else Moyer would go (Seattle?) or what he would want to pitch going forward (3 years??). Forecast – Sunny with slight chance of clouds.
2.) Tadahito Iguchi – Despite poor numbers last year, the Phils brought him back when the Padres released him and they wouldn’t mind having him return again. They believe he was just injured (he suffered a hurt shoulder) and that he will bounce back and be a nice short term fit to keep 2nd warm for Utley. It will again come down to years, playing time offered, and Iguchi’s willingness towards all of these factors. Forecast : Mildly Sunny.
3.) Pat Burrell – I figured I’d include him, but it seems very unlikely that he will be back. The Phils are reportedly sticking to two years, and once the dust settles with Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixera, he and players like Bobby Abreu will have a more clear picture of their market value.
4.) Rudy Seanez – Reports are that he was very influential on the younger pitchers, and that the Phillies wouldn’t mind keeping him for one more year (maybe a minor league contract) and would love to see him in the organization when his playing days are over.
* We won’t deal with arbitration eligible player’s here, such as Clay Condrey, Ryan Madson, Jayson Werth, etc. The Phillies have their rights, and if they choose not to go to arbitration with them, they will non-tender them thus making them free agents with no compensation to the Phillies. If they tender them contracts, they can sign with another team (if 6 years of service time has been accumulated) and the Phillies will receive compensation picks, or go to an arbitration hearing and they will be rewarded a one year deal based on the arbiter’s decision.
Here are some names that have made sense in the past, or may make some sense this year based on age, skill level, position, contract, and service time: (Note: Not all are free agents) Mark Prior, Ben Sheets, Ty Wigginton, Gerald Laird, Rocco Baldelli, Juan Rivera, Mike Cameron, Placido Polanco, Gary Sheffield, Braden Looper, Kevin Mench, Octavio Dotel, Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Adam Dunn, David Weathers, Kerry Wood, Koske Fukodome, Kei Igawa, Magglio Ordonez, Andruw Jones, Juan Pierre, Brandon Wood, Nick Adenhart.
I beleive Polanco would be the perfect fit. He plays 2nd or 3rd, can bat 2nd, which they sorely need and is great in the clubhoiuse. For the offense he’s the guy. Has anyone even explored the Aaron Rowand back to Philly possiblity? Burrell goes, Rowand has his cash and again, a clubhouse leader with 20 bombs and great defense. Werth, Rowand and Victorino is a major step up. Resign Moyer and see if Carrasco’s the real deal. If not, trade him for some parts.