Phils Will Look Inside First This Offseason

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Mon, November 03, 2008 12:40 PM

As most of us get back to work and real life for the first time since Wednesday afternoon, the Phillies get back to business. Welcome to the offseason.

The Phils made their first moves of the offseason, moves which were also Pat Gillick’s last as general manager. They declined the options of outfielder So Taguchi and reliever Tom Gordon, assuring they won’t join the 2009 Phillies.

As we begin the offseason and Ruben Amaro Jr. assumes the role of general manager, few other players will be cast aside from the 2009 roster. Currently the Phils have five free agents: infielder Tadahito Iguchi, outfielder Pat Burrell, starter Jamie Moyer and relievers Scott Eyre and Rudy Seanez. Burrell, Moyer and Eyre have expressed a desire to return to the defending world champions; only Burrell remains a lofty possibility. The veteran has already declined an initial two-year offer for $22M.

If Burrell leaves, that opens an outfield spot and a substantial offensive spot — right-handed power bat. Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz would remain the only true right-handers capable of a 20-HR season. With a stacked left-handed offense, the Phils need balance from the right side.

The Phils could re-sign both Moyer and Eyre cheaply enough. The latter is a necessity — having a second left-handed arm in the bullpen opens JC Romero and makes opposing managers think twice about lineups. The former isn’t so much — while Moyer proved fantastic in 2008, it’s still a lot to ask the 46-year-old to duplicate his success. Meanwhile, young arms JA Happ and Carlos Carrasco wait to take rotation spots in 2009, and don’t forget about Kyle Kendrick. Iguchi and Seanez aren’t big deals, but both could be had on the cheap and would probably fit nicely as AAA-level veterans.

Currently the Phils could use another arm or two for insurance purposes. A dominant arm of the CC Sabathia level isn’t a necessity, but would send a message that the champs are squarely ready to defend. More than likely I see the Phils lining up a back-end starter or extra reliever.

But the focus of this offseason is twofold. Burrell is the prime matter, and that result will dictate how the Phils attack further. The other matter is the financial health of the present roster. Look more for extension talk (Cole Hamels, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth) and arbitration mutterings (Ryan Howard, etc.) as this offseason turns.

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34 Responses to “Phils Will Look Inside First This Offseason”

Phil Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I think the Phillies need another right handed power bat to replace Burrell or bring Burrell back. They need a top of the rotation starter. That’s all they really need. I guess they could use another outfield bench guy. Roster next year should be this.

Infield
Howard
Utley
Feliz
Rollins

Outfield
Victorino
Burrell/or replacement
Werth

Catcher
Ruiz
Marson

Rotation
Hamels
Other starter
Myers
Moyer
Blanton

Bullpen
Durbin
Romero
Eyre
Lidge
Madson
Condrey
Seanez or someone else

Bench
Dobbs
Jenkins
Stairs
Bruntlett
Coste(maybe)
Golson(maybe to replace Taguchi)

Then you’ll have people waiting in the wings
Donald
Carrasco
Happ
etc.
pb Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Did anyone see Eskin on NBC 10 last night? Eskin said that some time prior to Manny deal the Dodgers and Phillies had a trade worked out involving Ryan Howard but the Dodgers backed out at the last minute.

We would’ve got James Looney amoung others.

I’m not fan of Eskin’s but he does usually have a lot ligit sources
JimC Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
We all dogged gillick for not making the big trade but obviously we didn’t need it. Can’t wait for next season I really don’t know what do with myself at night. Sixers, flyers and eagles don’t make up for the phillies. Ruben has a lot on his plate cant wait to see how he handles it. I wouldn’t want to be in his spot but well see how he does. Burrell’s most lkeley out of the question. He’s not going to come back for 2 years this is going to most likeley be his last big contract. Time 2 sit and wait
Bruce Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
If there is any truth to that which I doubt, we should be grateful to the Dodgers for refusal of the trade. I can’t begin to imagine that Gillick with his lauded reputation for wisdom in handpicking a trade, would even consider one that you described with the Dodgers.
SJ Mike Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Unrelated, but found this interesting.

TMZ has video of Hamels being escorted out of Letterman for protection. He was getting booed by Mets fans there and harrassed by this incredibly bizarre cameraman asking rather disturbing questions such as where the Phillie Phanatic changes.

http://www.tmz.com/2008/10/31/world-series-mvp-tossed-in-cop-van

And once again, Philly is supposed to be a hostile place?
Groty Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I’m curious to see how the Catcher position pans out.

Ruiz, Coste, Jaramillo, and Lou Marson.

This’ll be interesting.
Chutley Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I think we need to keep Burrell. No other out fielder puts up his kind of numbers consistently. You can make a case for Manny but he’s too expensive. And i think this year showed us that you don’t need all that superstar Drama to win. Offer Burrell 3 years $34 Million
erik Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
that is exactly what burrell is looking for. friday, as his carriage was stopped in front of me, a bunch of fans were chanting “1 more year, 1 more year”. burrell looked right at them and said i want 3 and i want to stay here.
Phil Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Burrell deserves 3 years. Give him an offer of 3 years $30 million. If he declines bum it to $36. If he declines that give him $39. He’ll eventually bite. You can also see if he’ll do 3 years $30 million with an option for a 4th year.
MA Phanatic Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
i’m interested to learn about any offseason plans to land Holliday. I know the Phils and Rockies had some talks in the works, so it’ll be interesting to see if Amaro builds on those discussions.
Chutley Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I like the option for the fourth year. And i think an incentive based contract wuldn’t be bad. it would give him reason to work hard (look what he did this year being in a contract year) and would save the Phillies some money if he didn’t.
Chutley Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
WE need more starting pitching Any thoughts on who to get or go after?
Chase Mutley Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Holliday is a stretch because you’ll have to give up the farm to get him and there’s very little chance that he’ll sign here when up for FA and will split for NY, Boston, LA money.

I’m torn with Burrell. He’s easily my favorite player on the team but a lot of that is nostalgia and his personality than being impressed with his play. It wasn’t even a year ago that we were all upset about his no-trade and wanted him shipped off. He had a great start to the year but struggled quite a bit the second half. I think the second half is a better representation of the true Pat.

I’m not sure how I feel about Manny. Would love his production but I think adding him to the mix on a very young team that just won a WS could be dangerous. This team wouldn’t appreciate a high-priced outsider coming in and telling them how to go about their business when they just won a Championship. I’m not even sure if we could afford him.
Matt Kwasiborski Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I say let Burrell go and make a solid offer for CC. I mean, if he took to the Brewers, he would definitely love Philly. He can hit here and oh yeah, we are the champions of baseball. Everyone said we would never win with our bandbox ballpark but you know what, we did!

We need to kick the tires on him just to see what he would say. This is the only time in recent memory where we have leverage over other teams. I mean, just imagine Hollywood, CC, Myers, Moyer Blanton- if our WS dreams became a reality, we can dream about landing the top UFA!
J-Man Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Agreed Phil i said offer Burrell a 3 year $30 Million with 4th year option,i know Pat has his ups and down,but their isn’t really anyone to replace his production…Manny Ramirez is asking for too much,We could look into Matt Holliday,but that would mean unloading the farm system and our farm system is already weak,we need to focus on building it up…Theirs also Milton Bradley but he’s always under controversey.
Chase Mutley Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:48 pm
No way this team makes a play for CC. No way. CC is a #1 and we’ve got our #1 locked up. It would be an insult to Cole to make him a #2 and CC isn’t going to play second fiddle to anyone.
Manny Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
1. Get a No.2 or No. 3 pitcher like Derek Lowe.
2. Resign Pat or bring in a good replacement.

That’s all they need to do.
Groty Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
http://www.delawareonline.com/blogs/2008/11/nov-3-forget-manny-gillick-to-be.html

Burrell changed agents to a Philly based guy!
Matt Kwasiborski Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I have CC listed #2. Hollywood refers to Hamels and he is our ace. They should make a play to see what it would take or gauge his interest. It was proven that baseball is won by pitching and we out-pitched everyone to win it. But landing CC would make us the favorites for 2009.

I mean why not pursue him? He will last longer than Burrell. And I have always been a Burrell backer on this site. He never complained, worked hard and did his job and handled the millions of jeers. But it is time to move on for him and us if it means we can land CC. If we can’t, then Amaro gets to pursue other options including bringing Pat back.
Chutley Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I wouldn’t mind going after Ben Sheets.
Matt Kwasiborski Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Sheets? He is another Garcia.
Richie Allen Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I would concentrate on Moyer and Eyre..Those two are more important than Burrell….Make sure we wrap them up..then,
Offer Burrell 2 years at 24 mil..give him 2 mil more but keep the 2 yr contract.

I dont think we will want Burrell for more than two years because by then Golson will be ready..Hey I like Burrell, but thats more than fair,
If he doesnt go for that,so be it.
Chutley Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Landing Johan the Mets the favorite matt. How’d that work out for them? Been Sheets would be a quaity #2 guy
Bonezy Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Whaqt ever happened to our boy Number 5 signing for a discount like he was reported saying that he would take a lil cut in pay to re-sign. This was his perfect opportunity to stay with the club because the offer was not that bad of an offer for someone who can’t run.
Richie Allen Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Exactly right Bonezy..thats why I think we would be boneheads if we cave in to more than 2 years…even 22 mil is great for Burrell,
A year ago nobody would have given 3 cents for this guy..Everyone wanted him gone…
Everybody’s feeling warm & fuzzy from the Series right now,but lets get real..I like Burrell…but not more than he’s worth..
Paul Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I’d love to see Burrell back. But I would hope it would be for a 3 yr / 30 mil type of deal, and nothing more than that. I too am torn, I like him, but he only really supplies a right handed power bat. You get little D, and no speed.

Any other RH bats out there? Maybe someone to hold down the fort for a couple of years until someone on the farm like Taylor is ready?
Jamie Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I think we’d be better fit to resign Moyer, Eyre, and Burrell to be honest. Moyer will likely want a two or three year contract, an average of $4 – 5 million per season, which is a steal for that kind of guy. Eyre should get a two or three year contract as well, and will likely get an average of $3 or $4 himself.

Burrell should be offered a 3 yr / $36-$40 range, perhaps with a 4th year option (either vested on performance or club option). While I’d rather have Matt Holiday in left, we’d gave to give up Marson, Carrasco, and a couple of other prospects along with probably Happ and/or Myers. Point being…we’d be giving up the farm for Holiday. If we can stay content with Burrell for three or four more years, Marson, Carrasco, Donald, Happ, etc. will be valid major league contributors by then, and we’ll likely have some of our low-level outfield prospects major league ready (or close to).

That’s my play if I’m Amaro. Also, I’d forget CC or Ben Sheets – I’d go after Lowe. He’ll be cheaper, and is a sinker-baller who’d thrive in CBP. Myers only has one more year on his contract, so we could go Hamels/Lowe/Myers/Blanton/Moyer this year, and if Myers doesn’t re-sign, we could drop Happ or Carrasco into his spot. Likewise if Moyer decides to hang it up in another year or two.
Jamie Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Paul, that’s the problem. We don’t have anyone within that can “hold down the fort” for a couple of years. In order to do that, we’d need Golson, Jenkins, etc. to hit .260 / 30 / 90. None of them will do that. Nobody in free agency (other than Manny) will do that. Only Burrell will…and he has done so consistently over the past 9 years here.

He’s just as valuable in the clubhouse as he is on the field, and we don’t pay him $$ to run. We pay him $$ to hit HR’s and drive runners in. We pay Vic and Rollins to run!

I can’t believe some people just want to let him go over one year or a couple of million per season. I’m sure Pat will be willing to resign for $12 or $13 per season, although he made $14 this past year. He’ll want 3 years, though, and I understand why.

Greg Golson will never put up Burrell numbers, and he’ll simply be a 4th outfielder at this level. He’s another Michael Bourn…fast, but can’t hit ML pitching. If we replace Burrell with him, we’re in deep trouble next year. That’s why Amaro won’t…he knows as well. Pat will get his 3 year offer for $36 to $40, I’m confident.
Griffin Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
There is NO CHANCE that the Yankees get outbid for Sabathia. None. If he wants to go back to Cali, he’s going to have to take at least 30 million less than what the Yankees are offering him. So let’s forget the Sabathia talk because the Yankees are going to make him the highest paid pitcher of all time.
Chuck Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I said over the weekend and I’ll say it again now……with Burrell offer him 3 yrs/ 35-40 mil (maybe with a 4th yr option?). He rejects that then he walks. No sense going any further with the guy. Even that is probably overpaying for what his numbers are and ability to play the outfield is (7 inning guy), but the extra dollars will be well spent to keep the team chemistry the same for at least the next few yrs. And with the place sold out every night I think a few million extra is ok.
Bonezy Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
I would consider a 3 yr deal with him if you throw in some incentives with that. I would give him 3 yr 30 mm with a boat load of incentives, that way you are not guaranteed to give him that extra cash. If he earns them then he should get them. Also if you ever Have to trade him the money isn’t as bad as the last contract.
mike Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 7:39 pm
If we could resign pat, the only thing the phils would need is a 4 or 5 starter, and the perfect fit for the Phils would be…

John Garland.

He’s an Free agent, and will post solid numbers, perfect fit. I don’t necessarily have much faith in a Happ/Kendrick combo.
mikemike Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Jamie if Amaro gives Moyer more than one year he is crazy. He is 46 sorry one year 3.5 or let him walk, eyre gets 2.5 to 3 million. How does he deserve more he did nothing in chicago and got release. Came he and pitch how many innings to deserve a raise and more years. That doesn’t make sense. Pat at this stage of his career is a one tool player power , no speed low average. no defense, Milton Bradley will command less and give you more.
MikeB Says:
November 4th, 2008 at 5:19 am
Three or four year deal for Burrell? Crazy! The way this guy slumps most of the time? Only had one hit in the WS and it was a big hit but was the only one. Phillies should only offer him two years with an option for a third. Am predicting that the length of the contract will become a sticking point and Burrell winds up walking.

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