If you are like me, you are probably sick of hearing the names Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa, Chone Figgins, Placido Polanco, Brandon Lyon, Jose Valverde and Fernando Rodney. We still have the entire offseason of discussing these players, so let's take a diversion and look at five trades and free agent signings that probably won't happen but could make sense for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Braves trade SP Derek Lowe to Phillies for RP Brad Lidge
Why it could work: Brad Lidge is a player who needs a change of scenery every few years. He struggled with the Houston Astros prior to his trade to the Phillies so another trade could help Lidge become a quality closer again. The Braves' top two relievers from 2009, Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, are both free agents. Lowe struggled in his first year with the Braves but as a sinker ball pitcher, could see a rebound with the Phillies' excellent infield defense. The Braves have six starting pitchers under contract next year and are expected to trade Lowe or Javier Vazquez.
Potential problems: Both players have large contracts, with Lidge owed $36 million over the next three seasons and Lowe owed $45 million for the next three seasons. The Braves may not have confidence in Lidge to return to elite status and the Phillies may be reluctant to have a 37-year-old pitcher with declining numbers for the next three years. The Phillies have a full rotation already, although there is room to improve.
Nationals trade 3B Ryan Zimmerman to Phillies for SP J.A. Happ, SP Jamie Moyer, SP Antonio Bastardo, OF Michael Taylor and cash
Why it could work: The Phillies need a third baseman (preferrably a defensive standout) and Zimmerman fits that description perfectly and is an offesnive juggernaut as well. Zimmerman is only 25 and under contract through 2014. The Phillies have the pitching depth to give up three starting pitchers while the Nationals have a huge need for pitching as they currently have only one Major League-caliber starter (John Lannan). The Nationals have expressed an interest in acquiring a veteran starter to mentor the young pitching and Moyer is a perfect fit for them. Happ could be the Nationals' ace for next season and it would make sense for the Phillies to trade him now. Bastardo and Taylor are Major League ready but there may not be room for them on the Phillies roster so they could be expendable.
Potential Problems: Zimmerman is the face of the Nationals' franchise and by far their best player so the Nationals would be very reluctant to trade him. Happ, Bastardo and Taylor are not yet arbitration-eligible but Moyer is owed $6.5 million for next year (while Zimmerman is only owed $5 million) so the Nationals may require the Phillies to eat some of Moyer's salary.
White Sox trade RP Bobby Jenks and cash to Phillies for 3B Pedro Feliz
Why it could work: The Phillies need another reliever and the White Sox need a third baseman. Jenks will get a small arbitration raise over his $5.6 million salary from next year and Feliz has a $5 million option for 2010.
Potential problems: This trade was plausible a couple of weeks ago but since then the White Sox have traded for Mark Teahen to play third base and the Phillies have declined Pedro Feliz's option for 2010. This trade will not happen.
Phillies sign Brad Penny
Why it could work: Last season, Penny had success in the National League with the San Francisco Giants after a disastrous stint in the American League with the Boston Red Sox. However, the Phillies could look to use Penny in the bullpen. Throughout his career, Penny has much better numbers against hitters the first time through the lineup than the second time. The Phillies could shift Penny to a starter if there is a vacancy in the rotation. Penny is a highly emotional pitcher who can start or relieve similar to Brett Myers, who will not be returning to the Phillies next year. Penny may also be motivated to pitch for the Phillies to defeat his former team, the Florida Marlins.
Potential Problems: As a career starter, Penny may have trouble or may be reluctant to shift to the bullpen. Penny will probably have contract offers to be a starter from other teams that were similar to the 1 year, $5 million contract that Penny signed with the Red Sox this season. To sign Penny, the Phillies would need to beat that offer and the Phillies may not want to commit that much money to a reliever.
Phillies sign Eric Hinske
Why it could work: With Matt Stairs unlikely to return for next season, the Phillies could use a left-handed hitting reserve outfielder and Hinske would fit in perfectly. He would also be a defensive improvement over Stairs. Hinske should be affordable and could also fill in at third base in a pinch. Hinske has also played on the last three American League champion teams, winning World Series titles with the Red Sox in 2007 and the New York Yankees in 2009. Hinske also struck out to record the final out for the Tampa Bay Rays against the Phillies in the 2008 World Series.
Potential Problems: There doesn't seem to be any drawbacks here though Hinske may prefer the American League or will look for more playing time.
Read more!
Showing posts with label pedro feliz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pedro feliz. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Offseason Report
Yesterday, I looked a what the offseason would bring for the individual Phillies and today let's take a look at what lies ahead for the team.
As of today, the Phillies roster for 2010 is as follows:
C: Carlos Ruiz*
C:
1B: Ryan Howard
2B: Chase Utley
3B: Pedro Feliz#
IF: Greg Dobbs
IF: Eric Bruntlett*
LF: Raul Ibanez
CF: Shane Victorino
RF: Jayson Werth
OF: Ben Francisco
OF:
Others of note: John Mayberry
SP: Cliff Lee#
SP: Cole Hamels
SP: Joe Blanton*
SP: J.A. Happ
SP: Jamie Moyer
RP:
RP: Tyler Walker*
RP: Clay Condrey*
RP: Chad Durbin
RP: J.C. Romero
RP: Ryan Madson
RP: Brad Lidge
Others of note: Kyle Kendrick, Antonio Bastardo, Sergio Escalona, Jack Taschner
*=The player is arbitration-eligible
#=Club option
Let's take a look at each position opening:
BACKUP CATCHER
If Paul Bako chooses not to retire, the Phillies could easily bring him back. Should Bako retire, the Phillies do not have an internal replacement so they will have to look elsewhere. The Phillies could reunite with Chris Coste or Sal Fasano. Other cheap options for the backup catcher include Henry Blanco, Josh Bard, Jose Molina or Miguel Olivo.
THIRD BASE
The Phillies need to decide by Monday on whether or not they will pick up Pedro Feliz's $5 million option for next year. As covered here, the decision to exercise the option is a tough decision. Free agent options include Adrian Beltre and Chone Figgins while possible trade targets include Ryan Zimmerman, Kevin Kouzmanoff and Casey Blake. If the Phillies feel they can get one of these players for a reasonable price, they should decline Feliz's option and make the deal, otherwise it would be wise to bring back Feliz.
UTILITY INFIELDER
The Phillies do have Eric Bruntlett under team control for another year but the Phillies would probably want to sign someone more prolific offensively. While the top utility infielders such as Marco Scutaro, Felipe Lopez and Mark DeRosa may seek a starting role and be too expensive for the Phillies, they can sign a less costly option such as Rich Aurilia, Adam Kennedy or Craig Counsell. The Phillies could also opt to re-sign Miguel Cairo.
FIFTH OUTFIELDER
The Phillies could use a left-handed bat off of the bench to compliment Greg Dobbs and could use a fifth outfielder. The Phillies could choose to bring back Matt Stairs but may be reluctant to do so after his atrocious second half to the season. Other targets could include Eric Hinske, Randy Winn or Frank Catalanatto.
STARTING PITCHING
As expected, the Phillies exercised Cliff Lee's option today which gives the Phillies a five-man rotation for next year. However, there is still room for improvement in the rotation with Jamie Moyer coming off of an unproductive season and offseason surgery. To increase starting pitching depth, the Phillies could sign a pitcher coming off of injury such as Ben Sheets, Erik Bedard or Justin Duchscherer. Although the Phillies will not re-sign Brett Myers, they could re-sign Pedro Martinez. The Phillies could also trade Happ in an attempt to sign a more veteran starter, such as Javier Vazquez, Roy Halladay or Bronson Arroyo.
BULLPEN
The biggest question mark in the bullpen is obviously the closer's role. Brad Lidge was untrustworthy in 2009 and Ryan Madson struggled when asked to close. The Phillies could use another good reliever and Jose Valverde and Bobby Jenks could be available via trade while intriguing free agent options include J.J. Putz, Rafael Betancourt and LaTroy Hawkins. The Phillies could also choose to bring back Chan Ho Park and/or Tyler Walker. Additionally, the club needs a left-handed reliever to complement J.C. Romero but may stay internal for the position (Scott Eyre (if he returns), Sergio Escalona or Antonio Bastardo).
Read more!
As of today, the Phillies roster for 2010 is as follows:
C: Carlos Ruiz*
C:
1B: Ryan Howard
2B: Chase Utley
3B: Pedro Feliz#
IF: Greg Dobbs
IF: Eric Bruntlett*
LF: Raul Ibanez
CF: Shane Victorino
RF: Jayson Werth
OF: Ben Francisco
OF:
Others of note: John Mayberry
SP: Cliff Lee#
SP: Cole Hamels
SP: Joe Blanton*
SP: J.A. Happ
SP: Jamie Moyer
RP:
RP: Tyler Walker*
RP: Clay Condrey*
RP: Chad Durbin
RP: J.C. Romero
RP: Ryan Madson
RP: Brad Lidge
Others of note: Kyle Kendrick, Antonio Bastardo, Sergio Escalona, Jack Taschner
*=The player is arbitration-eligible
#=Club option
Let's take a look at each position opening:
BACKUP CATCHER
If Paul Bako chooses not to retire, the Phillies could easily bring him back. Should Bako retire, the Phillies do not have an internal replacement so they will have to look elsewhere. The Phillies could reunite with Chris Coste or Sal Fasano. Other cheap options for the backup catcher include Henry Blanco, Josh Bard, Jose Molina or Miguel Olivo.
THIRD BASE
The Phillies need to decide by Monday on whether or not they will pick up Pedro Feliz's $5 million option for next year. As covered here, the decision to exercise the option is a tough decision. Free agent options include Adrian Beltre and Chone Figgins while possible trade targets include Ryan Zimmerman, Kevin Kouzmanoff and Casey Blake. If the Phillies feel they can get one of these players for a reasonable price, they should decline Feliz's option and make the deal, otherwise it would be wise to bring back Feliz.
UTILITY INFIELDER
The Phillies do have Eric Bruntlett under team control for another year but the Phillies would probably want to sign someone more prolific offensively. While the top utility infielders such as Marco Scutaro, Felipe Lopez and Mark DeRosa may seek a starting role and be too expensive for the Phillies, they can sign a less costly option such as Rich Aurilia, Adam Kennedy or Craig Counsell. The Phillies could also opt to re-sign Miguel Cairo.
FIFTH OUTFIELDER
The Phillies could use a left-handed bat off of the bench to compliment Greg Dobbs and could use a fifth outfielder. The Phillies could choose to bring back Matt Stairs but may be reluctant to do so after his atrocious second half to the season. Other targets could include Eric Hinske, Randy Winn or Frank Catalanatto.
STARTING PITCHING
As expected, the Phillies exercised Cliff Lee's option today which gives the Phillies a five-man rotation for next year. However, there is still room for improvement in the rotation with Jamie Moyer coming off of an unproductive season and offseason surgery. To increase starting pitching depth, the Phillies could sign a pitcher coming off of injury such as Ben Sheets, Erik Bedard or Justin Duchscherer. Although the Phillies will not re-sign Brett Myers, they could re-sign Pedro Martinez. The Phillies could also trade Happ in an attempt to sign a more veteran starter, such as Javier Vazquez, Roy Halladay or Bronson Arroyo.
BULLPEN
The biggest question mark in the bullpen is obviously the closer's role. Brad Lidge was untrustworthy in 2009 and Ryan Madson struggled when asked to close. The Phillies could use another good reliever and Jose Valverde and Bobby Jenks could be available via trade while intriguing free agent options include J.J. Putz, Rafael Betancourt and LaTroy Hawkins. The Phillies could also choose to bring back Chan Ho Park and/or Tyler Walker. Additionally, the club needs a left-handed reliever to complement J.C. Romero but may stay internal for the position (Scott Eyre (if he returns), Sergio Escalona or Antonio Bastardo).
Read more!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The future of Pedro
The Phillies will need to make a decision this offseason on whether or not to bring back Pedro Feliz.
Feliz has occupied third base for the past two seasons for the Phillies and has a $5 million option for 2010 with a $500,000 buyout for next season. This year Feliz has put up a very average line of .275/.322/.393 with nine home runs. However, with six All-Star batters hitting ahead of Feliz in the lineup and a rotation that could feature as many as four left-handed pitchers next season (Lee, Happ, Hamels and Moyer), the defense provided by the third base position may be more important than the third baseman's offense.
The Phillies will need to make a decision this offseason on whether or not to bring back Pedro Feliz.
Feliz has occupied third base for the past two seasons for the Phillies and has a $5 million option for 2010 with a $500,000 buyout for next season. This year Feliz has put up a very average line of .275/.322/.393 with nine home runs. However, with six All-Star batters hitting ahead of Feliz in the lineup and a rotation that could feature as many as four left-handed pitchers next season (Lee, Happ, Hamels and Moyer), the defense provided by the third base position may be more important than the third baseman's offense.
According to Fangraphs, Feliz's defense has saved 4.4 runs this season. This is the third year in a row where is defense has declined. In 2007, Feliz's final year with the San Francisco Giants, Feliz's defense saved 21.7 runs and last year with the Phillies, Feliz saved 7.2 runs. Overall, Fangraphs estimates that Feliz's year has been valued at $6.5 million.
Feliz will be 35 next season, so his numbers should dip both offensively and defensively making the value of his expected 2010 performance close to the value of his option.
If the Phillies do not exercise Feliz's option, they would need to fill the void externally as they do not have anyone who could start at third base in their minor league system. As stated earlier, it would be best for the Phillies to find a third baseman with superior defense.
Among starting Major League third basemen this season, the players who have provided better defense (via Fangraphs) than Feliz are Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals), Evan Longoria (Rays), Chone Figgins (Angels), Joe Crede (Twins), Adrian Beltre (Mariners), Brandon Inge (Tigers) and Casey Blake (Dodgers).
In that group, Zimmerman and Longoria are likely untouchable, Figgins, Crede and Beltre are free agents and Inge and Blake would be trade targets. Figgins projects as a Type A free agent and Beltre projects as a Type B free agent meaning that the Phillies would lose draft picks if they signed either one of them. Crede and Beltre are both represented by Scott Boras.
Chone Figgins is the prize of the free agent class and will likely have a number of suitors and should command a contract of well over 3 years and well over $10 million a year. The Phillies already have $96 million commited in payroll for next season before arbitration raises and free agents so Figgins will probably be too expensive for them. Figgins also would not fit well into the lineup given that the Phillies already have two leadoff-type hitters in Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino.
Joe Crede would command a much more reasonable contract (he is signed this season to a 1 year/$2.5 million contract) but he is often injured and is rumored to be contemplating retirement. Any upside Crede may bring would be negated by the inevitable Greg Dobbs/Eric Bruntlett platoon at third while Crede is injured.
Adrian Beltre would be an intriguing signing but is represented by Scott Boras and will only be 31 next season, so he will likely command a large contract. Fangraphs suggests Beltre has been worth just $6.9 million this season after being worth $18 million in 2008 and at least $12 million the past few seasons. However, Beltre could also benefit from a return to the National League. If the Phillies felt they could sign him to a contract less than Raul Ibanez's (3 years, $31.5 million), it might be worth passing on Feliz for him.
Brandon Inge had a monster first half for the Tigers and while he has cooled off in the second half, he is still having a career year and has been a key to the Tigers' run at the AL Central this year. Inge is signed for $6.6 million next year and according to FanGraphs has been worth $12.3 million this year so I imagine the price in that the Phillies would need to overpay to acquire Inge.
Casey Blake could be made expendable by the Dodgers if they resign Orlando Hudson to play second base and want to play minor leaguer Blake DeWitt at third next year. Blake is having the best defensive season of his career at third and has quietly put up a .272/.351/.459 line with sixteen home runs. He is signed for $6 million in 2010, $5.25 million in 2011 and has a $6 million club option with a $1.25 million buyout for 2012. However, Blake is 36 and his numbers will probably tail off and given his track record, his defense may fall back to below average again throughout the remainder of his contract. If the Phillies could acquire him for a middling prospect, it might be worth the trade as his numbers are better than Feliz's.
Other possibilities for the Phillies could include Felipe Lopez (a free agent currently playing above average second base for the Brewers), Mark DeRosa (a free agent currently playing average third base for the Cardinals) or Eric Chavez (a release candidate by the Athletics who is solid defensively and signed for $12 million in 2010 but is currently injured)
In conclusion, the Phillies should inquire on the prices for Figgins, Beltre and Blake and if the prices are too high, as they most likely will be, they should pick up Feliz's option for 2010.
Read more!
Feliz has occupied third base for the past two seasons for the Phillies and has a $5 million option for 2010 with a $500,000 buyout for next season. This year Feliz has put up a very average line of .275/.322/.393 with nine home runs. However, with six All-Star batters hitting ahead of Feliz in the lineup and a rotation that could feature as many as four left-handed pitchers next season (Lee, Happ, Hamels and Moyer), the defense provided by the third base position may be more important than the third baseman's offense.
The Phillies will need to make a decision this offseason on whether or not to bring back Pedro Feliz.
Feliz has occupied third base for the past two seasons for the Phillies and has a $5 million option for 2010 with a $500,000 buyout for next season. This year Feliz has put up a very average line of .275/.322/.393 with nine home runs. However, with six All-Star batters hitting ahead of Feliz in the lineup and a rotation that could feature as many as four left-handed pitchers next season (Lee, Happ, Hamels and Moyer), the defense provided by the third base position may be more important than the third baseman's offense.
According to Fangraphs, Feliz's defense has saved 4.4 runs this season. This is the third year in a row where is defense has declined. In 2007, Feliz's final year with the San Francisco Giants, Feliz's defense saved 21.7 runs and last year with the Phillies, Feliz saved 7.2 runs. Overall, Fangraphs estimates that Feliz's year has been valued at $6.5 million.
Feliz will be 35 next season, so his numbers should dip both offensively and defensively making the value of his expected 2010 performance close to the value of his option.
If the Phillies do not exercise Feliz's option, they would need to fill the void externally as they do not have anyone who could start at third base in their minor league system. As stated earlier, it would be best for the Phillies to find a third baseman with superior defense.
Among starting Major League third basemen this season, the players who have provided better defense (via Fangraphs) than Feliz are Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals), Evan Longoria (Rays), Chone Figgins (Angels), Joe Crede (Twins), Adrian Beltre (Mariners), Brandon Inge (Tigers) and Casey Blake (Dodgers).
In that group, Zimmerman and Longoria are likely untouchable, Figgins, Crede and Beltre are free agents and Inge and Blake would be trade targets. Figgins projects as a Type A free agent and Beltre projects as a Type B free agent meaning that the Phillies would lose draft picks if they signed either one of them. Crede and Beltre are both represented by Scott Boras.
Chone Figgins is the prize of the free agent class and will likely have a number of suitors and should command a contract of well over 3 years and well over $10 million a year. The Phillies already have $96 million commited in payroll for next season before arbitration raises and free agents so Figgins will probably be too expensive for them. Figgins also would not fit well into the lineup given that the Phillies already have two leadoff-type hitters in Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino.
Joe Crede would command a much more reasonable contract (he is signed this season to a 1 year/$2.5 million contract) but he is often injured and is rumored to be contemplating retirement. Any upside Crede may bring would be negated by the inevitable Greg Dobbs/Eric Bruntlett platoon at third while Crede is injured.
Adrian Beltre would be an intriguing signing but is represented by Scott Boras and will only be 31 next season, so he will likely command a large contract. Fangraphs suggests Beltre has been worth just $6.9 million this season after being worth $18 million in 2008 and at least $12 million the past few seasons. However, Beltre could also benefit from a return to the National League. If the Phillies felt they could sign him to a contract less than Raul Ibanez's (3 years, $31.5 million), it might be worth passing on Feliz for him.
Brandon Inge had a monster first half for the Tigers and while he has cooled off in the second half, he is still having a career year and has been a key to the Tigers' run at the AL Central this year. Inge is signed for $6.6 million next year and according to FanGraphs has been worth $12.3 million this year so I imagine the price in that the Phillies would need to overpay to acquire Inge.
Casey Blake could be made expendable by the Dodgers if they resign Orlando Hudson to play second base and want to play minor leaguer Blake DeWitt at third next year. Blake is having the best defensive season of his career at third and has quietly put up a .272/.351/.459 line with sixteen home runs. He is signed for $6 million in 2010, $5.25 million in 2011 and has a $6 million club option with a $1.25 million buyout for 2012. However, Blake is 36 and his numbers will probably tail off and given his track record, his defense may fall back to below average again throughout the remainder of his contract. If the Phillies could acquire him for a middling prospect, it might be worth the trade as his numbers are better than Feliz's.
Other possibilities for the Phillies could include Felipe Lopez (a free agent currently playing above average second base for the Brewers), Mark DeRosa (a free agent currently playing average third base for the Cardinals) or Eric Chavez (a release candidate by the Athletics who is solid defensively and signed for $12 million in 2010 but is currently injured)
In conclusion, the Phillies should inquire on the prices for Figgins, Beltre and Blake and if the prices are too high, as they most likely will be, they should pick up Feliz's option for 2010.
Read more!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
