The World Series hasn't started yet, and already, the rumor mill is churning at warp speed. And, don't kid yourself: At this point, anything you read or hear is strictly a rumor. Players haven't even begun to file for free agency yet.With that in mind, Phillies GM Pat Gillick made an offhand remark yesterday during a teleconference with his new coaches that, evidently, raised the eyebrows of some reporters on the call. In a reiteration of his comments from the final day of the season, Gillick said the Phillies are looking for a big bat to hit behind Ryan Howard. In many ways, it's an indictment of maligned left fielder Pat Burrell.
Here's the comment:
"We're going to have to continue to look for a little more offense," Gillick said. "We know that at this point, Pat has had a difficult time protecting Howard. We're going to have to continue to have to make an adjustment in that area."
So, who could the Phillies get? Here are a few ideas.
1. Gary Sheffield: Indications are the Yankees probably won't pick up their $13 million option, making the 37-year-old right fielder a free agent. And, coming off an injury-plagued season, he'll likely have to take a pay cut. Could the Phillies get him for one or two seasons at a lower base salary with incentives? Why not?
2. Alfonso Soriano: This is a long shot. Soriano will be looking for a long-term contract in the $15 million/season range. That's too rich for the Phillies. Also, some members of the organization have indicated they have doubts about Soriano's work ethic and defensive ability in the outfield.
3. Aramis Ramirez: He'd be an ideal fit, both at third base and in the No. 5 hole behind Howard. But the Cubs have already started negotiations with him, and unless they think they can land Alex Rodriguez in a trade, they'll make every effort to keep Ramirez.
4. Manny Ramirez: Phillies fans are allowed to dream. But any deal involving Ramirez coming to the Phillies likely would have to include Burrell going to the Red Sox. It's hard to believe Theo Epstein has lost his mind, only two years after building a World Series champ.
5 comments:
1. Gary Sheffield:
Could you really imagine this guy playing in Philadelphia? The instant he hears the boos he'll complain it's racial. Sheff was a great player in his prime, but to assume he's a safe bat behind Howard without looking at his injuries, age, and attitude would be premature. Plus, his name has been thrown around as a possible user so who knows how much talent was ever really there in the first place. I pass.
Soriano: If you can ignore his defense, can you think of any player right now with more tools? Steals, homers, hits, he really does it all. However, his talents may have been misused last year by Frank when he had him hitting leadoff. A forty homer guy shouldn't be hitting leadoff, and it's no surprise to me that the Nats fired him. With his ability to make contact he'd be a perfect fit behind Howard. We can ignore the defense, (cause we've seen Burrell's and Abreu's) but I doubt Gillick would be willing to ignore the cost. He'd command a pretty high price.
Aramis: I think this guy is the choice. There is a better chance now of the Cubs going after A-rod with Pinella in place, so the chances of Ramirez hitting the market look a lot better. He's a good bat that can make contact with the ability to hit for home runs as well. And he'd be available at a cheaper rate than most. Aramis's most valuable asset to me is that he's a third baseman. Two birds and two needs would be killed with one stone and one player with a power hitting third baseman. I think he's the choice.
Manny: Manny's a wierdo, and there aren't enough doors in the outfield fence for him to hide behind at Citizen's. But i've read somewhere that there are three things you can count on in life: Death, taxes, and Manny's numbers. I'd take him in a heartbeat.
And finally - I'm sure i'm in the minority here, but i'm not against giving Nunez another shot at being a starter. His glove is fantastic and a year ago he hit close to 30 homers with STL when Rolen went down. So it's not out of the realm to think he might be able to do it again. If they do sign another top 3B, I hope at least they consider Nunez for a key bench role.
That's my long post, Scott.
I don't know what's up with my comp. Can't go anonymous after following this blog for this long. Good writing, keep it up.
Anyway, what are your thoughts? I just read an article by Jim Salisbury suggesting A-Rod as a choice. What would you think of that?
Good thoughts, Paul. Here's my take:
No doubt, Sheffield is high-maintenance. But I can't imagine he'd complain about batting in a lineup with Utley and Howard. If he's healthy, and that's a concern after his injuries this past season, he'd be a good fit for the Phillies.
I'm not sure where the Phils would find the cash to get Soriano. Even if Gillick finds a taker for Pat Burrell (if he does, he should be put in the Hall of Fame), it's likely the Phillies will have to pay part of the $27 million left on his contract.
The Cubs are going to make a run at Alex Rodriguez, which would free up Aramis Ramirez to become a free agent. Or, more likely, the Cubs could sign Ramirez, then trade him to the Yankees as part of a deal for A-Rod. Either way, I'd say the Phillies will have a tough time getting Ramirez, although he's high on their wish list.
You're right: Manny Ramirez is weird. But as long as he hits 35-40 homers and drives in 130-140 runs, he can be as eccentric as he wants. The Phillies won't mind.
Nunez did a nice job filling in for Rolen in 2005 (although he hit only five homers that year) and played fantastic defense for the Phillies after David Bell was traded. Nunez is under contract for 2007, so he'll be back, most likely as a spare infielder.
Regarding the A-Rod rumors, get used to them. You're going to hear about A-Rod a lot this winter. But I don't think the Phillies will be in the mix. Experience tells me to never say never about these things, but I think it's highly doubtful.
Thanks again for the note. Let's keep the hot stove churning!
You're right on Nunez. I'm thinking of Dellucci, who had 29 with Texas that year.
A-Rod in Philly?
Two words. Danny Tartabull.
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