Over the past few months, I've asked Charlie Manuel several times about his biggest concern heading into the season. And, each time, the Phillies manager has offered the same reply.The bullpen.
And it's not just that the Phillies don't have a clear-cut setup man. Or that closer Tom Gordon's right shoulder may not be able to withstand a full season's workload. The Phils also don't have a proven left-handed specialist, a point that was hammered home today when the Red Sox hammered Matt Smith in the fifth inning. Smith, the only left-handed lock in the bullpen, allowed six runs on three hits and three walks and retired only two batters before being replaced.
So, with less than three weeks until Opening Day, the Phillies must consider a deal to upgrade the bullpen. The lastest rumor out of Chicago has CF Aaron Rowand (above) heading back to the White Sox for a package that includes LHP prospect Boone Logan. Ideally, if they must trade Rowand, the Phils would like to get a more experienced pitcher. They'd also need to replace Rowand in the outfield, and there are no in-house candidates (Jayson Werth, Michael Bourn, Chris Roberson, etc.) ready for that assignment. Their preferred trade bait remains RHP Jon Lieber, but I'm hearing the Blue Jays aren't interested, at least not for RF Alex Rios.
Stay tuned.
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