NASHVILLE -- Hello from Music City.Got in a little while ago (the combination of US Airways and Philadelphia International Airport is truly lethal), and already hearing some juicy rumors. Checked into the hotel at the same time as the incomparable Ken Rosenthal from FOX Sports, and he's hearing the Padres are close to a long-term deal with Jake Peavy and Johan Santana has told the Twins he'll veto a mid-season trade. Clearly, he's trying to pressure Minnesota into dealing him this week, likely to the Yankees or Red Sox.
But you're Phillies fans, right? So, y'all are more interested in Aaron Rowand and where Pat Gillick & Co. will turn for pitching now that Randy Wolf is off the market. Well, Let's get to it.
As I wrote in my Sunday baseball notes in the 50-center, Rowand is insisting on a five-year contract, which apparently is a deal-breaker for the Phillies, White Sox and perhaps a few other teams. Hard to blame them, really. While Rowand always has been relatively durable (2006 was the only time he went on the disabled list), he plays center field like the late Evil Knievel might have. One of the reasons teams like Rowand is that he'll run through an outfield wall. But that's also a reason to take pause before investing in him for the next five years. The Phillies would feel more comfortable giving Rowand a three-year deal, or perhaps three years with an option. But I'm certain they'll be talking this week to his agent, Craig Landis, who will have discussions with several other teams, too. If the Yankees include Melky Cabrera in a deal for Santana, they may be interested in Rowand. That certainly would spice up the negotiations.
But the Phillies continue to insist their main focus is pitching. They're looking for a middle-of-the-rotation starter and another setup reliever. I wouldn't be surprised if Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda makes his decision this week (the Mariners remain the favorite). Might the Phillies make a pitch for Bartolo Colon? We'll see.
I'll be posting many, many updates throughout the week from the positively enormous Opryland Hotel & Convention Center, so keep checking back here. For now, I'll ask you this: What do the Phillies have to do this week for you to consider these winter meetings a success?
8 comments:
scott,
the short answer: more than they can. it's pretty clear rowand and his offensive firepower that carried us through early months last year won't be back. Any slumps from our other big guys will mean hell, because there's simply no arm out there that we could reasonably acquire to make up for the hit offensively. Maybe you could elaborate on the situation with the payroll the Phils. Revenue numbers are available online for the organization and have been steadily climbing very healthily in the last 5 years. In response to the playoff bid, tickets are more expensive this year. Yet the payroll is the same? I know companies like growing profit margin, but doesn't Monty know this city? Why not throw some dollars into a couple big players and play your payroll relative to your market? Go for a big couple of years with by far the most talented corps of young Phillies I've ever seen. If we don't succeed with rollins, utley, howard, hamels, and myers, and the front office blows it, the city will turn their back on this team. A big trade for a big arm or big bat would pack citizen's bank every night.
I maybe the only one who thinks this but I feel that Jason Werth's numbers over the next three years will not be that different from Rowand except for HRs. Lets face it with another year removed from his injury his numbers are very likely to improve while you know Rowand will never come close to last year again. So I'm not concerned with the outfield, but third base could be a problem. It's not so much Helms' offense, because I feel that will improve some, but his andDobbs' defense. So if they need to improve a position I would say spend it at 3rd rather than the OF.As far as a starter I wouldn't Tie myself to any of these guys for more than one year, so I would like to see them take a chance on the Clement or Benson types and if they don't work out go to the farm system during the season, hopefully by then someone like Happ or Carpenter will have shown enough to warrant a promotion to Philly.
Scott, have fun out there and be sure to keep us updated with the latest that you hear!
I'd consider this week a success for the Phils if they can land a #3 or #4 starter either via FA or through a trade. I think that is a priority because prices are only going to climb through the rest of the winter as teams start to become desperate. If we can end the week knowing we don't have to worry about the rotation, the rest of the off-season will go a lot smoother.
Scott,
We need a lefty reliever, a SP and a 3B or OF(Dobbs can platoon at either 3B or RF).
Damaso Marte is available from the Pirates and he would be a great LOOGY here. As for SP.....they have to trade..the available free agents want way more than they are worth or the injured guys all stink and will probably get injured again.
Whats the latest in Nashville? What are we working on?
Scott,
Your blog has become a must-read for phans. Thanks for the great reporting.
I'm hoping the Phils find an ace in some hole somewhere, but I'd settle for a #3, and a reliever -- and for the re-signing of Aaron Rowand.
Scotty,
Since Burrell is in the last year of his deal, and had a superb second half ... any chance the Phils move him? I know our outfield is thin, but losing Burrell's contract may provide the means to resign Rowand. Rowand may not produce the same numbers, but his attitude and defense can carry a team.
The Phils might, and should, work out something for either Crede or Mora. I just hope they don't give away too much of the farm.
I'd like to see the Phils sign Mahay to give our bullpen a concrete southpaw duo. As far as starters go, Phils should forget about it. I think they overpay no matter what. I know our farm system isn't the crown jewel of the majors, but I think if the team needs a sixth starter then give some of the young guns a shot ... Happ, Outman, Carrasco & Durbin
Cant wait to deal with the White Sox exclusively this year. Can we get Gio back?
What do the Phillies have to do this week for you to consider these winter meetings a success?
1. Re-sign Row-and! *clap* *clap* *clapclapclap*
2. Fortify the rotation. The Phils have a 1 (Hamels), a 1A (Myers), two 3/4s (Kendrick and Moyer) and a 5 (Eaton, obviously). At this point, I'll take just about anybody, but a 3 would be great.
3. Tell Eaton to start training for long relief. Coming off the catastrophic injury he had this year, I don't see Madson having an '08 like his '06.
Scott, have you heard anything about the crazy Dan Haren for Kendrick/Victorino/minor leaguers deal? It sounds like bunk to me.
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