Ruben Amaro Jr. held an online chat today at the Phillies' Web site, and while most of his answers jived with everything he's been telling reporters, there were a few interesting moments. In particular, Amaro opined that the Phillies have the best 1-2 pitching punch in the NL East."With all due respect to John Smoltz and Tim Hudson," Amaro said, "I would take Cole Hamels and Brett Myers at the top of a rotation over any others in our division."
While that may be true (I'm not entirely sold), it seems the Braves have more depth throughout their rotation, even if Mike Hampton isn't healthy. Tom Glavine, Chuck James and touted rookie Jair Jurrjens may be more dependable than Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer and Adam Eaton.
What do you think?
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In other news, Amaro said the Phillies have had discussions about free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz. Other people in the organization have told me the Phils have significant reservations about Feliz's .288 career on-base percentage and aren't willing to offer more than a one-year contract. Amaro also said the Phillies are leery about Bartolo Colon's health but continue to speak with agent Scott Boras about re-signing Kyle Lohse. I still think Lohse is going to get a four-year contract (maybe from the Mets?). The Phillies aren't willing to make such a long commitment.
8 comments:
I think you can take Adam Eaton and toss him out the window. He's no good, and it's ridiculous to keep trotting him out there and allowing him to get pummeled.
This isn't football Rob.
Contracts are guaranteed in baseball. And correct me if I'm wrong, but he signed a 3 year deal last year. So, you'd better be hoping he can bounce back in a big way, because he's probably not going anywhere.
You're right, this isn't football. What a keen observation.
However, I'm pretty sure (maybe Scott can help me out on this one) that the team could cut him and just eat his salary. I could've sworn the team did this with someone once before.
It'd be idiotic to "cut" Adam Eaton. On one hand, for an organization that operates with such tight fists as the Phillies, it's an impossibility. On the other hand, he's not as bad a pitcher as last year made him out to be. I can't tell you if he was hurt or if he lost confidence in his stuff or what it was, but comfort yourself in the knowledge that a) he won't be that bad this year and b) if he comes somewhat close to it, the organization will shut him down with a "sore shoulder" as soon as possible.
The real surprising thing in this whole situation is that the Phillies actually appearing willing to go "over-budget" if it means bringing Kyle Lohse back into the fold with a respectable deal. While, as I said, I highly doubt that Eaton is going anywhere, it's clear that their faith in him in general is so miniscule that they seem prepared to shell out for Adam Eaton insurance, at the right price.
I heard Lauber was lobbying for more pitching last season
1. Braves (Smoltz, Hudson)
2. Phils (Hamels, Myers)
3. Mets (Pedro, Maine)
4. Nats (Hill, Patterson)
5. Marlins (Olsen, Mitre)
Thats how I would rank the NL east's best one-two pitching punches. I think you have to take the experience and longevity of Smoltz and Hudson over Hamels (injury-prone) and Myers (moving back to the rotation). The Mets could pass the Phils for 2nd if they stay healthy and the Phils don't, both teams aces are very prone.
As far as Feliz and the 3rd base situation, I'm not a fan. Feliz is Pat Burrel w/o the ability to take pitches. When Pat is struggling and can't get on base he Ks a ton and hits the occasional homer, thats exactly what we would see from Feliz all year. At least Pat has a good eye and walks at a very excellent 19% (last year) which brought his OBP up to .400. Feliz's eye is so bad he might be legally blind, a 5% walk rate is unconscionable. Helms had a very down year last year and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him turn it around. If Dobbs can hit near the level of last season, thats a pretty solid platoon. Of course Feliz does play better defense than Helms and Dobbs together, so maybe its just a wash. In that case I'd rather save the money for the Pen then non-upgrade 3rd base.
Speaking of the 3B situation...just a crazy idea, but what about possibly trying to trade for Bill Hall from the Brewers? They've signed Cameron, still have Braun, etc. Not sure what it would take but he would be MUCH better than Feliz. I get David Bell flashbacks when I look at Feliz's numbers....
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