Well, the baseball season has officially ended with the Phils standing on top of the world. According to phillies.com, the Reuben Amaro Jr. era will begin at 10a.m. tomorrow. Amaro has been with the organization since his childhood, and believe me, he has never seen the out pouring of support he sees right now. Concievably the Phillies could get a pass for the next decade. Hey, they could finish in last place next season and people will probably be willing to forgive. So with the winter meetings and free agency looming, how do they maintain thier status as the "Beast of the East?" Remember, no Philadelphia team has achieved repeat titles since the 1974-77 Flyers. Let's take a look at Reuben Amaro's options and try to piece together the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies.
It's no secret that LF Pat Burrell will be defending his title in another city next season. According to reports, Pat the Bat stands to receive in the vicinity of 3yrs, 45 mil in free agency. Although a beloved Phillie, those who watch him everyday realize that he isn't worth the steep price tag. According to Paul Hagen, Burrell has already rejected a Phils offer of 2yrs, 22mil. In my opinion, 2 years sounds about right, though I would have offered 12 or 13mil. The Phillies ultimately will not pay Burrells asking price. Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth are arbitration eligible and will be mainstays in the line-up. The Phils also have Jenkins, Stairs, and rookie Golson, but none of these players are starting quality. With names like Rocco Baldelli, Carl Craford, and Manny Ramirez on the market, the Phils have an opportunity to make quite a splash. Matt Holiday may also be on the trading block and with a decent farm system, they may have trade options. Golson is a promising minor leaguer and may be a great bench option, but he is not an everyday player, and won't be for another two years. The Phillies are gaining 14mil a year if Burrell walks, so a big name free agent is not out of the question. More realistically, look for a mid level veteran to be on the roster next year, but don't be surprised if a big name dons pinstripes next spring.
Prediction: The Phillies may try and sign Holiday. Manny Ramirez will be way too expensive. Baldelli is an idea, but there may be worry about his ability to play an entire season. Crawford is another name, but the Rays will use some of their newly generated revenue to re-sign him. They may also re-sign Baldelli. Also, keep an eye on names like Scott Podsednik and Adam Dunn. Podsednik's asking price may not be as steep as Burrells while Dunn will make a substantial amount of money, but will surpass Burrell's power numbers.
It's no secret that LF Pat Burrell will be defending his title in another city next season. According to reports, Pat the Bat stands to receive in the vicinity of 3yrs, 45 mil in free agency. Although a beloved Phillie, those who watch him everyday realize that he isn't worth the steep price tag. According to Paul Hagen, Burrell has already rejected a Phils offer of 2yrs, 22mil. In my opinion, 2 years sounds about right, though I would have offered 12 or 13mil. The Phillies ultimately will not pay Burrells asking price. Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth are arbitration eligible and will be mainstays in the line-up. The Phils also have Jenkins, Stairs, and rookie Golson, but none of these players are starting quality. With names like Rocco Baldelli, Carl Craford, and Manny Ramirez on the market, the Phils have an opportunity to make quite a splash. Matt Holiday may also be on the trading block and with a decent farm system, they may have trade options. Golson is a promising minor leaguer and may be a great bench option, but he is not an everyday player, and won't be for another two years. The Phillies are gaining 14mil a year if Burrell walks, so a big name free agent is not out of the question. More realistically, look for a mid level veteran to be on the roster next year, but don't be surprised if a big name dons pinstripes next spring.
Prediction: The Phillies may try and sign Holiday. Manny Ramirez will be way too expensive. Baldelli is an idea, but there may be worry about his ability to play an entire season. Crawford is another name, but the Rays will use some of their newly generated revenue to re-sign him. They may also re-sign Baldelli. Also, keep an eye on names like Scott Podsednik and Adam Dunn. Podsednik's asking price may not be as steep as Burrells while Dunn will make a substantial amount of money, but will surpass Burrell's power numbers.
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