A Glance at What’s Going On With The Phils

Rich Hofman has an article in today’s Philadelphia Daily News saying that the Phillies should acquire Roy Halladay . Hofman also points out the obvious that the Yankees won the World Series because they had the better pitching, which is nothing but the truth. He also says that retooling the bullpen, and adding to the bench are other priorities.

Tom’s Take: I can’t say that I disagree because the Phils could use another reliable starter since Cole Hamels is a wild card, and you can’t count on J.A. Happ to repeat his rookie season. Could you imagine a rotation of Cliff Lee, Halladay, Hamels, Joe Blanton, and Happ?

Jim Salisbury broke the news that Brett Myers will not return to the Phillies in the 2010 season . Myers was told by general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. that they will not renegotiate a contract with the 29-year-old right-hander. Myers said he’ll be open to starting or relieving for his new team.

Tom’s Take: Brett Myers is best suited to be a closer. He has the stuff to do so, and did it well in 2007. He has the stuff to be a decent starter, but he’s not an ace or even a No. 2 that people have made him out to be. He can be at times, but he’s too inconsistent to be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. A team looking for a closer may be where Myers ends up.

The Phillies exercised the option on Cliff Lee , which will pay the southpaw $9 million this upcoming season. Lee posted a 4-0 record with a 1.56 ERA in 40 1/3 innings in the playoffs for the Phils.  His contract expires after this upcoming season, and the Phillies will want to offer him an extension. Also, the Phils have until Monday to decide whether to pickup Pedro Feliz’s option.

Tom’ Take: Sweet relief even though everyone knew it was going to happen. Lee is the best pitcher on the Phillies roster, and his deal ends following this upcoming season. Look for the Phils to talk extension with him this offseason or during next year because he’s a guy who they pretty much have to sign. I don’t expect to see Feliz back because of the $5.5 million he’ll be on the books for next year.

David Brown of Yahoo Sports suggested yesterday that the Phillies sign Mark DeRosa and John Lackey . In his scenario that DeRosa would replace Feliz at third base, and Lackey will add some postseason experience and stability to a rotation that needs it.

Tom’s Take: Phillies will need another starting pitcher, and Lackey is a work-horse when he’s healthy. Putting Lackey with Lee and Hamels would give the Phillies a solid three-man rotation. Of course, that is counting on Hamels to right the ship. DeRosa is a good guy to have since he’s versatile and is a decent hitter. As Brown points out, six of his 10 seasons in the MLB, he has made the playoffs. Chone Figgins, Garrett Atkins, and Adrian Beltre are other options.

 

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