What We’ve Learned About Each Phillies Rotation Candidate

For a team that had one of the major league’s best starting rotations last season, the Philadelphia Phillies still decided to enter camp with a surplus of starting pitching.

Some of the starting pitchers originally in the major league camp, such as Joel Pineiro and Dave Bush, have either been released or sent to the minor league camp, while others, such as Kyle Kendrick, are grabbing the attention of scouts.

The Phillies entered spring training with their starting rotation already in place, but early performances may give the team flexibility when it comes to trading for lineup upgrades or salary relief.

With injuries already mounting up, the Phillies may have to rely on their rotation even more this season.

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Philadelphia Phillies: Will Huge Cole Hamels Extension Mean Victorino’s Exit?

The Philadelphia Phillies had seven players reach free agency during the offseason, out of which only one primary starter, Jimmy Rollins, was re-signed by the team.

Following this season, the Phils may have two difficult decisions to make regarding players whose major contributions with the team date back to the 2006 season.

Both Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino are preparing to play the final years of their respective contracts and both have expressed their desire to remain with the Phils past this season. However, the Phillies may be attempting to re-sign Hamels before turning their attention to Victorino’s long-term future with the team.

Hamels went 14-9 with 194 strikeouts and a 2.79 ERA last season—the lowest ERA of his career.  Hamels also finished fifth in National League Cy Young voting. The 28-year-old is 74-54 for his career, with 1,091 strikeouts and a 3.39 ERA, all of which has occurred in a Phillies’ uniform.

Hamels and the Phillies agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract to avoid arbitration, but the free agent-to-be may get a contract closer to $20 million per season after he signs a new long-term deal.

That may be a high price for the Phils, a team that is trying to remain below the league’s $178 million luxury tax threshold. However, Hamels and the Phillies have both expressed their interest in reaching a long-term deal and have had initial negotiation discussions during spring training.

But if re-signing Hamels means pushing the team’s payroll to its limit, can the Phils also afford to re-sign Victorino to a long-term deal?

Victorino, who has been with the Phillies since 2005, batted .279 with 17 home runs and 61 RBI last season. The 31-year-old reached a career high in triples with 16 and hit the second-highest home run total of his career last season. Victorino is also set to become one of the top free agent center fielders.

If Hamels re-signs, the Phillies still may have options for re-signing Victorino, as well.

Placido Polanco, who is set to make over $6 million this season, and Joe Blanton, who will make $8.5 million, can become free agents following this season. By not attempting to re-sign both players and signing Hamels to a long-term, back-loaded contract, the Phils may be able to stay below the luxury tax threshold after the signing. 

The team may then risk exceeding the tax threshold in order to re-sign Victorino, while trying to stay below the $189 million mark for the 2014 season. Following the 2013 season, the league’s luxury tax threshold increases from $178 million to $189 million.

If the Phillies exceed the luxury tax threshold in 2013, but stay below it in 2014, the team would then revert back to first-time offender status the next time it exceeds the threshold.

After finishing last season with a payroll just under the $178 million threshold, it could be difficult for the Phils to re-sign both Hamels and Victorino without exceeding the limit next year. However, if the team stays under $189 million for its payroll, it may only have to pay the tax for one season.

The Phillies may also decide that with a $5 million option in Carlos Ruiz’s contract, as well as potential replacements needed at third base and in the starting rotation following this season, the team’s money may need to be spent in other areas.

Players such as Hunter Pence and Chase Utley are also set to become free agents within the next few offseasons.

If Hamels signs a contract worth over $100 million, the Phillies would have three players with contracts worth that amount. The Phils may then have to decide between another contract potentially worth $50 million for Victorino, or even more for Pence. Offering both contract amounts may be too much for the team while attempting to leave room for possible mid-season acquisitions.

The Phils could also find themselves in a solid position if John Mayberry, Jr. proves he is capable of being a full-time starter in the major leagues and if Domonic Brown finds success at either the major league or Triple-A level. If both players have strong seasons, the Phillies may have options in the outfield if they decide not to re-sign Victorino.

The Phillies may have their sights set on re-signing Hamels first and then turning their attention to Victorino and other expiring contracts. While signing Hamels may not definitively mean Victorino’s exit from the Phils, it certainly won’t make re-signing him any easier.

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Philadelphia Phillies: Why Shane Victorino Deserves an Extension

While Cole Hamels has received much of the attention in terms of impending free agents of the Philadelphia Phillies, another player has recently discussed his long-term contract status with the Phils.

Shane Victorino is set to join Hamels as another potential free agent of the Phillies following this season.

Victorino batted .279 with 17 home runs and 61 RBI in 132 games last season.  He also hit 16 triples, the highest total of his career and tied for the most in the National League. Victorino is also a two-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner.

The career .279 hitter hit the second-highest number of home runs in his career last season, while batting .303 prior to the All-Star break.

As Victorino plays out the final year of a three-year, $22 million deal, his long-term status with the Phillies comes into question as the team attempts to re-sign Hamels while keeping the luxury tax threshold in mind.

Victorino recently stated he prefers a five-year deal, but would also consider giving the Phillies a hometown discount if it means reaching a deal prior to the start of free agency.

While a five-year deal may be a difficult agreement for the club and the 31-year-old center fielder to reach, an extension may still be the best option.

If no deal is reached mid-season, Victorino will join Michael Bourn and B.J. Upton as free agent center fielders. 

Out of the three, Victorino has the highest batting average over the past five seasons combined and the highest average number of hits over the past five seasons. If Victorino is willing to give even a slight hometown discount, it may be difficult to find a significant upgrade through free agency.

Victorino’s future with the Phils may be decided by the play of Dominic Brown and John Mayberry, Jr., this season.

If the Phillies were to look for internal candidates to replace Victorino in center field, Mayberry may become an option to move over from left field. 

However, this move may also be contingent on Brown being ready to take over full-time in left field.

Mayberry started 26 games in center field last season, and has currently started more career games at the position than he has in left field—the position he is likely to start at this season.

Mayberry batted .273 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI in 104 games last season—the most of his career.  Mayberry will battle to become the starter in left field during Spring Training, and may also see time at first base while Ryan Howard recovers from Achilles surgery. 

However, the player who Mayberry is competing with in left field may play a large role in the team’s outfield going forward.

Brown batted .245 with five home runs and 19 RBI in two stints with the Phils last season, and batted .261 with three home runs and 15 RBI at Triple-A.  Brown was forced to change positions following the acquisition of Hunter Pence, and is now attempting to make the Phillies roster as a left fielder.

If he can show improvement this season, Philadelphia may decide to use Brown, Mayberry, and Pence as the team’s outfield following this season.

But that’s if Brown does improve while Mayberry proves he can handle being a full-time starter in the major leagues. 

That may be a big risk for the Phillies to take.

The Phillies may attempt to re-sign Victorino to a three or four year deal while giving some of the team’s younger outfielders more time to develop.  By the time the deal runs out, one of their minor league players may be ready to take over center field duties. 

In addition, the league’s luxury tax threshold is set to increase from $178 million to $189 million for the 2014 season.

Victorino and his .997 career fielding percentage in center field may become an opportunity to save money following this season, as Hamels and Pence near free agency and players such as Carlos Ruiz, Placido Polanco, and Joe Blanton have either upcoming options or expiring contracts.

However, as one of the main contributors and one of the more consistent center fielders in the major leagues, Victorino’s presence in the team’s lineup and in the field may be too difficult to replace through other options.

A five-year deal may be asking for too much, but fewer years in addition to a hometown discount could make for the extension that Victorino deserves following his play in recent years.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

4 Keys to a Philadelphia Phillies Improved Offensive Attack This Season

It may be hard to believe that one of the questions facing the Philadelphia Phillies—a team that set a franchise record in wins and scored the second-highest amount of runs in the National League following the All-Star break last season—is how their offense will perform this season.

However, after posting their lowest home run total in over a decade last season, and after finishing with the ninth-highest team batting average in the National League, the Phils’ offense heading into this season is not as certain as it has been in past seasons.

Following their .226 team batting average in the 2011 NLDS and an injury to Ryan Howard that could cause him to start the season on the disabled list, the Phillies may use spring training to improve their offensive attack while finding a player to bat in the cleanup spot until Howard returns.

An improved offensive attack, as well as strong pitching performances, may help the Phils improve on last season’s success.

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Philadelphia Phillies: Why Vance Worley Was Not Just a One-Year Wonder

No matter how much success a player has during their rookie season, the term “sophomore slump” and whether a player will experience it or avoid it, may still be used when forecasting their second season in the major leagues.

Vance Worley of the Philadelphia Phillies is no exception following a rookie season that led to a third-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting.

Worley finished last season with an 11-3 record, 3.01 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 21 starts. Worley is also set to begin this season in the Phils’ starting rotation, after beginning last season pitching at Triple-A. But after giving up 15 earned runs during the final month of the regular season, one must question whether Worley’s 2012 season will more resemble his 4.05 ERA from last September or his 9-1 record and 2.65 ERA through last August.

However, as a starter in one of the major league’s best starting rotations, Worley may not have to exactly match his numbers from last season in order to have success.

As the Phils’ fourth or fifth starter, Worley may be pitching behind three starters in Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, who combined to go 50-23 with 652 strikeouts and a 2.51 ERA last season. While a full season that results in double-digit wins, 150 strikeouts and an ERA around 3.00 may help Worley try to match last season’s success, a slight increase in ERA could still make him a dominant starter at the back end of the rotation.

Worley held opponents to a .237 batting average last season, including a .201 average against left-handed batters. Worley also won nine consecutive starts during the regular season; in five of those starts he gave up one earned run or less.

Even if Worley’s ERA increases to 3.50 this season, the Phils may still have four starting pitchers combine for an ERA under 3.00.

Worley finished last season with an FIP between 3.25 and 3.35 and a BABIP between .280 and .290. Worley also finished with a K/9 rate of 8.13 and a BB/9 rate of 3.14.  His FIP, K/9 and BB/9 rates had improved each month from June to August.

While Worley spent last season in the Phils rotation pitching in place of an injured Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton, he now joins Blanton in filling out the team’s starting rotation. Prior to last season, Worley had made two career major-league starts, compared to over 60 minor league starts. 

In the minor leagues, Worley has never had a season in which he made over 20 starts and had an ERA under 3.35. He had, however, reached at least 100 strikeouts in each of the two seasons prior to last year, when he made nine starts at Triple-A. 

At one point last season, Worley was eighth in the major leagues in called third strikes, thanks in part to a two-seam fastball and sinker that hitters had trouble figuring out. If Worley can continue to develop his pitching repertoire, he may be able to find success once again this season.

Worley went from pitching in the minor leagues to finishing third in National League Rookie of the Year voting inside of one season. If he spends an entire season in the Phils’ starting rotation, he may be able to prove that last season was no fluke.

As a fourth or fifth starter, Worley may be able to continue the success that the Phils’ first three starters have had, while giving the team one of the best starting rotations in the major leagues.

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Philadelphia Phillies: 4 Untrue Stereotypes About Phillies Fans

Not even the Philadelphia Phillies leading the major leagues in attendance last season was enough to erase certain stereotypes about Phillies fans.

Of course, not all stereotypes may be bothersome.

Philadelphia sports fans have long been thought of for booing Santa Claus, cheering as players lay injured and even watching as police Tasered a fan on the field.

But these events may not be accurate for characterizing an entire fanbase.

For a fanbase that has previously been ranked as one of the worst in sports, 204 consecutive regular season home sellouts may beg to differ.

Phillies fans may be proud of some stereotypes, but others are not true.

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Philadelphia Phillies: Every Spring Training Invitee’s Odds of Making the Roster

With less than two months until Spring Training begins and after re-signing shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2012 roster has begun to take shape.

After rebuilding the team’s bench and adding two relief pitchers to the bullpen, the Phillies appear ready to make a run at their sixth-consecutive National League East title.

However, not every player who begins Spring Training with the Phils will make the team’s opening day roster.

Only 25 players will make the trip from Clearwater to face the Pittsburgh Pirates when the team opens the 2012 season; with some players having better chances than others to make the trip.

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MLB Free Agents 2012: 5 Possible Acquisitions after Phillies’ Recent Comments

During the Philadelphia Phillies historic regular season, any talk of the upcoming offseason centered on resigning Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Madson, and potential improvements in left field and to the team’s bench.

However, that was before the Phillies exited the playoffs following their Game 5 loss in the NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals.

And it was also before Ryan Howard injured his Achilles tendon on the final play of the game.

Now following comments by general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., the Phillies’ offseason priorities have changed since the July non-waiver trade deadline.

In addition to attempting to re-sign Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies have also stated that the starting left field position will be up for grabs, and that the team will look to bring in a free agent should Madson sign elsewhere, rather than using a current member of the bullpen in the closer’s role. 

The Phillies also received news that Howard’s recovery time may continue into spring training, and possibly even the regular season.

Third base may be a position that is upgraded this offseason, as well.

After winning 102 games during the regular season, the Phillies now enter the offseason with a chance to find the right players to add to a roster with World Series expectations.

Here are five players who the Phillies may attempt to acquire.

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2011 NLCS: 15 Greatest Pitching Gems in Phillies Postseason History

It’s been 96 years since the Philadelphia Phillies made their first postseason appearance in franchise history.

In 1915, it was Grover Alexander who led the Phillies on the mound in the World Series.

Now, nearly a century later, the Phils have another ace in Roy Halladay leading any hopes of another World Series appearance.

But Alexander and Halladay are not just two Phillies pitchers who have led the team in the playoffs.

They were also a part of two of the greatest pitching gems in Phillies postseason history.

In 14 trips to the postseason and over 100 total playoff games, the Phils have witnessed their share of great pitching performances.

Here’s a look at their 15-greatest postseason gems.

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Roy Oswalt: How Chris Carpenter’s Extension Affects His Future with Phils

Roy Oswalt’s career with the Philadelphia Phillies has come full circle.

After initially seeming reluctant to join the team prior to last season’s trade deadline, Oswalt has now ended any retirement speculation by saying that he feels rejuvenated after pitching for the Phils this season.

But what about pitching for the Phils next season?

The same contract option that Oswalt wanted guaranteed prior to accepting a deal to the Phillies is about to make its way to the top of the team’s offseason to-do list.

After losing to the Washington Nationals on September 22, Oswalt has cemented the first losing regular season of his 10-year career, as his record currently stands at 8-10.

The 34-year-old has also missed 53 games this season due to lower back injuries.

And it was just three months ago that his health, combined with his desire to pitch past this season, brought up the possibility of this being his last season not only in a Phillies uniform, but in Major League Baseball altogether.

Now that the Phillies have enjoyed a historic season for the franchise, Oswalt’s decision for next season has seemingly changed.

But what about the Phillies’ decision?

The Phils can either pick up their club option and pay Oswalt $16 million for the 2012 season, pay a $2 million buyout and let him leave as a free agent or allow him to opt out of his contract and negotiate a new, less expensive deal in order to keep him with the team.

The chances of Oswalt passing on $16 million may not seem too high, unless the recent comments from his agent, Bob Garber, are true.

However, a contract extension signed by another starting pitcher may play a large role in Oswalt’s future with the Phils, and in more ways than one.

Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals avoided a similar offseason decision when they agreed to a two-year, $21 million deal on September 15.

Carpenter is two years older than Oswalt and has three more years of experience.

He also previously had a $15 million club option for the 2012 season that St. Louis could have picked up or negotiated a $1 million buyout.

Carpenter’s extension provided the Cardinals with extra money to spend on their upcoming free agents, which they have already put to use by signing Lance Berkman to a one-year extension.

Now all they have to do is figure out how to re-sign arguably the greatest player in Major League Baseball.

But Carpenter’s deal does not only give the Phils a template for a possible new contract for Oswalt; it also takes a possible offseason suitor out of the picture.

If Oswalt were to leave the Phillies, the Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves would seemingly sit as potential suitors as options for remaining in the National League and playing closer to his home in Mississippi. 

But after signing Carpenter to an extension, and with other free agents to re-sign this offseason, the Cardinals may have just removed themselves from the potential Roy Oswalt sweepstakes.

Which leaves the Atlanta Braves: a team that is already set to pay Derek Lowe (9-16, 4.92 ERA) $15 million next season and Tim Hudson $9 million. They also have Julio Teheran (15-3, 2.55 ERA) as their minor league pitcher of the year.

Could Carpenter’s extension with St. Louis have given the Phils leverage when it comes to Oswalt’s future with the team?

One hold-up may involve Joe Blanton and the $10.5 million he’s owed next season.

However, Blanton may also have to have surgery to repair nerve damage following this season. The recovery time could be as long as six months, which means Blanton would have to undergo the procedure in October in order to be back in time for spring training or the start of next season.

The Phils seemingly have four spots in next season’s rotation solidified after the emergence of rookie Vance Worley this season.

Worley is 11-3 with a 3.00 ERA in 21 starts this season, including a streak of seven consecutive wins to start the second half of the season.

The Phillies will have a lengthy to-do list this offseason, with Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Madson set to hit the free-agent market and Cole Hamels nearing a long-term deal.

After initially seeming reluctant to join the Phils, going 7-1 down the stretch and helping the team reach their third-consecutive NLCS in 2010, and having his first losing regular season record after missing 53 games this season, Oswalt’s year-and-a-half with the Phillies has seen a little bit of everything.

But will he see $16 million next season? Or will he see $2 million before continuing his career with a different team?

Or will he negotiate a new deal for less money, similar to Carpenter with the Cardinals, and give the Phils more room financially to re-sign their own free agents?

Oswalt’s future with the Phillies has taken a number of different turns this season.

And after Carpenter’s recent contract extension, Oswalt’s future may have just taken a turn in the Phillies’ favor.

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