Philadelphia Phillies: Phillies Should Place Ryan Howard on Disabled List

Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies and the word “injury” have been used together in the same sentence for more than a year now. 

Last season, after returning from an Achilles injury and struggling for the remainder of the season, Howard’s poor performances could have been attributed to needing more time to fully heal while the Phillies played through a disappointing season.

This season, however, is a bit different. 

With more current and former key contributors set to become free agents after the season, the trade deadline should bring even more intrigue for the Phillies.  If they continue to have trouble winning consistently, a number of players may also be mentioned in trade talks, even more so than last season.    

The Phillies have just one fewer loss this season than they did this time last year, yet general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has said that he will take his time deciding what to do at the trade deadline.

Amaro was recently quoted, after talking about sticking with the Phillies core until the trade deadline, in an article by Jim Salisbury on CSNPhilly.com as saying:

The reason I say that is because [the races] are still really dicey, he said.  No one has really stepped out and gone crazy.  The Dodgers are playing their butts off now all of a sudden.  Now they’re six games back and they’re in it.  We’re only seven back.

We had one streak where we’ve really played well.  And we’ve only had a brief period where we’ve had our whole team on the field.  We’ll find out.  I honestly think it’s going to end up going to July 20 or July 30 or somewhere around then and we’ll decide which direction we’re going to go.

If Amaro intends to let the team continue to play as is until right before the trade deadline, he must be hoping that the team can show signs of consistent improvement at the end of the first half and beginning of the second half of the season.

If that’s the case, the Phillies should place Ryan Howard on the disabled list now.

Hopefully that the rest will give his knee time to recover and lead to more of a power surge following the All-Star break.

Howard is currently batting .268 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI, which includes a .304 average against right-handed pitchers.  However, it also includes a .173 average against left-handers.

He has actually had a very solid June, batting .298 with two triples, three home runs and a .386 OBP.  However, in the power department, Howard’s 10 home runs on the season are only three more than he hit during spring training.

Howard hit seven home runs in 28 games during spring training.  It was not until game No. 53 of the regular season that he hit his seventh home run.

Word came yesterday that Howard will be given two days off, June 28 and June 29, to clear his head and continue to work on his hitting, as noted in Ryan Lawrence’s article on Philly.com. 

The article also says that Amaro has not ruled out placing him on the disabled list.

As a power hitter, it’s reasonable to think that Howard’s lack of home runs so far could be due to his knee.  If he cannot generate enough power from his lower body, it will be difficult for him to see any increase in home runs. That means he will stay well on pace to have the lowest home run total for a full season in his career.

Rather than trying to modify Howard’s swing to compensate for a lack of power from his lower body, the Phillies would be better off trying to let Howard heal and return with the same swing.  Even if Howard is able to adjust his swing for the rest of this season, he would likely have to return to his previous one after an offseason of rehabbing and healing.

If his knee is already too sore for him to play at 100 percent and generate power consistently, chances are it will only become more difficult as he has more innings and more games under his belt.

By placing him on the disabled list, the Phillies would likely lose offense at first base, unless the team decided to move Michael Young to first and play Kevin Frandsen at third.  However, the Phillies have consistently remained around seven to seven-and-a-half games out of first place even with Howard’s bat in the lineup.

A few weeks off could improve Howard’s knee, which could lead to higher power numbers during the second half of the season.

The Phillies will still need much more than Howard’s improved offense to turn around the season, but more offense from the cleanup spot in the lineup would be a start. 

And as it currently stands, Howard playing at less than 100 percent is not helping the team win with any more consistency.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Stock Up, Stock Down for Philadelphia Phillies’ Top 10 Prospects for Week 12

As the Philadelphia Phillies move closer to the non-waiver trade deadline and having to make decisions regarding their major league roster, the team made at least one decision this past week involving their farm system.

Maikel Franco was promoted to Double-A after batting .299 with 16 home runs and 52 RBI in the Florida State League.  Franco’s promotion is a positive sign for one of the Phillies’ top 10 prospects, but one that could also impact the futures of other top prospects.

Meanwhile, another top prospect, Jonathan Pettibone, could face either a stint on the disabled list or a demotion in favor of Carlos Zambrano this week, as Zambrano’s opt-out date draws nearer.

How did the rest of the Phillies’ top 10 prospects fare last week?

Let’s take a look at whose stock is up and whose is down following Week 12.

 

*All statistics courtesy of MiLB.com unless otherwise noted.

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Stock Up, Stock Down for Philadelphia Phillies’ Top 10 Prospects for Week 11

The Philadelphia Phillies will see two more of their minor league teams begin play this week when both Williamsport (Low-A ball) and the Gulf Coast League Phillies (rookie ball) open their seasons.

Although these teams will not feature any of the Phillies’ current top-10 prospects, both squads should feature prospects chosen in the two most-recent drafts.  Once prospects are re-ranked, a couple of the Phillies’ most recent draft picks may be playing in a short-season league and ranked as among the 10 best in the system.

In the meantime, those players currently ranked as top-10 prospects are continuing to work their way towards the major leagues.  As the major league trade deadline approaches, the Phillies will not just look at ways for improving this season, but also into the future. 

At that point, a number of these prospects, especially those already in Triple-A, could factor into upcoming decisions.

Just how well did those prospects ranked among the franchise’s top-10—according to Baseball America—fare this past week?

Let’s take a look at whose stock is up and whose is down following Week 11.

 

*All statistics courtesy of MiLB.com unless otherwise noted.

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Stock Up, Stock Down for Philadelphia Phillies’ Top 10 Prospects for Week 10

In a week in which much of the news surrounding prospects involved those eligible for the 2013 MLB draft, the prospects already in the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system continued to work their way towards a major league promotion.

Although not currently ranked as a top-10 prospect, second baseman Cesar Hernandez remained on the team’s roster as the Phillies instead sent Michael Martinez to Triple-A. 

Soon, however, other prospects may not have the same luck.  The Phillies will have to make decisions involving pitchers Jonathan Pettibone and Tyler Cloyd in the next few weeks, as John Lannan recovers from injury and Carlos Zambrano’s opt-out date draws nearer. 

Eventually, newly drafted prospects such as J.P. Crawford—who may find himself ranked next to Jesse Biddle as one of the team’s top prospects—and even Cord Sandberg may enter this list once prospects are re-ranked.  But for now, current top-ranked prospects must hope to follow in the footsteps of Pettibone and earn a promotion this season.

To see how the Phillies’ top 10 prospects, according to Baseball America, fared this week, let’s take a look at whose stock is up and whose is down following Week 10.

 

*All statistics courtesy of MiLB.com unless otherwise noted.

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Philadelphia Phillies MLB Draft Results: Scouting Profiles for 2013 Picks

If it seems like it’s been a few years since the Philadelphia Phillies had a first-round draft pick, well, that’s because it has.

The Phillies have not had a first-round draft pick since they selected Jesse Biddle in the first round in 2010.  The signings of Cliff Lee and Jonathan Papelbon for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, respectively, led to the Phillies’ first selection in the past two drafts coming after the first round.

After avoiding the temptation to sign any player tied to draft pick compensation last offseason, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Phillies now hold the 16th pick in this year’s first-year player draft after finishing last season with a record of 81-81.

Will the Phillies focus on position players or look to pitchers again after selecting Shane Watson with their first pick last year?  Will a high-ceiling high school player be their top choice, or are they leaning toward a college player who may reach the majors quicker?

Teams have begun locking up their star players with long-term extensions well before they reach free agency, giving the draft even more importance for teams trying to improve their future outlook.  For the Phillies, it all starts with making the right picks in the 2013 MLB draft.

Track all of the Phillies’ picks here:

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Philadelphia Phillies: Could the Phillies Move Jonathan Papelbon’s Contract?

The Philadelphia Phillies continue to hover near the .500 mark this season, but are a win-streak away from making a run at first place in the National League East.

While no one knows whether the Phillies will become buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, or even stand pat, the one thing that seems certain is that trade rumors will soon begin swirling regardless of the team’s win-loss record.

Cliff Lee’s name is likely to come up, but if he continues to pitch like one of the best pitchers in the National League—already tying his win total from last season—the Phillies could decide that even with his high salary it makes far more sense to keep Lee rather than trade him.

Trading Ryan Howard should be the Phillies top priority, according to David Murphy on Philly.com.  But with more than $100 million owed to him from 2013 to 2017, and with a nagging knee injury, it seems even more unlikely that a team would make an offer for Howard.

Chase Utley and Michael Young are currently set to become free agents after this season—meaning the Phillies would not see any long-term cost savings by trading them. Cole Hamels signed a $144 million extension last season—meaning the Phillies likely have no intentions of trading him. 

But what about Jonathan Papelbon?

At first glance, it’s difficult to see a team willing to potentially pay $39 million over the next three years, plus what he is still owed this season, to a closer.  However, Papelbon has continued to pitch like one of the best closers in baseball this season.

Papelbon has now struck out 17 batters while walking just three in 20.2 innings and has given up three earned runs.  He also currently has 11 saves, which ranks seventh in the NL, and a 1.31 ERA.

The 32-year-old right-hander made a bit of news this week when he spoke about potentially returning to the Boston Red Sox.  In an article by Rob Bradford on WEEI.com, Papelbon was quoted as saying:

Yeah, I could see myself in Boston, he told WEEI.com. I could see myself pitching in New York. You know me. I’ve always been the kind of guy who…I don’t really just settle, or accept things. Whatever happens in my future is going to happen. I’m not blind to that fact.

The Red Sox have spent approximately $22.79 million in deals involving potential closers to replace Papelbon since he signed with the Phillies, as Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe wrote.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe also wrote an article that contains a quote from a National League scout who said that a return to Boston for Papelbon isn’t far-fetched.

For the Phillies, Papelbon now has 49 saves in less than two full seasons and one All-Star appearance. 

But $39 million, which includes a yearly salary of $13 million now, is a high price to pay any closer. $13 million a year for a player who, at most, will have three to four outings per week, is a steep price. 

Considering the Phillies must win with more consistency for Papelbon to have save opportunities in the first place, saving money at the closer position and working on improving the team’s lineup could make more sense.

If the Phillies are looking to move a contract that will save them money in future seasons, Papelbon’s could be one they look to deal.  The hard part would be finding a team willing to take on such a contract.

As Bradford’s article noted, Papelbon can block trades to eight teams and the Red Sox may be one of those teams.  This means that the Red Sox, or any team on his no-trade list, could have to pay more for him to waive his no-trade clause.  Although this could make a trade more difficult, it doesn’t mean that it cannot take place.

Jim Salisbury on CSNPhilly.com wrote in early May that the Detroit Tigers could be a team interested in Papelbon.  But with Jose Valverde back and Bruce Rondon still having plenty of time to improve, would the Tigers be interested in taking on Papelbon’s contract for possibly three more years?

Furthermore, with Mike Adams battling injuries and inconsistency plaguing the rest of the bullpen, the Phillies could see a huge drop-off at the closer position. But if saving money in the ninth inning can lead to improved production in a lineup for a full nine-inning game, 162 times a season, the drop-off in talent can be made up in other areas. 

It will likely take a team with a high payroll to be willing to make an offer for Papelbon, and even then the Phillies may have to throw in additional cash to complete any deal.  But if the Phillies continue to hover near the .500 mark, trading a high-priced closer could become their best option, if at all possible.

Papelbon has been outstanding for the Phillies, but the team can only fully utilize his talents if their offense is able to put him in a save situation.  If those instances become rare, paying $13 million for another few years to a pitcher who only appears a few times each week may become a situation that is too pricey.

It won’t be easy, but if the Phillies can move Papelbon’s contract, it could become the best long-term cost saving option.

 

*All statistics courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise noted.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Stock Up, Stock Down for Philadelphia Phillies’ Top 10 Prospects for Week 8

The Philadelphia Phillies turned to their Triple-A affiliate four times this past week for major league replacements.  However, none of the players selected are currently ranked as top 10 prospects.

Was this because the current top prospects are progressing nicely but just need more seasoning, or because a lack of early season success is causing them to fall short of expectations?

A player such as Darin Ruf could have earned a promotion once Chase Utley was placed on the disabled list, especially with a DH needed for the next two games.  Instead, a slump led to the Phillies eventually promoting Michael Martinez.

Additionally, when Roy Halladay’s spot in the rotation came up, it was Tyler Cloyd who was promoted again rather than Adam Morgan or Ethan Martin.

All of these players have plenty of time to continue improving and reach the major leagues, possibly at some point this season.  But they have also seen at least one, if not two or three, opportunities come and go for a major league call-up.

Meanwhile, how did the rest of the Phillies top 10 prospects, according to Baseball America, fare this past week?

Let’s take a look at whose stock is up and whose is down following Week 8.

 

*All statistics courtesy of MiLB.com unless otherwise noted.

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Stock Up, Stock Down for Philadelphia Phillies’ Top 10 Prospects, Week 7

The Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospects saw their immediate futures take an interesting turn this past week when the team signed Carlos Zambrano to a minor league contract.

With Roy Halladay and John Lannan on the disabled list, pitchers such as Adam Morgan, Tyler Cloyd and Ethan Martin seemed like the top options for filling a rotation spot.

However, after Cloyd’s upcoming start, it could be Zambrano who gets the next chance to fill a rotation spot. This would keep Morgan and Martin in Triple-A to work on recent struggles, as they try and achieve positive results with more consistency.

But what about the chances for the Phillies other top-10 prospects, according to Baseball America, of reaching the major leagues soon?

Let’s take a look at which players’ stock is up and which of them are down following Week 7.

 

*All statistics courtesy of MiLB.com unless otherwise noted.

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Stock Up, Stock Down for Philadelphia Phillies’ Top 10 Prospects for Week 6

The Philadelphia Phillies called up two prospects from Triple-A this past week who turned in solid season debuts, although neither is considered a top 10 prospect.

Tyler Cloyd received a promotion over Adam Morgan to pitch in Roy Halladay’s spot in the rotation, and took a no-decision after allowing two earned runs and two hits in 6.1 innings.

Following the game Cloyd was sent back to Triple-A, while Justin De Fratus was promoted.  De Fratus struck out the lone batter he faced in Sunday’s game, and wound up with the win after the Phillies scored two runs in the 10th inning.

But what about the players currently ranked as the Phillies’ top 10 prospects according to Baseball America?

Has Darin Ruf started to heat up?  How did Jesse Biddle bounce back from his rough outing last week?  Did Ethan Martin improve his command in his two starts this past week?

Let’s take a look at which players’ stocks are up and which are down following Week 6.

 

*All statistics courtesy of MiLB.com unless otherwise noted.

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Stock Up, Stock Down for Philadelphia Phillies’ Top 10 Prospects for Week 5

It’s a good thing that some of the Philadelphia Phillies minor league pitching prospects have had success this season, because it appears another call-up will soon be needed.

John Finger of CSNPhilly.com reported that Roy Halladay admitted to having a sore throwing shoulder. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the pitcher will likely go on the disabled list.

If Halladay ends up on the disabled list, a starter will be needed May 10 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Which pitcher will potentially join Jonathan Pettibone and become the second minor league call-up this season?

In terms of who will be pitching on regular rest, Adam Morgan made his start Sunday at Triple-A, setting up May 10 as a possibility for his major league debut.  However, he has seen his ERA increase in recent weeks.

Although he is not currently ranked as a top 10 prospect, Tyler Cloyd recently struck out 10 batters in an eight-inning victory at Triple-A.

Which other top 10 prospects, according to Baseball America, are setting themselves up for a potential major league call-up?

Let’s take a look at which players’ stocks are up and which are down following Week 5.

 

*All statistics courtesy of MiLB.com unless otherwise noted.

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