Where Will Phillies Turn for Outfielders If Bourn, Swisher Are Too Overpriced?

The Philadelphia Phillies are on the lookout for an outfielder, but their dilemma is that they’re looking for Ferraris on a Toyota budget.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. isn’t liking the price tags he’s seeing on the free-agent market:

phillies gm amaro on top free agent OFs: “we feel like the demands are north of where we want to be.” eying trades too

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 20, 2012

Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer crunched the numbers last week and determined that the Phillies’ payroll projects to be over $170 million after arbitration and other things, leaving them precious little money to spend on an outfielder if they want to avoid the $179 million luxury tax threshold.

With so little money at their disposal, here’s a look at bargain outfielders the Phillies can pursue on the free-agent and trade markets.

Note: Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted. Salary and payroll information courtesy of Cot’s Baseball Contracts.

Begin Slideshow

7 Phillies Who Could Be All-Stars in 2013

The Phillies have a team full of former All-Stars. Of the players who are projected to be on the 2013 25-man roster, eight of them have appeared in at least one All-Star Game.

If none of the Phillies start the season on the disabled list, the team will field five former All-Stars and it would be six if Carlos Ruiz hadn’t been suspended.

In 2012, Carlos Ruiz, Cole Hamels and Jonathan Papelbon represented the Phillies in the All-Star Game. Hopefully, in 2013, the Phillies will have even more players make this season’s All-Star Game, which will be held at the New York Mets‘ Citi Field.

Here are the 7 Phillies who have the potential to be All-Stars in 2013.  

Begin Slideshow

Grading Each of the Philadelphia Phillies’ Last 25 Free Agent Classes

It has been an offseason of going against the grain for Ruben Amaro Jr. and company, leaving fans of the Philadelphia Phillies thinking, “That’s a solid move, but there’s more, right?” Amaro has made this team look different, but have they improved? 

Moreover, has this team improved through free agency the way that we thought it would? After all, when the 2012 regular season came to an end, that was where it seemed as though this club would do its heavy hitting. 

They needed a center fielder and there were plenty of free agents available. Instead, they made a trade for Ben Revere. There were a few third basemen available, but they swung a trade with the Texas Rangers for Michael Young. 

In fact, this offseason’s haul of free agents, though possibly incomplete, is a little underwhelming. It doesn’t tell the entire story of their winter by any stretch, but for a team that looked like it was going to fill nearly all of its needs on the free agent market, to walk away with pitchers Mike Adams and John Lannan is intriguing, to say the least. 

Then again, the free agent market is a fickle mistress, especially in the history books as told by the Phillies. This is a team that has landed huge free agent hauls (Cliff Lee) and one that has been ridiculed for some of the worst moves of all-time (Adam Eaton). 

So how does this free agent haul stack up against the rest? With the Phillies on the verge of making just a couple of free agent signings in a year where they were expected to make a bit of a splash, I thought that now would be a good time to take a look at their last 25 free agent classes. 

Each class will be graded as a whole, but players will be analyzed on an individual basis. Players will only be eligible for this list if they were signed as a free agent during the offseason. On a similar note, we will only be analyzing “notable” free agent signings. That is to say that only players who made noticeable contributions at the MLB level will be analyzed, unless otherwise noted.

*Wins Above Replacement statistic is courtesy of FanGraphs, and divided into “batting” and “pitching” accordingly. 

Begin Slideshow

Is Phillies’ Outfielder Domonic Brown No Longer a True Blue Chip Prospect?

It wasn’t long ago that Domonic Brown was considered one of the top prospects in the game. In fact, Baseball America ranked Brown as baseball’s No. 4 prospect before the 2011 season—and with good reason.

Brown seemingly had it all: a tall, projectable frame, athleticism, emerging baseball skills and a mature feel for the game. He was fresh off of a 2010 season in which he batted .327/.391/.589 with 20 home runs, 17 stolen bases and 51/29 K/BB in 93 games between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Brown, a 22-year-old at the time, also reached the major leagues for the first time in late July and batted .210/.257/.355 with 24 strikeouts in 35 games. While his weaknesses were certainly exposed, he still showcased loud tools and plenty of natural ability.

He entered the 2011 season as a strong candidate for one of the Phillies’ corner outfield spots, but fractured the hamate bone in his right wrist in early March and didn’t return until late April. He returned to the major leagues in late May and hung around until the end of July when was demoted to the minor leagues.

Overall, it was a hugely disappointing year for the outfielder, posting a .725 OPS in 210 plate appearances.

Since then, Brown’s stock has taken a hit to the point where his long-term role with the organization is uncertain. He spent most of the 2012 season in the minor leagues, and when he was finally called up in late July, he posted a .712 OPS in 212 plate appearances—nearly identical to his 2011 output.

Once again Brown will be in the mix for playing time to open the 2013 season, but that could change if the Phillies sign a free-agent corner outfielder. Having said that, it’s apparent that the organization is questioning whether the 25-year-old will ever produce at the major-league level.

It was just last week that we learned the Phillies and Cubs had discussed a swap of Alfonso Soriano for Brown.

It’s also worth noting that in Brown’s 10-year forecast at Baseball Prospectus, his WARP projection ranges from 1.1 to 2.0, with the high end occurring in his peak seasons.

The one facet of Brown’s game that makes me optimistic is his plate discipline, which was solid in the major leagues in both 2011 and 2012. Beyond that, he still gives something to dream on with outstanding athleticism and impact tools.

However, if he does receive significant playing time in the major leagues this season, it will likely be his last chance—at least with the Phillies. 

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies: Bold Phillies Predictions for the Next 3 Years

The Philadelphia Phillies decision not to sign any players to long-term free agent deals this offseason shows that the team is relying on its current core to bounce back and have a healthy 2013 season.

The Phillies could’ve offered more money for B.J. Upton, offered Kevin Youkilis a multi-year deal or waited around for Michael Bourn’s decision.  Instead, the Phils turned to either younger players, or players who could be acquired on short-term deals, in order to give themselves flexibility going forward.

Regardless of whom the team acquires this offseason, their best chances for improving are contingent on players such as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Roy Halladay coming back strong from injuries and having seasons closer to their career norms.

Of course, that’s a big gamble to take.

Having these three players healthy could go a long way in determining next season’s level of success, but what about future seasons?  The Phillies are currently set to enter next season with Halladay, Utley, Carlos Ruiz and even manager Charlie Manuel in the last years of their respective contracts. 

Combine the expiring contracts with the health status of current players, and the job of general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. over the next few seasons will be far from easy. 

Here are five bold predictions for the Phillies over the next three years as they work through various options while trying to keep a perennial contender on the field.

Begin Slideshow

Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Reasons They Will Win the NL East

The Philadelphia Phillies have one agenda next year: win. Last season was a disappointment and the club spent the offseason executing calculated moves to position the club as contenders in the NL East.

Ruben Amaro Jr. may a have a trick or two still up his sleeve, but the nucleus of the team is finally forming.

The club must also maintain pace with the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves, who each made the playoffs last season. Both teams have been extremely busy this offseason and are ready to battle in 2013.

Here are five reasons why the Phillies should overcome adversity and win the NL East.

Begin Slideshow

Vernon Wells Phillies Rumors: Trade Would Be Colossal Mistake for Aging Team

Vernon Wells to the Philadelphia Phillies. At least that’s what the latest rumors would have you believe.

For Phillies fans, it could be more of a nightmare than a happy thought.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, Wells is drawing interest from the Phillies, who are looking to add an impact bat from the right side.

With the signing of free-agent slugger Josh Hamilton, the Angels have a logjam in their outfield. With Hamilton, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo expected to be the starters, that leaves Peter Bourjos and Wells as the extras.

Something’s gotta give.

It’s been no secret to anyone that the Angels want to unload Wells. Recent reports have the New York Yankees interested in adding Wells as well.

Wells’ stay in Anaheim has not been pleasant. Over two years, Well has hit just .222 with a .667 OPS.

A thumb injury kept Wells on the disabled list for over two months last season. The transition of Trumbo to the outfield along with the spirited play of Trout kept Wells on the bench for much of the latter part of the season as well.

Add to that the fact that the Angels owe Wells $42 million over the next two seasons, and you have some pretty good reasons why they’re so anxious to ship him elsewhere.

However, the Phillies should simply and quietly walk away from this discussion.

Money likely wouldn’t be an issue for the Phillies, who are already challenged with a high payroll. The Angels presumably would pony up significant cash to help pay the remaining money on Wells’ contract.

The issue is age and production.

With the exception of newcomer Ben Revere, everyone in the starting lineup for the Phillies is over the age of 30.

CSNPhilly.com recently discussed the Revere acquisition and how his presence helps the Phillies in terms of his youth and athleticism.

Doesn’t acquiring Wells counteract that?

There’s no question the Phillies could use some power from the right side to complement lefties Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.

They could use some more youth to complement their ages as well.

In addition, Heyman mentioned that the Phillies are looking for a cleanup hitter to hit behind Howard. Wells’ .222/.258/.409 slash line over the past two seasons does not scream cleanup, it screams bottom of the order.

Free agent Cody Ross has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Phillies. In perusing various forums and reading writers’ comments about Ross, it’s obvious that fans don’t believe that Ross is the answer.

If they feel that way about Ross, they have to be apoplectic about the possibility of Wells roaming left field at Citizens Bank Park.

This is an idea that the Phillies need to get out of their head. Desperate times do not require desperate measures.

Acquiring Wells qualifies as a desperate measure.

 

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.

Follow @Sports_A_Holic

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Phillies Would Be Foolish to Nab Vernon Wells Via Trade

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has reported that the Philadelphia Phillies are looking at making a deal for Los Angeles Angels OF Vernon Wells.

The Phillies are in need of a right-handed bat as well as a corner outfielder and have previously been linked to free agent OF Cody Ross.

If a deal between the Phillies and Angels would be done, the Angels would have to absorb the majority of the $42 million owed to Wells over the course of the next two seasons.

Wells has been considered one of the worst acquisitions in baseball history due to the seven-year, $126 million contract he received in 2006 while with the Toronto Blue Jays. Since landing with the Angels, Wells has failed to live up to the salary that he was given by his previous club.

In 2011, Wells batted .218 AVG with 25 HR and 66 RBI. The numbers he posted that year were the worst of his career since he was a former three-time All-Star (2003, 2006, 2010) and a one-time Silver Slugger in 2003.

Last season, Wells disappointed again with a .230 AVG followed by 11 HR and 29 RBI.
Needless to say, the Phillies could do a lot better than Vernon Wells. Among John Mayberry Jr. and Domonic Brown, the two outfielders returning from last season’s team, Mayberry Jr. hit .245 and Brown hit .235.

Such a number is not pretty and the play of both Mayberry Jr. and Brown left the fans in Philadelphia desiring a lot more.

Philly fans have not been clamoring for the club to sign OF Cody Ross but if it trumps a deal for Wells, they have to take it. At this point in time, Ross is much better defensively and offensively.

Making a deal for Wells would be a tremendous mistake and would further cast doubt on whether or not Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is capable of maintaining his employment within the organization.

Pete Dymeck runs his own blog about baseball at PeteDymeck.com.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Odds of Every Philadelphia Phillies Player Being Enshrined in the Hall of Fame

Voting for the Hall of Fame is about to get a lot more interesting this year. It’s a ballot that writers have been counting down to for years, stuffed with names like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens and all of the moral dilemmas that they present. 

Regardless of who actually gets the nod, this vote got me to thinking—how many of the current players on the Philadelphia Phillies roster have a shot at making the Hall of Fame when their playing days have come to an end? 

So, how will we decide those odds? Well, let’s be honest here—the Hall of Fame voting has become about numbers and accolades, and each player’s chance hinges on the success he has had in his career. Now, the fun part about this slideshow is that for a lot of players, we are talking about future projections as well.

With that in mind, here is each player currently on the Phillies’ roster and his odds at being enshrined in Cooperstown in the future.

Begin Slideshow

Philadelphia Phillies 2013: 7 Bold Predictions for the Phils’ 2013 Season

There is a unique feeling for Philadelphia fans entering the 2013 season.  Much of the talent that helped the team win 102 games in 2011 remains, but the bitter taste of the 2012 season remains strong.  Ruben Amaro has quietly filled the team’s needs, avoiding the flashy free-agent signing or blockbuster trade that has marked seasons past.  The team appears poised to compete, but there is more uncertainty surrounding this team than there has been in many years.

With the competition growing increasingly fierce, the Phillies will need to perform up to potential all season long to have a chance to compete in the NL East.  A lot can happen over the course of 162 games and this slideshow will outline some of the key events that I believe will mark the upcoming season.

So without further ado, here are my 7 bold predictions for the Phillies’ 2013 season.

Begin Slideshow

« Previous Page — Next Page »