Offseason Outlook: Philadelphia Phillies

I hate to disagree with you Tim, but the Phillies did have a bunch of career years.
Victorino
Werth
Dobbs
Ruiz to a lesser extent
Lidge
Madson
Romero
Durbin
I'd even throw Moyer into that because he pitched way above expectations. It may not have been a "career year" but its a "career year" for his basically 3rd run of decades.

Now, on the flip side, Hamels and Myers will probably get better. Howard is becoming a consistent terrible player for stretches and awesome player for stretches. Utley is going to be great. Rollins will probably improve. So, it probably all evens out in the end anyway. I don't think they'll win the East again next year with the Mets and Braves (who are probably going to be this years biggest players and spenders outside of the Bronx).

All of these guys played way above expectations. If even 3 of them slip that would be a big difference in the win column.

"They didn't win the World Series on a bunch of career years, so keeping this group intact is a reasonable strategy."

I have to agree with Tim and disagree with you bdid. For the most part their main cogs performed average or slightly below. Rollins had a off year, Utley slumped for a good part of the year after being on fire, and Howard batted .220 for months at a time.

I think its easy to say that Rollins and Utley can definitely do better next year and Howard should perform the same, or maybe even better.

As far as Victorino, I would hardly say he had a career year, he just was a little bit healthier and got more AB's.

Don't forget Feliz should have a better year next year as well.

If all Philly does is replace Pat the Bat, I think they should be in good shape to defend next year.

Have to agree with your conclusions. Some of these arb raises are going to be significant.

I think they may look to lock up Werth/Madson, FAs after 2009

I'd be shocked if they were serious players for any big FA pitcher (Lowe, Burnett, Sheets etc). Other teams have more need/more money budgeted to FA SP

I expect them to kick the tires on Holliday, Mags, Dye for LF, but don't see any deal as likely.

Donald, seemingly biggest available trade chip, seems to matchup up well with CHI-A and DET though

And they could upgrade the bench by replacing Bruntlett with any player with some SS experience and bringing in a RH 5th OF like Jason Michaels

Increased production behind the plate? Lou Marson. Increased team OBP? Lou Marson.

there are reports in philly that they are going to increase payroll to about 135 this year

Let me see...

I don't agree with bdid on career years or any of signings he wants to make. Randy Johnson? Curt Schilling? You can't be serious. You think we need more over the hill, injury prone starters? Terrible idea. I don't think much needs to be done for the rotation besides bringing Moyer back for another season. He surprised everyone last season by stepping up to put up #3 numbers, but he fits into the #5 hole really well. If Amaro sticks with Gillick's ways, we will get some buy low pitcher who will fit into our over all plan. I would bring back the same bullpen and give Madson some pay. He did great and deserves to get paid.

I don't think payroll needs to increase like ae thinks. We don't need to be the Yankees or the Mets to compete, haven't the last 2 seasons taught you anything? We have a great core of players and don't need to make the big name deals to win. Get a solid starter to fill in for Pat (maybe even Pat) and all will be well.

ae you wouldn't happen to be a Mets or Braves fan would you?

They could just spend money on arb raises and not bring in a single FA over 1 mio dollars and be competitive next year, and probably still favorites in the division

If you are talking over a longer term, not sure I understand the point, because management has made no indications that they have a rigid salary maximum

I spent last Wednesday night in Citizens Bank and on Broad Street screaming myself hoarse. so, no.

I'm realistic. the Mets, Braves, and Marlins aren't going to be static. they're going to improve. the Phillies aren't going to repeat if they just try to stick with the status quo.

it's not a dumb idea in the sense that it's a bad idea. it's a dumb idea in the sense that "sign every single good free agent" is not a plausible offseason strategy.

I know that the Mets and Braves are not going to be static this offseason, they have holes to fill and we do too. Repeating is one of the hardest things to do in this sport, but as been said, we have our core of players in tact. I could see Howard being dealt and I think Moyer still has the love of the fans that is making them think he should stay. There are better options out there. But we will not be able to sign every big name out there, it has never been the Phillies way of doing things.

That said, Amaro is not Gillick. Gillick made low risk moves that worked out for him and Amaro may be enticed by big names on the market. If so, there could be some waves made and that is where I think Howard may be moved. We won't know anything until after Nov 14, so might as well sit tight.

hey phillies fans go rub it in on the mets page that you guys won the world series.....now as for next season ..... i dont think the rockies are going to get as much as they want for holliday and he would be a perfect fit in you lineup hes a righty and he will kill the ball in the bank.....he will be an upgrade from burrel....also need a 5 starter maby garland could be good i dont think you will need to give him too much money and he would realy solidify that rotation