Phillies GM Matt Klentak says his team will depend on newly acquired Jeremy Hellickson to help solidify its rotation, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com writes. “This offseason we made it a priority to add a stabilizing influence to our young rotation, and we think we found that guy in Jeremy,” says Klentak. “I think one of the things on top of the obvious is that he’s a veteran guy, but still just 28 years old. He’ll pitch at 29 this season, so we’re excited that he’s still in his prime.” Klentak says he’s hoping for bounce-back seasons from not only Hellickson but also James Russell and Dan Otero, both of whom the Phillies acquired earlier this month. Here are more quick notes from the East divisions.
- Free agent infielder Cliff Pennington, who played down the stretch with the Blue Jays, is close to signing, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick tweets. He’s considering one- and two-year deals. SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo tweets Pennington is choosing from among three teams. The 31-year-old Pennington hit just .210/.298/.281 in 2015. Given his solid defense and versatility (he can play shortstop, second base, third base and outfield and even pitch if needed), Pennington does have value, but it would be mildly surprising, in my opinion, if he wound up with a two-year deal following a down season.
- The Marlins would like to acquire two veteran starting pitchers this offseason because they don’t want to force themselves to start the year with one of a trio of youngsters (Justin Nicolino, Adam Conley, Jose Urena) in their starting rotation, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes (scroll down). The three younger pitchers will compete for a spot, but the Marlins would like to have a veteran option to compete as well. It looks, then, like the Marlins’ rotation will be Jose Fernandez, Jarred Cosart, Tom Koehler, a veteran, and then either another vet or one of Nicolino, Conley or Urena. (The team also has Henderson Alvarez, David Phelps, Brad Hand and Kendry Flores on its 40-man roster, although each of them comes with at least one question mark related to injury, performance or inexperience.) Jackson also adds that the Marlins like Justin Bour at first base, but they want him to improve his conditioning and could consider adding a right-handed platoon partner for him.
Phillies GM Matt Klentak says his team will depend on newly acquired Jeremy Hellickson to help solidify its rotation.
*lol*
They need innings. He can give them roughly 6 IP per start. The Phillies are loaded with big league relievers, not all of them are necessarily quality, but they can get through the season with what they got while they watch the kids develop.
By the end of the year, the rotation should look something like
Nola, Thompson, Eflin, Eickoff and Morgan.
If Hellickson can regain any of his old form, Hes a trade chip.
I understand that it’s too early to add a Price or Grienke, but when you look at Hellickson’s career numbers, realize that this is what he is doing “in his prime”, and consider his injury history, it’s hard to get excited. While your year end rotation is encouraging, it’s also highly unlikely that a team, even a rebuilding one, relies on that many young pitchers for their rotation. Inning limits alone tend to prevent it. It could happen, but I think you are rushing the timeline.
I totally disagree. Braves had like 15 rookies on a team, a few years ago, and won the division. So, saying the Phillies can’t compete for at least a wild card spot next season with a young rotation is ludicrous.
That is why they acquired Hellickson in the first place. To eat up innings and to save wear and tear on the young arms. They gave up nothing to get him and he doesn’t require the multi year commitment that a similar free agent would get.
He’s still not very exciting. Whats next? Re-signing Harang?
The Phillies are 2 or 3 years away from the buying exciting free agents part of their rebuild. They are still need to acquire and dentify their future core before they do that.