Pitchers and catchers don't report for another 90 days or so but the Hot Stove is just starting to heat up for the defending National League Champions (doesn't have the same ring, does it?). The Phillies don't figure to make a ton of moves this offseason, though after the recent announcements of the removal of Eric Bruntlett and the declining of Pedro Feliz's 2010 option, there are a few holes that need to be filled through free agency and trades for the upcoming season.
With free agency set to begin in a few days, here is my early look at the Phillies 2010 roster, including places where the team needs to bring in new players:
Infielders (6): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, FA 3rd baseman, Greg Dobbs, FA Utility player
The Phils obviously need a new starting third baseman and will look to sign someone through free agency. Names like Chone Figgins and Adrian Beltre have been bandied about but don't be surprised if the Phillies settle for someone like Mark DeRosa or Placido Polanco. The departure of Bruntlett means the team must also look for a new backup utility player that can fill in at second and short. I also wouldn't be opposed to the Phillies finding a way to rid themselves of Greg Dobbs and picking up a better lefty pinch hitter.
Outfielders (5): Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Ben Francisco, John Mayberry
Four spots are set in stone and the 5th is up for grabs amongst several guys in the system. My guess is that Mayberry did enough last year to get the 5th outfielder gig, though the Phils could easily sign a lefty free agent bench bat that can play in the outfield.
Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, FA Backup catcher
With the Phillies likely letting Paul Bako go and already showing Paul Hoover the door, they will need to find a new backup catcher in the open market. With the trade of Lou Marson, they don't have anyone in the system that is capable of playing in the majors at this time.
Starting Rotation (5): Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, ???
Four spots are set, who gets the 5th starter role? Putting aside the rumors about Roy Halladay, the Phillies do have a few in-house solutions for the rotation: Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer and Kyle Drabek. I think Drabek can be ruled out because he likely won't be ready and I don't think the Phils can go with four lefties so Moyer is probably out. That leaves our old friend Kyle Kendrick as the 5th starter. Let's hope they bring someone else in!
Bullpen (7): Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, FA Lefty, FA Righty
Those two free agent spots could easily go to Chan Ho Park and Scott Eyre if the Phillies find a way to bring both back. I'm not convinced that the Phillies bring back Clay Condrey, so that could be a spot where they make a change in the bullpen.
Free agency starts on November 20th. At the very least, we should see the Phillies signing a third baseman and a bench player by the end of this month. They may wait a while after that to fill the remaining roles with slightly cheaper talent.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Your very early 2010 Phillies roster
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4 comments:
Speaking just to the bullpen issue, I'm hearing Mr. Eyre is making himself a little too pricey. It wouldn't surprise me, sadly, if he doesn't come back.
I'd really like to land Mike Gonzalez, but I've heard no connections between he and us.
Plus, it sounds like Chan Ho Park might be looking to start somewhere next year meaning he might be moving on. Would love Gonzalez, for the right price!
I was surprised you did not have Moyer as the fifth starter. While I agree with you that he should not be, what would they do with him? They are paying him too much to cut him. Do you see him in the pen for the season?
Don't like the knock on Kendrick...after watching him this season in the Lehigh Valley I think he can easily hold down the 5th spot in the rotation.
Soriano from Atlanta would be a huge addition for a bullpen that still needs help.
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