In 2 moves that left area Mathematicians perplexed, the Phils subtracted pitching and added powerless bats, a feeble nod at contending with the spend-happy, Evil Empire West L.A. Dodgers, who continued making waves of a considerably different size.
36 year-old Michael (not so) Young is so totally underwhelming that his signing actually causes more concern than it reassures. Is this what management really thinks of as difference-maker for this team? Yes, the Phils needed a 3rd-sacker and yes, he is a veteran presence (as some were quick to note), but in an infield full of old, broke down bodies, is Young really giving the Phillies what they need?
In the trade with Texas, the Phils unloaded two righthanded relievers: Josh Lindblom, who arrived last July in the Shane Victorino trade, and Lisalverto Bonilla, a 22-year-old minor leaguer who had a 1.55 ERA in 31 games between Single A Clearwater and Double A Reading in 2012.
 |
| Even Kissing His Bat Didn't Improve Young's Woeful 2012. |
The Rangers are paying $10 million of the $16 million Young is owed in 2013.
"He has a tremendous track record," Amaro said. "I know that last year was not his best year but after talking to the scouts and discussing it intently with the rest of our front office, we felt like this is an excellent person to bring to our club.
"The fact that he hits righthanded helps balance our lineup out a little bit as well. I just think all the elements he brings to the table for us are very, very positive."
Meanwhile, late last week, the Phils acquired CF Ben (no relation to Paul) Revere by trading SP Vance Worley and their #1 pitching prospect, 23-year-old Trevor May. The righthander struggled through most of last season, posting a 10-13 record and a 4.87 ERA at double-A Reading.
 |
| Amaro Hopes Revere's The Poor Man's Michael Bourn. |
Revere, 24, had a .326 batting average and .383 on-base percentage in parts of five seasons in the Twins' minor-league system (although that's the minor leagues) and batted .294 in 553 plate appearances with the big-league team last season. He also stole 40 bases in 49 attempts and scored 70 runs. He did not make an error while playing 121 games at all three outfield positions.
He is young and unproven, but with true potential. However, the price the Phils paid to get him cannot be underscored enough. When Worley was healthy, in 2011, he was a Rookie-of-the-Year candidate. The Phils must have decided that after season-ending elbow surgery in 2012, he wouldn't be the same. Unless they were simply counting on him being another J.A. Happ flash-in-the-pan sensation ready to topple.
Moving May, however, is perhaps less prudent. The Phils had already ripped the farm bare of prospects, now May is the latest top arm to depart in the mass exodus of minor league talent during Amaro's early years as GM.
He is young and unproven, but with true potential. However, the price the Phils paid to get him cannot be underscored enough. When Worley was healthy, in 2011, he was a Rookie-of-the-Year candidate. The Phils must have decided that after season-ending elbow surgery in 2012, he wouldn't be the same. Unless they were simply counting on him being another J.A. Happ flash-in-the-pan sensation ready to topple.
Moving May, however, is perhaps less prudent. The Phils had already ripped the farm bare of prospects, now May is the latest top arm to depart in the mass exodus of minor league talent during Amaro's early years as GM.
One thing Revere will not provide is power. He has zero home runs and 33 extra-base hits in 1,064 plate appearances.
Young will not offer power either.
Equally troubling is the fact that NL foes the Dodgers made some devastatingly powerhouse moves of their own while the Phils plucked some circumspect singles-hitters to maybe somewhat bolster their limp lineup.
The Dodgers had an active weekend, agreeing to terms late Saturday with free agent superstar pitcher Zack Greinke on a six-year, $147 million deal. They will enter the 2013 season with a record payroll of more than $230 million. Adding Zack Greinke and Korean left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu over the weekend makes the Dodgers the NL front runner for 2013.
Meanwhile, the Phils added a guy to play third who's over-the-hill and hit 8 HR last year.
The Phillies have achieved symmetry in recent years. In 2007, they missed the playoffs. In 2008, they won the World Series. Then, in 2009, they lost it. In 2010, they lost the NLCS and in 2011 they lost the NLDS. Finally, in 2012, they missed the playoffs again. So, it's a perfectly balanced rise and fall. From 2009-2011, they were eliminated in the playoffs by the team that went on to win the World Series.
Now, with a rotation of Halladay, Lee, Hamels and Kendrick, the Phils appear to be in the market for a 5th starter, as well as a power-hitting outfielder the caliber of a Josh Hamilton, a teammate of ex-Ranger Michael Young last season. Perhaps the Phils will reunite the former Rangers in Philadelphia.
No comments:
Post a Comment