This is your forum for posing questions to our staff and certain professionals. As with all information on our sites, questions and answers are published for information and discussion purposes only. Such information is not a substitute for professional advice from an adviser familiar with your particular situation. We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information provided in our forum.
Ask Andy Martino
QTodd, the Phillies enter next season with 3 players on the NL MVP radar before a pitch is even thrown. Who's your pick to best represent the Phillies in 2008, Howard, Rollins or Utley?
AI'm taking Utley. Howard's strikeouts are a concern. Rollins made baseball history in 2007, becoming the first player ever to have 200 hits, 15 triples, 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases. It's tough to repeat history. But Utley would have been a top five MVP candidate -- he still might be -- had he not been injured. I like his chances next season, should he remain healthy.
QTodd,
As it appears that the FA pitching market is thin, at best, why not resign Freddy Garcia on an incentive laden pro-rated deal w/ a team option for 2009? Would the Phillies be willing to resign him at all?
AThe Phillies have said they're not interested. And frankly, I don't blame them. Even if it's an incentive laden deal, I don't like having to count on him. Plus, I think he could get a better offer elsewhere.
QIs there a chance the Phils might go after Johan Santana or give Greg Dobbs the 3rd basemen job for 2008?
AI'm sure they'll look into Santana, but the Phillies don't have much to give. Carrasco is their top prospect, but unless the Twins are willing to accept some lower level prospects I'm not sure there's a match. As far as Dobbs, I think that would happen only if the team can't find an upgrade elsewhere. Even then I think you'd see Dobbs and Helms split time.
QAre the Phillies going to sign Rowland and go after a top of the Starting pitcher?
AThey're going to try to re-sign him, but he's asking for a lot right now. As far as a top starter, they will pursue Schilling and maybe others should they become available via trade.
QI recently heard that Pat Gillick believes that no starting pitcher in the minors has a shot at becoming a starter for this team next year. Why wasn't Carlos Carrasco considered as a September call-up this year, and why won't he have a shot at the rotation next year?
A
Because they think he simply isn't ready. He struggled a bit in double-A Reading and they feel he needs more seasoning. What's the rush? I know Kendrick succeeded this season, but think about how many Gavin Floyds the Phillies have burned through. It's rare you strike lightning twice, so I'm not offended the Phillies don't plan to rush Carrasco. Now, if he pitches great this spring and early next season in triple-A or wherever then those thoughts could change.
QAny chance of the Phillies looking to Japan for any pitching? I heard something about a sinkerballer who is a free agent now and getting some interest from other teams. Also, what do you think it would take to get Dontrelle Willis? He seems like a guy that could rebound if rejuvinated by a good team. I would hate to part with Victorino though and I don't see what else they have to offer. Thanks for reading my questions.
A
The Inquirer's Jim Salisbury wrote about that Japanese pitcher in Sunday's paper: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20071014_EXTRA_BASES.html.
As far as Willis, I think a change of scenery could help. But again, I'm not sure how much the Marlins would want in return. The Phillies don't seem to have much.
Q Thanks for all the good info on the Phillies.What is your"gut feeling "on what the Phils will do in the off season.(Make trades or sign free agents.")What are the best options?MY MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION!WILL YOU BE BACK NEXT YEAR AND WHEN DO YOU GET VACATION?
AMy gut feeling is this: the Phillies are going to be aggressive this off-season. Gillick would like to go out on top, and it sounds like ownership is going to give him a little more money to work with. Will it happen? I'm not sure. If they get blown out of the water by everybody, then maybe not. But I know they don't think they just need a middle reliever or two and a bench player. They're thinking big. Schilling, Rivera, Lowell, etc. Now, I don't think they can pull off all that, but they're going to try to get what they can. As far as your last question: I'm just trying to get through this season. I've had just one day off since Sept. 13!
QTodd, is there any reason to assume that Eaton will be better next season? What is he going to do about it in the off season. Otherwise, just dump him and take the financial loss (just as with Garcia and Lieber this season) in stead of starting the season with a huge number of automatic losses. Anything this might happen after a bad spring training?
AI suppose he could improve if his health improves -- the Phillies think his health attributed to his struggles -- and he improves mentally. He said he'd be open to seeing a sports psychologist in the off-season, if it could help turn around his career. Everybody talks about how much they like Eaton's stuff. That's fine and great, but they can't afford to watch him struggle for 30 more starts next season. It's just not fair to his teammates.
QTodd,
Any chance the Phillies go after Manny Ramirez?
A
I haven't heard his name mentioned at all. They'd have to trade Burrell to make that happen, and I'm not sure how easy that would be.
QAside from the issue of how many bullets Schilling has left, would he have a positive impact on the team (role model, veteran, double World Series winner, charitable works) or would it be negative (big mouth, publicity hound, blog controversies, narcissist, me-first)? Do you think, Todd, that he's a net positive or negative?
AI think there are enough leaders in the clubhouse that they could handle any potential negative impact Schilling could provide. Plus, it's possible Schilling would only be here for one year, so I'm sure they could survive.
This is your forum for posing questions to our staff and certain professionals. As with all information on our sites, questions and answers are published for information and discussion purposes only. Such information is not a substitute for professional advice from an adviser familiar with your particular situation. We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information provided in our forum.
ARCHIVES
- Top Jobs
- Top Homes
- Top Cars
Glen Mills
$235,000 |
Center City $2,390,000 1101 LOCUST ST #11E |
- Books
- Movies
- Page Reprints
- Photo Licensing
- Photos
Buy Inquirer, Daily News & Philly merchandise here including:
Ticket Offers
- News | Sports | Business | What's Happening | Restaurants & Food | Entertainment | Living | Marketplace | Jobs
Site Services:
Classifieds:
- Jobs | Cars | Real Estate | Rentals | Marketplace | Celebrations
Partners:
