PhillyTalk: Ask the Writers and Experts

QWhat do you see the Phils doing with the remainder of the off season? If they are going to add a starter, does that mean they are prepared to eat the rest of Eaton's money or make a similar move to the one they made with Lieber at the beginning of last season? Also, do you think they are going to go with an OF of Werth, Victorino, Burrell, or are they going to add someone like Fukodome from Japan. The Lidge move was a good one, but I am concerned about them banking on Helms/Dobbs and Romero. Recall that Dobbs and Romero (who was incredibly overpaid for 30 good innings) were both waiver pickups. What do the Phils have up there sleeves to make this team into a world series contender, because unless they do something big, I just don't see it happening.

QHey Todd! What do you think about keeping Myers as the closer, having Lidge be the setup man, and trading for another starter (i.e. Garland or Willis)? I know Lidge makes a lot of money, but a bullpen with Myers, Lidge, Romero, Madson, and Gordon would become the strength of the team.

QWhat ever happened to Julio Mateo? I have not seen any updates and wondered whether he will be following in Ugueth Urbina's footsteps or expected to be with the club in 2008.

QGood move re-signing Romero. There are a number of good FA relief guys still left. Linebrink would be my #1 pick and other names, Dotel, Hawkins and Herges to name a few. Who do you think the Phils may go after?

QI know you won't answer this question, but I'll ask it anyway. Why is it that you and Jim Salsbury constantly make excuses for the Phillies? You both constantly say things like, If they sign this pitcher and that pitcher they will be "unable" to re-sign Aaron Rowand. You both know damn well "unable" has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with it. The correct word is UNWILLING. Don't tell me about how much their payroll is. They have had about the same payroll since they moved in to citizens bank park and they have consistently not had enough to go to the World Series (that should be the goal, not just make the playoffs and keep attendance up). This means you need to spend more and spend it wisely. You need to realize (and you're a moron if you don't) that players will get injured. So what the Phillie$ spend $95 million? It obviously takes at least a little more than that, so spend $110 million and keep AARON ROWAND!!! You two are obviously intimidated by the Phillies and refuse to call them on this. Instead you simply write how it is a priority to re-sign Charlie Manuel (let's face it, it's a stretch to even say he's a decent manager, but you're definitely too intimidated by him and the access that would be denied you if you criticize him). Do your jobs, stop being gutless and call the Phillie$ on why they are "unable" to re-sign one of the major reasons they went to the playoffs AND improve the club.

QApparently, the Phils aren't high on Kyle Lohse. It seems that he pitched well for them. What do you think?

QDo you think that it would be wise to go after LaTroy Hawkins? He seems to have pretty good stuff, at least when he pitches against the Phils. Or are the Phils done shopping for relief pitchers? Also seems as though they are unfortunately satisfied with the platoon at third base, so are they done looking for someone there.

QKyle Loche is listed as a no compensation player on ESPN. Is this correct?

QIf the Cubs do not sign Prior. Do you think the phillis might have any interest. Even though he is very injury prone, he could be a good hig-risk/high-reward guy who could help the phillies during a playoff stretch run. If he'd sign for a one-year contract.

QWhich Pat Burrell will we get in 2008? The April/May Pat or the guy who caught fire the rest of the year?