Amaro on free agent possibilities
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Amaro on free agent possibilities
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Right now, the Phillies' top two options for bettering themselves are through the trade market, and through internal improvement. But with a number of veteran free agents still unsigned, there is an outside chance the team could go that route in order to fill its needs in the rotation, in the bullpen and on the bench.
That said, it sounds like a small chance. Right now, the Phillies feel like their best options for significantly improving the team either lie within the organization or in a trade market that has been slow to develop, although general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said, "We have to explore all areas."
Several recognizeable names, including former Brewers ace Ben Sheets and former Expos, Red Sox and Mets star Pedro Martinez, are available. But there is no guarantee Sheets, who had an agreement with the Rangers in February before elbow surgery derailed it, will be ready to pitch late this season, if at all. And Martinez's reported asking price of $5 million, along with questions about his diminished ability and his willingness to pitch in a hitters' park, make him an unpalatable option for the Phillies.
Lefthander Odalis Perez, released by the Nationals after a holdout, posted a 4.34 ERA in 30 starts with the Nationals last year has yet to land somewhere, and several hitters also remain unsigned, including former Met Damion Easley and former superstars Frank Thomas and Jim Edmonds.
One name the Phillies have discussed is veteran Paul Byrd, who posted a 4.60 ERA in 30 starts with the Indians and Red Sox last season. But again, it isn't clear that he would represent an upgrade, particularly after having spent the first few months of the season out of competition.
"The question is whether Paul Byrd is going to be any better than any of the guys that we have -- Rodrigo Lopez, or Carrasco, or Carpenter or Kendrick," Amaro said. "Why would he be any better than those guys? We've brought up the name, we've talked about it. We've talked about almost every guy that might be available, whether it is free agency or what."
Although the Phillies will call up 33-year-old veteran Rodrigo Lopez to start Friday night against the Mets, there is still a chance that you will see top pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco or fellow prospect Andrew Carpenter before the end of the season.
"There's 30 teams out there looking for the same thing," Amaro said. "What guarantees us that we are going to be able to acquire a guy who is even available? What I can guarantee you is that we can bring up somebody from our own system. That, we're allowed to do."
great..taking the cheap way out...way to go..Amaro.— Guy Incognito- Sign Ben Sheets already. Even if he can't help this year they still plan on playing baseball next year right? He's only 30 and even if he never returns to his previous form whatever he ends up will still be better than 80 percent of this rotation.
- Sheets!!!— Downie27
- Take the cheap way out? Their payroll is about 30% higher than it has ever been in their history. To get a stud it's the owners not Amaro who need to decide to spend a lot more cash. Then Amaro needs to decide if he's willing to give up the best prospects in the system because that's what it would take.— pgcd3
- Don't get the "taking the cheap way out" comment. The Phillies have a big payroll. They have been more than willing to spend the last few years. To get a top pitcher in a trade, you need a team willing to deal, and not many teams are out of any race right now....and you have to have what they want in return. A better package than any other team looking for a top pitcher. He has few great options.— hawk18
- It's not about being cheap, Guy. It's about getting the player who gives you the best chance of winning. I'm not sure any of those old, injury-prone, big-ticket, out-of-work free agents will be any better than the AAA prospects at Lehigh Valley.— MadAsHell
- their revenue is also higher than ever too, clowns, they just won a world series
- Dickie Thon— mick314
what about Dickie Thon?- Jimmy swung at the first pitch! Some say "good move." The pitcher most likely thought he would not swing until he got a strike on him. DAH! He may get a hit tonight. It does not matter to me. Why? Because he has NOT LEARNED anything from being pulled out of the lead-off spot. Blame him and management! HE SWUNG AT THE FIRST PITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When will the management WAKE-UP? He is not a lead-off hitter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He needs to work counts and NOT swing at the first pitch. This is so stupid! This is not smart baseball. He needs to be dropped in the order. You know it. I know it. For the sake of all that is good move him down! The nineth spot in the order has a better on base percentage!!!!!!!! Really! Out of 57 players who have played shortstop, this year, and have 100 official at bats he ranks 54 out of 57 shortstops! His O.B.P. is under.250. He is now batting average is 52nd out of 57 shortstops. Lead-off? How else can you kill a team from winning? Maybe Manager Manuel has more ideas!!!!
- Agree on Rollins. Drop him down to 6th. Also, mentally his head is not in his fielding game as it has been in the past. Granted, the slump hurts him in the field, but nothing seems to be changing at the plate so try something differnt. Finally, don't give away the young talent too easily. We WON last year. If need be, wait until next year when we're still a relatively young club to pick-up and resume our penant chase....and that's provided we don't win the penant this year again since there aren't any apparent trailblaizers out there.— djscho
- The Phillies will never win with this ownership....oh wait, they did. Ok, well they'll never win it twice with this ownership. :-) People, relax and wait and see what happens. I've got no problem with a GM willing to look under every rock for help.— booman55
Guy Incognito has been drinking already since having started the holiday weekend just hours before writing an unintelligent comment— jamarder- Guy is a cliche machine.— bobbyd24
Come Monday morning, the 30 million dollar Marlins will be in first place. Way to go, Amaro!— Nailz
