Free agent chase continues
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Free agent chase continues
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
The rest of the working world is winding down today, skipping out of work early for that pre-Turkey happy hour as visions of yams and pumpkin pie dance in their heads.
But the Phillies front office is still in action, and will likely remain so for the forseeable future.
Here is an update on where things stand:
1) Jamie Moyer: This continues to be the No. 1 priority. Everyone expects him to return. It's just a matter of hammering this thing out. Both sides have been very quiet about the actual negotiations. But I'd assume what is going to end up happening is Moyer will either get a one-year deal with a club option and healthy buyout for the second year or a two year deal with a club option for the third.
2) Other starting pitching: There have been several reports in recent days about the Phillies' interest in Blue Jays ace A.J. Burnett, but I wouldn't read too much into them, at least judging by what has been written about the righty's asking price. The Phillies have made contact with upwards of 25 free agents to gauge potential matches, and talking isn't the same thing as dancing. They were intrigued by Burnett around the tradingdeadline. There is no question he has no-hit stuff when he is on, but concerns about health and attitude have always surounded him, and that combined with Toronto's asking price quickly sent the Phillies back-pedalling. The Phils might consider Burnett an option, but I wouldn't get excited just yet.
3) Pat Burrell: The latest reports out of California are that the Angels might look at Burrell as a potential middle-of-the-order solution should Mark Texeira sign elsewhere. There is going to be a market for Burrell. I just don't think it will develop until after some of the other dominoes -- namely Manny Ramirez and Texeira -- fall into place.
Look forward to your reports from the GM's meeting. Just don't let them go high fiving again there like they did after they signed washed up Freddy Garcia. They have been more successful going with youth(Kendrick)or trading(Blanton)than a long term deal(Eaton)or even a short term deal(Garcia/Barajas/Taguchi) with over priced free agents who do not perform at all.— Dull- *Teixeira— mjriley26
- Garcia was a trade. Gavin Floyd, who was going nowhere as a Phil, not that it matters now that we have found a team that can win a championship. Here's my idle thought...if we can't resign Burrell or Moyer, put Utley in left stick this Donald kid at second. Allegedly the oufield is easier to paly, and Soriano has shown you can play left with second baseman's arm, and Utley has enough power to be a corner outfielder, though obviously he is less of a plus there than at second.— charyma
- charyma, it really isn't a good idea to move Utley from second. We have one of the best double play combos in baseball and I'm sure you remember the pennant clinching twin killing, a classic. You don't get that kind of middle infield chemistry overnight. Jason Donald may get a chance to fill in if Utley misses April, but as soon as Chase is ready he's got to be our second baseman. Donald may also see time at third base depending on Feliz' health and production.— xfactor
- It's not an ideall idea, but you might recall that Robin Yount moved from short to center. If Utley's hip turns out to be a nagging injury...— charyma
- Uhhhh, you do not take the best offensive and defensive second basemen in the league and move him to left field for a decent prospect...— NeduolCaz
- Utley is a second baseman. He's not an outfielder. And while others may have made the move, it isn't necessary here. There are other outfield options out there. This team doesn't need an overhaul or even a face lift. I don't know what it is, but Utley's 2B VORP has to be tops in the league. If Jason Donald is so great, why not have him switch to left? You don't ask the best 2B in team history to make a switch like that if you don't have to.— Scorekeeper
- Murph, you're good but calling Burnett an Ace is a ridiculous overstatement. 1) Halladay is Toronto's ace, its not even a competition. 2) This guy had a losing record and a Eaton-esque ERA. He's like a poor man's Myers. Give me Hamels, Myers, Heavy B, Moyer (or a 2nd tier type FA) and Happ and I'm happy.— stoner156
