Phillies FA Preview: Third Base
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Phillies FA Preview: Third Base
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Over the past couple of days, we've taken a look at the various avenues the Phillies might take once the free agent signing period begins tomorrow. To recap, the Phillies have seven open roster spots to fill between now and spring training -- a starting third baseman, three relievers, a back-up catcher, and two other bench players. In a perfect world, they would also sign a player with the capability of competing for the fifth spot in the rotation with Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick.
According to our projections, they will have $119.75 million locked up to the 17 players who are under club control for next season. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has said that he does not expect to spend much more on payroll than he did last season, when the Phillies finished the year paying out just over $137 million. So, for the sake of evaluating this free agent class, we are operating under the assumption that the Phillies will have a $140 million Opening Day payroll, giving them roughly $20.25 million to spend. This projection is hardly scientific. In reality, Amaro could be planning on spending more than $140 million, but it does not behoove him to publicly say so.
Over the last two days, we've looked at the bench and the bullpen situation. Now, we'll take a look at one of the most important voids the Phillies have to fill: third base.
I. Needs
We've spent a considerable amount of cyberspace breaking down the third base position, so feel free to go back and read our previous posts. In a nut shell, though, the Phillies decided to make Pedro Feliz a free agent for several reasons. Among major league third baseman, Feliz ranked 12th in batting average (.266), 18th in on base percentage (.308) and 18th in OPS (.694). Only two major league third basemen with enough qualifying at-bats had a lower OPS than Feliz.
Furthermore, Feliz's offensive shortcomings left the Phillies with subpar production out of the No. 7 spot in the order, where they ranked 19th in OPS.
But Feliz led the team in hitting with runners in scoring position and over the last two years established himself as one of the top defensive third basemen in the majors.
In order to upgrade the position, the Phillies need to find a player whose offensive production would off-set whatever defensive drop off he would present.
II. Potential Targets: DeRosa and Polanco
There are several third basemen - and infielders who can play third base - available. Below, we've broken down each of the leading candidates by the categories that the Phillies should be looking for in their new bat, including power, on base percentage, situational hitting and defense.
We said early on that the smart money was on Mark DeRosa, and it still might be given a combination of factors that includes affordability. But don't count out Placido Polanco, the former Phillie whose departure hastened the current year-by-year third base experiments by the front office. Polanco hasn't played third since 2005, but many believe he can transition back to the position with little problem (he won a Gold Glove at second base this season).
In many ways, Polanco could fit the Phillies roster better than DeRosa. For starters, he is a year younger. Secondly, he is an experienced everyday player who has at least 600 plate appearances in each of the last three seasons. He isn't coming off wrist surgery, as DeRosa is. He is a better defender at second and third and played some short stop earlier in his career. He hasn't proven that he can play extensively in the outfield. But the outfield is the least of the Phillies concerns right now.
At the plate, DeRosa has a clear edge in power, but statistics say that Polanco is a better situational hitter. To quantify situational hitting, you have to utilize some pretty specific statistics. The most basic, and easiest to understand, are "Productive Outs." Essentially, a "Productive Out" occurs when a hitter moves a runner with no out or drives home a runner while making the second out of the inning.
According to Baseball-Reference.com, the Phillies converted just 29 percent of their opportunities for a productive out, the third-worst percentage in the National League. With a man on third and less than two out, the Phillies scored just 48 percent of the time, which ranked in the bottom half of the NL.
Over the last three years, Polanco has converted on 32.8 percent of his opportunities for a productive out. DeRosa, on the other hand, has converted on 29.5 percent. Polanco also hits for a higher average, strikes out less, and has 13 sacrifice hits over the last two years compared to DeRosa's seven.
That said, the Phillies have always liked DeRosa, a former quarterback at Penn who can play the outfield as well as second and third.
Among the available third basemen that the Phillies are likely considering, DeRosa's defense at third base leaves the most to be desired. It is tough to quantify defense, so I'm not going to bother throwing out statistics. You'll just have to take my word for it based on conversations I've had with various scouts and personnel men. But DeRosa brings enough positives, both at the plate and in his versatility in the field (he has the tools to be an everyday second baseman or outfielder), where the Phillies would view him as an upgrade. A few weeks ago, I asked one veteran scout who has an intimate knowledge of the Phillies' roster if DeRosa would be an upgrade over Feliz, and he said that he would. The one unknown is what kind of contract DeRosa will be looking for. He'll be 35 years old on Opening Day and is coming off wrist surgery. He made $5.5 million last season, which is what the Phillies would have paid Feliz had they picked up his option. But a multi-year contract isn't out of the question. Even if DeRosa proves to be a liability at third base, his versatility would prevent him from turning into dead money. In a worst case scenario, the Phillies could be back in the market for a third baseman next offseason, while having DeRosa as an option in right field, where Jayson Werth will be a free agent, or as a super-utility man.
A lot has been made about DeRosa's roots, but I wouldn't put too much stock into that. For a player like DeRosa, who has never had a "huge" multi-year deal and who is in the twilight of his career, a situation like this offseason is all about maximizing his return. These guys have a very small window in which to make their money, and DeRosa's window is closing. But given the glut of third base candidates on the market, the Phillies have a good chance at signing DeRosa to a cost-effective deal.
Why would they want to do so?
1) DeRosa is extremely effective against left-handed pitching. Even last season, when he struggled with his wrist injury after being traded from the Indians to the Cardinals, he finished hitting .278 with a .341 on base percentage and .928 OPS against lefties. He averaged a home run every 12.6 at-bats against lefties. Feliz, meanwhile, hit just .208 against lefties, although that stat is an anomaly when you look at his career.
In 2008, DeRosa hit .310 with a .398 on base percentage and .894 OPS against lefties, while hitting .275 with a .367 on base percentage and .842 OPS against righties.
2) On paper over the last three years, DeRosa has brought a better combination of power and situational hitting than Polanco.
III. Other names to watch
Two of the more intriguing names out there are Adrian Beltre and Miguel Tejada. Beltre is coming off an injury-plagued season, but he is a good defender who put up impressive power numbers in a division rife with pitcher-friendly ballparks. Tejada, meanwhile, has never played third base, but many project him to eventually move to the position.
Tejada would seem to fit perfectly in the Phillies line-up, given his ability to both move runners and hit the ball out of the ballpark. But there are two big unknowns: Would he move to third base, and what is his price tag?
IV. What about Figgins?
Provided Chone Figgins lands the contract many expect him to, don't count on the Phillies as serious players. While there is no doubt he would upgrade the line-up and give the roster a tremendous, versatile weapon, there is a pretty good chance the Phillies do not feel he is worth the money given the other options that are out there.
V. Comparing the candidates
Below, I've broken down the key statistics posted by six free agent third basemen -- Polanco, DeRosa, Beltre, Figgins, Tejada and Troy Glaus. I've also included Feliz's numbers as a point of reference. I did not include Glaus' statistics fromt his past season, when he was limited to under 100 PA by injuries.
Plate Appearances
Feliz: 625 (2009), 463 (2008), 590 (2007), 644 (2006)
Polanco: 675 (2009), 629 (2008), 641 (2007), 495 (2006)
DeRosa: 576 (2009), 593 (2008), 574 (2007), 572 (2006)
Beltre: 477 (2009), 612 (2008), 639 (2007), 681 (2006)
Figgins: 729 (2009), 520 (2008), 503 (2007), 683 (2006)
Tejada: 673 (2009), 666 (2008), 568 (2007), 709 (2006)
Glaus: DNP (2009), 637 (2008), 456 (2007), 634 (2006)
On Base Percentage
Feliz: .308 (2009), .302 (2008), .290 (2007), .281 (2006)
Polanco: .331 (2009), .350 (2008), .388 (2007), .329 (2006)
DeRosa: .319 (2009), .376 (2008), .371 (2007), .357 (2006)
Beltre: .304 (2009), .327 (2008), .319 (2007), .328 (2006)
Figgins: .395 (2009), .367 (2008), .393 (2007), .336 (2006)
Tejada: .340 (2009), .314 (2008), .357 (2007), .379 (2006
Glaus: DNP (2009), .372 (2008), .366 (2007), .355 (2006)
Home Runs
Feliz: 12 (2009), 14 (2008), 20 (2007), 22 (2006)
Polanco: 10 (2009), 8 (2008), 9 (2007), 4 (2006)
DeRosa: 23 (2009), 21 (2008), 10 (2007), 13 (2006)
Beltre: 8 (2009), 25 (2008), 26 (2007), 25 (2006)
Figgins: 5 (2009), 1 (2008), 3 (2007), 9 (2006)
Tejada: 14 (2009), 13 (2008), 18 (2007), 24 (2006)
Glaus: DNP (2009), 27 (2008), 20 (2007), 38 (2006)
Slugging Percentage
Feliz: .386 (2009), .402 (2008), .418 (2007), .428 (2006)
Polanco: .396 (2009), .417 (2008), .458 (2007), .364 (2006)
DeRosa: .433 (2009), .481 (2008), .420 (2007), .456 (2006)
Beltre: .379 (2009), .457 (2008), .482 (2007), .465 (2006)
Figgins: .395 (2009), .367 (2008), .393 (2007), .336 (2006)
Tejada: .455 (2009), .415 (2008), .442 (2007), .498 (2006)
Glaus: DNP (2008), .483 (2008), .473 (2007), .513 (2006)
OPS
Feliz: .694 (2009), .705 (2008), .708 (2007), .709 (2006)
Polanco: .727 (2009), .768 (2008), .846 (2007), .693 (2006)
DeRosa: .752 (2009), .857 (2008), .792 (2007), .812 (2006)
Beltre: .683 (2009), .784 (2008), .802 (2007), .792 (2006)
Figgins: .789 (2009), .685 (2008), .825 (2007), .712 (2006)
Tejada: .795 (2009), .729 (2006), .799 (2007), .878 (2006)
Glaus: DNP (2009), .856 (2008), .839 (2007), .868 (2006)
AB/SO
Feliz: 8.5 (2009), 7.9 (2008), 8.0 (2007), 5.4 (2006)
Polanco: 13.4 (2009), 13.5 (2008), 19.6 (2007), 17.1 (2006)
DeRosa: 4.3 (2009), 4.8 (2008), 5.4 (2007), 5.1 (2006)
Beltre: 6.1 (2009), 6.2 (2008), 5.7 (2007), 5.3 (2006)
Figgins: 5.4 (2009), 5.7 (2008), 5.5 (2007), 6.0 (2006)
Tejada: 13.2 (2009), 8.8 (2008), 9.3 (2007), 8.2 (2006)
Glaus: DNP (2009), 5.2 (2008), 3.8 (2007), 4.0 (2006)
GIDP Percentage
Feliz: 10 (2009), 15 (2008), 14 (2007), 15 (2006)
Polanco: 13 (2009), 11 (2008), 8 (2007), 17 (2006)
DeRosa: 9 (2009), 7 (2008), 14 (2007), 11 (2006)
Beltre: 18 (2009), 10 (2008), 12 (2007), 10 (2006)
Figgins: 7 (2009), 11 (2008), 7 (2007), 6 (2006)
Tejada: 23 (2009), 21 (2008), 20 (2007), 16 (2006)
Glaus: DNP (2009), 11 (2008), 8 (2007), 20 (2006)
Productive Out Percentage
Feliz: 31 (17/54, 2009), 36 (17/47, 2008), 15 (8/53, 2007), 28 (21/74, 2006)
Polanco: 32 (20/62, 2009), 31 (22/70, 2008), 35 (23/66, 2007), 42 (24/57, 2006)
DeRosa: 31 (18/58, 2009), 24 (14/58, 2008), 34 (18/58, 2007), 24 (16/66, 2006)
Beltre: 15 (6/41, 2009), 32 (20/63, 2008), 22 (16/73, 2007), 27 (19/71, 2006)
Figgins: 35 (17/48, 2009), 35 (11/31, 2008), 38 (20/52, 2007), 38 (20/52, 2006)
Tejada: 39 (27/70, 2009), 38 (26/69, 2008), 35 (21/60, 2007), 35 (24/69, 2006)
Glaus: DNP (2009), 26 (14/53, 2008), 28 (11/40, 2007), 31 (18/59, 2006)
Man on Third, Less Than Two Out (Percentage runner scored)
Feliz: 67 (24/36, 2009), 57 (13/23, 2008), 46 (12/26, 2007), 52 (32/61, 2006)
Polanco: 58 (21/36, 2009), 56 (19/34, 2008), 68 (19/28, 2007), 65 (20/31, 2006)
DeRosa: 50 (19/38, 2009), 47 (25/53, 2008), 63 (22/35, 2007), 50 (17/34, 2006)
Beltre: 52 (17/33, 2009), 49 (19/39, 2008), 58 (18/31, 2007), 50 (23/46, 2006)
Figgins: 41 (13/32, 2009), 34 (10/29, 2008), 74 (26/35, 2007), 58 (19/33, 2006)
Tejada: 69 (27/39, 2009), 50 (15/30, 2008), 52 (23/44, 2007), 58 (29/50, 2006)
Glaus: DNP (2009), 48 (14/29, 2008), 51 (18/35, 2007), 49 (20/41, 2006)
Man on Second, No out (Percentage runner moved to third)
Feliz: 48 (16/33, 2009), 35 (9/26, 2008), 21 (5/24, 2007), 34 (18/53, 2006)
Polanco: 54 (13/24, 2009), 34 (12/35, 2008), 57 (26/46, 2007), 68 (21/31, 2006)
DeRosa: 38 (11/29, 2009), 38 (17/45, 2008), 38 (15/39, 2007), 51 (18/35, 2006)
Beltre: 55 (12/22, 2009), 43 (17/40, 2008), 54 (20/37, 2007), 28 (11/40, 2006)
Figgins: 46 (19/41, 2009), 32 (8/25, 2008), 48 (14/29, 2007), 64 (25/39, 2006)
Tejada: 46 (23/50, 2009), 40 (21/53, 2008), 45 (18/40, 2007), 56 (18/32, 2006)
Glaus: DNP (2009), 47 (16/34, 2008), 36 (10/28, 2007), 43 (16/37, 2006)
Beltre. End of Story.— luterow- I would like to read a much BRIEFER summary of what the Phillies have in the minors at 3b. I'd lean toward a RHSP than a 3B any day, if I have to choose, especially if we can get Feliz on a 1-year deal. And, we need a closer alternative, someone who can be OK in the 'pen but relieve Lidge if his meltdowns continue.— eman
- Beltre is the cream of the crop and is being overlooked because he played a shortened season. Of the group he has the most power and the best defense. Figgins is not worth a premium price, although he is also excellent. I don't trust aging players like Polanco and Derosa.— comin4ya23
- Not sure about Utley at third - probably not quick enough. Obviously Figgins is the class of this group but I think Tejada might be the sleeper here. A lot will depend on Amaro's priorities and what he can get for what he has to spend.— Bud
Comment removed.- I heard the reason for getting rid of Polonco was that he did not want to play 3rd?— studo
Garrett Atkins might be the Phils 3rd baseman next season. He could return to the level he was a few years ago batting in the Phils lineup and with Charlie Manuel and Milt Thompson helping with his hitting. Be reunited with his college team mate Chase Utley couldn't hurt either.- Feliz went to the plate with a tight face gripping the bat like he was afraid the Phils didn't love him. (They didn't clearly) Other than 10 HRs he was spot on career #'s. Now that he's been totally dissed let's keep him? Geez. I'm sure these poker players at Phils HQ have increased his trade value. The player on the move should be Rollins. (I know - I love him) But step back. Think Age, Contract, 09 stats! And he is killing the team in the leadoff slot. His trade value ought to be as high as it will ever be. Seems like all of these options 3B opts are fine - you average it all out and you give or take in one area or another. This team can afford to save money and give a young guy a chance. They should not spend money at 3rd base. Feliz was adequate.— edallen33
- I like all the stats.— unclejed
- Looking at the stats Tejada and DeRosa about pretty close offensively with Tejada getting the edge defensively. Would take either one of those and then Polanco. Nice job by Murph.— yardbyrd
- murphy, you need to do some research on what happened in this town before you started working here. why would polanco want to go back to third base? the reason why he left the phils was because the phils were committed to trying utley at second. polanco didnt want to play third so he asked to be traded. and now, even assuming that polanco would want to play third (an idea which is not supported anywhere with a quote), why would you want him to? he is now 5 years older and third is more difficult to play than second..— zwarte piet
- Comment removed.
- should just keep feliz. these guys are nothing more than david bell/wes helms.— thingfish
- Polanco was an average at best third baseman. His best position is second. We're probably going to be disappointed by any 3B the Phils sign because we've been spoiled with Feliz' defense. My vote would be Figgins so we can have a real table setter for the big boys. That's what the lineup needs, not a 7 hole hitter.— misteripi
- Comment removed.
- I've been pulling for Tejada or Polanco. They both add excellent situational hitting and defense but also provides the Phillies with the option that needs to be taken - moving J-Roll out of leadoff and hitting him 6th or 7th. You move Vic to lea-off and hit Polanco or Tejada 2nd.— Jay25
- so, why not take a chance on Troy Glaus?— DCExpat
- Either one is fine. Polanco would be my first choice. He would get Victorino to the leadoff spot, bat 2nd and move Rollins down to 6th or 7th where he belongs. He's also got more pop than you think, just not Detroit pop. Who cares about a draft pick. DeRosa is fine too. He'll wind up hitting in Feliz' spot, plus when / if Moyer pitches he may need a bigger glove. And stop all that talk about losing Werth. Werth is a keeper. All other options are stupid. Third choice is a one year deal with Feliz.— Relocator
- Check Tejada's numbers. He's either leading or at the top of all categories. To me, he'll be perfect for this line up. He can hit second, third when Utley gets a day off, fifth, six or wherever Charlie wants to put him.— EL Zorro
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- Feliz had 80+ rbi. That says a lot for a player batting in the 7th spot in the line up. Did his defense decline? Get a person at third base who does not field will KILL good pitching! How many rallies or hits did Feliz prevent with his defense? If what works WORKS don't change it!!!! It what you get in his place is a clearly better then you get it. Don't spend MORE fore LESS!
- Thank you - I have been posting Polanco for the past two weeks and no one was listening. It is the best move. It allows you to use a page out of Tony Larussa's book and play this lineup - 1. Victorino (CF) 2. Polanco (3B) 3. Utley (2B) 4. Howard (1B) 5. Werth (RF) 6. Ibanez (LF) 7. Ruiz (C) 8. Pitcher (9) Rollins (SS) - The addition of a guy like Polanco with his solid OBS and low strikeouts increases your offense two fold. Batting Rollins ninth simply the puts four legitimate scoring chances on base in front of Howard. It's successful for Larussa, it can be successful for Manuel. Try it, and watch Rollins hit .300 in the nine hole.— mikeyg
- zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz— scars73
- I don't see a candidate among free agents that blows me away in terms of value. Not perfect, but Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padre 3rd baseman appears to be intruiging. Average, strikeouts, OBP are not much improvement, but he's a young player who plays terrific defense, and will bang out 25-30 homers at he Bank. And the Pads have depth at 3rd base. And he struck out 30 fewr times last year. I'd like to see Ruben at least take a shot at him.— KBland
Re-sign Pedro. He'll be a bit cheaper than $5.5 mil they would have paid and there is NOTHING wrong with 82 RBI's out of the 7 slot. The other candidates are bigger risks with long term contracts. There are no great options here but Pedro is the best. Sign Polanco to be the super sub and spell Rollins, Feliz and Ibanez as well as pinch hit. I'll bet he wouldn't mind coming back for a ring or two.
Polanco #1 and Derosa #2. johnnyu- Pbrax, where did you hear that?— benjyedwards
- I hear the Marlins 3rd baseman is available. He has a better righthanded stick than any of these free agents. Not sure about his defense but has good power. Maybe our 2nd best outfield prospect and a minor league pitcher could get him?— sfw
- Seeing as we need a 3rd baseman but also need a bench player that can play multiple positions and relieve players so that they can get a day off such as Rollins, Utley, Ibanez, etc.. Why cant we see consider getting both Polanco and Derosa. They can platoon at 3rd and whoever isnt playing 3rd that day can always play another position and give that guy a day off. I dont know what kind of money these 2 players will command but its worth considering— philliekev04
- BK, at the time, the Phillies couldn't put Polanco at 3rd because they had David Bell locked up for a few years. This also was a brilliant move to strengthen the bullpen so they traded for U. Urbina who had a profound impact on their postseason push by preparing to attack his employees with a machete.— catnameddomino
- booman55 is right ..... Polanco was a terrible third baseman when he was here ...... In 2002, he made three (3) errors in the 173 chances for a .983 fielding percentage ..... In 2003, he made two (2) errors in 49 chances for a .959 fielding percentage ..... In 2004, he made zero (0) errors in 41 chances ..... And in 2005, he zero (0) errors in 23 chances ..... That's seven (7) errors in 286 chances ...... That comes out to a .983 fielding percentage in 95 games as a member of the Phillies ...... Whatever you do, booman55, don't let the facts get in the way of your opinion.— PhightinPhil
- Comment removed.
- Tejeda was on fumes by the end of the seasom. Beltre is steroid brittle. Anyone but those two.— fakeplastic
- "Polanco is a gold glove second baseman, our second baseman is not. Why not move Utley to third where we would not have to turn any double plays." In fact, Utley's the best defensive 2nd baseman in baseball: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/highs-and-lows-of-uzr-2007-9-utley— mkdelucas
- I agree with some of the posts, keep Feliz if you're not going to spend the money to really improve the position. The money could be better spent on the pitching issues...— JRum
- Murph, any chance they can sign both DeRosa & Polanco?? Both would get plenty of at-bats AND be the #1 option off the bench when the other is starting— efrye13
- If his price isn't crazy, Tejada makes a lot of sense. A right handed bat, doubles machine, good OBP. He does hit into more DPs than you would like to see, but he is a huge offensive upgrade over Feliz.— jfar86
- Polanco is not an everyday 3rd baseman. That would be a horrible decision. He was awful when he played their after the Rolen trade, they replaced him with David Bell. That alone should say enough.— booman55
- From your stats, I would hotly pursue Glaus. He seems like the best upgrade available. 1 issue I see is that he hits righties better than lefties -- just like Feliz.— brinkmang
- Great work as usual Murph. I keep hearing that this is a good crop of Free Agents but it sure looks like a giant heap of $$hhiitt to me.— sla6yer
- The Phillies Organization is trying to sell the Phillies Faithful on the "Win now effect or syndrome." In order to win now, Montgomery and Giles will have to open their wallets wide. This is not in their make up. They are trying to be like the Muts and have the same standard payroll year in and year out. It got The Muts 4th place because they could not effectively replace their injured players. The Phillies are headed in the same direction if they do not take care of their own players and then bring in the best available free agents. Meaning they have to pursue the best free agents along with the roll players. If they do not go after the best available players, then they will stay the same or regress to the back of the pack. Figgins would bring new life to the top of the lineup. Laughing Jimmy (the Pop-up King) and his Clone Shane (the want-to-be Pop-up King)need a good hitter to pump them up. Figgins is the best available 3b. If the Phillies are not playing for him then resign Felez. Do not fix what is not broken!~— jpelle36
- Keep in mind Feliz will be 35; guys like him who don't have great plate discipline often don't age well as hitters because as soon as their reflexes slow, they don't have that discipline to fall back on and scratch out some productivity. If they could get a guy a few years younger, he doesn't need to be a big upgrade with the bat because Feliz will probably continue to regress in 2010. Given Rollins' egregious OBP, I think Figgins is the best choice. They should then move J-Roll into the 6 or 7 slot; he's really an RBI guy disguised as a base stealer at this point in his career. But Polanco's a good guy too and I'd be happy to see him back in the red pinnies!— Bobby G
- Good analysis. Next time do me a favor and define the stats - at least the obscure ones. OPS??? That is kicked around like everyone should know what that is. Even Home Runs is spelled out. I had to google it to find out what it meant.— Bobphxville
- DeRosa never wanted to come here. he had the opportunity a couple of times and passed, just like Randy Wolfe when he became a FA, twice. The Phils' brass doesn't take lightly to being rebuffed. They hold a grudge and I don't blame them. Beltre is good as here. Mark it.— Mark1npt
- tejada is 34-35 but a long time all-star who can hit and has power. polanco played 3rd base for a while with cardinals and was a good fielder there. better keep the door open for feliz phillies may not get any of the above players.— only 9
- Bobcitydoc, ask any experts (or anyone that is intimately familiar with baseball), Utley not having a Gold Glove isn't for lack of skill. There are many people out there that believe Utley is possibly the best defensive (maybe even all-around) second basemen in baseball. The fact that he doesn't have a Gold Glove is a joke, to be honest. Personally I'd like to get Tejada and possibly Polanco. DeRosa is only attractive in terms of HRs, and that's something we aren't in particular need of. Tejada is young, and I think he could be a future all star. Polanco is true and tested and has already been here.— RHCP182
- Comment removed.
- I don't want any part of Tejada. I'm proud of the fact that this team is free of a steroid-tainted past (and no, I don't consider Romero buying something at GNC as cheating).— pemulis
- The Object of getting rid of Feliz was to upgrade the position both offensively and defensively. DeRosa could not keep a full-time position with the Cubs. Polanco's offense is a plus but his defense at 3b is at best suspect. Figgins is the best available but Amaro, JR does not want to open his pocketbook. His team was destroyed by the Yankees and Amaro, JR must make a big splash to keep the faithful happy. The Phillies must increase their payroll to 150 million to have a chance to compete against the big boys. (Yankees and Red Sox) At this point They will be destroyed by the Red Sox and Yankees. They may not win in their own division. With Gillick headed back to the Blue Jays, will Amaro, JR cut the mustard? Only time and the best available moves will be the difference. The Phillies also need someone to fix their Strikeout King as Thompson is incapable of doing the Job!— jpelle36
- Even though it was a low risk move to let Feliz walk (the next guy gets two years 15 million-ish?), there seems to be way too much focus on a team's offene who scored 35 more runs than any NL team not playing in Denver in 2009. Unless it's Beltre, who'll want more money and years, whatever runs are created by the new 3B, they might just be given right back since none of them have ever played the position before. Who knows where the true foremost focus is in Amaro's office, but I, for one, hope it's aimed like a laser at reconstructing a sound bullpen - which is something that needs to be done every couple years anyway.
- DeRosa isn't going to sign somewhere to be a back-up. He'll get offers where he can start. If we sign one of these third-basemen, then DeRosa isn't going to come here b/c he knows he wouldn't get a lot of ABs. If we sign DeRosa, then none of those other 3B will sign here. As for Tejada, he's already said he's open to moving to 3B so that's not an unknown.— JimG
- the phillies got rid of polanco because they didn't want to eat the contract of the uber-third baseman, David Bell...— thegloryofoldstate
- Didn't the Phillies already have Polanco? Didn't they get rid if him because he didn't want to play third base? So they got rid of him and brought Chase up? Also Chase Utley was one of the only Phillies to score runs and hit homers. His play wasn't sloppy all season. He got tired of Jroll dropping his throws to second when trying to turn dp's.
Polanco. They need contact hitters and D, not more power. Baserunners and contact hitters extend rallies. Strike outs kill them. Take Psquared.— tpizza- Comment removed.
- I say Figgins num 1 and Polanco num 2, because they both bat .290-.300 consistently. J-Roll has to get moved out of that leadoff spot. He's still a very productive player, but move him down to 6th behind Werth and ahead of Ibanez. Rollins comes up with a lot of clutch hits, but he does not get on base enough as a lead man. If it's Figgins then he leads off followed by Shane. If it's Polanco, then have Shane lead off followed by Polanco— reggiedunlop
- i wouldnt complain about DeRosa or Polanco. Both would be great out of the 7th spot. Feliz was almost non existent this post season— beeron
- i wouldnt complain about DeRosa or Polanco. Both would be great out of the 7th spot. Feliz was almost non existent this post season— beeron
- Polanco is a gold glove second baseman, our second baseman is not. Why not move Utley to third where we would not have to turn any double plays.— bobcitydoc
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- Sign both Polanco and DeRosa. Polanco at 3rd and DeRosa as super-sub. Polanco is type A FA also, depending on the $, the $ and surrender of picks may be steep price for someone who should have never left.— DennyP
- One of the reasons that the Phils are possibly letting Feliz go is that he does not hit lefthanders very well. With the strong lefthanded line-up, the Phils need their 3B to be strong against lefthanded pitching. What about Garret Atkins? I have heard that Chase Utley is pushing hard for his old college (UCLA) roommate. I think he would be a good fit here. He did not have a good year last year, but isn't a bad 3B and this is a good hitter's park.— PBrax
Those 3rd base candidates are nothing but a bunch of slop...old slop at that. Its either Feliz or Figgins, case closed.— Norf77- I have to say, when the Phils declined the option on Feliz I thought it was the right decision because Feliz' rough postseason at the plate was still fresh in my memory. But the more I look at the candidates to fill the hole, the more I question the decision to let Feliz go. If we're not going to pay Figgins, Feliz should be back. He's good with RISP, very good if slightly overrated w the glove, a solid guy in the clubhouse, extremely affordable, and he can handle Philly. Bring him back before its too late.— celtic_13
- One of the things that also needs to be considered with Feliz is the number of pitches he saw. He often swings at the first pitch. He was more patient earlier in the season which helped his average but in the post-season he went back to flailing at the first pitch which was almost always a breaking ball that he missed or popped to the infield. The lineup figures to have better balance with a more patient hitter to work the opponent starters pitch counts.— Philliesguy
