Phillies, Polanco agree to deal
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Phillies, Polanco agree to deal
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
UPDATED: The Phillies have confirmed the 3-year, $18 million deal with a mutual option for a fourth year.
“We’re very happy to have Placido back in a Phillies uniform,” Ruben Amaro Jr said in a statement. “He’s a professional hitter who will enhance our lineup. As a Gold Glove infielder, we’re very confident that he will make a smooth transition back to third base. Polly also gives us some added versatility at second base if and when Chase needs a rest.”
Earlier: The Phillies have agreed to a deal with veteran infielder Placido Polanco to replace Pedro Feliz at third base, several sources confirmed today. The deal is expected to be announced once Polanco passes a physical, a formality for the durable former Detroit Tiger.
Polanco arrived in Philadelphia earlier today after the Phillies and his agents, Sam and Seth Levinson, hammered out the final details of the deal.
There's little doubt that the signing of Polanco represents a good value on the offensive side of the plate in the short-term. Had the Phillies exercised Feliz's option, they would have paid the veteran third baseman $5.5 million this season, which is $500,000 less than they will reportedly pay Polanco (although the Phillies did pay Feliz a $500,000 buy-out). In two years in Philadelphia, Feliz hits .259 with a .306 on base percentage and a .393 slugging percentage for a .699 OPS. Curiously, the power that he had displayed in hitting at least 20 home runs in each of the previous four seasons for the Giants disappeared despite cozier home confines in Citizens Bank Park. Feliz managed just 26 home runs in 2008-09, an average of one per every 38.7 at-bats, well below the rate (1/26.1) at which he hit in San Fran.
During that same time frame, Polanco bested Feliz in virtually every offensive category, hitting .295 with a .340 on base percentage, .407 slugging percentage, .747 OPS, 18 home runs, 130 RBI, and 172 runs scored while converting 14-of-17 stolen base attempts.
But the Phillies' decision to give Polanco a three-year deal may raise some eyebrows. The versatile veteran will be 34 on Opening Day, and his batting average, on base percentage and slugging percentage have decreased over the last three seasons, from .341/.388/.458 in 2007 to .285/.331/.396 in 2009. Plus, while Polanco won a Gold Glove at second base, he has not played third base since leaving the Phillies midway through the 2005 seasons.
The Phillies gave 46-year-old Jamie Moyer a two-year contract prior to last season. After a subpar 2009 in which he lost his spot in the rotation before undergoing season-ending surgery, the Phillies are now comitted to him at $8 million for next season. They also cut Geoff Jenkins prior to last season, despite owing him $6.5 million on a two-year deal he signed prior to the 2008 seasons. Their decision to give veteran outfielder Raul Ibanez a three-year contract last year also raised some eyebrows.
Comments (160)
Like Polanco for a year. Would love a deal for Halliday!!— ginzo- Help my favorite team doesn't understand that not striking out is basically worthless! He doesn't walk either! All it means is he swings a lot and makes contact a lot, which means no power and no patience. Seriously whatever you gain with the bat, you lose with the glove. Someone show the Phillies a peak production curve. Other than the Cliff Lee trade Ruben has done a pretty terrible job. Gosh I'm rambling in anger now.— Either/Or
- Welcome back Placido - great contact hitter, move the runners over, play hard and make our lineup that much better— golfblue
- This is a "so-so" signing. Give me Figgins or Beltre, and I would have felt much more confident going into 2010. Does this put them over the top? No.— farside37
- Just in case you don't have a reporter to English translation dictionary, when a beat reporter writes that a player's power hitting production "curiously" dropped, what he is really saying is that he believes the player previously was using performance enhancing drugs and his production dropped as soon as drug testing came in.— wru
Comment removed.- We replaced an awesome 3B with a guy we don't even know can field the position. Plus he's older and costs the same amount of money. This is a gamble in my opinion. Hope Dobbs has a good spring.— MattPSU
- Amaro would seem to be getting a bit cocky with this deal. Polanco will be 37 at the end of it. Who says he'll be a productive 37 year old? Ibanez has worked out thus far, but.....— Chugwater
- "Polly"? Seriously?— JLB
- Welcome back Placido. Thank you for everything Pedro. Let's roll... Some were expecting a flashier signing. I liked Figgins, Tejada, or dealing for Mike Lowell. But remember Figgins and Tejada are type-A F/A's. If Polanco is a type-B, Phils are upgrading at 3B offensively, without having to give up much (or anything). That's important for the future. So Phils got Placido age 34 thru 36, w/ and option for another. I like it. Someone wrote a couple weeks ago "fans should expect few fireworks (not "a few"). So far, with back-up catcher, utility, and 3B, Ruben is three-for-three. What else you got coming Dr. Amaro? (just don't say John Smoltz...)
Polanco hasn't played 3B since 2005 but has a career 3B (322 games) fielding % of .982 (.993 at 2B) 18 points better than Feliz's .964. And a versatile, contact hitter. Good signing!- WRU - For the record, I was not implying anything about PEDs when I said "curiously." Only that he moved from a pitcher's park to a hitter's park, yet saw his home run total drop.
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- My first choices were Tejada or Figgins because they are better hitters and defenders, but Polanco is not bad. I guess the Phils are def. set on keeping the payroll down somewhat and hopefully using some of that money to upgrade the bullpen/pitching dept.— Jay25
- I Like it. It gives them a lot of versatility in the batting order.— Bill S
- Terrible signing so dissapointed here come the late 90's all over again. Why not go get an actual 3rd baseman Beltre is younger a better fielder and probably would hit 30hr in our park we just got Eric Bruntlett rhe 2nd coming I could just throw up seeing this— Bob Crogan
- JLB, they don't pronounce it Polly like the girl's name. It's like Pole-y.— Nutburgers
- Glad to get this done and PP should be an improvement in hitting. Next up....relievers.— psuwelsh
- Ruben "Ed Wade" Amaro can't help himself. Feliz is a better fielder and hitter. This signing is a joke.— Dr. Michael
- Excellent move to get a great bat and glove. To the moron who thinks (?) Amaro has done a "pretty terrible job" you need to put away the bong!!— soprano50
- Need Derosa as well.— scootch
- Polanco will be changing positions, sure, but I don't see the massive drop-off in defense form Feliz. Read some national news sources and Feliz's defense isn't quite as worshiped as it is in Philly. Which one won a gold glove last year? Oh right the new (old) guy.— JettMartinez
- All these complainers are probably the same people who cried last year when the Phillies chose Ibanez over Burrell. How did that work out? This is a great baseball move, solid hitter, good fielder. Good teammate.— Gary Varsho
- Was hoping for Figgins, ahh well! Loved Placedo when he was here, was sorry to see him go, but we have to remember he won a gold glove at second base not third, he did OK here at third but was not a gold glover, hope we aren't giving anything up there. He should hit a little better here than Feliz but we'll have to wait and see. Appreciate what Feliz gave us while he was here, just sayin'...— DJ
- Either/or. what are you talking about? Polanco has won 3 gold gloves- Pedro none. He has a better on base % then Pedro plus you can bat him 2nd and move either Shane or Jimmy down to the 7 hole so you turn the lineup over again. lonewolf- did you watch the playoffs this year when Feliz left 9 RISP in the world series alone, that isn't clutch and that poor post season performance is what sealed his fate in Philly.— bobf876
- Ruben Amaro turned Jason Jaramillo into Ronny Paulino who became Tyler Walker which became a need to sign Brian Schneider. Brilliant!— Either/Or
- Yes we understand David, but what you followed up with is an even stronger statement on what your opinions are my friend. I mean, look at his head - that aint normal.— phillyjeffsr
- farside -- you obviously don't follow baseball if you want a punk like Adrian Beltre on this team. He is brutal.— UncleEddie
- Stupid move. Beltre would have been better. Amaro will soon have the city pleading for the return of Ed Wade.— Manor2009
- Makes our lineup much more dynamic. Fewer strikeouts, higher OBP, extends rallies. Minimal power and defense drop-offs. Allows us to spell Chase, who is awesome when fresh. Gets Dobbs more AB's, with which he has been a better pinch-hitter. Respected player and leader. Low cost, too, saving leftover dollars for our biggest need -- top-flight pitching.— PhilaLogic
- good signing.. upgrade at offense, gold glove defender (I know at 2nd base but he's proven he can play 3rd) and most importantly, we didnt have to break the bank to get him.. save some money to sign cliff lee and others for long term deal.— antitrust32
- Polanco is a good guy, and a better hitter than Feliz, and a better third baseman (see VermontPhilsFan's post above). Some of you guys need to engage brain before starting typing fingers ...— billinseattle
- Worried about his falling numbers at the plate, but maybe a change of scene can get him back on track. Solid defender, will have NO problem handling 3rd. Good to mix in a contact guy with all the power guys we have already.— swash1
- Exiled, since neither Tejada or Polanco were offered arbitration, the Phils don't give up anything. Guess we can look for updates on pitching and a left-handed bat with power?— HandNik
- UncleEddie farside -- you obviously don't follow baseball if you want a punk like Adrian Beltre on this team. He is brutal. Uncle Eddie, give me one indication of this. It's easy to make comments with no facts to back it up. PS. Still enjoying kids taking dumps in pizza boxes for you?— Captain
- I love this signing. Tough to sign him for 3 years, but it'll be great to have him back in the lineup this year and next. Let's get some pitching!— Vermont
I can't believe they let him go in the first place .... he did a good job for Detroit - hope he still has some gas left in the tank- Polanco can put the ball into play. Just look at the strikeout splits between the two. At first I didn't like the signing but when you dig deeper you see where the Phils are going with this.— pdditty
- Awfull move. Lonewolf nailed it: the the rotation is built, third base will be tested. You'll be hating this trade say about June.— valentsgrif
- INSTEAD OF GETTING ROY HALLADAY, Get JJ Putz. We don't have the money to waste on Halladay and we need serious bullpen help.— philly200
- Stats are the same cost the same whats the difference? Feliz is a gold glove 3rd basemen..Not Wright who seems to win it everyear hitting 215.....Polanco dont even play 3rd anymore.They better sign a ACE like Halladay now!— xcyrsist
- Polanco is just what the Phils need in the short term - a contact hitter , someone who will move runners and keep innings alive. This line-up desperately needs that. As for defense, we'll see. This will also allow the Phils to (trade for?) develop a young third baseman and ease him in to the line-up, with Polanco as a super utility type down the road.
- I think Tejada would have been the best fit but he probably asked too much for him. Polanco, though, fits the personality of this team and he doesn't have to get used to the atmosphere. Means pressure is on Rollins to get his act together at the top of the order b/c Polanco is batting 7th.— scor80
- This move just solidifies the thought that Ryan Howard will not be with the Phils in two years...After that, Utley moves to first base (cause his range at second is decreasing noticeably by the year) and you have Placido Polanco to play second and then go sign a 3rd baseman down the road...bank it
- Don't like it one bit... With the quality of options out there (Figgins; Tejada; Beltre; DeRosa) this wasn't the best move... Besides they're paying more to Polanco than they could've agreed to w/ Feliz, who is a true solid 3rd basemen; Polanco hasn't played the position for quite some time plus he's old...Looks like the success of the Lee and Ibanez deals went to Ruben's head...— phillies_eagles
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- When you swing and make contact a lot at the top of the order you move runners and make the defense field the ball. When you strike out there is no benefit. Bottom line, in essence we traded a bottom of the order guy for a top of the order guy and gave up a little "d". Not a huge move, but solid. (pretty much like most of the moves Amaro has made)— DODGE.EM
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- I like it, but I think the price tag was a little high.— Amart1981
- Farside37 - they won a world series and went back last year they are over the top.... i like polly in the two hole good signing— sjubrian
- Love this signing! Welcome back Placido!
- I'm sure the same people on here who are ripping this move were ripping the Ibanez signing a year ago. You're geniuses. Polanco IS an upgrade, mostly because he complements the rest of our lineup. We don't need another 20-homer, but inconsistent, bat (Feliz or Beltre) to go with our other 5 20-homer guys (4 of whom hit 30). Polanco is a consistent, smart hitter who moves runners over and gets on base more than Feliz or Beltre. He doesn't K or walk much, but neither do the other 2 guys, so I don't see what all the clamoring is about. And lastly, while it's unknown how good of a 3B Polanco will be, you all seem to be ignoring the fact that Feliz had a down year playing 3rd last year. Only 5 third basemen committed more errors than his 15, he had an average UZR, and a good not great RF. I wouldn't trade his arm for anyone's, but it's not far-fetched to think that at age 35 (his age next season) he's gradually declining as a third baseman.
- it's solid, relax. you are not winning the World Series because of bench players, but you will win because of a Gold Glover playing third (with good 3B fielding percentage), a slight increase in hitting, AND being able to spell Chase Utley so he is healthy and rested for the playoffs.— MichaelZoe
- Ha, yea right Murph, CYA. That's exactly what you were doing.— J.H.S.
Charlie Manuel loved Feliz when he was signed 2 years ago. I believe Feliz's lack of discipline at the plate is the reason Charlie apparently doesn't like him anymore, along with the lack of power they thought they were getting. The Phils needed a fundamentally sound righthanded bat in the line-up so Placido fills that bill. Plus he's an excellent pinch hitter and has played the outfield. GOOD MOVE.- This signing is as much about second base as it is about third base, meaning Utley. I think the team is counting on Greg Dobbs to come back healthy and, with additional at-bats as a starter, stay sharper as a pinch-hitter. It wouldn't surprise me to see Utley start about 140-145 games next season, with Polanco shifting over. I know it doesn't make much sense, in that Utley and Dobbs are both lefties, but it wouldn't surprise me. I think you'll also see Ibanez start just about 140 games, with Francisco in left against certain lefties. That improves the Phillies' bench in late innings--who would you rather at the plate in late innings of a close ballgame? Dobbs or Utley? Matt Stairs or Ibanez? I'm not wild about this move--I'd have rather kept Feliz for a year and taken the $18 million and put it toward signing Lackey or extending Cliff Lee--but I think there is a certain logic to it. Let's face it: Phils starters were gassed down the stretch, and it wasn't until Utley got a week off between the NLCS and the WS that he reverted to form. I really think signing Polanco is not so much about Feliz, or even third base, as it is about Utley.— andrewfrombrooklyn
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- Good move although the option year seems a bit much...now what happens with the last bench spot? Is DeRosa out of play? Is it either DeWise or Mayberry's job to lose?— efrye13
- Lonewolf - is the sky ALWAYS falling in your world? I hope this time it actually bonks you.— mebphila
- Hit Polanco 2nd, Victorino 1st and drop Jimmy to 7th and you've got a much improved line-up. Please don't let Jimmy continue to lead-off.— CMI
- Don't like it all that much. I wanted Beltre, I think he's a better hitter and a better fielder. But the issue here was as much second base as third. I think Rueben wanted someone who could play both positions so he could rest Utley more and use Dobbs at third. That's why the two guys they were focusing on were Polanco and DeRosa. Now Polanco can cover second for the ten or fifteen games Utley sits. But this was our one chance to really strengthen our offense this year, and I don't think this does enough.— lashner
- Now we will find out just how good Jimmy is on defense.
- Eh, it's an ok trade. Upgrade on O, downgrade on D. Will love this trade if it's followed up with a decent starting pitcher signing.— evlowl
- I like it too.— Rudykizuty
- HEY: A good move. Polanco can hit. I'm a little worried about his range to his left. More doubles may be hit down the line. He can only cheat over so far.— mungman
- Great for the lineup, not so great for defense. Polanco's no Feliz at third. I was hoping for Figgins.— misteripi
- Polanco is a tough out at the plate, much like Rauuuuuullll. I like it. Fielding ??? He can field just fine.— dondon
- Phillies are messing up by not going for it now. They should be going all out to win now. They should have signed Figgins, and Halliday. I don't care if it costs them their future. They have to realize that their future is now. The core of their team is getting older, and soon they will start losing guys (i.e. Werth) to free agency. They are going on the cheap which will cost them the chance to win another WS.— Bobphxville
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- I wouldn't be surprised if Pedro is left without a job during Spring training...watch us get him back for 2.5 mil...— Hollywood Junkie
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- So for the same amount of money, the Phillies get about the same production (that is Polanco doesn't keep trending downwards in stats) and a MUCH lesser glove. Why didn't they just pick up Feliz's option? Now Rollins is going to have to stretch his defense to compensate Polanco's lesser range - there's a reason Rollins had awesome defensive years while Feliz was here: he knew anything to his left would be vacuumed up. Now? Not so much.— bdm155
- The Phils are going with these lower cost options because they are making a play for Halladay— lefty1117
- David-We know you needed to post your response to cover yourself in case of a libel charge. Of course it is what you were saying. Don't insult WRU or your other reader by saying that is not what you are implying.— NMPartners
- WRU made a curiously good point though, no?— my3cents
- It's good to see Polanco back. Figgins would have been #1 choice but I trust Ruben had known that he would be too expensive or is already leaning toward re-signing with the Angels. Polanco needs to keep his average up and be a clutch hitter this year in order for the fans to say its a success. I think it does mess with the lineup a little. If he bats 2nd then you move Victorino down to 7th. Also, how many bases is Polanco stealing next year to justify a 2 spot in the order? Nice report again Murph, despite your continuing usage of that Fonzie picture.— Adam Miller
- Before all you Debbie Downers start whining about what Polanco can do for us, let's give the guy a chance first! You were all probably the same ones who shot down the idea of Raul in left field.....and look how that deal turned out....— JustaTXjock
- There is nothing but good about this deal. Yeah Chone Figgins wouldve been the obvious top choice but thats ok. Beltre is a really good player who probably wouldve been picked over Polanco if not for his injury. Thats one of the things to look at.. Polonco is never hurt, never strikes out. Being a contact hitter in CBP is huge. Even though his #'s may have decreased over the past 3 yrs he is still very very consistent. And hitting in the NL may help some of those #'s go up. Polanco can also fill in for Utley when Utley gets days off. Move Polanco over to 2nd and put Dobbs or whoever you may have to 3rd. Also think about this.. We won the World Series in 08 with Feliz, we went to the World Series again last year with Feliz, well we just upgraded that position so its not as if we are getting worse. We're getting better. So at the very least we are just as good but we're definitly better off at 3rd now than we were the past 2 seasons. An upgrade is an upgrade. It also gives us the financial flexibilty to go out and get more bench and bullpen help and hopefully sign a 5th starter. I'd be ok with the getting Smoltz if its for the bullpen. Im not sure how much he has left as a starter at his age. He did pretty well for St Louis this past season as starter but you can't judge him on that because it was only a few games. And I dont want Moyer as a starter. I love Moyer, he's a class act but his age and his health issues along with his extreme ineffectiveness last season would not make me want to keep him as a starter. He actually did pretty well in long relief though. Kendrick, i dont know if i trust him yet. I want a proven major league ready starter. I dont want any question marks in the rotation and Kendrick would be a question mark.— philliekev04
- IT if the phils bolster there bullpen...— beez1228
- This is a big upgrade. PP OBP is way better than Feliz. Feliz defense is good, but overrated.— chuckm
- The phillies give away years too easily. They're as important as dollars to a team that envisions contending for the next 3-4 years. Let's hope this is not another mistake - I was hoping for better than this.— speener
- Mayve NEWERA will come out with more Phillies caps in my size, 8 1/4, now that there's a big headed Phillie! All kidding aside, Palanco is a professional, should fit in very well with the Phillies. Welcome back!— SOFTFOAMEARPLUGS.COM
- Placido Polanco takes professional at-bats - something the Phillies could have used during the World Series. Great sigining!— psu05
- MattPSU - Feliz is older— DCPhillyFan
- Needed to cut down on K's. Polanco will hit at least 30pts higher than feliz and strikeout a lot less. Good signing. Just don't wear down like Ibanez!— adam4
Great move by the Phillies. To many K's from the bottom of the lineup. People who say K's are meaningless don't know baseball. Polanco can bat in the 2 hole. He knows a little bit about situational hitting. Shane can be moved to the bottom of the order and add some speed and power. Great move by the Champs!!— delcodanno- To "Either/Or"...FLASH! Yer An Idiot....— TBear
- Amaro has done a terrible job!? besides the Cliff Lee deal being a complete steal, what about Ibanez? what about bringing a team back to the world series which in this day and age is almost impossible. I mean what are you judging him on...he made a great move in his first offseason, he made a great move at his first trade deadline...I mean they only lost the world series because Hamels was terrible and they were playing the 200 million dollar yankees...idiots— relly142
- I know alot of people say Tejada would've been better but he really wouldn't have been. I think you wouldve gotten the same player whether you picked Polanco or Tejada. If you compare and average out their offensive stats across the board over the past 3 seasons they are extremely similar. So similar that it really wouldnt make a difference. On the defensive side of things Polanco is actually better. He has alot more putouts, alot higher fielding percentage and his errors are sick. In the past 4 seasons he has only made 16 errors.TOTAL! Last year he made 2 errors. In 2007 he made ZERO! Last season alone Tejada made 21 errors. Thats more than Polanco made in 4 years. Over the same 4 year span that Polanco made 16 errors, Tejada made 66. So that settles that argument— philliekev04
- The comment "not striking out is basically worthless" is pretty moronic. How is 200 hits basically worthless? Who else on the Phillies hits .330? Nobody on the Phillies hit over .292. Polanco will crush National League pitching. Polanco will get close to 200 hits and bat .330 or better. Who was the 2006 ALCS MVP? Magglio Ordonez who hit the homerun to put the Tigers in the World Series? No, Placido Polanco who batted .529 in the 2006 ALCS. .529 is pretty good. Polanco also batted .412 versus the New York Yankees in the 2006 ALDS. He wasn't psyched out by the Bronx Bombers "mystique and aura" unlike some of these Phillies. Figgins? Give me a break. Figgins is nowhere near as good a hitter as Polanco. Figgins has been awful in the postseason. Despite Figgins' great speed, he had zero stolen bases in the 2009 postseason and batted .086. If Figgins had batted even .250, and the Angels had beaten the Yankees in the ALCS, the Phillies would have beaten the Angels in 6 games in the World Series, with Pedro Martinez winning two games in a warm weather stadium. So, Figgins cost the Phillies the World Series by underperforming versus the Yankees in the ALCS. Who do you want on the Phillies - Polly who batted .412 versus the Bronx Bombers in the postseason or Figgins who was psyched out by the Yankees mystique and aura?— Gnip Gnop
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- Mike Lowell? He's completely done. This is a good move. Reasonable salary, good clubhouse guy and solid defender. And they need a contact type hitter more than power in their lineup. Added bonus is he can play second and keep Utley more fresh.— brian2706
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- okay, good idea reuben...but pitching lost us the Series...jut go get Halladay and quit screwing around......— nuggett
- Well the Phillies had no .300 hitters last year. They had no players with 200 hits. and they led the NL in runs. So what does that tell you about how batting average correlates with offense. Go look at the players who are at the top of strikeout rate, and the players at the bottom. And tell me which collection of players you'd rather have. I mean c'mon, were better than looking at batting average and bulk hits. OBP SLG wOBA. Striking out correlates with patience and power.— Either/Or
- why sign him so soon. just like last year the phillies give 3 years to an 34 year old player that no one else is looking at. wait 3 weeks and you could have had him for less.— sunking44
- I think Polanco is a fine player, but I would have preferred Beltre. Beltre I believe is an even better fielder than Polanco and his age and power give him a big upside. I understand he may have cost more, but he's also younger. I'm going to miss Feliz's defense. He was a vacuum cleaner at third.— PhillyRules
- Where did the myth of Pedro Feliz's defense come from? He commited 12 errors last year with average range. He's a pretty good defensive player but a terrible offensive player. He is below avarege in every area. Batting average, on base%, slugging and speed. He won't be missed.— Gary L
- Of the top 10 hardest players to strikeout, the highest OPS is Carlos Lee's .831, of the top 10 easiest players to strikeout there are 7 players with better OPS. Does this seem like a coincidence to you? Caring about strikeouts by hitters, is antiquated thinking. It really doesn't mean much.— Either/Or
- Guys, it's not about Polanco vs Feliz, it's about Polanco vs the other available 3B. The Phillies weren't bringing Feliz back unless he was one of the last options. Tejada was the best choice, IMO— EL Zorro
- in closing: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/images/2617_02.gif— Either/Or
- What is everyone's obsession with Tejada. First of all Tejada wouldve cost you more and he's a year older than Polanco and not only that but if you compare and average out their offensive stats across the board over the past 3 seasons they are extremely similar. So similar that it really wouldnt make a difference. On the defensive side of things Polanco is actually better. He has alot more putouts, alot higher fielding percentage and his errors are sick. In the past 4 seasons he has only made 16 errors.TOTAL! Last year he made 2 errors. In 2007 he made ZERO! Last season alone Tejada made 21 errors. Thats more than Polanco made in 4 years. Over the same 4 year span that Polanco made 16 errors, Tejada made 66. So that settles that argument— philliekev04
- the back problems may have had something to do with Feliz' drop...and you cant go just by fielding percentage..if balls are going to his left and right that he cant get to because he cant move, his fielding percentage doesnt reflect it..no way he'll get to as many balls as feliz did.. the team keeps getting older..better get it done in 2010 or 2011...— jim715
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- Phillie, you can't compare both Tejada and Polanco defensively because they play different positions. SS is more demanding position than any position outthere other than catcher. That's nonsense. Put Tejada at 2b and Polanco at SS and you'll see a different outcome.— EL Zorro
- Certainly not a significant upgrade over Pedro. But..Utley's fatigue has been a big late season issue, and that may be the factor that makes Polanco so attractive to Ruben. Use Dobbs some at third with, uh, "Polly" spelling Chase.— GPG13
- I beleive Pat Burrell didn't make an error in 2008. Was he better than Victorino or Werth or even Jenkins?— EL Zorro
- Good player, if slightly long in the tooth, nice fit for this team, as he can spell Utley when Dobbs plays third, leaving Castro on the bench where he belongs. Good team man, smart player, upgrade offensively over Feliz, slight downgrade defensively. Size of contract shows Phillies not going cheap as has been reported by Andy Martino.— chuckw
- Nice to see him back, I guess this corrects the mistake they made when they went with David Bell over Polanco back in the day.— DennisAtwell
- another year with Rollins batting lead off - oh my!
- I sure can compare them ELZorry. I already did. So, nuts to you!— philliekev04
- And by the way Burrell made 2 errors in 08. Theres really no difference in 0 errors or 2 but hey if your gonna throw the stats out there then get them right— philliekev04
- I'd really like to see Victorino lead off with Placido behind him, and Jimmy hit 7th, but that won't happen.— Mut
- I like the signing but I'm not so excited about moving Victorino down in the lineup. When Rollins stunk last year, the Phillies still had Victorino in the 2 spot who could get on base and provide some speed so that Chase and Ryan could knock him in. I expect he's going to spend most of 2010 trying to break up double plays with Ruiz batting after him.— wru
- Either shut the friggin' adds off or I'm going back to the Bulletin. This thing is more annoying than the election of John Street or worse, Ed Rendell.— MFinSC
- Polanco was my plan B after Tejada, just because I knew the Phillies would not go after Figgins or Beltre and I didn’t see DeRosa coming here anyway. It's an OK move. The only problem is the length of the contract and the fact that, even tough Polanco has played third before; he is not big enough to sustain the rigors of a full season at the hot corner, let along three seasons and possibly a fourth. The last time he played 3b was in 2005 with the Phillies (9 games and 6 were as a starter). The last time he played more than 100 games was in 2002 with St. Louis at age 25. This is asking too much for a little guy. That would mean a lot of playing time for Dobbs, who is a defensive liability. Some guys are saying, it’s also an insurance for Utley, well, if you get Tejada, he becomes Rollins’ insurance policy at shosrtstop. Finding an capable SS who can take over if your starter is hurt is more difficult that finding a replacement for your starting 2B. Exhibit A: Brunlett replacing Rollins and Tadahito Iguchi replacing Utley.— EL Zorro
- I'm happy. But I'll bet that he hits .260 this season. It's the Curse of Third Base. I think Rolen cursed the position on his way out. David Bell & Pedro Feliz both turned mediocre here after having great numbers before they arrived here.— everydayguy
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- This team is starting to look very old. Phils need to sign some YOUNG free agents. I still don't see what was wrong with Feliz. Defense is very important and they have enough pop in the lineup already.— MB2009
- Iverson... Polanco... Does this mean the Eagles plan to get Randall Cunningham back?— DonQ
- Since losing Tra Thomas, the city of Philadelphia needed an athlete with an unusually gigantic head....welcome back Placido!— mikeydee1020
- Either/Or: either you're just trying to be argumentative or you're a moron. The question is: what is the player doing when he's not striking out? Polanco will hit between .330 and .340 against National League pitching with close to 200 hits. So what if the Phillies had no .300 hitters last year and no players with 200 hits and they led the NL in runs? How did they do against the American League? The Yankees had two players with over 200 hits who hit over .320. That helped them win 103 games in the regular season and the World Series.— Gnip Gnop
Murph, you sure are anti-Feliz. He has a great glove and hit with RISP.— EJAY- this was strictly about money and not wanting to spend it,what a joke— soliteryman
- Anyone notice during the World Series that the Phils (Utley mostly) hit his homeruns with no one on base? Willie "Mays" Hayes Rollins and Victorino couldn't get on base to save their life. Polanco will be a great fit in the 2 hole.— reggiedunlop
- I love Polanco, always have ..... But three years seems a bit much ..... However, I think it illustrates what the organization felt was a weakness: The need for a more balanced lineup ...... Feliz took a very bad approach to hitting, often swinging at the first pitch, regardless of whether it was a ball or strike ...... And his 82 RBI notwithstanding, he was a terrible situational hitter, showing a complete inability to advance runners from second to third with a grounder to the right side ...... With Polanco, the Phillies get a prototypical No. 2 hitter to bat behind Rollins. Does he walk much? No. But he never strikes out, either ..... And that has always been another problem ..... The Phillies have enough power and enough run-producers ..... What they needed more of were table-setters ..... And Polanco fills the bill perfectly ..... And batting Victorino seventh will provide Ibanez more protection than Feliz, particularly because he's a switch-hitter, thereby offering length to an already potent lineup.— PhightinPhil
- This is not a good move. It does not adequately improve the team at all. Figgins or Beltre both were better (albeit, more expensive) options. This signing this early means that there was never any intent to try for a more productive option. While this does not make the team any worse, I fail to see how it makes them much better.— Ckott
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- Great to see him return! I thought he never should have been traded.— jdogle1
- polanco is a good fielder 3rd and 2nd base and a good contact hitter who hits line drives..feliz is good but he only hit .207 against left handed pitchers, very bad,there is NO way polanco will hit .207 against lefties or righties this guy is a .280-.300 hitter. phils should still trade ibanez back to american league for a player and draft pick bring up brown from minors and platoon in left field with b. francisco if either of them stands out he wins the starting job and the other person goes to bench to back up all outfield positions, more youth more speed plenty of power.— only 9
- It is not a great signing (compared to Feliz) for the everyday lineup but it does provide help for the bench. Dobbs can stay sharper with more starts at third. Polanco can spell Utley at second.— Rick Wise Guy
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- The more you think about this people, the better you should like it. What no one has touched on is that unlike any of the other options Polanco has been a Phil before -- and he wanted to come back and mgmt wanted him back. That's saying something about 'chemistry'...no back of the mind concerns among mgmt over whether he'll fit in fine or not. The other things some people seem to not realize is that Polanco improves the lineup over Feliz while costing only 1 Mil more this year and half a mil each of the next two yrs...leaving more $ available to invest on the mound or the pen (still no one has signed Lackey!), and nothing from the future was given up either. Another good solid move, along with those for back-up C and utility. Now Mr. Amaro...tell Charlie I'll meet up w/ him when they come over to play the Braves and 'Stros in spring and show him how to work this line-up!
- I can't wait for the Phillies first ESPN Sunday Night game to hear how Joe Morgan mispronounces the left side of the infield. Jimmy "Rawlings" and... he butchers Placido Polanco's name so badly I wouldn't even know how to misspell it.— EdWeirauch
- In this lineup, not striking out will be very important, as will be the fact that Polanco hits for average, unlike virtually everyone else on the Phillies. He's also a solid fielder. Don't you detractors remember how solid he was at third for the Phillies before? They team should have kept him and dumped David Bell. And Polanco will make it possible to rest Utley every now and then so that he doesn't wear down and become unproductive at the end of the season like the last two years.— Neal Obstat
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I'm glad he's back. Didn't really understand why they moved him in the first place. When Chase came up Placido could have gone to another position... Thanks Pedro for the time you were here. I will miss that first pitch swing with runners on base from base-on-balls. However, your defense was gem-like. Best since Michael Jack's fielding— NRGjunk- don't underestimate the value of him backing up chase once in a while too so he isn't burned out in september. everyday third baseman and a spot starter at second in one player is valuable. plus he can bat second if victorino leads off or 7th if jimmy stays there. 285 hitter in the 7 hole is great.— illadelphson
- Well I hope the Phillies will be happy paying 6 million dolars for a utility player in the next year or two. Once they see his numbers continue to decline and realize winning a gold glove at second base does not automatically mean you can play third base.— college33
- Rolen was a much better fielder than Feliz or Michael Jack.— Gnip Gnop
- I agree, we can now put Jimmy or Shane at number seven - that sounds good to me. Plus, we can hit and run a little bit. I would call this a smart signing. Let's face it, we can't afford another big contract with guys like Howard, Victorino, Werth, and Hamels looking at some serious coin soon. Figgins would have been great, but we aren't the Yankees and need to look at the bottom line. www.philsbaseball.com— Ebuttzpsu
- Figgins' career postseason numbers are atrocious, so please stop saying that Figgins would've been great, because he would've been a disaster.— Gnip Gnop
- I can't understand why anyone would consider Feliz a "Clutch" hitter. He was the biggest rally killer on the team. Even if you include his game tying homer in the series as clutch, how did you like his bases loaded dribbler for a double play? He was great defensivly but a RALLY KILLER offensively!
- Best part about this guy is the versatility. He can spell Utley and Dobbs can play third. I think the other OF spot is already in the organization. Wouldn't mind seeing Taylor get a shot. While this deal isn't Figgins or Beltre, I'd rather spend 20 million less on a deal. It is an upgrade. Patience. No need to panic. If Hamels bounces back, Phils roll. A normal Hamels and Philly would have taken the Yanks this past year. Gotta get Lee inked to an extension.— t_bones8
- Retreads abound....I like it though. How's the Urbina guy doing I wonder. ;o)
- Retreads abound....I like it though. How's the Urbina guy doing I wonder. ;o)
- Pete happy could field hisposition, and I think he led the NL in BA with RISP. Polanco doesn't walk, doesn't have power, hasn't played third in a very long time. he went 0-23 or something like that in WS. Yikes! This was not an upgrade. Juan Castro?...yikes! again. In the not-that-distant past, the Phillies didn't understand that mediocrity was abundant, so they signed useless players like Tomas Perez. Are they regressing? Placido is a nice person, but this move is weak. And what was the rush? Are any of the other 3B FAs signed?
- Polcano will do just find. In fact those LOB figures should go down. He makes contact in key spots. We know there are other deep rooted dealings the pub'ic does not take into acc't. Keep up the good work cus,...I got your back!!!— RickAmaro
- Ah welcome back Dr. Michael...the man who says "Feliz is better defensively and a better hitter"..hmmmm..curious on how a 250-260 hitter is better then a LIFETIME 303. hitter. I shouldnt argue with you though since we all know from this summers posts you are an MLB scout (what he actually says)..anyhow great signing Phils. Love Polly and his consistency/high average he brings us.— philsfan in the atx
- Why are people saying his numbers have dropped off? Sure, he had a career year in 2007 and hit .341, of course he is going to have a drop off in batting average. He also hit 10 home runs, and had a career high 71 rbi's?— scars73
- Life time .303 hitter. A couple Gold Gloves at 2nd and he has less ground to cover at 3rd. With Victorino now batting 7th this is one potent friggin lineup. Sounds like we have the same posters who didn't like 37 year old Raul for 30 year old Burrell....But I would like to see Hamels for Halladay.— mainstreet
Polanco is a great choice. We absolutely need a contact hitter in this strikeout-prone lineup. More than making contact, Polanco makes the right kind of contact -- i.e., moves runners by hitting to right. Feliz invariably rolled over on a breaking ball and hit into a force play or double play if a man was on first, or failed to move a man on second. Also, as some of the TV commentators pointed out during the postseason, it isn't actually Feliz's glove that's so good, it's his reliable throwing arm. By subtracting a throwing arm and adding all that Polanco brings (I didn't even mention his ability to play other positions), the Phils are making a good deal.- Comment removed.
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- VPF gets it, as usual. (MattPSU does not.) Welcome Polly (and AI)Thurs, 12/3 will be remembered as the day Philly welcomed home 68 yrs worth of athletes.— mick314
- I am not that impressed with this signing. Little if any upgrade from Feliz. I would have much rather seen Beltre signed, who would have been a significant upgrade. Beltre is younger, and would be a .290-30-100 guy in this ballpark. Check out his road/home splits since he has been in Seattle. Plus, he has always been a good fielder at 3B.— arrowamy
- Runs Created Price Runs per million$ polanco 76.6 $6 mill 12.77 feliz 61.3 $5.5 mill 11.15 figgins 105.1 $11 mill 9.55 derosa 68.2 $9 mill 7.58 beltre 47.6 $10 mill 4.76— jgizow44
- This is a very marginal upgrade offensively. It's also a Downgrade defensivly. So-It's a wash. The move is just okay. I Like it certainly don't love it. Would have preferred Mark DeRosa.— jmcginle
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