Phillies are likely done making moves, Amaro says
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Phillies are likely done making moves, Amaro says
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
With the signing of Jose Contreras, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. achieved two goals he had left in his busy off-season: starting rotation and bullpen depth.
And now, the Phillies are likely done making moves as the team prepares for spring training.
"It’s a possibility," Amaro said of another move. "At some point you gotta get to the point where you just see what you got. We’re probably as close to that stage as we’ve been all off-season. While I guess we’re not necessarily satisfied with where we are — I don’t think we’re ever satisfied — we are comfortable going into the spring with what we’ve got and let things play out."
The Phillies' payroll is hovering a little above $138 million at this point and contracts still need to be signed with J.A. Happ, Kyle Kendrick and Ben Francisco.
Contreras signed for $1.5 million and Amaro said the team will use him as a starter early in spring training. The intent is to eventually put Contreras in the bullpen, but should Kendrick struggle and Moyer's injuries linger, Amaro did not rule out the possibility of Contreras starting.
"This is a player who has already told us he’ll do whatever is best for the club, so if there’s a need in the rotation, then perhaps that’s the way to go," Amaro said. "If we see progress in both Kendrick and Jamie, then we’ll move him back to the bullpen so we can get some depth back there."
Contreras said he would prefer to start if he had his choice but understands that as a 38-year-old pitcher, a move to the bullpen could prolong his career. Read more in Friday's Inquirer about Contreras' decision to join the Phillies.
Health updates
Closer Brad Lidge began throwing three or four days ago, Amaro said. And lefty J.C. Romero began his throwing program on Jan. 17, he said.
" So far, so good," Amaro said. "No news is good news on those guys."
Amaro said he has not had a recent update on Moyer.
"He feels he is going to be ready to go opening day," Amaro said. "That’s a good sign. Our doctors probably think that might be a little aggressive, but we don’t know how he’s going to recover from the knee and the residual effects of the groin."
Not surprised, but usually teams will make tweaks at the end of spring training when final cuts are made. You may see the Phils scour that group for another reliever if they don't feel confident with the bunch they have now.— jpk
They are definitely better than this time last year. I predict 105 wins.— PuPuMan
100 would be nice, 105 is very optimistic.- You'd like to think 10-15 more W's vs. 09 is possible, but it ALL depends on the back end of the bullpen.— dri_as_a_bone
- well, they were in the 90s last year without a solid Hamels, their opening day starter (Myers) pretty much gave them nothing all year, and the back of their bullpen blew 10+ games. Not to mention their leadoff hitter had a crappy year. So 100 is possible, I'd think, if everyone performs.— DCExpat
Comment removed.- The thing we have to remember about the start of the season is that, because of all of the off days in April, the Phils can go with a 4-man rotation through April 23rd, with Halladay, Hamels, Blanton and Happ all pitching with 4 days rest through the 23rd.— southpaw57
- As good as our starting 8 is, the record will be dictated by how the pitching staff does. Right now there are concerns about Lidge, Romero and who will emerge as the 5th starter. The Phillies have improved themselves but so has all the NL East. If Halladay is able to get off to a fast start it should result in taking the heat off of everyone.— bradco
- Comment removed.
- this is a team that won 93 games last year,without a effective closer,key injuries to its bullpen,a 2nd year starter,a very avg hamels,a offense prone to prolonged slumps collectivily and with no doc..i predict 105 wins— soliteryman
- So many old timers will be on the opening day roster. Ibanez and Moyer broke down last year. Bet the DL will be busy this season.— Dull
- jay buddy give the Lee thing a break. They were a good team with him they will be a good team with Halliday. I am so tired of the talk, you guys act like we have no pitching at all. enjoy the roll and good times and stop the monday morning qb thing.— sportsfan63
- spot on sportsfan63, can't wait for the first pitch!— TJuhas
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- Is Cliff Lee suddenly the recipe for a WS? Funny, I don't remember seeing wearing a ring. I also seem to remember we won without him. That being said, I'd trade Lee for Halladay everyday of the week. I can't wait for Halladay to start making all these guys forget about Cliff Lee.— booman55
