Phils exploring alternatives to Feliz; Lidge's elbow examined
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Phils exploring alternatives to Feliz; Lidge's elbow examined
The Phillies are actively exploring options at third base other than Pedro Feliz, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said today.
The team has until Monday to exercise a $5.5 million dollar contract option on Feliz for the 2010 season.
“More than anything else, we want to see what options may be out there for us and decide whether picking his option up is best suited for this club to try to move forward,” Amaro said. “He had a solid year for us. I like the man personally. He’s a great person and a great teammate, but I also believe in trying to improve and sometimes change can be for the better. It doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to, but it’s just something that we’re thinking about.”
Feliz, 34, is a top defensive player, but subpar offensively. In 2009, he batted .266, with a.308 on-base percentage and .386 slugging percentage.
Amaro could pursue a trade to upgrade the position. The general manager meetings begin on Monday in Chicago, so Amaro will gather with executives from other team’s before he needs to make a decision on Feliz’s option.
The GM could also replace Feliz with a free agent—though teams have a 15-day window to negotiate exclusively with free agents. Of the potential third basemen on the market, three stick out as potential fits for the Phils: Seattle’s Adrian Beltre, Anaheim’s Chone Figgins, St. Louis’ Mark DeRosa.
Because the Angels figure to aggressively pursue Figgins, and DeRosa is also 34 years old, Beltre, 30, stands out. A strong defender with a power bat, Beltre is coming off a five-year, $64 million contract. Injuries limited Beltre in 2009 to 111 games and eight home runs—but that performance might have made him affordable to the Phils. Amaro was vague yesterday when discussing payroll flexibility, but the team is unlikely to add significant money to a payroll that exceeded $130 million last season.
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Closer Brad Lidge is scheduled to have his right elbow examined today, said Amaro. Lidge might have “loose bodies” in the elbow, the same issue that sidelined lefthander Scott Eyre in September.
Keep Pedro!The only player that COULD replace him is Figgins, and he will wind up staying where he is at....they LUV him there.As much as I like the idea of getting a legit lead-off hitter, I love P's glove even more. That means you don't have to upgrade the pitching AS MUCH.— TBear- Ruben Amaro shouldn't get trigger happy and hold on to this guy. I've been to and watched many a game where Pedro came through, effectively with the bat and at a key moment of the game. This is the kind of guy that you may not hear much from, but he quietly gets the job done. You may find this this strange, but I'd go as far as calling him clutch. Additionally, his defense needs no comments. Keep'em Ruben.— phillies_eagles
Comment removed.- Let me see... The guy has a 7+ era, 11 blown saves and NOW you look at his elbow. Nice timing.— misterpet
- I don't want to see Feliz go whatsoever— karbase8
- Garrett Atkins for 3B...make it happen Ruben! Forget about the free agent crop which is sooo weak! Atkins is no Mike Schmidt but he will be better offensively than Pedro and he will come cheap after he lost the starting job in Colorado since he had an off year...DO IT! DO IT!— tralala
tralala - my thought exactly!!! They should at least explore that option to see what the price is. Atkins has dropped off the last few years but a change of scenery might be all he needs - will start the '10 season as a 30 y.o so he is in his prime.— bird11- i vomit in my mouth every time someone tells me that Feliz is a top defensive 3b. he is NOT. sure, he makes the throws, but thast all I'll give him. most major league 3b can make a throw accurately to first. Feliz is old and has become a statue at 3rd. he makes plays on the balls he can get to, and thats about it. he has lost so much range yet locally, he is considered the best 3b in baseball. Beltre is a much better glove and hitter, thats who i would prefer— TR
- Adios Pedro. I will take Beltre every day of the week over Feliz. Sorry, but the guy can't hit his way out of a paper bag.— TheJoker
- Garrett Atkins? The same Garrett Atkins who hit .226 and hasn't had a _ defensive season at 3B since 2005?— bsizzle
- bird11...I think it can happen and don't forget Atkins was Utley's roommate at UCLA so Chase knows what kind a guy he is and can get in Ruben's ear...hopefully Atkins can regain his form here at the bank! Defensively not as good as Pedro but its not by much.— tralala
- Probably in the minority - but I still am a Rolen fan - and would love to see a trade that would bring him here - back where it all started. Bowa is long gone - and to have a home-grown all-star infield would be perfect. And he wouldn't have the weight of the organization to carry. But of course, that would be a long shot, as I think he'd rather stay near Indiana than play for a World Series.— AllDawk_AllTheTime
- Keep Pedro and move him down to the 8-hole. Move Ruiz up to 7th. His defense is excellent. He does get some clutch hits. Remember the homer that tied it up with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th last week before the Lidge debacle. He has been healthy as well. Focus more on pitching!— TedR
- bsizzle...who would you rather have Figgins? Dude choked in the postseason and is 32 and do you really think Charlie would move J-Roll from the leadoff spot...hell no!!! Atkins numbers have declined but giving him a one year contract couldn't hurt. a change of scenery could do him good.— tralala
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