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. *** 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.
Phils exploring alternatives to Feliz; Lidge's elbow examined
Andy Martino
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.
***
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.
No to Atkins. I don't care if he went to UCLA with Utley. He is no good defensively and questionable offensively. I think Beltre at a 3-4 year deal is the correct route, but not at his current price tag. He is great defensively. Offensively, he doesn't walk enough, but he has decent speed, good in the clubhouse. The other thing to think about is when he was in Seattle, Safeco Field is a pitchers park and he was being relied on to be run producer. In Philly, he would just have to be a compliment to the other guys. The only way Figgins makes sense is if we sign Werth for a couple years and move him to CF and let Victorino walk. Then hope that Taylor, Mayberry, Francisco can play RF.— luterow
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- They need to keep feliz and focus on pitching and the bench. They can move Ruiz up to the 7th spot in the batting order and put Feliz in the 8th. .266 BA, 12HR's, 82RBI's is not bad for the 8th hitter. I would much rather bring in a strong pitcher or 2 than bring in a 3rd basemen. We have enough offense we can win the world series with Feliz. We cant win the world series without a better bullpen and bench. Be samrt Amaro we need pitching way more than we need a high priced 3B. Although i would love to have DeRosa as a bench player who can also spell Rollins and Utley. We cant go through another year with nobody to spell Rollins and Utley but i dont know if he would be a backup.— Joey0210
- This is a tough one. Feliz drives me nuts at the plate sometimes. He swings at balls in the dirt too much but who in this lineup doesn't. If the Phils had some more righthanded bats maybe this would be an easier decision. His defense is second to none (however he did have some key errors- thinking of the Dodger game out in Cali). I think his offense is what it is and isn't going to get better with age and his defense will probably only suffer. They might as well do some window shopping and see whats out there. Should be interesting to see what Amaro and company do in the offseason. The core of this team needs a good rest this offseason and a few new pieces could really make a difference.— BadgerVMD
- Dont think any certain upgrades to Pedro. Atkins has hit in the past but not sure what home park played into that. Defense wins games and Atkins not the fielder Pedro is. If pPhills sign Pedro Cubs Ramairez may be available in 2011 with top minor league prospect Vitters ready. Same with Pirates LaRoche with prospect Alvarez both too speculative moves.— Don w
- I said it earlier, Ruben Amaro should at least offer a prospect or 2 for Kevin Kouzmanoff, he would be the ideal fit for this team both offensively and defensively.— jaredphillyfan
- Pedro is a great defensive 3rd baseman... I have no problem with that... but why was he always batting ahead of Carlos Ruiz in the lineup? Pedro should have batted behind Carlos. Also, does anyone else think Mariano Rivera's Panamian flag was odd during the parade? I think he did the same thing earlier this decade... I don't get that... the WS parade is just not the right venue.— LinnieFeb17
- Comment removed.
- The Phillies need Figgins. Believe me if they get him you'll see what a good team can do with a lead off hitter with a high OBP rather than one with the third lowest in the league among all hitters.— jtj06
- The Angels needed Figgins too... how well did that work?— LinnieFeb17
- Garrett Atkins? Change of scenery? Yes, Colorado Rockies hitters always benefit from a change of scenery. (sarcasm).— booman55
- Comment removed.
- Atkins not answer.Dont want Figgins or Beltre Rolen of a few yeare ago would be great but dont know where he is physicaly since shoulder injury. Polanco interests me. He has played 3rd is a285-310 hitter. Perfect nos. 2 hitter you could bat V ictorino lead off and move Jimmy to 7th hole. Actualy fell Rollinw will be closer to 350 on base in 2010.— Don w
- "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". Wow, talk about the kiss of death...— Bob1
