Should the Phils extend Lee? Bring back Stairs and Myers? Time to fire up the hot stove.
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Should the Phils extend Lee? Bring back Stairs and Myers? Time to fire up the hot stove.
Andy Martino
In tomorrow’s Inquirer, we’ll look at a lengthy list of the questions general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and his staff must quickly discuss, as they plot a strategy for 2010. Here is a preview of a few:
Is it a good idea to pursue a contract extension with Cliff Lee?
The lefthander became the Phils ace after he arrived from Cleveland in late July, and enjoyed a dominant postseason. Those very factors make this a risky time to award Lee with a long-term contract. Rather than paying a pitcher for what he did this summer and fall, the Phils will have to consider what the 31-year-old Lee will be worth as he climbs into his mid-thirties. The pitcher will likely seek a deal comparable to the seven-year, $161 million contract the New York Yankees offered his friend CC Sabathia last year.
The Phils will almost certainly exercise the $9 million option on Lee for 2010. The pitcher would become a free agent after the season, if he and the club do not reach an agreement before then. As good as Lee has been, the Phils might be better off enjoying an affordable year, then deciding what the pitcher is worth to them going forward.
Can Pedro Martinez pitch effectively for an entire season?
The old goat entertained Philadelphia fans this summer, and surprised some skeptics with his professionalism, mentoring of younger players, and deep intelligence. But he did not prove that he could remain healthy for even half a season.
One start after throwing 130 pitches on Sept. 13, Martinez injured his neck or rib swinging at a curveball. He then missed most of the next month. During the postseason, he re-asserted his ability to outthink hitters, but the 38-year-old did not address questions about his durability. The Phils would likely be wary of any deal with the veteran that was not heavily laden with incentives based on performance and appearances.
What to do about Brett Myers?
Myers and the Phillies could use one another next season. The 29-year-old pitcher is a free agent, but his value dropped because he missed most of this season with hip surgery and a muscle tear in his upper back. The Phils enter the season with questions about their bullpen and closer, Brad Lidge. A one-year contract for Myers, allowing the pitcher to prove he can be healthy and effective before becoming a free agent at 30, and giving the Phils a Plan B to close games, would make sense for both parties.
Is Matt Stairs worth one more season?
Stairs’ .194 batting average this season indicated that, at 41, he was no longer an effective player. Right? Not exactly. The pinch-hitter was a tough out for good relief pitchers all season, maintaining a .357 on-base percentage.
Stairs hopes to return for a final season, and would be willing to sign a bargain-rate contract. With bench help hard to find, why not at least bring him to spring training?
Can they lure a super utility player to provide rest for Utley and Rollins?
You know that talented young core of players the Phils have? Well, they are still talented, but it’s time to stop calling them young. Infielders Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley are in their early 30s, and need more rest than manager has Charlie Manuel has provided in the past.
Manuel has been hesitant to remove either player from the lineup, he said recently, because he does not have a capable backup. That was a tacit indictment of Eric Bruntlett, the versatile defender who struggles offensively.
Two members of this winter's free agent class would fit the need for an upgrade over Bruntlett, who will likely not return: Mark DeRosa of the St. Louis Cardinals and Marco Scutaro of the Toronto Blue Jays. DeRosa could also spell Raul Ibanez in left field.
It is challenging, though, to sign free agents without promising a starting job, and the Phils would have to pay well lure a top role player.
Does Pedro Feliz’s defense and affordability make up for his offense?
Pedro Feliz is a defensive master and offensive liability. His .720 OPS in 2009 was 18th among 20 qualifying third basemen, but his athleticism in the field provided rare value. The Phils hold an affordable $5 million option on Feliz, and must decide within the next four days whether to exercise it. One more season of Feliz appears the most likely outcome.
More for ya tomorrow.
Audio: Utley, Howard, Manuel reflect on loss
Comment removed.
DeRosa's the guy they need to get first and foremost. But as for 3B, why not Figgins? This team has enough pop that a guy like Figgins, who can make solid contact and cause some havoc on the basepaths, would really provide some opportunities that you wouldn't get with Feliz. Also, what about replacing Stairs with Thome? The Phillies are in a position where they need to build a team that can compete with the AL, having Thome gives you a serious threat at DH when you need one, and a 500 home run guy on the bench who could probably get an at bat a night.— LAEagle- Comment removed.
- I think Feliz is done. He is going to be 35 next season, and his power has decreased for the past 5 years - 22 HR in 2004 to 12 this year. Also, despite this being viewed as an anemic batting average year, he actually hit 12 points over his lifetime average (.266 versus .254). Stairs is done as well. I am done with Myers - his constant hastles are not worth what he brings to the table. I think it is a big risk to not sign Lee now to a long term contract. I think if they let him play out his contract next year, he will definitely go through free agency. We may end up facing him in 2011, while he is pitching for the Yankees.— Bobphxville
- Also they need another RHP to put between Lee and Hamels. Lackey would be a good fit, but he's gonna want #1 money.— LAEagle
- No Stairs, Bruntlett or Myers. I like a rotation of Lee, Hamels, Big Joe, Happ and Drabek. I would like to see Michael Taylor on the bench. He is athletic and has power.— hawk18
- Lee - wait until he is in FA. Pedro - incentive contract..he could be a nice long reliever or spot starter. Myers - sign him..can be a starter or reliever and can be very good. Feliz - try to upgrade and give up some D if you can get a power hitter. Stairs - keep, but only if you can upgrade the rest of the bench.— psuwelsh
- Any chance that we could add Matsui to the lineup? He'll probably be on the market. I like Stairs and Dobbs, but their salaries combined, plus some more change thrown in, could be enough to tempt him...— The Teacher
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- I say no to Myers and Stairs, yes to Eyre, trade Feliz, please. They just need more offense from the 3b position. I'm also not a Martinez fan, and NEVER have been. Just putting on the Phils uni didn't get it for me. The pitching staff/bullpen is the MAJOR ISSUE.— boasocal
- Take the option on Lee, pass on Pedro, offer Myers a reasonable one-year deal and have him compete for the closer's job in spring training. I love Stairs, but 41 is 41 and you can't use him in the field (hello American League). Unless there's a quality third baseman with a good bat, you keep Feliz. A potentially interesting option at 3rd could be Hank Blalock, who'll be a free agent from the Texas Rangers. He was moved to 1st base because of shoulder problems, but the Phillies have always been enamoured with him and could kick the tires around a bit to see if he as any glove left at 3rd.— phillyfandc
- Interesting point made on Comcast this evening: very hard to pick up bench strength such as Scutaro because they can get more at-bats in the American League as the DH. Continues to be absurd that Major League Baseball has two systems at work, one of which consistently favors the American League, and as they continue to win the All-Star Game, the American League team gets 7th game in World Series year in and year out. Perhaps the Phillies give a more inspired performance in game 6, if they knew game 7th was at Citizens Bank. Don't like Beltre and would be too expensive. Phillies need to bolster their bullpen big time. Frankly, much of this won't matter without Lidge returning to form. The one major difference between the Yankees and Phillies was the closer during the season and in the World Series. If Rivera ever retires, Yankees go down hill fast unless they can steal F-Rod from the Mets.— chuckw
- Glad someone said something about our farm system. Supposed to be pretty deep, at least in pitching. Put the money saved for utility guys into keeping Lee. I may be dreaming but Lee/Hamels as my one/two is pretty good! Stairs is expendable. Feliz, I think you have to keep for defense. May not be the best, but he's solid at third. Meyers - not sure. I know he wants to be a starter - does he take Pedro's place? Go for a year with him if he's game. Sorry Pedro, it was fun this year, but for next year we have Lee, Hamels, Blanton, Happ. I doubt Jamie will be back, but you've got to give him the chance. Then let Moyer and others fight for that 5th spot.— bgrasmeder
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- Phils need a guy to set the table and work a walk to hit lead off. Having Rollins with a sub 300 obp hitting in front of Utley, Howard etc is a joke. Pass on Lee, he will be 33 when the contract starts, not a good long term investment. Stairs needs to go as does most of the rather useless bench, bring up some young talent and hope to get lucky with a couple. Mark DeRosa would be ideal. Lee, Happ, Hamels, Moyer, and Meyers or whoever will be fine for the regular season, but probably need someone else for the playoffs unless Happ or Hamels show they can be counted on. Chris Capuano, Rich Hill, Noah Lowry, Penny, Sheets...are all high risk high reward free agents who will probably be cheap and could pay big dividends.— lazyboy
