What's next? Phils interested in Putz, many other pitchers
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What's next? Phils interested in Putz, many other pitchers
Andy Martino
Now that the Phillies have moved swiftly to fill spots at third base and on the bench, their focus for the rest of the offseason is clear: Improvements to the pitching staff, particularly the bullpen.
GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said recently that he was intrigued by low-risk/high reward types, meaning he wants pitchers who will come cheaper than usual because of injury or some other mitigating factor. According to multiple major league sources, the Phils have kicked the tires on many pitchers, including reliever J.J. Putz. They have been linked to Putz before in this offseason, and sources said they remained interested. Consistent with the philosophy passed from Pat Gillick to Amaro, the team has contacted the representatives for “a whole bunch” of relievers, says one source.
The Phillies interest in Putz has not advanced to the level of back-and-forth negotiations--he is not likely to sign anywhere in the immediate future--but it offers a concrete indication of the type of pitcher the team is seeking. Putz fits the profile perfectly: A pitcher with experience closing and setting up, he is attempting to re-establish his value after June surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow.
John Smoltz, linked to the Phils by ESPN.com on Tuesday, is another example of that type—though he might be seeking a more lucrative deal than originally thought.
After committing $6 million to Placido Polanco for next season, the Phils will likely have $15-$20 million to commit to other players, meaning they could still supplement any low-risk/high-reward signings with a pricier pitcher or two, like Brandon Lyon or Fernando Rodney.
Comments (35)
If the pitchers are around 30 yrs. old, instead of a Jamie and Smoltz type, the Phils can sign two of them. I thought perhaps they wanted another OF on the bench. No????— KGKoons- The Phils also have an open bench spot. This is not as urgent as the bullpen, but something to consider. Of the free agents, I think Jeff Fiorentino would be the best fit. He has put up good on-base numbers and can play right-field. Give the Flyin Florentine a chance.— JayW
- Yes, they do need to fill one more bench spot. But Amaro has indicated that they guy might already be in the system, a DeWayne Wise or Wilson Valdez. They could sign a guy, but it's clear they will focus primarily on pitching now that they have signed Polanco.— Andy Martino
- The Phils are following my plan I laid out after the season perfectly. I said sign Schneider, Polanco, Ben Sheets and Joe Biemel a couple of weeks ago. Let's see if they keep listening to me.— jaybatt79
- Did they not watch Putz pitch last year when he was with the Mets? Why would anyone be interested in him?— catnameddomino
- Oh, I also think they should sign Ryan Freel. He's versatile and better than Bruntlett in every area.— jaybatt79
- Oh, I also think they should sign Ryan Freel. He's versatile and better than Bruntlett in every area.— jaybatt79
- Amaro is doing a great job in filling the holes quickly. We have upgraded the backup catching, the utility infielder and third base. Polonko is a great guy in the club house. He is a table setter at the #2 slot. He can play 2nd if Utley needs a break without sacrificing fielding and he will be an adaqate 3rd basemen.He gives us more punch in the lieup and will do a great job protecting Rollins or whomever is leading off. Now we need another starter unless Drabek makes the team, Some additional relief pitching. I like the idea of going after Putz as he was excellent with Seattle and then was injured playing for the Mets. He is a good backup to Madson as the setup guy and can also close. We ned a lefty to replace Eyre and I would also look for a switch hitting outfielder as a bench player if one is available. The bench still seems a little weak if we go with 12 pitchers. Right now Moyer is a question mark and I guess both Park & Pedro are gone so we need 1 starter, 1 right and 1 left handed relief pitcher. I like the way the phillies go after whom they like quickly and get that player. we also did not lose any draft picks in signing any free agents right now.Good going Ruber Amaro.— naplesbear
- Putz. Heh.— spizz
- I don't think that the Phils needs to do a whole lot of upgrading. Granted, if they don't they will be passed by pretty quick. Still, Polanco is a good start. I would resign Scott Eyre Chan Ho Park for the pen. Maybe go after Ben Sheets and Putz (if he is healthy, he'll be a killer). Duscherer might be worth a look. So should Taki Saito. Fernando Tatis would make a great bench player...and a nice rub in the mets. I would also clean up our other arbitration players and give deals to Victorino, Ruiz, Condrey, Durbin, Blanton and see if Werth will sign a 3-4 yr deal too. I think the Phils look really, really good right now. Good starting players. I think the bench and the pen might need 1 more player each.— scole9179
- Could look at Nomar or Rocco Baldelli for the bench too.— scole9179
- So far Ruben has made some smart moves.— 76er
- Would like to see the last bench spot filled by an outfielder with wheels. Always thought every bench should have that burner for when your catcher/slugger draws a walk in the 9th and you need that tying run. Changes the game and we haven't had that luxury since Bourne left. Not that I haven't been pleased with how they've addressed their needs thus far but the speculation on who they are linked to worries me. You just made a ton of money last year, have guys coming off the books, and are raising ticket prices. You owe it to the fans to bring in a guy who'd provide a significant upgrade to the pitching staff. Why are we being linked to Putz/Smoltz when we have the money for Soriano/Gonzalez? I'm also not sure why a starting pitcher isn't anything more than an afterthought. Jamie looked overmatched out there when he wasn't playing the Fish.— Funboy
Brian Schneider has always been one of my favorites. He's a gamer. I was very upset that he wound up a Met in the Lastings Milledge deal. Another smart move, Ruben.— lgroniko
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The Phillies Zone is the place for up-to-the-minute Phillies coverage from the Inquirer.
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