Phillies can still finish first during the season
The Phillies may have finished third in the National League East last season and again this offseason, but that doesn't mean they have to finish anywhere other than first once the season begins.
Phillies can still finish first during the season
Bob Brookover
The Phillies may have finished third in the National League East last season and again this offseason, but that doesn't mean they have to finish anywhere other than first once the season begins.
At a dinner banquet in Allentown Thursday night, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. explained why this offseason has been different in terms of the team's moves.
Instead of one big splash -- a trade for Roy Halladay, the signing of free agents Cliff Lee and Jonathan Papelbon -- that grabs the attention of the entire baseball world, the Phillies have made a series of smaller moves, dealing for center fielder Ben Revere and third baseman Michael Young while signing setup man Mike Adams, fifth starter John Lannan and right fielder Delmon Young.
As detailed in Friday's newspaper column, the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves have made the sexiest moves among the National League East teams this offseason.
"We had a lot more to fill this offseason and a lot less dollars to play with," Amaro said. "Our big moves were made when we got Doc (Halladay) and we got Cliff and we signed Ryan (Howard) and we signed Chase (Utley) and also Jimmy (Rollins) as well. Those were our moves."
Therein lies the Phillies' hope and possibly despair.
Add Cole Hamels to Amaro's list and those are the six players that will determine whether the 2013 Phillies can contend with the Nationals and Braves in the National League East.
It is interesting to view the national perception of the Phillies. Richard Justice, a columnist for MLB.com, lauded Atlanta's trade acquisition of outfielder Justin Upton Thursday and declared that the Braves joined the Nationals, Giants, Dodgers, Cardinals and Reds in the discussion about the "Best Team in the NL."
The Phillies are only one season removed from putting up the best record in baseball for the second straight year and they did go 35-24 after dealing Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence at the all-star break.
"With Howard and Utley being back, we made up 14 games," manager Charlie Manuel said. "We were 14 under .500 and we played good in the second half as far as winning games and we can play a lot better."
Because of the way the Phillies have gone about their business, they should have payroll flexibility at the trade deadline if they're looking to upgrade in the outfield or at some other position.
"We're leaving ourselves a little flexibility ... in the hope that at some point if we need to, we can maybe add," Amaro said.
That will heavily depend on whether Howard, Halladay and Utley are better and, at this point, the Phillies are encouraged about all of them. Howard is among the regulars already working out down in Clearwater, Fla. and the medical reports on Halladay and Utley have been encouraging.
Amaro said Halladay, who missed nearly two months last season with a shoulder injury, threw off a mound for the first time Tuesday and was scheduled to do so again Friday. Utley has been sending Manuel e-mails that has the manager upbeat.
"He sent me a couple e-mails and the last one right at Christmas said, 'It looks like you're going to have a healthy second baseman,' " Manuel said. "The other day (trainer) Scott Sheridan had a DVD of him working out and he really looked good. He looked really strong in his legs. You can tell he's been doing something all winter."
A baseball scout was asked what he thought of the Phillies' offseason moves compared to what the Nationals and Braves have done.
"The Braves and Nats did better, but the Phillies did a nice job, too," he said. "The Phillies did well with adding the two Youngs and Revere and Lannan will be a solid fifth starter. Roy Halladay is far and away the most important player in the division this coming season. Which guy we see will determine the Phillies' fate."
Comments (113)
Team is a joke. Every game a new "goat" is identified. This game Rollins and his base running cost the Phillies at least 2 runs. Ben Revere is just horrible, can he get a ball out of the infield? We need to bring up some rookies with TALENT, and start to play them. At least get some excitement back. I think it is great that Grilli, a Phillie cast off is leading the national league with 9 saves. Another good management decision about baseball talent. This group of Philly leaders have no clue what baseball talent looks like.— avogel36- don't forget veteran 7th & 8th inning help adams and durbin— robinlupe
- Brookover, I know your paid to help the front office sell tickets, but this is as obvious as Bush & Cheney fabricating the fantasy that Iraq had WMDs when non actually existed so they could start a fraudulent war and of course, get a way with it....that said, the Phils are no longer a viable championship team, its over...kaput. Amaro followed his orders and promptly destroyed the team by castrating its farm system and making ludicrous trades. Ad to that, the fact the Phils keep Cholly the Chimp, and its a travesty. Frank Wren and Mike Rizzo are laughing all the way to next years play offs and they know Monty and Giles are the best asset!— daystrum
- I have been a die hard phillies fan for about 25 years same for the 49ers living in the bay area for about 5 years listening to the rants and raving over this offseason watching the SF giants win with no bats just clutch hitting and great pitching twice this is what wins champion ships ruben saved us this year and when next year comes and we can afford CANO to replace UTLEY and Sheilds to be a 4th starter with the extra 70 million saved this offseason you will all be completely wrong!— jimmy517
- If all the veterans suddenly suck, this team is in trouble (btw something like this is what happened last season) If the players have normal years, they will win the Division. It won't be a surprise to anyone but the idiots who just started watching baseball last season...gnats fans mostly, I presume.— Paul SoTX
- Why is it acceptable to not have a plan and just hope that bunch of things with medium to low probability will all go your way? In case you aren't a probability person, the odds of the total scenario working in your favor is the product of the individual probabilities, that is extremely small. I agree with the poster that made the statement that season ticket sales must be lower than expected. There is some serious spinning going on right now.— jfdatl
- I for one am looking forward to this season. I think the team has come together in a very interesting way and spring training might uncover a few more reasons for hope. Let's enjoy it. Phillies will be competitive.— Jim M
- Hope for the best. Expect the status quo (2012 variety). Atlanta has maneuvered themselves into a great position to overtake the Nats who also improved. Anything can happen in baseball, and of course I root for the Phils. I just think they have too many question marks and "if only's." Right now, on paper at least, you gotta like the Braves.— dmfinpa
- yes and if Mike Martinez wins the MVP and Lannan wins the Cy Young then Rube will have done real well for himself...on a more realistic note, these and the rest of the mediocre 40-man roster assembled by the Clueless one will be lucky to get to .500
— warbiscuit
Isn't there a Victory Garden somewhere you can go defoliate? Your single note bugle playing has grown so tiresome. Go die already and give the rest of us here something good this off season to cheer about.— Claudio Vernight - HAHA! Thats funny! Win the NL East...You Philly losers must have been sleeping on the wrong side of the bed! The Phonies won't do squat this year! To old...get some young players for a change!!!— MRD
- The Braves losing Chipper, Bourne and Prado is a combined WAR of 14. The combined WAR of the Upton Brothers and 3b Johnson was 3.
That's an eleven game LOSS - not to mention they traded away 2 starters and now rely on 38 yr old Hudson, Medlin (Sophmore season), Maholm (really?) and 2 rookies in Minor and Beachy.. unknown what they will do.
They lost the best leadoff and #2 batters in the NL and replaced them with 2 brothers that will combine for 250 K's. And i'll bet that the brothers end up fighting each other more than complementing each other on the field, have you ever had to work with YOUR brother everyday?? its not pretty. I said it plenty of times. I will take our top 3 starters over ANY others top 3 anyday of the week. Phillies will make the playoffs and from there, you have to love our pitching in a 3 game and 5 game series. Even on a 1 game playoff, who you want, Hamels ~ Lee ~ Holliday vs ? I'll take the Phillies thank you.— Donnie B - Season ticket sales must be worse than expected. The Phillies reporters, who wouldn't declare the Phillies season to be lost long after most reasonable fans knew it was going to be a disappointing season, prove once again they're just shills for this organization which clearly is on the decline. 1985 era Phillies baseball coming back to a ballpark near you.— Repubrebirth
- The Phillies are improved at almost every position when compared to the team that finished the season, and that team was already winning more than it lost. Catcher and Shortstop are the same, and both spots are manned by very good players. At first and second, instead of guys playing through injury, they have superstar players ready to rock. At 3B, instead of a mediocre journeyman, they now have a multiple time All-Star who bats right handed. In the outfield Revere is a very good defender who makes contact, and runs like a deer. They have two potential mashers in Ruf and Brown, along with D. Young, who is coming off being the ALCS MVP and has a 113 RBI season under his belt already at 27, so he should be just coming into his prime. How many guys on the gnats or Braves have ever driven in that many? ZERO! Not a one. A healthy Halladay and Lee, along with Hamels is a good start to any rotation. Kendrick finished the year strong, as did Lannan, who went 4-1 down the stretch for DC. The bull- pen is better with the addition of Adams, the healthy returns of Bastardo and Stutes, as well as the addded experience all the young guys got last season. Mayberry, Kratz, Galvis, Nix or Frandsen and whoever doesn't start in LF will make up a good bench, guys who can PH, play defense and maybe run for someone. Great rotation, the best bullpen in the NL, a lineup full of proven hitters, a good bench...the one weakness is defense at the corners, up the middle it is strong. 100 wins and a trip to the World Series.— Paul SoTX
- Wren and Rizzo are having a good laugh, they know Amaro sank the team into the sewer, deflated, neutered and demoralized in less than 5 years and they are very grateful. He's the gift that keeps on giving:-)— daystrum
- They really just need Dom Brown, Delmon Young, or Revere to have a border-line all-star type season and then I think we have a fighting chance to win 93 and take the division.
More about the Phils on our podcast at 3D Philly Sports if you're interested...check it out!— Der- 3D Philly Sports - Monty and Giles do not want contending team, why? Because it costs too much and they are now in a "collect your losses phase", forget, a child can see what is happening. If they truly, really wanted to win.....they get a new field manager, new GM and actually try and acquire quality players who' shelf life is not marked "expired".— daystrum
- Sure, anything can happen and all Phillies fans hope everybody is healthy, spinning shutouts and banging 3-run homers. The team is getting old but some young Phils have a chance to prove that they have major league talent and will contribute. It's gonna be an iffy year!!— billtfla
- Wow-when I saw the headline I thought it was August already. Nice of Bob to still give the Phils a chance when the season is still more than 2 months away.— caprock
- Clueless morons. The Phillies turned things over to younger players and minor leaguers. They picked up 14 games because of the efforts of Kratz, Frandsen, Brown, Mayberry and Pierre. Utley made some solid contributions, but wasn't a major difference maker and hasn't gone without missing 50 games in years. If he doesn't miss the first two months, he'll miss the last two. And Howard didn't contribute squat. Actually, the winningest player for the 2012 Phillies was Mayberry. He played in all their wins, they went 81-68 in games he appeared in and went 58-49 in his starts. Of course he went 0-for-4 once in early April, which caused Charlie to sit him down for a few weeks because we all know a regular big leaguer never goes 0-for-4.— jtj06
- Of course the Phillies CAN win, but with virtually the same coaching staff that's extremely unlikely.— sjfella
- Welcome to the posters who live in Negadelphia. Regardless of the best run of Phillies baseball in the history of the franchise (yeah, the team with most losses in MLB history), the phans are out in force once again. Last year was an injury riddled aberration. Phans lauded RAJ for not resigned Jayson Werth (7 years $126 million, are you kidding me?). Phans were upset about the Revere trade, instead, wanting a reunion with Victorino (3 years $39 million, are you kidding me?) or signing of Upton (5 years, $75 million, say what?) or upset at not bringing in Michael Bourn (Boris says what?). This team is build around its core. When healthy (see 2007-2011)put up five of the best seasons this franchise has seen since its hey days of 1976,77,78,80,83. Notice that 79,81, and 82 were not listed (Really, that core of Philly greats didn't win 7 straight World Series either?). Lets be real here. If this team comes into Spring training healthy and ready to go, they can compete with ANY team in MLB...ANY. Maybe a kick in the pants last season will add some additional incentive. Remember, in 2007 when everyone was already crowning the Mets WS champs, Jimmy Rollins woke up the team/franchise and stated that the Phillies were the team to beat. A bit of bravado, but at times, its what you believe that counts. Trust me, there are guys on this team that don't care a hoot about all the negative stuff in papers and message boards. They believe in their talent, ability, and desire. After a horrific injury riddled 2012, don't be shocked to see some attitude on the field with this team. Phight On Phillies.— drhoffman
- You go hoff ... Phight on!! I agree w/ you that confidence/attitude matters. Only thing is that this team is lacking in that department. Can't blame the fans for that. We show up, game in and game out, sell out after sell out. Trust me -- when one of your veterans (a former MVP) refuses to run hard down to 1st base, swings at the first pitch constantly as a leadoff hitter -- that has an impact. The young guys have no one in that clubhouse to teach them/keep them in line. And yes -- I do blame Amaro for that. — Copper34
- Sure, the Phillies have some Ifs. But so does every other team in the division, and the biggest If for every team is "If we stay healthy." A couple of key injuries to the Braves and/or Nats, and finally a season where the Phillies' infield and starting pitchers stay healthy, and we could see another NL East title here in our town. I can hardly wait for the games to start!— Dave Clemens
- "East"ern League perhaps.— bobcitydoc
- yeah, when hell freezes over— eddiot
- Yes, and Mitt Romney could still win the Presidential election. Look, being realistic does not mean being negative. The Phillies now remind me of the patched together teams I got used to as a Phillies fan. I will always root for them to win, but that does not mean I can't face reality. The Washington Nationals are a far better team right now and are the new Phillies in the NL East.— Marie Elena
Really, it's all about their health. Nothing more. Utley, Howard, Halladay, D. young, and Adams are coming off injuries. And M. Young is an old player trying to get back to playing an extremely demanding position he hasn't played in two years. If they can stay on the field, they are the best team!!!— John621- Baseball is all about pitching and health. If Doc is OK, or even 80% and our bullpen is healthy (Adam's had a rib removed for comfort, yikes!) Utley, Howard bounce back, we are good. This lineup can score 4 runs a game, right?— jet2012
- The question marks on this team are not the new guys. I believe the new guys will do fine and hold their own. Will our Shortstop continue to be J-Pop? Will the worst contract in baseball (now that A-Rod's is covered by insurance) at first base continue to waive at any slider thrown out of the strike zone by any lefty pitcher? Will Utley be the player he has been? Will Halladay slow down a little and stop grooving pitches because he's going to fast? Those four will determine what happens this year.— Relocator
- YES, everything is possible at this point....the word "IF" makes it all right....but to think we improved over last year or the Nationals or the Braves only shows the drinking of the red koolade.....and as long as Reuben is in charge our only direction is down.....sorry guys, I will root also....but the die is cast.....and RA is just the guy who took us from a WS Winner to 3rd place and made no improvements this year and is hanging his hat on Ryan being healthy, Chase not lying about his condition, Roy not getting older, Lee being half of what he used to be and Brown actually being able to catch a fly ball......sad— nuggett
- I am trying to figure out why people would think this team is going to be worse than last year. Let's revisit 2012, a year that they managed to win 81 games. 1) Howard and Utley missed significant chunks of the season recovering from injuries and Howard was never 100% at any point last year.) Halladay was not Halladay last season and it appeared that he was never 100% healthy as early as spring training 3) They did not have a relief pitcher who could pitch a scoreless eighth inning 4) Placido Polanco missed a significant portion of the season and when he did play, he was awful. 5) Victorino was terrible and Pence was nothing close to what was expected until they were both ditched in July. The 2013 Phillies by accident will have to be better. Howard, Utley and Halladay are expected to be ready to roll next month. Michael Young has to be better than Polanco; it is almost impossible for him not to be. Mike Adams may actually pitch scoreless eighth innings. If Ben Revere can slap his way to.290, play a solid centerfield and steal some bases, how is that not better than Victorino? Obviously, the corner outfielders present questions but is there one team in baseball without flaws or issues? Did we forget the dead carcasses of the Marlins and Mets that the Phillies play 36 times this season? Is Gio Gonzalez really a 20 game winner? Do the Upton brothers really make up for the losses of Chipper Jones,Prado and Bourn? Is Strasberg going to stay healthy for an entire season? The continuing criticism of the Phillies by the Amaro bashers and people who just like throwing out the negative is boring. This team does have a shot to be very good this year no matter what gets posted here.— syddan26
Hey Brookover. Lining up for the buffet this early? All I have to say, after wasting my time reading this sh*t is are you high? If so, save some of that Philly bud for me.- I think the skepticism is justified: Name one of the starting 9 who are in their prime. As much as I like this bunch, the infield is probably past their prime, the outfield hasn't approached it. The starters? Hamels, I guess. That's reason for concern.— trillotobowatorose
- How can anyone say this team will finish below .500? With what evidence? A worse team finished at .500 last season. With health, and a stronger bullpen, they'll win at least 90 games.— vvvmetallicavvv
Hey. I like Gillick. Just tryin to balance out some of the uproar around here everytime the Phils take a flyer on a guy.
2007 and beyond
Pete Laforest was selected off waivers from San Diego Padres (remember him)
Traded Matt Maloney for Kyle Lohse midseason
Signed Chad Durbin three years $4.6 Million
Released Kyle Lohse after season
Signed JC Romero three years $12 Million
Signed 41 year old Jose Mesa
Traded Costanzo, Bourn and Geary for Brad Lidge (who had just recently lost his closer job in Houston) and Eric Bruntlett
Signed So Taguchi one year $900K
(Extended Lidge to three years and 36 Million dollars mid season 08)
(Extended Utley two years before necessary adding 5 years and $15 million per)
Signed Greg Dobbs
Released Rod Barajas
Signed Antonio Alfonseca
Traded Mike Dubee for Tadahito Iguchi
Released Tadahito Iguchi
Did not re sign Rowand
Offered $750,000 to Jayson Werth who was injured in 2005 and did not play at all in 2006.
(low risk high reward)
Signed 33 year old Geoff Jenkins one year $5 Million
— zubzub- The Phillies have a chance to win the NL East? Are you kidding? Look at their lineup and tell me that this is a pennant winning team. Howard and Utley are question marks because of their injuries. Young has not played 3rd base for 2 years and hit the grand total of 8 HR's----8 more than their centerfielder. Ruff may be good, Delmon can't field and is a nut job bigot while Brown is a .230 hitter. If Halliday can pitch OK, their pitching may carry them to 85 wins.— Drumgoole
- Hey, just for grins. I know Ruben gets ripped for every move he makes and doesn't make. And Gillick is spoken of as a God. Personally, I have an easier time believing that a veteran, HOF bound GM is given greater authority to make decisions than Rube is. So here's a few doosies from the Gillick era. Wonder what some of you would say to similar moves if made by RAJ today.
2005
Signed Free Agent Alex Gonzales … Gonzales retired after one year
Traded Jim Thome for Aaron Rowand, Daniel Haigwood, and Gio Gonzales … plus paid 22 million dollars to Whitesox
Signed Sal Fasano
Signed Abraham Nunez to two year deal
Signed Tom Gordon three years $17 Million
2006
Traded Jason Michaels to Cleveland for Arthur Rhodes one year $3.7 Million
Traded Andrew Bard and Andy Baldwin for 43 year old Jamie Moyer (two years $12.5 Million)
Traded away Gio Gonzales and Gavin Floyd to the White Sox for Freddy Garcia. Paid Garcia $10 million dollars.
Traded David Bell to Brewers for Wilfrido Laureano (remember him !?)
Traded 31 year-old Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle – Mid Season-to Yankees for nothing ..CJ Henry, Jesus Sanches, Carlos Monasterios and Matt Smith (remember them ?)
Purchased Randall Simon (remember him) from the Texas Rangers
Signed free agent Adam Eaton three years $24 million. Released after two years.
Signed free agent Wes Helms two years $4.7 Million
Signed Rod Barajas one year$ 2.5 Million
Traded minor leaguer Angel Chavez to Baltimore for 40 year old Jeff Conine
Traded Jeff Conine to the Reds for Brad Key and Javon Moran (remember them?)
Traded Sal Fasano to the Yankees for Hector Made (?)
Traded Jake Blalock and Rob Tejeda(active) to Texas for David Delucci … released him after the season
Yup. Pure instinct and genius. Oh, but I'm sure this was all a part of the plan. :)
— zubzub - Garcia and Eaton were two absolutely awful pitchers.
Abreu was a guy you just wanted to get rid of -- the old "addition by subtraction" idea. Not a bad move.
You don't go into 2007 but Geoff Jenkins was another lousy move.
Gillick is a great GM. He's proven that. But he makes mistakes like anyone else and one of the big advantages he had in Philly was walking into a great young core group that you have to give Ed Wade credit for assembling.— s - Nice research.Baseball is probably the toughest sport for evaulating talent and projecting young players ceiling.All Gm's would have similar skeletons. — honomugym
- its a relief to know in january that the phils can still finish first during the season. thank you bob and matt for pointing that out. enjoy your priority access to the executive pre-game buffet. smh— zwarte piet
- Unfortunately, Howard is no longer a superstar, and Utley is no longer a star. Howard will hit about .250 with 33 home runs. Utley will hit about .260 with about 18 home runs. Unless Doc bounces back and their rookie left fielder hits 35-40 home runs, this team is going nowhere.— Bartleby
- You do have to play the games and injuries are the great equalizer. These days it's all about staying in it to the trade deadline, making some timely moves, and having a good second half. So what you have to hope for is that the Phillies are in contention for the wildcard in July. This is possible. I probably will not be making any Vegas bets on it but it's possible.— s
- mwcnabb your a coolaid drinker and if you knew anything I would give you the courtesy of a response. That said the later part of your name here says it all ....— d1955h
- Wilcowaits...Halladay (best pitcher in baseball)LOL has no value.Broke down Utley has no value.The rest of the OLD men will not bring young players in trades.Dumb Rube has this team up the river without a paddle.In other words SUNK.— tobyjoe
- philly a holes trying to out a hole each other. go read the eagles articles.
- Eman...W H A T I F? This team is what if at every position.That equals losers— tobyjoe
- NO WAY IN H$LL PHILS WIN DIVISION OR WILD CARD THIS SEASON.NOT WITH WHAT THEY HAVE ON THIER ROSTER.NEVER HAPPEN CAPT'N— tobyjoe
- Bob, RAJ called and said you will now be eligible for all post game buffets! Eat up!— Phillip Phan
- Thank you Bob for the bla, bla, bla, bla, bla, etc...........— Phillip Phan
- This comment has been deleted.— FishtownFitz
- You ARE way to kind to the dungbizkit! — BEMiller
- Medical MJ has made its way to Allentown. I'll have what Rube's having.— GreenWing
- Phils will be lucky to stay within 20 games of Wash and Atl.— farley
- All we have are retreads— 658012
- Yea is the sky falling— 658012
- Is it possible they will win ,yes. But in order for them to return to the top a lot of things must happen. First several older injury prone players making major comebacks. Howard, Utley , Delmon Young and Halladay must rebound from their injuries. Secondly a number of younger players need to make a major step forward like Brown and Ruf. Then older players like Lee and young need to show that last year was an aberration .Finally the Nats and Braves need to have less successful seasons. The whole thing is based on everything going just right and we all know how often that works.— HTBNM#
- Wow you are optimistic. You really think we're gonna win the division? Wow— ifRipVanWinklewakesupwillwegitsomemore Championships boohoo
- No, there isn't enough power in the lineup and pitching can only take you so far. Howard strikes out too much and Utley's knees are shot.— fanup
- And if they are out of it on July 31? Goodbye Mr. Lee and possibly Halladay. If this year blows up, a major overhall is coming. Last contract years for Halladay and Utley. If no playoffs, time to get what you can for what value is left in high priced players and then build around Cole for the future. Outfield is now young, the staff and infield have to be next.— wilcowaits
- Yaaaaawn. Wake me when the Phillies are relevant again. Better yet, wake me when ANY Philly team is relevant again. Every pro team in this city will be lucky to be a .500 team. Pathetic.— scootch
- Any kid who collects baseball cards could have made the big money moves RAJ has made. It's the clever moves that Gillick made (Werth, Victorino) that win titles. Not the utility-laden trash that RAJ has brought in the past two seasons.— DoctorLoads
- Of course, Utley in healthy. It's a contract year. Now if the Phillies can keep Howard and D. Young away from the post-game buffet table, they might have a shot at something. Sshh, nobody give D. Young directions to Pat's or Geno's.— joeygolf
- smfree31 and all you pablum eaters this team will not win the East. Your too old around the bases and your #1 starter is showing wear . Oh and Mr. Subway eater strikes out faster than King Kong Kingman. The fact is Rube is only part of the problem because the Phils hold on too long to players whose better days are behind them. We are consistently selling off what decent talent in the minors we have and then deal from weakness. Have we fixed our weak outfield NO, have we addressed the rotation not really. We are old in the infield and are hopeful at all positions for past glories to return. You can spin this group all you want but this dog won't hunt period .— d1955h
- Who is our #1 starter? we have three of them. Which regular is over 35? Which prospect that was traded has made an impact since Gio Gonzalez...Kyle Drabek? ...Jason Donald? How old was Jamie Moyer when he pitched in Game 3 of the World Series? 29? Are you spitting mad we resigned Cole Hamels? The Royals and Astros are young around the bases...is that what you want?
— mwcnabb - @mwcnabb -- that is some warped logic. What impact would you expect a 19 year old prospect to make?? If we had some of those kids in the system, it could have been us trading for Upton. I have to wonder if the D-Backs wouldn't have taken Worley, May (and maybe a 3rd prospect) for Upton. Instead, we have a slap-hitting, no arm leadoff guy that Uncle Charlie will be afraid to hit leadoff ... — Copper34
- Negadelphians! And I thought you only inhabited the Eagles comments page. Seriously, there are some folks here who definitely...definitely...need a life. The Phillies, more than any other franchise in Philadelphia, have provided highlights and excitement...even a championship...for half a decade; just enjoy the ride folks and let's see how they do this season. In the meantime, kiss your wife, hug your kids, pet your dog, eat a great cheesesteak, whatever...enjoy that you're alive.— chesapeake
- What is with that warbiscut. Why doesnt he just root for another team??? This is a great team the Phils have to put out on the field this season. Granted some moves by Rube have been bad, but so have the other GMs. Everyone keeps saying IF these guys are healthy, well that goes for the rest of the league also. Read this article and you see what the phils are going to start with is good enough to play with anyone. With lineup intact the Phils will mow them down....— Trot
- Yea Right ! When pigs fly....how can this stuff be printed???— d1955h
- Failures expect other people to fail and so say they will, just sayin'...— DJ
- An optimistic article angers all the commenters all the more about how terrible the phillies are gonna be. The fact of the matter is nobody has ANY idea how anyone is going to be until the season starts.
The Angels were supposed to be godlike last year and did nothing (the Phillies were supposed to be a lot better than they were as well). The Nationals were supposed to be better than 2011, but not nearly the jump they made.
Some teams, it's REALLY hard to imagine them doing anything this year (Marlins), but teams in the middle of the pack like the Phillies can really go anywhere, so just relax.— cloudkitt - Angels actually won more games than the Tigers. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. — mwcnabb
- Chris "Wheels" Wheeler texted his peeps exactly the same thing form a Tikki bar somewhere on the west coast of Florida.
Chris said this team has a chance to be "really, really special."— Wilhelm Von Humboldt - News flash...no games have been played yet, the Phils could win it all!— PhillySubsMac
- Project the 2013 season to the July 31st trade deadline when the aging, injury riddled Phils will again be under .500 and Lee and Utley are moved to contenders and for young prospects to finally let the youth movement begin. From Martin, Morgan, Pettibone or Biddle several young starters emerge under Ryan Sandberg. Asche takes over at third as Michael Young finishes out the season at second for Utley and then retires back to Texas. Ruf and Brown first push Delmon Young to the bench and then he is traded to a contender for the stretch drive so he can win another Playoff MVP for some other team.— Dull
- Kidding here, but it sounds like Amaro, Manuel and Brookover have been reading my posts.
You don't wish injuries on any team, but what if the Nats lose Strasburg or Gonzalez for a month or two this season? Are they really that bullet-proof? For that matter, will Strasburg ever log 180 innings -- because he never has?
The Braves look good too but, last time I checked, Justin Upton's never won a thing and BJ Upton was so beloved by the Rays' organization it let him walk for a draft pick.
We are older and have more question marks. We also have three stars -- Halladay, Utley and M.Young -- in the final contract years of their careers. I'd bet none of the three is ready to retire and they all want a two- or three-year deal starting in 2014. That's a lot of motivation. Not that those guys need it, but it's there.
— eman - Enough of the stop-gap signings that provide "flexibility' for possible mid-season signings. Get Michael Bourn and at least two outfield spots will have legitimate starters.— Boru
- God, what a bunch of dreamers we still have in this city! Get real, people. The red pinstripes will not even see third place in their sights with this roster, unless all the other teams in the division have even greater injury attacks than we did last year. NOT likely!
Expect to lose big for a few years now...and just cheer for a few good games and some occasional spectacular plays. It's only entertainment, not ANYTHING one can pin their life's hopes and dreams on. Get real!— ocpizza - Brookover, what have you been smoking?! I am hoping that this team finished above the Mets and Fish. There is no way this team wins the East and as long as they have an inept one as Rube the Boob as GM they won't ever do it. Maybe if the baseball gods are kind they will win more than they lose.— vietnamvet
- hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...jump on warbiscuit all you want but this team has no chance.— jimmymack
- why is first year player Bryce Harper so God almighty awesome and feared? Adam LaRoche? Justin Upton? have any of them hit 58 hrs? do these teams have multiple Cy Young winners? people have comeback years. no one thought rollins would play as well as he did last year. you want to say age, right? look at Mike Schmidt's numbers in his mid thirties. hating the players so quickly is pretty distasteful. maybe you are right? it's still distasteful to quit on players who didn't quit on your team. halladay is the hardest working player in baseball .can't the guy get the chance to put down the snotnosed nats before you hate on him? nats did it all against a AAA phils team last year. not convinced until their TEAM beats the phils TEAM.
- smfree31 nice one on the encryption.It should be fun to debate the different baseball moves.— honomugym
- Sure Matt, and the Sixers, Flyers and Eagles are all looking like title contenders. How about some "truthful" reporting.— Northcountry
- Sure, if everything goes right for the Phillies they have a shot to finish first in the division, but it would be hard to objectively pick them to finish any better than third. They are an aging team with a dearth of young talent--period.— dblankj
- Look at the team. There are proven winners all over the place. Of course they can win. But they will need to stay relatively healthy and play well. Mostly they need to play well against the NL east. Last year there seemed to be a lack of urgency as if nobody (Charlie) knew how to count; until it was too late.
Gotta get out of the gate quick this year.— zubzub - So can the Mets - if they win 98 games.— BobbyD
- warbiscuit Do you even like baseball?Or do you only like baseball if your team is the champs?Pick your playoff teams in the NL.What team do you think will be a surprise team?Who wins the CY Young? MVP?— honomugym
- Bravo.
Just once I would like to see the people who post non-stop negative rants offer up a suggestion as to what moves they would make that would be better.
Don't like the Michael Young signing, then offer up a better move for 3B. Same for CF, or closer.
It's so easy to just blah blah blah, but never a glimpse into why every team is missing the boat by not making him their GM.— smfree31 - AMEN — Trot
- Bob - You are REALLY in denial.— BleedPhilly
- Yes, the Nationals. How many picked them last year? Every writer and hack just picks every team that won the year before.
I'll spare everyone the stats and records when healthy, facts matter little to the haters anyway. When healthy we know what this team can do.
Rube is so awful that he put together a team that won 102 games 2 seasons ago. Just terrible. And despite the injuries they had us excited in September again.
I'm excited to get this season going.— smfree31 - yes and if Mike Martinez wins the MVP and Lannan wins the Cy Young then Rube will have done real well for himself...on a more realistic note, these and the rest of the mediocre 40-man roster assembled by the Clueless one will be lucky to get to .500— warbiscuit
- In the word's of Mel Blanc, dungbizkit, you are "What a maroon. What a maroon!" — BEMiller
- 11-year old morons jump up excitedly that some dumb writer writes something -- and presto -- that suddenly means that Delmon Young knows how to catch a fly ball?— warbiscuit
- Speak of the deVil, there you are, dungbizkit, jumping excitedly. — BEMiller
- And Miguel Cabrera knows how to play 3rd base?........reach. — mwcnabb
- I'm glad to see a positive article too, but realistically, the Nationals are prolly too talented for us to beat this year, unless we outplay them head-to-head massively. Harper and Strasburg are possibly going to end up being top 10 players in their positions in their generation. It's going to be tough.— kilo_005
- and there's the imbecile himself making the same excuse that his apologizers here make that it's not his fault that he doesn't have the money and talented prospects to use to try to improve the team ...
YES IT MOST DEFNITELY IS HIS FAULT -- he's been the g.m. for 4 1/2 yrs, squandered hundreds of millions of dollars and all his prospects and young players for short term rentals of over-the-hill and/or overrated players, and the resulting product is a very expensive, very old and very mediocre team that can't hit, can't field and, other than 2 reliable starters, probably can't pitch
ooh, not my fault, he cries, didn't I get 2 good months of Oswalt? he's not only incompetent but he's got the lowest character of anyone in a senior position that anyone's ever seen .. at least Reid had the character to say yes, I failed, it didn't worlk --this loser just makes more excuses --news alert: when Phils are done in July and he's dumping Lee --"uh, well, see there were injuries and "nonperforamnce" --how was I supposed to know M.Young and D.Young couldnlt field ("how was I supposed to know Wigginton couldn't field"); "how was I supposed to knwo Lannan and Cook couldn't get batters out? ("how was i supposed to know W?llis and Qualls couldn't pitch?") --and so it goes: more excuses, no accoutabilty and idiotic articles like this one— warbiscuit - At the risk of leading to dozens more warbiscuit posts, ask yourselves this: is he wrong? No, he's completely right. Ruben was given a team coming off a world series win, with a great farm system and payroll flexibility, and in 4 years has turned this team into the mid 1980s Yankees. No payroll flexibility, a depleted farm system, aging, overpaid, injured players, huge holes in the everyday lineup, and 90 % of the fans crossing their fingers that Delmon Young can play right field, while the Braves get Justin Upton. This team (organization) is an absolute mess, and it's going to be years before the Phillies are a really good ballclub again. — mjc1
- Of course warbiscuit is right. That's why the Phillies are paying to have "positive" nonsense written here in the comments section. Real Phillies fans are starting to catch on, though. The Delmon Young signing (where RAJ acquired yet another American League Dh - this time to play a position he hasn't played since 2007 ... on a surgically repaired ankle ... while overweight and anti-semitic). At least the last DH he acquired last played the position (3B) in 2010 and seems to be a great character guy!! Maybe he can be Sandberg's bench coach when Uncle Charlie finally gets canned. We can only hope that Ruin Tomorrow Jr. goes with him ... — Copper34
- Is this encrypted? All I can read is "waaaahh waaaahh waaaaah" — smfree31
- I really enjoy the input from the fans but the constant crying by that guy is unreal. — Trot
- It's definitely realistic to think that the Phillies have a shot at competing in the NL East and in the NL as a whole. The difference between the team now and the team a couple of years ago is that they don't have as wide a margin for error or the assets to make a huge deal to recover if things fall apart. That said, they do have enough flexibility to make up for a few shortcomings if things don't come together and could have a pretty solid year.— OutofTownPhillyFan
- Similar to what many have said before - anything could happen. San Fran has won two World Series with starting pitching, bullpen and Buster Posey & Sandoval. Were their batting orders really that great? No! Renteria? Burrell? Cody Ross? Freddy Sanchez? Huff? Rowand? Pagan? Torres? Uribe? Schierholz? Belt? Really? Sabian is an OK GM but you are kidding yourself if you don't think he has gotten extremely lucky with these bits and pieces players that have stepped up for the team in the offseason.— michael2_19030
- PERFECT!! Rube-the-Boob inherits a Championship team with a stocked farm system and four years later, with the 2nd highest payroll in the league, we are sitting here hoping to "get lucky." Good players with good chemistry led by good managers "get lucky." I can forgive michael2 ... he's probably just a real Philly sports fan. Brookover ought to be ashamed ... — Copper34
- that's nice -- the Astrso could also win the World Series...maybe the Sixers will win the NBA Championhip...— warbiscuit
- You need to go to the ChiTrib's web page, dungbizkit, for your whine. That's a place that really deserves it! — BEMiller
- No ... warbiscuit has to stay right here and continue to speak the truth about Rube-the-Boob ... until the owners finally, mercifully fire him and get a real GM. You, BEMiller, should go to the Phillies Phan Club. — Copper34
- I'm waiting for alll the RAJ haters to take this time to point out he is the sole problem with the Phillies and not ownership/age/other teams getting great draft choices....I can hear it coming.....— ryanrockzzz
- How much do the Phillies pay you? The GM of a team with the 2nd highest payroll in the league has to be held accountable when the team he assembles is the worst defensive team in baseball -- with at least 5 guys who can't field (Howard, D.Young, Ruf, M. Young, ... and maybe Dom Brown) ... when the OF he puts together is the worst in baseball ... when the stocked farm system he inherited is now in shambles ... when the only stud young player he has (Hamels) only plays every 5th day ... when he has repeatedly failed to address needs. If you have to pick one guy who is responsible for this mess, it has to be Ruin Tomorrow Jr. The guy is in way over his head. I hope that Ruf is great and somehow manages to bail him out. But, I am not hopeful. — Copper34
- Finally, a positive article about The Phillies. I have been saying all along that if Holladay is back ,then The Phillies will have a dominant staff.— 1danny
- And the lineup will be dominant too -- IF Howard has learned to hit breaking balls (or LH pitching), IF Utley's knees have miraculously healed, IF the SS has realized that the JStroll routine isn't working, IF Chooch can hit without cheating, IF Revere can manage more than 19 extra-base hits, IF the whole line-up has learned to be patient at the plate .... the IFs go on and on. Rube-the-Boob hopes he has pulled the wool over our eyes with these "name" players. In the end, he is just a poor excuse for a GM whose incompetence is now painfully obvious. Don't belive me --- check out Sports Illustrated, who just graded the Phillies' offseason moves. They give Amaro a "D" — Copper34
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