Phillies FA Preview: The Bench
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Phillies FA Preview: The Bench
David Murphy
Want to know the most amazing stat of this postseason? It wasn't Cole Hamels' or Cliff Lee's ERA, or Carlos Ruiz's batting average, or Ryan Howard's RBIs in the first two rounds or strikeouts in the World Series.
It was this: The six non-regular position players on the Phillies postseason roster combined for 31 at-bats during the playoffs.
They finished with just one hit -- an RBI single by Matt Stairs against A.J. Burnett in the World Series.
1-for-31.
Let that sink in.
They were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, 1-for-14 with men on base.
In the World Series, when just one extra base hit might have turned the tide of the series, they combined to go 1-for-16.
While the majority of the focus throughout the regular season and postseason involved Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge's struggles, you could argue that the one area of the team that suffered the most dramatic drop-off from 2008 was the performance of the bench.
In the 2008 postseason, the Phillies' six bench players combined to go 11-for-32 with four extra base hits and three RBI. In the World Series, they went 3-for-9 with two extra base hits.
The postseason is the time when the flaws of the regular season come home to roost. It was true in the case of Hamels. And it was true in the case of the bench.
One year after leading the league with 64 pinch hits and finishing second with a .253 average, Phillies pinch-hitters hit just .186, the second-worst average in the National League and 45 points below the league average. Though they tied for the league lead with nine pinch-hit home runs, they struggled mightily to make contact, striking out an NL-high 71 times.
Which is why today we are going to look at one of the more under-reported yet important aspects of this Phillies offseason.
I. Needs
Already, Ruben Amaro Jr. has bid adieu to Eric Bruntlett. He does not plan on Matt Stairs or Miguel Cairo or Paul Bako being part of his 2010 Opening Day roster.
Of the six bench players who saw action in the playoffs, only Greg Dobbs and Ben Francisco will return.
In those two players, the Phillies feel like they have the makings of a decent bench. Dobbs, who in 2007 and 2008 was one of the top pinch-hitters in the majors, hit just .167 in those situations in 2009. But he was hampered by a calf injury and did not get nearly as much playing time as he did in 2008, thanks in part to Pedro Feliz's early-season offensive performance at third base. The Phillies feel like Dobbs can return to form in 2010. They are looking at several third basemen who can play second base as well -- Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco and Chone Figgins among them -- which could enable Charlie Manuel to start Dobbs at third base while resting Chase Utley. Dobbs hit .309 with a .340 on base percentage in 28 starts in 2009. The thinking goes that more regular action will help him stay sharp for his pinch-hitting appearances.
And while Francisco went 0-for-11 in the postseason, he hit .278 with five home runs in 37 games after the Phillies acquired him from Cleveland along with Cliff Lee, and was 3-for-13 with two doubles as a pinch-hitter.
Still, the Phillies know they need to use free agency to upgrade the bench. Provided they carry five bench players on Opening Day, they have three spots to fill: A back-up catcher, a back-up infielder who can play short stop, and a third pinch-hitter/occasional fill-in type.
II. Five Potential Targets
1. Fernando Tatis, 35, UTIL, NYM
On paper, there might not be a better fit for the Phillies bench than this veteran utility man. In two seasons with the Mets, he hit .289 with a .352 on base percentage, 19 home runs, 95 RBI and 113 strikeouts in 613 at-bats. This season, he went 14-for-53 with two home runs and 10 RBI as a pinch-hitter. At this point in his career, he plays mostly in the outfield, making him an excellent candidate to spell Raul Ibanez for a game or two per week. But he has spent most of his career as a third basemen, and started 20 games there for the Mets this season, posting a .971 fielding percentage. He also started five games at second base and 32 games at first base. If the Phillies sign a third baseman who can also play second, it wouldn't be hard for them to get Tatis 400+ at-bats. He could provide Ryan Howard an occasional breather against lefties at first base, and could make the occasional appearance at third base against lefties, allowing a guy like DeRosa or Polanco or Figgins to play second on that particular day.
Tatis earned $1.7 million last season, and his versatility and offensive performance over the last two years should put him in high demand. But the Phillies can offer him a good chance to play regularly and a good chance to reach the World Series.
2. Jerry Hairston Jr., 34, UTIL, NYY
On paper, another perfect fit for the Phillies. He started 27 games at short stop for the Reds and the Yankees this season, making two errors. He has a .981 fielding percentage in 542 career games at second base. He can play the out field. He is right-handed. He hit .251 with a .301 on base percentage and 10 home runs in 383 at-bats in 2009. If he ever had to fill in long-term for Rollins, he might not bring the type of defense to the table that the Phillies desire. And he might get a better chance at playing time elsewhere. And he already has a World Series ring. But keep an eye on him.
3. Omar Vizquel, 43, SS, TEX
Vizquel's agent has been quoted as saying the veteran defensive whiz wants to play somewhere where he can win. And Charlie Manuel and Vizquel have a long relationship going back to their days with the Indians. The bench slot that Vizquel would inhabit is a defense-first position, and Vizquel is one of the best defensive short stops in history. He also started nine games at third base and 14 games at second base, all without an error.
But Vizquel can still handle the bat. He hit .266 with a .316 on base percentage in 177 at-bats last year for the Rangers.
4. Henry Blanco, C, 38, SDP
The Phillies are looking defense first for their back-up catcher, and Blanco is regarded as a solid defensive backstop. He's played for seven different teams in his 12 years in the majors, almost all of them as a back-up. While his overall offensive numbers might not be impressive -- He hit .235/.320 for the Padres last year with six home runs in 204 at-bats -- Blanco kills left-handed pitching. Last year, he hit .322 with a .429 on base percentage and four home runs in 59 at-bats against lefties. In 2008, he hit .316 with a .350 on base percentage and one home run in 57 at-bats against them.
5. Gregg Zaun, C, 39, TBR
Another strong defensive catcher who could fit perfectly with the Phillies. In addition to his veteran presence behind the plate, he is a switch-hitter who has posted an OBP of at least .340 in each of his last six seasons in the majors. He has some power, and has plenty of pinch-hitting experience, although the Phillies rarely use their back-up catcher in such situations. But Zaun might head somewhere where he can get more playing time: He started 74 games last season for the Rays and Orioles. Carlos Ruiz started 100 for the Phillies.
III. Five to watch
1. Ryan Freel, UTIL, 34, KCR: In the Tatis/Hairston Jr. mold, Freel has played mostly outfield lately but has also seen significant action at second and third. A right-handed hitter, he hit .272/.357 with 22 home runs and 114 RBI in his first six years in Cincinatti, but endured a frustrating 2009 in which he hit just .193 while bouncing between Baltimore, Chicago and Kansas City.
2. Ronnie Belliard, 35, INF, LAD: Not a short stop option, but plays second base and third base and in his last three seasons has hit.286/.342, 32 HR, 143 RBI, 186 SO in 1071 AB. He fluorished after joining the Dodgers last season.
3. John McDonald, 35, UTIL, TOR: A right-handed hitter, would be an option to back up Rollins. Hit .258/.271 for the Blue Jays last year.
4. Juan Uribe, 30, UTIL, SFG: At just 30 years old and coming off a season in which he hit .289 with a .329 on base percentage and 16 home runs while playing home games in a pitcher's park, Uribe would seem to be headed somewhere for bigger dollars and more playing time. But if nobody is interesting in giving him an everyday job, he could fit with the Phillies. He has extensive experience at short stop, second base and third base and is 10-for-31 in his career as a pinch-hitter.
5. Bobby Crosby, 30, UTIL, OAK: An option to back-up Rollins, but would his weak bat provide much of an upgrade over Bruntlett?
It bothers me that everyone on this list is approaching dinosaur age, in some cases they already are... but anyone of these guys would be a nice upgrade over the guys they have let go. Vizquel is an interesitng option. If they get him and win a WS with him, that oculd be the notch he needs to get in the HOF.— ESFjellin
Comment removed.- Tatis getting 400+ at bats? Are you kidding me? He's a total liability in the field. There's no way that will happen.— snakeman
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- Brian Schnieder and Jerry Hairston— mick314
- If the Phillies end up with DeRosa, Hairston and Blanco, Amaro should be GM of the year. If he somehow brings in a decent set up/emergency closer guy, Montgomery should cede his Presidency.— JLH
- Id rather see them go after Jason Kendall then anyone listed here for a back up catcher..... and he is 'only' 35. I really see them going for Jerry Hairston Jr... he can play 3rd base as well as 2nd, ss, and the outfield....— joeolive
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- "Shortstop" hasn't been two words since about 1923, Vizquel's rookie year.— goodgirldaddy
- To add to my post, in regards to Kendall, I would be ok with him provided he took a pay cut (he make 5M last year) and he understood he was coming here as a back up and he was coming here because he knows he is old and this might be his last shot at getting a ring.— joeolive
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- David Murphy, I have a question ..... If the Phillies are really serious about upgrading third base and their bench/utility, why not make an effort to sign DeRosa AND Polanco? ..... Hear me out ..... They need a third baseman ..... DeRosa has played there more, but Polanco has also played third in his career ..... They are looking for someone to spell Rollins and Utley more this season, and both players have played the middle infield ..... And both players have seen time in the outfield during their careers ..... There was some talk that Chone Figgins, who was rumored to be seeking $10 million per season, was expected to be pursued by the Phillies ..... Well, DeRosa and Polanco combined to make $10.1 million this past season.— PhightinPhil
- I'd do figgins and polanco. i don't get this obession with derosa...who cares if he's local. DeRosa is too old. Call me a skeptic, but I think this is the Phils fans' blatant racism appearing again. Supporting Pat Burrell throuhg all his woes, and now you want an aging DeRosa who hit what 260 last year? Please...I don't want DeRosa. I'd want Polanco...someon that can give you a solid AL at bat.— AHash
- Brad Ausmus is my choice as a backup to Ruiz.— michael2_19030
- I am going to make my kid a catcher - the backup catcher options are all in their late 30's if you can make it you can have a 15 year career and be a .220 hitter— bsaw
- Short stop? Out field? Baseball your second language, Murph?— billinseattle
- I think that AHash needs to take a deep breath. RACISM?!! Yeah, they've never given Rollins, Howard, Gordon and other blacks a fair chance. Let's talk some sense! What sense does the "Figgins and Polanco" move make? Do you really think that Placido will come here as a back-up? It has to be an either-or deal there, and I'd be fine with either. I like DeRosa too. I think that the club got a taste of World Championship fever and liked it. I have confidence that Amaro and Co. will do the right thing. Too bad that the Eagles don't take note...........— Original #11
Juan Uribe is 30? Dude looks like he's at least 45— fuss77- Polanco 1st choice then maybe DeRosa. The rest of these guys... You've got to be kidding. Plus we've got at least two kids in the minors ready to come up. Taylor and Brown. Taylor could spell Ibanez and work his way around the outfield. I think finding a backup for Ruiz is a big deal and if I had to go "old" it would be Zaun.— Phillyexp
- I like Brian Schneider as the catching option. Went to the same high school in Lehigh Valley, and he seems like a good guy, hits ok, (last year not withstanding), and is good on D. I'm a fan of the Vizquel idea, but I saw on ESPN that they think he wants more playing time. He had around 177 AB last year, and he probably won't get more than that many AB next year in Philly. Maybe winning trumps ABs for a guy that late in his career.— B in DC
- Don't the Phillies have any young players in the system that can fill bench roles? Where are the Kevin Sefcik's of the world at?— booman55
- That's right AHash. Wanting DeRosa is racist, just like us sticking behind Burrell. Just like the way we all stuck behind Lidge (oh wait, everyone hates him). Beltre is clearly the best choice. He's the youngest, has the best glove, and his bat would fit in well in the lineup. But as for the bench- I would say Hairston and Zaun. I don't want Tatis. He thinks he is a hot-shot.— yougottabelieve26
- Thanks, Murph. Excellent work. I never thought of Vizquel, but how much more can he have left? Has anybody been in contact with Tony Taylor? Seriously, DeRosa would still be the best answer here, but he is not the answer at third. Completely agree with extremeteam.— wooderice
- AHash, you are an idiot. Racism? That same Pat Burrell they let walk for, wait, Raul Ibanez. Kinda of a weird name for a white guy. I agree that Derosa is is not anything special. The only way I would want Derosa is if we picked up Polanco also. But bringing race into the subject is idiotic. Phillies fans do not care what color you are, as long as you are a winner.— Phils1208
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- Yes to Fernando Tatis, Jerry Hairston Jr.
- Can you list some guy's that aren't ready for AARP in a few years please. Henry Blanco? You kidding me? Vizquel? Give me a break.— twpguy
- 400+ ABs for Tatis? IF, IF for some reason they did sign him it would be as pinch hitter and nothing more. Tatis would see as much play in the infield as Matt Stairs did. PhightinPhil has it, DeRosa AND Polanco.— phillysmith
- You can't sign both polanco and derosa since there isn't enough playing time and they both can start somewhere else. No matter what there will be a downgrade defensively at third. You get DeRosa for everyday, Hairston as the bench guy and I'd look at Zaunn at catcher since he is a decent late game hitter.— ConverseB24
- Trade for Phillips or the Kouz...— Hollywood Junkie
- Who cares how old a guy is? Eric Bruntlett was younger than all of these guys and that didn't stop any of you guys from hating him. I see little way that DeRosa will sign here to be a bench player. Same thing for Polanco. Would it be great to have those guys? Sure. But they are going to get starting jobs somewhere.
I live near Baltimore and inadvertantly see many O's games. We don't want Mora. Or anyone from there. Except maybe Gary Thorne, great playcaller on TV.— burholme- AHash ..... There's NO WAY they would be able to afford Figgins AND Polanco ..... The Phillies would probably argue they can't afford DeRosa and Polanco ..... But if I had my druthers, I would rather fill two holes with DeRosa and Polanco than one with Figgins ..... Oh, and michael2_19030 ..... I wouldn't mind seeing Ausmus as a backup, too ..... If the Phillies are looking defense first, you won't find anyone better than Ausmus behind the plate.— PhightinPhil
- The problem here is that Howard and Utley and our whole outfield are too good to sit regularly. Plus JRoll and Vic are switch hitters and thus harder to sit. So, then you get situations where guys like Bruntlett and Dobbs get zero playing time. It's no wonder that their numbers dropped off. This is a game of timing, it is very hard to sit around and get only two AB's a week. Good luck to Reuben JR, he's not going to be able to convince a guy like Vizquel to sit on the bench 6 days a week behind JRoll and if he does, he deserves an award. A better bet is a solid backup C like Blanco.— MattPSU
- A major league source has informed FOXSports.com that the Phillies are the favorite to land free-agent utilityman Mark DeRosa.— PhightinPhil
- Is Bob Boone available?— Danno
- Hey, what about minor leaguers. They need to get them amjor league experience and you just might find a diamond there as well. 35 yr old retreads dont work for me. They will need a spark next year and a few young guys off the bench would go a long way. Mayberry should have been on the playoff roster instead of Bruntlett, stairs or dobbs. They need to focus on bringing up more young guys to keep the train rolling. Look at the eagles, each year they bring in young guys instead of bringing in retreads. It works to keep the team good for a long time.— LGbalsac
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- Did you do any research as to whether or not any of these guys is good in the clubhouse????? Freel is an alcoholic loser. Why do you think he played and was RELEASED from 3 teams in 1 year?— Mark1npt
- I agree with the posters above that the Phils seem to want to go retro and go OLD. Please do not do that. The younger the better for these bench positions because of injury problems that always happen. The young recover quickly. No Stairs , no BAKO.Kendal is not bad but will want more dough and he bats R. I want a Lefty C. But, not ancient.— KGKoons
- I agree with the posters above that the Phils seem to want to go retro and go OLD. Please do not do that. The younger the better for these bench positions because of injury problems that always happen. The young recover quickly. No Stairs , no BAKO.Kendal is not bad but will want more dough and he bats R. I want a Lefty C. But, not ancient.— KGKoons
- DavezMental ..... Polanco was not "dropped" in 2005 ..... Rather, he was traded to Detroit for Ugueth Urbina ..... Hindsight being 20/20, the trade looks awful now ..... But Urbina actually pitched pretty well setting up Wagner ..... And at the time of the the trade in June, Polanco had been platooning at second with Utley.— PhightinPhil
- There's no argument that Mark DeRosa is the best option at third base for no ther reason that he is not a type A Free Agent and won't cost us our 1st round pick. Losing draft picks to sign 30 year old veterans (mid-30's in Polanco's case), is typically not a really good strategy. Example, John Lieber. I'm ok with losing the pick, but it better be for a guy your going to insert in the middle of the lineup, not the 7th spot— SanDiego_Phils_fan
- Well as far as third is concerned, I would like to see them go after Garrett Atkins. The Rockies have his replacement, and he would make anice addition.— LGbalsac
- I said it before trade ibanez NOW and get a player and a draft pick ibanez is good but brown or taylor could platoon in left field with francisco and the best one as the season goes along wins the job the other guy especially francisco could back up all 3 outfield positions. ibanez had a solid year but he is 37yrs old get something for him, phils already have enough power hitters they need more speed and run manufacturing capabilities. hairston may fit this team and bring back feliz.— only 9
- only 9 ..... Is that how old you are? ...... Trade Ibanez and get a player AND a draft pick? ..... This isn't football or basketball or any other sport where draft picks are involved in transactions ..... Baseball does not operate that way.— PhightinPhil
- uhhh yeah. Lets trade Ibanez. good idea. dunce! Oh and to the racist AHash if your brain really is that dysfunctional why dont you open your eyes and actually look at the Phillies. Lets see....who on the team isnt white... Rollins, Howard, Ruiz, Feliz, Francisco, Park, Cairo, Martinez. Yeah sounds really racist to me.— philliekev04
- lets see,we are talking about a 34 year old ,coming off wrist surgery,who wasnt a regular until he was in his early 30s,deRosa ?polanco?come on,the defending nl champs need to upgrade not downgrade— soliteryman
- Dont people realize DeRosa wont sign to be a backup. Iwould look for someone who could do the job defesively particularly at SS. Thats why Cora who played SS for the mets would do the job. Also a 260 hitter and smart player. If they signed Tejada for 3rd that would also give them a player to rest Rollins occasionaly. Tejada would add a strong bat but big salary. Feel they should spend that money on Lee extension.— Don w
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Vizquel at age 43...Blanco catching at 38 and Zaun at 39??? Are you kidding me?????- Hopefully sarcasm comes across here... AHash you are absolutely right, I mean this team is so racist.. I cant believe they actually fielded TWO white players! out of their eight regulars, the nerve, its disgusting— ChunkyLover53
- Why not get Marc Scutaro from Toronto? He can hit and play a ton of positions. He get give Chase, Jimmy, and Rauuuuul the nights off. He'd be a fool to stay with the Jays.— supadocious
- Carlos Ruiz isn't white? Since when?— B in DC
- Could someone who knows Uribe a bit better tell me why we aren't considering him as a starter at third? Seems like it would be an upgrade to Feliz and save money to go after another pitcher or a true DH to stash on the bench at the trade deadline.— swash1
- Polanco would be a defensive downgrade from Feliz (hasn't played 3B in 3 years people) and not much of an upgrade offensively...and he's a Type A free agent. DeRosa is a great super-utility guy, but I don't want him as an everyday starter at 3B and he doesn't want to be a backup. As for the bench options, Tatis would make a lot of sense as a backup corner IF/OF. Jerry Hairston would be a great pickup, as he can play almost any position very competently across the diamond. And Scutaro would be a terrible signing, for everyone suggesting him. He's a Type A free agent, meaning signing him would give the Jays our first round pick. After giving ours to the Mariners last year, you can't give them away year after year and continue to develop young talent, especially for a backup infielder. There are way too many players who aren't in that category who are available.— ChrisInVT
The one guy they have to get is Polanco. Solid defense, contact hitter, and he's not ancient. Then sign Vizquel, too. Doesn't matter how old he is, it would just be for one year anyway. As for backup catcher, I'm not sure I see how Bako is a lot worse than these other guys.- Clemens you are right on.....and although while I like Bako for 1 game a week to spell Chooch, I can't see him playing 3 weeks in a row if Chooch tweaks his oblique again. We need more than what he brings to the table offensively and with his weak throwing arm. The only time he'll help us calling a great ganme is if the SP throws a no hitter.— Mark1npt
- AHash = Village idiot. Rauuul, Pedro Feliz, Chooch are hispanic, JRoll, Ryan H are African American, Victorino Hawaiian ??? Leaving Utley and Werth White guys. 2 or three out of nine = 33% at the most. Where in the world does that equate. New math=AHASH=new web site moron!!— Philbert
- All of the options are good, Murph. Somebody mentioned Cora. He will be ideal for this club. He's as professional as any player in the majors and a good character guy and kind of another coach in the bench like Jamie Moyer, but I don't think he is available. And guys, you can’t get Figgins and Polanco or Polanco and DeRosa or any combination of the three. Where are you going to find the playing time? And they don’t have the payroll flexibility to sign two of them, or at least that’s what they are saying. The bottom line is, they need a third baseman, a backup catcher and a middle infielder. Polanco, Figgins and DeRosa (platooning with Dobbs), along with Beltre, Tejada and Mora are options at third. I would go with Tejada. The guy can flat out hit, is a good fielder and is a money player. You can put him anywhere in the lineup. Both Blanco and Zaun are an upgrade over Bako. Blanco has a cannon for an arm, is pretty good defensive catcher and he kills LF pitching like Murph pointed out. Zaun is a switch hitter. For the middle infielder, Hairston is the best option, as much as I like Vizquel. Tatis is also a good option and so is Freel. I always like his energy and versatility. One of them can get the last spot on the bench. Remember, Bruntlett is gone and apparently so is Stairs and Cairo. So you have Tejada replacing Feliz, Hairston replacing Bruntlett, Zaun or Blanco replacing Bako, and either Freel or Tatis replacing Stairs. And you are retaining Dobbs and Francisco. That’s what I call versatility. Don’t worry about the LH power hitter coming off the bench. By having all those guys, you can get Ibañez, Utley, Rolllins and Howard an occasional day off and they become that option, along with Dobbs.— EL Zorro
- In my opinion, of all the free agents available, we need Polanco. We have no one at the top of the order, neither J. Rollins or S. Victorino, willing or able to provide a professional at-bat i.e. move a runner, give themselves up in anyway and to restrain from swinging for the fences in order to get the job done. We don't need a power hitting third baseman, we need someone with a top of the order approach and OBP.— hillerman
"AHash" gets the "DOLT of the DAY" award for his idiotic "blatant racism" comment. It made me forget what I wanted to say about the actual issue of adding some depth to the bench and acquiring an appropriate amount of "time off" for Chase and Jimmy... ugh...— Ump Al- AHash ..... Racists tend to acknowledge what THEY think is racism.— PhightinPhil
For those concerned about age as a factor in player selection, remember Raul.— DaveCicc- Zorro - Check Tejada's OPS on the road...It was barely above .700, basically right in Feliz territory. He hit very well at Minute Maid Park, but was a punching judy on the road, and how much experience does he actually have at 3B? Remember when ARod switched to 3d? He was a Gold Glove SS and struggled for several years at 3d before finally adjusting to it (and IMO, that rules out Polanco as well, who hasn't played 3d in years). The only real upgrades out there are Figgins and Beltre. If neither one's going to sign here I'd rather see them re-sign Feliz for 2.5 mil or so and spend the extra on a bench player/bullpen help.— ChrisInVT
- David Murphy, you should be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail for even suggesting that Tatis be signed as a replacement. zHe does not fit the Phillies blue collar mold and he comes from a diseased clubhouse. Maybe you should become the Mets beat writer because you think like Omar!!!— jpelle36
- Funny side note about the 1 for 16 in the WS, that one hit was close to being called an error. 9 times out of 10 A-Rod picks that one cleanly.— PhillySportsPhan007
- Why isn't Uribe a candidate for 3B? The guy can hit, and he's the youngest.— awnakashima
- Nice article, Murph. That said, it is difficult for even a talented bench to be effective when they are rarely used. If given the right bench depth, will Charlie use them? I loved the way Tadahito Iguchi filled in for Utley and Rollins in 2007. That is the type of bench player we need. I second the comment to try and secure Marco Scutero from the Jays.— Nigel#1
