phrustrated philly phan

Catcher- Mike Lieberthal needs to go. He is hitting around .220 and blocking Carlos Ruiz's way to the major leagues. If they think that Ruiz can be their big league catcher next year they should give him the last two months to get accumulated to the staff and big league pitching. Chris Coste has also proved to be a fine backup and could retain that job next year. I don't think Lieby would bring much in a trade but he is taking up a roster spot and needs to go. For the right price the Colorado Rockies may be interested in having him for the rest of the year. At worst Lieby will be gone at the end of the year as he is a free agent.

First Basemen- Ryan Howard has been just amazing this year with 32 home runs. This position looks to be set for the next 10 to 12 years.

Second Basemen- Chase Utley has been the most consistent Phillie this year. He will probably be an all-star performer for the next decade or so.

Shortstop- Jimmy Rollins has been spectacular defensively but has left a lot to be desired offensively. I don't think it is all his fought though because he is miscast as a leadoff hitter. If he was dropped down to the about the seventh spot in the lineup he would be very valuable.

Third Basemen- This is wher it gets interesting. David Bell is having by far his best streak as a Phillie. It seems that the San Diego Padres could use him as their third basemen after releasing Vinny Castilla last week. I don't know what they could get in return or even the interest level but Bell is better than Geoff Blum who is starting for the Padres. Replacing Bell would also be a problem. Nunez (don't laugh) could get some of the starts along with maybe a younger player

Left Field- Pat Burrell should be dealt to either Baltimore or St. Louis for whatever they can get. Victorino and Delluci should split playing time in the second half. I think that the Phillies could improve offensively by replacing Burrell's 160 stikeouts. Also it would free up close to 10 million dollars for free agency that could be spent on pitching.

Center Field- I am split on what should be done with Aaron Rowand. I love his grit and heart but his stats don't measure up. This is a question that will be dealt with in the off-season.

Right Field- I would not trade Bobby Abreu without getting top value in return like the Yankees' Phil Hughes or the Tigers' Humberto Sanchez. His production would be hard to replace. Read Bill Conlin's article at http://philly.com/mld/dailynews/sport.

Starting Pitching- Jon Lieber should be traded for anything. Every team is looking for starting pitching and he could fit in nicely as a number 4 starter. This would also rid the payroll of almost 8 million dollars. Cory Lidle should also be traded. He would complement a team like St. Louis well as their fourth or fifth starter. He should bring more in return than Lieber. The rotation the rest of the way should go Myers, Madson, Wolf, Hamels, Mathieson

Relief Pitching- Arthur Rhodes needs to go. By this point he may be untradable, but they need to let a younger pitcher fill his spot like Yoel Hernandez or Brian Sanches from Triple A. Cormier should be dealt to a contender because he is having his best year and would be a very valuable lefty out of the pen. Same with Aaron Fultz and both are free agents after the year. There is much interest in Tom Gordon but I would not trade him unless a team blew me away with a trade offer. One last note is does anyone remember that Fabio Castro is on the 25 man roster? He deserves more time as everyone else is getting tired.

Tonight's Game- The Phillies try to stay undefeated against Arizona with Ryan Madson on the mound. The Phrase of the Night is "stop the bleeding." When it rains it pours with Madson. He needs to control his emotions and not allow the big innings.