phrustrated philly phan

It is time to evaluate the infield of the Philadelphia Phillies. Who played well and who needs replaced.

First Base- Ryan Howard had no sophomore slump but instead had a coming out party all year. He finished with a .313 average, 58 home runs, and 149 RBIs. Quite an impressive year and deserving of the NL MVP. The Phillies did not really have a backup most of the year until they acquired Jeff Conine and then Randall Simon. Conine is expected to be back next year so first base seems set. Howard does not require many days off but it will be nice to have Conine spell him every once in awhile. Knock on wood but the first base position seems set for hopefully the next 10 years at or so.

Second Base- Chase Utley was voted as the starting second basemen for the all-star game. Utley also had a 35-game hitting streak this year. He can be a little streaky as witnessed during his cold streak in August and part of September. Utley finished with 32 home runs, 102 RBIs, 131 runs, 204 hits, and a .309 average. He also improved his fielding but still has room for improvement and I expect improvement until next season. Utley also became a leader after the Abreu trade and the team followed his “never-say-die” attitude and all out-hustle play. There is no true backup to Utley, but that is alright because Utley hates taking days off. If Abe Nunez returns to a utility role like he played in the first half of the year then he would be Utley’s backup. Utley and Howard form the best right side of an infield in the league. They combined for ninety home runs.

Shortstop- Jimmy Rollins performed admirably this year especially down the stretch. He is a big game player and probably would be at his best in the playoffs. He finished with a .277 average, 25 home runs, and 127 runs. He proved that he could bat almost anywhere in the lineup from first to sixth. Right now he is their best option at leadoff hitter so I recommend that he stay there. Rollins also plays exceptional defense. He is worthy of a Gold Glove every year. He has also taken on a bigger leadership role this year and has a dynamite personality. He seems to draw everyone in and make people feel welcome. He seems like the kind of guy that would meet a rookie at the door and show him around and then invite him out to grab some dinner with the guys after the game. Rollins and Utley form one of the best, if not the best, middle infield combo in the game. Rollins also does not have a true backup, but rarely takes a day off anyway.

Third Base- Now is where it gets interesting. Abe Nunez plays exceptional defense at third and made numerous web gems during the season. The downside is that he does not hit well. He finished with a .211 average but he did raise it significantly once he became a regular. There are numerous alternatives if Pat Gillick chooses that route:
· Aramis Ramirez- Ramirez plays good defense and would provide a great right-handed bat to protect Howard. He hit .291 with 38 home runs for a terrible Chicago Cubs team also driving in 119 runs. Impressive totals especially on a team that didn’t hit much. He must opt-out of his contract to become available.
· Nomar Garciaparra- I brought this name up a few weeks ago. I believe this is a long shot but he does know how to play third base. He is a free agent and the Dodgers may go with a youth movement and he may be the odd man out. He finished the year struggling somewhat lowering an average that was up around .340 earlier in the year.
· Adrian Beltre-The Seattle Mariners have not been happy with the production of Beltre. He is owed a lot of money over the next couple years. Some of his struggles have been associated to Safeco Park and a change of scenery to the cozy The Bank could be helpful.
· Joe Crede- He is arbitration eligible with the White Sox and is in line for a large raise. The White Sox may elect not to pay him because they want to focus on rebuilding their pitching staff. He hit .283 with 30 home runs. He could also provide a big bat behind Howard. He made be had in a trade and the White Sox still covet getting their hands back on Aaron Rowand.
· Aaron Boone and Melvin Mora- Boone would be nothing more than a stopgap. He would provide little upgrade over Nunez. Mora just re-signed with the Orioles so would have to be acquired in a trade. Mora is a fan favorite in Baltimore so that would be surprising if they traded him.
· Their appear to be no alternatives from within the system. The farm system is getting stronger but they have no ready and waiting third basemen.

Catcher- Mike Lieberthal appears to be done in Philly. He is the longest tenured Philadelphia athlete. Carlos Ruiz and Chris Coste appear primed to replace him, but Gillick has said he will look to bring in a veteran. That veteran could be Johnny Estrada who has said he would like to return to Philly. This is close to the bottom of the priority list. They need to address many other issues before the catching position. Ruiz and Coste would be a viable catching platoon next year.

So what would I do about third base? I would try to bring in Aramis Ramirez but if that could not happen Joe Crede or Adrian Beltre would be good alternative in trades. I would not overlook Nomar but I would be careful not to overpay him because he is very fragile. Just dream about Aramis Ramirez hitting fifth behind Howard.

Next, a look at the starting pitching.