Sunday, November 12, 2006

 

Lets the Bidding Wars Begin

Today is the beginning of what all Phillies phans hope will be a busy and successful offseason. For starters, I am hoping for a slugger to protect Silver Slugger, Ryan Howard. Improvements to the outfield and third base as well as the pitching staff. Names such as Alfonso Soriano,
Aramis Ramirez, Joe Crede, Curt Schilling, David Weather, Joe Borowski, and that Japanese third baseman whose name I can't spell. Starting today we will see which of these rumors come true and which player becomes an early Christmas present for the Phillies.

Everyone has their own opinions about what Pat Gillick should do with the money provided by David Montgomery. Gary Sheffield rumors were rampant and I am glad to see him off the market because I didn't want him in Philadelphia. He has plenty of talent but is getting older and has a bad attitude. Not the kind of attitude to be in a clubhouse with JRoll, Utley, and Howard.

Pat Gillick has claimed to have no interest in Aramis Ramirez but instead will go after Alfonso Soriano with 100 million dollars. I would be overjoyed with either player. To me, Ramirez would be a more valuable player to the Phillies. He is younger and less strikeout prone. He fills a bigger need, third base. Some say he has a questionable attitude, bad work ethic, and not great defensively. Maybe I am overstating the influence of Utley and Howard, but I don't see how you can play with those guys on your team. They lead by example and never surrender. I think that would rub off on Ramirez or any other player the Phillies sign.

All I can say is I am thrilled that it is November 12 finally and the free agent period has officially begun. Hopefully Gillick acquires the players he has targeted and improves this team into a playoff contender. Also remember Nov. 20, the NL MVP is announced.

Comments:
A Ram off the market he resigned.
Now it will be a 2nd tier 3B or trade for the likes of Crede (bad back), Fields (a White Sox prospect), Beltre (expensive like Burrell and production simular), Blaylock (falling out of favor in Texas), or signing Iwamaro (unknown how he will produce in America).

2 good relievers and 1 starter should round out much of everything. The OF will likely be redesigned with Burrell and Rowand prime trade bait. It wouldn't hurt to take a chance like the Cubs did when they resigned Woods to be a reliever, Kevin Foulke anyone?

Probably will be a few surprise moves as well, Schilling may be a sleeper move for a trade.
 
good analysis bob d. i just got home from baseball practice and saw that ramirez resigned with the cubs. hopefully soriano is coming to philly
 
soriano to philly looks iffy...probably going to cost too much.
 
soriano is gone and at 8 years/136 million i am glad the phils didn't sign him
 
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