Comments on: The doctor is not in, but just about everyone else is

By: egrissom

egrissom — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:39:43 +0000

I agree that Bourn probably isn’t the guy the Phillies need. On the other hand, if it’s Bourn or nothing I’d still take Bourn. Not sure yet we have a handle on how much money the Phillies are going to have to spend for 2013.

By: DaMannse

DaMannse — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:59:38 +0000

Bourne: age per cost, another left handed bat we do not need, strikes out a lot I think, not sure about his OBP but don’t think it merits the money, at his age this contract will see him get slower over its life.

By: DaMannse

DaMannse — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:57:12 +0000

I’m not too excited about having Bourne back. Too much money.

Wright has an option for next year which the Mets will almost exercise. But he’s free in 2014. So maybe a one year guy next year?

Agreed that I’d like to see some kids playing now.

Not as much that Brown is great. SURPRISE!

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:21:30 +0000

I don’t think you’ll see them add a serious starting pitcher. I think you’ll see Kendrick, Cloyd, and some over the hill guy like Chien-Ming Wang battle for the 5th spot. The other two could conceivably help the bullpen.

Reliever options don’t look great. Takahashi Saito?

By: egrissom

egrissom — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:53:50 +0000

Yeah. The list is grim and that’s a big problem for a team like the Phillies with a ton of holes. I really don’t know what they’re going to do, but I do know they need a lot of help at third, in the outfield and in the bullpen even if everything else goes well, people stay healthy and Brown is very good. They probably need somebody else who can contribute in the rotation as well.

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:38:33 +0000

For fun, I’m looking at the projected free agents for next year. (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013-mlb-free-agents)

The marquee 3B name there is David Wright. Kinda don’t see that happening. Goes downhill from there.

Outfielders? uhh..
Michael Bourn would be great to have back.
Josh Hamilton and Andre Ethier will be on the market. I don’t see them in the Phil’s budget.

By: egrissom

egrissom — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:16:51 +0000

I agree that could happen with Frandsen starting at third next year, but it’s really a bad sign if it does. He’ll be 31 next year and his career on-base percentage is .309. He hit more than six home runs in a minor league season once in his career (13 in the PCL in ’09).

He has been pretty good defensively at third for the Phils. I’d be okay with him as a cheap option to backup second and third next year, but I think the Phils are going to need a lot more than he can provide as a full-time player if they’re going to turn things around in 2013.

They need to add a lot of players between now and the time they get good again. And they aren’t coming from their minors (except maybe some of the backups).

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:05:17 +0000

I’m surprised to see Frandsen in that list. Wasn’t that long ago that he was a guy in the minors that is marignal. He may not be a spring chicken, but he’s been doing pretty well, and I wouldn’t be totally shocked to see him starting the hot corner next year.

By: egrissom

egrissom — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:50:46 +0000

Not convinced the Phils are back so much. Nice to see them move into a tie for third place, though. I find the whole thing rather frustrating. The lineup is just terrible. The Phils should be getting a look at their young players — the problem is they don’t have any. Polanco, Pierre, Frandsen, Nix, Wigginton — all those guys are depressing to see them playing regularly at this point. Honestly I’d rather see them give chances to their guys in the minors who are marginal.

12-8 since trading Victorino and Pence.

Also, there’s a quarter of the season left. That seems impossible. Granted it’s the quarter that doesn’t matter, at least this year, but still. It’s a lot of games. I think the Phils wind up about 77-85. That’s about 20-20 over their last 40.

Brown’s defensive numbers in right taking a dive. He’s not hitting for any power. I still think he’s great.

A lot less convinced Phillippe Aumont is great. But it will be interesting to see him and glad the Phillies are giving him a chance.

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:34:21 +0000

Sigh. We don’t recognize a lot of the names, but the Phils are back. But it’s too late. Making the playoffs now would eclipse the historic Met-aided surge in ’07.