The Philadelphia Phillies missed the playoffs for the first time since 2006. With their string of five consecutive divisional crowns having been broken, general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. knows that he must resolve some outstanding roster issues during this offseason.
Here are the Phillies’ top five roster needs that must be addressed before the 2013 season begins.
#5: Obtaining a veteran middle-inning reliever with closer’s experience
I think the Phillies need to add two veteran arms (one right-handed and one left-handed) to their bullpen. But, they can probably get by with the addition of just one solid man.
Whether Ryan Madson, or someone like him, is added or not, the Phillies must provide Jonathan Papelbon with more support next season. A plethora of young arms does give new bullpen coach Rod Nichols plenty to work with next season, but that contingent can’t be counted on to carry the middle-inning load all season long. Plus, if Papelbon ever breaks down the team will need someone with experience to step in for him.
#4: Adding an additional right fielder
While the other two outfield spots are shown on this list as well, I’ve listed right field first because I think the Phillies have basically ceded this spot to Domonic Brown. Of course he, like some other players, could be traded as well.
I’m okay with Brown’s ongoing “tryout” continuing next season. However, I hope that the organization has a few options available in case he isn’t healthy. Amaro needs to make sure that there are competent men who can either platoon with him, or take over if he isn’t effective.
#3: Having a flexible left field plan
Despite his terrific 2012 season and continued power performance in Venezuela this fall, Darin Ruf can’t simply be handed the left field job yet. If he performs well in spring training, it would be wise to include him in a platoon.
Ruf’s potential left field partners include Laynce Nix, who has a guaranteed contract ($1.35 million) for next season and Nate Schierholtz, who is currently arbitration eligible. The Phillies also might begin next season with some combination of John Mayberry Jr., Nix and Schierholtz as their left field platoon if it has already been determined that Ruf won’t be ready by next spring.
We’ll soon know if the Phillies have faith in Ruf. The acquisition of any veteran right-handed hitting left fielder would surely indicate that his opportunity hasn’t yet arrived.
#2: Creating hot corner options
Kevin Frandsen played exceedingly well at third base after Placido Polanco was basically lost for the 2012 season. However, Frandsen doesn’t have a deep major league resume. So, I doubt that the Phillies are planning to have him wear their third baseman’s glove next season. He looks to be a solid utility man, or platoon player, instead.
If healthy and with all other “issues” resolved, Freddy Galvis could also be a versatile infield option next season.
Amaro must obtain a veteran to handle the hot corner in 2013. Since free agent pickings are slim at this spot, trade opportunities are probably being considered. Another potentially feasible option would be to obtain a veteran who would platoon with Frandsen, Galvis or both.
#1: Obtaining a center fielder
Re-signing Victorino would seem to be a step backwards. Not that he isn’t a good player, but I think that the team wants a different type of offensive presence to fill his old slot. That man might not be as strong defensively as the “Flyin’ Hawaiian” was, but some tradeoffs are often made when transitions take place.
There has been buzz about Tampa Bay Rays’ outfielder B.J. Upton being targeted by the Phillies. This exists mostly because of his ties to the team’s new hitting coach Steve Henderson, who also was a member of the Rays’ organization.
Upton is a good defender and has power, but he is prone to the strikes out. Since the Phillies need to get away from that type of plate approach, I would review all other options before adding this 28-year-old man.
The ideal centerfield candidate would be someone who has a good glove and generates a strong OPS (on base plus slugging percentage). Possibly this is another position where a trade opportunity might offer the Phillies a better long-term and less expensive answer.
Sean O’Brien is based in the Philadelphia region. He began his professional career in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons’ front office (the Philadelphia Phillies former Triple-A affiliate), later worked as a freelance sports writer and is currently a Featured Contributor in Sports for the Yahoo Contributor Network! You can follow him on Twitter @SeanyOB and also read his daily Sports Blog: Insight.
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