274 thoughts on “Open Discussion: Week of October 10, 2021”

1. The higher end field of free agents in which Dave Dombrowski may play, in (my) order of priority/getability…

   ☆Marcus Semien ss/2b/3b (question is does Toronto pay up if he wants to stay put?)
   ☆Kris Bryant lf/3b
   ☆JD Martinez dh (player option? Unlikely)
   ☆Trevor Story ss (although his Spotrac projection may be too rich for Middleton’s blood, especially10 yrs!)
   ☆Starling Marte cf
   ☆Raisel Iglesias closer
   ☆Nick Castellanos lf/dh (do Reds pay to keep him?)
   ☆Kyle Schwarber lf/dh (do Bosox pay to keep him?)
   ☆Noah Syndergaard (short term/high AAV but as a closer?)
   ☆Jackie Bradley Jr cf (not a high end get, and only if DD catches a big fish elsewhere and another CF isn’t available via trade)

   Priority by position of need:
   1) SS defensive upgrade/MOL
   2) CF/defensive upgrade/leadoff hitter
   3) MOL bat/dh/lf
   4) CL
   5) 3B especially if a SS is out of reach

   LikeLike

   1. Priority by position of need:
      1) SS defensive upgrade/MOL
      2) CF/defensive upgrade/leadoff hitter
      3) MOL bat/dh/lf
      4) CL
      5) 3B especially if a SS is out of reach

      Quite a chore……let’s not forget pitching.

      LikeLike

2. I saw on the previous open discussions (Hinkie and Murray)About Mickey not being vaccinated and Jim mentioning above it would be a mistake to forgo the AFL because of it.. That’s not the case, he was vaccinated way back in May and actually had some side effects but It is what it is…. His groin was acting up at the end of the season just like it did the entire month of May. As I had said a couple of weeks ago he wanted to go to the fall league so he’s disappointed but needs a rest according to the Phillies Dr. After they did an MRI after season last week. Anyways, that’s the update!.

   LikeLike

   1. Good to hear that news on your son.
      Hope the groin heals well enough and he is able to get in his off-season work-outs as soon as possible.
      Will he have any opportunity to get in any winter leagues?
      Australia, so far, looks to be closed this off-season for foreigners.
      Maybe things will change.

      LikeLike

   2. Matt, I did not mean to imply that Mickey wasn’t vaccinated. I meant that as a general statement for any player. I happen to know indirectly from Bill(?) that Mickey was vaccinated. My reference to the 40-man roster was due diligence. I knew about the minor league mandate before it was reported publicly. My first question was “What about the guys on the 40 but not on the active roster?”. Up to that point, MLB couldn’t force MLBPA players to get the vaccine. We know that an unvaccinated player who caught COVID when asked by the media if he would now get the vaccine said “He would look into the merits of the vaccine.” It had been my understanding that the Phillies had held several meetings that provided information on the vaccine. However, they can’t force players under the MLBPA to attend such meetings or to pay attention if they do attend, just like they can’t force them to get the vaccine. The new MiLB policy seemed at odds with the MLBPA. As I mentioned in my comment, I was told I was wrong. Personally, I don’t see how they can force MiLB players with MLBPA protection to get the vaccine. We’ll see. Or, not. I also don’t see how it is any of my business whether a person gets a vaccine or not. Releasing such information has always seemed like a HIPPA violation to me.

      LikeLike

   3. Thanks very much fir weighing in. You had said he was excited to play so I questioned whether the rumor was true. I’m glad it’s not but I’m sorry his groin is again an issue. Is winter ball an option?

      LikeLike

3. Thanks Romus. Don’t think he will be doing winter ball anywhere just working out once he rests. He works out at a place called EXOS out here in the offseason where a lot of athletes do and they have a really good rehab as well. It is nothing major just one of those nagging injuries that needs a rest and then some strengthening I suppose. I think he will be back to working out baseball wise come December.

   LikeLike

   1. Matt, it’s a shame the ignorant have to mar Mickey’s (or anyone’s) name with baseless accusations because of their own personal agenda. Glad to hear the factual update.

      LikeLike

   2. Thanks Matt .

      LikeLike

4. Shout out to Nick Pivetta for having a career moment last night for the Red Sox….

   What a truly amazing game that was.

   LikeLike

5. Hey Jim. I thought maybe you were referring to Mickey based on what was said on yesterday’s open discussion! Thanks for all you do on here you really get detailed and put a ton of time and effort into it. I know everyone on here appreciates it as I do.

   LikeLike

   1. Matt … Thanks for setting the record straight. As I mentioned last night, I had no idea if Mickey was vaccinated or not. Hope he heals this winter, and shows up to spring training ready to compete for a roster spot.

      LikeLike

   2. Matt, thank you for the clarification. I am one of Mickey’s biggest supporters. Hope he is injury free soon and comes to spring training ready to win a job; not just be happy to be there.

      LikeLike

      1. MM has a ton of potential. Joe G needs to let Mickey play for an extended time and stop yo-yoing him from Minors to Majors.

         LikeLike

         1. What are you talking about? A ton of potential? That’s laughable.

            LikeLike

6. See Kevin Long signed as hitting coach.

   LikeLike

7. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/10/phillies-hire-kevin-long-hitting-coach-joe-girardi.html

   LikeLike

   1. Wow! That’s an A+ hire.

      LikeLike

      1. Agreed, I’m not sure I get the negativity on Phillies twitter. Just because he’s a Girardi guy doesn’t mean he isn’t a great hitting coach. He’s helped a lot of guys (Daniel Murphy, Kyle Schwarber as two examples).

         Seems like a good guy to help build a top down approach in hitting as well.

         LikeLike

         1. And to help sign Schwarber on a two-year deal too!

            LikeLike

   2. Bad Move? He worked with Giaradi so looks like Joe is staying put. I was hoping DD would fire Joe because he doesn’t seem to want to play young players.

      LikeLike

8. Can’t say I’m super surprised by Pivetta pitching well. The ability was always there and he grew to have a terrible attitude in Philly, some of which was understandable, some of which was him not being the greatest guy in the world. But the arm and stuff has always been there. This isn’t a spilled milk regrets post (I know for sure that Jim won’t allow it) – he had to move on – just an observation on the player’s ability.

   Now, we just have to start coaching guys up – not down, as we have done so many times.

   The hitting coach hire is a great start.

   LikeLike

9. I think the Phils will go after Starling Marte and he is the priority as far as position players. He’s a very average if not a bit below fielder though based on fangraphs data. Schwarber makes too much sense as a lefty MOL bat so thats bad CF and LF with those two combined.

   The Phils could put Schwarber at DH but I don’t think that would be wise because who would they trade Gregorius to? Ideally, Realmuto gets at least 20% playing time at DH to try and ensure he has value through his contract. I would start Marchan 2 out of 5 days and not worry about his offense based on what I have seen of him defensively.

   As far as SS, I would be all in on Lopez from KCR and get Merrifield also. Merrifield might be a bit excessive if Galvis comes back, but I don’t know that too much depth is a problem. (Merrifield 2B, OF and Galvis everywhere).

   It would take Stott/ Bohm and maybe a bit more to get Lopez and Merrifield. I would do it especially if there is a trade of Nola to get more quality players on the 40 and in minors. Scherzer/ Verlander plus Marte/ Schwarber is alot of money and then where is the closer? Good thing DD is the POBO though I’m not sure since it seems he’s good with Girardi as manager.

   LikeLike

   1. Lopez is 26, had a 4.4 WAR. Is locked up until 2026 and made $600k. It would take a lot more than “Stott/Bohm and a bit more”. Also don’t group Stott and Bohm together. Bohm does not have a lot of trade value. Phils are probably the only team which views him as a 3B. And his bat is very much in question.

      MLB GMs focus on a concept called surplus value. And a 4.4 WAR shortstop at $600k is about as valuable as it comes. No chance a small market club like KC just gives him away for Stott. Let alone adding Merrifield to the deal.

      LikeLike

10. The Angels played Jo Adell the entire second half of the season. He had 140/130 PA/AB with 32 hits for an average of .246. The Mariners played Jarred Kelenic for 3/4 of the season . He had 377/337 PA/AB with 61 hits for an average of .181. I’d like to see the Phillies do the same from day one of 2022 for Moniak. I think Matt M. would agree.

    LikeLike

    1. Why would they do that if they want to compete for a playoff spot? I am not against MM. Seems like a great guy. But nothing indicates that he’s ready to be a major league hitter and the Phillies know this. I could see him being traded to a rebuilding team that might do this, but it won’t happen in Philly next year unless he arrives in ST and dominates right away or dominates AAA and then gets promoted during the year.

       LikeLike

       1. They’re not going into spring training without a better option for LF.

          LikeLike

    2. Compare the minor league production of those three prospects. They’re not similar.

       LikeLike

11. The Mariners competed right until the final few games with Kelenic in their outfield. Maybe if they had someone else out there instead of him they probably would have gotten in. Play the kid and see once and for all what he can do with steady playing time to help build his confidence. The Phillies aren’t going to beat the Braves next year and the other teams in the division should be stronger so it probably doesn’t matter anyhow.

    LikeLike

    1. Kelenic is a much better player. No offense to Matt and maybe if Mickey was not a number one over all. But MIckey is just a fourth outfield. A 250 if that hitter and if that. Yes he is a great person and good team mate and could be a major league player and will make a nice living but sorry guys he is not someone to relay on anymore. Just a bench player. I mean does he make the futures game? Was her ever a minor League All Star??? Hey Matt should be proud he has a great kid, Matt should be proud Mickey got this far and is on the door steps. Like I said maybe if he wasn’t the number one over all pick but sorry he is just a fourth outfielder. I am a phan would love to see him make Phils and be an impact But he is just a bench player. Matt if my son made it that far and had the make up Mickey had I would be very proud of him. I am not trying to bash your kid at all. My son was a walk on for a D1 lacrosse team last year didn’t play much or travel with the team. It’s a well know team that made it to the lacrosse sweet 16. He says it’s like a job 6 Am to 10 PM plus classes and school in between. Was too much decided to stop playing. I can only imagine the amount of work Mickey went through and the support your family gave him. No matter what Matt you should be very proud of your son for what he accomplished so far. Hopefully he makes it and helps the team. Thank you Matt for being a caring father to him too. Mickey is lucky and you should be proud.

       LikeLike

12. Meanwhile, the Red Sox, win a WS, decide they have to get under the LT, trade their best player, and are now back in the ACLS. We, OTOH. took Andy MacPhail and Matt Klentak instead of Chaim Bloom, and have spent 10 years without a Playoff appearance, and need a fairly miraculous off season by Dave Dombrowski to make the Playoffs next season. No, I am not yet over the awful job they did, and every time I read one of the posts here the number of positive moves we need in this coming off season to even be a Playoff team is astounding. Even if Bohm plays 3B, we need a SS upgrade, a LF, a CF/leadoff hitter, a Closer, another arm or 2 for the BP and some SP depth. That is with making a giant leap of faith that Bohm is not terrible again at 3B.

    LikeLike

    1. In the words and voice of William Jefferson Clinton…”I feel your pain”

       LikeLike

    2. You’re right, it’s a long list…. Hard to see it all falling in place enough to satisfy us. Add in the fact that they won’t exceed the cap…

       LikeLike

13. Romus – I knew you were a big Clinton supporter! Now let me hear/read you say/write, “I did not have sex with that woman”.

    LikeLike

    1. LOL

       LikeLike

14. Random thought – if the NL adopts the DH, how does that change the roster construction of the Phils? Do you sign a DH? Do you just play someone at DH every day from among your everyday players? Is there one less bullpen spot and one more bench spot? Do you need a good 3B backup to play so Hoskins and Bohm can DH often (Bohm can play 1b when Hoskins DHs).

    LikeLike

    1. Keeping Hoskins should mean he gets the lion’s share of being the DH. If we sign another big bat like JDM to be DH, then Hoskins stays at 1b which doesn’t improve the defense. Not sure if Schwarber has experience playing 1b, but he certainly can handle LF adequately. I agree that signing/acquiring a middle of the lineup bat should be someone who can play the field if Hoskins isn’t traded. With Dombrowski running the show, the possibilities are innumerable. And I don’t think he’s one to wait around to see what everybody else does.

       LikeLike

15. Good questions, Murray. I think you may get a different answer from Hinkie, but I do not sign a DH. I use what we have. JTR, Hoskins, Bohm, all can share time there. I don’t go short on the BP, not with what we have lived through the past 2 seasons. I think we need a utility player than can provide good D in a backup role at 3B and possibly SS, depending on what FA brings.

    LikeLike

    1. That utility player may end up being Gregorius. There is risk with him, but he has good upside.

       LikeLike

       1. Bob D….reading between the lines from Dave D’s end-of-season presser….Didi may be headed out. Calling out the medical staff was probably something Didi should not have said publicly.
          Then Dave D said they may have to go internally , or even externally for ss help.

          Moving Didi with one year remaining on his contract at $14M will involve effort with some blood, sweat and tears.

          LikeLike

          1. and DiDi’s very cryptic tweet….I am no longer a fan of him.

             LikeLike

16. MM is only going to be 24 next year. In a lot of ways his tale reminds me of Alex Gordon. Gordon was a #2 overall pick out of the University of Nebraska in 2005. If memory serves me correct he was on a ton of sports covers as the next great left handed 3B essentially the next George Brett.

    Alex probably never met the expectations of many especially his first few years as a big leaguer but he became a darn good player. I kind of cringe when I see some write off MM.

    Personally I’m not proclaiming one outcome over another for Moniak. Glass half full still…

    LikeLike

    1. Alex Gordon played 1 full year in the minors and raked: he had a 1.016 OPS in AA then started the following season in the majors. If MM were in the majors and struggling after looking like an elite prospect at some point I could maybe get on board with that comp. I think it’s apples and oranges though.

       LikeLike

       1. Are you aware of any MLB OFer comp, who’s minor league metric read:,
          Slash- .252/.301/.401….22%-K…..6%-BB……149-ISO
          Though have to admit MM’s iSO has progressed upwards as he went to higher levels.

          LikeLike

          1. I’m not. It would probably take a good amount of research to find players who were highly regarded as amateurs, struggled to that extent in the minors but slowly improved and eventually became notable major leaguers. There are probably a few.

             LikeLike

             1. Yes, there probably are not many. There are those few players who struggled until their late 20s…had a brief star-burst for 2/3 years then started their decline in their 30s. Then there are the ones like Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Luke Voit who started late also and maintained for more years…but not sure they were ever rated as high amateurs coming out of their draft year.

                LikeLike

                1. Well my position is simply based on MMs age and his cost. There isn’t much trade value there so he’s worth keeping for a while to see if he improves or flips a switch of sorts.

                   He’s pretty good defensively so if you upgrade your OPS at SS LF and 3B you could afford to give him a seasons worth of ABs under Long’s tutelage

                   LikeLike

                2. DMAR…I am of that same opinion.
                   And starting him in CFer…come hell or high water.
                   And somehow thru trade or FA signing…
                   A. A glove-hit ss
                   B. A hit LFer

                   The silver-lining with MM….his power has ascended over the last few years.
                   I think with his 15 AAA HRs…..and at his age compared to the 20 above him…he was one of the youngest in that league.
                   His speed helps with triples, which in every league so far he has played, he has been near the top of the leaderboard……..and which in most cases the batted ball reaches the corner OF walls or the left or right center field walls….so he is driving it.

                   The Phillies need inexpensive starters to have some financial flexibility under the threshold, and he would be one, along with Stott when he is ready, to aid in providing that .

                   LikeLike

    2. Gordon was much better then MM will ever be.

       LikeLike

       1. *than

          But how do you know that? I can tell from your posts you’re not a fan. what happened? did he not sign your baseball?

          Mickey did really well in AAA last year and has been improving steadily. IMO he’s been a victim of the farm’s crappy development. I believe we will see a big bounce back from him. AND he’s still only 24!!

          LikeLike

17. Editor’s note: This is the courtesy thread for comments and discussion about the Phillies and other BASEBALL topics. It’s the opening sentence.

    LikeLike

    1. Editor’s note: This is the courtesy thread for comments and discussion about the Phillies and other BASEBALL topics. It’s the opening sentence.

       LikeLike

       1. Editor’s note: This is the courtesy thread for comments and discussion about the Phillies and other BASEBALL topics. It’s the opening sentence.

          Sorry, but I can’t let this get out of hand. Baseball only. No exceptions.

          LikeLike

18. If the Phillies plan to improve the defense, and in so doing improve the pitching (especially SPs), one route would be to sign JBJ or Kiermaier to play CF, then acquire the best glove at SS (though Story may be out of their range, no pun intended). They would be strong up the middle. Then they could trade for Matt Chapman and sign a big bopper to play LF (Schwarber?) or be the DH and keep Rhys at 1b. Keeping the D strong in LF would have Moniak platoon with Vierling. Your middle of the lineup (3 thru 7) would be Harper, Hoskins, Schwarber, Chapman and JTR. The lefty power in this lineup would be impressive. The defense, especially up the middle, would be excellent. Who’s the best SS available regardless of bat?

    LikeLike

19. Semien and Andrelton SImmons, mark. And, I would be happy with either. I think you are not believing that the team is really going to try to put Bohm at 3B again? And, you may be correct, but Dombrowski convinced me in his presser that they were going to try. Maybe he convinced other GMS, and his trade value went up?

    LikeLike

    1. matt13…also Jose Iglesias, and Dodgers’ Chris Taylor..they may not be Gold Glove candidates, but they were better than Didi this past season.

       LikeLike

    2. Then I sign Semien as my middle of the lineup bat along with Schwarber. Yowsa!!! 2 big FA bats are accounted for…sign a relatively cheap closer, some good value supplemental pieces to cement the roster, and one big trade (which will cost a couple top prospects) for Chapman. Done….

       Glad we solved that.

       LikeLike

       1. Segura 2B (AAV fair)
          Realmuto C/DH/1B (AAV fair)
          Harper RF (AAV fair)
          Semien SS/2B/3B (fairly expensive/shorter term)
          Schwarber LF/DH (not exhorbitant, short term)
          Hoskins 1B/DH (still fairly cheap)
          Chapman 3B (not too expensive yet)
          Moniak/Vierling LF (cheap)
          Bradley Jr CF (relatively cheap)

          LikeLike

          1. Mark, do you think this is better than the Braves lineup & defense? How far below the dodgers do you think that lineup is? Just getting a feel for how far the Phillies got to climb. Marcus Semien … what a 2021. That might be his peak, he has to be looking on cashing in. He was a 6 WAR player per fan graphs. 45 home runs/ 265 BA/OBP of .334. I like Schwarber as a support player. He seems to come up big in the playoffs, gamer type guy.

             LikeLike

             1. Tac3, the defensive improvement alone improves the pitching, which IMO is as strong as the Braves if not a bit stronger, health assumed. Adding Semien, Schwarber and Chapman would increase the team power. Atlanta had about 6 players around 30 HRs this season. Hoskins, Harper and JTR with these bats would make it comparable.

                LikeLike

                1. …as for LAD, it’s hard to compare apples to oranges since they have the knack for finding gold from under the woodwork.

                   LikeLike

       2. ….and I would add that the days of taking on bad salaries are over. For example, the Buxton with Donaldson’s money won’t go, by the way DD was speaking at his presser.

          LikeLike

    3. Why would any of these players want to come to the Phillies ?????

       LikeLike

       1. Easy…like the Angels….they grow money on trees and every fall when the tree sheds….they give it away.
          But always remember to just get below the penalty cut-off of the lux tax.

          LikeLike

20. Amazes me how so many teams can sign Latin position players and they become studs…Phillies seem to continue to just trend water.
    Marlins Jesus Sanchez could be the latest in the NL-East…Rays signed the 27th ranked international player in 2014 for $400K
    https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=sanche007jes

    In 2014 Phillies signed 15th ranked Arquimedes Gamboa for $900K

    LikeLike

    1. Why do you have to disrespect Miguel Alfredo Gonzales like that? He was a star … until he pitched. Talk about stealing money, granted, he did more than Danny Tartabullllll

       LikeLike

       1. May he RIP

          LikeLike

       2. Yeah, well, my Corgi did more for the Phillies than Danny Tartabull, so there’s that.

          The Phillies suffer from many weaknesses but the biggest over the last 10 years was not being able to spot talent, even when it was on their own team. When I saw how they discarded Charlie Morton (who had GREAT stuff before he got hurt) and replaced him with a pitcher who was completely done I was shocked. It was like they weren’t even watching the games.

          LikeLike

21. Bleacher Report…Nightmare Contracts:
    NL-East’s Nats, Phillies and Mets.

    Phillies: J.T. Realmuto, $23.875 million……….”……….There’s a positional scarcity component with Realmuto, but nearly $24 million per year for a guy with a career-best WAR of 4.6 seems like a lot. However, the 30-year-old had a career-high 13 stolen bases this season, so his knees are still in great shape in spite of all that time spent squatting behind home plate.”

    Nationals: $23.5 million for a quartet of ghosts……….
    If you want to put Stephen Strasburg’s $35 million salary or Patrick Corbin’s $24.4 million in this spot, I can’t argue with you. But they at least have a chance to return nearly $60 million worth of value in 2023. The Nats won’t be getting anything from the $15 million owed to Max Scherzer, the $3.5 million due to Brad Hand, the $3 million for Jon Lester or the $2 million to Rafael Soriano. That’s a combined $23.5 million of deferred money to pitchers no longer on the roster, and it’s only the beginning.
    They’ll be paying Scherzer $15 million each year from 2022-27, they’ll owe Corbin $10 million in 2025, and Strasburg is due $26.7 million each year from 2027-29. That’s a lot of sunk cost for a franchise that should invest a fortune in Juan Soto before he becomes a free agent after the 2024 season.

    Mets: Robinson Cano, $24 million………..Robinson Cano was suspended for the entire 2021 season after testing positive for PEDs for the second time in three years. However, the Mets still have to honor his contract, which means paying $24 million in both 2022 and 2023 to a second baseman who turns 40 next October. Before that suspension, Cano hit .316/.352/.544 with 10 home runs in 49 games during the pandemic-truncated 2020 season. But what are the odds of someone at his age getting back into that type of groove after more than 18 months away from Major League Baseball?

    https://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/each-mlb-teams-nightmare-contract-by-2023-712260.html

    LikeLike

    1. The Realmuto contract may end up being fine, but he’s got to continue to produce at a 4 WAR level to make that happen. It was always a risky contract and, no, contrary to suggestions on here, it most certainly does not become a good contract if he has to play first base at the end of his deal. That just means you’re spending $23 million on a 1.5 WAR first baseman – not a good outcome. See how that worked out for Joe Mauer’s contract.

       LikeLike

       1. More than likely he could split the time in those last two years …1B, catcher or DH.
          He is athletic and keeps his weight under control, so that is a plus…he may have similar returns that Posey has given the Giants over these last 3/4 seasons…..though in his age34 season he has had a resurgence.

          LikeLike

          1. Posey’s resurgence is something like a 1 in a 100 scenario or 1 in 50. Catchers on the decline generally do not have bounce back seasons. They just continue to decline. I agree that Realmuto will have to balance his time at catcher but you sure hope he can continue to play at least 120 games behind the plate. He’s not valuable as a DH or first baseman. His bat does not profile well at those positions.

             LikeLike

             1. at the time of the contract, many were praising it. I would wait to say it’s a bad one. He got dinged up a little this year but didnt he perform pretty close to career averages?

                LikeLike

                1. I’m not ripping the contract – it could be fine. But it’s risky because catchers can decline precipitously in their early 30s and JT is not a star. But if he plays close to his normal level for 3-4 years the contract could be fine but not a bargain.

                   LikeLike

       2. By the time his contract is up and we’ve won a championship or 2, all’s forgiven.

          LikeLike

          1. Yes……all that is next after twp WS championships, would be the Wall of Fame ceremony.

             LikeLike

22. Editor’s note: This is the courtesy thread for comments and discussion about the Phillies and other BASEBALL topics. It’s the opening sentence.

    LikeLike

23. If anyone had to come up the hero to send the Braves to the NLCS, I’m glad it was Freddie Freeman. Such a class act (aside from being an incredible player). Hopefully, he makes Alex Anthopolis pay him market value this winter (no more team friendly deals).

    LikeLike

    1. Agree wholeheartedly true MVPs show up when they are needed most in the biggest games

       LikeLike

    2. Ha! I picked the Rays and Brewers in the WS.
       “That’s baseball.” ~ Cliff Lee

       LikeLike

       1. It’s not a popular choice and I made it months ago but I was interested in either a Billy Beane WS or Dusty Baker WS. The A’s of course didn’t make the playoffs the Astros on the other hand are playing great baseball.

          True they are a cast of what many would say are unlikable players but for me I was able to get past the scandal pretty quickly. I mean sure they cheapened the art of sign stealing which every team does and has done for centuries but the ask was let’s see you go out and put up numbers without it

          I think that question has been answered…

          And how can you not root for Dusty Baker a baseball lifer..

          LikeLike

    3. Hinkie, Freddie is my favorite non-Phillies player. Just a super dude in addition to being a super player. If AA doesn’t pay him what he’s worth, that’s just crazy IMO.

       LikeLike

       1. Yep. Awesome dad, husband, and son. The story of why he wears long sleeves every game (even when it’s broiling in Atlanta) is inspiring.
          Sort of like Dak Prescott for me. I hate the Cowboys, but have respect for Prescott.

          LikeLike

24. Yes as much as I don’t like the Braves, Freeman is definitely a class act…reminds me a lot of Chipper Jones and Dale Murphy before him

    LikeLike

25. What if the Phils signed both Seager’s? Kyle will be released by Seattle and could come pretty cheap after a bad year at 33 (still had 35/101 in a 212 season). Let Bohm/Hoskins and K Seager split DH/1B. They’d have to give Didi away and eat some money but it would be quite a thing with brothers on the left side.

    LikeLike

    1. If money is no object Correa would be my first choice. He’s an all round good baseball player and at just 27 he would fit the window.

       In a game of musical chairs for these SSs he likely gets the top dollar but I might feel pretty good betting the under and my reasoning is very few teams I believe will want to play in the $300 mil market this year.

       Next on my list would be Story. He’ll be 29 next season and should come way cheaper and I predict he’ll be the first SS off the board

       LikeLike

       1. I’ll take Story if Semien re-signs with Toronto. My order of SS targets is:

          1 Marcus Semien – he can also play 2b and 3b should the need arise, which it may within the next couple years, and we’re not looking at a 10 yr contracr demand.

          2 Trevor Story – solid glove with power, although the Coors Field factor is an unknown. Again, not extremely expensive.

          3 Andrelton Simmons – but only if DD acquires big bats at other positions…3b, CF, LF.

          4 Javier Baez – high risk, high reward, high K rate. We have enough of that already. Generally doesn’t excite me.

          The rest are either way too costly in dollars and years, too injury prone, or simply don’t move the needle.

          LikeLike

          1. Want nothing to do with Baez. OB% is terrible, doesn’t walk, K-Rate is high, and no chance he handles the Philly fans if he has a problem with the Mets fans

             His time in Philly would not end well.

             LikeLike

          2. Semien is too inconsistent for me yeah he had a nice year on a 1 year deal but look at how up and down he has been. I’m also not sure he’s much better than Didi at SS

             That said shorter term deal and lower AAV then the other big guns that are out there maybe…

             No way on Simmons or Baez for me…

             LikeLike

             1. DMAR, 45 dingers in any ballpark is worth a look…granted his walk year, but his career has been trending in the right direction.

                LikeLike

       2. DMAR…..IMO, Story will get similar JTR numbers…years and maybe 10% more AAV.
          Philies could make that happen.
          Story’s caution flag…..his splits Home/Away…..and for me those mediocre RISP career metrics.

          LikeLike

          1. Story is certainly a product of Coors but his OPS at CBP isn’t much lower, although in a very small sample size.

             LikeLike

             1. I would not be upset if Dave D and the Phillies signed him…..for gosh sakes, they need a reliable glove at shortstop and he will provide that….and another middle of the order RHB power bat…..his splits vs RHP are not great.(slash-258/324/.485)…however his OPS is over .800 and ISO over .200

                LikeLike

             2. Definitely true 3UP but I’m willing to gamble and Romus I agree on the contract terms for Story…

                LikeLike

                1. I would be very happy if they signed Story for a deal similar to JTR. His numbers would be lower than they are at Coors but he would be a major upgrade both defensively and offensively.

                   LikeLike

26. White Sox are shopping Kimbrel

    LikeLike

    1. For some GMs it may be really difficult getting pass his post-season resume…over 4 ERA….WHIP of 1.3 and BB/9 of 5.6….regular season is where he shines.
       Go figure.

       LikeLike

    2. Didi for him straight up

       LikeLike

27. Some hindsight review –
    Now that the Realmuto trade is in full swing, would you have done the package of swapping out sixto with Medina & additional higher end prospects to get realmuto, even knowing Medina doesn’t appear to be better than sixto … but sixto did have TJ injury/surgery? I acknowledge the trade may not have gone through, just seeing if sixto’s injury out lweighs a health Medina

    Also, the Harper vs Machado debate. Anyone still want machado over Harper? I’ll still take Harper, but i figure most will

    LikeLike

    1. Tac3….I would have, Jeter/Hill may not….maybe if one of the following higher end prospect..back then –2018—would have been one of either Bohm, Haseley, Moniak or Howard.
       For them it was still Sixto or bust.

       LikeLike

    2. Well stupid money=both lol

       LikeLike

28. 2022 lineup A vs RHPs

    Kyle Schwarber dh
    Jean Segura 2b
    Bryce Harper rf
    Marcus Semien ss
    Matt Chapman 3b
    Rhys Hoskins 1b
    JT Realmuto c
    Mickey Moniak lf
    Jackie Bradley Jr cf

    2022 lineup B vs LHPs

    Jean Segura 2b
    JT Realmuto 1b
    Bryce Harper rf
    Marcus Semien ss
    Rhys Hoskins dh
    Matt Chapman 3b
    Matt Vierling lf
    Austin Romine c
    Jackie Bradley cf

    LikeLike

    1. Mark we can do better than Romine and Bradley both negative WAR players in 2021

       at least I think we can. I’m not a fan of moving JT from behind the plate to 1B.

       LikeLike

       1. If you rest JTR from behind the plate for 40 games, why not spread that time between DH and 1b. It’s all about improving the D while maximizing our offense by adding 100 HRs in Semien, Schwarber and Chapman. Romine is only the backup. JBJ gives you next to nothing at the plate but what an anchor in CF with power bats spread out through the rest of the lineup.

          LikeLike

          1. …lineup A is easily a 200-plus homer cast.

             LikeLike

29. Mr. Jim – I did not make a post on 10-12 at 8:56 PM. Could you send it back to me so I can verify it? Chances are, I was hacked on the site if that’s possible. You might also want to check with Tac3 and Handzus also.

    LikeLike

    1. ciada,
       Someone must be messing around around again, using other’s handles.
       I sure hope it is not our old buddy who has been MIA for almost three months.

       LikeLike

       1. I was wondering why they were copying and pasting Jim’s disclaimer.

          LikeLike

30. I dont have high expectations for this offseason but I plan on being surprised.

    I expect there to be a ton of turnover via trades, releases, and new signings.

    This team needs to spend on the bullpen, get one more solid arm, a MOO bat, and a starting LF (although I’d like to see MM have a solid chance)

    LikeLike

31. To calm nerves, those posts were me. I discussed basketball with handzus, looks like it was blocked. No biggie

    LikeLike

32. Oh, right! I did post something about comparing a hockey salary to a basketball salary. My bad. Thanks for that Tac 3.

    LikeLike

33. Glad to see former Vol Andrew Schultz back on the mound and healed…..picking up where he left off at Tennessee throwing in the hi-90s.

    LikeLike

    1. Where did you see that? That’s great news.

       LikeLike

34. With the AFL starting tonite with the 7/8 Phillies going to Arizona,
    ….the 2021–22 Australian Baseball League (ABL) is to begin next month …Nov 18th and run thru Jan 23rd, 2022…40 game schedule.
    Hopefully the Phillies will be able to send some players…..gives the young kids an opp. to play ball and also have an extended vacation down under and see another part of the world.

    LikeLike

35. Stott opening up with a bang in the dessert.

    https://www.mlb.com/gameday/javelinas-vs-rafters/2021/10/13/667382#game_state=final,game_tab=box,game=667382

    LikeLike

    1. Nice Romus!

       LikeLike

36. Bleacher Report did an article on trades, projecting 1 for each team. Phils deal us acquiring Ketel Marte for Painter, Rojas, Cristopher Sanchez, Maton and Marchan. Any thoughts? I do not want to move Painter, I’ve said that before . Interested in everyone’s opinion.

    LikeLike

    1. Too much IMO.

       LikeLike

    2. The Bleacher Report author must be a DBacks fan.
       That’s a big “NO” for me.
       I’d rather save the prospects, and sign Kyle Schwarber instead. Schwarber is a better offensive player, and probably an equal defensive OFer (neither are good with the glove). And Schwarber will probably only cost ~5M more per season over the next three years.

       LikeLike

       1. I think Schwarber gets a contract for maybe 3-4 years with an AAV of around $14-16 m. He would do wonders for this line-up, especially with his ability to get on base around other players who also get on base a high percentage of the time (the cumulative effect of that is significant). I would pay him that money without question, although I think there’s a good chance the Red Sox never let him get to free agency.

          LikeLike

          1. At this point, Schwarber would be crazy not to test the open market. He’s just a couple of weeks from free agency. Barring a devastating injury in the ALCS or WS, he really has nothing to lose by waiting for the free agent shop-o-rama to get going.

             And … yes, Kyle Schwarber checks a lot of boxes on Dave Dombrowski’s offseason “To Do” list:

             ✅ LFer
             ✅ Leadoff hitter (.374 OBP this year)
             ✅ Or could be MOO run producing bat (32 HRs/.554 slg% this year)

             The Phillies really should have beat Washington to the punch, and signed Schwarber last winter after he was non-tendered.

             LikeLike

             1. Well, something may have happened to pump up his value and a tweak or two in his plate approach…Kevin Long.

                LikeLike

             2. Hinkie….have to remember, Schwarber was coming off a down year in Chicago….along with injuries.
                So he may have been looked upon as a risk.
                Rizzo took the gamble and it paid off for him..
                This time around….$$$$$ and length, could talk if the Phillies are willing.

                LikeLike

                1. I see a lot of ideas that could greatly improve the team. DD should be able to accomplish some good things this off season

                   LikeLike

             3. In a normal year, they might have signed him, but I think they felt they absolutely had to address the pitching staff. The 2020 bullpen in particular was so bad it’s hard to even articulate. Literally, it was the worst bullpen ever and they had very little room with the luxury tax cap.

                LikeLike

                1. In a normal year….and without Cutch’s $20M salary in LF.
                   Schwarber is basically a NL two position player—-pre-next CBA—next year DH can be added to his resume .

                   LikeLike

    3. If he can’t play above average defense, I gotta look elsewhere first. We do need a bat but we also need to help our pitchers out, specifically the pen. Gives them so much more confidence to know they can trust the defense to catch the ball. It does look like a lot to Ofer, at minimum, you take out Marchan. This k Marte has a wide range of stats, I’d be weary to give painter up for that. I’d want some more consistency , he is all over the place. If he has an off year, coupled with his below average defense… I’ll pass

       LikeLike

    4. Definitely too much and I am a proponent of acquiring Ketel for the right price…

       LikeLike

37. K Marte is not that good – fielding wise – a CF. He is a 2B – want to replace Segura ? Too many things to do – stay with S Marte – now that’s a CF.

    LikeLike

    1. What if you got Ketel for LF and Sterling for CF? Sterling Marte has no comp associated with him.

       LikeLike

       1. With both on the same team….would their jerseys read…KMart and SMArt?

          LikeLike

          1. Haha that would be a great idea

             Ketel had an OPS+ of 149 in 19; 97 in 20 and 143 in 21 and he’s a switch hitter That’s significant..

             Starling had OPS+ seasons of 119 in 19; 107 in 20 and 131 in 21 he’s a no comp FA

             Schwarber absolutely would be a good pick up. And shouldn’t be too difficult to improve on Didi’s OPS + of 71 and poor defense.

             LikeLike

       2. When Dombrowski told the media last week that the plan would be to be aggressive, my interpretation is that he will spend money but spread it around. Along with that, I see him making one significant trade which would cost a couple top prospects. So, that’s how I think Semien, Schwarber, JBJ and a closer are signed, then dealing for a guy like Chapman. Within this framework, I expect DD to be creative as well.

          LikeLike

38. I have much more interest in Starling, than Ketel. I don’t make that BR trade at all. I also am very high on Rojas. I really can’t wait for the activity to start. I know how daunting Dombrowski’s task is, and have no delusions that we can get everything that we need. Which is why I believe LF is a platoon with young players. But a SS and a CF, and some BP help, is what I expect.

    LikeLike

    1. I am anxious to see what Dave D does with the shortstop situation.
       He mentioned they could go “internally or externally”
       When he said ‘internally’ …I immediately thought perhaps they see Stott as being ready right away come next April….personally not sure that is a good idea, thinking back on how Kingery turned out.
       Or maybe internally may mean moving Segura over there for a year.
       One of the free agents would appear to be the best option and then trying to move Didi and his last year of the contract.

       LikeLike

       1. If they think Bryson Stott is going to stay at SS, you re-sign Galvis to play there until Stott is ready (I get a feeling it won’t be long – maybe a month or two at most), keep Segura where he’s already solid and devote resources to outfield spots and closer. Galvis is a very cheap 2.5-3 WAR player and he can play anywhere. That’s what I’d do if I felt Stott was staying at short and close to a promotion.

          LikeLike

          1. Yeah…Freddy will do fine until Stott comes up.
             Also try to move Didi and eat some of his salary.

             LikeLike

             1. Yeah … the question is: Do you take DD at his word when he says the team views Bryson Stott as a SS? It appears his bat is near ready for MLB (could be up by summer 2022). If the club believes Stott can handle SS (I personally don’t think he’s athletic enough for the position, but Dombrowski/Fuld certainly have a greater breadth of knowledge of what Stott can/can’t do), then there’s no sense entering a long term marriage to one of the FA SS’s this winter.
                In that case, they could invest more on a closer and maybe shop for higher end SP depth.

                LikeLike

                1. Hinkie…exactly. We really do not know what they expect from Stott in the field, as a shortstop ……or for that matter, even Bohm at third base.
                   The easiest thing to do is let him start working at a 2nd base.
                   But if that were their intention…he would have seen more time there already, but he has seen limited time….4 games at Reading , 6 at Jersey Shore

                   LikeLike

                2. And worth noting the Phillies have a bad record of evaluating the defensive talent of their players:

                   2018: They play Kingery at SS and 3B (even though his positions were 2B and CF), and play Hoskins in LF
                   2019: They play Segura at SS
                   2020 and 2021: They play Bohm at 3B

                   They always tell us these guys can handle given positions, and it rarely works.

                   LikeLike

39. Romus, I don’t think that Segura helps the D playing SS. Maybe internally meant Freddy? I really want a defensive upgrade at SS and in CF. And, Cards fire Manager, Schildt. I was shocked. 17 game winning streak, made the Playoffs, I would say a Manager has a role in that. He seemed to be well liked amongst his players. I don’t root for the Cardinals, but I was really surprised.

    LikeLike

    1. They claim there was a philosophical difference in moving forward. Which means either he demanded that something had to change or someone with some weight simply didn’t like him.

       LikeLike

    2. Yeah matt…forgot about Freddy.
       Cardinals have now let go of Matheny and Schildt…I guess in that town it is WS or bust.
       LaRussa was 10 years ago and their last WS.

       In Philadelphia we do not have such a high bar..

       LikeLike

    3. GM Mozeliak said “philosophical differences” and ***** “something that popped up recently.” Oh’ boy you know it wasn’t because he was taking seconds at the STL Cardinals cafeteria. Something is out there..

       LikeLike

       1. maybe he trades emails with Gruden.

          LikeLike

40. I think the GM is very involved in everything there. Mozeliak? The Yankees, instead of firing Boone, fired his Coaches. Another year next season like this one, and we will be looking for a new Manager. Hoping DD has an off season for the ages. We need an awful lot.

    LikeLike

41. Fanside- Bohm to Seattle for two pichting prospect. What would be a good deal?

    LikeLike

    1. If it were not both Kirby and Hancock to start, I would pass.

       LikeLike

       1. LOL. I just looked up the proposed deal on the Mariners Fansided site. Here’s what their writer suggests:

          Mariners get: Alec Bohm
          Phillies get: Justin Dunn and Drew Steckenrider

          The question shouldn’t be, “Do the Phillies make this trade?” The real question should be, “How quickly does Dave Dombrowski hang the phone up on Jerry Dipoto after he laughs in his face?”
          I mean … come on. This is absurd. Dunn is an OK young arm who hasn’t pitched since June because of a sore shoulder. And Steckenrider is a reliever who throws 94 MPH, and averaged just 7.7 K/9 this year. No thanks.

          LikeLike

    2. Why would we trade Bohm for any prospects when we’re trying to acquire major league upgrades at either 3b, ss or cf? You acquire prospects by trading veteran players with excess salary or expiring contracts at the deadline.

       LikeLike

42. Stott off to a good start at the AFL. 3-5 with 5 BB and 2 doubles in 2 games.

    LikeLike

    1. Maybe we should start looking at Stott as a viable option next year. I do think Didi, playing for next contract, will have a somewhat of a bounce back year

       LikeLike

       1. I think there’s a really good chance he comes up next year and does well. The walks and on base percentage aspect of his game is enormous. I remember when Rhys Hoskins turned the corner in the minor leagues and it looked a lot like this. He just stopped swinging at bad pitches, which made his walk rate and obp soar and allowed him to really attack and do damage on the good pitches he saw. I am not sure any of our prospects, aside from perhaps O’Hoppe, improved more this year than Stott, who has a chance of developing into a first division middle infielder, which would be huge for this team.

          LikeLike

43. Gabe Morales was not going to miss his flight out of San Fran tonight. Terrible call.

    https://twitter.com/UmpireAuditor/status/1448871584383442944?s=20

    This was called a check swing by third base umpire Gabe Morales 🤨 pic.twitter.com/ZBQejFlOZV

    — Rob Manfred is Blackout Restricted (@AustinKakert) October 12, 2021

    LikeLike

    1. From one Gabe to another…..you are out of here!

       LikeLike

    2. 107 win season ends on a bad check swing call. That was like half a check swing . Crazy to think that these two teams even squared offed with their records but that’s baseball. Terrible call . Nice moment for Darrin Ruf in this game.

       LikeLike

       1. There can be worse things like Ryan Howard rupturing his Achilles at the end of the Phillies 100-plus-win season in 2011.

          LikeLike

44. Mike Zunino’s option with the Rays bumped up to $7M based on games played. Could be a trade target and fill back up catcher along with part time DH.

    LikeLike

45. The Dodgers are just so darned good. It’s hard to imagine anyone beating them, but if someone does beat them it would probably be a team with dominant starting pitching and power hitting, so I give the Braves a fighting chance there. If the Dodgers win the NLCS, I would expect them to take the WS in 6 games or fewer. I think they are quite bit better than Boston and Houston.

    LikeLike

    1. I like the Braves to beat the Dodgers. Atlanta has been on a roll since the trade deadline. AA has to be Exec Of The Year.

       LikeLike

       1. I still favor the Dodgers but as I said, if someone is going to beat them, I think it will be the Braves. If the Braves beat the Dodgers I literally have no idea who will win the WS, but I bet it goes 7 games.

          LikeLike

          1. Braves are built for the long haul but I can’t see the braves getting by the dodgers without Acuna. The us like the Phillies trying to beat LA without Harper. Sure it can happen , but …not likely. I’ll be very surprised if they can over a 7 game series

             LikeLike

             1. Some of the Dodgers’ big bats are really slumping coming out of that Giants series…Seager, both Turners and Taylor.
                Betts, Will Smith and Bellinger have picked up their games…and Lux may have a coming-into-his-own play-offs

                LikeLike

    2. Catch,………….that’s because they aren’t afraid to spend 💵💵💵💵💵, that lineup is stacked! When we spend, we get Morton, Robertson, the Latin pitcher that came as damaged goods and never pitched, 2 years of Didi 💸💸💸💸💸 etc.

       LikeLike

       1. Nah, I disagree. People aren’t following this team and its history too carefully if they think what primarily separates the Dodgers from us is money. That’s not the issue. The Dodgers know how to identify and develop talent. That’s why their line-ups, rotations and bullpens are stacked. For every highly paid player there are a bunch of bargain players. What separates the Dodgers from us primarily is executive management, talent evaluators, and coaching. Those have been night and day differences between the teams.

          LikeLike

          1. Agree. Finally owners and GMs have learned that ANYBODY can spend money. The competitive edge is in knowing where to find value, not just talent. And then identifying baseball people who can not only talent, but develop it as well. Tampa Bay won’t spend money as long as their fanbase is virtually nonexistent. But man, they know how to work the angles. LAD can spend more than anyone, but that’s not the reason they win. They do the same as the Rays, except they don’t bail out and trade off their young, ascending players as they near their payday. Conclusion: markets like Tampa and Pittsburgh don’t merit MLB teams no matter how well they groom talent or build new stadiums…or not, in Tampa’s case.

             LikeLike

          2. ‘there are a bunch of bargain players’,
             ….those in minor transactions, that ended up producing like studs…ie, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor and Justin Turner.

             Philies need a little luck in that regards.
             Odubel started out like a real gem find….but dissolved over the years.

             LikeLike

          3. What you say is true to an extent, if you are comparing them to our evaluators and developers. After you identify the targets, like Betts, Turner and Sherzer it takes the bucks to put them in the fold and they are the guys who put you over the top. JMO

             LikeLike

46. Wow Gabe lost due to awful call

    LikeLike

47. I’m feeling Bryson Stott. Not only about his skill set, but the IT factor that is uncommon. And if the brass think so and decide he’s ready sooner than later, perhaps they forego acquiring a free agent SS and focus on 3b since they really can’t have two yet to be established infielders on the left side to open the 2022 season. Bohm may wind up at 1b if Hoskins is tagged as the regular DH. Or Bohm gets traded. Anyway, that money earmarked for SS can go somewhere else. SP depth? Big power bat like JDM or Castellanos should either opt out? The possibilities are endless…and exciting with Dombrowski at the wheel.

    LikeLike

    1. Revising my 2022 opening day roster weekly, if not hourly…with the increasing likelihood that Stott is ready, hence no need for a big time free agent SS and rather go for the top CF instead…

       Kyle Schwarber dh/lf
       Starling Marte cf
       Bryce Harper rf
       JT Realmuto c/1b
       Matt Chapman 3b
       Rhys Hoskins 1b/dh
       Bryson Stott ss
       Jean Segura 2b
       Moniak/Vierling lf

       LikeLike

       1. Is this how you think the lineup shakes out? It looks pretty strong, especially if the players are within 85% of their career highs

          LikeLike

          1. Yes. I think there will be an aim toward blending promising youth with established star veterans. Stott’s early arrival would be the key to that.

             LikeLike

       2. Stott’s bat may be MLB ready… It’s improved tremendously since Williamsport. Honestly though we all thought the same for Bohm…So we will see. I would have reservations about is his glove at SS. I don’t think Girardi turns over SS to a rookie.

          LikeLike

    2. I think they also have the option to move Stott to 3B and go after a SS instead, which might be the easiest way to improve the defense. I still think they should stick Bohm in LF and see if he can hack it. I don’t see much of a career for him at 1B.

       LikeLike

       1. Phillies should not waste time with Bohm. and make the change to LF now.
          They should be decisive and do it this off-season.
          And look to someone else for third base.

          LikeLike

          1. Concur, let’s see if he can play the OF. I think he can survive at 1B. I think he would be better than Hoskins at 1B. I don’t subscribe to the theory that you have to have power on the corners as long as you get your power from somewhere.

             LikeLike

          2. Romus – you and I don’t always agree, but I completely agree with you on this one, but it’s not going to happen. DD made that very very clear at his presser. I think, at the very least, it would make sense to cross-train him because I feel confident that sooner rather than later, he won’t be at third anymore. I just don’t think he’s hard wired for that position – it’s hard to teach the reactions one needs to play third. You can get only so far and then raw instincts and talent dictate whether you can stay there and I don’t think Bohm has that.

             LikeLike

48. Crouse took the loss last night, but the big blow was the 2nd inning HR he gave up.
    Metrics were not to bad…struck out 6 in 4 innings.
    Damon Jones pitched well by the numbers for his two inning relief stint.
    O’Hoppe is struggling so far.

    https://www.mlb.com/gameday/rafters-vs-javelinas/2021/10/15/667402#game_state=final,game_tab=box,game=667402

    LikeLike

49. Another trade that probably will bite the Phillies in the back-end before all is said and done.

    https://www.mlb.com/news/curtis-mead-crushes-three-run-homer?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage

    LikeLike

    1. Just more proof that the Phils can not evaluate talent and have no idea what to do with the pharm system. Hopefully now with DD and changes being made these mistakes and misjudgments won’t continue. I know someone here will make a excuse for the Phils that no one knew that kid would be so good. Well apparently the Rays knew and that’s why they are a better team and in playoffs. While most Phils phans continue to drink the red cool aide and say this team is good or a player or two away from playoffs. This team stinks will be 500 again next year and by the time they are good Harper will be past his prime. Yeah get excited again next year when they make a fake run and get a game or two close to the top but unless major major changes will be just a 500 team again. I hope I am wrong but they are not built right.

       LikeLike

       1. I haven’t read many comments here indicating that the Phillies are close to being legitimate contenders. Not sure where you’re reading/hearing this. Some optimism, sure, especially with Dombrowski in charge. But the informed contributors here paint a fairly realistic picture.

          LikeLike

    2. This is so painful.

       It’s bad enough when you don’t find the right guys. But when you DO find the right guys and some other teams picks your pocket and gives you next to nothing in return (sorry folks, Chris Sanchez, in trade terms, is next to nothing), that’s a nearly unforgivable sin in baseball. Klentak and crew had no idea how to evaluate talent – even the talent on their own roster. Awful. Shameful.

       LikeLike

50. Joey Gallo to the Phillies. Hits for power. Plays really good defense in all the outfield positions. Granted, strikes out a ton. Could it be?

    LikeLike

    1. How is that going to happen? He’s under the Yankees’ control and he’s arb eligible. He was a 4.6 WAR player last year. Why would they get rid of him and what could we offer that would be worth it without sacrificing the farm. As you ask these questions and consider the possible answers you come to realize that this is highly unlikely.

       LikeLike

       1. Cashman probably wants MLB or MLB-ready pitching…..not sure the Phillies have anyone to offer, that could get it done, without degrading our own pitching staff.

          LikeLike

       2. https://t.co/ZtbFMeg2Xz In case the #Yankees decide to pivot and trade Joey Gallo, I found out the 7 other teams that were most interested in him in July and (you’re welcome) made up a fake trade with each.

          — Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) October 15, 2021

          LikeLike

          1. All these teams…. Rays, White Sox, Braves, Brewers, Giants, Padres, .. already have solid starting OFers….so they would have to move one of the starters.
             Now I am assuming the Giants re-up Bryant and keep Longoria on third….., WSox still go with Robert, Vaughn and Jimenez …….Braves are loaded with Acuna coming back, and Pache knockng on the door…..Padres and Brewers, have reliable OFers, but could be viable destinations for him via a trade.
             Preller is on the hot seat for 2022….so he may do a trade.

             LikeLike

          2. Ref – Gallo. There was a recent article where Pete Rose said, ” Ray Charles could hit better than Joey Gallo.” His words – not mine. Frankly I think Rose is on to something there. Other than 3 possible outcomes I think Gallo has no redeeming quality – other than 38 bombs he is worthless – 4.6 War for what ? That was another stupid trade for Yankees. I truly doubt that DD wanted to trade for him no matter Sherman’s comment. He is the closest thing to Dave Kingman today – accept Kong could hit .200 with 40+ bombs.

             LikeLike

             1. He’s not “kong” Kingman. He fields well and gets on base. You don’t get a 4.6 WAR by accident. But he could decline VERY quickly at any time.

                LikeLike

                1. In the category of you can look it up – and I made the offhand reference before checking – BASEBALL REFERENCE – under Joey Gallo – “player most similar to through ages 23-27” – # 1: Dave Kingman. In only one other year was Gallo similar to another player – Kyle Schwarber. This is done year by year. Look at the wars – they are almost identical. I am not arguing that Gallo is not a better fielder, clearly he is – the only worst fielder than Kingman was Stoneglove Dick Stuart – but Kingman was still a better “overall” hitter – and also had a war of 4+ in a year. Gallo is the true master of 3 true outcomes.

                   LikeLike

                2. Kingman had that one great year in Chicago and he hit the ball further than anyone I ever saw before or since. I watched him play every day for about 4 or 5 years. But he was a crappy player overall. Gallo may not hit for a better average but he walks far more than Kingman and is a much better fielder. Kingman had 17 WAR for his entire career. Gallo will pass that by age 28. Gallo is an odd player but he’s a good deal better than Kingman. And, oh yeah, Kingman was a clubhouse cancer so there’s that too.

                   LikeLike

51. I don’t think anyone on here makes excuses for the Organization’s mistakes. The “rebuild” has been a failure. Hopefully, things are starting to improve, but that is hopefully. I am optimistic about the off season because I believe that Dombrowski will make some positive moves. Will that produce a Playoff team? No one knows, and the other teams will also strive to be better, but I will continue to hope.

    LikeLike

    1. Matt all the time you guys are like hey one guy away and we will win the World Series. Or we can just trade Kim Bastes for Ozzy Smith, or just sign Babe Ruth. They got lucky signing Harper. Lol
       They stink hopefully we have to r right people in charge.

       LikeLike

       1. Rocky – no one says that. Did someone not sign your baseball glove? You seem to hate the Phillies yet here you are…

          LikeLike

          1. Lol no it’s not that I hate the Phils. It’s the typical Philadelphia Phan always uses their hearts and not their brains. And yeah when they were making their run all sorts were feeling they would make the playoffs. I love all four Philly teams it’s a shame they can’t get over the hump.

             LikeLike

52. Couple things – Stott will not start the season in the major leagues, Bohm will not be traded and will not move to the OF (yet), they will not sign a big ticket SP, Schwarber is a terrible LF and will only be signed as a DH (which I think means he won’t be signed.
    The Phils will definitely talk to the Pirates about Reynolds but if Rojas, Marchan, and Miller or Morales doesn’t get the deal done, they’ll try to sign Marte. I could see them sign a platoon bat to share LF with Vierling like Joc Pedersen. If they have to pay to get Marte, Pedersen, a closer, a set up guy and Neris, they’ll be out of the SS market and will bring back Galvis. If they get Reynolds, I think they’ll chase a SS. Seagor and Seagor (soon to be a FA also) would be awesome. Money will not be unlimited. For only $800K I think they’ll keep control of Quinn who they might trade at some point. Lots for DD to do!

    LikeLike

    1. I like the idea of Rojas, Marchan, and Miller or Morales for Reynolds.
       Though I think the Pirates will want a middle infielder ilo of Marchan…their numero uno draft choice was a catcher and they will have Abrahan Gutierrez from the Phillies trade earlier this season . at their Double-AA affiliate next season at some point.

       Vierling probably needs to make the active roster next season.

       You failed to include Didi i yuor shortstop scenario…..$14M salary will make it hard to trade, but I think he will need to go because of his issues with the medical staff.

       And Quinn over Janko!!!

       LikeLike

       1. Quinn at this point is unreliable. He gets hurt when the wind blows.

          LikeLike

       2. I’m curious with a fairly thin prospect group why would the Phillies trade any of them for Reynolds when they can get probably a better player in free agency albeit one that may cost more that leaves our prospect core intact?

          LikeLike

53. Romus, Didi may be attractive, at $7M, to a team with a SS prospect they don’t want to bring up quite yet. And, if we get away with only eating half, that gives us $7M more to spend. That might be doable? I don’t think they sign a Schwarber and a Marte, I agree that any SP acquisition is on the fringes, and I don’t think they are posturing on Bohm, and he is here next year, playing 3B, at least to start the season. A Marte signing may mean a lesser priced SS, Simmons?/Galvis?, but a Reynolds trade or another CF in trade, may put us back in the Story running. I want them to spend, but I don’t think the $ is unlimited and we will need a Closer somehow. I am a Stott fan, but a I don’t think he starts the season in the Majors.

    LikeLike

    1. matt13…yes that is what i think could happen with Didi…Angels and Moreno may do just that.

       Two name that intrigue me and I would take a chance with…Greg Polanco and /or Nomar Mazara for LF
       Both will be inexpensive and maybe one could come on a minor league deal.
       Both are looking to get back to their once standing.
       Phillies need to get lucky in that regards….ie Jayson Werth

       LikeLike

54. Completely agree, Romus. Werth was partially good fortune and partially a result of Gillick knowing him, and taking a chance his wrist? was healed. I think it was a wrist injury. He was brought in as a platoon player and ended up winning the job full time. We have also had luck with the Inkys and Milt Thompsons and Jim Eisenrichs, and we need to find a player or 2 like that. Sure, having prospects come up and perform is ideal, and we know we can’t go FA for every hole, so we need to find that lesser expensive player ready to bounce back or come back from injury.

    LikeLike

55. Phils would have made playoffs and been better if they still had these players.

    https://www.philliesnation.com/2021/10/how-ex-phillies-have-fared-so-far-in-the-2021-postseason/

    LikeLike

56. Interesting article

    https://www.thegoodphight.com/2021/10/15/22724396/the-good-phights-minor-league-end-of-season-roundtable

    LikeLike

    1. Understand Mick Abel was pitching a little this past week at the Complex…..with no issues. And getting it up there in the hi-90s. Which is a good sign going forward.

       LikeLike

       1. Hope he is ok. Would be awful if he had shoulder issues. Hopefully it’s worked out

          LikeLike

          1. Must be fine…….they would not have had him air it out a few days ago.

             LikeLike

             1. I feel like we were warned that he’s be shut down with “issues” but come back for instructs and be fine. I could be messing it up a bit.

                LikeLike

                1. Yeah…that is correct.

                   LikeLike

                2. I hate pitching shoulder problems. I have no idea what was wrong with Mick Abel and whether it was or was not serious, but legitimate shoulder problems are where pitching careers go to die. The bad shoulder problems essentially never go away or the player gets better but loses velocity permanently.

                   Now, sometimes it’s no big deal, but if it’s not something that can be addressed quickly and permanently, oh boy, it’s not good.

                   Hopefully Abel won’t suffer seriously on that front for long and he will be beyond that soon.

                   LikeLike

57. Stott continues …another hit and walk today.
    Muzziotti sees action in LF and O’Hoppe still needed to do some adjusting at the plate.

    https://www.mlb.com/gameday/scorpions-vs-javelinas/2021/10/16/667401#game_state=final,game_tab=box,game=667401

    LikeLike

58. I know the Phillies have Gibson slotted at 4 or 5 in the 2022 rotation but I’d much rather see them trade him. I just don’t think he will ever do well in red pinstripes.

    LikeLike

    1. Why? He’s the embodiment of a 4/5 starter. They only included Howard because they got another year of Gibson. He’ll be here.

       LikeLike

       1. Agree

          LikeLike

59. How much do you think Verlander would cost? 38 coming off injury would he even be worth a try??? I do wish the Phils would get lucky again with a pick up or a rule 5. Been a long time since they have with like Shane or Werth. Would be great to really hit on a free agent or two and a rule five guy.

    LikeLike

60. What about Danny Duffy and Alex Cobb as pitchers kind of feel we need to go to the upper middle of the pack of free agents to save some money and hope they can get in a roll. Plus these two guys are better then what we currently have other then Nola and Wheeler of course. I know they are older and would rather get a guy under 30

    LikeLike

    1. The way pitchers go down over a long season , yuo can never had too many.
       Both of them would be fine….depends on price and length of a contract…I just assume it would be two years or less for each.

       LikeLike

61. What about trying to get Andrew Benintendi for of????

    LikeLike

62. Does anyone know if the AFL Peoria team live streams their games? Thank you.

    LikeLike

    1. I could not find anything on their site…..could be hidden somewhere.
       https://www.mlb.com/arizona-fall-league

       You can contact them……..email:
       arizonafallleague@mlb.com

       LikeLike

       1. Romus, thank you!!

          LikeLike

63. An observation from last nights Dodgers Braves game that explains why I don’t enjoy baseball the way I once did.

    It the both of 2nd or 3rd I don’t remember but the Braves pulled Anderson the starter for a PH Johan Camargo. I believe the score is 2-2 and there are 2 outs. Max is on the mound. The Dodgers call time and send Mark Prior out to talk to Max. You can see Max is furious and in a severe WTF moment.

    I don’t think Scherzer needed any info on how to get Camargo out. Certainly not a visit..

    He quickly disposed of Camargo and that was that.

    It’s always hard for me to root for the NL team in the WS and even harder if its an NL East foe but I think now I am hoping to the Braves sweep out the Dodgers then lose to either the Red Sox or Stros.

    LikeLike

64. DMAR, what is very striking to me is the acquisitions of Soler, Duvall, Rosario and Joc Pederson, and how much they have impacted the Braves. When was the last time we had a leadoff hitter go 4 for 5 in any game, let alone the Playoffs. They lost Acuna and look what they did. AA set the bar for what DD needs to do this off season. We need a minimum of 4 impact players added to the team in some fashion.

    LikeLike

    1. Hey Matt…True I am watching a few of these guys have great playoffs. Kike Hernandez is another one playing over his head. Every season seems to have a guy that gets to the playoffs and really has a signature moment/few weeks.

       That said I was trying to pitch Eddie Rosario in the off season as a platoon partner to Cutch.

       That said paying a guy coming off one of those moments is usually a recipe for disaster.

       LikeLike

       1. DMAR….”That said paying a guy coming off one of those moments is usually a recipe for disaster.”………exactly, happens every fall it seems.

          LikeLike

    2. Joc Pederson loves post season ball his career post season stats over 184 PAs 279/350/895 OPS his regular season career slash 232/332/794

       LikeLike

65. I’ve felt the Braves were the better/hotter team, and thought they had a very good chance of winning this series. I think the Braves would probably lose to Houston, but would beat Boston.
    But for me, the most fascinating thing to monitor in the NLCS is the individual performances, especially of the guys who are/may be on the verge of becoming available thru free agency, trade, or release/non-tender.

    Freddie Freeman has gone 0 for 8 (with 7 consecutive Ks). I wonder how much (if any) of this factors into Alex Anthopolis’ negotiating stance. I’m actually shocked the Braves have let their all-star (face of the franchise) 1Bman go this long w/o re-signing him. They are already saving mega dollars on the ridiculously team friendly deals they got Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies to agree to.
    Anyway … the reason I mention this is because IMO, DD needs to make a fat offer to Freeman if (when?) he makes it to the open market in a couple of weeks. He’s one of the best players in baseball (who seems to have great relationships with Harper and Hoskins). The odds he’d sign here are probably long, but you have to at least drive up Freeman’s price to limit what Atlanta might be able to do with the rest of their roster.

    BTW … the Dodgers roster is littered with dudes who could be in play for the Phillies this winter. Kenley Jansen and (as I mentioned two weeks ago) Corey Knebel (who was drafted by DD) will be closer options for Dombrowski. Not sure how realistic Corey Seager is, but he is a Scott Boras client … so … you can never say never. I guess they could look into Chris Taylor, but the one Dodger I would pay attention to is Cody Bellinger. He has been brutal since winning the NL MVP in 2019, and he’s probably going to earn almost 20M thru arbitration this offseason. He, IMO, is a candidate for trade, or could even be non-tendered. He wouldn’t cost a whole lot (in prospect capital) via a trade. Buying low on Bellinger could make a lot of sense for a club w/o a strong farm system (but stilling willing to spend stooopid money).

    LikeLike

    1. Bellinger could be on the move…..declining performances and rising salary does not make for a good combination with Freidman.
       LA will probably look for some MLB (ready) pitching to go along with Buehler and Urias…Kershaw may be aging into a fade mode and May is still coming back from TJ..
       They will lose Seager it appears also.
       So Friedman could be active this off-season.

       LikeLike

    2. Freeman would be a tremendous pickup. He is a complete hitter, seems to be less impacted by the shift defense than others have. Is pretty clutch, and I believe he drives fear into the pitcher. No pitcher wants to face him, with men on base in a close game.
       On the negotiating point, keep in mind the braves got passed the brewers with freeman’s clutch 8th inning hr off a high profile closer, Hader.
       I’m not sure of freeman’s age, but I see him being less of a long term risk for a long term deal than most players. I haven’t checked the stats, but I’d be surprised if he wasn’t in serious contention for a HOF career.
       If the braves are capable of winning the WS without Acuna, that is scary as hell in terms of the Phillies nl east divison chances

       LikeLike

    3. Yes, Dombrowski could offer something outrageous to Freeman to force the Braves to overpay. But that’s probably not going to happen. I don’t think DD was casting shadows when he spoke of being aggressive on the market but allocating the money widely, not on just 1 or 2 big fish. So, a ploy like that could jeopardize his strategy. Of course, Freeman accepting such an offer and saying bye to a division rival would be quite a narrative, similar to when we broke open the vault for Harper. The difference being that Freeman is a franchise icon in Atlanta, while Harper hadn’t come into his own as a team leader until he arrived in Philly and has become an ambassador here. Gnats fans, all 43 of them, didn’t appreciate him the way our fanbase has.

       LikeLike

66. Agree, we need to find the guys that get us to the Playoffs, not overpay someone who had a great couple of week run. I was just thinking the help we could have used when Hoskins was lost. All 4 of those OF guys helped the Braves at some point. I am counting on DD to make a couple of moves that don’t cost a fortune, in prospects or money, but that have impactful seasons. Then let someone else over pay.

    LikeLike

67. This is a good step forward for MLB as income comes to us in many forms. For most of us our housing costs are our largest expense

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/sports-world-reacts-to-sunday-s-massive-mlb-news/ar-AAPDqdi?ocid=hponeservicefeed

    LikeLike

    1. It’s about time. I’ve felt all along that MLB clubs should build dormitories w/cafeterias at all of their MiLB sites. Better late than never.

       LikeLike

       1. Hinkie….that would be a rather too costly undertaking for every MiLB site……right now every team has two sites already with that expense…..stateside spring training sites and the DR academies….Phillies split their cost with the Twins in the DR.
          I would be easier to lease out 15/20 rooms at an apartment complex near the AA/AAA sites and up their per diem.

          LikeLike

          1. Too costly for you or me, but too costly for billionaire MLB owners? They should think of it as investments in their prospects. Selfishly, you’d think owners would do whatever they can to up the chances/make it easier for their prospects to become valuable assets. I think (not sure) the Blue Jays were already planning something like this before the pandemic.

             LikeLike

             1. Well many teams and their minor league cities, in those out of the way small towns thru America, as would happen in the past….would utilize the local college dormitories’ during the June/Aug break, if colleges were located in those towns….dorms sat empty during the summer, so colleges would lease them out and earn a little more revenue.
                However if MLB plans to have minor league seasons now extend into mid Sept….than that option will vanish since schools normally are back in sessions by then.
                I think players would prefer apartment living than dormitory living anyway…especially the colleg guys…they already had their three years of dorm life.
                And if you up their per diem, or just lease out two dozen apartments from a neighboring complex, ….then they would not have to have 3 or 4 to an apartment.

                They already have meal/menus set up for them to follow…it is their careers on the line, I would think they would have the maturity to follow these plans.
                Plus you are starting to get more college age guys drafted so the level of maturity is expected to be a little higher than the typical 18 year old.

                LikeLike

                1. In my experience, eating poorly isn’t a matter of maturity for them, but of necessity. All of my athlete friends even in high school had no problem having (semi) strict diets. Most of them even stayed away from alcohol at parties (gasp!) at least until the season was over.

                   Unfortunately, fresh produce costs way more than a box of spaghetti and a bag of Doritos. So when your options are eating junk food or going hungry…

                   I’m sure there are a decent amount that can’t handle the freedom. But the vast majority of players in the minors are already in the top 1% of athletes. So training and eating properly are something they’re used to.

                   LikeLike

          2. You’d figure they could’ve built them into the design of the ballpark, without too much more financial strain. I’d guess they’d have to worry about what type of shenanigans/liabilities these players would get into, on an official milb site. That is probably a major issue/hurdle in getting this going. Offsite locations likely limits the liability that these players get into.

             LikeLike

          3. Article I read indicated that MLB expects that providing lodging either via their own building or by offering stipends for rent would cost teams about $1M per season. Still determining the best options, especially for MILB teams in more expensive locations like San Jose, Brooklyn, etc.

             Problem with the rent situation is that players come and go so having them signing lease agreements becomes tricky. As you note Romus, might make more sense to work out deal with local Apartment/hotels to lease blocks of rooms that can be assigned to players while they are at that location.

             LikeLike

    2. With the contraction of the minor leagues and total players in a system…this could be a lot easier than it would have been in the past.

       For the Phillies…Clearwater Complex area should be an easy tasking….and the Academy at Boca Chico already houses quite a few of the Latin kids.
       LHV/Allentown and Reading may afford a somewhat singular centrally located location/apartment complex between the two cities.
       Jersey Shore/Lakewood, have to assume the guys already have places used in the past.

       LikeLike

68. Klaw’s latest report on AFL

    Curtis Mead “The Phillies are probably going to regret this trade very soon” (Yes, Klentak is the gift that keeps giving!)

    Crouse: “I love his aggressiveness, but he has so much effort on every pitch that I can’t see him staying in the rotation.”

    LikeLike

    1. The Phillies aren’t the only ones who have been picked off by the Rays scouting department but as Dan O’Dowd had put it a few weeks back if the Rays come calling for one of your players you might want to take a second look at that player.

       Having said that a few seasons back I was in awe they got Meadows and Glasnow for Archer. As it stands today Meadows has been kind of pedestrian and Glasnow still has the injury bug.

       Granted Archer appears to be washed up while they are still getting something from the 2 aforementioned guys.

       LikeLike

       1. DMAR … the Rays also (incredibly) got Shane Baz in that deal. Baz may be the best of the three guys Tampa got/swiped from Pittsburgh.

          LikeLike

          1. Biggest heist since the LaGuardia Lufthansa heist.

             LikeLike

             1. Heist twice!!

                LikeLike

          2. Ahhh yes I forgot that key extra piece so that deal is back to being incredible again…

             LikeLike

69. DMAR, I was at the Royals – Rangers complex in Surprise over the weekend with my younger son, and we saw an apartment compex under construction right nearby with a huge Royals logo on it. About time.

    LikeLike

    1. Awesome West Coast. I think as there are with many problems there are many solutions 🙂

       I can’t think of many professions where the minimum salary is $550K per year so I don’t want to lean too far into crying for minor league players. If we did the 26 X 30 thing we arrive at 780 MLB jobs.

       You gotta want it….

       LikeLike

       1. I get the “gotta want it” angle. I’m going to say that the minor leaguers get a crap shake at the big financial pie that MLB is. If you go until your 27/28 years old, making the average Minor league salary, i don’t think that’s a fair shake. I get not making them too comfortable, but the mlb would be wise to free these guys minds of monthly bills, so they can potential get a better more focused player. It would stink to give up a borderline career because you can’t be making less than $x anymore. I’m not 100% on their salary, but it should be for 12 months of work IMO, even though it is only 5-6. The team doesn’t want them fat coming into spring training well I say support them more. Put more restraints on them, have them have to clock into gyms, training time, etc so they are not out “Babe Ruth-ing” the town as a minor leaguer. You get the idea. Maybe put the added wages in an escrow account. Certainly their are reasonable solutions than 10k for 5 months of work average salary

          LikeLike

          1. Tac3….it is a highly competitive business.
             And it is the wise one who spends his off-season in a very regimentally intensive work-out program.
             My guess….virtually all do.
             So why put restraints on them to do it.

             LikeLike

       2. I don’t understand that mentality, to be honest. If they’re complacent making the minimum, they’ll never be great players. Players that are worth the minimum are always replaceable. The great players are going to work hard regardless of their contract. So why wouldn’t you want to weed out the ones that will stop trying once they make it to the show?

          The team may end up eating some salary, but they’ll get it back by helping to develop core players. That’s how it’s always been. If they’re not willing to subsidize a minor league system, then it shouldn’t exist. Draft only those players who you’re willing to pay a living wage and allow the others to go find other jobs where they don’t have to eat PB&J three meals a day with their 4 roommates.

          LikeLike

70. James MacArthur just started and threw 4 good innings in the AFL. 1 hit, 1 ER, 2 walks and 6k’s. Erik Miller now pitching.

    LikeLike

    1. Erik Miller – line out followed by 2 strikeouts in the 5th.

       Stott walk, k and line out.

       O’ Hoppe a 2 run single so far.

       LikeLike

       1. O’Hoppe doubles in another run, 2 hits and 3 ribbies so far today.

          LikeLike

          1. Miller implodes in 6th. Homer, walk, walk, single single, gone.

             LikeLike

             1. Remember Miller spent the year in Clearwater playing catch. He will initially be up and down. These are the top MILB players of which many had at least at had a tryout in the MLB. From his first inning stats Miller was filthy. Second inning not so much. He will be fine.

                LikeLike

          2. Glad to see O’Hoppe getting off the schneid.
             Stott must lead the league in walks so far….his OBP also must be near the top in the league.

             LikeLike

71. I think O’Hoppe has a bright future, and I like him. I think he makes Marchan, who can play, one of the players that gets moved this off season. Catching is at a premium, and while there are certain guys I don’t want to move, Abel, Painter, Stott, Rojas, we are going to have to give up some that I would also hate to lose. I know DD will make at least one impactful trade.

    LikeLike

72. AFL Sleepers…Dykstra/Mayo/Callis

    Phillies: James McArthur, RHP
    McArthur will stand out in Arizona — for his 6-foot-7 frame if nothing else. He worked mostly as a starter in Double-A and was much better on the road (3.42 ERA) than in hitter-friendly Reading (5.52 ERA). He’s Rule 5 eligible this offseason, so he’s pitching for a spot on the 40-man roster.

    Translation…..the possibility that Dave D. may try to move him in a package deal, before he loses him for virtually nothing in the Rule 5 draft.

    LikeLike

73. Kyle Schwarber is making himself money this fall.

    GRAND SLAM KYLE SCHWARBER!!! pic.twitter.com/k8EVeGBMjQ

    — FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 19, 2021

    My guess: he’s probably now up to 4/56M.

    LikeLike

    1. Hinkie……..he certainly is not hurting his case.
       It will be interesting to see if Bloom fights to keep him in Boston.

       LikeLike

       1. I would bet Bloom would like to keep Schwarber … at the right price.
          Like I mentioned earlier … at this point, it’s free agency or bust for the former Cub.

          LikeLike

          1. Schwarber will test the market at this stage of his career. He’ll likely never have as much value as he does now. A reborn swing thanks in part to Kevin Long. And young enough to justify 4 years at $20M AAV. Overpay? Sure, but the price of seizing opportunities to advance the win now effort. If JDM or Castellanos (both likely to opt out with the DH likely coming to the NL) are available, both comparable in value to Schwarber, the quest for their services by NL clubs will provide a brisk market.

             LikeLike

             1. Schwaber is the definition of clutch, he turns it up a notch in the playoffs. Has he ever had a bad playoff series? I can’t recall. He seems like a character too, he has a John kruk type look to
                Him, like he shouldn’t be this athletic. I’d be happy to
                Have him on the Phillies, but he is pushing his salary into a range that doesn’t make
                Sense for the team. They need to find a player like him, on the cheap, not after he has already done the post season magic. That’s the kind of crap that makes you get overpaid (most of the time). The Phillies need future performance, not video highlights of the player crushing the ball for some other team’s recent post season success. Every GM is going to want Schwarber, it’s only going to drive him to an overpay. Question is how much post season magic is left in that bat? The baseball gods usually come
                Knocking at some point to bring you back to reality

                LikeLike

    2. I think if he were to only get 4 years the AAV would be closer to $18. I think if you want that AAV down you have to go a few more years see the DJ LeMahieu contract…

       LikeLike

       1. Not sure about Schwarber. He might not be more than a Brad Miller. Let’s not overspend for a person that might earn that big contract.

          LikeLike

          1. Agree regardless of his post season performance he is what he is a 237/343/836 OPS player. Somewhat limited defensively as well.

             In this modern world of MLB its exceedingly important your organization doesn’t fall victim to an emotional over response to any player’s post season.

             LikeLike

             1. He has power so he might be a 1-tool player.

                LikeLike

             2. DMAR……you have a very good point.
                There have been many play-off wonders that get exposed over the long haul of a regular season.
                Marwin Gonzalez came to my mind…though he did have a very good regular season in the past with the ‘Stros in ’17….like Schwarber did with the Cubs in ’18 and ’19

                LikeLike

          2. Speaking of Miller, does anyone think he could pull off a full time OF position well? He was pretty darn clutch last year. Try to squire him into a .275 25hr 30 doubles etc ? He is the type of player that seems could do
             Something similar to what worth did, let him go Full time. I know he crapped out near the end of the season, but he should have some
             Consideration by management for a spot, to keep salary down and splurge elsewhere

             LikeLike

74. O’Hoppe Article from the Dessert:
    Maybe national guys are beginning to take notice.

    https://www.mlb.com/news/logan-o-hoppe-progresses-on-both-sides-of-ball?t=arizona-fall-league-coverage

    LikeLike

75. I believe this will a transformative offseason for the Phillies now that DD has had almost a full year to assess the organization. He’ll almost certainly do some FA shopping, but I also feel he’s really going to shake things up via trade(s). I could be wrong, but I get the feeling that the Phillies POBO is set to deal (at least) one of Hoskins/Bohm/Nola/Suarez/Gibson … not because they are bad players, but because they are good players who hold value (other teams would want) under team control for multiple seasons (with the exception of Gibson). The Phillies’ team chemistry doesn’t seem to work. Maybe one/any of these guys can bring back help in multiple areas.

    That said … Would You Do? any of these:

    .

    A)
    Brewers get: (2 years of) Rhys Hoskins, (4 years of) Adam Haseley, and (6 years of) Bailey Falter
    Phillies get: (2 years of) Josh Hader, (1 year of) Jackie Bradley Jr, and (2 years of) Daniel Vogelbach

    .

    B)
    Cardinals get: (2 years of) Aaron Nola and (1 year of) Didi Gregorius
    Phillies get: (2 years of) Jack Flaherty, (2 years of) Jordan Hicks, and Nolan Gorman

    .

    C)
    A’s get: (5 years of) Alec Bohm, (6 years of) Nick Maton, and (4 years of) Sam Coonrod
    Phillies get: (2 years of) Matt Chapman

    .

    D)
    A’s get: (4 years of) Ranger Suarez, (6 years of) Matt Vierling, Simon Muzziotti, and James MacArthur
    Phillies get: (3 years of) Ramon Laureano, (1 year of) Stephen Piscotty, and Grant Holman

    .

    E)
    Pirates get: Mick Abel, Johan Rojas, Bryson Stott, Andrew Schultz, and Jean Cabrera
    Phillies get: Bryan Reynolds and David Bednar

    .

    As always, I am neither advocating nor opposing any of these deals. Just proposing some (what I think are) realistic swaps to gauge how far you are willing to go this offseason.

    LikeLike

76. I would say “C”, I don’t like any of the other ones.

    LikeLike

Comments are closed.