93 thoughts on “Phillies Discussion 12/18/2024”

1. not an overly strong FA class. I’d rather Phillies work via trades and not hit that 3rd luxury tax tier. Seems like there’s a lot of $$$ coming off the books in 2026 and perhaps a stronger FA class.

   also, Phillies should have Crawford and Painter up at some point in 2025. Encouraged by Miller, Rincones, Otto, and several others. Phillies don’t need to spend just to spend. Outside of the Dodgers, who has recently won a WS due to excessive spending on FA?

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2. It looks like Miller and Painter are untouchable. Crawford was available for Crochet, but now that he’s gone, I don’t think the Phillies are in a rush to move Crawford.

   Caba is probably the piece that DD is more willing to trade, but he’s so far away from the bigs, his trade value won’t net you somebody really good.

   So if the Phillies are holding onto their top 100 guys, the only trades you’ll see will likely be minor ones i.e. for middle relief help.

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3. I think it’s fair to say most fans look for the “home run” from the Scouting team/Player development, in the sense of a straight draft pick. When they hit, it’s amazing. Aidan Miller is the latest example imo. Fans can easily overlook when the scouts identify another team’s prospect, make the trade for them and hit. Alvarado is a great example … Efflin was as well. Under DD, the player development team has been leaps and bounds above what I’ve seen over my fandom. I can’t even remember a time when you could replace a homegrown prospect with another homegrown prospect. I’ve been following since 1986… To have Aidan MIller who could move Bohm, or push Turner to the OF… awesome to FINALLY see. Then you have Crawford who could replace Rojas. That’s a stretch, as Rojas seems more like a 4th OF, highly skilled defensive replacement at this point but will see. He was a bit rushed.

   Fans can be frustrated, but this is a golden era is Phillies baseball in the sense you have the majority of the team clicking – Owner spending money in FA, players winning games, and a farm system developing players. Gotta enjoy the ride fellas! Only 1 team can win a year. It sucks when it’s not the Phillies, but it’s a pretty well run organization nowadays. Enjoy it. Much better than 1991!

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   1. agreed, enjoying this time period in phillies ball for sure,

      both the on field product and future care for the on field product are being handled with care and respect

      just not so hyped on Harper and how if he leans right the boat goes right, he leans left and the boat goes left.

      This offseason seems like a bit of a wrestle of them getting away from allowing that to happen, the harpfluence if you will that more or less had them bring in guys he wanted or they knew would jive with him. he’s such a presence that any long term player has to jive with him or the boat gets rocked. Can’t say that was really the case with the 07-11 guys.. all those stars, there wasn’t the lead singer type… Jimmy was close but only from an outward perspective gammer type, jimmy had no sway on front office, nor Chase/Cole/Ryno etc… maybe a Gillick Dombo difference idk. Not sure bryce is the easiest guy to get along with or if maybe the intensity he brings is so jarring and the guys want to play harder for him that they press…. some of the best ball they’ve played or i’ve enjoyed watching the past few years were when he was injured and they all had to step up… he comes back and it always shifts the “fun” dynamic back to the “work” “job” dynamic…… again just my impression and my eye test but he could use with maybe taking a chill pill from time to time

      again, just really looking forward to seeing the young guys stay in red and develop as it feels that hasn’t happened like this in my lifetime… always a few prospects to watch, but we’ve got what now like 3-6 solid guys all set to come ready in the next 2 years and make and impact… last time that happened the guys needed to make an impact bc the team sucked and that kind of pressure on all the young guys i don’t think played well.. all the dom browns, aron althers, maikal franco’s, freddy garcias, odubels, kingery, so many other names i’m forgetting

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4. Thanks Jim for the walk down memory lane with some of those guys. Obviously the Phil’s have only signed Romano so far. I’m still expecting them to sign one of the cheaper free agent OFs for LF and I’m hoping they resign Hofmann. I also expect they’ll sign some 5th SP options. Once the high priced guys are signed there are always good value signings to be had. Yes we should expect Ranger to want big bucks but I really want him here for his walk year.

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   1. I think I agree that, with the retention of Boras as his agent, it becomes fairly unlikely (although not impossible) that Ranger remains here past this coming year. But thy might as well use that opportunity to either: (a) keep Ranger this year and then make a QO next year so they get compensation; or (b) trade him to another team for young talent so they can keep the merry-go-round going. The problem with (b) is then they are a starter short – what you want is four good to great starters (which they already have) with Painter waiting in the wings, so if you do (b), you probably need to sign another starter, but who is out there that is affordable for the short term and is as good as Ranger? I am not seeing that as a good option.

      Long term, I think they will regret not signing Ranger to a reasonable deal when they could have, but that’s water under the bridge. Fortunately, they are pretty well set up here for the next several years in the rotation.

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      1. Still expect a trade soon from Dave D……Ranger could be in that package.

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         1. I can see Ranger included in a deal for Suzuki.

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            1. Imo the Bellinger trade makes a Suzuki trade unlikely.

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      2. agree… but Boras isnt the enemy he used to be from the JD Drew days. Having Boras as his agent can be a good thing…it just means it’s going to cost the Phillies more to keep him. Can they really afford to keep him? If they reset the CBT penalties this year, i say their chances increase. If they don’t…I think he’s gone.They really could flip him to keep the talent flowing. They just need to make sure they hit not he prospect or player.

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         1. I honestly don’t believe an agent can determine your value. The laws of supply and demand will always rein supreme.

            Today’s GMs are pretty savvy with all that stuff and sure maybe Boras is the one agent with the resources to keep up with all the research they have at their disposal but it still comes down to the player and what he is.

            Once that is nailed down you either have 30 teams that can afford it or you have 3. Then you have where does that player want to be.

            Many a Boras client has found this out the hard way.

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         2. I pretty much never view the retention of Boras as a good thing with respect to a pre-free agent player on the Phillies’ roster. Why is paying more for the same player and having to compete with other teams on the FA market thereby driving up the price, a good thing? I don’t see it.

            Now, if you’re in the market to buy a FA, you at least know that the player is more likely to be in the market if you want to sign him, but, boy oh boy, will you pay a premium.

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            1. Agent’s don’t generally change a player’s value, but they allow a player to reach the pinnacle of that value by exposing a player to the open market. Juan Soto is proof of that.

               Where a Boras goes wrong is where he overplays his hand (it happens once in a while – just ask Ryan Madson), or insists that a player wait to be a FA and the player gets injured or has an unexpected decline in performance. In the latter case, he will often have the player sign a one-year “pillow” contract to restore his value.

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               1. catch, to be short, Boras will keep JM in the loop. They have a working relationship. Phillies are now one of his best clients. Its no guarantee, but I would like to believe that Boras would let JM now its a now or never time. It’s the same for DD. I know some have been trashing him, but. When you give up good players… or at least have the impression that you trade good players/prospects.. other FO are going to want you at the table. Just the impression that the Phillies are at the table, can raise the price for the team that actually does make the trade. Thats my take, right or wrong.

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5. Its pretty cool when you write it all out…

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6. Looking at Jim’s the list above, there is a strong propensity that the Phillies seem to develop pitchers over position players. Not sure why that is other than good teaching and good lower level evaluators. Perhaps with Tait, Caba, Miller and Crawford that will change up a bit. Stott, O’Hoppe and Bohm have made their marks in MLB, hopefully the lower level position guys will also.

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   1. It really becomes a question of what time frame do you want to measure. What time frame is worth measuring and is any of it actionable as front offices and personnel change all the time.

      The only thing semi static over long periods of time is ownership. Essentially JM is on his 2nd FO regime of amateur and pro scouting. And even within that period there has been change.

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   2. As for the list of all former Phillies players in the minor and majors let me start here – this was a hell of a lot of work to assemble so thank you Jim and Steve Potter – wow – not easy to do.

      I know there are a lot of names, but is this really an impressive list? On the whole, I would say no, it’s not all that impressive. It’s okay, at best. I say that because the way I look at it is that, every organization should produce useful players to some degree (back end starters, second division regulars, useful bullpen arms, utility players, etc. . . .), but when you measure productivity and value you need to look at how many first division position players, mid to upper rotation arms, and high leverage bullpen arms, the team is producing? These are the players who are difficult to acquire and move the needle in terms of the team becoming competitive – lower level players are pretty fungible. So, in terms of the players produced by the Phillies and playing elsewhere, a few were, are or should become high level players – but there aren’t too many.

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   3. I may not have been clear enough. Not my list. It is Steve Potter’s work. I just pulled out the portion applicable.

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7. Jim: One heck of an effort to wade thru that maze of humanity to declare, nothing there! No Mickey Mantles, Tom Seavers, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax’s, etc. The farm has been quite ordinary, here today gone tomorrow. In retrospect, I don’t see why some posters really get bent out of shape about some of our trades. In the end, most of the time we gave up nothing and got nothing in return.

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   1. Exactly – you and I reached almost the identical conclusion.

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   2. IDK I think most of the greats were going to be great regardless of who got them.

      And maybe in some cases a player becomes more than they would have been because of who was around them when they first got into a system. And in those cases it was probably not anyone responsible for drafting them but maybe a player or a low level coach they connected with.

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   3. I create this particular list early on in each season and then update it about four times as the season progresses. Each iteration is posted on my website. I also do another list for former Phillies playing in the independent leagues. Whether one believes the names on them are impressive or not is a subjective view. Personally since I get to know many of these young men and take the time to interact and encourage them I find them most impressive, because they have the ability to play professional baseball and for those that actually reach the major leagues I find that to be an incredible feat, it gives me heartfelt joy each time that occurs.  However, I acknowledge that most fans are not as fortunate to know these fellas as actual people so those views are different – solely based on the perception of performance.  Is what it is.

      I just posted this morning on my site lists of players who came from the Latin academies for all thirty organizations for the time period of 2010 to 2024. Numbers may surprise some. Again for those looking for the “stars” you may not be that impressed however I would keep in mind that perfect is the enemy of good and that it takes multiple good players to surround a star in order to win.  Just sayin.  

      In any regards Jim asked me yesterday if he could take excerpts from my September list and post on Phuture Phillies and I agreed, it takes me a few hours to create and then update each list but I’m retired and love doing the research. Like my friend Jim everything we write is our own work – not some copycat site posting stuff they found somewhere else. We’ve both been offered positions at some of those sites and instead have chosen to stay our own course – we don’t chase clicks. 

      Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️  and Happy Holidays to all.

      Steve Potter 

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   4. I create this particular list early on in each season and then update it about four times as the season progresses. Each iteration is posted on my website. I also do another list for former Phillies playing in the independent leagues. Whether one believes the names on them are impressive or not is a subjective view. Personally since I get to know many of these young men and take the time to interact and encourage them I find them most impressive, because they have the ability to play professional baseball and for those that actually reach the major leagues I find that to be an incredible feat, it gives me heartfelt joy each time that occurs.  However, I acknowledge that most fans are not as fortunate to know these fellas as actual people so those views are different – solely based on the perception of performance.  Is what it is.

      I just posted this morning on my site lists of players who came from the Latin academies for all thirty organizations for the time period of 2010 to 2024. Numbers may surprise some. Again for those looking for the “stars” you may not be that impressed however I would keep in mind that perfect is the enemy of good and that it takes multiple good players to surround a star in order to win.  Just sayin.  

      In any regards Jim asked me yesterday if he could take excerpts from my September list and post on Phuture Phillies and I agreed, it takes me a few hours to create and then update each list but I’m retired and love doing the research. Like my friend Jim everything we write is our own work – not some copycat site posting stuff they found somewhere else. We’ve both been offered positions at some of those sites and instead have chosen to stay our own course – we don’t chase clicks. 

      Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️  and Happy Holidays to all.

      Steve Potter 

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      1. Great work, Steve. Thanks to you and Jim for all you contribute and for not chasing clicks. Happy holidays to all.

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8. 10 pitchers who pitched for the 2017 Phils (record 66-96), pitched in MLB in 2024. Nola, Pivetta, Lively, Leiter Jr, Eflin, Milner, Pinto, Neris, Luis Garcia, Joely Rodreiquez. Further field, Drew Anderson in Korea, Jake Thompson and Henderson Alvarez in Mexico and Jesen Therrien in Canada.

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9. I’ve been fairly frustrated with the lack of action so far but I’ve talked myself into being more patient. Realistically this team is a strong wildcard contender even if the Mets overtake the division (the Braves are probably having a worse offseason than us). It doesn’t make a lot of sense to trade a MLB ready asset like Crawford unless you’re receiving an elite player under control for an extended period (like Crochet was at the deadline)

   Believe I’ve said it before here or elsewhere: the Mets didn’t make a lot of noise last offseason and look at the run they went on and the flexibility they went into this offseason with. I think they have to re-up Schwarber & Realmunto next offseason but you have a lot of bad money coming off the books in 2026 to play with. They already made their big move in the Spring by signing Wheeler… imagine where we’d be if he was a FA right now…

   Even if they had to “run it back” This team should contend and will look different August 1. I don’t think Tucker or Soto themselves would’ve solved the issues they ran into vs the Mets & Diamondbacks… just another guy to pitch around if Turner/Casty/Bohm/etc are all automatic outs.

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   1. JT is not getting extended. Zero percent chance. He’s cooked. And hogies Isent getting resigned either. Mid 30 DH. We will move on from them

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      1. They don’t have any organizational depth to replace them. Maybe they make a run at Kyle Tucker in free agency but otherwise I think those guys come back on short term deals.

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10. I think they’re going to have to take a leap of faith and hope that some prospects like Painter, Crawford, Miller, Marchan, can be valuable and cheap players while some of the iffy contracts run their course. After that, they can supplement the homegrown guys with new FAs where needed.

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    1. Marchan’s biggest roadblock is his health. If he wasn’t always hurt I feel like he’s shown he’s got the talent to at least be a 50/50 guy at the MLB level.

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11. It has become increasingly frustrating to write here. Today it’s because of out of context comments by a couple guys. The large portion of this article that I took from Steve Potter addressed a comment that included the inaccurate phrase, “we haven’t developed hardly anything”. There was no mention by that commenter of the star level of development. Just a blanket comment about development.

    This list shows how stupid such a comment is. Too many here have their own axe to grind about prospects, development, front office, … and take every opportunity to do so. It’s your right, but I grow weary of that, too.

    My health is failing. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this site running. I don’t know how much longer I want to keep it going. In fact, last month, I stumbled across a section that indicates renewal is due this month. I do not have that authority. A few years ago, I contacted WordPress to see if I could take over payments but was told that could only be done by James. I contacted him and asked if I could make the payments. In order for that to happen, James would probably have to give over ownership and rightfully wouldn’t want to do that. He has been making the payments since even though he hasn’t had time to be involved. I expect he will continue, but you never know.

    James’ vision was that this be a prospect discussion site. We are hardly that anymore. I hope he continues to renew, and I hope we can return somewhat to his vision. In any case, I think the renewal date is the 18th. If in the next couple days or weeks I find that I can only comment and not write articles, lack of renewal will surely be the case.

    Just in case something negative happens, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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    1. Jim, sorry for your frustration – I appreciate all that you do – I know we all do!

       I was just commenting about the overall quality of the system as reflected in this list – I wasn’t trying to counter anything anyone said. I was just trying to reflect on my view of the state of the team’s developmental efforts, nothing more. I think the team has done okay as reflected in this list, but believe they really have turned a corner now – there are some guys in the system that I think are going to be awesome sooner rather than later – for whatever that’s worth.

       Thanks for your efforts and happy holidays!

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    2. I am sorry for your frustrations. Only posted once but have read this site every day religiously for years and I just wanted to tell you that you are appreciated.

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    3. Jim, I posted above before reading your post. With your added information I will add, also: I hope you can continue with PhuturePhillies but will fully understand if you can’t or choose not to. Either way, thanks for all you’ve done for all of these years. PhuturePhillies has literally become part of my life and that is thanks to you as well as your loyal corps of posters. Merry Christmas and here’s hoping you continue into a Happy New Year.

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12. Merry Christmas, Jim. Wishing you the best in terms of your health.

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13. It is an amazing site and you do a phenomenal job of covering our prospects. You cannot go anywhere else and get this type of information not even for another franchise.

    The fodder that emanates from the ridiculous number of reposts of click bait weighs heavy on me this time of year. So often I want to say something about it but I just scroll through.

    I’m glad you called it out the other day. I work in the business so I can spot a click lure a mile away and never give them the benefit.

    Additionally I know exactly where you are Jimmy. I retired this year from running my men’s softball team. Simply because the agg no longer exceeded the joy. One of my greatest friends in the world owns the team and pays for most everything but he didn’t want to be involved with the politics of it all.

    I took that on my shoulders for him for well over 10 years. I’ve been on the team for 20+.

    Not saying by and large we don’t appreciate you….we do! But I know it only takes one or two to bring you to your Ricky Waters moment “For who for what?”

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14. The posters on this site by and large have had tremendous respect for one another’s opinions. The reason for that, Jim, is you. You’ve run a tight ship and demanded that we be kind to one another. Thanks for all you do and for all you have done. Good health in the new year.

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15. Huge Thanks for this site. Phils phan in SoCal, and a visit to this site is a daily requirement.

    Love the analysis and discussion.

    It was mentioned earlier in the thread – we are in a great period of Phils baseball. And yes I would love them to make a move (or 2), but the reality, if we run it back with the same team, we’re a lock at 81 wins (if healthy), and a good shot at 87+ with some good bounces…

    That’s a top 15th percentile team, and as a fan, that’s really all I can ask. We have that in the Phils and Eagles.

    Merry Christmas, Happy 2025 and good health to the folks on this site, and to our Fightins!

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16. why not sign Hoffman and start the season with him as the 5th starter. if it works out, great, if not he goes back in the pen and painter slots into the rotation. he will at least provide some depth. either way he isn’t that expensive.

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    1. I think it was Gelb who said he prefers to be in the back end of the pen. That’s a solid plan but if he wants to be a reliever I think he’s more valuable there.

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    2. Why would he want to start? You know where starting got him? Nowhere – he was a failed starter. Relieving made him a lot of money. He needs to do what he has demonstrated he is good at doing.

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       1. I like the idea of trying Hoffman as a starter which makes it easier to pay him where the bidding is likely to go. On the slight chance that the Phils sign Sasaki, then a Wheeler-Nola-Sasaki-Sanchez-Hoffman rotation gives the Phils an option to move Suarez in his contract season.

          If Painter is ready by mid-year, then slide Hoffman back into the pen for the home stretch. 2024 reminded that there is no such thing as too much starting pitching. Hoffman’s past lack of success as a starter doesn’t dictate where he could be now.

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          1. Yes, actually his past failures and his current pitch assortment strongly suggest that he is much better situated as a reliever than a starter. His velocity went up significantly when he was converted to a full time back-end reliever. As a starter he was in the low 90s – not a recipe for success – if this guys loses 2-3 MPH he is going to get lit up. Second, he essentially only throws two pitches and does not throw them with great command. That plays up in the bullpen where he can fire away at 97 or 98 MPH, but is highly likely not to work as a starter, where he needs to throw more pitches and pitch with better command. There’s a reason some guys are starters and some guys are relievers – they have different skill sets. I think using Hoffman as a starter is a big mistake. He is a reliever. That’s what he does well.

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17. Jim. I have great appreciation for all of the work that you have done to keep this community going. Especially in light of your health issues as that must clearly sap energy. That it frequently frustrates you is not a good thing. No one should continue to do something that is frustrating.

    If you don’t want to do this anymore, I would understand. It would be disappointing but understandable. If you are at your limit, then I would offer two ideas to the group:
    1. We create a new site with similar theme and all start posting there.
    2. If Jim wants to keep going, maybe you take on a content partner or two.

    Just throwing out ideas but really no sense in doing something that you don’t enjoy.

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    1. I agree regarding what a wonderful job Jim has done and the incredible work. I’m taking a 2 year hiatus from work so I have time to assist if there is any way I can help.

       With regards to your health Jim, I am truly sorry you aren’t feeling well. I would like to share some info with you I’ve learned during the first year of my sabbatical, which has partially been for my own health reasons, that has transformed and changed my life. Not knowing your personal health situation, I can’t be sure it’s relevant but would be happy to chat about it privately over email if you’d like.

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18. https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-19-24-darick-hall-signs-with-the-pittsburgh-pirates

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    1. Hope DH gets a greater opportunity with the Pirates.

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19. Free agent 1B/DH Darick Hall has signed a minor league contract with an invitation to big league spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Darick was the Phillies 14th round draft selection in the 2016 draft from Dallas Baptist University. Last season he became the all-time franchise leader in home runs and RBIs for the AAA affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs with 76 taters and 277 ribbies. He has played in the Phillies organization in 850 minor league games hitting 189 doubles, 160 home runs and posting 561 RBIs. In addition he’s appeared in 60 major league games with 9 doubles, 10 home runs and 19 RBIs. 

    Darick is one of the most upbeat and kindest persons I’ve ever met, he’s both capable and deserving of an chance to once again play Major League Baseball – I truly hope that he’s able to do so with the Pirates!  

    Steve Potter

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20. Looks like the Phillies are signing Max Kepler to a 1/10 deal. This deal will likely take the Phillies out of the running for Jurickson Profar. Not only that, giving Kepler $10M implies that he’s going to get his share of ABs as a corner OF. The most plausible scenario then is Kepler in LF and Marsh in CF vs RH pitchers. Rojas will lose more ABs.

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    1. Really feels like the next Whit Merrifield. I don’t see numbers trending in the right direction. I don’t like that we are now taking fliers on older players as opposed to younger guys. I don’t like it.

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       1. Actually, these are deals designed to bridge the gap between where we are now and a future where the younger guys from the minors take over – which is the goal. Kepler is a pretty good signing – low risk and decent upside. I’m encouraged.

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       2. Buddy I logged on thinking I was going to post the exact same thing LOL….

          If all we had was $10 mil to spend I would think we could have got a much better BP piece for the $$$.

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          1. it’s always fascinating to me how the teams value and gauge “risk” and in playing their “risk” cards more of their vision is revealed, surely there is more to their vision then Kepler/Marsh/Rojas/Casty… that outfield looks ripe for bottom 3rd of the league in HRs/OPS/WAR/Everystatthereis

             surely there is more coming

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21. There are guys who can make a career holding down a slot on a non-contending team but are not a difference maker or pillar for a contender. Kepler seems like that kind of guy. I actually would have preferred if they re-signed the younger, right-handed hitting Austin Hays. Both Kepler and Hays come with recent injury histories.

    I liked the Merrifield signing when the Phils made it. I don’t like this signing unless it sets up a move. A Kepler-Marsh/Rojas-Castellanos outfield with Wilson and Stevenson as backups is remarkably weak. 2 outfielders still hitting in the 7-9 spots in the batting order. Yuck-worthy.

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    1. I expect a right handed hitting OF to be added as Kepler is a platoon hitter against righties. Who knows, it could still be Hays. Kepler is a decent RF though so I wonder if they’ll move Casty over to LF.

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22. The write up I saw mentioned Kepler to RF and Casty to LF and Marsh and Rojas platooning. It was not a glowing endorsement of Kepler. Guess 4 or his last 5 years have not been very good. 23 being the exception. Did say he is a very good RF. Stats said he did better in 24 vs lefties so we will see what the plan is. Like some above my first thought when I saw the signing was Merrifield. I am sure there is a plan here by the Phillies.

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    1. Don……here is an oddity…Kepler, a German, was born in Berlin and graduated for John F Kennedy HS in Berlin. A bilingual HS.

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       1. His mom is American.

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23. Have to think Crawford will be in CF come sometime in June….if he starts and does well at LHV. Now another LHB added to the OF with Kepler and Marsh. Wonder if Dombrowski is dangling Marsh to some teams.

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24. Romus. I saw the European reference. Mentioned early on some thought he would be really good. I remember seeing him play a few years ago against the Phillies and he was good that series. Believe he had a HR and maybe 2. We will just have to wait and see what the plans are for Max.

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25. My prediction for the 2025 outfield…

    Castellanos LF, Marsh/Rojas CF, Kepler RF

    …unless Casty gets traded…then:

    Robert LF, Marsh/Rojas CF, Kepler RF

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26. I think the ‘need a right handed outfield bat’ is overblown. A quick look at 2024 stats on mlb.com and the Phillies had the 3rd highest OPS against LH pitchers. 10th best against RH pitchers. Kepler has a lower than average chase rate, better than average defender and solid plate discipline. Solid regular, only 31, who had nagging injuries last year. Probably pretty motivated to have a good year and sign a multiyear contract next year, similar to Romano. It’s not an eye popping move, but I’d rather see this then trade the better prospects or sign someone to a large multiyear deal and lose draft picks and payroll flexibility down the road.

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27. I like the Kepler signing. Low risk. Career OPS of .778 versus RHP. Unfortunately a career OPS of .655 against LHP. Ideally suited for a platoon — how about Weston Wilson as the other half of the platoon?

    Also, I’m a little amazed — and pleased — that Dombrowski makes low risk moves like this, rather than pushing all of his chips to the middle of the table for 2025 by trading Crawford, Miller, and Painter.

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    1. I’m expecting a right handed hitting OF signing for a guy like Grichuk. He’d fit well with Kepner in a RF platoon while Marsh/Rojas share CF.

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       1. With how the 26 man roster is structured, you will only have a 4 man bench. And since one of the 4 is a backup catcher, now you’re left with 3 bench players for the IF and OF. Kepler now takes an OF spot. I’m assuming Sosa takes an IF spot. That leaves 1 open spot between Rojas and probably Kody Clemens. So barring a trade, I think the 3 man non-catcher bench is complete.

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          1. Your math is off. The 4 man bench could be a catcher, Sosa, Rojas, and the righty hitting OF, their 5th OF.

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             1. The 26 man roster has a limit of 13 pitchers, which most teams will take, including the Phillies. That means 13 position players, of which 9 is the starting lineup (including DH). That leaves 4 bench players. The 4 bench players on the Phillies opening day 2024 roster was Stubbs, Pache, Merrifield, Sosa.

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                1. So the 2025 opening day bench could be Stubbs, Kepler, Sosa, Clemens (assuming Marsh, Rojas, Casty is primary OF). That leaves no room for Grichuk. If Grichuk comes in, it’ll be to take Rojas spot on the roster as Grichuk is primarily an OF.

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                2. Sorry but no Clemons. Catcher, Sosa, Rojas, and the righty hitting OF = 4. Kepler, Marsh, and Casty will start the most.

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    2. I’m talking myself into it. I like Wes Wilson’s bat against LHP I think he needs some more ABs at the MLB level he’s done well so far. Wouldn’t mind a Hays return either if the price is right.

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28. Christian Walker signing with the Astros opens up the NL Gold Glove discussion for Harper. Hope he’s able to continue to improve there, would be a great story next year.

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    1. Christian Walker has won 3 GGs in a row because he can really pick the ball. Harper needs to improve in that aspect if he wants to be in the running for GG. Harper’s range is fine. His throws to 2B could be a little better.

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29. The other thing about Wilson is that he can play outfield or infield (e.g., at Lehigh Valley in 2023 he started 75 games at SS, 21 in the OF, 13 at 1B, and 6 at 3B). Plus he can run a little bit (e.g., 32 SB at Lehigh Valley in 2023). He is a good choice for the 26th roster spot, in my view.

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30. Wilson and Kemp could benefit from the Phils ‘going small’ in signing Kepler. If there’s a platoon scenario in LF, one of the two of them can step forward while Kody Clemens steps back. Can’t keep five outfielders and six infielders (on top of two catchers and a DH).

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    1. I do think the Phillies want to see more of Otto K. vs AAA pitching. Though he did very well with Glendale in the AFL, they may want see more than 50 or so PAs at the AAA level. So doubt he will be with the team prior to Memorial Day……. or even the all-star break if he is developing more slowly that expected..

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       1. ‘than expected’

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31. Jim,

    I sincerely appreciate all the effort you put into this and the insight you provide. It is readily apparent that this site is a reflection of your love of the Phillies and baseball as it relates to our lives. I am thankful and pray that you get your health back.

    Rafe

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32. Corey Seidman commented on Sports Philadelphia that DD hinted ……. “da, da, da, dats all folks”! If so, that was about as exciting as watching paint dry!

    “I think we’re as good”….. well yeah, nothing really happened, did it!

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33. Thankful for you work Jim over so many years, it’s wonderful to read all of you guys everyday.

    In case you move elsewhere hit me up ❤️

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34. Jesús Luzardo trade: Phillies to acquire electric Marlins pitcher in major rotation upgrade, per report – CBSSports.com

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    1. That may be a good move…….I suppose Ranger is the next on the block.

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35. Luzardo to Phillies for Caba & Boyd to.

    I think this means a Ranger trade is happening.

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36. DD must have read this forum’s appreciation for Caba’s bat.

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37. McIntosh can also play LF. At 5’10 or so and 220 lbs the guy is a fireplug.

    Now that the Phillies have gotten Luzardo, who exits the 40 man list?

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38. Trading for Luzardo, signing Kepler and Ross, this is a clear sign that they are not breaking the bank. Unless Hoffman and Estevez come off their prices, they are not coming back.

    Caba was the easiest player to trade and I was surprised that the Phillies got Luzardo.

    Phillies need to keep their elite talent to balance out the high priced contracts.

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39. Comically ironic…but Dave D gave the interview at the end of last week and said they were satisfied with the club, and not to expect too much more/

    Then the Luzardo trade…..I come to expect now that Bohm, Ranger and Marsh to be involved in some maneuvering soon.

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    1. You really might be unto something ….. the more they broadcast that they like where they are ….. the better the odds of Ranger and Bohm disappearing and someone else showing up! As long as Arenado doesn’t show up, I’m ok. V1 posted a come-on for Walker, but nobody busted the door down to DD’s office as of yet.

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       1. Arenado vetoed the Astros…not sure why he did that. I am fearing Dave D will take him, as long as the Cards pick up a portion of the contract. Probably some package deal or a three way could be what will happen, with Bohm involved. Would not mind if infield prospect JJ Weatherholt came along in any deal with the Cards, but seriously doubt the Cards would be willing to do that.

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          1. I would be positively shocked if they tried to trade for Arenado. First, he’s a declining player on offense – I mean sinking like a rock declining. Second, he’s already expensive (and not worth what he’s being paid). Third, in addition to his salary, the team is in super luxury tax land meaning you’d end up paying like $45 million a year for a guy who, at best, is marginally better (on the whole) than the guy you have now who will cost about $8 million this year. Your best young position prospect may be able to take this position over as soon as later this year. Add this up and you reach one inescapable conclusion – acquiring Arenado would be the height of stupidity. I don’t think they are this dumb. But if they are, they will regret it.

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40. Well, hope we don’t end up with Arenado under the 🎄 at CBP. But, over the decades we’ve done some trades with the Cardinals. Wish you guys a Merry Christmas, a Happy New year and a World Series Title in the fall. Jim, Thanks and wish you a healthy New Year!

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41. And now, on a lighter note – I love the Joe Ross signing – very smart, very practical, and gives them some flexibility if they decide they want to trade Ranger (which, I think is unlikely unless someone makes them an offer they can’t refuse, which is possible).

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42. Every dollar the Phils spend on salaries in their current state incurs a $1.10 penalty on the day of reckoning at season’s end. The Phils would have a hard time competing for Arenado — because of the $ cost – if 3B was truly a position of need for the Phils. But 3B isn’t a position of need. And the Cards can’t make a deal affordable to the Phils that doesn’t hurt them (the Cards) competitively.

    The Phils can’t upgrade at 3B without incurring a high cost.

    The stars are aligning for Aidan Miller. With a strong 2025, there’s an important role for him to play on the left side of the Phils’ infield in 2026.

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