By Jeff Glauser
The Phanatic Magazine
A few quick notes before we put this frustrating Eagles season to rest a few weeks early:
- Yes, he had the distance. Yes, the kick missed by inches. But David Akers is now 2 for 9 from beyond 40 yards this season, can’t buy a kickoff touchback and it might be time to start thinking about a replacement.
- If I never see Plaxico Burress face the Eagles again, it will still be too soon. He and Ronde Barber must wish they were the only team in the league.
- Brian Dawkins continues to show his heart, even when lacking in his former skill.
- One of the best-run offensive playcalling schemes in a long while – balance wise. But, in typical pull your hair out fashion, there was no variety in the passing.
- And McNabb STILL holds the ball too long, even when he’s looked as mobile and healthy as he has in a long time. Yet, week in and week out, it seems as if the Giants find a way to win in spite of their quarterback. How come we can’t do that?
- 11-2. According to the oddsmakers, the Eagles should be right now, as they’ve been favored in all but two games. To which I respond, where do I sign up to be an oddsmaker, because they obviously don’t have to watch the teams to make a living?
Remember (for both of you who read this column regularly) when I said the other day the Sixers needed three moves to become a playoff contender next season? Three more moves this offseason for the Phils and we would have had a World Series contender: Re-sign Aaron Rowand (as of this afternoon, officially too late), get a stud middle reliever (Most are gone now, but Ron Mahay would still suffice), and a quality SP (bring back Carlos Silva?).
That’s it. And it shouldn’t be an issue of affordability.
Why? Because here are the facts: The overinflated salaries of Freddy Garcia, Jon Lieber, Jose Mesa and Antonio Alfonseca, plus the time we had Kyle Lohse and Tadahito Iguchi total almost $25 million in money freed up alone. The organization was also one of the most profitable in Major League Baseball this past season.
However, it's not happening, and won't happen.
In time for the holiday season, Pat Gillick and company walked out of the last week’s winter meetings singing “Silent Night,” or nights, to be more precise. Management, regardless of being in the fourth largest market – the only one of that group with just one team – and insistent - yet questionable - claims that they’re in it to win it, amidst the seeping profits pouring in for each partner, simply won’t get into bidding wars to put the team over the top.
So, instead, let’s look at the “It Really Could Happen” scenario (“Ideal Blue Light Special” Version):
My scenario keeps them as contenders for less investment and only requires the signing of three new players – and resigning a current one.
- First, middle relief – which was perhaps the team’s biggest weakness in ’06 and featured a surprisingly deep free agent class this offseason. Well, it did. Most are now gone. And nothing changed for the Phils. Instead, they are, at this time, hoping for a lot of chips to fall their way: Starters go deeper, Ryan Madson, Tom Gordon and even Scott Mathieson completely heal, hell freezes over, etc.
Solution? A reliable stopgap would put fans at ease a bit. Since J.C. Romero is being slated as the setup guy, a lefty specialist is missing. Top free agents to consider: Mahay and Trever Miller (last year’s ERA a bit misleading. Has a good opposing BA against lefties and could be quite effective in those get-this-one-batter-out situations.).
- Next: Replacing Rowand.
Economical answer? Mike Cameron (yes, he might get suspended from the outset. But he’s a solid defensive player, a good locker room presence (minus the amphetamines), has some power, has some speed, gets on base… and will probably come on the cheap – and even a one-year deal.
- After that? A somewhat reliable third starter.
Safe bet? Re-sign Lohse. He seemed comfortable enough in the cozy confines of Citizens Bank Park, and, a playoff series-killing gopher ball notwithstanding, pitched quite respectably in his stint with the squad last season. Plus, who else, beside a Silva, is left out there, even if the Phils were to fork over some dough?
- Lastly? A functioning every day third baseman.
Risk-free resolution? Pedro Feliz. He’s an Abraham Nunez with power, so his stingy defense eliminates the need for a late game replacement. In turn, dump Wes Helms – possibly sending a message to another bust (Adam Eaton), who will be relegated to long reliever/designated Mets starter in my scenario.
Ideal Blue Light Roster for 2007 (new additions in itals):
SP: Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Lohse, Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer
RP: Brad Lidge, Romero, Gordon, Madson, Mathieson, Eaton, Miller
IF: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Greg Dobbs, Eric Bruntlett, Feliz
OF: Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Chris Roberson, Cameron
C: Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste
That’s six players (out of 25) who were not on the active roster last season. Not a drastic change. However, that tweak equates to at least five additional wins, possibly providing a bit more breathing room in the N.L. East.
(Of course, if the Phils throw away the coupons and go with Option No. 1, well… let’s not wallow in that hypothesis so close to the holidays).
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