City of Pain

Ok, I admit it. I’m not going to let this go just yet. I am still partially numb after yesterday’s article stating that Pat Gillick doesn’t think upgrading at third base is a priority. I know this man cannot be serious, and honestly I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt here. Anyone remember this ESPN article after the Phillies got swept in the playoffs?

“Team president David Montgomery said on Wednesday that the Phillies spent about $103 million in player salaries in 2007 and expects next year’s figure to be “in that ballpark, or higher.” The Phillies’ opening day payroll has stayed steady at about $90-95 million the last few years. But with a need to sign key free agents like Rowand and reliever J.C. Romero, MVP Ryan Howard eligible for salary arbitration, and holes at third base and in the bullpen, the Phillies will likely have to go deep past that $100 million mark to make another run at the postseason. General manager Pat Gillick expected ownership to be aggressive.

“It just depends on the players available,” he said. Their first choice would be keeping Rowand in center. Rowand was an instant fan favorite with his diving catches and scrappy attitude, and he emerged as a perfect fit in the clubhouse. But the Phillies might not be willing to give him a deal similar to the $30 million, three-year contract extension Arizona ‘s Eric Byrnes signed. “We like Aaron. Aaron likes us. Where the road leads us, I don’t know,” Montgomery said. If Rowand leaves, they could fill his spot by moving speedy Shane Victorino from right to center or use Michael Bourn in center. But Gillick said starting next season with an outfield combination of Jayson Werth, Bourn and Victorino would “be a stretch.” Gillick’s wish list also includes an upgrade at third base over the trio of Wes Helms, Greg Dobbs and Abraham Nunez.” We need to improve third base,” Gillick said.” – Associated Press 10/10/07

Gillick is a sneaky old bastard. Of course he’s not going to seem desperate for a third baseman when he’s heading into the GM meetings this week. He may not be able to officially talk numbers with other teams regarding trades and players, but this is certainly a time to test the waters and get a feel for what’s possible and what’s not. You don’t say you need to improve third base and then a month later do a 180 when nothing has changed. You’ve got Miguel Cabrera, A-Rod, Mike Lowell, and Hank Blaylock potentially available…..you’re a baseball team that is a third baseman, a B+ starter, and a good setup man (Cordero) away from being the best team in the National League and a World Series contender for years to come. Why would you ever allow your team to throw out a Helms/Dobbs combo every night? Are they putting crystal meth in the stadium sausages? Do you actually believe that is the best we can do? It’s the equivalent of buying a new Bentley and putting racing stripes on the side. It just doesn’t work. And I don’t believe him……

City of Pain False Hope Rumor of the Day: “I still believe that the Phillies are a major dark horse player in the Alex Rodriguez sweepstakes.” – Buck Martinez, XM Radio, 11/5/07