After the Philadelphia Phillies most disappointing season since 2004, the calls for change are echoing all the way down Broad Street. In 2012, the Phils had the 2nd highest payroll in Major League Baseball of $174 million, behind just the Yankees ($198 million). This Phillies team finished 3rd in the NL East, 17 games behind the Washington Nationals, who sported a payroll of only $81 million. In 2013, the question on the minds of Phillies fans is: who/what comes next? The free spending model that Ruben Amaro has adopted during the last 3-4 years in Philadelphia has gotten the team a lot of star power, but how tactical was it? With over $77.5 million invested in four pitchers and $51 million in four infielders for this upcoming season, maybe a new path needs to be set. The team is passed its young, vibrant stage, and into a rut that cannot be ended this year. The plan needs to be for years down the road, who will be playing every infield position come 2016? Who else will be pitching, other than Cole Hamels? Investment in young players must be the Phillies next step. Throughout the article I will examine a few different options for the Phillies that can help them this year in the outfield specifically, and years down the road. The Phillies management needs to realize that they have to stop living for now, and begin planning for the future.
#. Name – Position – possible price and contract length
1. Josh Hamilton – CF – 5 years, $110-$120 million
The 31-year-old, natural Center Fielder has spent 5 years in the major leagues. He is a career .304 hitter, with 161 homeruns and 553 RBIs. The biggest name on this off-season free agent market happens to play the position that the Phillies need the most. Although he has played CF all 5 years in the majors, he claims that he is able to play LF at a similarly high level, but does prefer CF. He has had issues with alcohol abuse in the past, which makes him a risk at a high price, for a long-term contract. Even with the opportunity to lead the league in almost all hitting statistics, Hamilton may be past his prime and searching for a place to make a lot of money and end his career.
Should the Phillies sign him?: No
Will the Phillies sign him?: Maybe
2. Michael Bourn – CF – 5 years, $60 million
At 29 years of age, Michael Bourn continues to play a very high level. He plays a fast-paced, no holds-barred type of game that is similar to that of Shane Victorino, but a higher, faster level. Bourn will come much cheaper than Josh Hamilton, but also comes as a much different type of player. Bourn would be the first true leadoff hitter in Philadelphia for a longtime, and may be the perfect fit into a team already overloaded in the 3-4-5 batting positions. The only negative about Bourn is that he would be ANOTHER left-handed hitter in an already saturated lineup. Bourn would bring speed, excitement, and youth to an otherwise aging, and aching team.
Should the Phillies sign him?: Yes
Will the Phillies sign him?: Maybe
3. BJ Upton – CF – 6 years, $70 million
BJ Upton brings a combination of speed and power to any lineup he is in. Not only can he hit for power (28 homers in 2012), but he can steal bases and play above-average defense. Upton, a 7 year veteran, is only 28 years old, and could just be hitting his prime. Upton could be the best fit for the Phillies when it comes to a long-term deal as his athleticism could also lead to some games at either corner of the outfield, if he is willing. The possibility of bringing in both Upton and Bourn is still there, if one is willing to move to a corner outfield position, most likely that person would have to be Upton.
Should the Phillies sign him?: Yes
Will the Phillies sign him?: Maybe
The chance of the Phillies getting one of these three stars is high, getting two of the three is unlikely, but a possibility nonetheless. The Phillies NEED to sign at least one of these three players for more than just winning baseball games. The Phillies need to improve on the team they fielded last year if they want to maintain the fan base they have built during the last decade.
Kevin J. Murray 