Discussion

andyb 2018-01-04 21:22:43 UTC #561

One other item from ESPN. David Schoenfeld list the Phillies as the "best bet" to sign Alex Cobb. I had not seen us mentioned around him lately.

allentown 2018-01-04 22:07:57 UTC #562

Don't take this too seriously. The writer says that himself and describes Phillies as pretty much a shot in the dark for predicting the final location for a guy for which many different guesses could be made. He's got nothing more than we signed Santana and still have lots of money and could use a pitcher, but nothing about anything specifically typing us and Cobb together.

andyb 2018-01-04 22:32:47 UTC #563

Was just throwing it out there since there had not been much talk of Cobb.

One thing is pretty clear though and that there are starting to be a bunch of articles that talk about the Phillies as sleeper contenders. Like this ESPN article:

Team win projections are now in the 76-78 range for the current roster. Playoff probabilities are in the 15% range.

So the data suggests that adding another 3 wins would put our baseline win projection close to .500. One of the top free agent pitchers would do that. A trade for someone like Stroman probably does that too. That is all I want. Add someone who profiles as a #3 starter or better without sacrificing much young talent. A young team projected to be .500 could easily be 5 games better than that if things break right. That would mean the Phillies would enter the season with the potential to contend if young talent develops and not sacrifice their prospects if it doesn't.

That is all I want out of the rest of the winter.

zambonir 2018-01-04 23:55:21 UTC #564

The argument that the Phillies should sign a free agent instead of making a trade is fine in a vaccuum, but it's not really something that can be debated without specifics. The contract, and the actual players involved (on either end) still matter. If the Phillies think Archer or Duffy are better - as well as younger - pitchers than Arietta or Cobb, it stands to reason they'd give up something for them while also saving future $. If they can only get the pitcher they like best by trading the likes of Kingery or Sanchez, they probably aren't going to do it and will settle for a FA they like less, or for overpaying one they like well enough.

The reason the current OF is in the conversation is not just because of the Santana deal and Hoskins move, obviously the Phillies don't believe that Herrera/Altherr/Williams is their OF of the future, and therefore they are willing to trade one of them in the right deal, just as they will also be willing to trade Hernandez (or a catcher). And just as they might also like to acquire Yelich if they could.

Philsmania 2018-01-05 17:18:39 UTC #565

Per MLBTN, Middlebrooks gets $1.2 million if he makes the Phillies and his contract has an opt-out to pursue opportunities in Asia.

andyb 2018-01-11 14:43:17 UTC #566

One of the MLB prospect seminar articles noted the team is going to transition Seranthony Dominguez to the bullpen this spring. Seems a reasonable idea for a somewhat fragile guy that throws in the upper 90s and will sort out some of the clutter in the Reading rotation.

tom81 2018-01-12 17:54:58 UTC #567

The arbitration process continues.

The Phillies and Maikel Franco agree at 2.95 mill, according to source

julio 2018-01-12 18:16:49 UTC #568

To summarize where the arbitration settlements are as of now:

Luis Garcia: $1,200,000

Cameron Rupp; $2,050,000

Maikel Franco: $2,950,000

Cesar Hernandez: pending

zambonir 2018-01-12 20:02:42 UTC #569

You can still settle before a hearing but it appears Cesar must have had to officially file.

julio 2018-01-12 20:46:00 UTC #570

Or perhaps not.

Philsmania 2018-01-16 23:04:02 UTC #571

Josh Harrison indicated that he wants out of Pittsburgh. Plays 3B, 2B and OF. Would he fit in here? Obviously, he would at third if Franco flops again but I don't think I could find PT for him at 2B unless Hernandez is dealt or in the already-crowded OF. I suppose one way could look at his career arc though is that he's only had two really good years.

phillychuck 2018-01-17 10:23:27 UTC #572

If the Phils have given up on Franco, a straight-up Franco for Harrison trade makes us better in the short run at 3B. Would the Pirates do that? They'd save money and get younger...? Would we?

I'd start by proposing Franco for Harrison and one of their mid-level prospects...Maybe Lolo Sanchez or Taylor Hearn, who don't really fit in for them.

gmwannabe 2018-01-17 12:23:34 UTC #573

We'd (sorry, the Phils) want a 29 year old, 5'8" third baseman? I'm probably in the minority here but, no thank you. i wouldn't give up on the younger franco yet, unless they have a better than great feeling that they can get manny.
gm

Lucky_Beagle 2018-01-17 13:10:42 UTC #574

I agree with gm, no thanks at this time. I am willing to see what Franco offers at this time. Now if its July and Franco is not producing and the team is in the Wild card hunt sure go ahead and check in on it.

California_Dreamin 2018-01-17 17:47:39 UTC #575

PC...love ya man, but no way on this deal. Look, I make no bones about the fact that I was all on board the Get Manny train but if that is not happening I prefer to roll the dice with Franco. If he turns it around the Phils infield is set for 5 years.

phillychuck 2018-01-17 18:53:42 UTC #576

What is the first word in my post? Just wondering if any of you read it...

And, gm, what does the fact that he's 5'8" have to do with anything. Lots of pretty good baseball players were and are short.

zambonir 2018-01-17 19:43:35 UTC #577

Well, I assume a 5'8" 3B isn't going to get to as many line drives (whether jumping or diving). My guess is Harrison, especially as he's aged, just doesn't grade out well enough as a 3B, only 37 starts in the last two seasons (all this past season). He'd be great to just have on the roster without trading Franco but if he's disgruntled in Pittsburgh, coming to the Phillies, even if they are on the rise, w/o no guarantee of starting, probably doesn't appeal to him either.

But remember - Machado wants to play shortstop. I seriously can't imagine a scenario where he's not a shortstop next year, if teams are bending over backwards to woo him and there are multiple teams offering the same $, that will close the deal.

xogfog 2018-01-17 19:55:18 UTC #578

I said it before, and the longer it drags out, it becomes more possible that Moustakas will have nowhere to land and will be willing to sign a one year make good contract. I'd be happy with that for a year and if it works out well he could be insurance if they can't get Machado.

phillychuck 2018-01-17 20:10:23 UTC #579

With Crawford, I really don't want to pay Machado a boatload of cash to be our SS.

nycphils 2018-01-17 20:16:49 UTC #580

If Moustakis signs a one year deal it will be either with a clear contender or the Royals. Highly doubtful in any event, but would seem almost impossible for it to be the Phils.