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Hot Stove: Phils’ Prez Interested in Hamilton?
Posted by Ian Riccaboni, Wed, November 14, 2012 06:32 PM Comments: 1
The biggest piece of news today came from a Tweet from CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman. Heyman noted that Phillies’ President Dave Montgomery, when asked of the club’s interest in Josh Hamilton, stated “I don’t think there’s a whole lot we’re not considering.” Is this lip service, a coy hint about Hamilton, or an indication of wholesale change? It likely falls somewhere between the first and second choices. The Mariners have now reportedly joined the Hunt for Hamilton, with their president stating that they are “looking” at the slugger. The Phillies, Orioles, Braves, Red Sox, and Mariners are believed to be the official suitors for Hamilton.
Ken Rosenthal reported late last night that the Phillies are now kicking the tires on multi-positional players such as Marco Scutaro and Jeff Keppinger. Many of the Phillies Nation staff urged the Phillies to sign Keppinger last season for his ability to play second and third and has played every position on the field except for catcher. Keppinger, 32, has played an above average third base and outfield but has been below average defensively at first and second. The righty utility player had a fantastic offensive year in 2012, posting a .325/.367/.439 with 9 HRs in 418 PA for the Rays. Rosenthal also repeated the news that the Phillies remain interested in Kevin Youkilis.
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Phillies Offseason Plan: Pat’s Version
Posted by Pat Gallen, Wed, November 14, 2012 10:51 AM Comments: 21
Span would be a nice fit in Philly. (NBC Sports)
Yesterday, Eric Seidman unveiled his offseason plan for the Phillies, which included Nick Swisher, Peter Bourjos and others. Today, it’s my turn. Tomorrow, Corey will let us know what moves he wants the Phillies to make.
Here is my offseason plan.
Outfield: Trade for Denard Span
-I would love for the Phillies to grab this guy. He quietly contributes in Minnesota and would be a nice leadoff hitter here. Span got on base at a .342 clip last year, will steal 20 bases, and doesn’t strikeout much. Perhaps the Phillies throw some pitching prospects and one of their highly rated catchers at the Twins to get a deal done. Span is well worth it.
Span’s contract is friendly, as it pays him $4.75 million in 2013, $6.5 million in 2014, and he has a $9 million in a club option for 2015. It’s the type of contract that doesn’t tie you to a guy on the wrong side of 30, but gives you the option to re-up him, should he be deserving.
The 28-year old centerfielder is also one of the best defensive players at his position. Among CF’s with at least 2,000 innings since 2010, Span ranks fourth in UZR according to Fangraphs, just behind Bourjos, Chris Young, and Michael Bourn. Pretty good company.
Outfield: Sign Cody Ross (3 years, $23 million)
This signing has more to do with the fact that I do not want the Phillies to spend $80 million-plus on B.J. Upton or Bourn, which is what seems to be the asking price. Instead, go for a cheaper corner outfielder in Ross, who can provide power in the middle of the order. It might take a three-year deal, but Ross is only 32, so it’s not as if he’s ready to fall apart.
Ross hits lefties very well. His numbers against southpaws over the last three years: .352 OBP, .530 slugging percentage in 401 plate appearance with a wRC+ of 135 (weighted runs created).
Continue reading Phillies Offseason Plan: Pat’s Version
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Phillies Player Review: Antonio Bastardo
Posted by Jonathan Nisula, Wed, November 14, 2012 08:47 AM Comments: 2
Bastardo had his ups and downs in 2012.
Antonio Bastardo–equipped with a new jersey number–assumed the role of set-up man for the Phillies in 2012. He had the second most innings (behind Jonathan Papelbon) among Phils relievers, but never quite reached the Ryan Madson level that the Phillies have been looking for in a set-up man.
He posted a 4.33 ERA and had a pretty high walk rate at 11.6% (and 4.5 BB/9). Even though his overall numbers were ‘OK’, he did not fare well when the pressure was on.
In high leverage situations, 17 runs, compared to a combined nine in medium and low leverage situations. In other words, he crumbled under pressure a decent amount of the time.
And when you are the team’s set-up man, you must perform under pressure, because the 8th inning is the more difficult inning a lot of the time in a close game. Which is why a good closer needs a good set-up man. Kind of like a sidekick—but not.
One thing that he really excelled at was strikeouts. He had a K rate of 36.2% and a K/9 of 14.02–both bests among Phils relievers and near the top in the NL as well. Both were good for top-5 among qualified NL relievers.
Going further, 13.6% of his pitches ended up with a whiff, which again was near the top in the league.
Grade: C … Overall, Bastardo was a decent part of the bullpen. He struck guys out, but also walked a lot of batters. He had a high ERA, but his FIP wasn’t nearly as bad. He cost the Phillies a handful of games and wasn’t a good enough set-up man for them. He’s going to have to do better if he wants to keep the set-up job.