The Good Phight

Ryan Howard turns 30

2009-11-19T22:07:50Z

Ryan Howard turns 30

LGT his Baseball Reference page.

Just goes to show that he (and the core) are not particularly young anymore.

Is it Time to Trust the Phillies?

2009-11-19T18:27:18Z

More photos » by Matt Rourke - AP

Can't see through the smug (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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Through the first two weeks of the off-season, I haven’t heard much out of the Phillies’ front office that’s made me happy. The payroll isn’t going up much, despite a year of record attendance and post-season revenues I assume they didn’t budget for but that included eight home dates, one short of the maximum possible (they didn’t need that Game Five against the Rockies, thankfully). Yet they’re looking at pricey but questionable free agent additions to the bullpen like Fernando Rodney; are evidently hot once again for aging Mark DeRosa ("he's a Penn grad" really isn't a very compelling reason to bring the guy onboard); and reportedly are planning to bring in a "defense-first" type for infield depth. That’s four "ughs" right there, all along the lines of past mistakes we’ve seen the Phillies make—in fact, they’ve made these exact mistakes in previous offseasons. Read Roberto Hernandez for Rodney, David Bell for DeRosa, and Abe "No-Hit" Nunez for whatever slick-glove guy they bring in for the bench.

Yet I find myself unable to get too worked up about it anymore. it’s not because I don’t care; it’s because I’m now (almost) convinced that whenever my views diverge from those of GM Ruben Amaro Jr., the strong likelihood is that he's right and I’m wrong.

As I noted right after the season ended, the Phils did something amazing in Amaro's first season as the Phils’ GM—something I suspect is unprecedented in baseball history: they won a second straight pennant in a year when five of their best six pitchers from the first pennant campaign were either hurt or ineffective for most of the year. Amaro's moves, both to bolster the offense and to add in an ace and deepen the bullpen, were the biggest reason why; other than J.A. Happ, no 2008 holdover was all that much better this time around. (Joe Blanton was better too, but mostly he was on hand all year.) Either this guy is the luckiest baseball exec in the history of ever, or he really knows what he’s doing.

And with the one (big) exception of the Cliff Lee trade, I didn’t like most of Amaro’s big moves at the time he made them. I wrote last winter that the market-shaping deal for Raul Ibanez was so bad that "I can't even make a joke about this"; Ibanez absolutely carried the team through the first two months and quickly became a fan (and TGP) favorite. Evidently I was so bummed out by the signing of Chan Ho Park last December that I didn't write anything about it; he only turned out to be the team's most consistent reliever. I didn't like bringing in Pedro Martinez; he had far more left in the tank than I’d guessed, to the point of making two World Series starts. Even the little depth plays, for the likes of Rodrigo Lopez and Tyler Walker, turned out to be helpful. (He did foul up the backup catcher situation, parting ways with Jason Jaramillo, Ronnie Paulino and Chris Coste and dealing Lou Marson in the Lee deal before winding up with the useless Paul Bako; nobody gets 'em all right.)

Actually, the first big decision involving Amaro that I had a problem with was... his hiring. Coming days after the Phils won the 2008 World Series, it felt like a nepotism/comfort move, elevating an organizational lifer who hadn't proven himself to anyone outside the team's offices. It didn't help that Amaro came off as smug to the point of self-righteous; rumors abounded of his disdain for performance analysis, perhaps informed by his own experiences in a baseball uniform. With some of the other executive talent on the market last winter, not to mention the passing over of his front-office rival Mike Arbuckle, I feared and believed that the Phillies' residence in baseball's upper echelons would prove all too brief. But a year into his tenure, he seems to have taken the best of the two general managers he learned under, fusing Ed Wade's resolve to keep his very best prospects with Pat Gillick's aptitude for reading the market and adding talent in-season. If the Phillies plummet in the next few seasons, it likely will be from a rash of injuries or key players suddenly getting old--not a slew of boneheaded front office moves.

I don't generally enjoy being wrong. But I do enjoy the feeling, for the first time in more than a quarter century, that the people running my favorite baseball team have more of a clue than I do. So when the Phils bring in Mark DeRosa, David Weathers, Brian Schneider and John McDonald as their big offseason additions, for once I'm going to try and keep the faith.

Great Editorial Decisions -- Domonic Brown Edition

2009-11-19T12:50:15Z

Great Editorial Decisions -- Domonic Brown Edition

From Yahoo! Sports' Big League Stew

Original, poorly proofread article still online as of this posting, follow the link within the article.

The Wrong Focus: Why the Phillies Should Focus on Offense Off the Bench

2009-11-18T16:40:19Z

Ruben Amaro Jr. is reportedly so content with the offense that Ben Francisco and Greg Dobbs can provide off the bench next year that he thinks that the Phillies should focus on defense with their other bench positions. Here's the Inquirer's introductory take on the matter:

The Phillies will emphasize defense when working to improve their bench this off-season, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said yesterday.

While the team would love to add part-time players who can hit for batting average and power, they will "err on getting defense over offense," Amaro said.

Amaro is wrong here for two reasons that can be encapsulated with the following numbers: .630 and .447.

First, Amaro is wrong because the Phillies as a team had an awful .186/.284/.346 triple slash line and .630 OPS last year when pinch hitting. That .630 OPS was 12th in the NL. Their .186 batting average when pinch hitting was 15th in the NL. This is awful production from the bench, especially given that the bench usually comes into play in important game situations.

Second, the Phillies were 8-16 in interleague play last year (when you add in the World Series) and have a .447 overall winning record against the AL since interleague play has begun (including World Series appearances). As was quite clear in the World Series, the Phillies suffered with the DH at Yankee Stadium and Hideki Matsui being the main pinch hit threat at Citizens Bank Park. With a bench that's weak offensively, the Phillies will not eliminate their NL East disadvantage in interleague play or give themselves more options if they reach the World Series again.

Both of these reasons indicate the Amaro is foolish to emphasize defense over offense in his quest to fill out the bench this off-season.

But, there is one possible way that I could be less angry with this decision. In filling the third base spot, as PhillyFriar has noted over the past week, there are players available by free agency or trade who might be offensive assets but defensive liabilities. If Amaro were to pursue one of those players, it might be worth backing him up with a more defense-oriented infielder who can sub for the new third baseman when appropriate.

However, even this possibility would explain just one position. Even if that were to come to pass, the Phillies need more offense off the bench. Focusing on defense is wrong.

Phillies Breakfast Links, November 18, 2009: Happy Petey, Shane Gets Married, Swap Happ?

2009-11-18T12:48:28Z

Thanks for your patience around here. This is truly the slowest part of the offseason.

PARK, EYRE, PEDRO: STAY OR GO? - Philled In
Scott Lauber breaks it down.

Reports: Dodgers, Cubs stalk Martinez
If people are willing to overpay for Pedro Martinez, let them. He's worth more to other teams than the Phillies at this point, probably.

Park keeping options for 2010 open
I know we're talking negotiations and whatnot, but I really hope Park doesn't insist he's still a starting pitcher.

Phillies no stranger to awards
It's really funny how much less of a crap you give about these awards, as a fan, when your team has been going deep into the postseason.

crashburnalley.com " The Case Against J.A. Happ
Trade J.A. Happ now, while is value is (likely) at its peak?

Philadelphia Phillies add Quintin Berry, Yohan Flande, Jesus Sanchez to 40-man roster
Procedural, Rule V stuff?

Retired pitcher Terry Mulholland lists 3BD for $2.25M
Another potential TGP clubhouse, this time in Arizona! Snowbird fun!

Philadelphia Phillies Star Shane Victorino's Wedding
A couple pics. Chuck Liddell was Best Man. I need to go lie down now.

Bye Bye Bruntlett

2009-11-17T04:00:01Z

Bye Bye Bruntlett

No longer will we have to ask the question "Why is Eric Bruntlett on the Phillies?" As of today, he's gone from the 40-man roster, along with John Ennis, Paul Hoover, Andy Tracy, and Tyler Walker. Todd Zolecki reports that Bruntlett and Walker "will not be back next season"; the other three could return on minor league deals. Perhaps less heartening is Zolecki's list of possible replacements: John McDonald, Omar Vizquel, Jamey Carroll, Ronnie Belliard and Juan Uribe, all more or less variations on the dreary Bruntlett theme.

Marlins' Chris Coghlan named 2009 National League Rookie of the Year; Phillies' Happ finishes second

2009-11-16T19:01:28Z

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

2009 National League Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Chris Coghlan of the Florida Marlins was named the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year today, narrowly edging out Phillies' LHP J.A. Happ for the award. Coghlan received 105 total points and 17 first place votes, versus 94 and 10 for Happ.

Coghlan posted a .321/.390/.460 line for the Marlins, starting 120 games in left field for the Fish.

Vote tallies after the jump...

	1st	2nd	3rd
Chris Coghlan, Florida Marlins	17	6	2	105
J.A. Happ, Philadelphia Phillies	10	11	11	94
Tommy Hanson, Atlanta Braves	2	6	9	37
Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates	2	5		25
Casey McGehee, Milwaukee Brewers	1	3	4	18
Randy Wells, Chicago Cubs		1		3
Garret Jones, Pittsburgh Pirates			2	2
Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres			1	1
Dexter Fowler, Colorado Rockies			1	1
Gerardo Parra, Arizona Diamondbacks			1	1
Colby Rasmus, St. Louis Cardinals			1	1

Analyzing the Third Base Candidates: Trade Targets

2009-11-16T13:50:02Z

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

If the Angels re-sign Figgins or sign Beltre, would they finally make Brandon Wood available? (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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On Friday, we tackled the free agent possibilities at the hot corner. Ruben Amaro is said to be leaning toward signing a free agent, but due diligence dictates a look at potential trade targets as well. I've tried to limit the discussion to third basemen who might actually be available (so you won't see Ryan Zimmerman listed below, sorry).

Without further ado, here's a look at how the trade market for third basemen shapes up: Brandon Wood, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Garrett Atkins, Andy LaRoche, Dan Uggla, and Alex Gordon.

Brandon Wood
Background: 25 years old, 1 year of service time (current club: Los Angeles Angels)

Upside: A former top prospect, Wood has never been given a fair shot in Anaheim. He developed as a shortstop and can probably still be functional there (a la former Phillies prospect Jason Donald), so third base isn't a problem for him defensively. His .286/.354/.541 line across 7 minor league seasons is impressive, perhaps most of all for the .255 ISO and 160 HR that accompany it. He seems like the perfect candidate to unlock his potential under the tutelage of Charlie Manuel and Milt Thompson. Plus, he's cost-controlled for 5 years.

Downside: He's struggled mightily in the majors, though it's been a mere 236 plate appearances and he doesn't turn 25 until next March. Wood has struck out a significant amount throughout his career (33.0% in the majors, 26.1% in the minors), but he made adjustments in Triple-A in 2009, striking out just 20.7% of the time while still posting a .264 ISO and 22 HR in 99 games.

Quick take: If the Angels lose Figgins and fail to sign Beltre, they may just hold onto Wood. Still, their reluctance to give him an extended run of at bats means they could be disenchanted with him at this point, and it makes him a great buy low candidate. It wouldn't be without risks, but dealing for Wood has fantastic potential rewards.

Kevin Kouzmanoff
Background: 28 years old, 3 years of service time (current club: San Diego Padres)

Upside: Kouz is good with the leather, posting a career best 10.7 UZR/150 this year. He's got some pop, too, with a career .174 ISO, and as a right-handed hitter, he'd reap the rewards of moving from Petco Park to CBP.

Downside: His career .308 OBP is a good place to start. He's essentially a younger Pedro Feliz with less contact ability, more power, and the same good glove/aversion to walks profile. Additionally, he'll get a substantial raise this year, as he's arbitration eligible for the first time.

Quick take: Kouzmanoff for free, as a 1- or 2-year stopgap, wouldn't be the absolute worst thing in the world. But the cost in prospects and salary simply can't be justified for a guy who is, at best, a very minor upgrade over Feliz.

Garrett Atkins
Background: 30 years old, 5 years of service time (current club: Colorado Rockies)

Upside: Atkins is listed here because he hasn't accrued enough service time to be eligible for free agency, but he's likely to be non-tendered by the Rockies, so a trade is probably unnecessary. At his best, Atkins was a .301/.364/.482 hitter during his four-year peak from 2005 to 2008. Plus, he's friends with Chase Utley!

Downside: Atkins has been regressing as a hitter for three straight years, culminating in an atrocious .226/.308/.342 line in 2009. It's not just bad luck on balls in play, either -- his line drive ratio was almost 6% lower than his career average, power has almost vanished (.116 ISO) and his contact rate has been steadily slipping as well. He was roughly average with the glove in 2009 (-0.7 UZR/150), but he's been a first baseman waiting to happen throughout his career (career -5.0 UZR/150).

Quick take: If Charlie and Milt want a challenge, Atkins could be their reclamation project of choice. Still, with a poor glove and rapidly slipping offensive peripherals, the upside doesn't appear to be all that great with Atkins. I'm sure he's on Amaro's radar, but the reigning NL champs can do a lot better.

Andy LaRoche
Background: 27 26 years old, 2 years of service time (current club: Pittsburgh Pirates)

Upside: After years of being stuck in the Dodgers organization, LaRoche finally got an extended run of playing time with Pittsburgh in 2009, and responded with a solid if unspectacular .258/.330/.401 campaign. He exhibited excellent control of the strike zone during his minor league career (243 BB, 294 K), and was plus with the glove in 2009 (5.1 UZR/150). With top prospect Pedro Alvarez in line for a call up in 2010, dealing LaRoche would make room at the hot corner in Pittsburgh.

Downside: At 27, LaRoche should be entering his statistical peak, and he's yet to live up to the promise that he showed in the minors. He was even in danger of losing his starting job in 2009 before a hot September. And, as the only worthwhile piece the Pirates received from the Jason Bay/Manny Ramirez deal (unless you're a believer in Craig Hansen suddenly finding his command), Pittsburgh may be reluctant to deal him.

Quick take: LaRoche certainly isn't a top shelf option, but depending on the cost, he's more desirable than the DeRosas, Tejadas, and Atkins of the world.

Dan Uggla
Background: 30 years old, 4 years of service time (current club: Florida Marlins)

Upside: He's a right-handed power threat who has never hit fewer than 27 home runs in 4 major league seasons. Uggla has even developed greater patience as he's grown accustomed to the majors, drawing walks in an impressive 14.0% of his plate appearances last year. And since he's (1) arbitration eligible and (2) a Marlin, you know he's eminently available.

Downside: Uggla hasn't played third base since he was in Double-A back in 2004, and it sounds like he doesn't want that to change. Even if he acquiesces, his .929 career fielding percentage at the hot corner means he'd probably be subpar defensively at best, and Ryan Braun-level bad at worst. He's shown a strange reverse platoon split throughout his career, OPSing 86 points lower against southpaws. Plus, he's due a substantial raise on the $5.35 million he made in 2009.

Quick take: The defensive concerns and the escalating salary outweigh the potential benefits here.

Alex Gordon
Background: 26 years old, 2+ years of service time (current club: Kansas City Royals)

Upside: Okay, so Gordon is the one name on this list who's probably not really on the trading block. There's been speculation as to his availability since the Royals manipulated his service time with a demotion in 2009, and the club did just trade for Josh Fields (although they claim they'll keep Gordon at third and play Fields in left). If available, Gordon's a former top prospect with a career .325/.432/.583 minor league line; he likely only needs regular at bats to improve on his major league .250/.331/.451 line.

Downside: If Gordon really is available, he wouldn't come particularly cheap; an educated guess would have the Phillies parting with at least Michael Taylor to get a deal done. Scouts remain puzzled as to why he's struggled in the majors so far, though it's probably attributable to a hip injury suffered last year. He's eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, so he's in line for a pay bump. Finally, he's left-handed, which would really, seriously unbalance the Phillies lineup.

Quick take: No harm in making the call -- Dayton Moore isn't exactly the sharpest of GMs, after all -- but it sounds like the Royals are smart enough to hang onto Gordon for the time being.

---

There you have it. Of the above, Atkins seems the most likely to don red pinstripes next year, while Wood and Gordon offer the most upside. I'll go on record now to say that Beltre and Wood are my top two choices, and that Kouzmanoff joins Tejada and Mora on the list of guys I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole.

Phillies Breakfast Links, November 16, 2009: Happ Waits, Hiding Brad, Moving Mike

2009-11-16T13:04:03Z

NL ROY Award in offing for Happ?
So, root for him! Winners announced at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Go here for results.

Philly's Wedding -- World Series Losers + A Loser - TMZ.com
I hate myself for posting this. I'm sad.

Honoring Harry | Philadelphia Daily News
A statue of Harry Kalas outside the ballpark? Fine with me.

Lidge never let on that arm was hurting
Well that's aggravating.

Yankee win might have to tide us over

It may be awhile before we see another athlete come this way like Jeter, who showed up at spring 15 years ago acting the way every parent would want his or her kid to act on the big stage, and hasn’t changed. The two-strike bunt he tried in Game 2 against the Phillies might’ve been the first dumb thing he’s done, or said, in 15 seasons.

Wipe off your chin, dude.

Ryan Madson Headlines Celebrity Bowling Event This Wednesday in Pennsauken

So, if you're in the area...

Mike Schmidt in Jupiter, Estate of the Day

If we all pitch in, like, six dollars, we could buy it and make it The Good Phight's clubhouse!

Not Phillies related, but this outstanding short animated film has been making the rounds over the...

2009-11-15T21:04:42Z

Not Phillies related, but this outstanding short animated film has been making the rounds over the past few days. Enjoy.

Worst Day of the Year

2009-11-14T21:32:35Z

Worst Day of the Year

By my observation, this is the first day since probably mid-February there has been no Phillies-related story in the Inquirer sports pages. To me, this is the worst day of the year. There will be more, for sure, as this is just the start of the downtime in the baseball news cycle. But today's void is the worst, as it reminds you of what's to come over the next three months.

We at The Good Phight will try our best to fill that void, but these are the darker days of baseball, for sure.

Analyzing the Third Base Candidates: Free Agents

2009-11-13T13:40:52Z

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

Could Adrian Beltre be manning the hot corner for the Phillies next year? (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

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The 2010 Philadelphia Phillies aren't likely to be all that dissimilar from the 2009 version that came within two wins of taking home back-to-back World Series titles; 7 of the 8 starting field players return, along with the top 4 starters and much of the bullpen. Given that fact, it's obvious that general manager Ruben Amaro needn't do much to run out a title contender yet again next year.

Yet that single opening in the starting lineup is a glaring one: third base, where the Phillies haven't really found an acceptable solution since trading Scott Rolen away midway through the 2001 season. In a city where the greatest third baseman of all time plied his trade, this is certainly a disappointing development. Thankfully, third base appears to be Amaro's top priority this offseason, and while the term "buyer's market" may be a bit strong, the Phillies nonetheless look well-positioned to address this long-standing need.

So who's available? There are a number of free agents that fit the bill. Who knows how Amaro views these candidates -- TGP has disagreed fundamentally with Rube over free agent value before -- but for what it's worth, here's a look at the key free agent third basemen: Adrian Beltre, Chone Figgins, Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco, Miguel Tejada, Troy Glaus, and Melvin Mora.

Adrian Beltre
Background: 31 years old, Type B free agent (most recent club: Seattle Mariners)

Upside: Beltre is the youngest of the free agent options, and he's also the best fielder. He's been worth 27 runs with the glove over the past 2 years (according to UZR), and he hasn't shown signs of slowing down. He's flashed decent power throughout his career (.183 ISO), and as a right-handed hitter, he should benefit immensely by moving from Safeco to OFJOAB.

Downside: Beltre won't make anyone forget about Pedro Feliz's impatience at the dish; he's a notorious hacker who has only walked in 7.1% of his career plate appearances. He was banged up this past year and only played 111 games, but the silver lining to that is that it could drive down his asking price. Prior to that, he had played 143 games or more in 7 straight years.

Quick take: He's the best of the free agent options unless Figgins drops his demands significantly.

Chone Figgins
Background: 32 years old, Type A free agent (most recent club: Los Angeles Angels)

Upside: Figgins has grown from super-utility guy extraordinaire to an excellent third baseman and leadoff man. A switch-hitter, Figgins drew walks in a career best 14.1% of his plate appearances this year, helping him to a career best .395 OBP. He's got good speed (42 SB this year, although 17 CS), and has grown into a great fielder at the hot corner, posting an astounding 16.7 UZR this year.

Downside: His career year has Figgins in line for a substantial payday, with his demands reported to be in the 5 years, $50 million range. As a slap hitter (career .388 SLG) whose game is built on speed, he's likely to have already peaked, and the downward career slope for such players is often quick and painful.

Quick take: Buying high on Figgins seems risky. If he'll lower his demands into the Ibanez range (3 years, $31.5 million), then maybe the Phils will have some interest, but that seems unlikely.

Mark DeRosa
Background: 35 years old, Type B free agent (most recent club: St. Louis Cardinals)

Upside: DeRosa has made a nice career for himself as a right-handed super-utility guy capable of playing pretty much everywhere but catcher and center field. He's exhibited greater patience and power in recent years, and he was outstanding for the Cubs in 2008, hitting .285/.376/.481.

Downside: You mean, other than the fact that he's a 35-year old coming off wrist surgery, a .250/.319/.433 year, and he's a pretty poor defender at the hot corner (-8.7 UZR/150 in 2009)?

Quick take: The former Penn QB angle is nice for sportswriters, but unless the Phillies miss out on a bunch of targets and DeRosa lowers his demands, I'd pass.

Placido Polanco
Background: 35 years old, Type A free agent (most recent club: Detroit Tigers)

Upside: The former Phillie is a solid if unspectacular player, displaying great contact skills over the course of his career (a mere 7.1% K) that make him a tough out. He's been an excellent defender at second base over the years, and he's said that he'd consider moving to third base for a contender; his arm isn't ideal for the hot corner, but his career 9.9 UZR/150 at the position indicate that he'd likely be fine there.

Downside: He'd be nothing more than a 1- or 2-year stopgap, and if the Tigers offer him arbitration, there's no way I'd want to surrender a 1st round pick for him. His career BB% is just one tenth of a percent higher than Feliz (5.4% to 5.3%), and he has nearly as little power as Figgins (.111 career ISO), so while his batting average may look nice, he's not all that valuable of a hitter unless he maintains an above-average BABIP.

Quick take: Detroit has until December 1 to offer him arbitration, and if they don't, the Phillies could certainly do worse than Polanco as a low-cost stopgap if they miss out on some of their bigger targets.

Miguel Tejada
Background: 35 years old, Type A free agent (most recent club: Houston Astros)

Upside: Like Polanco, Tejada would be switching positions, and no one's positive yet that Tejada won't find a gig masquerading as a shortstop somewhere. The power he flashed at his peak has receded, but he still posted a .298/.327/.435 line in Houston over the past two years. He's a contact-oriented free swinger, striking out just in just 9.8% of his at bats the past 3 years.

Downside: Tejada walked just 19 times in 674 plate appearances this year -- a mind-numbing 2.7% of the time. It's an open question how his subpar defense at short would translate to third base, and the Phillies seem to think that his reputation will command a contract that's beyond what they're looking to hand out.

Quick take: Sounds like the Phils will pass, which is a good idea given the rapid down slope of Tejada's production the past few years.

Troy Glaus
Background: 33 years old, Type B free agent (most recent club: St. Louis Cardinals)

Upside: When healthy, Glaus is a right-handed slugger who exhibits both patience and power. In 2008 with the Cardinals, he hit .270/.372/.483 with 27 HR and excellent control of the strike zone (13.8% K, 19.1% BB). And he's probably be available on a low-cost deal because...

Downside: ...he's not healthy. The Cardinals gave him only 4 starts all year at third base because they feared his surgically repaired shoulder just wasn't capable of making the throw across the diamond. Even healthy, he's not nearly as good a defender as the mainstream media would have you believe (career -5.4 UZR/150). The odds of him playing 130 games next year are, to be charitable, not good.

Quick take: There are simply too many medical red flags for the Phillies to entrust their third base job to Glaus.

Melvin Mora
Background: 38 years old, Type B free agent (most recent club: Baltimore Orioles)

Upside: He'd probably come cheaply. He's a career .278/.352/.436 hitter, but both his OBP and SLG have been down in recent years as he's adopted a more contact-oriented approach to compensate for the effects of aging.

Downside: He's an average at best defensive player (career -2.8 UZR/150 at third base), and... well, he's 38 years old. He could make some sense as a right-handed bench bat capable of playing all four corner positions, but his days as a first division starter are well behind.

Quick take: I will personally drive to Citizens Bank Park and heckle Ruben Amaro if he's even remotely considering Mora as a full-time starter at third base.

---

On Monday, we'll tackle the potential trade candidates at the hot corner. In the meantime, what do you think about the free agent bunch? Would you prefer the organization go for broke to sign Figgins, or sign one of the "lesser" options and spend the savings elsewhere? Or are you pleading the fifth until you see what's available on the trade market?

Phillies Breakfast Links, November 13, 2009: Bowa Constrictor, Chase Utley is Silver

2009-11-13T13:10:40Z

Just a few links for you today. Enjoy your weekend.

Phillies’ Utley wins fourth straight Silver Slugger Award
Yay.

Bowa didn't change, so Phillies did
Bowa "shaped" Jimmy Rollins? I only remember that he wanted to turn him into a Junior Juan Pierre.

Phillies apparently looking at 3 for third base
Polanco at third base, about four years too late? And when was the last time he played there regularly?

New York Mets are reportedly 'absolutely in' on adding free agent Chone Figgins
OK...

NL East offseason rumblings
I object to the characterization of Javier Vazquez as "young."

Putting things in perspective: 3B, No. 7 and the GM Meetings
Scoring more runs never hurts.

SBN Postseason Baseball Awards -- National League Most Valuable Player, and... The Good Phight Blogger Ballots Revealed!

2009-11-12T18:45:24Z

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

Shocking, but Albert Pujols might win the National League MVP award this year! (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

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And the SBN bloggers roll out the last set of postseason awards... last but not least, National League Most Valuable Player. The not-shocking results (and the ballots of jonk and me on all awards) after the jump

And the only even mild surprise is that the voting was unanimous. Albert Pujols, cleaning house, and it's well-deserved.

Four Phillies received votes -- Chase Utley finishing third, Ryan Howard seventh, Jayson Werth 22nd, and Raul Ibanez 26th.

And who put Utley 10th? And who left him off the ballot entirely? For crying out loud...

Rk	Player	Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	9th	10th	Pts
1	Albert Pujols	St. Louis Cardinals	31	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	434
2	Hanley Ramirez	Florida Marlins	-	6	8	11	2	1	2	-	-	-	220
3	Chase Utley	Philadelphia Phillies	-	7	11	2	3	1	-	1	-	1	192
4	Prince Fielder	Milwaukee Brewers	-	5	4	4	7	7	1	-	-	-	186
5	Troy Tulowitzki	Colorado Rockies	-	4	1	5	2	3	3	4	1	2	134
6	Tim Lincecum	San Francisco Giants	-	4	1	-	1	2	2	3	1	-	79
7	Ryan Howard	Philadelphia Phillies	-	4	-	1	4	1	-	-	3	1	79
8	Ryan Zimmerman	Washington Nationals	-	-	1	3	3	3	3	1	-	2	79
9	Adrian Gonzalez	San Diego Padres	-	-	1	-	3	3	2	4	3	4	71
10	Pablo Sandoval	San Francisco Giants	-	-	-	1	2	2	2	3	4	3	57
11	Matt Kemp	Los Angeles Dodgers	-	-	1	1	1	1	5	3	-	1	56
12	Ryan Braun	Milwaukee Brewers	-	-	2	-	-	2	2	1	1	-	39
13	Chris Carpenter	St. Louis Cardinals	-	-	-	-	2	1	1	-	1	2	25
14	Derrek Lee	Chicago Cubs	-	-	-	-	-	2	1	1	3	2	25
15	Andre Ethier	Los Angeles Dodgers	-	-	-	-	1	2	2	-	-	-	24
16	Adam Wainwright	St. Louis Cardinals	-	-	-	1	-	-	1	1	4	1	23
17	Javier Vazquez	Atlanta Braves	-	-	-	-	-	-	2	1	2	1	16
18	Matt Holliday	St. Louis Cardinals	-	-	1	-	-	-	1	-	-	-	12
19	Joey Votto	Cincinnati Reds	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	-	11
20	Mark Reynolds	Arizona Diamondbacks	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	2	1	2	10
21	Todd Helton	Colorado Rockies	-	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	7
22	Jayson Werth	Philadelphia Phillies	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	1	1	6
23	Adam Dunn	Washington Nationals	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	3	5
24	Juan Pierre	Los Angeles Dodgers	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	-	-	-	4
25	Justin Upton	Arizona Diamondbacks	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	-	1	4
26	Raul Ibanez	Philadelphia Phillies	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	-	1	4
27	Ubaldo Jimenez	Colorado Rockies	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	-	1	4
28	Brian McCann	Atlanta Braves	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	2	-	4
29	Dan Haren	Arizona Diamondbacks	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	2	-	4
30	Michael Bourn	Houston Astros	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	-	-	3
31	Yadier Molina	St. Louis Cardinals	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	-	-	3
32	Nyjer Morgan	Washington Nationals	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	1
33	Yunel Escobar	Atlanta Braves	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	1

And, so we can open ourselves to ridicule... here is my ballot and jonk's ballot.

WholeCamels:

MOY
1. Jim Tracy
2. Charlie Manuel
3. Tony LaRussa

CY
1. Tim Lincecum
2. Dan Haren
3. Javier Vazquez

ROY
1. J.A. Happ
2. Chris Coghlan
3. Tommy Hanson

MVP
1. Albert Pujols
2. Chase Utley
3. Hanley Ramirez
4. Troy Tulowitski
5. Prince Fielder
6. Ryan Zimmerman
7. Matt Kemp
8. Pablo Sandoval
9. Jayson Werth
10. Adrian Gonzalez

jonk:

MOY
1. Jim Tracy
2. Fredi Gonzales
3. Tony La Russa

CY
1. Tim Lincecum
2. Javier Vazquez
3. Dan Haren

ROY
1. Chris Coghlan
2. J.A. Happ
3. Tommy Hanson

MVP
1. Albert Pujols
2. Hanley Ramirez
3. Chase Utley
4. Troy Tulowitzki
5. Prince Fielder
6. Ryan Howard
7. Pablo Sandoval
8. Justin Upton
9. Brian McCann
10. Jayson Werth

Rollins, Victorino win Gold Gloves

2009-11-12T00:39:42Z

More photos » by Tom Mihalek - AP

I want some Graham Slam! (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek, File)

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It's a joke of an award, and I pretty much hate it, but here we go anyway.

Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino were named National League Gold Glove Award winners today. It's Rollins' third straight, and Victorino's second.

The rest of the National League winners:

Pos	Player	Team	GG
P	Adam Wainwright	StL	1st
C	Yadier Molina	StL	2nd
1B	Adrian Gonzalez	SD	2nd
2B	Orlando Hudson	LA	4th
3B	Ryan Zimmerman	Was	1st
SS	Jimmy Rollins	Phi	3rd
OF	Matt Kemp	LA	1st
OF	Shane Victorino	Phi	2nd
OF	Michael Bourn	Hou	1st

SBN Postseason Baseball Awards -- National League Cy Young Award

2009-11-11T18:17:43Z

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

Both reigning 2008 Cy Young Award winners appeared on the SBNation NL Cy Young Award ballot. How did Cliff Lee fare? (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

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The next round of awards has been released. Who wins the SBNation Cy Young Award in the National League? After the jump...

Congratulations to Tim Lincecum, who received either a first or second place vote on all ballots. Cardinals power duo Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright finished second and third, respectively.

Philadelphia Phillies new ace Cliff Lee received one third place vote. And it wasn't from me!

Check back tomorrow for the National League MVP voting, and it may shock you! But, it probably won't.

Rk	Player	Team	1st	2nd	3rd	Pts
1	Tim Lincecum	San Francisco Giants	18	13	-	129
2	Chris Carpenter	St. Louis Cardinals	9	4	7	64
3	Adam Wainwright	St. Louis Cardinals	4	4	10	42
4	Javier Vazquez	Atlanta Braves	-	5	7	22
5	Dan Haren	Arizona Diamondbacks	-	3	4	13
6	Ubaldo Jimenez	Colorado Rockies	-	1	1	4
7	Cliff Lee	Philadelphia Phillies	-	-	1	1
8	Jair Jurrjens	Atlanta Braves	-	-	1	1

Phillies Breakfast Links, November 11, 2009: Park Wants to Start, No Deal Hamels

2009-11-11T13:03:30Z

MLB's Park Chan-ho Visits Korea After World Series
Again with the "starting role."

Korean pitcher Park demands lead role for next season
YOU ARE NOT A STARTING PITCHER ANYMORE! YOU CAN BE A DOMINANT RELIEVER! Jeezus...

Bill Conlin: It's time for DH in the NL
I agree with Bill! I wish jonk were here to read this...

Phils need to change voices
I don't envy Tom McCarthy, he had a nearly impossible task this season. But the fact is... well, I don't want to have to say it...

Jays' Hallday fit for Phillies?
Is "Halladay to Phillies" the new "Brian Roberts to Cubs"?

Sammy Sosa bleached skin, Sammy Sosa white, Sammy Sosa face and Sammy Sosa pictures
Awesome.

Phillies GM Amaro scuttles talk of Hamels trade
Good sense pronouncement, or the dreaded "vote of confidence"?

Media Life Magazine - In Series signage, Phillies hit a homer
WE RULE! WE RULE!

SBN Baseball Postseason Awards -- National League Rookie of the Year

2009-11-10T18:27:18Z

More photos » by H. RUMPH JR - AP

Can J.A. Happ snare the SBN National League Rookie of the Year Award? (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)

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The SBNation bloggers voted on the BBWAA postseason awards, and we're rolling out the results! Today: National League Rookie of the Year. Results after the jump...

Atlanta Braves starter Tommy Hanson narrowly defeated Phillies lefty J.A. Happ, garnering 78 points and nine total first place votes, to Happ's 64 points and six first place votes.

The Pirates Andrew McCutchen and the Marlins Chris Coghlan tied for third place, with 54 total points.

Rk	Player	Team	1st	2nd	3rd	Pts
1	Tommy Hanson	Atlanta Braves	9	9	6	78
2	J.A. Happ	Philadelphia Phillies	6	9	7	64
3	Andrew McCutchen	Pittsburgh Pirates	8	3	5	54
4	Chris Coghlan	Florida Marlins	7	5	4	54
5	Dexter Fowler	Colorado Rockies	-	3	1	10
6	Randy Wells	Chicago Cubs	-	-	6	6
7	Garrett Jones	Pittsburgh Pirates	1	-	-	5
8	Casey McGehee	Milwaukee Brewers	-	1	2	5
9	Seth Smith	Colorado Rockies	-	1	-	3

Silly Season: Halladay Rumors

2009-11-10T16:21:29Z

Promoted from FanPosts. -- WC

No breakfast links today, so I have to vent. These Halladay to Philly rumors are getting more and more ridiculous. According to Jim Salisbury, Ruben Amaro emerged from the GM meetings yesterday and stated, in no uncertain terms, that the team’s three off-season priorities are: "third base, bullpen, bench." When pressed about starting pitching, he reiterated that "we’re more bullpen-intensive than anything else." No Halladay. Case closed, right?

Nope. Despite Ruben’s clear words, Salisbury nevertheless claims that "more than one baseball official" with knowledge of the teams plans insist that the Phils are very much in the running for Halladay. So do we taken Ruben at his word, or he just blowing smoke? The Philadelphia media is certainly doing their part to fan the flames. The Inquirer posted an on-line poll asking whether the team should acquire Halladay without consideration of cost or consequence to the farm. Comcast Sportsnet Philly even speculates that we may be dangling Cole to get the trade done. And the new GM in Toronto has now reiterated his predecessor’s mantra that he’ll have to be "wowed" to trade Halladay. Sigh.

The alleged rationale for pursuing Halladay is the "win-it-now" theory before our core players leave or decline. Basically, we would trade players or top prospects for a one year rental, not unlike what the Brewers previously did with Sabathia. But is there any precedent for Philly ever doing this? Wouldn’t this be a radical departure from the way in which the team does business? This organization is finally firing on all cylinders with great players, a good front office, and a promising farm. I wish Ruben would just say we’re not pursuing Halladay and be done with this nonsense.

Baseball Prospectus: Cole Being Cole

2009-11-10T04:07:47Z

Baseball Prospectus: Cole Being Cole

The Good Phight alumnus Matt Swartz with his latest piece on Cole Hamels and his weird 2009 season. Subscription required.