Nothing personal, Jose, but why exactly do the Phillies need you? The signing of 36-year old Jose Offerman to a minor league contract gives the Phillies three utility infielders, Tomas Perez, Placido Polanco and Offerman. What, if anything, does GM Ed Wade have up his sleeve? Surely he doesn’t intend to carry three utility infielders next season. Offerman can play outfield, too, but the Phils already have Jason Michaels and Marlon Byrd backing up out there. I can hear the press conference now: Offerman brings a veteran bat, versatility and experience to the clubhouse.
No matter what his mysterious plan may be, Ed has been pulling out all the stops lately in his inimitable way. Lofton, Lidle, Lieber, Adams (yes, fans, Terry is back), Pratt, Perez and Offerman. The Phillies aren’t getting better just older.
Among the youngsters, the signing of Jimmy Rollins to a one-year deal is not encouraging in one respect: for some reason the Phillies don’t appear able to work out a longer-term deal with their star shortstop. The problem might not lie with management., however. This makes at least two straight years Rollins has resisted signing here for more than one season at a time. He may simply be determined to test free agency when his turn comes up. His loss would be tremendous.
4 comments:
"Offerman brings a veteran bat, versatility and experience to the clubhouse."
Wow Tom, it seems as if you have heard something similar before...
You also made a good point that Rollins and the Phillies have failed/declined to ink him to a longer deal two years in a row. Are we reading more into that than there really is or will 2005 be his last year?
-- Tom G
Sir Alden: You make some excellent points not the least of which were to point out the two players, Howard and Victorino, I neglected to mention as bench players. I forgot the former in part because he is a first baseman while the other three can play all four infield positions and have. I forgot the latter because I am getting old....
Ed Wade must be planning to move Placido. He should bring a good young outfielder with potential to replace Lofton, whose tenure here will be short enough, or a good young pitcher. Polanco has value and the Phils are willing to part with him, two things they cannot and will not put together when other teams ask about many of their young prospects.
SirAlden: http://www.collarme.com/personals/v/484818/details.htm
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