By John Powers and Amy McCormick
So, you're liking the last five years, eh Phillies fans??? Yeah, well, so are the rest of us. What started as an offensive juggernaut that was home run dependent and pitching weary has turned into to the exact opposite. Now we have the greatest pitching staff in modern memory and the most unproductive offense since the days of Travis Lee and David Bell. Welp, we're kinda liking this whole "being the best team in the league" thing and we don't want it to stop; unfortunately, that is something that will require some significant and available changes to accommodate. The rest of the division has perenially sucked during this administration, and while we have taken advantage of it, a run such as the Braves we once knew and loved (sarcasm indicated) is possible ... but only if we change with the times. Here's how we do it.
Let's start with the rotation. Halladay is essentially locked up until 2014 as that option will easily vest. Lee is locked up until at least 2015. Mr. Oswalt is an interesting subject, as the Phillies were not inclined to guarantee his $16 million club option at the time of the JA Koufax trade; we believe it's in the Phillies' best interest to pick up that option and pay the man through 2012. Then, seriously reconsider an additional three year deal. Cole is a must and after we explain the plan for the rest of the team, offering our World Series MVP slash unrestricted free agent a five year, $85 million deal with a club option for an additional $20 million for 2017 will not seem out of line. Aside from the obvious, get rid of Blanton as soon as humanly possible (along with the $8.5 million for each of his next 2 years), and give Mr. Worley a legitimate shot at being the best number 5 starter in the bigs. We still have Kyle Kendrick in the event of those disabled list times we all love so very, very much.
Now, the bullpen needs to be ripped up a bit, and it's really already in place as of today. Brad Lidge is done and that deal should never have been given to him in the first place. Decline the 2012 club option on Lidge, and guess what? It's now time for Ryan Madson to either be the closer or not. He has this summer to prove himself as an unrestricted free agent. If he does, he gets a three year, $30 million deal; if he does not, it's time to court Francisco Cordero. Chapman will be ready to step into the closer role in Cincinnati next season. Beyond that, we go with what we have which is the Bastardo/Stutes eigth inning deal, Romero/ Contreras in the sixth and seventh, and of course, KK for long relief. Danys Baez should be shot out of a cannon directly into that brick wall covered with ivy in center field.
Now, for the fun part. The offense. Batting leadoff in 2012, Jose Reyes. He's a free agent just like Jimmy Ground-to-Second Rollins would have been had he not been traded to the Dodgers at the trade deadline. He's a much better pure leadoff hitter, as well as a guy that will allow us to not miss Jimmy's defense. Oh, and he's five years younger and really won't cost much more than the most overrated player in Phillies history would have. Then it's Polanco, who's moved to second base this year after the Chase Utley trade to restock the farm system and cut some salary slash hip injuries during the offseason. Andre Ethier hopes to continue his success hitting third and playing right field after being traded for Jimmy Rollins last season. He resigned with the Phils for a four year, $36 million deal which will keep him in red pinstripes through the 2015 season. Ryan Howard's batting cleanup. (Some things never change and don't need to.) Backing up the big man is new third baseman and free agent prize Evan Longoria from the Rays after signing a free agent contract for $42.5 million over the next five years. Shane Victorino moves into the six hole and John Mayberry, Jr. looks to continue his successful rise to stardom in the seven hole, rounding out the outfield. Carlos Ruiz continues to be the backstop and batting ninth is the best rotation we've ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Pinch hitters will continue to be unknown, sometimes annoying, and often very successful.
This, our friends, is the formula that is more than possible and will ensure we are finally able to utter that elusive term in conversations with our Yankee loving friends to the north. Dynasty!
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