Offseason Thread

[bassinger]

Here Is Were You Can Post Any Offseason Transactions,trades,signings,rumors, And Thoughts From Around The League Here.

So Far The Phillies Have Resigned Charlie Manual For Two More Years And A Team Option For 2010.

[jalbright]

If we get some action in this thread, I'll seriously consider making it sticky.

[bassinger]

I have an understanding that the phillies are looking in to calling A-Rod.
Now that would just be crazy for 2008 season. Your looking at a lineup that
Would be the most dominating in decades. Rollins, Utley, Arod, Howard,
Burrell, Victorino, ETC.
I think we all know that where going to spend a bit more
this year than last year's salary. But I think are rotation
and bullpen obviously needs work the most.
Anybody have a take on A.Rowand. One word Resign

[plask_stirlac]

I was just about to post about A-Rod. The Phillies have shown they can spend money. They still wouldn't have pitching but they could score 950-1000 runs in the NL with an MVP thirdbagger added where they had pitiful offense. He and Howard could aim for 62, maybe Utley tries for .400 (okay a bit much but .350?).

This year they had a great offense but that was with health from Rowand and Burrell, they might get hurt and A-Rod doesn't.

As maligned as Burrell is he can hit, why not use him while he's there (nobody wants him much)?

How about Posada if not A-Rod?

[bassinger]

Jon Garland and Joe Blanton on the list of players who could be in a trade for one of are starting position players. I think that could at least add some depth to the rotation.

[bassinger]

The Phillies have resigned their whole coaching staff for one year on saturday

[bassinger]

Phillies released C Rod Barajas and INF Abraham Nunez. I could understand the fact of having Ruiz and Coste behind the plate. But they should of released Helms instead of Nunez. I feel that Nunez is more athletic at third.

[bassinger]

did anybody hear a rumor about lowell coming to philly

[NYMets523]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3099599

Phillies traded Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, and Mike Costanzo to the Astros for Brad Lidge and Eric Brunlett.

[Mike27]

That was a very good trade for Philly. I don't really know much about Bourn, except that he's fast. He might have potential, but Lidge is a very good reliever.

[Lefty32]

I like this deal a lot, Lidge is a great addition, Myers goes back to the rotation, and Brunlett can play almost anywhere in the field. Nice move.

[bassinger]

This will define are closer situation. That also brings Myers to my attention. Do I see a possible trade for Myers here? Is he on the way out? He wasn't effective last year in the rotation.

[NYMets523]

How is this a good deal? They will need another OF since Rowand is leaving. Their pen sucks and dealt one of the few relievers who had success there. And they dealt away a 3B when the position has a glaring hole there. Lidge can't close under pressure (watching him implode will likely be a regular occurrence in Philly).

[bassinger]

So you don't like Pat Gillick. I Think the phylin Hawaiian will do fine in centerfield. The phils are improving there bullpen. And thats why there is free agency to pick up players such as T.Hunter and M.Lowell to fill those slots. And im sure we all know what happen with Lidge after pujols took one deep. But players change their state of minds and he will be better here if he wants a better resume.

[NYMets523]

I think Gillick is a horrible signer and trader.

Lowell wants to stay with the Red Sox and the Red Sox want to keep him. They have the money to and need a 3B. Plus they want to keep him from the Yankees. Hunter will cost too much.

[Lefty32]

Best idea I've heard, but it might be a longshot, is to have Lidge in the setup role and keep Myers as the closer.

Not sure if there'll be enough pitching in the rotation though for the Phils to keep Meyers in the pen.

It's REALLY early yet, guess we've got to wait and see how things shake out.

[TheoBallgame]

PHILLY.COM - Romero Gets 3-Year Deal (http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20071111_Phillies_Romero_gets_3-year_deal.html)

By Todd Zolecki

Inquirer Staff Writer

No one expected the world when the Phillies signed lefthander J.C. Romero to a minor-league contract on June 23, five days after the Boston Red Sox had released him.
But Romero became an off-season priority after he went 1-2 with a 1.24 earned run average in 51 appearances. The reliever was a key piece of the Phillies' second-half surge as they won the National League East for the first time since 1993.

The Phillies said last night that they had come to terms with Romero on a three-year, $12 million contract. It includes a club option for 2011 that could increase the value of the contract to $16.75 million. The agreement also keeps Romero off the free-agent market, which opens Tuesday.

"I'm glad I didn't have to go out and test the free-agent market," Romero, 30, said in a statement. "I had a great time with the Phillies and really wanted to come back."

The Phillies seem to have solidified their pitching staff considerably in the last few days. They acquired closer Brad Lidge in a trade with Houston on Wednesday, allowing them to return Brett Myers to the rotation. Lidge and Romero will join Tom Gordon and Ryan Madson in the back of the bullpen.

"We've said it's all about pitching depth," assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said by telephone last night. "And if we can continue to build on that, it certainly helps. We can't stop there. We have to continue to build depth."

The Phils still hope to add another starter to a rotation that includes Myers, Cole Hamels, Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer and Adam Eaton.

And after that?

Amaro said the Phillies also would like to add an outfielder after trading Michael Bourn to Houston and most likely losing Aaron Rowand to free agency.

Rowand is expected to command a lucrative multiyear contract on the open market. Budget-wise, the Phillies would rather invest in pitching - their 4.73 ERA last season was the second-worst among playoff teams in NL history - believing they have enough offensive punch with Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and others to withstand a potential loss of Rowand.

"We're still keeping an eye on Aaron, but I'm not sure he's a realistic piece for us right now," Amaro said. "If we're not in a position to bring back Aaron or someone of that ilk, we'll be looking for a fourth or fifth outfielder."

[bassinger]

I have heard rumor talk that the phils have contacted Randy Wolf for a possability

[JohnnyK27]

Melvin Mora said he'd be willing to waive his no trade clause to go to a team like the Phillies. (easr coast) ... Was wondering ???? Mora can play third or the outfield ... Do you Phils fans think the club has any interest?:noidea

[NYMets523]

I don't think the Phillies have the chips to get him.

[bassinger]

$7,758,503.00 a year thats is kinda steap.

[Phish]

Phils need pitching period

[bassinger]

thanks sherlock holmes for stating the obvious. but on that note we could also use a corner outfielder in case we dont resign burrell. and to use if dobbs gets hurt

[bassinger]

m.cabrera and d.willis to detroit in a trade

[bassinger]

A.ROWAND signed 5 year deal with giants

[CubsFanLivinInMili-Wa-Kay]

Who are the Phillies going to put in Center now that Rowand is gone?

[AlexC]

Flyin' Hawaiian Shane Victorino.

[PlayJay]

I hope everyone around here likes strikeouts. It looks like it's what we're gonna see the most of this summer.

[n3rd]

To be fair, we saw plenty of them last season, but yes, there should be a steady breeze at citizen's bank park this season.