Baseball America continues its tour of the Major Leagues leading up to Opening Day 2007. Today we spend some time with the
Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies were the mystery team in 2006, holding great expectations but never coming close to living up to them. They began the year at the back of the NL East, made a little run in a middling division during the summer but ultimately collapsed at the end.
When the dust cleared, the manager was gone and a whole bunch of off-season moves were made to try and build a consistent winner.
“We think we’re on the right path to having a competitive team for years to come,” GM Pat Gillick said near the end of Spring Training. “It may not show this year, per se, but we like where we are headed and the guys we have.”
Korean-born
Tetsui "Teddy" Suzuki is the new Phillies' boss. He likes a speed game and prefers defense. "But I certainly don't mind power one bit if the player knows how to use a glove as well," he said.
WHO’S GONE?
SP Jason Middlebrook -- free agent, who landed with the Padres
MR Brian Bowles -- free agent, signed with the White Sox
1B Adrian Gonzalez -- traded to Tampa Bay for IF Troy Tulowitzki (see below)
3B Edward Jackson -- part of a three-man trade (others were prospects) to Houston for SP Josh Johnson (more below)
CF Carlos Beltran -- the Phillies signed this oft-troubled player a few years ago, hoping the change of scenery would revive what started as a promising career. He’s been pretty much a disappointment, and the Phils finally gave up on him, trading him to Arizona for more relief pitching.
WHO’S NEW (2006 avg.-HR-RBI)
IF Troy Tulowitzki (.208-13-48) -- 22-year-old shortstop prospect is expected to make the Opening Day roster. He had a crazy good spring, hitting six homers.
LHP Greg Mullins (6-4, 11 saves, 3.53) -- The Phils paid good money (maybe too much?) to add this 35-year-old lefty reliever to their bullpen.
RF Ichiro Suzuki (.278-9-57) -- No relation to the new Philly manager,
Tetsui “Teddy” Suzuki, Ichiro appears to be on the backside of his career. Teddy Suzuki likes his speed as a pinch runner and still thinks Ichiro can get himself on base, hence the one-year free agent signing. (Note: his career in Andrew’s world has not really lived up to the real-life Ichiro. It’s tailed off quite a bit the past few seasons)
LHP Bryan Ward (5-0, 1 save, 2.48) -- Time will tell who got the better deal -- Philly or Arizona (which obtained Carlos Beltran). Ward has good control but lacks a lot of “stuff” on his pitches. Plus, he’s in his mid-30s. Beltran is much younger.
SS Hanley Ramirez -- the first pick in the 2004 draft looks ready for the Bigs. He’s coming off major knee surgery that cost him most of last year in Triple A. Still, manager T. Suzuki likes his speed and possibilities at the top of the order.
PROJECTED STARTING PITCHING ROTATION (2006 record, ERA)
1. LHP Andrew Zarzour (14-9, 2.99)
2. RHP Josh Johnson (15-9, 3.51)
3. RHP Jason Jennings (8-16, 4.64)
4. RHP Scott Baker (3-5, 3.97):
5. RHP Pedro Ruiz (4-4, 3.55):
Notes: Zarzour is considered the fourth-best pitcher in the Majors coming into the season (!!). With a little offense last season, his record could have been much better. Jennings mirrored the Phillies as a whole, tanking in 2006 after a great 2005 campaign (14 wins, 2.75 ERA). Reports are that Jennings has fallen out of favor with the new manager and his staff, and could move out the door quickly if he can‘t recover his 2005 form. Ruiz, 22, is considered one of the top prospects in the league. Baker really shined in Triple A last year (5-0, 1.05) but couldn’t seem to get in a good rhythm whenever he played on the Big Club.
RELIEF PITCHERS
Middle Relief
LHP Bryan Ward (5-0, 1 save, 2.48):
LHP Greg Mullins (6-4, 11 saves, 3.53):
RHP Mike Grzanich (1-3, 4.04):
RHP Lee Plunkett (9-8, 5.33):
Set-Up
RHP Takashi “Sammy” Saito (7-2, 1 save, 2.51):
LHP Norihide Isei (7-1, 1 save, 2.53):
Closer
RHP Jon Ratliff (8-8, 39 saves, 2.60): Does the he still have it at age 35? We’ll find out.
POSITION PLAYERS (2006 avg.-HR-RBI)
Catchers
Carlos Longoria (.195-1-14): A stellar fielder but still working on his bat. Because of his impeccable defense, he may swipe the starting nod despite being just 22 years old.
Michael Barrett (.283-11-59): A solid backstop, can play first or third if needed
Infielders
1B/2B/3B Jorge Cantu (.317-33-99): The real leader of the Phillies is a pretty complete package -- great defense, good power, solid contact. His average has gone up 80 points the past two seasons.
2B Bernie Castro (.216-5-17): Looking to stick in the Majors for a complete season for the first time, the 27-year-old has good speed, an OK bat and OK defense.
1B//2B/3B Jose Lopez (.260-5-33): A utility guy with a good glove but not much speed at all on the bases. May play first to get his bat in the lineup, moving Cantu to third.
SS Keith Chambers (.262-15-43): Moved to Philly mid-season last year after a trade with Oakland. He’s splendid on defense and carries some power in his bat. His speed has made him a favorite of the new manager
SS Hanley Ramirez (no MLB stats in 2006): He’s lightning quick and decent on defense. Ramirez will need to perform with the bat to stay in Philly.
SS Troy Tulowitzki (.208-13-48): Can he keep up what he started in Spring Training? If so, the new manager will have a hard time deciding on his middle infield.
Outfielders
OF Edward Vanetten (.187-15-44): Can play anywhere in the outfield, with pretty good speed on the bases. He’s more of a power guy who could bat clean-up.
LF Matt Holliday (.287-18-65 in 108 games in Philly): Holliday was brought on board to supply power under the previous manager. He doesn’t quit fit the mold of the new dugout chief, who likes speed and defense first, but it’s hard to argue if he can knock 30-40 out of the park this season.
OF Edward Clemente (.279-9-45): One of the veterans on the team, Clemente likely will move into the role of utility outfielder this season rather than starting in CF. Still a great defensive player with a decent bat.
OF George Kelch (.237-4-6): He spent 11 games with the Big Club last year after knocking the tar out of the ball in Triple A. He’s another power guy but with some solid speed to go with it.
RF Ichiro Suzuki (.278-9.57): May snag the lead-off spot if he can make good contact this season. Or maybe he'll fade into oblivion.
DOWN ON THE FARM
Some kids to pay attention to who could figure into the Phils' Big Club plans in 2007:
RHP John Gully: promising starter
LHP Cole Hamels (not as good, ratings-wise, as the real Cole)
RHP Luke Hochevar: promising reliever
RHP Frank Francisco: can sling it but can be wild
1B Sebastian Berger: a first baseman with power AND speed? Looks that way
3B Andy LaRoche: Phillies' first-round pick (No. 26 overall) last season
LF Adam Lind: spent some time with the Phils last season