Philadelphia Phillies news: Suds or studs, retooling

The strategy formulated by the general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies was visible just before the trade for Michael Young.  How has he done so far in your humble opinion?

TAL’S HANDY CAPS:  POLL

WELCOME, NEWCOMERS:

This is my third poll, which will be honed over time, like my other postings. If you’re interested in checking out something different, my weekly storyline articles are designed to represent a baseball man’s thinking, the view from the dugout and the GM’s box. Please go to my author archives or Phillies page for my most recent coverage. Scroll down to Tal’s Handy Links at the bottom. Thank you.

Check out:  Philadelphia Phillies news: Suds or studs, the boss

Baseball-Fix Schedule:

The new summer schedule will allow me to publish the best 3 storylines each week, and there will be an updated calendar included with each feature: Posts involving commentary, polls and stats will be listed for the upcoming 7 days.

The Last Expensive Free Agent Re-signed by Amaro Pictured on July 25

January’s Speculation:

Should the Phillies exceed the $178 million competitive-balance threshold?

Rube Amaro began his 2013 task with $23 million and 4 of 8 regulars in place. He needed a fleet center fielder, 2 corner outfielders, a third sacker and a lockdown 8th-inning setup man. That stated, the only franchise ignoring the tax penalty is the Dodgers with their new ownership, while the Yankees are making decisions to be under the $189 million mark for 2014.

Amaro picked up Ben Revere but opened a rotation slot to bring him aboard. He will help the red pinstripes regain their up-the-middle strength in concert with Carlos Ruiz, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins. Defense is an important asset with 3 aces and a shutdown reliever in front of a dominate closer. At the hot corner, however, Young will be adequate but can be replaced during the endgame.

Revere, 23, is the leadoff hitter in waiting with Rollins’ contract due to expire after the 2014 campaign. Batting second, he banged .294 with 40 pilfered bags in 49 attempts last summer. If Rollins misses any time, he will fill the 1 hole. Revere swings from the left side, which doesn’t fit with Utley and Ryan Howard when the opposing bullpen throws a southpaw at the locals.

Young averaged .277 in an off year, which upon additional investigation revealed a mechanical flaw that he corrected by September. That stated, he finished solidly at .313 with 4 homeruns and 15 RBI, which means half of his 8 total bombs happened then. He did not want to remain in Texas with only 300 at-bats for ’13, because he feels he found the reason his production dropped. Plus, he is motivated to bounce back over a full 162 and continue his career.

John Lannan is a solid 5th starter, who fires 180 frames per season with an acceptable ERA. Mike Adams is the best arm in the majors to secure the 8th inning, and that makes him a big splash at $6 million, which is the ceiling for his specialty. The revised plan after the first 2 deals was $6 million (Adams) and $7 million for a fly-ball tracker who can contribute offensively.

$178M Maximum before the Luxury Tax:

If you feel that the general manager has accomplished all he can or most of it, you–like me–will select a stud.  However, if you think he has to do more before Opening Day, you can give him a pass.  If you are not satisfied with his performance, you can give him the suds.

Stud, Suds or Pass?

Stud = a solid start for 2013
Suds = a beer-league off-season
Pass = not good or bad, not complete

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Check out my 10th storyline for 2013 (The New Normal) on the Phillies page or my author archives, where there is an excerpt photo.  I will periodically publish the 2013 ERA for the NL East and the 2013 ERA for the MLB 5. Thank you, to all who bookmarked my page.

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Philadelphia Phillies: 2012 ERA for the NL East at final game 162

Philadelphia Phillies: 2012 ERA for the MLB 5 at final game 162