2013-14 Phillies Offseason Thread

[smeags]

yeah huge enough that it got them in the playoffs.

so we agree.

[Rome]

Let's spend 10 pages arguing over it!

[smeags]

no 11 pages !

[ice grillin you]

Let's spend 10 pages arguing over it!

IN

[smeags]

Al morganty suggested the phils use part of the $200mil per from the new tv deal to eat cotracts so they can get rid of howard and paps.

Thoughts ?

[Rome]

I think you've been taking spelling lessons from MDS.

And why buy out Howard?   If he's healthy he's still a 30/100 guy.   He's not worth 25 million per but that's moot at this point.

Goodbye to Papeldickface.

[ice grillin you]

i dont even understand what morganti is saying....its not like theres some buyout in their contracts that they cant afford until they get the new tv money...you still have to pay them...so all youd be doing is opening up two new positions that youd have to spend more money on to fill

[PhillyPhreak54]

Al doesn't understand baseball

[MDS]

or hes a talk radio host trying to make a blog and get morons to call in

[ice grillin you]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXPhsXYWzXs

[Rome]

[Seabiscuit36]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXPhsXYWzXs

Billy Ray Cyrus was pretty worked up

[ice grillin you]

Over the next few weeks and possibly months, the Braves will evaluate the trade market in search of an ace and a possible suitor for Dan Uggla.  But the first intriguing storyline will focus on pitching coach Roger McDowell's future in Atlanta.

McDowell has been invited to return to Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez's coaching staff next year.  But before signing his contract, McDowell will likely talk to the Phillies about their vacant pitching coach position.

Over the past week, it has become even more evident that McDowell is high on Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro's wish list.  But the Phillies are not  permitted to have any formal discussions with McDowell until his current contract with the Braves expires at midnight tonight (Oct. 31).

McDowell met with Braves general manager Frank Wren this week to discuss the possibility of remaining in Atlanta.  But the meeting did not lead to an immediate resolution.

The Braves suffered a loss earlier this week when Dave Wallace ended his days as their Minor League pitching coordinator to become Baltimore's pitching coach.  Making the jump from the Minor League level to the Majors was an easy decision for the 66-year-old Wallace, a highly-respected pitching guru who has significantly shaped and impacted McDowell's coaching career.

The Braves would suffer a much greater loss if McDowell chose to take his expertise and knowledge of Atlanta's system to the division rival Phillies.

McDowell stands as one of the most respected and valuable leaders on Atlanta's coaching staff.   Along with leading a pitching staff that has produced the game's best ERA since the start of the 2009 season, he has displayed a meticulous approach while devising scouting reports that well-traveled veteran backup catcher Gerald Laird has described as some of the best he has ever seen.

McDowell has a strong bond with Gonzalez and the many homegrown pitchers he has molded in Atlanta.  But the almighty dollar could lure him to Philadelphia.

Multiple Major League sources have said McDowell is one of the game's lowest-paid pitching coaches.  With this in mind, the Phillies could make him an offer he can't refuse.  But at the same time, there is always the Braves could provide a raise that would increase the odds of him remaining in Atlanta.

Regardless of what transpires, the next few days will provide a better understanding of McDowell's immediate future.

[ice grillin you]

omg this is not going to end well....

The Phillies are targeting big-time free-agent outfielders and baseball people expect them to be in the mix for Jacoby Ellsbury, Shin-Soo Choo, Nelson Cruz and possibly Curtis Granderson.

The Phillies have long been interested in Marlins star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, but there's no evidence to this point Miami would consider trading him.

The Phillies have a team built around superior starting pitching and veteran infielders but have a clear weakness in the outfield, where they got subpar production this past year. One person familair with their situation said they were even prepared to try to bring back Hunter Pence, who signed back with the Giants for $90 million.

That may show their level of interest in the position because they didn't hesitate to trade Pence in the summer of 2012.

Philly is said also to be prioritizing relief pitching in addition to outfield help. They are fortunate in that it's an above-average year for outfielders on the free-agent market.

General manager Ruben Amaro wouldn't address specific players, and rather succinctly summed up their needs as "catching, pitching, outfield."

[Geowhizzer]

You're surprised?

Just pick the two that are the oldest and most likely to decline.  Then expect Amaro to give one (or both) a five-year contract.