Phillies Acquire Economy Major

(originally posted 11/9/07)

Phillies General Manager Pat Gillick wasted little time in replacing .600 OPS'ing utility infielder Abraham Nunez, as he acquired Eric Bruntlett from Houston tonight. The Phils gave up fourth outfielder Michael Bourn, serviceable reliever Geoff Geary, and 3B prospect Mike Costanzo. Costanzo could be a Russell Branyan-type whiffmaster at the MLB level, if he continues to progress at the same rate. This seems like a lot to give up for a utility player, but the fact that Bruntlett has an Economics degree from Stanford further enhances his value.

The Phillies also picked up a hard-throwing closer by the name of Brad Lidge in the deal. Thank you, (Houston GM/former Phillies GM) Ed Wade, thank you! Lidge throws high 90's heat, has nasty off-speed stuff, whiffs a batter an inning, and had a Papelbon-esque .219 opponent's batting average/11.82 K per 9 IP last season. With Lidge as closer, Brett Myers (and his $9 million salary) can slot into the #2 spot in the Phillies rotation. Wade has finally started making up for the Schilling deal (Nelson Figueroa? Omar Daal? Travis Lee? For a superstar pitcher/blogger? Still mad about that trade...). The Astros should have let Wade continue with his paratrooper training.

As for the Phillies, check out this starting rotation:
1) Cole Hamels
2) Brett Myers
3) Jamie Moyer
4) Kyle Kendrick
5) Adam (B)Eaton
Not bad. I'd still like another starter to bump (B)Eaton out of there, but with two years/$17 mil. left on his contract, we'll probably be stuck with him. At least for a month or two. (Sunk cost, Pat! Bruntlett can explain it to you.)

With Gold Glove CF Aaron Rowand likely gone, the Phils need another OF- preferably one with a bit o' thump. (Geoff Jenkins, perhaps?) Rowand for $14 mil./year would be a bad move.

Reliever J.C. Romero will likely price himself out of the Phillies' plans, but that might be a good thing as someone is going to overpay for him also. He could easily turn back into the 1.9 WHIP pitcher he was for the Red Sox. Picking up David Riske and closer candidate/hot dog eating champ Kobayashi would be sufficient for the bullpen.

Third base-definitely need to upgrade the Dobbs/Helms duo. Gillick has indicated that he isn't looking to address 3B, but I am hoping that is just the cagey posturing of a veteran GM.

The Phillies could go into 2008 as the favorite to win the NL East. Considering they are the DEFENDING NL EAST CHAMPIONS, that seems appropriate. They will definitely last more than four games in the 2008 World Series against Boston.
How long is it until pitchers/catchers?