He's Still a Bargain

The Phillies dutifully gave Ryan Howard a well deserved raise. The Phils have renewed Howard's contract for 1-year at $900K. Both sides were hoping to reach a multi-year deal, but were only able to agree to this one year deal which surprisingly does not have any incentives.

Howard, who made $355,000 last year, is in the history books as being the highest paid player not eligible for arbitration in league history. His contract matches that of Albert Pujols who received the same raise after his rookie season in 2003. That's not bad company.

It's encouraging to know that the Phils are now doing what this city has always wanted and rewarding their talent in an effort to keep them here.

Although Howard can't become a free agent until 2011, both sides are hoping to reach a multi-year deal well before that point.

Unlike previous administrations, this Pat Gillick team has a "goal to keep our star players in red pinstripes". With the recent signings of Utley and Howard, you know they're following through.

PS - Ryan Howard homered in his first at bat of spring training, only a few hours after inking himself a new deal. I think we're in for another fun ride.

The Phillies' Lineup

In yesterday's Daily News Bill Conlin predicted what might be the Phillies' lineup. Here is what he came up with.

1. Shane Victorino - RF
2. Aaron Rowand - CF
3. Chase Utley - 2B
4. Ryan Howard - 1B
5. Jimmy Rollins - SS
6. Pat Burrell - LF
7. Wes Helms - 3B
8. Carlos Ruiz or Rod Barajas - C

It is not bad, though despite some good arguments for Rollins in the 5 hole, I'm not sure this is the best way to go.

Conlin's rationale:

Rollins had only 10 fewer extra-base hits last season than Soriano (89-79), only
12 fewer RBI than the Nationals' leadoff man and struck out exactly half as many
times while having a far superior stolen-base percentage.

Surprising numbers from Rollins for sure... but wouldn't we want some more speed in front of Utley and Howard? Don't get me wrong, it is nice to have 25 homers out of your shortstop. Especially since he's cut down on his strike outs and pop-ups. I used to beg him to be more like Juan Pierre... but now.. might we be able to will him to be more like Soriano?? Maybe I'm a traditionalist. But I want Rollins in the leadoff spot.

And for some reason, I always though someone like Rowand would be a good #6 guy. He's not quite the second leadoff guy you sometimes see in that position, but he is a veteran who I don't think is shaken by pressure. That said, if Utley and Howard are pitched around in late innings, and Burrell strikes out in pressure situations, I think Rowand is just the type of guy to surprise you with a clutch hit.

Here is my proposed lineup.

1. Jimmy Rollins - SS
2. Shane Victorino - RF
3. Chase Utley - 2B
4. Ryan Howard - 1B
5. Pat Burrell - LF
6. Aaron Rowand - CF
7. Wes Helms - 3B
8. Carlos Ruiz or Rod Barajas - C

This gives you two speed guys at the top who are going to get on base and distract the pitcher, which you can't complain about. Then back to back clutch hitters. The 5 Spot is stil manned by Burrell, who let's face it, has some power. Then the second half of the order is not too shabby, when all things are considered. Helms is a potential .285 batter, and Barajas has some pop.


I'm satisfied with this lineup no matter where these guys bat. We have the solid foundation for a winner. That, with a solid starting staff where someone like Lieber is expendable. Good things are afoot in Philadelphia. There were years when we were relying on guys like Brandon Duckworth, Terry Adams and Vicente Padilla.



So we're in a good situation.



PS - I'm still convinced that Padilla has the stuff to be an ace. But he's a head case. We'll see how he fairs with Texas.

Pitchers and Catchers Report!

On this grand day when 3 very special words mean so much... there are still some where 4 words mean even more than those 3.

Pitchers and Catchers Report!

See the full report on the Phillies Web site.

But wait there's more... Utley, Burrell and Rowand have all reported as well. How about that? They're eager to start the season... they're eager to play. Just as we're eager to see them play.

Aaron Rowand, Chase Utley, Scott Mathieson, Jamie Moyer, Pat Burrell, Ryan Madson and Geoff Geary, filed in over the past week. Early!

Chase, who is fresh off signing a well deserved $75 million dollar contract and is a newly wed, says that "It's important to start early, You can get the soreness out that much quicker."

It will be our first time to see Freddy Garcia, Adam Eaton, Rod Barajas and Antonio Alfonseca. It's reason enough to pick up the Inquirer or The Patriot News and read about the Phils with your morning coffee.

Ladies and Gentlemen...The Baseball Season is upon us...