Do You Be"Lee"ve? 7 Questions Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. Has To Ask Himself
Last night, the Philadelphia Phillies basically shocked the world as they signed one of the top pitchers in baseball, Cliff Lee.
An unexpected move considering that the Phillies already had one of the best, if not the best rotation in all of baseball in Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt.
The Phillies have used an enormous chunk of their payroll to snatch Cliff Lee from the foaming mouths of the Yankees' front office and the desperate pleas of Rangers' ownership.
So, now waking up in his incredibly soft and comfortable bed in either his spectacularly expensive home or five-star hotel, Ruben Amaro Jr. must now ask himself 10 questions.
Did I Really Just Sign Cliff Lee?
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It was not a dream Ruben; you actually did sign the best available pitcher in baseball.
Reports had surfaced in the days previous to the decision by Lee that a mystery team was involved in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes.
About 30 percent of baseball fans voted and said there was no way a mystery team existed that was secretly involved in the Lee bidding bonanza. So, 70 percent of baseball fans were dead wrong.
That mystery team was the Philadelphia Phillies, and the magician who orchestrated this unprecedented deal was Ruben Amaro Jr.
Amaro lured Lee away from the Yankees and Rangers for a contract that was worth far less than what they were offering. Ruben got somewhat of a bargain (if you consider $100 million+ a bargain) as he signed Lee to a five-year $120 million contract with an option for a sixth year and several incentives.
Do I Have the Best Rotation in Baseball History?
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In my opinion and it is probably shared, DUH!!
Projected Rotation:
Roy Halladay
Cliff Lee
Roy Oswalt
Cole Hamels
Joe Blanton/Kyle Kendrick
Now, that may be an ignorant statement considering how young I am, and I don't know a ton about past baseball rotations, but I cannot really think of one that rivals this one. Maybe, the Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux rotation rivals the Phillies now. But, Philly has one more CY Young-caliber pitcher than the big three of the past. So for now, I say the Phillies have the best rotation ever.
Am I Going To Have To Dump Some Serious Salary?
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Yes, you are definitely going to have to dump some serious salary.
Now, luckily for you, the decision is extremely simple as to who you should be dumping. Raul Ibanez is going to make approximately $11.5 million this year which is a lot for an oft-injured, poor hitting, bad defensive outfielder who is past his prime. There is also one other who could be sent to the chopping grounds. Joe Blanton is scheduled to make an odd $8.5 million this year which seems to be a bit too much for someone who is not very good and frequently injured.
It will be hard for Amaro to dump those salaries considering most teams aren't willing to take those players especially taking note that their contracts are ridiculous. But, once again, Amaro Jr. is a magician of baseball, and I put nothing past this guy. I think he can do it.
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Does Everyone Except Phillies' Fans Hate Me?
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Hate might be a bit of a strong word Ruben, but I cannot imagine the Yankees and Rangers are happy that they worked so hard and offered up so much money only to be led on and dumped for a mystery team.
I should also mention that the fans, the players (not the Phils), the Players Association, maybe Bud Selig, the Steinbrenner family and almost anybody else who isn't a diehard Phillies' fan may not be thrilled with you though.
Do I Need To Reinforce the Bullpen?
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Well, that is certainly one area the Phillies were weak in last year. So yes, I would say you have to add a few relievers. Although, jokingly I would have said who needs to close out games when you have four pitchers who can go the distance. :)
Back to the point though. Yes, the Phillies received a disappointing season from once great closer Brad Lidge. Players like Kevin Gregg, Rafael Soriano, Octavio Dotel and other more affordable pitchers should be on the Phillies' radar.
Is Our Outfield Good Enough?
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Good question, Ruben! :)
But, in all seriousness, I think the outfield is OK. Not as good as it should be considering Jayson Werth left town, and Raul Ibanez and his large contract could be on their way out as well. You have one great outfielder in Shane Victorino who will be fine once again and a very versatile Domonic Brown who looks like a great prospect will take the reigns in right field. Left field is interesting as like I said, Ibanez could be on his way out.
Odds are though, the Phillies will ship away Blanton and probably keep Ibanez. In my mind, I think the Phillies should try and get some assurance by adding a bit of an above average left fielder.
Are We Going To Win the World Series This Year?
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Probably.
I would say of course you will 100 percent not a chance you won't, but baseball is a tricky sport sometimes.
Barring injury, spontaneous combustion or apocalyptic events, the Phillies have a 99.9% chance of winning the World Series in my mind. I joke. Their odds aren't that good, but it is hard to argue that come playoff time Philly will be there, and they will have the best four-man rotation for the postseason in baseball history.
The point is I would put money on the Phillies winning the World Series.
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